Two Steps Beyond
Part 77
After everything that had happened Blaine and Sebastian decided to take a chance and walked over to Cooper and Lexi's. They couldn't justify taking the subway when it was such a beautiful day out. As they walked out of their building Sebastian took ahold of Blaine's hand and smiled at him. Considering the relaxing afternoon they'd had they didn't care if anyone saw them. They were going to live their lives the way they had prior to everything happening.
It wasn't till they were about a block away from Lexi and Cooper's did someone spot them. Blaine's grip on Sebastian's hand tightened as they saw what could only be paparazzi creeping further out from where they'd been. "What do you want to do B?"
"Let's just keep walking. No need to make a scene." Sebastian nodded. They'd only gone a few more steps when Sebastian took his phone out of his pocket.
"Cassie?"
"Yep. Don't want to get yelled at for not keeping her in the loop."
"Good idea."
They were now only about a half block away and could see the gate to Lexi and Cooper's when they were finally approached.
"Blaine! Blaine! How do you feel about what your brother did? Is this your boyfriend? Have you been together long?"
Blaine and Sebastian looked at each other and down to their hands before smiling at each other. They'd managed to walk just a few more steps when they both spotted Cassie leaning against the gate. "This should be interesting." Sebastian said which caused more questions to be thrown at them.
"What's going to be interesting?"
"Hey guys!" Cassie said right after the question was asked. "Can I help you guys?"
"We were just asking Blaine here if this was his boyfriend." One of them asked.
"Why don't you boys go into the house?"
"Come on Blaine just tell us, is this your boyfriend?"
Blaine and Sebastian looked at each other then back at Cassie. "It's up to you." She mouthed.
"Yes, this is my boyfriend."
"You two look great together!"
"Thanks!" They replied before heading towards the house. When the photogs tried to follow, Cassie stopped them at the gate.
"This is private property guys. I don't think you want the cops being called." Right at that moment Mr. Smythe came walking around the corner. Cassie took a deep breath hoping he wouldn't say anything when he reached the gate.
"Sir, how do you know the Andersons?"
Mr. Smythe looked at Cassie who tilted her head to the side. He'd seen that look before from his own daughter and knew it all too well. So without saying anything he walked passed Cassie towards the house. Once he was inside Cassie moved towards the gate and slowly closed it on the photogs. After she heard it latch she started walking back to the house while questions continued to be shouted at her.
"Someone care to tell me what is going on out there?" Mr. Smythe asked as he looked at Blaine and Sebastian who were sitting on the bench in the foyer.
"Welcome to Cooper's life Dad." Sebastian said with a smile. But when the smile wasn't returned Sebastian got up from where he was sitting. "What is it Dad?"
"I need a drink before we talk."
"Dad."
"Sebastian."
Once his Dad walked away Blaine got up from the couch and wrapped his arms around Sebastian. "What was that about?"
"Whatever happened with the Dean, he's not happy."
After Cassie was back inside she spoke with the boys briefly before heading towards the kitchen where Cooper and Lexi were. When she walked in she could clearly see that Mr. Smythe was seriously agitated. "Guys, I'm going to get going."
"Cassie, you don't need to." Lexi said, as she could tell Cassie knew something was going on.
"I do actually. I'm meeting Hunter to go over a few things before they all head out to the house tomorrow. We're still on for dinner with Tasha tomorrow, right?"
"We are unless something changes." Lexi then gave Cassie a hug before she headed out. Blaine and Sebastian passed Cassie in the hall on their way to the kitchen. When they entered they only wanted to know when dinner was when they heard Mr. Smythe ranting to Cooper and Lexi. "Um, Dad." Lexi then motioned towards the doorway where Blaine and Sebastian stood.
"Sorry boys."
"It's okay." Sebastian said as they entered the kitchen completely and took a seat at the island. "What happened?"
"That kid belongs in a jail cell, not on the streets." He said before taking drink. "His old man is doing no one a favor by allowing this behavior to go unpunished. What he got is a slap on the wrist; I can't believe the DA signed off on it. Hate crimes are supposed to be punished and there is no doubt that this was one!" Lexi and Sebastian looked at each other. Neither could remember a time they'd seen their Dad like this.
"Mr. Smythe."
"Yes Blaine."
"Did they say how they intend to keep Bas safe?"
"They did, but…I feel they could do more." Blaine looked over at Sebastian who had a blank look on his face. "His Dad even showed up, which I didn't expect."
"Please don't tell me he tried to make excuses." Cooper said.
"Then I won't tell you what he said." With that Cooper slammed his hand against the wall.
"This is ridiculous! There has to be something that can be done. How can anyone make excuses for something like that?"
"I wish I had an answer for you Cooper, but I don't understand it either."
"Dad."
"Yes Seb."
"What did his Dad say?" As Sebastian spoke he took ahold of Blaine's hand.
"He tried to chalk it up to a momentary lapse in judgment. Said his son overreacted when he thought he was being looked at."
"That's bullshit! The guy is a fucking homophobe. I'll tell you what I told Blaine. I've never seen such hatred is someone's eyes before. And if we weren't in a room full of people he would've beaten the crap out of me for just being in the same room as him."
"Dad, Bas is right. From what Hunter told Cassie, the guy was itching for a fight. Merely being around Bas was setting him off. He was hoping Bas was going to fight back."
"Not that I'm upset you didn't, but why didn't you do anything?" Mr. Smythe asked.
"It's not that I didn't want to, but even I could see things unraveling in front of me. And I knew it would only make matters worse."
"You're telling me you bit your tongue." Cooper said.
"I did as shocking as that might be. But this guy honestly scares me. I just wanted to leave and once Hunter and I did try to leave, that's when they pushed me."
"Your coach showed up shortly after that, correct?" Lexi asked.
"He did. How are they going to stop them Dad?"
"They're going to do what they can, while I'm going to do what I can to protect you. I'm actually meeting with a friend of mine tomorrow to see what we can do. Do you think you could give me Michael's last name since I'd love to get his parents take on all this?"
"I can do that. Did you find out why they couldn't' tell me more that day I went in?"
"I did and they still won't tell you much more than they already have. The University's hands are really tied in all this."
"Dad, I know he was kicked off the lacrosse team for what happen, but why was he kicked out of school?" Lexi asked.
"The University expelled him on appropriate grounds but beyond that I really can't get into with all of you. Just know they really do want to protect you Seb, but there is only so much they can do. So if you took what I said earlier as them not caring, that's not the case." Mr. Smythe then finished his drink before looking at Lexi. "How long till dinner?"
"About an hour."
"Good, I need to go call your Mother and fill her in on everything. I think it's pretty safe to say she's not going to be happy with what I'm going to tell her."
Once Mr. Smythe was out of the room Lexi and Cooper looked at Sebastian and Blaine. "What?" Sebastian asked.
"Please tell me you're being careful and not treating this like it's no big deal."
"I am being careful. But so you all know, Blaine did confirm to those photogs that were out front that I was his boyfriend."
"Did he now?" Cooper asked with a raised eyebrow.
"I did, though they still don't know his name. And don't worry, Cassie knows and said it was up to us. What's the harm in confirming the fact that Bas is my boyfriend and not some random guy I brought with me to your premiere?"
"That actually makes sense." Cooper said before taking a sip of his wine. "And Bas, I hooked the battery back up on your car so you're good to go."
"Thank you!"
"Now, why aren't you guys taking Blaine's car?" Lexi asked.
"Jeff's driving my car and is going to be bringing Rachel and Brody with him and Britt. And before you ask why they're not riding with Nick, it's because Santana doesn't get out of work till four. So he's going to wait for her while the others head out once dance class is done."
"I caught Britt practicing the other day in the ballroom, she's really good."
"Isn't she." Sebastian said. "Brody said she actually has her first audition next week."
"She does, she's really excited about it."
While Blaine and Sebastian set the table, Cooper was about to go get Mr. Smythe when he came walking back into the kitchen. "Judging from the look on your face, you need another drink." Cooper told him.
"You could say that again."
"I take it she didn't take the news well." Lexi said as she poured her Dad another drink.
"That's an understatement. She's livid. For everything that's happened between her and Seb, she loves him. And the mere thought of something happening to him upsets her."
"One would hope."
"Lexi."
"Sorry." She said before glancing over at Cooper. "I know she's getting better and working on her issues, but…"
"You're still overly protective of Seb, I get it. I'm sure you're always going to be that way considering everything that's happened. Trust me though, she's making progress."
"We know. My Mom said they actually had a pleasant conversation." Cooper said.
"How is your Mom?"
"She's doing better. She said the best thing to come out of all this is my Dad dusted off his cooking skills."
"Your Dad can cook?"
"He can. He's actually really good. I think that's where Blaine gets it from. But because of his work schedule my Mom started to do all the cooking."
"And we're missing out." Blaine said as he and Sebastian walked back into the kitchen. "He's going to need to cook next time we're home."
"I told him the same thing. He said that could be arranged."
"Your Mother says hi."
"Tell her hello next time you talk to her." Sebastian said. "How is she?"
"Worried about you and Blaine."
"How thoughtful."
"Seb."
"Dad, do you really expect me to be honestly affected by the thought of my Mother being worried?"
"She loves you Seb."
"I know, she just has an interesting way of showing it." Knowing that continuing this part of the conversation would be pointless both Sebastian and his Dad dropped it. The last thing Mr. Smythe need at this time was to get into an argument with Sebastian.
Throughout dinner, Sebastian caught his Dad up with everything that had been going on recently outside of what he already knew. "I'm surprised that none of you boys are singing."
"We still might, but not now." Sebastian replied. "And it's not as though we don't sing when we get together, because we do. We'd all rather get acclimated to school."
"That's a decision I fully support. Now, I need to ask you boys a question." Blaine and Sebastian nodded. "Are you considering coming home for Thanksgiving?"
"We've actually already decided that we're not going to." Blaine replied. "But we are coming home for a week at Christmas."
"Any specific reason?" Blaine and Sebastian looked at each other.
"We're going to the Caymans for Thanksgiving." Sebastian replied. "We were going to go this summer since Blaine's now certified to dive, but time got away from us."
"I take it you guys are going as well." Mr. Smythe said while turning his attention towards Lexi and Cooper.
"We are." Lexi replied. "But we're not going to be there the whole time since Cooper has another movie coming out that he's going to have to promote."
"Alright. Will you be coming home for Christmas with the boys?"
"We are actually." Cooper said.
"So you know Dad, we're leaving shortly after Christmas. We, meaning the guys as well as Blaine and myself want to spend New Years' Eve here in the city."
"Will you be home in time for the Dalton Christmas show?"
"That's part of the reason we're going home. We told the rest of the guys we would be there."
"Nice to know your parents were a priority for both of you." Mr. Smythe said with a laugh.
"Funny. But it's easier for our parents to visit than all of our friends to come and see us. Everyone will get to see us, promise."
"Fair enough. I take it all of your friends are going home for Christmas."
"They are." Blaine replied.
"I should warn Mom and Dad." Cooper replied. "Because you know you'll all end up at the house at one point." Blaine looked at Cooper and rolled his eyes. "You know it's true, so don't even try to deny it."
"I wasn't denying it; you didn't need to point out the obvious. And it's not like you guys aren't going to be in town as well."
"Speaking of Christmas, don't go overboard in regards to the kids." Lexi said while looking at Blaine and Sebastian. "They won't even be one yet."
"Scrooge." Sebastian said.
"Grinch." Lexi replied.
"Yes, I am, but I'm the Grinch at the end of the movie." The smile on Sebastian's face as he spoke brought laughter to the room.
"I know after last time we got together it was bad, but it would be nice for all of us to get together over the holidays. There shouldn't be a reason we all can't get together." Mr. Smythe knew he could've said more, but he knew everyone at the table knew what he meant. "What do you think?"
"It's possible." Sebastian replied.
"That's all I ask for Seb."
By the time Blaine and Sebastian were ready to head home that night Lexi walked them out to the garage. "What can we do for you sis since it's clear you obviously want to talk to us with no one around?"
"Bas is right, it's pretty obvious."
"I just want to remind you two to be careful this weekend."
"Why wouldn't we be?" Sebastian asked.
"I know you're both comfortable with the way Cooper's been handling things. But I can't help but feel people are going to be looking for you guys tomorrow because the movie comes out."
"We know." Blaine told her. "And we'll keep an eye out when we go to see it."
"You're seeing it again?"
"Yes, everyone wants to go see it and since the girls are going to be with we're going as well." Sebastian replied. "We honestly enjoyed it."
"Me too." Lexi said with a big smile.
"No, not you. We couldn't tell you enjoyed it." Sebastian mocked with earned him a playful jab in the arm. "Careful, I have to practice tomorrow. I'm a highly skilled athlete." Lexi rolled her eyes when he spoke. "Come on, you know I'm good."
"Yea, I do. Fair warning, I'm going to try and go to your game."
"I figured as much. So is Dad and just about everyone else."
"Don't worry Blaine; we won't cramp your style."
"Thanks. I just wish I didn't have to leave early."
"Well, let's hope for a quick game then." Lexi then gave them each a hug and a kiss. "Will you guys be coming home during the day Monday or Monday night?"
"We're not quite sure yet, but I'll let you know." Sebastian told her. "What are you doing this weekend?"
"Not much, Coop wants to veg but he's supposed to stay in the city."
"So that's why you're not coming with us." Blaine said.
"Exactly. Have fun this weekend!"
"We will."
"I don't doubt that one bit." Lexi then stepped away from the door of the garage once Sebastian and Blaine were in the car.
"You did remember the parking pass I got from Walter, right?" Sebastian replied by pulling it out of his pocket.
"Top down?"
"Sure, why not." With that said, they unlatched the top before lowering it. Once it was down Sebastian pulled out of the garage and was soon through the gate. Even though it was a short drive, Blaine could tell he was happy to be behind the wheel of his car. "You're going to enjoy the drive out there tomorrow, aren't you?"
"Absolutely. It's one of the reasons I want to leave right after practice, less traffic."
"If you want I can be waiting for you so you don't even have to come inside."
"Whatever you want to do is fine with me B."
"Is Hunter leaving right after practice?"
"He is and I don't remember if I told you or not but a few of his teammates are going to be there."
"You did mention it, as did Hunter but they're not coming out till Saturday morning."
"Did you ever finish your conversation with Hunter?"
"No, we're going to talk tomorrow. He really hates how upset Cassie is with him."
"She probably wouldn't have been as upset if those girls didn't act the way they did. And I'm just as surprised as Hunter was considering they grew up in this atmosphere. I know you mentioned the one that tried to undress him on the dance floor but did you see what the other one tried?"
"No, what?"
"When you were dancing with Santana, Hunter came back from dancing with Britt."
"I remember that."
"Well, the one girl wasn't happy and basically wanted Hunter's attention focused on her."
"Alright, and."
"She tried to give him a handjob in front of the rest of us. She seemed oblivious to her surroundings. Hunter freaked."
"For good reason."
"Exactly. That was his breaking point for sending them home. He couldn't take it anymore."
"That explains why when Santana and I came back he was slamming back that glass of champagne."
"Yep and why the rest of us were in a bit of shock. And you know it takes a lot to shock us."