Two Steps Beyond
Part 78
While Sebastian was at practice Friday morning, Blaine couldn't help feel a bit anxious. He honestly needed this weekend away from everything. He'd just brought his and Sebastian's bags from their room when the doorbell rang. When he reached the door, it was exactly who he was expecting. "Hey Jeff!"
"Hey! Thanks again for letting me borrow your car."
"Like I said before, it's no big deal. It was a good excuse for Bas to take his car out."
"Can't say I blame him. You guys are going to get to enjoy a beautiful drive with the top down. It's gorgeous out."
"I noticed that when I went for a run this morning. Nice to know it still is."
"I need to ask you something Blaine."
"What?"
"You and Seb looked pretty happy yesterday, yet from what Britt told Nick and I the other day something is obviously going on."
"Something is going on, but how did you know we were happy yesterday?"
"Britt saw a clip of you two online in which you confirmed Seb was your boyfriend."
"We were happy, hell we are happy it's just…there's some stuff going on."
"Anything we can do?"
"Right now, there isn't anything but if there is we'll let you know. Right now, Hunter is the only one really capable of doing anything."
"So whatever it is, it has to do with Seb."
"It does."
"Then why did you look sick the other day." Blaine looked down at the floor before looking back at Jeff.
"Why don't we go and sit down. I think it's time I let you in on something that not many people know about."
"Um, before we do that you should know Nick is on his way over. So, if you want to wait…"
"Actually, Nick should know too. Once you know other things that have happened will fall into place and you'll have a better understanding of things."
It was about ten minutes later when Nick showed up at the apartment. After Blaine let him in, they headed for the living room where Jeff was sitting. "What's going on guys?" Blaine took a deep breath before looking at Nick again.
"I need to tell you and Jeff something."
"Is everything okay?"
"As okay as it can be, but I'll tell you more about that later. Actually, we'll tell you once we reach Southampton."
"That must mean it involves Seb."
"It does. But you two need to know something so I'll just start there."
"You know you can tell us anything Blaine." Jeff said as he leaned forward.
"I know that and that's why I'm doing this. You just need to keep this to yourselves, Brittany and Santana can't know, and I'm not quite ready for the rest of the guys to know. Only a few people know what I'm going to tell you guys."
"Is Seb one of them?" Nick asked to which Blaine nodded. "You have our word Blaine, we won't tell anyone what you're about to tell us."
When Blaine finally finished telling Nick and Jeff everything that had happened to him prior to arriving at Dalton they just looked at him before they both got up from where they were sitting and wrapped their arms around him. "We…had no idea." Jeff said while trying to maintain his composure though he was doing a poor job of it.
"Jeff's right, all we knew was something happened that sort of forced you to come to Dalton."
"The only one that knew why I was there was Wes and he was essentially sworn to secrecy."
"That explains why he looked out for you the way he did." Jeff said. "Is there a reason you don't want people to know?"
"Besides that fact that it's embarrassing."
"Blaine, you've got nothing to be embarrassed about. The guys that did that to you are the ones that should be embarrassed." Nick said to him.
"Thanks."
"Nick's right, you didn't do anything wrong. No one deserves something like that to happen to them." Jeff said. "But now, Cooper's reaction makes a bit more sense. Not that him standing up for you didn't make sense before it's just…"
"How strongly he reacted." Blaine said.
"Yes, makes sense now even more. And we know he didn't ask to be put in this position, but he's really handling it well."
"Bas and I think the same thing. Who would've ever thought my brother would be such a spokesman for equality."
"He really loves you Blaine." Nick said.
"That I know." The three of them were still talking when Blaine's phone went off. "Well, we need to end this conversation for now. Bas is only a couple of blocks away."
"Alright." Jeff said as they all got up off the couch. "I'll give you a call when we're on our way out."
"Sounds good." When they reached the door, Nick grabbed one of the bags so that Blaine didn't have to carry both. They had all just walked outside when Sebastian pulled up out front. "Hey babe!" Blaine said with a smile as he looked at Sebastian who looked incredible.
"Hey killer! Ready to go?"
"Absolutely." Blaine replied while putting on his sunglasses.
"Guys, we are standing here." Nick said as he and Jeff watched the two of them
"I know." Sebastian replied while popping the trunk. "Are you guys ready to go?"
"We are." Jeff said as he and Nick put their bags into the trunk while Blaine got into the passenger's seat. After closing the trunk they walk over to the passenger door. "Now, don't have too much fun before we get there." Sebastian scoffed before smiling at Blaine and then bringing his attention to Nick and Jeff.
"All depends on your definition of fun." Even with his sunglasses on they could see Sebastian wiggle his eyebrows.
"Alright, just make sure you're done before we arrive if the fun isn't family friendly." Nick said with a smile.
"That we can do." Blaine said. "We'll see you guys this evening."
"We'll see you then." They then stepped back onto the sidewalk so they could pull out. Once they were headed down the street Jeff looked at Nick.
"I'd do anything to keep those smiles on their faces all the time." Jeff said as they headed towards the garage to get Blaine's car.
"Me too. I hate that they have to deal with ignorant assholes all the time."
"You think they put up with more than we know about, don't you?"
"And you don't. They hate that we get dragged into stuff already. Hell, think about how they acted when they first got together. All they could do was constantly apologize to us for getting us stuck in the middle of their crap with Kurt." Nick said.
"I know, even though we all jumped into it and baited Kurt on the fact that they were happy together. Just think, we used to think Kurt was perfect for Blaine. We couldn't have been more wrong."
"No kidding. At least we weren't blind to what was happening between Blaine and Seb even when Blaine was with Kurt. They've been attracted to each other from the first moment they saw each other."
"As sad as this sounds, I'm sure they'd rather deal with Kurt again than with people who are just too close-minded to accept that they're happy together. Why can't people just let others live their lives as they choose?"
"I don't know man, I don't know."
The drive to Southampton was exactly what the both of them needed. It was a beautiful day and since they left at an unusual time the roads were relatively clear. There is something to be said for driving down the highway with the top down on a beautiful day. Blaine and Sebastian felt carefree in that moment as Sebastian drove and they sang along to their music. When they finally arrived at the Clarington home, Hunter's car was parked out front.
As they were getting their bags from the trunk Hunter came walking out the door. "I expect those smiles to remain on your faces all weekend." He said once he was closer.
"I think that can be arranged." Blaine said. "You look to be in a good mood."
"That's because I'm in one. The weather is supposed to be like this all weekend."
"That's definitely a good reason to be in the good mood. Judging from the way you're dressed you want to take the boat out." Sebastian said.
"Aren't you the observant one?"
"What can I say?" Sebastian replied as they all headed into the house.
"Are you guys going to join me?"
"Sounds great." Blaine replied. "Just let us change."
"I'll be waiting out on the pier." When Blaine and Sebastian walked out onto the pier Hunter was on his phone. "Ready to go?"
"We are, though it looked like you were busy." Sebastian said.
"No, I just sent a text to Nick and Jeff to tell them if we weren't back when they arrived to just make themselves comfortable out back. And they're going to get ahold of Thad and Beat since I don't have their numbers in my phone."
"That would be Jeff because Nick won't be arriving till this evening since Santana's at work."
"She won't be that late. I already spoke with Cass and she's letting Santana leave early since it's quiet today. And she knows it's her last weekend with Nick before she goes to school."
"That's nice of her." Blaine said as they got on the boat.
"What can I say; my sister is a romantic at heart which is why she got pissed at me for the dual dates."
"So you two talked about it?"
"We did and I get where she was coming from. She also apologized for getting so pissy with me, though I don't really blame her."
"Is she coming out this weekend?" Sebastian asked.
"No, she actually has plans for this weekend with some guy. I can't remember his name but for some strange reason he looked oddly familiar if that makes sense."
"So you've met him." Blaine said.
"I have, last night when he brought her home from their date."
"Beat will be crushed." Sebastian said as they pulled out.
"He'll survive." Hunter said. "They came to the realization that nothing can happen, but they're friends."
"What can you tell us about this guy?" Blaine asked.
"He's a banker on Wall St., really successful and he graduated from Fordham."
"You got all that from a brief meeting?" Sebastian asked.
"No, I asked Cass about it over breakfast this morning. Oh, and the guy is a total gentleman."
"I hope so; otherwise Lexi and Tasha would kick his ass."
"Tasha actually introduced them so they have her blessing. And Lexi and Cooper are going to meet him this weekend."
"Dun, dun, dunnnnnn. That'll either be a blessing or the kiss of death."
"I told her the same thing."
By the time they returned, they had quite the welcoming party waiting for them on the back deck. They were still docking when Brittany came running down the pier followed by Rachel. "Hunter, can you take us out?" Brittany asked.
"How about after dinner we go out?" Hunter cocked his head to the side after he spoke and waited for Brittany to answer.
"Okay, but only if let me drive at one point."
"I can do that if you let me or Jeff be right next to you when you do."
"Deal. Is there something I can do for you Rachel?"
"I just came down in case you were willing to take us out now. But I'm fine with waiting till after dinner. Oh, you should know your sister is here." As soon as Rachel finished, Hunter looked at Blaine and Sebastian.
"Would you be willing to finish tying up while I go and find out what she's doing here since she wasn't supposed to be coming?"
"Got it! Blaine replied and no sooner did Hunter take-off up the pier. "Rach, is she alone?"
"No, she's with some guy. He's pretty cute too, isn't he Britt?"
"Yep."
"Since Hunter's heading up to the house why don't you two head back and take your stuff inside." Sebastian said as he and Blaine finished up.
"Okay Sebby!"
Once the girls were gone Blaine and Sebastian looked at each other. "Was it just me or did Hunter look seriously confused?" Blaine asked as they gathered their stuff.
"Seriously confused, but I don't blame him since she said she wouldn't be coming out here. And didn't she say she had dinner plans tonight with Lexi?"
"She did, maybe they're all going out together?"
"Good point. Why don't we head up and find out for ourselves what's going on?"
"Excellent idea Bas."
When they reached the deck everyone was coming back outside. "Hey guys!" Brody said as he sat back down. "Have fun?"
"We did. How was your day?" Blaine said as he and Sebastian sat down as well.
"Long. I'm looking forward to a weekend of just relaxing."
"Remember we're going to the movies tonight." Rachel said as she and Brittany came walking outside.
"I know." Brody replied as he pulled Rachel onto his lap. "I meant a weekend of no dance classes, I'm exhausted. How do you have so much energy Britt?"
"I don't know, people ask me that all the time." Brittany replied as she sat down next to Jeff.
"Can I get anyone anything, I'm going to go inside and get something to drink?" Blaine asked as he got up.
"Surprise me." Sebastian replied while the rest of them declined since they all had drinks already.
When Blaine walked into the kitchen he saw Hunter and the disappearing bodies of who could only be Cassie and the mystery man. "That was quick." Blaine said as he grabbed the pitcher of tea out of the refrigerator.
"Yea, they need to get back to the city."
"So, does he have a name?"
"Donovan." Blaine looked at Hunter before pouring a glass for him and Sebastian. "What?"
"Do you know the guy's last name?"
"I didn't ask, why?"
"Nevermind, it was a crazy idea. Have you heard from anyone else?"
"Thad and Beat are almost here as are Nick and Santana since Cass let her go after lunch. Oh, and Dave should be here before dinner and he's bringing someone."
"He is now?"
"Yes."
"Is Thad bringing Gretchen?"
"I don't know. And the rest of the guys will be here tomorrow around ten."
It wasn't long after Blaine and Hunter headed outside did everyone else arrive. When Dave came walking outside most of the girls all leapt up from their spots and passed him once they spotted Quinn. "He works fast." Nick said as he leaned over to Blaine.
"Maybe, it's still early. He could've just brought her since he knew Britt, Santana, and Rachel were going to be here."
"True. But you never know."
"I think it's safe to say the rest of the girls are happy the guys are all starting to date."
"Right, they love the attention, don't let them fool you."
"How are you doing?" Blaine asked as he turned slightly to face Nick as he leaned against Sebastian.
"I'm surviving. I can tell you neither of us are looking forward to Monday when her and Beat leave. But between her work schedule and weekends we'll see each other more than we did at the start. That reminds me, can we crash with you and Seb one weekend in October?"
"Any particular reason why?" Sebastian asked.
"Jeff wants privacy the weekend of their anniversary."
"For that, you and Santana are more than welcome to stay with us."
"I appreciate that."
"Don't worry about it; it's not a big deal." Blaine told him. "Just let us know which weekend it'll be and we'll make sure the guest room is all set for you guys."
"Still, I appreciate it, as will Jeff."
"Speaking of Jeff, where is he?" Sebastian asked.
"I saw him walk off with Hunter. They were talking about something." Blaine said just as the girls all came walking over. "Good to see you Quinn."
"Good to see you too. Hey guys! You all looked a bit surprised when you saw me."
"That's because we were." Nick said. "Dave didn't mention he was bringing anyone with him."
"Don't get ahead of yourself Nick; we're just getting to know each other right now. And what better way to do that than around people we both know."
"That's smart." Sebastian replied. "I wouldn't expect less from either of you."
"Thank you Seb. Now, are you two coming with tonight?"
"We are." Blaine replied. "He's with Hunter Britt." He told her after seeing her looking around.
"If you want, you can sit with us?" Sebastian said and soon Brittany was sitting next to him, leaning on his shoulder.
"You three look cute." Rachel said before snapping a picture of the three of them. "Where's Thad?"
"He and Gretchen were heading towards the pier last I knew." Nick replied as Santana sat down.
"Do you know when we're leaving Nicky?"
"I think we're going to the ten o'clock show, right guys?"
"Correct." Blaine replied.
They'd all gotten so into their numerous conversations that they didn't even notice when Jeff and Hunter returned. "Do you guys mind if I steal Blaine, Seb, and Nick away?" Jeff asked.
"Only if you promise to return them soon." Santana said.
"I promise. We won't be long since Hunter and the rest of the guys are going to start dinner."
"They're cooking?" Rachel asked.
"They are, all you ladies need to do is sit back and relax." Once the three of them got up, they followed Jeff into the house and down the hall to an office where he closed the door behind them. "I think it's time we finish our talk from earlier."
"Now?" Blaine asked.
"Yes, now Blaine. Did you fill Seb in?"
"He did." Sebastian replied. "I guess you now want to know everything else."
"We do." Seeing Jeff like this was something none of them ever could get used to since he was probably one of the most laid back of the bunch. So with that said, Blaine and Sebastian started to fill Nick and Jeff in on everything else that had recently happened.
"So?" Sebastian asked after looking over at Nick and Jeff who looked shocked.
"I now understand why Hunter is the only one really in a position to help now." Jeff said.
"Are you sure you're okay Seb?" Nick asked.
"Besides being a bit paranoid at times, yea."
"This conversation follows the same lines as our previous one guys, not a word."
"Don't worry, we won't say anything. Britt would freak knowing any of this." Jeff said.
"While Santana would go after whoever it is, though that would be entertaining." Nick added.
"Under normal circumstances, I'd be all for letting her go after him, but this guy scares me guys and I don't scare easily." Sebastian told them.
"I know we've said this before, but if you guys need anything." Jeff said.
"We know and we truly appreciate that." Blaine said. "And as much as Bas and I hate getting you guys involved in stuff that's not really your problem. We know we can't shut you guys out of what's going on. It wouldn't be fair to you guys to think everything is fine."
"It means a lot to us that you can be honest with us. You've got to know the rest of the guys care about you guys as much as we do."
"We know that." Sebastian said. "It's just…it's hard to open up about things like this since most people don't understand. I was shocked when B said he told you two what happened to him."
"So were we." Nick said. "Jeff and I talked about it after you guys left and we know it couldn't have been easy for you Blaine. We meant what we said; you have nothing to be embarrassed about." As Nick spoke Sebastian wrapped an arm around Blaine and pulled him against him. There was something reassuring about letting Nick and Jeff know what was going on. "What happened to you doesn't change the way we see you."
"As silly as this might sound, that means a lot to me."
"It's not silly." Jeff said. "You don't want to be seen as a victim and we don't see you as such. You're still the same Blaine Anderson to us you were before you told us what happened."