Two Steps Beyond
Part 82
Since classes ended earlier for Blaine, he got straight to studying once he got home. He knew there was no way he'd have time to get anything done once they got home that evening. Blaine was so caught up in what he was studying that he was honestly startled when the doorbell rang. With a slight huff, he set his book down on the coffee table and went to go get it. "Afternoon Mr. Smythe."
"Blaine, I'm not interrupting, am I?" Mr. Smythe asked as he walked in.
"I'm just studying, that's all. What can I do for you?"
"I was wondering if you wanted a ride to Seb's game."
"Sure, but any particular reason?"
"I know you're going to be dressed for the evening and you're also bringing Seb's outfit with you. I thought a ride would be more practical than taking the subway."
"That would be great. Come to think of it, I should probably start getting ready. Make yourself comfortable." Mr. Smythe went to take a seat in the living room while Blaine headed for the bedroom to change. As he sat on the couch Mr. Smythe took in the text books on the table alongside the notebook Blaine had left open. If the amount of notes Blaine had taken were any indication of how long he'd been studying Mr. Smythe now understood why Blaine seemed thrown when he answered the door.
When Blaine came walking back out into the living room with a garment bag in hand, Mr. Smythe was slightly shocked. "Are you sure you need to be that dressed up?"
"Yes, I do. Thankfully it's a bit cool out so I won't get all sweaty. I truly appreciate the ride Mr. Smythe." Blaine said as he grabbed his sunglasses off the table.
"It's not a big deal." He replied as they headed for the door. "How are you getting to the show?"
"Tasha is sending a car to pick me up. Hopefully the game doesn't run long to the point I miss a lot."
Throughout the ride over to Columbia, Mr. Smythe and Blaine talked about quite a few things. One that surprised Blaine was the fact that Mr. Smythe was heading to Massachusetts the next day to go and see Wes. When they finally arrived Blaine grabbed the garment bag out of the backseat and they headed towards the locker rooms. "I could've brought it to him Blaine."
"I know, but I want to see him." Mr. Smythe smiled at him. He was happy to see that even with everything that had been going on nothing had really changed between them. They'd just reached the locker room when Coach Stevens came walking out into the hall.
"Hi there Blaine."
"Hi Coach Stevens. Do you mind if I bring this to Bas?"
"Not at all." Blaine was about to walk in when Coach Stevens stopped him. "Are you going to introduce us Blaine?"
"Oh, I'm sorry. Coach Stevens, this is Mr. Smythe." The two men looked at each other then back at Blaine.
"Go ahead Blaine; I'll be here when you return." Once Blaine disappeared into the locker room Mr. Smythe changed his posture slightly. "Just the man I wanted to see."
"Why doesn't this surprise me?"
"Are you a father?"
"I am."
"That's why it doesn't surprise you. I'm going to do everything I can to protect my son. And in order to do that you and I need to talk. Obviously, I know now isn't a good time but I'd like to set up a time we can meet."
"I have time Friday before we leave for our game if that works for you."
"That works well as I should be back in the city by then."
While the two men spoke Blaine made his way through the locker room. "Looking good Blaine." Blaine turned and saw Nate leaning against his locker. "Though, you might be a bit over dressed to attend a lacrosse game."
"Cute Nate, you know why I'm dressed this way. Where's Bas?"
"Next row." When Blaine rounded the corner he saw Sebastian pulling his jersey on. It wasn't till Sebastian had ran his fingers through his hair did Blaine make his presence known.
"Hey killer, looking good."
"Thank you, Nate said the same thing." Blaine replied while handing Sebastian the garment bag. "So you know, if you finish in time we can ride over together. Otherwise Tasha has a second car coming for you."
"Hopefully we finish in time then. I'd much rather ride over with you."
"My thoughts exactly. Are you excited?"
"I am. Is anyone else here?"
"I got a text from Hunter who should be here by now considering when I got the text. And Jeff and Britt are here."
"Cool. Well, you better get going as we're about to have one last little talk."
"Alright, good luck Bas."
"Thanks B." Sebastian then leaned down and gave Blaine a kiss before he headed out. As Blaine walked away John, Michael, and Nate walked up to Sebastian.
"You two are so in love with each other it should be disgusting." John said with a laugh. "But it's not, it's sweet actually." The guys all looked at each other when they saw Sebastian blush slightly.
"He's just playing with you Seb." Nate said.
"I know."
"Seb, you're no different than either of them when it comes to their girlfriends. You can't tell me you've never noticed the way Nate beams or blushes when Jenna is brought up." Michael said to him.
"Oh, I have. I just didn't realize I do it too."
"You totally do." John told him. "But it's not in that crush type of way; you do it because you truly love him. And from what I can see the feeling is completely mutual."
"It is." Sebastian replied, as an almost shy smile crept to his face.
"Well then, you better not embarrass yourself out there today." Nate replied, just as their coach came walking back in.
By the time Blaine and Mr. Smythe reached the stands Blaine and Sebastian's friends were already there. "I'm going to leave you be." Mr. Smythe said before heading over a few feet to take a seat.
"I never knew it was possible to feel underdressed at a lacrosse game." Jeff said with a smile. "Guess I should've checked the dress code prior to arriving."
"Aren't you the funny one today?" Blaine said as he was about to take a seat.
"Hold on!" Jenna shouted. "Can't let you sit on the bleachers dressed like that." She then handed Blaine the blanket she was sitting on.
"You didn't need to, but thank you."
"You are very welcome." She replied as Jeff helped Blaine situate the blanket. Once Blaine was seated he proceeded to make introductions. Just before the team took the field Hunter came walking up the bleachers.
"I'm not late, am I?"
"You made it just in time." Blaine replied as they took the field. "By the way, are you coming tonight?"
"Nope."
"What, you don't have to be her escort this evening?"
"No, Donovan was available to do it this evening. Jeff, where's Nick?"
"Watching Thad's game since they're at St. John."
"Lucky for him, no travel."
"So far it's one of the only good things for him so far."
"What's wrong?" Blaine asked.
"His schedule is just goofy, that's all. He's actually taking in the game between classes."
"How many night classes does he have?" Hunter asked.
"Three."
"Look, there's Sebby!" Brittany's exclamation brought everyone's attention to the field. Jenna nudged Blaine in the side once she noticed he was with Nate.
"This sure beats summer games, doesn't it?"
"It does." Blaine replied. "Crazy considering they're wearing way more gear."
"Exactly, who knew lacrosse uniforms could look sexy." Once the game reached the second half, everyone noticed that Blaine kept checking his watch. "Relax Blaine; there has been excellent pacing today." Jenna then tilted her head. "I know I've never said this, but that's a gorgeous watch."
"Thanks, Bas gave it to me for Valentine's Day." The next thing Blaine felt was his hand being taken so Jenna could take a closer look.
"Wow! That's one heck of a gift."
"That it is." As Blaine and Jenna spoke Hunter leaned over Blaine's shoulder.
"She's right, that's one heck of a gift. Seb's got incredible taste."
"I'll let him know you approve." Thankfully Hunter sat back just in time as Blaine leapt to his feet along with everyone else as Sebastian scored. As Blaine and their friends high-fived the feat Blaine and Mr. Smythe shared knowing smiles with each other.
Once the game ended Blaine glanced at his watch. As long as Sebastian didn't dawdle, they'd be able to ride over to the show together. And considering his coach knew Sebastian needed to leave right away that shouldn't be an issue. Considering they'd won their first game of the year the guys were all overly excited once they reached the locker room. While most of them were still celebrating Sebastian had already made his way into the showers. When he'd walked back in, the rest of the guys were just starting to change out of their uniforms as he began getting dressed.
"Are you sure you don't need a stylist to do your hair Seb?" One of the guys asked as he messed with his hair in the mirror.
"Positive, and a stylist chooses your clothes, doesn't do your hair unless you're referring to a hair stylist/dresser."
"Forgive my lack of knowledge." The reply came as a laugh. The guys couldn't help but give him a hard time.
"Guys, take it easy on Seb. It's not his fault the rest of us don't have his stunning looks." Nate said.
"Stunning?" John asked.
"Like Lauren hasn't said the same thing to you that Jenna's said to me."
"Touché." The next time the guys looked over at Sebastian he was buttoning his vest. "No one would ever guess you were just running around a field."
"Thank you." Sebastian replied as he threw the rest of his stuff in his bag. "Now, if you all don't mind I have a ride to catch with a handsome gentleman."
"Have fun tonight Seb!" Michael called out.
"I plan on it! Later guys!"
Once he walked out into the hallway he was surprised to see Blaine standing there. "You look amazing Bas." Blaine told him after giving him a kiss.
"Thank you."
"You also looked incredible on the field."
"Thank you again. It felt good playing for a reason again." Sebastian replied as they headed down the hall. "I'm just happy the game didn't drag. I wasn't looking forward to riding over by myself."
"Neither was I."
"Congratulations Seb!" Sebastian turned to the side once they were outside at the sound of his Dad's voice.
"Thank you!" As he answered, his Dad took his bag from him as they headed towards the waiting car.
"You've greatly improved since the last time I got to see you play. You're rather fluid out there."
"Yea, the game comes pretty naturally now. I don't have to think as much. Are you coming to the show tonight?"
"I am actually. So, I will meet you two there." Mr. Smythe replied just before they got into their car. Once the door was closed, Mr. Smythe headed for his car. On his walk over he couldn't help but think about all the time he'd missed out in Sebastian's life. His frustrations with everything that had ever happened between his wife and daughter pushed him away in a way he hadn't really realized before. He'd traveled so much that he practically missed out on Sebastian growing up. The realization that the last time he'd seen Sebastian play lacrosse was shortly after he came out to them. And he had promised Sebastian that nothing would change. He knew he broke that promise when he began traveling more and he deeply regretted it. So now, that he was back in the states, he was going to do everything he could to make it up to Sebastian even though he doubted he'd ever be able to.
As they pulled into the cue of cars leading up to the show, Blaine turned in his seat to look at Sebastian. "You okay B?" Sebastian asked as he tucked a loose curl behind Blaine's ear.
"I'm nervous, like seriously nervous." As Blaine spoke Sebastian took ahold of his hand and gave it a gentle squeeze.
"So am I." He then leaned in and kissed Blaine gently on the lips. "But we'll get through this, together."
"Together." Blaine then moved closer so that he could kiss Sebastian. This kiss was more than the previous kiss as it seemed to help ease the nerves both of them were feeling. Once it broke they slowly moved away from each other. "I love you Bas."
"I love you too B." Sebastian then leaned in for one more kiss knowing it would probably the last one they'd share till they headed home that evening. It broke just as the car came to a stop and they heard their driver get out. "Ready killer?"
"Ready."
Once the door opened they were both pretty sure they were going to be blinded by the amount of flashes going off. As they headed up the grand steps they both felt a sense of relief when they saw Cassie come walking towards them. "Thought you boys might appreciate a little help tonight."
"Thank you." Blaine said just before they stopped. It seemed the fashion photographers weren't up on all the gossip so Blaine and Sebastian were having all their pictures taken individually. Though, quite a few of the two of them together had been taken while they walked up the steps. Once they started walking again, Blaine looked at Cassie. "Is Cooper here?"
"He and Lexi arrived about twenty minutes ago. By the way Seb, I hear congratulations are in order."
"How?"
"Hunter. I asked him to keep me updated."
"I'm touched."
"You should be." She replied with a playful smile. "Now, I'm going to bring you boys to Tasha and after that I'm going to vanish. But if you need me, just text me."
"Got it." Sebastian replied. It wasn't long till they were alongside Tasha who happened to be with Cooper and Lexi.
"Looking good guys." Cooper told them as he gave them each a hug.
"You both look incredible." Lexi told them. "And I'm sorry I missed your game Bas, but I was busy getting ready."
"I understand, don't worry."
"Tasha, what do you need us to do tonight?" Blaine asked.
"You guys basically just need to be social until the show starts."
"Where are we sitting?" Sebastian asked.
"Behind me."
"What, we don't get front row?"
"Not yet, but I'm sure by the February show that's where you'll both be. And you should both know you made quite the impression last night."
"Who did they impress?" Lexi asked to which Tasha turned her gaze to the left. "Are you serious?"
"I am. She actually called me up to her office this morning to tell me."
"That takes a lot guys." Cooper told them.
"It helped that she already sees you as charming Coop." Sebastian told him. "But once we had that in, Blaine and I did our thing."
"When the two of you are in the zone, you're pretty hard to resist." Lexi told them. "Who knew my little brother had it in him?"
"I did." Blaine replied with a smile.
"We need to end this hear before this conversation takes its usual turn." Lexi said as Tasha tried not to laugh.
"Now, I need to go do my thing and the rest of you need to socialize as well." She was about to walk away when she stopped. "Lexi, the line-up for that other show is on your seat in an envelope."
"Thank you."
"What's that about?" Cooper asked.
"She snagged me the book she gets listing the designers fashions. I wasn't able to make it to one of the shows I was looking forward to yesterday."
"I would've watched the kids."
"I know you would've, but I actually missed out because I was on a roll with my new book. I didn't want to stop and lose my train of thought."
"Alright, as long as it wasn't because you didn't feel you could leave the kids."
"You know I'd leave them with you Coop without a single hesitation. You're a wonderful Dad."
"While the two of you share your mutual love fest, B and I are going to go socialize." Sebastian then kissed Lexi on the cheek. "We'll see you prior to the show beginning." Once they walked away Cooper slid his arm around Lexi's waist.
"What is it Coop?"
"It's just nice seeing them like this. With everything that had happened, it's nice to just spend time with them under other circumstances."
"I agree. Have you heard back from your Dad?"
"Yes, they're arriving on Monday."
"You need to tell Blaine."
"I will, but tonight's not the time or place to do it. Especially because I know he's not going to be happy about it."
"They're coming because they're concerned. And I can vouch for you with him that you tried your best to convince them not to come. But they weren't taking no for an answer."
By the time they all took their seats they were ready for the show to begin. All the socializing they'd done had actually gotten a bit tiring. The boys had to truly give Tasha credit for basically having to have the same conversations over and over again while seeming as interested as she had the first time around. Blaine and Sebastian were speaking with Lexi when three gift bags were brought over. "Mrs. Anderson?" Lexi nodded. "These are for you and your husband." Lexi thanked the gentleman after they set the bags on the ground.
"Sis?"
"I have no idea Bas." Just as she answered Cooper came walking back over. "Coop?"
"That was quick." He replied while taking a seat. "Wait to open them till we get home."
"Alright, but who are they from?"
"There's a tag attached to the bags, check it." Blaine said as he and Sebastian were just as curious. Since the lights had yet to dim Lexi leaned forward and turned one of the tags.
"You're kidding?"
"Nope." Cooper replied.
"Care to share who they're from?" Sebastian asked. The only response he got from Lexi and Cooper was both of them pointing in front of them. When Blaine and Sebastian looked shocked Lexi and Cooper both nodded to let them know they were correct as the lights had begun to dim.