Two Steps Beyond
Part 86
When Blaine arrived home from class on Wednesday the last thing he expected to see was Sebastian stretched out on the couch reading. "Um, shouldn't you be at school?" Blaine asked as he stood above him, an inquisitive smile on his face.
"Are you objecting to my presence?" Sebastian asked as he took ahold of Blaine's hand and pulled him down on top of him. "Because I could go to the library to study." He then leaned up enough to kiss him.
"Not objecting at all. I'm just used to coming home to an empty apartment. Not to my gorgeous boyfriend stretched out on the couch. Come to think of it, how did you guys do last night since I was asleep when you got home and you were gone by the time I woke up?"
"We won again and this time it wasn't close at all. So, since we got back so late last night the coach canceled practice for today figuring we all had work to do. I've been home for about an hour. How was your day?"
"Where would you like me to start?" Those words caused Sebastian to slide his book out from between them and to place his glasses on the table.
"Your choice."
"Alright, Chandler is in mine and Jeff's music lab. And he's not happy that two first years are in the class."
"It's not your fault or Jeff's that you were placed there."
"We know. But after what happened Monday, Jeff's not Chandler's favorite person."
"B, what happened Monday?"
"I didn't tell you?"
"No, you didn't. Do tell." As Blaine explained what happened to Sebastian, both of them couldn't help but laugh. It really was a good thing Jeff didn't take offense every time someone accused him of being gay just because he was with Blaine. "He and Hunter need to talk because someone said the same thing to him. God forbid gay guys and straight guys are friends."
"No kidding."
"Who knew Jeff had that much moxie?"
"Not me, but goes to show after everything that's happened he's not as docile anymore. I think when it comes to you and I the guys are a bit more protective than they used to be."
"I've noticed that too. Speaking of, Trent says hello and that he misses us all."
"He showed up to your game."
"He did. He also said he was pissed when he couldn't join up with the rest of us Labor Day weekend. But he did his due diligence and saw Cooper's movie with some friends he's made. He really enjoyed it."
"Did you tell him we missed him that weekend?"
"I did. And he promises to make it to our next meet-up. Now, back to Chandler. Do you think he's going to give you guys a problem?"
"No, it's more of an annoyance. Clearly Jeff and I are more talented than he is and it bugs him which is hysterical considering he's the music major."
"So it's just annoyance."
"Basically. This morning he got into a bitch fest with Jeff that you would've been proud of. Hell Santana would've been proud as well."
"Really?"
"Yes, he was on fire this morning. The more I get to know him, the more he and Kurt deserve each other. They're both prima donnas."
'How much work do you have to do B before we need to leave?" Sebastian asked as he slid his hands underneath Blaine's shirt and began to rub his back.
"Enough that what you're doing could be a serious distraction, albeit a pleasant one. I'd much rather study now and have fun once we get home tonight."
"Alright, but can I at least get another kiss?"
"You can have as many kisses as you want as long as we don't get caught up in them."
Since it was raining pretty hard, Blaine and Sebastian decided to drive over to Cooper and Lexi's as the walk from the subway stop to their home was long enough that they'd be drenched by the time they got there. When they walked into the house they were surprised to see Brittany walking around with Braeden. "Hey guys!"
"Hey Britt!" Blaine said before he and Sebastian each gave her a kiss. "Can't say I expected to see you when we arrived."
"But it's a pleasant surprise." Sebastian said.
"Yea, Jeff is on his way to pick me up. We're going out to dinner tonight."
"Have you heard back about your audition?"
"I didn't make it, but that's alright. If I got the first job I auditioned for it would've been shocking. But it was a great experience. And I have another audition on Thursday."
"Well, I'm sorry you didn't get it, but good luck on Thursday." Blaine told her.
"Thanks."
"Now, what are you doing with Braeden and where is Jocelyn?"
"Jocelyn is up in the family room with her Grandpa Anderson. And I have Braeden because Lexi asked if I could change his outfit since he spit up on it and she's cooking."
"Where is everyone else?" Sebastian asked.
"In the kitchen, though Cooper isn't home."
"Where is he?"
"On his way home from an audition. He should be here soon; at least that's what Lexi told Mrs. Anderson." The boys both nodded and Sebastian reached out towards Brittany for Braeden.
"Why don't you go fix your hair since you and Jeff are going out to dinner?" Sebastian told her as he took ahold of Braeden.
"Why, what's wrong with it?"
"Looks like Braeden knotted it." Blaine said.
"Oh, thanks guys!" Brittany then gave them each a kiss before heading back up the stairs.
When they walked into the kitchen Mr. Smythe was sitting at one end of the island while Lexi and Mrs. Anderson were cooking. "Smells amazing!"
"Hi boys!" Mrs. Anderson said as she turned from the stove. After giving them each a hug and a kiss she just looked at them. "And how did you two end up with Braeden?"
"We told Britt she needed to fix her hair." Sebastian said. "Someone was grabby and put a knot in it. Didn't you buddy?" Braeden just smiled up at Sebastian as he played with is hand.
"So Mom, you'll get to see Jeff since he's coming to pick her up."
"That's wonderful. Now, how are the two of you?"
"We're good." Blaine replied. "Are you and Dad still leaving Saturday?"
"We are."
"Speaking of leaving, when do you leave Dad?" Sebastian asked.
"That anxious to get rid of me?"
"No, just curious."
"I actually leave tomorrow, though I'm not going straight home."
"Where are you going?"
"I'm stopping in DC before heading home."
"And why are you going to DC?"
"We'll talk about it over dinner."
"Blaine, could you do me a favor and tell your Dad we're going to be eating in about twenty minutes." Lexi said to him.
"Sure." On Blaine's way up to get his Dad, the doorbell rang. "Long time no see, huh?" Blaine said as he let Jeff in.
"No kidding. I hadn't realized you guys would be here already."
"We figured the sooner we got here the earlier we could go home tonight."
"Understandable. By chance, do you know where my girlfriend is?"
"I'm pretty sure she's upstairs. I was just heading that way to get my Dad. So, you can either join me or go join everyone else in the kitchen. Though, I'd recommend the kitchen as you know my Mom will talk your ear off."
"Sounds like a plan."
By the time the rest of them came into the kitchen, they seemed to be missing out on some lively conversation. "Looks like they're having fun without us." Mr. Anderson said to Blaine and Brittany as he shifted Jocelyn in his arms.
"You're more than welcome to join." Lexi said with a smile. Before Mr. Anderson had a chance to respond Jocelyn was taken out of his arms by Blaine who went to stand next to Sebastian. "Now, I was going to ask, since you're here Jeff are you leaving Nick home alone?"
"He's actually having dinner with Santana since she was working today."
"I take it that answer means she has to go back to school tonight." Blaine said.
"It does." Sebastian then leaned close to Jeff and whispered in his ear. The instant Jeff nodded and laughed, Blaine just looked at the two of them. "Seb will explain. Well, Britt and I need to get going. It was great seeing all of you."
"I'll see you tomorrow Lexi."
"I'll see you in the morning Britt." Before they left, Brittany gave each of the kids a kiss before she and Jeff showed themselves out.
"He's clearly happy." Mr. Smythe said as he poured himself another glass of wine. "Anyone else?" The rest of the adults all nodded so he went about filling the rest of the glasses.
"Have any of your heard from Cooper?" Mr. Anderson asked.
"They have." Mr. Anderson turned to see Cooper standing behind him.
"I didn't hear you come in."
"That's because I walked in the same time Brittany and Jeff were leaving." Cooper then walked further into the kitchen before giving his Mom a kiss on his way to his wife. "I hope you weren't waiting on me."
"Not at all. I normally plan a half hour later than you say you're going to be back since I know these things tend to run long. How'd it go?"
"Not too bad, but we can talk about it later. Do you need me to do anything?"
"No, I think we're good to go."
"Since that's the case, why don't you start talking Dad?" Sebastian said. "Brittany and Jeff are gone so it's only family now." Mr. Smythe then proceeded to look at everyone else in the room.
"Alright, I'm going to DC to meet with Senator Jackson."
"And how did you manage a meeting with him since you said he wasn't thrilled when you met him that day you met with the dean."
"That would be thanks to Mrs. Clarington. She saw to it that room was made for me on his schedule."
"Once he sees it's you he's going to cancel."
"We thought about that, which is why my name isn't on the appointment."
"It's mine." Mr. Anderson added.
"Aren't the two of you sneaky?" Blaine said with a laugh. "Are you going to tell us what you're going to talk to him about?"
"No and it's better off that way."
"Dad." Lexi said as she leaned against Cooper.
"Relax Lexi; I know what I'm doing."
"And what is that?" Sebastian asked.
"Seb, I'm not going to tell you, but nice try. I've already said it's better off if you don't know."
"Dad?"
"Sorry Blaine." Blaine and Sebastian looked at each other after they were both shut down by their Dads. Before they could even attempt to try and get answers out of Mrs. Anderson the timer on the stove went off. It was pretty obvious by the way both of the Dads reacted, they were happy with the timing. Knowing that it would be pointless to try and push the conversation over dinner, the conversation switched to what was going on in everyone's lives.
"When do you get the cast off Mom?" Cooper asked.
"Three more weeks."
"Are you wishing it was sooner?" Blaine asked.
"Yes."
"She doesn't like having to count on me to do some things for her." Mr. Anderson added.
"I don't mind, it's just I hate wanting to do certain things when you're not home. And I hate having to count on my friends for help."
"Mom, if they're offering to help, they don't mind." Blaine said which earned him smiles from Cooper, Lexi, and Sebastian. "Trust me on that."
"Since when did you become so wise?" Mrs. Anderson asked.
"That would be since our friends have drilled it into our heads." Sebastian said. "So considering your friends are a lot of our friends' parents, it fits."
"Bas is right. The guys tell us all the time. The funny thing is, we tell them the same thing. It's time we take the advice we give."
By the time they all started to cleanup, Lexi asked the Dads if they'd be willing to take the kids upstairs and change them for bed. Once they agreed, Mrs. Anderson went with since she really wasn't much help in the kitchen with one arm. After they left the room Lexi turned to face Sebastian. "Care to share what was so funny earlier?"
"Not really." Sebastian replied as he handed a bowl to Blaine to put away. "It wasn't that funny."
"Not buying it."
"Well, it's a good thing you don't have to." Lexi then snapped her towel at him. "Hey!"
"Since when don't you share funny antidotes?"
"Since I'm respecting my friends' privacy."
"Someone care to fill me in?" Cooper asked as handed a dish to Sebastian to put in the dishwasher. "It's clear I missed something."
"Bas made a comment to Jeff which caused them both to laugh."
"So you don't know what it is either."
"No, I don't but I know Bas will tell me."
"What does it concern?"
"Not sure." Blaine then looked at Sebastian who just smiled back at him. "And you're not going to find out. So onto other news, how are Cassie and Donovan?"
"They're good. I'm pretty sure Hunter and Thad are still in shock. The four of them are actually all going out to dinner tonight. Seems the boys have a few things they'd like to discuss."
"Oh, Hunter is basically going to threaten Donovan." Sebastian said. "He's seriously protective of her. The last thing he wants to see is her getting her heart broken."
"I'm pretty sure Donovan can handle Hunter." Cooper said rather confidently. "If I didn't think they were a good fit for one another I would've said something.
"For some reason, that's oddly reassuring."
"Good. Am I correct to guess you two want to get out of here early tonight?"
"How'd you know?" Blaine asked.
"You mentioned this is your usual date night so spending it with the parents is a bit of a bummer. And we already know you've been interrupted a few times already." Blaine and Sebastian looked at each other as their siblings laughed.
"None of the interruptions were serious. Things were just starting." Sebastian replied. "Like the two of you can't wait for them to all leave."
"Tell us something we don't know. Don't get me wrong, I love seeing them, but…"
"It's infringing on your private time as a couple." Blaine finished for him.
"That's a very good way to put it." Lexi said with a laugh. "But at least it's nice to know we're not the only ones affect."
"Are you saying Dad told you?" Sebastian asked.
"Somewhat. I asked him why he looked off when he came back from seeing you guys that one night. And for the first time that I can remember he was having a problem putting his words together."
"Are you talking about Labor Day weekend?" Lexi nodded in response. "I'll tell you the same thing I told him, we were only kissing."
"So that's why your shirt was buttoned crooked and your hair was disheveled." Cooper said.
"Yes. You know as well as I do, you gotta start somewhere."
"That I do. We got busted like high school kids the other day when the parents took the kids to the park."
"You're kidding." Blaine said.
"He's not; we jumped apart when they spoke." Lexi said. "We were basically doing the same thing the two of you were."
"That depends were you vertical or horizontal?" Sebastian asked.
"I'm not answering that question." Cooper replied.
"Come on, as long as you were clothed, what's the problem?"
"Fine we were lying down on the couch, happy?"
"I am."
"Aren't you going to answer now?"
"We were sitting up, so we were clearly the more innocent ones here."
"Innocent my ass, your clothes were disheveled."
"I'm appalled at that implication Cooper. I'm a gentleman with B."
"And I'm a gentleman with my wife."
"Guys, I know you both so let's stop trying to fool each other." Blaine chimed in knowing Cooper and Sebastian could keep this up all night. "And we all know that I'm the gentleman of this bunch." The smile Blaine shot at both of them was anything but gentlemanly. It was downright mischievous.
"You might be more of a gentleman than I am little brother, but don't act innocent with us."
"Coop's right, you're as bad as both of us." Sebastian said as he wrapped his arms around Blaine and pulled him against his chest. "But I wouldn't want you any other way." Before Lexi and Cooper could say anything else Blaine and Sebastian were kissing.
"We need to get them out of here." Lexi said as she slid her arm around Cooper's waist.
"Are you saying our brothers are in the need of some quality alone time?"
"Yes." Lexi then stepped in front of Cooper and wrapped both of her arms around his waist. "As does your wife with you."
"I'm positive that could be arranged." Cooper then leaned down to give her a kiss. "I need it too." He then looked to the side and noticed Sebastian and Blaine were still kissing. "They'll have to come up for air soon, right?"
"That depends." Lexi said as she moved her hands up Cooper's chest till she could wrap them around his neck. "But I have a feeling they're just as talented as we are so probably not." Before Lexi realized it Cooper had picked her up and set her down on the island. "And just what are you thinking about Coop?"
"They obviously don't care that we're standing here, so why should we?" He said as he stepped between her legs. When he felt them wrap around him, he leaned in closer till his lips were directly over her ear. "You can't tell me you're not thinking the same thing."
"Oh, I certainly am. It's just…" Lexi was beginning to lose her train of thought as Cooper began to kiss his way down her jaw. Once his lips brushed against hers any hesitation went out the window as they began to kiss as well.
"Guys are you…" Mr. Anderson's voice fell quiet once he rounded the corner and spotted the four of them. The two couples were completely caught up in each other, oblivious that they had company. Now he knew why they didn't join the rest of them upstairs. Not to be a mood killer he turned on his heels and headed back upstairs. Once he reached the family room his wife and Mr. Smythe looked at him. "I think it's best if we start the movie now and not wait for them."
"Why is that dear, is everything alright?"
"Trust me love, everything is more than alright."