Two Steps Beyond

Part 93

Sebastian had just set his bag down in the locker room when his phone went off. When he glanced to see who it was, he couldn't help but wonder what Lexi wanted. "Hey sis, what's up?"

"Where are you Bas?"

"Jersey, why?"

"Shit!"

"Lexi, what's wrong?" The silence on the other end was almost deafening. Though Sebastian could swear he heard the radio. "Lexi."

"Blaine's been arrested."

"What? What the fuck happened?" Sebastian practically yelled catching everyone's attention.

"I don't have the details as Cooper's the one that spoke with Jeff. Cooper and I are on our way to the precinct. And I'm pretty sure Jeff and Hunter are already there."

"Fuck! What was he arrested for?" Sebastian then heard Lexi speak to Cooper who asked her to put her phone on speaker.

"You there Bas?"

"Yes, what the hell happened Coop?"

"Trevor showed up at NYU and confronted Blaine."

"Is he okay?"

"From what Jeff said, yes. We'll know more when we get there."

"Promise me you'll call as soon as you know more."

"We will." The unison response was about the only bit of comfort Sebastian was going to get at that moment. "We'll take care of this Bas. I guarantee my brother will be home when you get home tonight."

"You can't guarantee that Coop."

"I am. We didn't want to drop this on you since you have a game but we knew you'd never forgive us if we didn't."

"Damn right I wouldn't have! Tell B that I love him."

"We will." Lexi told him. "We're here Bas, so we need to go. I'll call as soon as we find out more." Once the call ended Sebastian screamed loudly before attempting to punch something but he was stopped by John's grip on his arm.

"Damnit! Let me go!" Sebastian snapped as he yanked his arm from John's hand.

"Fine, but I wasn't going to let you hurt yourself. You were going to punch a metal locker Seb." Sebastian glared up at him and noticed John wasn't the only one standing around him. Nate and Michael were there as well as a bunch of the other guys. "Now, care to tell us what the hell is going on?"

"Sure, that son-of-a-bitch confronted Blaine today!"

"What?" Michael asked concern clear in his voice. "Is he okay?"

"He's been arrested."

"What for?" Nate asked.

"Don't know as I was talking to my sister. Our friend Jeff was there and he's the one that called Cooper."

"Cooper is Blaine's brother, right?" John asked, to which Sebastian nodded. "I know you want to be there with him, but at least he's got family there so he's not alone."

"Guys, what's going on? You should be getting dressed right now." Coach Stevens said as he approached his team. A bunch of the guys dispersed while the rest stayed around Sebastian. "Will someone tell me what's going on?"

"Trevor went after Blaine." Nate told him.

"Is he alright?"

"He got arrested." Sebastian said.

"What for?"

"I don't know."

"Guys, the rest of you change. Seb, you're sitting today. There is no way your head will be in the game. Go make the calls you need, but know you'll need to be on the field for the game."

"I can play."

"Seb, this isn't up for discussion. We both know if your head's not in the game there is a chance of you getting hurt."

"Fine."

When Cooper and Lexi walked into the precinct they were met by Jeff, Hunter, and Cassie. "Where is he?" Cooper asked.

"He's in with an officer giving his statement." Hunter replied, which sent Cooper heading towards the desk.

"How is he?" Lexi asked.

"Scratched up, but otherwise he's okay." Jeff told her. "Trevor wants to press charges against Blaine for punching him. But Blaine only did it to protect himself. Trevor swung first."

"Have you given your statement Jeff?" Jeff nodded. "Cassie, what are you doing here?"

"Hunter called me. He knows I keep cash on hand in case I need to bail out my clients."

"Thank you Hunter. I hadn't even thought about that. This is ridiculous."

"You're welcome. And you're right, this is ridiculous. Now, this might be out of place, but did you call Seb?"

"Yes and that was not a pleasant conversation, but you probably figured that. He's got lots of questions that I don't have answers to."

"Would you like me to call him?"

"That would be great Jeff. Oh, and so you know Britt's not at dance class."

"Where is she?"

"Our place. She agreed to watch the kids so Cooper and I could come down here."

"Okay, thanks." As Jeff walked away Cassie wrapped an arm around Lexi.

"He's going to be okay."

"He shouldn't be here."

"I know."

While his teammates were preparing to take the field, Sebastian sat in the coach's office on his phone. "Is he okay Jeff?"

"He's fine. He's a little scratched up, but that's all. Though, I didn't look at his hand after the punch he threw."

"B punched the bastard?"

"He got him good. Trevor attempted to punch him, but Blaine dodged it and came up swinging."

"Guess all that boxing pays off."

"It sure did. That guy really is an ass."

"Tell me about it. Blaine never should've been put in that situation."

"The guy is an ass; there is nothing you could've done."

"But…"

"Don't you even go there Sebastian Smythe. Blaine would kick your ass if he even thought you were thinking such. You are not to blame, got it!" Sebastian was actually taken aback by the way Jeff spoke. And while he thought such, he knew Jeff was right. Blaine would never blame Sebastian for what happened.

"Are you done chastising me?"

"Only if I got through to you."

"You did. I should be there with him."

"Well, you're not. Blaine's not alone. Hunter and I are here as are Cooper, Lexi, and Cassie."

"What is Cassie doing there?"

"Hunter called her in case we needed bail. While Blaine was taken in, we don't know if any charges have been made against him."

"I know Lexi and Cooper promised to keep me updated, but can you do it as well. They've got enough to deal with. And right now B is their top priority."

"You've got it man." When Jeff returned to the lobby Hunter was standing by himself while Lexi and Cassie were talking to someone he didn't recognize. "Who's that?"

"Blaine's lawyer."

"Is he going to need one?"

"Lexi called one just in case. How's Seb?"

"He's a wreck. I could hear it in his voice, he's blaming himself."

"It's not his fault. I hope you let him know that."

"I did. Is Cooper still in with him?"

"I think so. I haven't seen him since an officer took him back. Have you called Nick?"

"No. He's in class so this is the last thing he needs and Thad has an away game as well. Neither of them is going to be happy when they find out. If only I could've done more." Hunter then put his arm around Jeff's shoulders.

"I know you wish you could've done something, but there were two guys holding you. The fact that you kept moving and trying to get away from them to help Blaine kept them from getting involved. For all we know they were there to help Trevor hurt Blaine."

"I'd rather not think about that, though I'm sure you're right. I don't think I've ever been so happy to see you before."

"I don't think I'd ever been so happy to be seen. Guess it's a good thing I was going to be down here and offered to come and get you both."

Sebastian had just come off the field at halftime with everyone else when his phone rang. "Lexi, how is he?"

"I'm fine Bas."

"B."

"The one and only."

"Why are you calling from Lexi's phone?"

"Mine's in my bag which is in Hunter's car and I didn't want to wait to call you."

"Are you sure you're okay?"

"Yes, I'm sure. We're just about to head home."

"Please tell me you're not going to be alone."

"I'm not. Hunter said he'd stay with me till you got home. Jeff offered too, but he's going home with Lexi and Cooper to get Brittany."

"I'm so sorry B."

"You've got nothing to be sorry for Bas."

"But…"

"Hey, I thought Jeff got through to you."

"He told you."

"Of course he did. Now, come to think of it, how did you answer?"

"It's halftime."

"Still you don't normally have your phone so close that you answer after one ring, especially during a game."

"Coach is sitting me."

"Why?"

"I…I sort of flipped when I found out what happened to you. Were any charges made?"

"Nope. So that was a waste of two plus hours I'll never get back. I can't wait to see you."

"I can't wait to see you either. I love you Blaine."

"I love you too Sebastian."

"What's with using my full name?"

"You called me Blaine, not B so I was returning the sentiment. But seriously, I love you Bas."

"I love you too B. Are you sure you're okay?"

"Positive. If you want, you're more than welcome to give me a thorough once over once you get home."

"I intend too."

"Looking forward to it. Now use some of that tenacity you've got and convince your coach to let you play."

"Will do. See you tonight."

"I can't wait."

Once Sebastian got off the phone with Blaine, he couldn't wipe the smile off his face if he tried. When he walked over towards his locker, all the guys noticed the abrupt change in his attitude. "I take it Blaine's okay?" Nate said as Sebastian began to change.

"He's on his way home now."

"He's okay?" Michael asked.

"He is."

"Smythe, what do you think you're doing?" Coach Stevens asked.

"Changing."

"I thought I told you that you were sitting out." He then took a closer look at Sebastian and noticed what the rest of the team noticed. "Are you sure your head will be in the game?"

"Positive."

"Alright, then hurry up. They're killing us out there." Sebastian chuckled slightly as he finished changing.

"Coach is right, we need you out there." John told him as he handed him his gloves. "You're quite a presence out there."

"I will take that as a compliment."

"Good, because it was meant as one." He said before they all started to head back out on the field. "And Seb?"

"Yea."

"I'm glad Blaine's alright."

"Me too. Amazing the difference of actually talking to him makes."

"It's one thing to hear from others he's okay. It doesn't hit home till you hear it from him yourself."

"Dad, I'm sorry I didn't call sooner." Cooper said as he sat down on the couch after putting the kids to bed while Lexi took Jeff and Brittany home. "But I thought you'd want Blaine to have my complete attention."

"You're right Cooper, I'm sorry. He needed your complete attention. Now, did you…"

"Yes, I made the call to Mrs. Clarington before we even left the house. And so you know, Lexi said she'd call their Dad on her way home. Are you going to tell us what's going to happen?"

"The Senator is going to get outed for protecting his son on the cover of every major paper."

"You're kidding?"

"Nope. When Mr. Smythe went down to DC he met with Senator Jackson and told him that if Trevor didn't stay away from Blaine and Seb what he did would become public knowledge."

"Um, this might sound strange, but does Michael's family know what's going on as this affects them?"

"They do know and Michael was all for it. He wants Trevor and the senator vilified in the public eye."

"That's exactly what's going to happen."

"Now, why aren't you with your brother?"

"He didn't want our company."

"He shouldn't be alone right now Cooper."

"He's not; Hunter is staying with him till Bas gets home. And I'll tell you this since Mom won't like it, but all those boxing classes Blaine convince you guys to let him take helped. He got the guy good."

"I'm glad. There is something reassuring knowing he can defend himself."

"He can."

No sooner did the bus arrive back at Columbia did Sebastian head towards the subway station. "I'll drive you Seb."

"You don't need to Nate. It's a short ride home."

"Fine, I'll put it this way. I am driving you home and I'm not taking no for answer."

"Nate."

"Don't argue with him Seb." John said as he walked up behind them. "Let him take you. We'd all feel better knowing you got home safe and sound."

"Fine, are you ready to go?" Nate nodded then pointed to the side where his car was parked. "Let's go." As they walked off, John looked at Michael who had a self-satisfying grin on his face.

"What are you smiling about?"

"Let's just say justice is about to be served."

When Sebastian walked into their apartment he was surprised to find Blaine and Hunter sitting on the couch watching a movie. "B." Sebastian said as he set his bag on the floor before walking towards the couch.

"Hey." The closer Sebastian got he could see what Jeff had been talking about as Blaine's face was scratched up a bit, but nothing to serious. "I missed you." Instead of saying anything Sebastian leaned over and kissed him. Before they realized it Blaine was lying back on the couch and Sebastian was above him.

"Um guys…guys." Hunter said after clearing his throat. "Guess I'm not needed anymore."

"Sorry about that." Sebastian said as they sat up. "Just needed to make sure B really was okay."

"So denying him oxygen was how you chose to do it." Blaine and Sebastian both laughed at his comment. "Glad you find me humorous."

"Thank you." Sebastian told him as he wrapped his arms around Blaine.

"You're welcome, but you really should be thanking Jeff."

"I plan on it."

"Thanks for keeping me company Hunter."

"You are welcome Blaine. Like I've said before, just give me a call if you want company when Seb's got an away game. Speaking of games, how'd you guys do?"

"Somehow we pulled it out, though it was nasty."

"That's good to hear. Well, I better get going as I've got something I need to finish up for tomorrow. If you guys need anything…"

"We'll call." Blaine finished for him. Sebastian then got up off the couch to walk Hunter out so he could lock the door behind him.

"How's he been?" Sebastian asked as they stood at the door.

"If you didn't know, you'd think nothing happened. And I honestly don't think he's putting up a front. He's okay with what happened. If anything, he's a bit cocky."

"B?"

"Yes. He's proud of what he did. And Jeff said Trevor deserved it with the garbage he was spewing. But I better go. I have a feeling Blaine's waiting for you." Sebastian then gave Hunter a hug. "He's okay Seb. I'll see you tomorrow."

"I'll see you then. Thanks again." Once Sebastian closed the door behind Hunter and locked it he headed for the living room. When he reached it, he saw the television was off and Blaine was leaning against the couch. "Don't you want to finish your movie?"

"I know how it ends." Blaine said as he walked up to Sebastian and took his hands in his. "I'd much rather spend time with you."

"Does it hurt?" Blaine shook his head. "How about your hand?"

"It's fine." Blaine replied while squeezing Sebastian's hands in his. "I'm okay."

"I'm sorry." Sebastian said before leaning down to kiss him.

"It wasn't your fault."

"I still feel responsible."

"Bas, I know you do. But you also need to know this was out of your control."

"You don't blame me?"

"No, not in the slightest." Blaine then pulled Sebastian towards him. "Now, how about you make do on that promise from earlier."

"And which promise are you referring to?" Sebastian asked as he let go of Blaine's hands and wrapped his arms around him.

"The one where you said you'd give me a thorough once over when you got home."

"You're right; I need to make sure I check each and every inch of your body to make sure you're okay."

"Are you sure you're up to it?"

"Oh, I'm more than up to it." Sebastian said as they headed for their bedroom.

If Blaine was going to have a run-in with Trevor, they were both happy it happened on a Wednesday since they had Thursday morning to sleep in. They were completely wrapped up in each other when both of their phones started going off non-stop Thursday morning. "I swear if any of these calls or texts is from Jeff or Hunter I'm going to kill them both." Sebastian said as he rolled off of Blaine, clearly frustrated that their early morning make-out session was being interrupted.

Turn on your TV now – Nick

All hell just broke loose – Hunter

TV, now! – Jeff

Shit got crazy – Thad

"Bas, are your messages weird?" Blaine said as he sat up in bed a bit.

"Yea." Sebastian said as he reached for the remote which was on the nightstand. "Text one of them back and asked what channel." No sooner did Sebastian speak did he turn on the television and look at Blaine. "Forget what I just said." Sebastian said as he settled back against the pillows and pulled Blaine against him. "Are you seeing what I'm seeing?"

"Oh, we're definitely seeing the same thing." Blaine said as they watched the news story breaking in front of them. It seemed that all of the New York papers broke the story about how Senator Jackson worked a deal to lessen the hate-crime charges his son should've been slapped with. And the amount of uproar going on in the city was more than most of the reporters had ever seen. "Bas."

"Call or text the guys and let them know we know while I make a call."

"Who are you calling?"

"Notice neither of our siblings called or texted. They must've known this was going to happen."

"Maybe, but…do you really think Cooper or Lexi is capable of something like this?"

"No, but my Dad sure as hell is." While Sebastian spoke his phone went off with another text.

Enjoying the morning news – Michael

When Sebastian started to laugh, Blaine took the phone out of his hand. "Guess Cooper and Lexi weren't the only ones that knew something was going to happen."

"You're right. And I think it's safe to say my Dad paid a visit to the senator during his trip to DC."

"I think you're right. So, instead of talking to Cooper and Lexi, let's call him."

"That's an excellent idea. Throw a shirt on, I'll go grab a laptop."

"Why the laptop and not just a phone call?"

"Because I want to see his face when we talk to him." Sebastian then got out of bed which brought a smile to Blaine's face. "Keep looking at me like that and I'll ravage you once we get off the call."

"Don't make promises you don't plan on keeping."

"Oh, I'm going to keep it." After putting a shirt on, Blaine sent a mass text to the guys letting them know they saw what was going on. He'd just set his phone back down when Sebastian came walking back in. Upon handing the laptop to Blaine, Sebastian grabbed the t-shirt Blaine had gotten out for him. "Can you get it set up while I send him a text to get his butt to a computer?"

"Sure, are you sure he's going to be up?" Sebastian looked over at the clock.

"It's seven, he's up." After sending the text Sebastian got into bed next to Blaine. "Is it ready?"

"Yep, we just have to wait for him to connect." Blaine then looked up at Sebastian and kissed his cheek. "This was not the morning I had in mind."

"Me either." As Sebastian answered the computer rang. "Ready." Blaine nodded and accepted the call. "Morning Dad."

"Morning boys, sleep well?"

"It would've been better if our friends weren't blowing up our phones."

"Did they now?" Blaine and Sebastian both noticed the smirk on Mr. Smythe's face.

"You wouldn't have had anything to do with that, would you Dad?"

"Me, never."

"Dad, it's me you're talking to. And Blaine knows me well enough to say the apple didn't fall far from the tree."

"Is that true?"

"Yes." Blaine replied. "Why didn't you tell us?"

"Well, I, along with your parents felt you boys would've felt we overreacted."

"My parents knew about this?" Blaine said, the shock evident on his face.

"Yes, they did. They weren't too sure at first but were willing to support anything to keep you boys safe. And speaking of, are you alright Blaine, Lexi told me what happened?"

"I'm fine. Trevor definitely got the worst of it."

"That's what Lexi said as well. She told me he was sporting quite the bruise when you guys left the police station."

"He was." Sebastian couldn't help but smile seeing the pleased grin on Blaine's face.

"Now, what exactly did you do Dad?"

"I made it clear to the senator in no uncertain terms that his son was to stay away from the both of you. And that if he didn't, word of what he did would get out."

"How did you do all this from Ohio?"

"That's not important."

"Dad."

"Seb, it's better if you boys don't know. But I will tell you, Michael and his family knew what I had in mind and fully supported it."

"I know. He sent me a text this morning asking me if I was enjoying the news."

"He was beyond eager to help. He and his family were furious that Trevor got away with what he did. And after talking with them and well, your parents Blaine I knew it had to get out."

"What do you mean if you don't mind me asking?"

"Blaine, do you know why your parents came to New York?"

"Yea, they weren't happy with the way we were handling things."

"That wasn't the reason."

"What was it then because they didn't correct me when that's what I said to them?"

"They came because they were afraid of it happening all over again. The thought of what happened to Michael happening to Seb or you again was too much for them. They came because they needed to; they needed to be with you. The thought of losing you is too much for them."

"Why didn't they tell me that?" Blaine asked as Sebastian wrapped his arm around him a bit tighter.

"Because they know you'd think they're overreacting. But when you were in the hospital a few years back it was a huge nightmare for them. They were constantly afraid they were going to lose you. That the hospital would call during their brief trips home and say something happened while they were gone." Sebastian glanced down at Blaine and could see the tears slowly falling down his cheeks. "I know I'm probably over-stepping my bounds but there isn't anything your parents wouldn't do to protect you."

"I know that. I guess I overreacted."

"Blaine, the way you acted made sense from everything they told me. They know you hate thinking you need to be looked after because of what happened to you. But you need to realize, even if that didn't happen they still would've come because they love you."

"Dad, can we talk to you later?"

"Of course. You two have a good day."

"We will. Bye." After Sebastian said goodbye, he ended the call and moved the laptop off of Blaine's lap and pulled Blaine onto his lap. "You okay?" Sebastian asked as Blaine rested his head on his shoulder.

"How could I have judged them so unfairly?"

"It happened because they came out here after talking to Cooper and not you. You were hurt and angry so jumping to the conclusion you did makes sense. Your parents love you B."

"I know they do. I guess that after everything happened I started to believe they did things to protect me."

"They did, but they also did those things because they love you. After everything that's happened I realized how much my Dad loves me. I mean, I knew he did, but dropping everything and doing what he did showed me how far he's willing to go to protect me."

"Is it okay if we call my parents?"

"Of course. Do you want me to leave you guys or do you want me to stay?"

"You can stay. I did say we afterall."

"That you did. How about you dry those eyes first? Can't have your parents thinking I brought those tears on."