Two Steps Beyond
Part 94
Knowing his Mom was keeping her computer on more often than not since she got hurt Blaine wasn't surprised to see she was logged in. "If you get uncomfortable Bas, it's okay if you want to leave."
"Thanks, now call her." Sebastian said before kissing him.
"Morning Mom!"
"Morning boys! I'd asked what I owe this honor but I'm pretty sure I know already. How are you feeling Blaine?"
"I'm fine. Now, is Dad around as I'd prefer to talk to both of you?"
"Sure, let me go get him." After she stepped away from the screen Blaine looked up at Sebastian and smiled. One would never know he'd been crying only a few minutes prior as Blaine's eyes weren't red or puffy at all. "We're back."
"Hey Dad!"
"Hey guys. You don't look like you want to be up."
"That's because we were woken up." Blaine replied. "So, pretty sneaky on your part."
"I have no idea what you're talking about."
"Not going to work, we already spoke with my Dad. We know what you guys did."
"You're not upset with us, are you?" Mrs. Anderson asked.
"Why would we be upset?" Blaine asked.
"You don't think we went too far."
"Not at all. You could've told us though."
"We hoped it wouldn't come to this." Mr. Anderson said. "We know you're technically an adult, but we are still your parents."
"I know. And that's why I want to apologize to both of you."
"What for dear?" Mrs. Anderson asked.
"For jumping to conclusions. And for at times basically being a brat."
"You had a right to be upset with us for just showing up."
"I know, but I also should've given you guys a chance to explain. I've been reminded why you guys came and I appreciate it." The way his parents looked at each other Blaine glanced up at Sebastian. "Please don't be upset with Mr. Smythe."
"We're not. What did he tell you?"
"That you guys came because you love me and would do anything to see that I wasn't hurt again. He also told me how much what happened to me hurt you. I think, sometimes I forget that what happened didn't just affect me."
"You shouldn't concern yourself with us in that regard Blaine."
"Yes I should Mom. I can't be oblivious to the affect it had on you. I can only imagine what it felt like for you guys to see me in that hospital bed."
"Those are memories we don't like to recall. But when we were told about what happened to Seb it all came flashing back. We couldn't bear to have that happen again. The thought of it happening to Seb and knowing you'd basically be going through it again was too much." The next thing the boys saw was Mrs. Anderson walk away from the computer.
"Dad?"
"She'll be okay; she just needs to compose herself. You know she hates letting you see her cry."
"That I do."
"And before you saying anything else, know that we know that we can't always protect you. But if it's within our means, we'll do everything we can to do it."
"That I know, especially now. I can't believe you essentially went along with blackmail."
"We preferred strong arming him to see things our way." Blaine and Sebastian both laughed at Mr. Anderson's response. "Are you two going to be okay going back to school?"
"I'm certain of it." Blaine said with a smile that reassured his Dad. "Anyone that was around yesterday knows I've got one heck of a hook."
"That you do. What about you Seb?"
"I'll be good as I'm certain with what's now going on security is going to be high on campus."
"You're probably right. Now, I've got one last thing to say to both of you before I need to get going."
"What's that Dad?"
"Know that none of this or anything else that has happened is either of your faults. Just because others don't accept you doesn't mean what happens is your fault." Blaine and Sebastian looked at each other before looking back at the screen.
"We know." Their unison response made Mr. Anderson laugh. "You should probably get going Dad. Is Mom okay or are we done?"
"I think we're done for now. But call her again this evening, it'll make her happy."
"I can do that. I love you Dad."
"I love you too Blaine. You guys have a good day. Bye." The boys then said goodbye before signing off.
"Is your Mom going to be okay B?"
"Yea." Blaine then set the computer aside and leaned back against Sebastian. "I can't believe they went to those lengths for us. Scratch that, I can, but I can't believe the method."
"That's a better way to put it, especially when it comes to your parents."
"So you're not surprised your Dad resorted to blackmail?"
"Not really. The only thing I can't figure out, is how he pulled it off?"
"You could ask."
"He'll never tell. But I know there were way more people involved than just him and your parents."
"Would he have told Lexi?"
"Maybe, but even if he did we'll never find out. If he told her to keep quiet she will. What about Cooper?"
"If anything, my parents probably only told him the bare basics. So it sounds like we're out of luck." Blaine then rolled onto his side and wrapped an arm around Sebastian's waist. "Do you have any homework to do this morning Bas?"
"No, why?"
"Well…" Blaine didn't even have to finish as Sebastian rolled them over and they went back to what they were doing before they were interrupted earlier.
When Blaine arrived at Jeff and Nick's later that morning he was surprised when Nick answered the door. "Hey man, didn't expect to see you. Shouldn't you be at class?"
"My professor is sick, which worked out perfectly since I've got some stuff I can work on. Plus, it gave me the opportunity to talk to you."
"Where's Jeff?"
"In the shower, you're early. Come on in." As Nick spoke, Blaine looked at his watch and realized Nick was right, he was early. "Have a seat." Once they were both seated Nick turned and faced Blaine. "Are you and Seb alright with everything that's going on?"
"We are, but thank you for asking."
"Now, do you want what happened last night kept quiet or is it okay if the girls know?"
"You can tell them, as I'm sure Brittany had lots of questions for Jeff considering everything that happened last night. And you're free to tell Santana."
"You wouldn't even imagine." Jeff said as he walked into the living room. "She wondered why I was with Cooper and Lexi when they came home last night. She knows something was going on by the way Cooper and Lexi were acting when they left."
"Go ahead and tell her as I'm sure you'll put it in a way she won't freak out."
"How's your hand?"
"Good, these lovely scratches are the only reminder and they aren't that bad at all."
"Now, do you guys know how this news all of a sudden got out?" Nick asked.
"No, but it's about time." Blaine told them, knowing he couldn't say who was behind it. "The fact that he got off for beating Michael was not cool. I'm sure you guys paid better attention to it than Bas and I did. What are they saying?"
"There is an internal investigation going on and they wouldn't be surprised if federal authorities get involved considering a senator is involved." Jeff told him. "All the stations can't believe that he wasn't prosecuted for what he did."
"Neither can I, he should be in jail."
"Wasn't he there last night?" Nick said with a laugh.
"That he was. I wonder if he's still there as he was still in a room when we left."
"After dealing with him yesterday I could see why Seb wanted nothing to do with him. That guy is crazy." Jeff said. "I still can't believe the things he said to you."
"What did he say?" Nick asked.
"Nothing I will repeat as I told you last night." Jeff told him. "He had no right to speak to you that way Blaine."
"According to him, he did. You ready to go since we should be on our way if we want to stop for our usual coffee."
"Yea, just let me grab my bag." When Jeff headed towards his bedroom Nick looked at Blaine.
"That whole situation really pissed him off Blaine. I'd never seen him as pissed as he was last night. Though, I can't say I was much better. I'm honestly surprised Brittany didn't hear us as we were up a good portion of the night talking."
"I know, it pissed me off too. But sadly, I'm more used to at least hearing that sort of crap than he is, well than either of you are."
"You shouldn't be."
"I know. It's like Bas said after his first run-in with Trevor, he took things to extremes. Most of the time is just petty insults that we've learned to brush off." Nick then leaned over and gave Blaine a hug.
"If you need anything just call, okay."
"I will." Just then Jeff returned. "I'll see you later Nick."
"You two have fun."
When Sebastian arrived on campus he was greeted by Nate who was waiting outside of his first class. "You need to come with me Seb."
"Why, I've got class."
"You've been excused. Coach wants to see all of us after what broke this morning." Sebastian shrugged his shoulders and followed Nate. "How's Blaine?"
"He's fine. If you look at him you can barely tell anything happened except for a few scratches."
"How about you, you had all of us a bit freaked last night?"
"I'm better. Blaine and I talked, plus seeing that he was okay made me feel better. Do you have any idea what Coach wants to talk to us about because from what I saw on the news, Michael's name wasn't mentioned?"
"It wasn't, but I'm pretty sure he's going to tell us all to keep our mouths shut. Too many people know what happened, so this was only a matter of time. Personally, I'm surprised it didn't happen sooner."
"Do you mind if I ask what the reaction was when he got off last year?"
"Everyone was furious, since we knew the punishment should've been much harsher. What his Dad did basically made it seem as though what Trevor did was alright. Michael flinched anytime someone came close to him the first few months after he got released from the hospital. It was sad, because as you've seen he's probably one of the friendliest guys on the team. Heck, he's one of the nicest guys I know."
"That he is. Hell, one of mine and Blaine's friends goes to Harvard and he filled us in on what happened. And one of the things he said, was everyone likes Michael. It's pretty safe to say, quite a few people are happy that this got out."
"They are." Sebastian turned to the side and saw Michael standing next to the door talking to a few of the guys. "But I think I'm the happiest."
"Like that cheesy grin you're sporting wasn't an indication."
"Okay, you might've gotten me but I'm not the only one sporting a grin this morning. How's Blaine?"
"He's fine, thanks for asking." The rest of the guys started to laugh at the banter between the two.
"Seb clearly is in a better mood." John said as he pulled Nate aside.
"That he is. As he said to me earlier, it's because once he got home he knew for certain Blaine was alright."
Once the lacrosse team was essentially sequestered in a conference room they waited for their coach and members of the university's public relations department. "Seb." John said as he tapped him on the shoulder.
"Yes?" Sebastian replied as he turned to look behind him.
"Did I just hear Michael correctly that Blaine punched Trevor last night?"
"He did. And considering Blaine's been boxing for at least three years, he connected well."
"Yes!" Before John could ask anything else the room started to fill up. The only people the guys recognizing were their coaches. Then, for basically the next two hours they were told to not say a word to anyone asking about what occurred. All of the guys knew before this meeting started that that was what they were going to be asked to do. They were about to be dismissed when Coach Stevens asked Sebastian and Michael if they could stick around a bit longer. Both just shrugged their shoulders as their teammates began to leave. "I'll be sure to take good notes if you don't make it to class man." John told Michael before he left.
"Will you gentleman please come and sit a bit closer?" The man who headed the University's public relations asked. "Thank you. Now, I want you both to know that we're going to do what we can to protect you both while you're on campus."
"I…we appreciate that." Michael said after looking at Sebastian. "But, I highly doubt his family is going to be letting him out of their sights anytime soon."
"Michael's right. I have a feeling his family is going to be so worried about the fallout of this getting out that he's not going to be leaving their home anytime soon. And who knows, he might actually be in jail after last night." By the time they excused the boys, Michael was missing his next class while Sebastian still had time to get to his.
"Mind if I walk with you, there are some things I think we should talk about?"
"Not at all. I've got sociology next." As they headed out of the conference room Sebastian looked over at Michael. "What is it?"
"Are you sure Blaine's alright? I remember you saying after your initial run-in with Trevor he freaked out a bit."
"He actually is. I think in some way, he's thrilled he was able to defend himself this time. He's not the same defenseless kid when he got the crap beat out of him. Jeff said it was as though Blaine didn't think; it was all instinct when he punched him. Trevor tried to punch Blaine, but Blaine dodged it and came up swinging."
"I wish I was able to defend myself like that when Trevor came after me."
"I know the feeling. It's one of the reasons why I asked Blaine and our friend Hunter if they'd teach me how to box. People get the wrong opinion when they look at Blaine. While he might be small, he's not to be underestimated. Like at the get together when the rest of you met him, that incident only happened because the guy got him completely off-guard. Plus, Blaine being Blaine will rarely ever throw the first punch. That is unless someone is threatening me."
"You two actually make a great team. It's as though there is nothing you don't talk about."
"That's because it took a lot for Blaine and I to even get together. It certainly wasn't a fairytale beginning."
"Regardless of how it started, you guys are happy now."
"Very. Why do I have a feeling you want to ask me something else?"
"Because I do, but I…I sort of needed to know a bit more about Blaine."
"Why?"
"Well, since this is all going to be rehashed again I understand a bit more how he felt when he had the flashbacks….and…I was wondering if you think Blaine would be willing to talk to me. I mean, I talk to my therapist who is wonderful but…"
"They don't truly understand how you feel."
"Exactly."
"I know what you mean. There is only so much I can do for B since I haven't had to go through it. If you want, I can give him a call after class and ask him."
"That would be great Seb."
"Don't worry about it. Now B's schedule is a bit strange on Thursdays so I might not hear back from him right away."
"No hurry. I'll see you at practice."
"See you then."
When Santana arrived in the city that afternoon she couldn't seem to slow down her thought process. With the news that broke that morning and a cryptic phone conversation with Brittany she had a million questions yet she didn't know where to begin. And her and Nick's schedules that day weren't conducive to having a phone conversation and this wasn't something to discuss over text. After getting herself situated at her desk she walked over to Cassie's office door and knocked. With a brisk reply she walked in and was surprised to see Cassie and Tasha leaning against the desk watching the television. "How was the train ride in?" Cassie asked.
"Long, as I missed the express by five minutes."
"That sucks." Tasha replied. "Besides that, how was it?"
"Good as no one sat next to me so I was able to get a good chunk of homework done. What are the two of you watching?"
"We're waiting for the DA's press conference to begin."
"Cassie, could I ask you something not work related?"
"Of course you can."
"Do you want me to leave Santana?" Tasha asked.
"No, as I'm sure you know what's going on. Are Blaine and Seb okay?"
"Why are you asking?"
"Well, this news breaking this morning and then I had a really weird conversation with Britt. And while our conversations can be a bit weird, I feel there was more to this one."
"Close the door and take a seat." Cassie said to her while she muted the television as they still had time before the press conference began. Once Santana was seated Cassie looked at her. "For starters, Blaine and Seb are alright, but something did happen last night."
"Like what?"
"Trevor went after Blaine."
"What?"
"Relax, like I said Blaine's alright. He was sitting at NYU doing homework with Jeff while waiting for Hunter when Trevor showed up."
"Why did he go after Blaine? I thought his issues were with Seb."
"His issues are with Seb, but Seb's pretty well protected at school. Trevor isn't allowed on campus and he can't get near Seb even if the lacrosse team is away as one of his teammates has a restraining order against him."
"So he decided to screw with Blaine to hurt Seb. That bastard!"
"Basically." Tasha replied. "But Blaine was able to protect himself."
"Could I ask how you both know?"
"Hunter called me right after it happened. As he showed up while Trevor and Blaine were rolling around on the ground trying to get position."
"Why did he call?"
"Um, Blaine was taken in by the NYPD."
"And well, I know since I met up with Cassie and Lexi this morning for coffee. Lexi had a bit of venting to do. She's livid about the whole situation."
"Now it makes sense when Britt said Cooper and Lexi ran out for few hours, but when they returned Jeff was with them."
"Yea, Lexi and Cooper offered to give Jeff a ride home since Brittany was baby-sitting. And Hunter took Blaine home and kept him company till Seb got home."
"Where was Seb?"
"He was at a lacrosse game in Jersey." Sensing another question coming Cassie added a bit more. "Before you ask, no, he didn't handle the news well."
"I can only imagine considering how much Seb loves Blaine. Are you sure Blaine's okay?"
"Except for a few scratches, yes." Before the conversation couldn't continue as the press conference began so they put their conversation on hold till it was over.