Two Steps Beyond

Part 95

When Blaine finally got home from school he wanted nothing more than to crash on the couch, but the amount of work he needed to do was telling him that wasn't going to happen. After pulling all his stuff out he grabbed his phone out of his bag and noticed he had a ridiculous amount of text messages. He started to scan through them and stopped once he spotted one from Sebastian. Upon reading it, he felt horrible that it had been sent hours prior and he was just seeing it. Upon reading it he paused for a moment before replying. He wondered what Michael wanted to talk to him about, but he figured what the hell and agreed to meeting with him.

Once that text was sent, he glanced over the remaining messages before going to get something to drink. Upon sitting down, he was about to start his homework when his phone went off again. He was about to ignore it, but once he saw it was from Sebastian he picked it up. From the message it was clear Sebastian was having a day similar to Blaine, where he just wanted to come home and crash. But he quickly asked when Michael could stop by as he soon had to get to practice. Blaine told him that Saturday afternoon was fine since as of that moment they didn't have plans.

Blaine had gotten so caught up in what he was doing that he didn't even hear Sebastian come home. So when he sat down beside him he jumped slightly. "You okay?" Sebastian asked after kissing his cheek.

"Yea. I just didn't hear you come in. How was your day?"

"Long and I had to find someone from my Lit class to get notes from since I missed it."

"Why'd you miss it, you left the same time I did?"

"The University called the lacrosse team into a meeting that lasted way too long to essentially tell us all to keep our mouths shut. I got off easy; Michael missed two classes thanks to them keeping the two of us a bit longer."

"Why you guys?"

"To let us know they were going to make sure we stayed safe. For some reason they felt Trevor would show up."

"That's ridiculous."

"That's what we thought as well. Michael told them he's pretty certain Trevor's family isn't letting him go anywhere anytime soon."

"No kidding. Have you been able to catch any bit of the news today?"

"Not really, why?"

"His dad is being crucified along with the DA. Oh, did you check all your messages?"

"You mean the ones from all the guys?"

"Those would be the ones. I have a feeling they're going to be asking a million questions on Sunday. And, I spoke with Tasha who wanted to make sure we're all good to go next weekend."

"Okay, in response to your first statement, I figured as much since I presume by then what happened to you would've made it through the grapevine. As for the second, yes, we're good to go." Sebastian then grabbed Blaine's glass off the table and took a drink. "Now, I'm assuming you're curious as to what Michael wants to talk to you about. At least that's what I took from your text."

"That would be correct."

"He wants to have a conversation with someone who actually understands how he's feeling. While he's thrilled some sort of justice is going to happen, it brought back memories of what happened."

"I know that feeling all too well."

"I mentioned that to him. And so you know, he said he'd understand if you have a change of heart before Saturday."

"I appreciate that, but I doubt that'll happen. It'll be nice to talk to someone who understands." Blaine then leaned his head on Sebastian's shoulder. "I don't mean that as a knock to you Bas."

"I know that. Maybe by talking to him it'll help."

"What do you mean?" Once Blaine asked, Sebastian leaned back against the couch and brought Blaine with him by wrapping an arm around him.

"What I mean, is that maybe by talking to him you'll stop blaming yourself for what happened back then."

"I don't."

"B, you do. One night you said you never should've gone to that dance. That if you didn't go it wouldn't have happened. It's as though you felt by going to that dance you brought on what happened."

"It feels like it."

"B, if it wasn't you, it would've been someone else. It's like what your Dad said to us this morning. These types of things aren't our fault."

"Speaking of…"

"What is it?"

"Last night I didn't get a chance to tell you everything that happened."

"Then please do."

"He'd been following us Bas."

"Excuse me?"

"Trevor or his friends must've been following us. He said he hated the way we flaunt our relationship by constantly holding hands and kissing in public."

"What else did he say?"

"You mean besides those lovely derogatory terms we have to deal with."

"Yes."

"Well, he clearly underestimated me as he said Jeff would have a better chance defending himself." Sebastian couldn't help but laugh, as he and Jeff were probably two of the least likely able to defend themselves. "And that whatever we do behind closed doors is disgusting."

"Anything else?"

"Oh, that I'd regret punching him."

"Please tell me you told the officers you spoke to that."

"I did. It felt so good to punch him Bas."

"I can only imagine. I'm sure he was shocked."

"He was. He clearly didn't expect that from me." Blaine then reached across and took Sebastian's other hand in his. "How much homework do you have?"

"Enough to keep me busy for a good portion of the night. Why?"

"Well, I got a bunch of mine done so why don't you get started while I take care of dinner."

"B, you don't have to do it, I can help."

"I know, I want too."

Once they finished dinner, they both took their spots on respective ends of the couch and got back to work. Blaine was just finishing up when the doorbell rang. "Are you expecting anyone B?"

"Nope, you?" Sebastian shook his head in response. "Well then, guess I'll go see who it is since so few know where we live." As Blaine headed for the door, Sebastian got back to work. As much as he didn't want to admit it, it could very well be a late night for him. "Um, shouldn't you be a few blocks over." Blaine said after he opened the door and was looking at Santana.

"Oh, I'm going there afterwards. But first I wanted to come and check on you and Seb."

"Alright, come on in. But you could've just called."

"I needed to see for myself." Santana replied before giving him a hug. "Are you alright?"

"I'm fine." He replied once she let go. "Should I ask how you found out?" He asked once they headed towards the living room.

"I had a weird conversation with Britt and then the news this morning. It was all a little too weird."

"Strangely, that makes sense. Who'd you ask?"

"Cassie once I got to work. She and Tasha were waiting for the press conference to start when I got there."

"What was Tasha doing there?"

"They were going over a few things. It was all business related. You're not mad that I asked them, are you?"

"No, as it's not really a secret."

"What's not a secret?" Sebastian asked as he looked over the couch. "Hey gorgeous."

"Hey sexy. Since when do you wear glasses, they look hot!"

"I told him the same thing."

"I wear them when I'm studying. So what do B and I owe this pleasure?"

"I wanted to make sure you were both alright. And before you say it, I know I could've called. Blaine said the same thing. But I wanted to see for myself."

"I know that feeling all too well. While talking to B after everything last night made me feel better, I wasn't completely relieved till I came home and saw him."

"Knowing you, you saw all of him alright."

"I'm right here Santana."

"I know, I just like to make you blush. You're cuter than normal when you do. But since you didn't protest I know it's true. Plus, considering certain conversations it seems that none of the Warblers sex drives are lacking."

"Is that so?" Sebastian asked while raising an eyebrow.

"That is correct. Now, are you guys sure you don't mind Nick and I staying with you so Jeff and Britt can have the place to himself?"

"Positive." Blaine replied. "Are you sure you don't mind staying with us?"

"Positive."

"Now, while I love seeing you, I need to get back to work. And I'm almost certain; a certain brunette is anxiously waiting your arrival."

"He is, but I told him I was stopping by here on my way."

"Should we even ask what your plans are for the night?" Blaine asked.

"Actually, we both have a bit of studying to do. We agreed that if I stay in the city overnight, we can't ignore our work that needs to be done. But once it's done, anything is fair game."

"Now that's what we like to hear. A sexually satisfied Nick, is a happy Nick. Though, he's happy most of the time since you two got together." Sebastian said as he looked up from his book.

"Well, that goes both ways." Santana said with a wink before getting up off the couch. "I'm sorry for coming by unannounced."

"It's okay, we honestly don't mind." Blaine said as he got up so he could walk her to the door. Santana then walked over to Sebastian and kissed him on the cheek.

"I'm glad you're both okay. Night."

"Night." Sebastian replied before they headed for the door. Once they reached the door Santana pulled Blaine into another hug.

"I'll see you guys on Sunday."

"We will see you then. Night Santana." Blaine then kissed her on the cheek, which she did in return.

"Night." Once she was out the door, Blaine locked it as he was certain they weren't going to have anymore company that night. When he walked back into the living room, Sebastian had his glasses on top of his head and was rubbing his eyes.

"Sit up a bit." Blaine said as he walked around to the front of the couch. After Sebastian sat up, Blaine sat down behind him, putting his legs on either side of Sebastian before beginning to rub his shoulders. "How does this feel?"

"It's exactly what I needed."

"I can tell, you're tense."

"No kidding." Sebastian replied, before the softest of moans escaped his lips as Blaine worked out the knots. "Please don't stop anytime soon."

"I won't, since I don't have any more work to do. Just don't fall asleep on me."

"I can't make that promise, though I should."

"Well, don't push yourself too hard." By the time Blaine had ridden Sebastian of his knots and got him relaxed he was already back studying. But considering Sebastian seemed comfortable with how they were sitting Blaine made no attempt to move. Blaine didn't know when it happened, but he fell asleep while Sebastian was studying. It wasn't till he felt Sebastian's lips on his did he realize he'd fallen asleep. "What time is it?"

"It's a little bit after one, time to get you in bed."

"Are you done?"

"For tonight. I can barely keep my eyes open. I'm going to get up a little bit earlier to finish up, since I don't have much left."

"How long was I asleep?" Blaine asked as Sebastian helped him up from the couch.

"I think a couple of hours." Once they reached their bedroom it didn't take either of them long to change and crawl into bed.

When Blaine rolled over in bed Saturday morning he was surprised to see Sebastian standing next to the bed with a tray of food. "And here I thought I was going to have to wake you." Sebastian said as Blaine sat up slightly. Once he set the tray across his lap Sebastian sat down next to him. "Are you surprised?"

"Yes, what do I owe this too?" Blaine asked as he took his coffee cup off the tray.

"I wanted to surprise you, that's all."

"Bas."

"That's it B, but if you don't want it." Sebastian attempted to move the tray but Blaine swatted his hand away. "I thought so."

"Like I'm going to say no to food, especially food you've cooked. I was just wondering if you had a reason."

"No reason, just wanted too."

"Fair enough." Blaine said before taking a bite. "Now, are you sticking around today when Michael comes over?"

"That's up to you. I'll stay if you want me too or I'll go out for a bit."

"Considering the topic, you should probably go out."

"I figured as much, which is why I made tentative plans to go running with Brody. But promise me something B."

"Anything."

"That if you need me to return, you'll call or text me."

"I can do that. Are you guys running in the park?" Sebastian nodded. "You don't want to be too far away, do you?"

"You caught me."

"Thank you." Blaine then leaned over and gave Sebastian a kiss before they finished breakfast.

By the time Michael showed up at their home, Sebastian and Brody were getting ready to leave. After making introductions between Brody and Michael, Sebastian wrapped his arms around Blaine and kissed him. "Remember what we talked about."

"I will. You guys go have fun." Blaine then stretched to kiss Sebastian once more. "I'll be here when you return." Once Sebastian and Brody headed for the door Blaine and Michael each took a seat. "I've got to tell you, I was surprised when Bas said you wanted to talk to me."

"I figured as much, which is why I had him ask you if you'd be willing to talk. Also why I told him I understood if you changed your mind. I know all too well talking about what happened with a stranger can be…awkward to say the least."

"Well, you've probably been able to talk to more people than I have. Not many fourteen year old kids get beaten so badly they end up in the hospital. So the support groups really aren't existent."

"Could I ask you something?" Blaine nodded. "Do you remember what happened to you?"

"Besides a few punches, no. Basically that whole moment doesn't exist in my mind, but I know it happened. You?"

"Unfortunately I remember it all and I wish I didn't."

"If it's any consolation, the guy who did it to you got arrested though he didn't get punished. The guys that did it to me, never paid for what they did. For all I know they kept doing it to others. Maybe, if I could've remembered I could've stopped it from happening to someone else."

"Blaine, if I've learned anything about what happened, guys like Trevor and the ones that hurt you are going to do it regardless of whether they get caught or not. There really isn't anything we can do about it sadly."

"Did you try to defend yourself?"

"I did the best I could, but he caught me so off-guard I really didn't stand a chance. This might sound wrong, but I was so happy when I heard you got him good. He's such an arrogant bastard that I'm certain it pissed him off."

"Oh, it did. It was pretty clear that me punching him was the last thing he expected. But he's clearly not the brightest since he approached me in public when I wasn't alone."

"You're right, he's not the brightest. That goes to show, his Dad got him into Columbia. Now, here is one thing I haven't quite figured out and maybe you can help me."

"What is it?"

"Obviously, you've opened up to Seb and told him what's happened to you. How did you decide who to share it with?"

"I can honestly tell you, when I first told Bas we were just friends. And for the life of me, I don't even remember how it came up. Now, Bas and I have a pretty tight knit group of friends and I only recently told two of them what happened to me."

"You're talking about yours and Seb's friends from Dalton, right?" Blaine nodded. "Since what happened to you happened what I can only assume prior to meeting them. What made you decided to share what happened with some of them now after all this time? Or better, why'd you wait?"

"My beating is what led me to Dalton because of their zero tolerance policies. I was actually in public school when it happened. As to why I just now shared what happened to me, it's because of what happened with Trevor and Bas at orientation. Safe to say I didn't react very well to what happened. And once Bas told me about what happened to you, it got worse."

"Yea, Seb said from what he could tell you had flashbacks."

"That's exactly what happened. And it's a long story, but in the end, it was best to tell Nick and Jeff what happened so everything made sense. But why I hadn't told them prior, I was and somewhat still am embarrassed by what happened. While I know the rest of the guys would probably react the same way as Nick and Jeff, it's hard to admit."

"Blaine, you've got nothing to be embarrassed about."

"Bas tells me the same thing."

"Hell, I can understand it. No one wants to admit they got the crap beat out of them, but…this wasn't a normal situation. It's not like you were in a fight with someone and you knew what you were up against. I can only assume in your case like mine, it happened before you knew what was going on." Blaine nodded. "There is nothing to be embarrassed about."

"I should've been able to defend myself."

"Blaine, don't take this the wrong way, but you were a kid when it happened. And if the guys that did this to you were older you honestly didn't stand much of a chance. I'm capable of defending myself, but in this instance I wasn't able too."

"Okay, maybe you've got a point. But at least now because of what happened I'm more capable of defending myself."

"So it seems. I also hear you're teaching Seb how to box."

"I am along with our friend Hunter. After everything that's happened, Bas wants to feel more capable of defending himself. While he can practically talk his way out of anything his run-in with Trevor touched something inside of him."

"When I heard he actually walked away from Trevor during orientation I was thrilled. Trevor doesn't take too kindly to being spoken down to. And from what I know of Seb, that's what he would've done."

"It's exactly what he would've done. But something about Trevor made him uneasy."

"I'm glad it did. Personally, Trevor is completely unstable. The fact that he chooses to act out the way he does in public isn't normal. I mean, if you want to come after someone, you do it when there aren't others around."

"That's true. I've got to say, when he practically came out and said he'd been following Bas and I, I felt violated. For someone supposedly so disgusted by us, why follow us around. You'd think he'd avoid us at all costs."

"One would think that, wouldn't they? But nothing about what Trevor does makes sense. I mean, right after I came out to the guys, he seemed fine. It wasn't till a few weeks later did he start acting strange."

"That must've thrown you."

"It did since I had no idea he felt the way he does. Could we go back for a minute?"

"To?"

"You telling your friends what happened. How did it feel? Because while the guys on the lacrosse team know what happened to me and some of my close friends. The rest don't, well they will after everything that's come out. But I know everything won't get out so I'll still have to tell them."

"It felt strangely liberating, which is why I'm considering telling the rest of them. As Nick and Jeff put it, what happened doesn't change who I am. And the more I think about it, they're right which I'm sure Bas is relieved to know."

"I am." Blaine and Michael looked back over the couch and saw Sebastian standing there. "Sorry, didn't mean to interrupt. I'm just going to go take a shower. I'll stay in our room when I'm done."

"Bas."

"Yes B."

"Where's Brody?"

"He went home to Rachel. It seems the girls went shopping today and she was anxious to show him some things she bought."

"Well, guess we'll find out what type of shopping it was depending how they're all acting tomorrow."

"Very true."

"Seb."

"Yes?"

"After your shower you don't need to stay in your room. I wouldn't mind if you joined us."

"B?"

"If you want to, there will be a spot waiting for you." Sebastian then winked at Blaine before heading for their room. "Sorry about that."

"Don't be. It's nice to see that everything that's happened hasn't really affected you guys."

"If anything, it's made us appreciate things more. Now, back to what I was saying before Bas came home. What happened is a part of me, that won't ever change. But it doesn't define who I am."

"And how long did it take you to come to that realization?"

"Actually, it only came to me recently. And I'm talking days ago. I wish it had come sooner, because it's as though a weight has been lifted. I had become so worried about what others would think of me, that I didn't want others to know. I'm not saying telling people makes it any easier to deal with, but it helps. Or at least it's helping me. And I'm sure I'm not going to tell everyone I know, but…"

"You'll just know who to tell."

"Yea. I mean, I'm sure most of mine and Bas's friends wondered why I acted in a certain way in given situations or why Bas seemed to act differently around me at a given moment."

"I take it that the way you act, was based off of what happened." Blaine nodded.

"Bas is honestly the only person I've been completely open with about how I feel about what happened to me. While I had told my ex, I'd been beaten. I only told him because he'd invited me to a dance. Beyond that, we never got into it. And he never noticed that I'd act differently in certain situations."

"So you never felt the need to open up more."

"Nope, and if you knew my ex you'd understand. Basically, everything was about him and how I felt wasn't really a priority." The words had just left Blaine's mouth when they heard a knock on the wall. Blaine looked over his shoulder and saw Sebastian leaning against the wall. "Come, sit."

"I was just making sure I wasn't coming in at an inopportune time." Sebastian said as he walked towards them.

"You're not." As Blaine spoke, Sebastian sat down next to him and kissed him on the cheek. "How was your run?"

"Good, we can talk about it later. How's your talking been going?"

"Really well." Michael replied. "Blaine's given me some insight to things and hopefully I've been able to do the same for him."

"You have. You've given me a few things to think about."

"As have you. But, I've clearly taken up enough of your time. I'm sure you and Seb have plans for today."

"Actually we don't so if you still want to talk its fine."

"I appreciate that. And Seb, I appreciate you letting me bend Blaine's ear for a while. But I really should be going. I have a few things I need to get done before this evening."

"Any particular reason it needs to be done before this evening?" Sebastian asked.

"Yes, there actually is. I have a date this evening."

"He better be taking you somewhere nice."

"That actually falls on me. I asked him out."

"Fine, you better take him somewhere nice."

"Is he always like this Blaine?" Blaine nodded. "Anything else?"

"Be a gentleman, unless that's not his thing."

"Well, since it's a first date. I'll clearly be playing the gentleman card. You guys have a fun weekend and Seb; I'll see you on Monday."