Two Steps Beyond

Part 97

By the time Blaine arrived home on Friday he was surprised to see both Sebastian and Hunter sitting on the couch studying. "A little late, aren't we?" Sebastian said after giving Blaine a kiss once he sat down next to him.

"Just a little. Hey Hunter! If I knew you were going to be home Bas I would've called. Shouldn't you be at practice?"

"Should be, but the sprinklers broke so right now our practice field looks like a marsh. So, Coach told us to all just take the day off as long as we get a workout in this weekend."

"Not surprisingly, none of them argued." Hunter chimed in.

"Like you're one to talk. You guys got out of practice the other morning because it was raining. What the hell was that about?"

"Just because we're on the water doesn't mean we like to be drenched. Plus it was windy as hell which made the water choppy."

"Excuses."

"Same could be said for you since you guys could've practiced indoors."

"No one can say the testosterone level in this place is lacking." Blaine said with a laugh which caused Hunter and Sebastian to just look at each other before starting to laugh as well.

"That's very true." Hunter replied. "So what kept you? Seb was getting worried."

"I was not."

"You were too. If you looked at your watch one more time I was going to throw something at you."

"I was helping Bryan and Dylan with an arrangement they were working on. And in case you were worrying Bas, next time I'll send you a text even if I don't think you're going to be here." Sebastian smiled at Blaine at that comment. While it could seem a bit much, with everything that had happened it was understandable there could be some concern if they weren't where they usually were.

"Sounds like they're pulling you in more." Sebastian said as he set his text book down before wrapping an arm around Blaine.

"They might be, but it's been fun. Working with them is a lot like working with the Junior Warblers. They're basically starting from scratch."

"Ah, my B, always up for a challenge."

"That I am. Plus, it was hard to say no when they found me today after class."

"You need to switch up your day if people keep finding you." Sebastian told him.

"I have after what happened with Trevor. But, they found me because one of the guys is in my sociology class so they knew where to find me."

"Sounds like they know a good thing when they see it." Hunter said.

"As long as they know he's taken, fine."

"They know." Blaine replied with a grin.

"Getting cocky now, aren't we?" Sebastian said as he pulled Blaine onto his lap. "I like."

"Guys, I'm sitting right here." Hunter said with a laugh while looking at them. While Blaine and Sebastian could get a bit carried away, they never took it to the point they or one of their friends would be embarrassed. Once Blaine settled on Sebastian's lap he looked over at Hunter.

"How was your date last night?"

"How do you know about that?" Hunter asked while looking at Sebastian.

"You knew I'd tell him. So, how was it?"

"Better than the gala."

"So, no groping in public." Blaine said to which Hunter nodded. "Are you going to see her again?"

"I am, mainly to see if this is something I want."

"How so?" Sebastian asked.

"I had fun last night, but I don't know."

"Something was missing, wasn't it?" Blaine said.

"Yea, but it could be because it was the whole first date thing and we're still getting to know each other. I figure, if the first date isn't a disaster you should always give it a second try. It'll give you a better idea of things. But if after that if you're still unsure, it's a no."

"That's an interesting way to view it, makes sense. How'd you meet her?"

"One of my teammates introduced us. She's a friend of his girlfriend. It seems she took an interest in me at one of the meets."

"Ah, I could see how that could happen." When Hunter shrugged his shoulders Blaine tilted his head to the side. "Why is it you say you're fine going on a second date but are acting as though you really don't want to?"

"Probably because a part of me is doing it for a friend more than anything else. She's not necessarily my type. Don't get me wrong, she's a nice girl she's just…" Hunter didn't finish his sentence as he couldn't seem to find the right word.

"Don't torture yourself." Sebastian told him. "Not worth being unhappy about."

"I'm not unhappy Seb; I'm just unsure which is why I'm going on a second one. But if I still feel the same after this one I won't."

"Why do I have the feeling this teammate is an upper classman?" Blaine said.

"Because it is, it's my captain actually."

"Now that explains everything." Sebastian said. "I wouldn't want to piss off my captain either. Even I would sit through an awkward second date for that."

The next morning when the alarm went off Sebastian reached over to turn it off while Blaine was still sound asleep on his chest. Even though the three of them went to bed rather early for them knowing they had an early start, it didn't make waking up any easier. "B…B…wake up." Sebastian said as he began to rub Blaine's back. Once Blaine began to stir slightly Sebastian attempted to sit up slightly. "Come on B, we need to get moving."

"What time is it?"

"Five and the car will be here at quarter to six." As Sebastian spoke Blaine rolled onto his back. "I'll go start coffee and make sure Hunter is up."

"Alright, I'll…start the shower." Blaine managed to get out through a yawn. Sebastian then leaned over to give him a kiss before getting out of bed. Instinctively Blaine rolled over to where Sebastian had been lying as he attempted to wake up.

After starting the pot of coffee, Sebastian headed towards the guest room they'd set Hunter up in. Since the door was cracked open, Sebastian knocked lightly before pushing it open. When he walked in Hunter was lying on his side facing the wall. Sebastian was about to nudge him when Hunter's alarm went off. "I take it I need to get moving." Hunter mumbled without even rolling over.

"Yes. How'd you know I was here?"

"I saw the additional light enter the room from the hall."

"Got it. Yea, you need to get moving. Everything you'd need is in the guest bath and I've already started a pot of coffee."

"Good, I'm going to need it." Hunter said as he sat up in bed and ran his fingers through his hair.

"You're just like B and I. We don't function well without it. And a reminder, the car will be here by quarter to." Sebastian then walked out of the room and headed for the kitchen for coffee before heading back towards his room. After taking off his sweats he walked into the bathroom where Blaine was already in the shower. "It's not fair looking so amazing so early in the morning. Especially on a morning when there is nothing I can do about it." Sebastian said as he stepped in behind Blaine and pulled him close.

"Guess you'll just have to make it up to me." Blaine replied while glancing back at Sebastian who met him with a kiss after he was done speaking.

"Gladly."

By the time they were both dressed and packed for the day they headed back to the kitchen to fill up their travel mugs. When they walked in they found Hunter sitting at the table. "For someone who has practice in the mornings, you're not very coherent." Blaine said as he took the mugs down. "Want one?" Hunter nodded before turning towards them.

"Yea, it takes me a while to get moving. So, how long will the day be?"

"From what Tasha said the other day, real long. But hopefully it'll be productive because last time we had a productive first day we got to sleep in a bit the next." Sebastian replied. "B, any word on whether or not Cooper's joining us?"

"Don't know as I haven't talk to him in a couple days since he's been on the opposite coast."

"What's he working on?" Hunter asked while they waited for the new pot to finish.

"He's doing some voiceover work for the movie that comes out in the spring."

"I see. That would explain why Lexi was at our place with the kids the other night."

With it being early on a Saturday morning, the ride over to the studio seemed to go by quicker than usual. When they arrived, the three of them were all finally wide awake as the wise cracks didn't seem to stop. As they walked into the loft Tasha was standing there with her arms crossed. "Morning!" Sebastian said warmly upon seeing her.

"Morning! From the sounds of it you three are in a good mood. I could hear you all the way down the hall."

"You could say that." Hunter replied while trying not to laugh.

"Why do I have a feeling I don't want to know?"

"That's because you know us." Blaine replied. "Is that snow?" He said after spotting something out of the corner of his eye.

"It's as close as one can get without it being the real stuff." Tasha replied. "Now, why don't you guys go put your things down and start getting ready? Hunter, just follow Blaine and Seb."

"Got it." As they walked away Simon walked up behind her.

"I have a feeling we're going to get some great shots today."

"Agreed considering how good of a mood they're all in. Have you heard back from him?"

"His flight got in about a half hour ago so we should be seeing him soon."

"Perfect! I really hoped he'd be able to make it home. I just hope he's not too tired because of the time difference."

"You know him. Just get him some espresso and he'll be wide awake and after seeing the boys he might need it even if he is awake. Though, knowing him he'll feed off their energy." The boys had all just finished getting dressed and were sitting down to get their hair done when Blaine could tell someone was standing behind him.

"Is that my oh so charming brother?"

"The one and only. Did you miss me?"

"No."

"Thanks a lot."

"You know I'm kidding. How was LA?"

"Warm, but I missed my family. Hey guys!" Sebastian and Hunter both responded. "Guess I better get changed, you boys are well ahead of me." After Cooper walked away Blaine glanced over at Sebastian.

"You look really good Bas."

"So do you as does Hunter. But, if I do say, I want Hunter's sweater."

"It's pretty nice, isn't it?" Hunter replied.

"It is." Blaine replied. "Did you see who it's by?"

"No, but I'll take a look when I take it off."

"Don't you all look handsome?" Tasha told them as they all got out of their chairs. Hunter stood before her in a pair of smoky blue pants, white chunky turtleneck, along with a white cable knit cardigan. While Blaine had on what Sebastian deemed to be wearing the perfect pair of dark blue pants that accentuated his assets perfectly and a merlot shawl collar sweater. To round things out Sebastian was wearing pants, similar in color to Blaine's sweater and a charcoal gray sweater. As the boys headed towards set to see what Simon had in mind while Cooper finished getting ready Kurt came walking towards them.

"Morning Kurt." Blaine said while Hunter and Sebastian just looked at him.

"Morning."

"Is there something we can do for you?" Hunter asked once Kurt continued to stare.

"They're sending someone on a coffee run and I was supposed to see if you guys wanted anything."

"I think we're good for now, but thanks." Sebastian replied. Kurt mumbled something and began walking away but not without looking over his shoulder once at the boys. "Someone can't seem to take his eyes off of you B, though I don't blame him."

"Thanks, but he could've just as easily been looking at you two as well as you both look amazing."

"Why thank you, but Seb's right he was looking at you Blaine." Hunter told him as they all reached the set. "More specifically, your ass which had Seb's hand on it."

"I can't help it; these pants show it off perfectly." Sebastian replied while trying to maintain his innocence.

"I'd prefer not hearing about how perfect my brother's ass is." Cooper said as he walked up behind them.

"Sorry Coop, but it is perfect. And to quote my sister, it runs in the family because she thinks yours is fantastic as well."

"What can I say, she's got excellent taste."

"What are you four talking about?" Tasha asked.

"Seb was talking about how great Blaine's ass is and Cooper said he didn't want to hear it till Seb said Lexi thinks his ass is fantastic so it runs in the family."

"That's a good summary Hunter." Blaine said. "If I didn't know better I'd think the pants we're all wearing were chosen on purpose." With that said all four of them looked at Tasha.

"What, I cater to my cliental. It's not my fault you all fill out the pants well. Now come on, we've got lots to get through." After she spoke they walked onto the set while she headed towards her seat near the monitor.

"What a surprise, Coop's wearing blue." Sebastian said with a laugh.

"Funny, not like I didn't see a few green sweaters on your rack. Though, I really like that dark green pea coat."

"What are the two of you talking about?" Hunter asked.

"If you remember from the fitting, Tasha has a tendency to put Coop in blue to bring out his eyes." Blaine replied.

"That's right.

"By the way Coop, stay away from my coat." Sebastian replied as Simon's assistant help put them where they were wanted.

"I just said I liked it, not that I wanted it."

"Guys, you realize you've all got similar coats, just different colors." Tasha told them.

"We know." They all replied which caused everyone to laugh.

"Personally, Hunter's burgundy one is the sharpest. It's not the norm." Blaine said.

"B's got a point. Plus, that's one time Coop's not in blue."

Once they got started the conversation dwindled as they were all paying attention to what Simon needed from them. When they went to change Sebastian looked over at Hunter. "You okay?"

"Yea, it's just like the two of you said it would be. And we're getting paid to do this."

"Exactly our thoughts." Blaine replied. "Wait till after the list shots get done, that's when the fun begins."

"What do you mean?"

"He means, Simon lets us basically do what we want as he snaps. It's where that one picture of Coop and I swinging Blaine on the boat deck came from."

"Got it."

"Blaine was right Hunter; your coat is the nicest." Cooper said as they all walked back to set.

"I've got to agree. I don't think I ever would've bought one this color before but now, I just might have too." As Hunter spoke Blaine and Sebastian looked at each other. "What?"

"You should've looked a bit more closely at your contract." Sebastian replied which caused Hunter to shrug his shoulders. "All the clothes you're wearing will be delivered to your place once we're done. It's one of the perks of doing an editorial. It's part of the payment since they were all fitted personally to us."

"Sweet!"

Once they were set up again, they all started to laugh as the snow began to fall. "Really Tasha." Cooper said.

"Yes, trust me on this. And before you try, it doesn't pack so you can't attempt making snowballs."

"You tried?" Blaine asked and she nodded. "It's probably safer that way considering whom you have in front of you."

"My thoughts exactly."

While the snow didn't pack, it didn't stop the guys from goofing around. And at one point Sebastian was attempting to make snow angels. As he did he didn't even notice Blaine and Hunter standing above him till they both dumped huge amounts of snow onto him.

"Are you sure hiring the three of them was a good idea?" Cooper asked as he watched.

"Like you're much better." By the time Sebastian got up off the ground, the hair stylists were back over to fix all of the guys' hair. Once they were ready to get back to work Tasha started to laugh as she noticed her monitor filling up. It seemed like last time; Simon caught all of the hijinks on camera. "Those are good."

"I think so too." He said quietly as the guys took their spots once again.

"When we're done with this round, it's time for lunch so change out of your good clothes. Don't want to risk you spilling anything when you might need to put them back on tomorrow."

While the guys were hungry they knew the promise of lunch wasn't coming anytime soon. They knew they still had at least an hour of photos to take before they'd be breaking. The pace was a bit frantic at times, but the ability to let loose once in a while made time move a bit quicker. When they finished the currents shots all them went to change. They easily could've put on what they arrived in, but they all just pulled sweats and t-shirts out of their bags to put on.

"How long have we been at it?" Hunter asked as he stretched out on the floor.

"About five hours." Blaine replied. "And I'm almost certain we've got more than that ahead of us."

"B's right, we've barely made a dent in the clothing racks. And they know they have to get all the shots done since Coop goes back to LA Sunday night."

"Coop, where are you going?"

"To call my wife. Someone come and get me when lunch arrives." The three boys all nodded before he walked away.

"He's got a crazy schedule ahead of him." Hunter said.

"How so?" Sebastian asked.

"I saw Cass's calendar. Right after Thanksgiving he starts the promotion tour for the movie that's coming out before Christmas. This one's a bigger deal as he's got premieres overseas to attend." Blaine and Sebastian looked at each other. "Take it from your reactions you didn't know." They both shook their heads. "If it makes you feel better, Lexi won't be alone. I know Cass and Tasha plan on staying with her while he's gone to help with the kids."

"Cass won't be with him?"

"She'll be there for some, but not all as she has a few premieres stateside to deal with as well. But she's definitely going to be with him for the big LA premiere. Cass is trying to convince Lexi to go with Cooper."

"Why doesn't she want to go?" Sebastian asked.

"She doesn't want to drag the kids across the country for a few days right before you guys all go back to Ohio." Sebastian then looked across at Blaine.

"What is it Bas?"

"I've got an idea."

"Do I even want to know?"

"It's a good one, trust me. Ask me about it once we get home."

"How about now since who knows when we're going to get home tonight? Come to think of it, you're crashing with us again tonight, right Hunter?"

"That was the plan I thought." Hunter replied.

"It was, I was just making sure you didn't change your mind."

"No, you're stuck with me again."

"Such hardship." Sebastian said mockingly.

"Now, what's your idea Bas?"

"Do you want me to leave?" Hunter asked.

"No, you're good unless listening to family talk bothers you."

"No, I'm good." Blaine then looked at Sebastian.

"Fine. I was thinking we offer to bring Jocelyn and Braeden home with us, that way Lexi wouldn't be dragging them across the country."

"That's actually a really good idea."

"I thought you two were driving home so you didn't have to ship gifts." Hunter said.

"We are. But Blaine's car has more than enough room for the car seats or we could always take their SUV which already has the car seats installed. What do you think B?"

"I say we mention this idea of yours to Coop when he comes back. I'm sure he wouldn't object to some alone time with his wife while I'm sure my parents would love having Jocelyn and Braeden to themselves for a couple of days."

"We could…" Sebastian didn't finish speaking as he noticed a shadow looming in their little corner that most definitely didn't belong to Cooper. "What?"

"There is someone here to see Blaine." Kurt replied.

"Who?" Blaine asked.

"A detective."

"I'll be back guys." Blaine then leaned over and gave Sebastian a kiss before walking over towards the doorway where the detective waited.

"Is there anything else we can do for you?" Hunter asked.

"Why is a detective here to see Blaine?"

"It's none of your business." Sebastian replied as he got up out of his chair to stand in front of Kurt. "Anything else?"

"Detectives don't just come to speak to someone without a reason." As Kurt spoke, Hunter got up off the floor.

"Seb said it's none of your business Kurt, so drop it."

"So he knows, but you won't tell me."

"Yes, Hunter knows but that's because he's B's friend and you're not. So what's going on in B's life is none of your business. Now, if you don't mind I'm going to go and tell Cooper what's going on?" Sebastian was about to walk away when Kurt grabbed ahold of him. "What the hell do you think you're doing?"

"I want answers Sebastian."

"Too bad because you're not going to get them. Now let me go before I tell Tasha what a little bitch you're being." Once Sebastian walked away to go speak with Cooper, Kurt turned to follow but was stopped with Hunter's hand on his arm.

"Where the hell do you think you're going? Are you going to try and listen in on Seb's conversation with Cooper?" Kurt just glared at Hunter. "Well, that's not going to happen as what's going on as Seb said, is none of your business. And if you're smart, you'll stay out of it."

"Who the hell do you think you are?"

"I'm their friend and if you ever gave a damn about Blaine you'll leave him alone. The last thing he needs right now is to deal with your bullshit. He's got more than enough on his plate to not have to worry about you being intrusive."