Two Steps Beyond

Part 98

When Cooper and Sebastian came walking back over towards Hunter, Sebastian could tell Hunter was irritated. "What is it?"

"Kurt was going to eavesdrop on your conversation with Cooper. Where's Blaine?"

"He's up in an office with his lawyer and the detective." Cooper replied. "Why was he going to eavesdrop?"

"He wanted to know why a detective is here to see B. I told him it was none of his business."

"You're right Bas; it's not any of his business. And if he causes Blaine any more stress right now he's going to have to deal with me."

"Do you mind me asking what's going on?" Hunter asked as one of the interns brought their lunches over to them. The three of them all looked at each other till the interns were gone before taking a seat on the floor.

"Trevor has been charged for attacking Blaine." Cooper said quietly.

"So they believed him."

"Yes, especially since his and Jeff's account of events was corroborated by a few witnesses. It seems a few students saw Blaine taken in as well as Trevor and went down to the precinct and gave statements. Added to those students they spoke to on campus."

"Thank god." Sebastian replied. "So that's why they let Blaine come home that night."

"Exactly. While Trevor wanted to press charges against Blaine, he truly was only defending himself. Not our fault Blaine's got better aim." Sebastian and Hunter both started to laugh. "But what this also means is, Blaine's going to have to go to court as they're pretty certain Trevor is going to fight the charges."

"This would be categorized as a hate crime, right Cooper." Hunter inquired between bites.

"It is. And considering the information that leaked he's not going to get off. He's going to finally pay for what he's done. Hopefully that'll bring Michael some satisfaction." When Sebastian looked down at the ground Cooper scooted a little closer. "What is it Bas?"

"I just wish B could get the same thing."

"He's going to." Hunter replied, but Cooper knew exactly what Sebastian was talking about.

"I know Bas, I know." Cooper said as he reached out and took Sebastian's hand in his own and gave it a squeeze. "I wish he could as well."

"Am I missing something?" Hunter asked to which both of them nodded. "Enough said."

"Sorry."

"Don't be sorry Seb. It's obviously something that isn't to be talked about and that's fine with me."

"Thanks for not pushing."

"Let's say I learned at an early age when and when not to push about a subject."

"Wish others did."

"The fact that you don't bitch about him to Tasha is absurd." Cooper said before glancing over his shoulder to where Tasha was keeping Kurt occupied.

"That's because as much as he annoys the crap out of us, he obviously does a good job otherwise or she would've fired his ass already. We can't help it that he becomes a tool around us."

"I could think of a few other terms that would be more fitting."

"Why Clarington, I thought you were raised with manners."

"I was Smythe, but I also went to military school."

"After seeing you three together we're all lucky that Tasha's siblings are both older than her."

"We're impeccable together Coop."

"Yea, that's one way to describe you three." While the three of them spoke, they knew their lunch break was being extended so that Blaine could take care of whatever was going on. But the longer he was gone, the antsier the three of them became. "I'll be back." Cooper said as he hopped up off the floor.

"He's worried, isn't he?"

"Do you honestly blame him? I'd go and check but Coop's got a better chance of getting some answers. I just hate that he has to go through this alone."

"Seb, Blaine's as far from alone as anyone. The only reason he's alone right now is because you or Cooper can't be there in the room. I'm pretty certain if it was up to Blaine you'd be there with him."

"Hunter's right." The two of them looked up and saw Blaine standing there. "I wish you were." As Blaine spoke he sat down next to Sebastian and leaned against him. "Talk about grueling. I don't know how many more times I can repeat what happened."

"I'm sure you'll manage." Sebastian said before kissing the top of his head. "Care to share?"

"There really isn't much to say. But the detective is surprised that the story hasn't changed from my original interview. He said more often than not numerous interviews are needed to get the true story."

"Goes to show you had no reason to embellish what happened." Hunter told him. "I think often people try to paint themselves in such a perfect light it skews the actual facts."

"You've got a point as he was surprised I admitted to punching him. But how could I honestly deny it when I got him so good. Right now though, the only thing I want is a nap since I didn't necessarily get to relax during our break."

"Guys!" They looked up and saw Tasha standing there. "You guys good to go?" They all nodded, though Tasha could tell Blaine wasn't quite up to it yet. "Did get a chance to eat while you up there Blaine?"

"I did. So you don't have to worry about that."

"Alright, but you look off."

"He's tired." Sebastian replied.

"I can only imagine. How about you guys start getting dressed and I'll send someone on a coffee run, sound good?"

"Perfect." Blaine replied. "I want an extra shot of espresso in mine."

"I think that can be arranged. Now get your butts up and start getting dressed. The girls have already pulled your next outfits."

By the time they were done for the day it was close to ten o'clock and they were all exhausted. "It seems wrong to be so tired and it's only ten." Hunter said as he packed up his bag.

"Tell me about it." Sebastian replied. "At least we get to sleep a little bit tomorrow. I can safely say the only thing I want to do when we get home is go to bed and sleep."

"Blaine will be crushed."

"You're talking about my B who is half asleep on his brother's shoulder right now." Sebastian then pointed over to where Cooper and Blaine were sitting with Tasha. "I wouldn't be surprised if he's asleep before we get home."

"You're probably right. Today certainly wasn't easy for him. I have a feeling going over his statement and everything else wasn't what he wanted."

"That's true. This is not how I wanted to…" While Sebastian was talking Hunter put his finger over his mouth quieting him. "You're kidding me." Hunter shook his head as Sebastian grabbed Blaine's bag off his chair along with his own. "Let's go home!" The two of them then headed straight towards Cooper and Blaine. "Tasha, do you mind if we go?"

"Not at all, I was just telling Coop and Blaine here how sorry I was for the long day."

"It's alright as long as you're happy." Hunter said.

"I'm very happy actually. You did well Hunter."

"Thank you."

"Make sure he goes straight to bed when you get home Bas, no funny business tonight." Cooper said to him.

"Normally I'd be offended by that, but I'm too tired to be. I'll be falling asleep next to him as soon as my head hits the pillow."

"Sounds good, I'll see you guys in the morning." Cooper then kissed the top of Blaine's head before giving him a nudge. "Guys…"

"We've got him. Night!" Sebastian said as he slid his arm around Blaine's waist. It wasn't till they started down the hall did Blaine begin to wake up a bit. "You okay B?"

"I'm exhausted both mentally and physically."

"So are we." Hunter replied as he hit the button for the elevator. "But not as bad as you."

Now that the three boys were gone, Cooper walked over to Kurt who was helping straighten up before the rest of them could head home. "Do you mind if we talk for a minute Kurt?" Kurt looked at the others around him who nodded that it was alright. The two of them then walked over to a ledge near the window. "I need you to do me a favor Kurt."

"And what could that possibly be?" Kurt asked as he crossed his arms.

"Leave well enough alone."

"What did Sebastian say to you?"

"He and Hunter said you want to know what's going on with Blaine."

"Is that a crime?"

"No, but what's going on is really none of your business as Bas and Hunter told you. It might be different if you were still friends with Blaine, but you're not. So, what's going on in his life isn't your concern."

"So I'm not expected to care?"

"No, you can care. But don't expect those close to Blaine to let you in on what's going on in his life. Did you really think Bas of all people will tell you what's going on? Really now. Even if you and Blaine were in a good place, Bas wouldn't tell you a damn thing and you know it."

"But Hunter can know what's going on."

"Yes, he can because he's a good friend of Blaine's, as well as Bas. Blaine gave you a chance for the two of you to be friendly and you blew it by not respecting boundaries. Now, you have to deal with it. And while Bas and Hunter were polite today when you asked, don't expect the same if you try again."

"You call how they acted polite?"

"Considering how they both feel about you, yes. And you know it as well. Now if you don't mind, I'm going to go home to my wife and kids. See you in the morning!" After Cooper grabbed his things and headed out Kurt sat down in one of the chairs nearby and began to think about what Cooper said.

When Sebastian rolled over in bed the next morning he slowly opened his eyes to make sure he wasn't imagining Blaine securely asleep in his arms. Once he was sure he wasn't dreaming he couldn't help wonder where the smell was coming from. It's not like they really had neighbors unless you count who lived above and below them as theirs was the only unit on the floor. Sebastian's eyes slowly began to focus and that's when it dawned on him, it must be Hunter.

Slowly he loosened his hold on Blaine, but soon felt Blaine's hands on top of his. "Where do you think you're going?"

"Take a whiff." Shortly after Sebastian spoke Blaine moved his hands off of Sebastian's arms and sat up in bed. "Seems like our house-guest made himself comfortable. And if he has any manners, he didn't cook for just himself." Sebastian then leaned over and they shared a short kiss before getting out of bed and heading for the kitchen.

"You do know we could sleep in this morning, right." Blaine said as they walked into the kitchen causing Hunter to turn around.

"I know, but my internal clock woke me. Morning!"

"Morning to you!" Sebastian said as he walked over to the coffee pot and grabbed two cups out of the cabinet.

"Coffee is ready and I hope you don't mind I made breakfast."

"Thank you for the coffee and we don't mind as long as you cooked for us as well."

"Of course, it would've been rude otherwise." Hunter replied. "Am I to assume the smell made its way to your room?"

"It did." Blaine replied as he took his cup from Sebastian. "It smells great."

"Thank you. I'm a bit relieved that it woke you. I wasn't sure how I intended on waking you."

"Where you afraid of how you were going to find us?" Sebastian asked, cocking his eyebrow in the process before going to get the juice out of the refrigerator.

"No, as you left your door open so I assumed you behaved last night. Let's not forget we were all exhausted last night." They both nodded. "What I meant was, I remember the others saying how hard it was to wake Blaine and I wasn't sure how easy it was to wake you Seb."

"That makes sense." Blaine replied. "For future reference, Bas is easy to wake. Just rub his back or shoulder slightly."

"And you?"

"Leave that up to me." Sebastian said. "He's a bit more difficult."

"Bas is right. Somehow he's the only one capable of waking me without me turning into a complete grouch."

"I'll make a mental note of that." While they finished their conversation, Blaine got up and set the table while Sebastian helped Hunter finish up. "Considering yesterday, I figured we could all use a decent breakfast."

"So very true." Blaine said. "I can't believe how long the day seemed."

"It was longer for you B because you didn't get the same type of downtime we got." Sebastian said as they all sat down after Hunter served up their plates. "Did the detective say if he was going to be talking to you again?"

"No, but I didn't ask."

"If I was to guess, I have a feeling they'll see you a few more times." Hunter said between bites. "Especially if this ends up going to trial which it most likely will after what came out. There is no way Trevor is getting off this time."

"We can only hope."

"B, Hunter's right, he's not going to get off. I only wish he was going to get the punishment he rightfully deserved after what he did to Michael."

"Agreed." Blaine said. "It's rather sad that he's going to get punished for just going after me while he put Michael in the hospital." Hunter then glanced over at Sebastian and tilted his head towards Blaine. "What?"

"You need to tell him Seb."

"Tell me what?" Blaine asked stopping his fork just before his mouth.

"Take your bite B." Sebastian said as he reached for the jam in the middle of the table. Once Blaine swallowed, he turned his attention towards Sebastian while glancing at Hunter. "Yesterday while you were speaking with the detective Hummel got nosy." Blaine leaned his head back before looking at Sebastian again.

"What did he do?"

"He wanted to know what was going on. He wanted to know why a detective was there to see you."

"What did you tell him?"

"That it was none of his business." With Sebastian's response, Blaine ran his fingers through this mess of curls. "Safe to say he didn't take it well."

"Really. And coming from the two of you that's a surprise."

"Seb was actually polite considering the circumstances."

"I take it you weren't?" Blaine asked.

"I wasn't as polite, though I wasn't rude. I could've been worse considering he was going to eavesdrop on a conversation between Cooper and Seb."

"He never would've known if the detective didn't come to see me."

"It's not your fault B, and he still doesn't know anything. Oh, he's not happy that Hunter knows what's going on with you and he can't."

"Uh, Hunter's my friend and he's not. That's not even getting into the fact that Hunter was there."

"We know that, but I thought you should know. But call it a hunch I have a feeling Cooper is going to step in."

"Why is that?"

"He was not happy upon hearing Kurt was asking what was going on." Hunter said. "And that only got worse when he found out Kurt was going to eavesdrop."

"A few years ago, I would've laughed at Cooper stepping up like that. But now, not so much. He's grown up and he definitely puts his family first now."

After enjoying breakfast and cleaning up the boys just had enough time to shower before the car would be arriving to pick them up. "Now, we all agreed, to keep the conversation today away from what's going on, right?" Blaine said as they rode down in the elevator.

"Relax B, it'll be fine. There are too many other things we can talk about. The only reason it was even discussed yesterday was because the detective showed up."

"Seb's right, everything will be fine. If he attempts to find out what's going on, once again he'll be shut down."

"I wish it was that easy." Blaine said as they walked through the lobby. "But Kurt doesn't give up that easily."

"Tell me something I don't know B."

"Cute Bas, I was telling Hunter."

"Oh, from everything you guys have told me I guessed as much. The difference, unlike the two of you, I have no reason to be nice to him. I can be a bonafide bastard to him and not care. I can't stand when people stick their noses into something that isn't any of their concern. And if he ever truly cared about you Blaine, he'd listen to those close to you when they tell him to stay out of it."

When they arrived at the studio, Cooper was already there talking with Simon and Tasha. "Morning guys!"

"You're way to alert for someone who should have jetlag." Hunter told him.

"What can I say; being on the East Coast is good for me." Blaine and Sebastian shook their heads before going to set their stuff down.

"What was that about?" Hunter asked once they all took their seats.

"While my brother is way too alert, neither of us needed to know why."

"Oh, sorry." Hunter said while laughing slightly. "I should've guessed that's why he was in such a good mood."

"Don't worry, we'll remind you the next time your sister or Donovan look overly happy." Sebastian replied with a smirk.

"Thanks."

"No problem."

They were still getting their hair done when Cooper came walking over with a tray of coffee and handed one to each of them. "Thought you guys might need these though you were all rather awake when you walked in."

"Thank you Coop, we appreciate them." Sebastian and Hunter nodded in agreement. "And, we're awake because we actually ate breakfast before coming in. Hunter cooked."

"Did he?"

"I did. Figured it was the least I could do since they put up with me for the weekend."

"Like I said, such hardship." Sebastian replied with a slight laugh. "Honestly, it wasn't a big deal. Right B?"

"Bas is correct." Blaine then looked around slightly before setting his eyes back on Cooper. "Where is he?"

"Running an errand but he should be back soon. And don't worry, he shouldn't be a problem. He and I had a little talk yesterday."

"Told you." Cooper looked at Sebastian after he spoke. "What, I assumed you talked to him after how frustrated you seemed."

"I did and told him to leave Blaine alone."

"Hopefully it works." Hunter said just as Kurt came walking back in. "Speak of the devil." Blaine then swatted Hunter on the arm. "What, I don't care if he hears me. But for your sake I'll tone it down."

"Thank you. I just want a relatively quiet day after yesterday."

"Understandable."

"Crazy how B can get the snarkiest of us to behave, isn't it Hunter."

"It is, though you'll behave more than I will. I personally enjoy pissing him off, he gets so agitated."

"Don't let Bas fool you, that used to be his favorite past time. He only stopped because Kurt began to drive us even crazier if possible."

"That's hard to believe."

"Put it this way, when the guys saw Bas was behaving, they took up the mantle and drove him crazy."

"For some reason that, I do believe."

Once they were all dressed and back on set for the next day of shooting, they soon found their groove from the previous day. Before they were even a quarter of the way done the previous day they'd falling into a comfortable rhythm. More often than not, Blaine ended up being in the middle of somewhat tiered shots since he was the shortest. Though, thanks to props they were able to make him a bit taller without it being noticeable. One shot they were really pleased with put Sebastian in Blaine's usual spot but sitting on a makeshift wall with Hunter behind him and Blaine and Cooper flanking him.

They were just about to go through the next round of shots when Tasha stopped them. It seemed somewhere between the faux snow and the lights the guys hair wasn't holding up as well as the previous day. So while the hair stylists went back to work Tasha and Simon glanced at their photo board. "Even with everything that's happen, are you sure you still want that shot of the two of them alone?" Simon asked, remembering all too well what happened at Cooper's premiere.

"Yes, especially since the shot isn't my idea. But if it turns out right, it's going to be amazing."

"It will be and I'm certain it will turn out. They're more photogenic than they realize, all of them actually."

"I think three of them know, but like Blaine and Seb, it's going to take Hunter awhile to get used to it."

"Ms. Saunders."

"Yes Kurt."

"That detective is back again, but this time he doesn't want to speak with Blaine."

"Who does he want to speak to?"

"Hunter. He said it wouldn't take as long as it did with Blaine."

"Alright, tell him he can have Hunter in a moment. We need to finish up these shots first."

"Very well."

They were all back in their spots when Tasha walked up to them. "What now?" Cooper asked.

"The detective is back." All eyes seemed to go straight to Blaine. "He doesn't want to talk with Blaine this time; he wants to speak with you Hunter. I told him he can have you once we finish these shots since he said it won't take long. And it'll give us some time to take some shots we have set of just Blaine and Seb."

"Alright." Hunter replied before she walked away.

"Do you need to call anyone?" Sebastian asked.

"I will, it all depends on what he wants to talk to me about."

After they finished their current set up Hunter headed towards the detective while Blaine and Sebastian went to change once again. "Seems someone's smitten with you both." Cooper said as they changed.

"Why do you say that?" Blaine asked.

"Because she rarely gives input on editorials as she loves what Tasha does. Yet, she's requested shots of just the two of you together."

"What can we say, we're just stunning together." Sebastian replied as he began buttoning his shirt.

"As much as I'd like to disagree, I can't. You two do look good together."

"Glad you think so, but don't get too comfortable Coop." Cooper looked up from his chair and saw Tasha standing behind him. "They girls have something for you to put on as well."

"I thought you had shots to take of just Blaine and Bas."

"I do, but I also have a few that need to be taken of the Anderson brothers together. So get a moving while we get started with Blaine and Seb."

"See you soon Coop!" Blaine said with a smile before he and Sebastian headed off. "Hunter doesn't look happy Bas."

"I notice that as well." Sebastian then looked around and smiled. "Good, he's minding his own business."

"Huh?"

"I was afraid Kurt was going to go and spy on Hunter's conversation."

"He might be stubborn, but I doubt he'd go so far as to eavesdrop on a detective."

"Maybe, but I'm just happier that he's standing where he is."