Two Steps Beyond
Part 99
"Wonder how long we're going to be kept waiting today?" Kurt said to no one in particular as he looked across the room where Hunter was standing with the detective. Seeing the two of them together he realized that Hunter was involved in what was going on with Blaine, more than he realized. The only thing he didn't know was if Sebastian was involved as well. While he watched Simon work his magic with Blaine and Sebastian, Kurt took his phone out and began searching the police blotter in the local papers. Curious if they could fill in the blanks as to what was going on.
After not finding anything, he typed Blaine's name into the search engine. The only results that appeared were photos of him at Fashion Week, articles about Cooper's outburst at the premiere, and one video link that he wonder what it could be about as it was labeled Blaine Anderson confirms boyfriend. Knowing he couldn't risk someone finding out what he was watching he pulled a set of headphones out of his bag and plugged them in. Upon pressing play he watched what he realized was a paparazzi video that caught Blaine and Sebastian hand and hand during a walk. While numerous questions were thrown at them, and for the most part ignored. He noticed they turned to face the paparazzi once they stopped in front of a home, which he assumed was Cooper's. And that's when he heard it, Blaine telling the paparazzi that yes, Sebastian was his boyfriend.
While those words didn't surprise him since he obviously knew they were together. What caught his attention was how completely at ease the two of them were while questions were being shouted at them. As much as he didn't want to admit it, he was finally seeing what everyone else saw a long ago, Blaine was happy. Happy in a way Kurt hadn't seen in a long time.
"Kurt, could you come here for a minute?" Tasha asked from her spot. Kurt nodded and took the headphone out of his ear and walked over. "I need you to grab that basket of scarves for me; this shot needs a little something extra." When he came back over with them, he watched as she dug through the basket for what she was looking for.
"Are you looking for Blaine or Sebastian?" He asked as she had a few scarves draped over her arm.
"Seb." Kurt then pulled a Blackwatch tartan scarf out of the basket.
"I think this would be perfect." Tasha looked at him for a moment and then at the scarf he'd handed her.
"You're right, it is. Thanks."
"You're welcome." Kurt then took the remaining scarves from her while she walked over with two in hand.
"I think the lights are making me delirious." Sebastian said as she put the scarf around his neck.
"You heard?"
"We did." Blaine replied.
"Did he openly pick something that looks good for me without an attitude?"
"He did. It was actually the scarf I was looking for; I'm impressed he chose it. Maybe he is finally moving on."
"I don't know about that." Sebastian said quietly.
"You're always the pessimist Seb."
"Do you blame me, especially when it comes to him?"
"Not really. Let's just try to get through this day with nothing happening." Tasha said as she put a scarf around Blaine's neck.
"I'll play nice as long as he does."
"That's all I ask."
Once she walked back behind her monitor, Simon got back to work. The smile on everyone's faces showed that the shoot was going as planned. Cooper looked on as the proud brother; happy with how far they'd both come. He was so caught up in what was going on that he jumped slightly when Hunter walked up next to him. "Sorry."
"It's okay. They look good, don't they?"
"They do, though don't tell them I said that."
"What, you don't want to stroke their egos anymore?"
"Not really, though it's always fun to banter with them. And after what I just went through, I'd rather do just that, so please, tell them I think they look good."
"What's going on?" Cooper asked quietly, finally taking his eyes off of Blaine and Sebastian to focus on Hunter. "Do you need me to call Cassie?"
"No need to call her, I'm just frustrated."
"If that's all it is, you need to hide it from them. Blaine doesn't need the stress and you know Bas will freak if he thinks something is wrong."
"I know. Seb and I talked the other day after class and realized its crap like this that makes us want to do what we're planning to do."
"If one was smart they'd never get in the way of the forces of Smythe and Clarington."
"You're right; it could be dangerous for anyone going up against us. Honestly, we both cracked a few more books in the last week or so because of this."
"That doesn't surprise me at all." Just as Cooper finished one of the interns walked up to him and told him he was needed. "Guess this is where I leave you, but I'm sure Bas will keep you company."
"Thanks." As Cooper headed towards set, Sebastian walked off while Blaine changed slightly from one sweater to another. "You two looked to be having fun."
"We were. We've learned some of the best shots come when we forget the camera is there."
"Not like that's hard for you two when you're staring into each other's eyes."
"We were not."
"That's what you think."
"Fine, so, how did it go?"
"Well enough, but we can talk more at school on Monday."
"Got it."
Once they realized they only had a little bit more to do, they all decided to bypass their last break and finish up. While the last of the group shots were finishing up Tasha sat back in her chair and smiled. While it was a long couple of days, she couldn't be happier with what she'd been seeing on the monitor. And the fact that the boys didn't need to rush off and do homework helped lessen the stress she'd been feeling going into the shoot. "You did it again." Tasha turned her head and saw Kurt standing next to her. From the puzzled look on her face he spoke again. "I said you did it again. These shots have been amazing. In the beginning I was shocked you'd chosen Blaine and Sebastian, but you clearly know what you're doing. And the addition of Hunter was an excellent one as well."
"Thank you Kurt. I must say, I'm quite pleased with how this weekend turned out."
"You have good reason to be happy. While the days have been long, everyone gave you everything they had knowing we were in a time crunch since Cooper has to leave tonight." Tasha looked at him again, slightly thrown by his change in demeanor. "What?"
"I've never heard you be so honestly complimentary towards them before. Normally there's a bit of sarcasm behind your remarks."
"That's true, but let's says I've had an epiphany."
"If that's true, embrace it." Tasha had just finished speaking when Simon nudged her.
"Unless there is anything else you want, I think we're done."
"We got all our special shots, these last ones were just your typical ones with the guys. So guys, go change, you're done!" All four of them smiled before going to change as the crew started to clean up. "Next time you'll be seeing the boys will be after the new year, minus one."
"Let me guess, Cooper."
"That is correct. He starts filming his new movie the beginning of the year. So it'll be the three boys and whoever else I decided as I'm pretty certain Hunter will want to do this again."
"Coop, will you have time to spend with your Lexi or are you going straight to the airport?" Sebastian asked as he got dressed.
"Since we finished early I'll get to spend some time with her and kids before I leave. Personally, I wish I didn't have to go back. At least it's only for two days."
"Did coming home for this interrupt things?" Blaine asked.
"No, they decided to take the weekend off which was why I was able to come home. As for your idea about Christmas, Lexi is thinking about it and I think she's going to say yes. Your thoughts were correct; you'll be taking our SUV if you go home with the kids. That way we'll have a car and a way to bring all the gifts home because you know the grandparents are going to spoil Jocelyn and Braeden."
"That must mean we'll be flying home." Sebastian said.
"That is correct. We fly in, you fly home."
"That works." Blaine said as he put his shoes on. "Hunter, what are your plans for Christmas?"
"Breckenridge to do some skiing with the family."
"Are you going to be home for New Years?"
"That depends, should I come back to the city?"
"We are."
"Is everyone else?"
"So far the only one unsure is Thad and that's because he's not sure what his holiday plans are yet."
"Sure, why not as I'm sure by then I'll be more than ready to ditch my family."
Sebastian and Hunter continued the conversation when Cooper pulled Blaine aside. "I know you don't want to talk about this here, but…"
"I know, you're leaving and we need to."
"Are you really okay about everything that's going on?" Cooper asked as he sat down on a stool so he was looking Blaine directly in the eyes. "Because you know if you're not, you can talk to me."
"For the most part I am, though…" Cooper took Blaine's hands in his when he paused. "I…I just wish that things could be simpler and not be so angled in a certain direction."
"You're upset that this isn't a simple case of assault, that it's being view as a hate crime." Blaine nodded. "I know this is probably a stupid question, but have you talked to Bas about it?"
"I have and he gets it, but it doesn't make either of us feel better. While we know the laws have been put in place for a reason, they were put in place for more serious matters, like what happened to Michael."
"And you."
"Coop."
"Blaine, I know you don't like talking about it, but it doesn't mean none of us think about it. When Jeff first called me I felt sick to my stomach because I knew the only reason he'd call me is because something happened to you."
"Sorry."
"You've got nothing to be sorry about. It's the ignorant assholes of the world that need to apologize. Who would've ever thought I'd be happy to hear my little brother was in police custody." Cooper said the last bit barely above a whisper. "I love you Blaine and the thought of anything happening to you scares me."
"You sound like Mom and Dad."
"This is one time I won't deny a comparison to them."
"They'll be happy to know that." Blaine said with a smirk. "But I get it, for the first time in a long time I honestly get it. What happened to me didn't just affect me; it affected you, Mom, and Dad but in different ways than it affected me."
"Aren't you the enlightened one?"
"Recently, yes. So, if I do need you Coop, I'll call, promise."
"You must think I'm silly for thinking you'd rather talk to me than Bas."
"No, it's not silly. You're just reminding me I've got people besides Bas I can talk to and count on."
After noticing how deep the conversation between the brothers had gotten, Hunter and Sebastian stood back and just watched the exchange, essentially ending their conversation in the process. "Is everything alright?" Hunter asked.
"I think so. It looks as though Cooper wanted to talk about things before he leaves again. Lexi said he wasn't happy having to leave so soon after everything. Felt he should be here for B, but she convinced him it was alright. That she was here if B needed anything and they both know well enough it would have to be something pretty important for B to call them. I'm not saying they don't talk, but…you get it, right?"
"Yes, I get it. She convinced him that Blaine's okay and he can't put his life on hold in fear of something else happening."
"Exactly. So, are you going to come home with us or are you going straight back to your place?"
"I need to go back to your place as I didn't pack everything this morning, but then I need to head home. Thanks again for letting me stay with you guys."
"No problem. Have you thought about Tasha's offer?"
"You mean doing this again?" Sebastian nodded. "I have and I will as long as it is with you guys."
"Cool." After Sebastian answered he looked up and saw Blaine and Cooper walking towards them. "Ready to go home?" He asked upon wrapping an arm around Blaine's waist.
"I am. You coming Coop?"
"No, I need to talk to Tasha first. How about we make plans to get together when I come home?"
"As long as it's not Wednesday, sure." Sebastian replied.
"Alright, how about we do something on Saturday?"
"I think that can be arranged." Blaine said as he grabbed his bag off the chair. "Bas and I will figure something out with Lexi."
"Sounds good." Once they all said their goodbyes, the boys headed for the door after saying goodbye to Tasha and Simon. They were just about through the door when Sebastian tightened his hold on Blaine's hand slightly upon seeing Kurt staring at them.
"Bas?"
"Nothing B, let's go." It wasn't till they were in the elevator on their way to their waiting car did Blaine turn to Hunter.
"What happened?"
"It was basically what happened to you. He wanted to go over what I saw and asked if I knew anything else. I mean, the whole thing was a bit of a blur once I saw you guys. He asked if I knew what was happening prior to my arrival and I told him what you and Jeff had told me. Oh, he asked why I was so certain that those guys weren't stopping Jeff from helping you hurt Trevor." Sebastian and Blaine laughed loudly at the last bit. "My reaction exactly. I told him, I know you and Jeff and the two of you attacking someone isn't in your nature."
"That's ridiculous. The thought of B attacking someone is crazy."
"We know that, but he was just doing his job. I know you probably don't want to hear this, but I have a feeling this is going to get ugly. Trevor's not going to go down without a fight."
"That doesn't surprise me." Blaine said as they got into their car. "While I know his punishment won't be what he deserves, hopefully some justice is served."
"Oh, it will be."
"You seem certain of that, care to explain?" Sebastian asked.
"Well, I did some digging and…part of Trevor's previous deal was he had to stay out of trouble for, if I remember correctly two years."
"That obviously didn't happen."
"Exactly, which means he besides what happened with Blaine he can get punished for violating the terms of his deal."
"Do you have that information still because I'd love to see it?" Sebastian said.
"Of course I do, I'll give it to you tomorrow."
"You two could be a force to be reckoned with." Blaine said.
"Funny you say that Blaine, your brother said the same thing. He said he wouldn't mess with the forces of Smythe and Clarington."
"Sounds like a law firm."
"It does." Sebastian smirked. "Though, we might have to add a third name."
"Thad?" Blaine said and Sebastian nodded.
"That might not be a bad idea." Hunter said.
"New York beware." Blaine said with a laugh. "I could actually see you guys doing that."
"And you could be our resident psychologist." Sebastian said. "Cause you know, some clients are a little crazy."
By the time they got home they were ready to just spend the rest of the day relaxing. "Do I even want to ask what you guys are going to do once I'm gone?" Hunter asked after he'd gotten the rest of his things out of the guest room.
"I'm going to cuff Blaine to the bed and have my way with him." Sebastian said, keeping the most serious of expressions on his face.
"I knew I shouldn't have asked."
"That's not what's happening." Blaine said while nudging Sebastian in the side. "We're going to curl up on the couch and watch a movie."
"Okay, well which ever you choose to do, enjoy yourselves. Seb, I will see you tomorrow and Blaine, I'll see you Thursday."
"Sounds good." Blaine replied as they all headed for the door. After saying goodbye to Hunter, Sebastian closed the door and wrapped his arms around Blaine. "Did you really have to say that to him Bas?"
"What?" Sebastian replied, while attempting to give Blaine his most innocent of looks.
"You told Hunter that you were going to cuff me to our bed."
"If it was anyone else I probably wouldn't have. He has no idea what we're into. Well if I said that to Jeff or Nick, they'd totally believe it."
"I'm pretty sure Hunter believes it from the look on his face."
"I'm sorry B, I really am. Can you forgive me?" Sebastian says softly as he caresses Blaine's cheek. "I forget you're still a bit shy when it comes to certain things."
"It's alright, and you're forgiven. For all I know Hunter thinks you were joking and I read him wrong which is entirely possible." Blaine then gave Sebastian a gentle nudge towards the living room. "Now, is that really what you want to do?"
"Yes, but I also wouldn't mind curling up and watching a movie. We can just let things happen."
"If that's the case, let's watch it in the bedroom. That way we don't have to worry about moving later on. And after the past few days we've had, I'd prefer our comfortable bed if anything does happen."
"Works for me. You pick the movie and I'll grab us something to drink."