Two Steps Beyond
Part 125
When Blaine woke up on Wednesday morning he was in bed all alone. Once his eyes focused he looked around the room and then out onto the balcony. There leaning against the railing stood Sebastian and if Blaine knew him well enough, presumably a cup of coffee in hand. After making his way out onto the balcony Blaine wrapped his arms around Sebastian from behind. "Morning."
"Morning." Sebastian replied while glancing over his shoulder. "I didn't wake you did I?"
"Not at all. It's a beautiful morning, isn't it?" Blaine said as he rested his head against Sebastian's back.
"It is. I can't remember the last time I've slept this well."
"Me either. There is something to be said about falling asleep to the sound of the waves crashing ashore."
"Agreed. I think we need to get down here again whether that be during spring break or during the summer." Sebastian told him as he placed one of his hands on top of Blaine's which were wrapped around him.
"You won't get any objections from me. Plus it'll give us a chance to do some more diving."
"It's addicting, isn't it?"
"It is. Now I know why my Dad and Coop enjoy it so much. Speaking of Coop, do we have to get them at the airport today?"
"No, Lexi said they are renting a car when I talked to her yesterday. This way we can go out and about without having car seats in the back if we want."
"Won't get any complaints from me. When are they getting in?"
"Their flight gets in around noon so depending on luggage and such I expect we see them no later than one."
"So our nudist days are about over."
"Only for a few days as I would like to go back to them after they leave. That is, unless you don't want to." As Sebastian spoke he turned in Blaine's arms.
"No, I want too. It's made for some interesting moments. Plus, we've both got amazing tans now."
"Yea, tan lines aren't an issue." Sebastian said with a laugh causing Blaine to just shake his head at him. "What do you say we make the most of our last little bit of time alone for a while killer?"
"Sounds perfect."
After their plane landed Cooper heard Lexi take a relaxing breath. "Guess I wasn't the only one needing to get away, huh?" Cooper asked after kissing her on the cheek.
"You definitely weren't. These last few days have been a bit crazy."
"You're right, they have. But for the next few days I'm all yours and I plan on making the most of them." Once they gathered all their bags, they went to go and pick up their rental car. "Please tell me you spoke to Bas and reminded him we were arriving today."
"I did. Why are you afraid we might've walked in on something?" Lexi said as they loaded the car.
"Slightly."
"Fear not, they know. Also know they've agreed to watch the kids whenever we want."
"You're kidding."
"I'm not. They know this is some of the last bit of time we'll have together before you leave so they are all for letting us enjoy it." Lexi told him.
"Remind me to thank them."
"Don't worry, I will." The drive to the house was absolutely beautiful and just what Cooper and Lexi both needed. When they pulled into the drive they were more than ready to relax. After getting the kids out of their car seats, they headed inside knowing they could get the rest of their things in a bit. "We're here!" Lexi called out as they walked through the house.
"We're out back!" Came the sound of Sebastian's voice through the house. When they walked through the doors Lexi and Cooper found Blaine and Sebastian stretched out on lounge chairs. "Welcome to paradise!"
"Thank you!" Cooper replied. "From the looks of it you two have been enjoying yourselves."
"We have." Blaine replied. "Now, why don't you two give us the munchkins so you two can go and change?"
"That's an excellent idea Blaine." Lexi replied. "But, you need to sit under the umbrella since they don't have sunscreen on."
"We can do that." Sebastian replied. "Plus we figured that would be the case which is why the umbrellas are up in the first place." They then got up and took Jocelyn and Braeden from Cooper and Lexi. "Go! By the way, we took the master bedroom since we're here longer."
"I figured as much." Lexi then took Cooper's hand and they headed to go get their bags before changing.
"Are you ready to play in the sand?" Blaine asked Jocelyn who was in his lap, holding on tightly to his hands. "I am too."
"Well, you two can play in the sand while Braeden and I play in the water." Sebastian replied.
"Or we do both." Blaine said with a smile.
"That works. And it's not like we're not going to have time with them. Coop and Lexi need this time together."
"Agreed. I can't believe he's going to be gone for almost three weeks."
"Me either. By the way, Lexi hopes we won't mind watching them a couple of times once we're back so she can get her Christmas shopping finished."
"I think we can do that. That just reminds me, when we get home and decorate we need to be careful since these two will be around. Nothing fragile where little hands can get to it."
"Good idea. When do you want to put that stuff up?"
"I say we start after we get settled back in. Since it'll probably be during the week when we start so we can take our time. But I'd like to have it finished before that weekend though since we have practice the first weekend back."
"Well, considering my schedule if you don't go to glee rehearsal on Tuesday we could get quite a bit of it done before your lab."
"Alright. I will skip rehearsal so we can decorate. But I have one request."
"Anything."
"Be careful what you say Bas."
"Honestly, anything for you B."
"Fine, we play Christmas music plus you have to wear a Santa hat."
"Deal, anything else?"
"If you're up to it, I'd love to see you in those boxers I got you last year."
"Nope, not going to happen."
"But you said anything."
"If you didn't have your music lab to get to that night, I would. But you know us B; we'd get distracted if I was dressed like that."
"Okay, you've got a point. But I want to see you in them more than once."
"That is something I will happily do as long as you wear yours as well."
"Deal."
"Should we interrupt?" Cooper asked as Lexi leaned back against him. "Or should we go and start enjoying our vacation as well?"
"While I want to get to the enjoying, I want to get the kids ready first. Then I'm all yours." Lexi told him. "But it looks like they're having quite the conversation."
"We can hear you." Sebastian said. "And we're done, so come bother us."
"Sorry." Lexi said as they walked closer.
"You've got nothing to be sorry for." Blaine told her. "But you know, we're more than capable of getting the kids ready. So, we're going to take them inside and get them changed and you two start relaxing."
"Don't forget sunscreen."
"We won't." Sebastian replied as they got up. "And so you know, there is a pitcher of daiquiris in the fridge all set for you to enjoy." Lexi and Cooper smiled at each other as Blaine and Sebastian headed inside with the kids.
"You weren't kidding when you said they'd take care of the kids, were you."
"Told you I wasn't." Lexi replied. "Now why don't you lay that gorgeous body of yours down and I'll go get us some daiquiris."
"I'll be here when you come back, just don't make me wait long."
"I won't." Lexi then gave Cooper a kiss before heading inside. When she opened the refrigerator she was surprised to see it was actually filed with real food and not just junk food. After pouring her and Cooper each a glass she was just putting the pitcher back in the refrigerator when Sebastian came walking in with Braeden. "Don't you two look cute?"
"Of course we do, it's in the genes." Sebastian replied. "I know I already told you, but we've got them so just enjoy this time with Cooper."
"We really appreciate this more than you guys know." Lexi said as she looked around. "Where's Blaine?"
"I'm right here." He said as he came around the corner with Jocelyn. "She didn't like the first hat I put on her so we had a slight disagreement but it's all settled."
"Princess, were you giving your Uncle Blaine a hard time?" The three of them couldn't help but laugh as Jocelyn shook her head. The timing couldn't have been better and their laughter brought smiles to both of the kids.
"See Mommy, she was being good." Blaine replied. "Now you need to go be not so good."
"Blaine." Lexi said, slightly shocked by what came out of his mouth.
"What can I say, B knows his brother and we know the two of you which is why we're taking the kids to the beach." Sebastian said. "And, we'll call before we come back."
"I love you guys."
"We love you too." Sebastian then kissed her on the cheek before they sent her back outside. "What do you say munchkins, ready to go to the beach?" When they both started to babble Blaine and Sebastian looked at each other. "That sounded like a yes to me, what about you B?"
"I think so too. So, let's go have some fun!" After rounding the corner they both picked up the bags they'd packed and headed for the car.
When Lexi walked outside Cooper had done just as she'd asked and was stretched out on one of the loungers. "Your drink my dear." She said as she sat down beside him. "It's beautiful out."
"I'd say the view just got better." Cooper replied before giving her a kiss. "Are the boys coming back soon?"
"They're not." When Lexi answered, Cooper slid his sunglasses down his nose and looked directly at her.
"Why?"
"They took the kids to the beach so we could have some time alone. And Blaine of all people basically told us not to behave."
"He knows us well."
"Bas said the same thing. So, you ready to make the most of this time alone?"
"Absolutely."
"Jeff…Jeff…Come here!" Brittany called out through the apartment. When Jeff walked into the living room he found Brittany sitting on the couch.
"What's going on?" He asked as he sat down next to her.
"Look." Brittany then turned the laptop to face Jeff. "Don't they look cute?" When he looked at the screen, looking back at him was a picture of Blaine and Sebastian along with Braeden and Jocelyn playing in the sand.
"Yea, they look cute. It looks like they're having fun!"
"I think so too. The water looks so pretty. I wonder how warm it is there."
"Why don't you tweet Seb back and find out." Brittany smiled before sending a message back to Sebastian. "Considering the tans they've both gotten it must be pretty nice."
"What tans?" Nick asked as he walked into the room.
"Check your phone, Seb tweeted a new photo."
"It's eighty-three according to Sebby. And they're having lots of fun." Brittany told Jeff once she got a response.
"You're right; they've both got a nice tan. Lucky bastards."
"That's not nice Nick."
"Sorry Britt. And you're right, it's not. Judging from those smiles it looks like they're enjoying themselves."
"Did you ever doubt that they would?" Jeff asked. "And considering where they are, it's rather hard not to."
"Not really." Nick replied. "Now, did Cassie honestly say we don't have to bring anything tomorrow?"
"She said the only thing we need to bring is our appetites as everything else is taken care of."
"It's nice that she asked us to come." Brittany said as she set the laptop on the table before curling up against Jeff who wrapped his arm around her.
"Agreed." Nick said. "Wonder if Thad plead our case?"
"I think it was both Thad and Hunter after we told them we were going to attempt making dinner on our own." Jeff replied. "And don't worry, Hunter said Cassie has no problems with us watching football all day. She prefers people stay out of her way."
"Cool. I still feel like we should bring something."
"Your Mom would be proud." Jeff told him. "And, I've take care of it."
"I thought…"
"I ordered flowers for us to bring over. Plus we can grab a bottle of wine from the cabinet."
"See, now your Mom would be proud."
"What can I say, I try."
"Try what?" Santana asked as she closed the door.
"To make his Mom proud." Nick replied before giving her a kiss.
"Awww, but both you boys always make your Moms proud. You look happy Britt, what's going on?"
"Did you see the picture Sebby put up?"
"No, thanks for the reminder as my phone died on the way home."
"Again?" Nick asked as he pulled her close.
"Yep, safe to say it's time to replace it."
"Well, the stores are still open if you want to go now."
"You wouldn't mind?"
"Not at all. Considering tomorrow is a holiday it'll be getting a lot of use and you don't want it dying in the middle of a conversation."
"True. Are you two going to come?" Santana asked.
"No, we're going to stay." Jeff replied. "Do you guys want us to take care of dinner tonight or are you going to eat out?"
"Take care of dinner." Santana replied. "Since when we get home I'm going to want to do nothing but relax."
"Long day?" Brittany asked.
"Yes. So once we get back I'm going to put on some comfy clothes and just chill."
"I think that can be arranged." Nick replied. "We shouldn't be long."
"Alright, we'll see you two for dinner." Jeff said as Nick helped Santana back on with her coat.
"Sounds good." Once they walked out into the hallway Nick turned Santana towards him. "What is it as I can tell something is going through that head of yours?"
"Honestly, it's nothing." Santana replied as she rested her head on Nick's shoulder. "It was just a really long day. And if you think I look tired, you should see Cassie. She was going non-stop today and I'm pretty sure she's still working from home."
"That bad." Nick said as they got onto the elevator.
"Not bad, there is just so much to do with Cooper's premieres and the others she has to go to. It's a logistical nightmare. I was getting confused looking at her schedule alone. Safe to say just because she'll be gone, I'll still be super busy."
"It's nice that she can count on you."
"She said the same thing. Said her last intern was an idiot and that she always had to recheck everything which made giving them something to do pointless."
"So she doesn't double check your stuff?" Nick asked, slightly confused.
"No, she does but it's not the same. The other person made constant mistakes which didn't alleviate any of her stress, he just added to it. When she checks my stuff the added stress isn't there as I do exactly what she asks. I mean, the last guy actually screwed up her flight plans and that can make or break her schedule."
"I can see where that could cause problems."
"Yep. Plus, he forgot to send the lists to the stations of what questions can and can't be asked. And you wouldn't believe how complicated those lists can get. I mean, we've watch those shows and been shocked when interviewers ask certain questions."
"You mean the ones where you can tell the actor is in total shock that it was asked?"
"Exactly. I mean, if you want an interview with someone wouldn't you make sure you didn't alienate them."
"Does Cooper have a list like that?"
"He does, but his is relatively tame compared to a lot that I've seen."
"Let me guess, he won't talk about Blaine."
"You know I can't tell you that Nicky."
"I know, but it doesn't take a genius to figure it out. Cooper's the one in the spotlight, not Blaine and Cooper prefers to keep it that way. And I'm sure Blaine prefers it as well."
"True, but it's not like Blaine isn't in the spotlight of sorts, same with Seb since they've been in those editorials."
"Speaking of editorials, your newest issue arrived and Britt was gawking at the guys."
"Really?"
"Yep, it did wonders for Jeff's ego."
"She didn't mean it like that."
"He knows. But after hearing her, he and I had to look at the spread they did."
"And?"
"She was right, they look great, all of them."
"That's right; Hunter was a part of it this time as well along with Cooper. Now I can't wait."
"Crushing the ego dear."
"I'll make it up to you, promise."
When they finally returned to the house that evening, Sebastian and Blaine hoped Lexi and Cooper had gotten their texts since neither had responded. "This could be awkward Bas." Blaine said as he shifted Braeden in his arm after setting his bag down.
"It could be. Here's hoping they were just lazy or sleeping. And please tell me I'm not the only one with sand everywhere."
"You're not; I think we all need a shower/bath. But I don't regret it one bit."
"Me either. These little ones aren't the only ones that had fun."
"I never would've guessed after that giant sandcastle you built."
"It was quite spectacular, wasn't it?" Sebastian said with a smile as they carefully made their way through the house. They'd just rounded the corner and were relieved by what they saw. "I think they're enjoying themselves."
"I think so too." Blaine replied as the two of them watched Lexi and Cooper dancing out by the pool. "What do you say we go give these two a bath before telling them we're back?"
"That works." They were just turning around when they heard Cooper's voice calling for them. "Guess that's not going to happen." Sebastian said as they headed towards them. When they reached the back Cooper and Lexi each took the kids from Blaine and Sebastian.
"You guys really didn't have to be gone as long as you were, but thank you." Cooper told them.
"It was our pleasure. We had fun." Blaine replied. "And before you ask, yes, we took a ton of pictures."
"I'm jealous." Lexi said as she held Jocelyn close.
"Of what?" Sebastian asked.
"You two got to have some firsts with them. You took them to the beach and took them into the ocean."
"Sorry."
"Don't be, if it wasn't with me and Coop I'm glad it was with you two."
"If it makes you feel better, we took video too." Sebastian replied. "So the feats are well documented."
"Thank you."
"We know you." Blaine replied. "And we didn't want to be yelled at for not capture these moments."
"Did they have fun?" Cooper asked.
"Yes." Sebastian told them. "They enjoyed playing in the sand and they enjoyed the ocean. At least from what we could tell."
"Trust us; you would've known if they were unhappy."
"Did they take a nap?" Lexi asked.
"They did." Blaine told her. "They both napped in complete shade, so don't worry."
"I wasn't. I knew you two would take good care of them. What did you do while they napped?"
"We read and took turns going into the water to cool off." Sebastian said. "It was really relaxing. Did you two enjoy yourselves?"
"We did." Cooper replied. "Thank you."
"You are welcome. Now, we're going to go shower and rid ourselves of sand." Blaine told them. "And these two need a bath."
"We figured they would. We'll let you two shower first." Lexi told them. "Just don't take too long."
"Spoil sport." Sebastian replied before taking Blaine's hand and walking back inside.