Two Steps Beyond
Part 127
When Dylan and Bryan walked into rehearsal late that afternoon they were surprised to only see Jeff sitting at the piano. "Hey!"
"Hey!" Jeff replied. "Before you ask, I'll just tell you, Blaine won't be here today."
"Is everything alright?" Dylan asked as he set his bag down.
"Yes. He's at home with Seb getting some of their Christmas decorating done. Since they went away for break they have some catching up to do. They want to have most of it done before this weekend since we have friends coming into town. And some of them are staying with them."
"And they don't want boxes everywhere." Dylan added.
"Precisely. But he said if anything comes up that we can't handle we are more than welcome to call him."
"Since I know you've seen him, did he have a nice vacation?" Bryan asked.
"He did, it was exactly what he needed. He did nothing but relax and enjoy himself."
"Good for him." Dylan said as the rest of the guys came in. "He deserved it."
By the time Jeff and Bryan walked into the class room for their music lab they were surprised to see Blaine already there. "How'd the decorating go?" Jeff asked as he sat down.
"We're just about done, though we need to buy a few more things. But now it's presentable. Cookie?" Blaine said as he put a container on the table.
"Did you make them?" Bryan asked.
"No, these are courtesy of my sister-in-law. She brought them over while Bas and I were decorating. She thought they'd help with the mood."
"These are really good."
"Agreed." Jeff said. "How's she doing?"
"Good. Her plan is took keep herself busy and so you know, Britt brought cookies home as well."
"If you don't mind me asking, why is she keeping herself busy?" Bryan asked.
"Coop just left for Europe to promote his new movie."
"Huh?" Blaine and Jeff looked at each other after Bryan's response.
"Sorry, my brother is Cooper Anderson."
"That's your brother!" Upon his answer, all the eyes on the room fell onto him. After the three contained their laughter, Bryan looked at Blaine and Jeff.
"Yes." Blaine replied softly. After he did Bryan took a closer look at him.
"Now that I look closer, I can see a resemblance."
"You can really notice it when they're together or especially when they're with their parents." Jeff said before grabbing another cookie. "There is no doubt the family is related."
"The same could be said for you Jeff."
"True, but nothing is as uncanny as the resemblance between the Harwood boys."
"That I can't argue with." Blaine said. "How'd rehearsal go?"
"Pretty well, but you could tell quite a few of the guys weren't ready to get back to work after break." Bryan said. "Things got off to a pretty slow start which pissed Dylan off."
"Yea, that was a sight to see." Jeff added. "Reminded me of Wes actually. The normally calm demeanor dashed by frustration."
"Sorry I missed that. But are we talking full out Wes rant or moderate one?"
"Moderate though he was teetering on full out a few times."
"Who's Wes?" Bryan asked.
"He was a Warbler. He was head of the council which ran the Warblers." Jeff explained. "And he's still a close friend."
"Sounds like all of you guys stayed close."
"We did, we're like brothers." Blaine told him. "There isn't anything we wouldn't do for each other. We actually make it a point to get together once a month since we're not all in the same place anymore."
"That must be fun."
"It is." Jeff replied. "It makes for some interesting weekends."
When Jeff got home that night he was exhausted and he wasn't quite sure why but he was relieved to find the apartment empty. After setting his bag down, he headed for the kitchen and noticed writing on the white board.
Out Christmas shopping, be back later – Nick
He then took his phone out and saw a text from Brittany saying she just left class and was on her way home. Knowing Santana was usually there when he got home; Jeff assumed that she was out shopping with Nick. So, he grabbed something to drink out of the refrigerator before grabbing his bag once more and heading for his room. With as tired as he was, he really didn't want to risk falling asleep on the couch knowing everyone else would be home soon.
After turning on the television knowing Brittany would want to catch whatever Christmas show was on, Jeff got changed before settling in bed with his laptop. While he worked on his paper, he was knocked out of thought when his phone went off. Upon picking it up he was surprised to see a text from Megan asking for gift ideas for Brittany. He was in the mist of answering that one when his phone went off again. This time it was also from Megan but asking me to remind Nick to answer Ally whom Jeff assumed asked a similar question about Santana. "Whatcha doing? Brittany asked when she walked into the room seeing Jeff had both his laptop open and he was on his phone.
"I was working on my paper before Megan sent me a text."
"How is she?" Brittany asked as she changed.
"Good, how was class?"
"It was alright. Brody wasn't there and the replacement teacher wasn't as fun."
"Did they say why he wasn't there?"
"No, but I sent Rachel a text and asked her." She replied as she put her pajamas on. "And she said he was busy working on a performance piece that he needs to present next week. Scoot over." Jeff did as she asked and Brittany curled up next to him, but made sure not to displace his laptop.
"You're freezing." Jeff said as he wrapped an arm around her and pulled the covers up over her. "Did it really get that cold out?"
"Yes, since I had to walk a few more blocks than usual."
"Why?"
"There was something going on at the usual station so they told anyone that usual got off there to get off as the train wasn't going to be stopping."
"I'm sorry sweetie. Do you want me to make you some hot chocolate?"
"Normally I'd say yes, but I don't want you to go anywhere." She replied as she tried to get closer to him.
"What if I text Nick and ask when they'll be back? And if it won't be long maybe he'd make some."
"Okay, but only if he doesn't mind."
"If the station is still closed, I'm sure he'll be making some for them at least I'm assuming Santana is with him."
"She is." So as Brittany tried to warm up with some of Jeff's body heat, Jeff sent a quick text to Nick telling him the situation. It didn't take long to get a reply back and Nick said it wouldn't be an issue. He also thanked Jeff for the heads up as he and Santana were just about to get on the subway but would take a cab instead considering all they were carrying. "What did he say?"
"He will make some hot chocolate when he gets home and he thanks us for the heads up."
It was about a half-hour later when Nick came walking into Jeff's room with two cups of hot chocolate and some cookies. "Such service." Jeff said as Brittany eagerly took her cup from Nick.
"What can I say, cookies and cocoa go together and we're not at a loss for cookies at the moment."
"This is really good." Brittany told him. "I approve."
"I'm glad you do. I remembered you have quite the standard when it comes to hot chocolate. How does it measure up with the stuff Seb made for you?" Nick asked as he sat down on the chair in Jeff's room.
"Just as good. Where's Santana?"
"Hiding things she bought."
"Did you guys get quite a bit of your shopping done?" Jeff asked.
"We did, but we're still not done."
"Oh, make sure you get back to your sister."
"Already done. I answered her on the cab ride home. Now, if you don't mind I'm going to leave you two to enjoy while I go and make some for Santana and myself."
"Thanks man."
"You are welcome. Good luck on your paper."
"Thanks."
By the time Sebastian got to school on Wednesday, he was finally starting to get back into the swing of things again. He was just leaving his last class of the day when Hunter caught up with him. "Have you been trying to avoid me?" Hunter said once he was beside him.
"No, sorry if it's seemed like that." Sebastian replied as they walked. "I've just had a lot going through my head since we got home."
"Okay, I just thought I'd check after what I did before you left. You're not mad are you?"
"I'm not. I actually appreciate it, so thank you. My mind was racing a few hundred miles a minute that day and most of it wasn't good."
"I could tell. You know you weren't the only one thinking about him, right?"
"I do. Nick and Jeff made a point out of reminding me of that. I just felt helpless that day and wanted nothing more than to be with him."
"You don't have to answer, but how did it go?"
"It went well. B said Trevor's lawyers were just as Michael had described, but they were unable to trip him up. He said Cooper almost busted out laughing and his lawyer snapped a few times. The worst part was how long it lasted. He's certain they could've finished way sooner than they did."
"I know the feeling."
"Shit, how did yours go?" I feel like such an ass. I haven't asked you or Jeff about it."
"That's because you've been preoccupied and that's alright. With everything Blaine is dealing with and Cooper being gone you've got your hands full. I can tell you, my lawyer was clearly irritated. Trevor's lawyers tried to get me to say I used undo force in taking down one of his friends. And that Trevor feared for his life when I grabbed a hold of him."
"You've got to be kidding me."
"I wish I was. When we left my lawyer looked at me and laughed. If me flipping his buddy scared him god forbid he finds out what I'm really capable of."
"I'd actually pay to see that." Sebastian said with a smirk. "Now, while I'm going to ask Jeff do you know how it went for him?"
"Like Blaine and myself, he said it took way too long considering what happened and the amount of time it took. Trevor's lawyers were doing everything to try and get Jeff to say that Blaine provoked him."
"See, I can understand them doing that but I don't think they realize it couldn't be further from the truth. Blaine's not that type of person. He's not an instigator. I mean, the only time I've ever seen him go on the offensive is against Kurt. And that was a personal matter, not something random like this."
"With everything I've ever heard about Kurt, I can see how he could push Blaine to that point. Just the little bit of time I'd been around him I was ready to punch him. But back to important matters, I don't think Blaine has anything to worry about. Trevor is going to regret the day he ever messed with Blaine because it's going to make him finally pay for what he did to Michael."
"B said that's the only good thing to come out of all this, because whether or not Trevor was convicted for what he did to him it still violated the terms of the deal. So regardless, Trevor is going to pay."
"Very true. So, what are yours and Blaine's plans for your usual Wednesday date night? But please, I don't need all the details." Hunter said with a laugh as he nudged Sebastian.
"We're actually having dinner with Lexi tonight."
"That's very sweet of you both, I'm sure she appreciates it."
"I'm sure she does as well. When I spoke to her earlier today she was actually in a really good mood."
"Guess she must've just recently spoken to Cooper."
"That would be correct. While she was sad when he left, she knows if they keep up their daily chats time will fly by. And it's not like he's not going to be gone the entire time. How are you enjoying having the place to yourself?"
"It's weird actually. I never realized how much Cass and I spoke daily till she wasn't there."
"Understandable. How did Thanksgiving go, I heard you had a full house?"
"It was fun actually. Tasha and Steve joined us as well so Cass and Donovan weren't the only "adults". It was nice having so many people around without all the drama. While I love my family, we can drive each other crazy if we're forced to spend too much time together. And when we spoke with my parents, our Mom said Liz was living it up since Cass and I weren't around."
"Guess she was enjoying having no one around to put her in her place."
"That's exactly what our Dad said. She actually got pissed at him when he told her to knock it off."
"What did she do?"
"She's pissed that Cass is going to have Donovan with her during Christmas. She feels they haven't been together long enough for him to be coming and spending Christmas with the family."
"Your sister sounds like such a joy to be around." Sebastian said, the sarcasm dripping from his comment.
"You've got that right. Bridget was pretty upset that Cass and I didn't come home but she understood. I just hope she gave back to Liz as good as I'm sure she got. I know this is wrong to say, but Liz is just a bitch. I mean, she's a typical middle child. She lets her jealousy of the rest of us control her actions."
"But aren't the two of you the middle children."
"We are, but since I'm the only boy, I got more attention while Cass and Bridget are the eldest and the baby respectively. In her mind, she was ignored as the rest of us all had our roles in the family."
"Hearing things like this make me glad it's just me and Lexi. Speaking of her, I better get going. I promised B I'd meet him at home so we could get a few things done before heading over."
"Sounds good, well you guys have fun and say hi to your sis and Blaine for me."
"We will and I will pass that onto them. Try not to get into too much trouble now that you got the place to yourself."
"What fun would that be? Later!"
When Sebastian got home he was surprised to find Blaine already home and from the looks of it in his own little world. Sebastian just stood back and watched as Blaine wrapped gifts in the middle of the floor while singing along to the music on the stereo. It wasn't till Blaine reached behind him for a bag did he spot Sebastian. "How long have you been there?" Blaine asked, as he pushed some items into bags.
"Not too long and don't worry, I didn't see anything. But I've got to ask, when did you get all this shopping done?" Sebastian asked as he sat down beside him.
"I've been picking stuff up gradually for the last couple of months."
"I see." Sebastian said as he leaned his head on Blaine's shoulder. "Any stuff for me?"
"That depends, have you been a good boy?" Blaine asked as he leaned his head against Sebastian's.
"I've been only what you want me to be."
"Good answer."
"I try. So?"
"Yes, there are some things for you in these piles. But I still have quite a bit of shopping to do. How about you?"
"Like you I've been picking things up when they catch my eye. Guess I should get a start on wrapping the stuff I've bought as well."
"Are you done?"
"Nope. That reminds me, I need ideas for your parents."
"I think I can help there. Now, are you getting anything for your parents?" Blaine asked as he took ahold of one of Sebastian's hands.
"I am. I already bought my Dad a gift, as for her, who knows what I'll get her."
"I'm impressed."
"Well, we're having Christmas at your house so I don't want to look like a complete ass to her in front of your parents. And it would look bad that I bought your parents gifts as well as my Dad but not my own Mother."
"You know my parents would never judge."
"I know, but I also know it's the right thing to do. I just have no clue as to what to get her. Maybe I'll ask Lexi about it tonight. Now, do you need me to make myself scarce so that you can finish what you were doing?"
"If you wouldn't mind."
"I don't mind at all, if I did I wouldn't have offered. How long?"
"Maybe a half-hour or so."
"Done. I've got some work I can do so I will be in our room. Come and find me when you're done."
"You can count on that." Blaine said before turning his head to kiss the top of Sebastian's. After Sebastian left the room he got back to wrapping his gifts. As he added them to the pile he just shook his head. With the amount of gifts in front of him alone with what he still had to buy he was thrilled that their group of friends decided to celebrate once they got back to New York as he had no clue how they would've gotten everything home.
When he finally walked into their room, Sebastian was propped up on the pillows with his laptop open in front of him. "Get everything finished?" He asked as he looked at Blaine over the top of his glasses.
"Everything is wrapped and separated."
"Separated?" Sebastian asked as Blaine sat down at the bottom of the bed.
"Yes. I separated the stuff that's going home from the stuff staying here. The stuff that's going home is on the couch in the office while the stuff staying I put in the closet. Also, Nick, Jeff, and Brittany are going to be staying with us on Wednesday, the night before, since we're leaving so early."
"That makes sense. Is Nick taking Santana to the airport or is she going with Cassie?"
"She'll be going with Cassie."
"How's the paper coming?"
"I'm about done for now. While I'm not thrilled about writing it, I'd much rather do this than take a final for this class."
"Considering your paper writing skills, I'd be happy too. It's basically guaranteed you'll ace it. Plus, isn't this a class you're doing well in?"
"I'm doing well in all my classes B, just like you. So, is it about time we get going?"
"I think so. Did Lexi say what she was making?" Blaine asked as Sebastian closed his laptop.
"No, but knowing her it's probably one of our favorites to the possibilities are endless. Have you spoken to Coop since he's been gone?"
"I talked to him this afternoon. He was on his way to dinner so he thought he'd give me a call. He's thrilled that we're having dinner with Lexi."
"We promised we'd keep her company and that's not a hard promise to keep." Sebastian replied as he moved closer to Blaine. "So what do you say, we get out of here?"
"Sounds good."
When they got to Lexi and Cooper's, Brittany was just leaving. So after giving each of the boys a hug she continued on her way. "Isn't it a little late for her to be here?" Sebastian said to Blaine once they walked into the foyer.
"A little, but who knows when her day started."
"True, it's not like Lexi works a typical nine to five."
"That's true, I don't little brother." Lexi said as she walked into the foyer. Were you two just going to stay out here and talk or were you going to tell me you were here?" She asked with a smile.
"Sorry." Sebastian replied before giving her a kiss on the cheek. "We were just surprised to see Britt."
"Yea, she came in a bit late today since he had an appointment in this morning. Come, we can finish talking in the kitchen." When they followed her in, they saw both the kids in swings. "They've been talking up a storm; I think they know their favorite uncles were coming to dinner."
"I hope we're their favorites, we're their only uncles." Sebastian replied.
"Is everything okay with Britt?" Blaine asked as he took a seat.
"Yea, what makes you think otherwise?" Lexi asked from her spot near the stove.
"I don't know."
"Trust me, she's fine. Now, what's going on with you two since I saw you last?"
"You were over yesterday Lexi." Sebastian said.
"So?" She asked with a laugh. "Lots can happen in that amount of time. Did you finish decorating?"
"We did for the most part though we've got a few things we want to buy still." Blaine told her. "By the way, the house looks great."
"Thanks, Coop and I were busy after we got home. We wanted to make sure the trees were at least up and the railing done before he left since those are things I need help with. And I didn't realize I had an elf working for me."
"That must mean Britt helped you." Sebastian said.
"Did she ever." Lexi told them. "I mean, I told her she didn't need to since that's not really in her job description but she wanted too. After dinner I'll show you some pictures I took. There are some cute ones of her and kids decorating the tree."
"I think you just might have to send those to Jeff."
"I already did at Britt's request. She's really been amazing. Everything you both said about her is true. There is way more to her than meets the eye."