Two Steps Beyond

Part 128

When Sebastian arrived home on Friday, he expected to find their home full, but the only ones there were Blaine, Beat, and Dave. After setting his bag down Sebastian walked around the couch and sat down next to Blaine before giving him a kiss. "How was your first week back?" Dave asked after they'd all exchanged hellos.

"Thankful it's over. You guys?"

"Same as you." Beat replied. "I basically lounged around all week on the beach as well. So having to get back in the swing of things sucked."

"I think I'm one of the few that was glad to be back as it was a long break." Dave told him.

"How so?" Sebastian asked.

"My Aunt and Uncle decided to join us this year along with some of my cousins."

"And?"

"My brothers and I don't get along with our Uncle. And he tries to basically run things when he's around."

"Is this your Mom or Dad's brother?"

"My Mom's older brother. I've supposedly developed an attitude since I've gone away to school, while my brothers don't take things seriously enough." Blaine, Sebastian, and Beat all just looked at each other before starting to laugh. "Exactly. I was also informed that double majoring is a waste of my Dad's resources. And that I'm spreading myself too thin."

"Correct me if I'm wrong, but aren't you acing your classes." Blaine said as he turned to lean against Sebastian. Dave nodded. "And didn't your parents support your decision to double major."

"Correct again. He feels I should be following in my Dad's footsteps. And while I considered going to law school, it's just not my thing."

"Should I even ask what he does?" Beat asked.

"He's a lawyer like my Dad. But that opens up a whole other can of worms as he sees my Dad as one of those greedy lawyers."

"If that's the case, shouldn't he be happy you're spending Daddy's money." Sebastian said.

"One would think. He gave my parents crap about sending me to Dalton as public school is fine for his kids so it should've been good enough for me and my brothers."

"But it's your parents' decision." Blaine said. "And coming from someone who went to public school for a bit, the difference between it and Dalton is extreme. I mean, I was studying stuff my junior year at McKinley that we covered freshman and sophomore year at Dalton. There's no challenge even in the AP classes. While they'll never admit it, the standards are way different. I think that's one of the reasons why my parents were so thrilled to send me back to Dalton. Honestly, all of us know it looked good on our transcripts. The name cares weight and the fact that we were all excellent students basically allowed us to gain entry into any school of our choosing."

"We all know that but my Uncle refuses to acknowledge the difference. He spent a good part of Thanksgiving morning trying to talk my parents out of sending my brother to Dalton next year."

"What did your Dad say?" Beat asked.

"That while he respects their choices for their kids, he needs to respect my parents' decision as well when it comes to me and my brothers. Plan and simple, both of my brothers will be going to Dalton."

"If you're Uncle is such an ass, why was he there?" Sebastian asked.

"It's because my Mom felt it had been too long since my brothers and I spent time with our cousins. And while she's right, the older we've all gotten our relationship has changed. His eldest daughter is only a year younger than me and she speaks her mind even when she shouldn't."

"What does she say?" Blaine asked.

"For starters, that me and my brothers are a bunch of privileged assholes."

"You might be privileged, but you're not assholes." Beat told him.

"Thanks." Dave said with a smile. "But I think part of that comes from the fact that she got pissed at me during my junior year because I refused to introduce her to any of you. She said since I went to an all-boys school the least I could do was introduce her to some of my friends."

"And you refused I'm guessing." Sebastian said.

"Correct. I mean, I guess this is where being a privileged asshole comes in, but I told her that she really wasn't the type of girl my friends date."

"That's cold." Blaine said. "I could see how she could view you that way now."

"I know, but the thing is, she's not. She's a bit…trashy. And we all know what each other's types are and she doesn't fall into anyone's."

"Did you tell her she's trashy?"

"Of course not. That would've gone over worse than what I did say. Somewhere between her freshman and sophomore year she became trashy. Our whole family noticed. The last time we were all together my Mom actually had to ask her to cover up at the dinner table."

"Why?" Beat asked.

"That would be because her top left very little to the imagination. I mean, it's not like my parents are prudes, but it wasn't appropriate especially with my younger brothers at the table. Honestly, the girls' bikinis from this past summer probably covered more."

"I can see why she'd ask her to cover up then." Blaine said. "How'd she react?"

"She threw a hissy fit and stormed out of the room."

"Yet your Mom invited these people back to your home." Sebastian said. "She's a saint."

"That's what my Dad and I think, especially when she knows it can be rocky. But she doesn't want to just dismiss family because we have different views."

"Sounds like their views need to be expanded." Beat said.

"Or something. She felt my Mom was stifling her sense of fashion. Yet, there was nothing fashionable about what she was wearing. It literally looked like she picked it up at one of those trashy lingerie stores."

"And your Uncle and Aunt allowed her out like that?" Blaine questioned.

"Yep, they don't want to repress her need to express herself. My Dad thinks they're just sick of fighting with her so they don't care, even if she looks like a five dollar hooker."

"You did not just say that." Sebastian managed to get out through his laughter and over everyone else's.

"Wanna see a picture?"

"Yes!" Dave pulled his phone out and after finding the picture he tossed his phone towards Blaine and Sebastian. "This is a joke, right? Like a Halloween costume?"

"Nope, that's what she was wearing at Thanksgiving dinner." As Dave spoke, Sebastian showed the picture to Blaine whose eyes widened before tossing the phone to Beat.

"I thought you were exaggerating when you said five dollar hooker." Beat said. "That's just wrong."

"Yep. Now you can see why I refused to introduce her to my friends."

"She'd look pretty if she wasn't dressed so…"

"Slutty." Sebastian finished for Blaine.

"I was going to say provocative, but slutty works too. And she needs to tone down the makeup."

"You're basically saying the same thing my Mom did. Just think, this is the example she's setting for her younger sister."

"Wow. Now, I know this is off subject, but where is Trent?" Sebastian asked.

"He'll be here in about an hour." Blaine replied. "He needed to take a later train since he had a project he needed to finish up."

"And the others?"

"Thad, Hunter, David, James, and Flint are at dinner and then are going to the Knicks game. Rachel and Brody are going to the ballet tonight. And…"

"Why aren't we going to the game?" Sebastian asked and Blaine looked at Beat and Dave.

"Who said we aren't?" Dave said.

"Are you serious?"

"Yep." Beat replied. "Come to think of it, we should probably get going." He said as he got up, soon followed by the others.

"What about Nick and the others?" Sebastian asked as they grabbed their coats.

"They're off to see the Rockettes tonight." Blaine replied. "It was something all the girls wanted to see. They asked if we wanted to go, but I opted for the basketball game. I hope you don't mind." As they walked to the door Sebastian had yet to answer and Beat and Dave kept looking between the two. It wasn't till they reached the lobby did Beat speak.

"Tell him something Seb, please." Sebastian looked at the guys and then at Blaine who looked slightly afraid he'd made the wrong choice.

"You couldn't have made the wrong choice either way. In one scenario we have beautiful girls dancing in skimpy outfits. And in the second we have hot, sweaty men running up and down a court. But if the decision was left up to me…" Sebastian then leaned down till his lips were even with Blaine's ear. "I would've chosen the basketball game." When Blaine let out a sigh of relief the guys all laughed, even Blaine as he realized he had no reason to be worried. While Sebastian had a love of theater and the arts, he was also quite the sports junky. So as he reminded Blaine, he really couldn't have made the wrong decision.

When the guys finally arrived at the Garden, the others were already there waiting, as was Trent. "Nice of you to finally join us." Hunter told them as Thad handed them their tickets. "We were beginning to think you forgot about us."

"We could never do that." Sebastian replied as they headed for the gate. "Dave was busy filling us in on his trip home and his cousin the five dollar hooker."

"The what?" Thad exclaimed as all eyes quickly fell upon Dave.

"I will tell you later." Dave replied.

"At least show them the picture." Beat told him while trying to hide his amusement.

"No, because then I'd have to explain. I promise, I will tell you all about her afterwards. Now, did you guys happen to tell Nick, Jeff, and Wes that we were all going to the game tonight while they were seeing the Christmas Extravaganza?"

"I did." Blaine replied. "And if the guys didn't want to make the girls happy, they probably would've been more upset. But they look at it this way; the Rockettes are nice to look at."

"True, but so are the Knicks City Dancers." Beat replied.

"Should we share that opinion with Jess?" Thad asked.

"Go right ahead, she doesn't mind. I'm free to look, but not touch."

"Now, are any of your girlfriends coming home at Christmas?" Trent asked as they passed through the gate. The guys all looked around at each other before James and Flint said that their girlfriends were coming home with them. "Is this the first time they're coming home?"

"Yes for me, no for James." Flint replied. "How about the rest of you?"

"Since Jess and I just started dating, no. But we are going to be together for New Years'. Thad?"

"No, Gretch will be here in the city the whole time as she's dancing in a Christmas production."

"And why are we just hearing about this now?" David asked.

"Because he's a dumbass who probably forgot to tell us." Sebastian replied with a laugh.

"I'd argue that point, but you're right. I totally forgot to tell you guys. So if any of you would like to see her, let me know."

"Have you seen the show yet?" Blaine asked as they headed for their seats.

"I have, it's cute and she's really good if I do say so."

"You better say that." Trent told him.

Once they were all settled in their seats, Sebastian convinced one of the ushers passing by to take a group photo of them. "Please tell me you're not sending that to the guys." Blaine said.

"I can't, since I am." Sebastian replied as he did so. While they were talking a few minutes later Sebastian got a text from Wes. "They like the pic and sent on in return." Sebastian said with a smile before showing it to Blaine. "They all clean up well, don't they?"

"They do." Blaine said as he passed Sebastian's phone to Thad. "Now, how did we manage to get such great seats on such short notice?"

"My brother got them for us." Thad replied. "His company has a huge block of tickets and when I mentioned to him we all wanted to go he snagged them for us since they were available. They keep them on hand for when they have to entertain clients. Luckily for us they were all available."

"What's the plan for tomorrow?" Flint asked.

"Keeping cleaning up the first two numbers and hopefully start adding vocals to the finale." Blaine replied. "And just a heads up, Lexi might be poking her head in a bit more than usual."

"That's cool, but why?"

"Cooper is in Europe for his movie premieres." Sebastian told them. "So, like B said, she just might poke her head since we'll all be in the house."

"Fine with me." Trent replied. "When does Cooper come home?"

"I think he's going to be home for two days sometime next week, and then he heads back." Blaine told him. "And then there is one other two day break. After that he comes home and then they both leave for LA."

"When does Cassie come home Hunter?" Sebastian asked.

"She's flying back on Tuesday and then she's home for a day before flying to LA for a premiere. Then it's a couple days back here before heading back to Europe and Cooper. And once she comes back to the states she's here for a few days before her and Santana leave for LA with Cooper and Lexi."

"Santana's going to LA?" James asked.

"She is, she's actually my sister's intern. And Cass felt working Cooper's premiere would be a good experience for her." Hunter told them. "Cooper's a pretty easy client to handle compared to a lot of them."

"How does Nick feel about her going?" David asked.

"He's thrilled for her since it's a great opportunity." Blaine replied. "It also helps that she's only going to be gone for a few days. They leave Wednesday night and she arrives in Ohio either late Saturday night or really early Sunday morning. And since we're traveling on Thursday time will go quick."

"How's your brother handling Cassie being away Thad?" Flint asked.

"He's working a lot and like Lexi he's spending quite a bit of time video chatting."

"I forgot to ask, is he going to LA with them?" Hunter asked Thad who was sitting next to him.

"He's going to fly in on Friday night and then they'll both be meeting you in Colorado either Sunday night or Monday morning."

"Cool! And I hope my sister warned him, but our Dad is so going to grill him."

"She did, but also said your Dad's bark is worse than his bite."

"That's very true, but we won't ever tell him that. His bark is pretty fierce though. It's our Mom's bite he'd have to worry about. But as of now, he's charmed her so he's good."

"Yea, he said your Mom questioned him, although indirectly."

"I got to witness that over dinner and he handled himself well. She didn't go easy on him at all. Made me thankful I wasn't the one going through it."

When they arrived at Lexi and Cooper's the next morning Blaine and Sebastian were surprised that Brittany and the others were already there. "And here I thought she'd be having a quiet morning." Sebastian said to Jeff who was sitting at the table as the girls made breakfast.

"She was till we arrived."

"Any particular reason for the early arrival?" Blaine asked.

"We all just got up early and were antsy so we came over." Nick replied. "And Lexi told Brittany on Friday that she didn't mind when anyone showed up as long as it was after seven."

"So when did you get here?" Sebastian asked.

"I'd say about twenty minutes ago." Wes replied said. "So, not too early. I guess we don't even have to ask what you guys are doing here."

"Yea, we thought we'd watch the kids for her so she could get some work done before we start practicing." Sebastian told him. "So, we're going to go and grab them."

"They are in her office with her." Brittany told them.

"By the way, are you guys' hungry?" Santana asked.

"We ate before we came over. And so you know the rest of the guys will be here in a bit." Blaine said as he and Sebastian got up. When they walked up the stairs they were surprised to hear laughter coming from the office. "What do you think, Cooper?"

"Yea, he's the only one that can get her to giggle like that." Sebastian replied before knocking gently on the door so she knew she was no longer alone. Lexi raised her hand and waved them in without even turning. Once the boys got closer their instinct was confirmed when they saw Cooper staring back at them. "Couldn't you at least let her sleep in?" Sebastian told Cooper after they'd all said hello.

"She initiated the call not me so I'm not to blame for her being up."

"Who is?" Blaine asked.

"The kids decided they didn't want to sleep in this morning. I think they knew they were going to have a house full again." Lexi told them.

"Were you guys anxious to see everyone again?" Sebastian asked as he looked over to them. The two seemed to be smiling back at him so Sebastian walked over towards them.

"What are you two doing here so early?" Cooper asked.

"We thought we could watch the munchkins for a while this morning so she could get some work done." Blaine told his brother. "Little did we know she already had people over. You really don't mind, do you?"

"Not at all." Lexi said. "It seems like a normal day having Britt here and the others are an added bonus. And while I appreciate you boys wanting to watch the kids, you don't need to, I'm good."

"We know, but we want to." Sebastian told her. "So, we're going to take them downstairs with us and you and your hubby can have a private conversation with no innocent ears present." While Sebastian spoke, Blaine walked over to where he was and picked Jocelyn up as Sebastian picked up Braeden.

"Bas."

"What?" When Lexi didn't answer Sebastian just smirked. "It thought so. And we'll close the door on our way out. Come B." After saying goodbye to Cooper, the boys left Lexi's office and closed the door behind them.

"I swear he enjoys embarrassing me." Lexi told Cooper.

"He does, but it's sweet. Little does he know we had that sort of conversation last night. Though, I wouldn't mind having another one." The smile on Cooper's face was anything but sweet looking back at her.

"We are not doing that when I'm soon to have a house full of people. But we can again tonight since it was quite a bit of fun."

"Alright, I guess I can wait. I can't wait to hold you again."

"I can't wait to be held again. Please tell me you don't have to run around during the couple of days I'll have you home."

"I have one interview to do, but that's it. And it's for early in the morning, besides that I'm all yours and the kids. This might sound silly, but have you taken them to see Santa yet?"

"I haven't. I wanted us to do that together. Oh, your Mom wanted me to let you know that both sets of grandparents will be there for Christmas."

"Do Blaine and Bas know?"

"They do. Blaine told me the first thing he asked your Mom was whether or not that meant Bas could no longer stay in his room."

"What did she say?"

"Bas is staying put since it's not as though both sets of grandparents don't know they are together and live together. She told him neither set of grandparents is naïve." Cooper couldn't help but laugh.

"The expression on Blaine's face when she told him that had to be priceless."

"Bas said it was. And now, start praying."

"What for?"

"Coop, my parents are going to be there either on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. Pray my Mother doesn't stick her foot in her mouth."

"Good point. But didn't you say she seemed better."

"She does, but all it takes is one comment for everything to go to hell."