Two Steps Beyond
Part 134
Once the alarm went off in the morning, Sebastian glanced over at Blaine who hadn't even flinched when it went off. Knowing they had a bit of time before they needed to get moving Sebastian got out of bed and made his way down to the kitchen. Thankful he'd prepped the pot before he went to bed while Blaine and Nick arranged everything in the back of Cooper and Lexi's SUV. He'd just reached the landing of the second floor when he paused for a moment when he swore he smelt coffee. Even though he swore he hadn't set the timer, maybe he had so he continued on his way a smile creeping to his face knowing he wasn't going to have to wait.
When he walked into the kitchen he was surprised to find Nick sitting at the table with his laptop open and a cup of coffee next to him. "Morning."
"Morning yourself." Sebastian replied as he took two cups out of the cabinet. "Sleep well?"
"I did, you?"
"I did. Have you been up long?"
"I happened to wake about ten minutes before my alarm and since I was actually awake I decided to just get up. Blaine still sleeping?"
"Yea. Figured I'd bring coffee to him. The aroma can usually wake him when it's freshly brewed."
"Well, this is. I'd just sat down shortly before you got here. And before you ask, they are up as well."
"Do I want to ask how you know that?" Sebastian asked with a laugh.
"I could hear them talking actually. When do you want to get out of here?"
"I'd say five thirty at the latest so we're just ahead of traffic. It shouldn't be hard to do since everything is packed and in the cars. It's just a matter now of everyone getting up but from what you said I only need to get B up before we get the kids up and ready."
"Do you think they'll sleep the beginning part of the trip like Lexi expects them too?"
"I hope so. That's why B and I plan to just put their coats on them and bring them to the car as is. We figured we can wait to dress them once they're awake."
"Good idea. Well, I'll go let Jeff and Britt know the plan is still the same while you go and wake Blaine. Good luck."
"Thanks." By the time Sebastian returned to their room, he was surprised to find Blaine already dressed and sitting on the edge of the bed. After handing him his coffee and giving him a morning kiss, Sebastian proceeded to set his cup down and get dressed. "How'd you sleep?" Sebastian asked while getting dressed.
"Really well, you?"
"The same. Fyi, everyone is up so we just need to get the kids and we'll be good to go."
"Got it. Do you want to drive first or am I?"
"I'll drive." Sebastian replied as he sat on the edge of the bed to put his shoes on. "I like driving at this time of the morning. There's something special about watching the city wake up around you."
"You could do that from the passenger's seat." Blaine said with a laugh.
"True. So, if you want to drive I'm good either way."
"No, you can drive. I was just giving you a hard time."
After following all of Lexi's advice on how to deal with the kids for the trip it didn't take Blaine and Sebastian long to get them ready. When they each came down carrying a sound asleep child with a bag over their shoulders they were happy to see Jeff, Brittany, and Nick all standing at the doorway. Nick proceeded to take their empty coffee cups from them as Jeff and Brittany filled them in that everything had been cleaned up in the kitchen. Once Nick returned, Jeff opened the door to let Blaine and Sebastian through before the rest followed. After making sure the alarm was set Blaine and Sebastian headed for the garage.
Upon getting the kids settled, Blaine walked towards his car so he could pull it inside once Sebastian pulled the SUV out. Once the cars were switched Blaine walked over to Nick to remind them of their first scheduled stop in case they got separated. But they both knew it wasn't necessary since the city was still relatively quiet. "Don't forget to text Lexi and Coop as well as your parents." Jeff told him.
"I won't, just like you two need to text your parents so they know we're getting on the road as well." As Blaine spoke he couldn't help but glance into the backseat where Brittany was all comfortable with her pillow and blanket. "Let's get this show on the road."
Much to Sebastian and Blaine's delight they were just reaching their agreed upon stop in Harrisburg when the twins started to wake up. "I never thought they'd actually sleep this late." Sebastian said as he veered off onto the ramp with Nick in his rearview.
"Luckily for us it's been a smooth ride and they were both comfortable." Blaine replied. After parking, they were still getting the kids out when Nick, Jeff, and Brittany walked up to them.
"Need a hand?" Jeff asked.
"Could you grab their bags off the floor once we've got them out?" Sebastian asked as he wrapped a blanket around Jocelyn. While the sun was out, it didn't mean it had gotten any warmer. If anything, they all swore it was colder than it had been when they left New York. As they made their way inside, Nick offered to go and get Blaine and Sebastian coffee while they got the twins ready. When they returned, the others were situated at a table so that Blaine and Sebastian could feed the twins. While that was being done, Blaine slid his phone onto the table and asked one of them to send a text to Cooper or Lexi so they knew where they were and that the kids slept the first part of the trip and were having breakfast.
"Are you doing this by choice or did Lexi ask you to?" Nick asked as he sent the text.
"It's because I want to. Bas and I felt it would help put her at ease to know they're doing so well." The others nodded in agreement as Blaine and Sebastian finished up.
"They eat a lot." Jeff said.
"Lexi said she thinks it's because they're going to have another growth spurt." Brittany told her. "Each time their appetites have picked up they've grown."
They were just heading back out to the cars when Blaine's phone went off, but since his arms were full he knew it would have to wait. Once Blaine and Sebastian got the kids settled and switched sides of the car since Blaine was going to drive the next stretch, they briefly discussed with the others that they might have to stop a bit more often now that the kids were up. After telling them they wouldn't be offended if they went ahead without them, they just smiled when they said the extra stops wouldn't bother them. As they got into the SUV, they noticed that Nick and Jeff were switching as well. And if they didn't know better, since Brittany was getting into the passenger's seat Nick either wanted to get some sleep or was going to talk with Santana.
"Don't forget to check your phone B." Sebastian said as he scrolled through their playlists for something appropriate now that the kids were up. Blaine nodded and took his phone out of his pocket. When he just smiled Sebastian looked at him. "Guess everything is good."
"Yep, it was just Lexi saying she's happy everything is going well."
The rest of the trip home went surprisingly smooth and they only ended up making one extra stop. By the time they split apart to reach their two respective neighborhoods it was only a matter of minutes till they knew they could relax. When Sebastian turned into the Andersons' driveway both he and Blaine swore they saw Mrs. Anderson looking out the window. "I think someone is anxious to see us."
"You think B."
They'd barely parked the SUV and Mrs. Anderson was walking out of the house, soon followed by Mr. Anderson. Once Sebastian and Blaine got out and were welcomed home they quickly went to get Braeden and Jocelyn out of their car seats. "How were they?" Mrs. Anderson asked as Blaine and Sebastian got them out.
"Great actually." Blaine replied before handing Jocelyn to his Mom while Sebastian did the same with Braeden to Mr. Anderson. "We'll tell you all about it later, go and take them inside."
"Alright."
Once the Andersons walked away Sebastian and Blaine gathered the rest of the stuff from the backseat. "I can't believe we're here." Blaine said before closing the backdoor before heading towards the hatch.
"Me either, but we are." Sebastian replied before leaning over to give Blaine a kiss. "And fair warning, I just want to chill on the couch for a while once we've got everything inside."
"You won't get any complaints from me." Blaine said before kissing Sebastian.
"No wonder you were so quick to get rid of us." Blaine and Sebastian both turned to see Mr. Anderson standing next to them.
"Actually we were quick to get rid of you because it's cold and the twins should be inside." Blaine told his Dad. "Shouldn't you be in there with them?"
"I should be but your Mom felt I should help you boys bring everything in." While Mr. Anderson spoke Sebastian raised the hatch. "I don't think you two brought enough." He said with a laugh.
"It looks worse than it is." Sebastian told him. "The stroller takes up quite a bit of space." Mr. Anderson nodded as they all began gathering the suitcases and bags. Once they had everything they made their way inside.
"Mom!"
"Family room Blaine." After setting their suitcases by the stairs, Blaine and Sebastian headed towards the family room since Mr. Anderson said he'd take care of the gift bags. When they walked into the family room, there sat Mrs. Anderson on the floor playing with the kids. "They've gotten so big."
"That we know." Blaine replied as Sebastian slid an arm around his waist. "And we're around them all the time. I know Lexi probably told you, but beware, they move really quickly."
"She made a point of stressing that fact." As if on cue Braeden took off across the floor after spotting something that caught his attention. Before she had a chance to get up and catch him, Mr. Anderson came walking in and walked over towards him to make sure he didn't get into anything he shouldn't. She wasn't kidding." Blaine and Sebastian both laugh at the comment.
"The house looks beautiful Mom." Blaine said before he and Sebastian took a seat.
"It should considering how long she spent decorating it." Mr. Anderson said with a laugh which brought on quite the look from Mrs. Anderson. "Don't even, you know you did. She only finished about a week ago."
"I can't help that I wanted it to look perfect since everyone was going to be here."
"It shows." Sebastian replied as he stretched.
"Thank you Seb. Now, are you boys sure you're not upset that we're going to that party tonight?"
"We're fine." Blaine replied. "Go and have fun. I know how much you guys enjoy Dad's company party each year. We'll be fine here with Jocelyn and Braeden. Now that finals are over it'll give us time to catch up on our holiday movie watching."
"Going to watch your favorites with the kids?" Mr. Anderson asked.
"Yep. Time to introduce them to Rudolph, Frosty, and the rest of the gang. That reminds me, I've got pictures to give you of the kids and their trip to see Santa." Blaine said as he got up from his seat. "I'll be right back." With Blaine out of the room all attention fell to Sebastian.
"How'd your finals go Seb?" Mr. Anderson asked.
"They weren't too bad. For two of my classes I ended up having to write papers instead of having to take an actual final which helped alleviate some of the stress. As for the rest of the actual finals themselves, Dalton prepared us well. At least that was the consensus of me, B, and the rest of the guys. I watched quite a few of my classmates freak out during the weeks leading up to finals. It seemed they weren't prepared for finals that take hours to take." While Sebastian spoke Blaine walked back into the room and handed his Mom the envelope. Once he was seated, they watched as her eyes lit up upon seeing the pictures.
"I can't believe they're both actually looking at the camera." Mrs. Anderson said before handing one of the photos to her husband.
"Lexi couldn't either." Blaine told her. "But Coop wasn't surprised at all. In all honest, he's right considering the amount of picture taking that goes on around them."
"It also helped that Cooper was next to the photographer and Jocelyn and Braeden are technically looking at Daddy and not the photographer." Sebastian added. "They went and had these taken during Cooper's first short trip home. And Lexi said they were mesmerized with him when he came home."
"So they clearly know who their Daddy is then." Mrs. Anderson said.
"That's correct Mom. When Coop and Lexi left last night it was clear they were upset, but it helped that they were surrounded by familiar faces so they settled down rather quickly."
"Who else was at the house?" Mr. Anderson asked as he walked back over with Braeden.
"Nick, Jeff, and Brittany. We felt it was easier to all just staying together since we were heading out together in the morning."
"That was a good idea though it sounds as though there is a name missing from that list."
"Santana?" Sebastian asked and Mr. Anderson nodded. "She's actually with Cooper and Lexi. Cassie felt Cooper's premiere would be a good experience for her."
"Dear, Cooper did tell us that." Mrs. Anderson told her husband who just looked at her for a moment before realizing she was correct. "I'm sure it must've been hard for Nick to watch her leave."
"It was, but she'll be here soon. She'll be arriving late Saturday night."
After talking for just a little bit more, Blaine and Sebastian excused themselves to take their bags upstairs and get situated. When they walked into Blaine's room it was pretty much the way they'd left it except for the fact that his Mom had put up a small tree on his dresser. "She knows me well, doesn't she?" Blaine said as they set their bags on his bed and began to unpack. "I also think both of my parents are in heaven having Jocelyn and Braeden here."
"What you mean those big smiles aren't because of us?" Sebastian said with a smile.
"They are, but the kids are a bigger reason. I'm sure that smile is only going to get bigger once Coop and Lexi get here. Having her whole family under one roof means a lot to her, especially with how crazy things have been these last few months."
"That's understandable. Do you know when your grandparents are arriving?"
"Mom said sometime on Monday. Since I'm sure my parents have everything under control what do you say we take a nap while we can. You know, before they have to start getting ready for the party."
"This must be some party for them to go out our first night here."
"It is. Unlike most company parties, people actually look forward to this one. I can't remember a time they didn't come home smiling from it. Now, how about that nap Bas?"
"Sounds great as long as you tell your parents we're taking one. I don't want them thinking we're up here doing unmentionable things so soon after arriving."
"Even if we were, I doubt they'd mind." Sebastian just smiled at Blaine before giving him a kiss.
"Go tell them." Blaine nodded and moved his empty suitcase off his bed before heading downstairs. By the time he'd returned Sebastian had changed into a pair of sweats and a t-shirt and was stretched out across the bed. "Everything good?"
"Yep, they said they don't blame us considering how early we got up. And that they'll come and wake us when they need to start getting ready."
"Anything else?"
"Dinner is in the fridge. All we have to do is put it in the oven."
"May I ask what we're having?" Sebastian asked as Blaine changed into something similar to what he was wearing.
"Chicken cacciatore." Blaine replied while getting into bed. "Knowing her she's going to be cooking like crazy while we're here so we can't skip our workouts."
"I don't see that being a problem." Sebastian told him as he wrapped an arm around him. "I'm sure we'll come up with a few ways to burn all those calories." Blaine looked up at him and smiled before resting his head on Sebastian's chest. While they both might've had ulterior motives for taking a nap, it wasn't long till they both drifted off to sleep.
The drive from Lima to Westerville seemed to be taking twice as long as usual and Rachel was beginning to get anxious. "Are you sure you didn't miss a turn?" She asked as she looked over at Brody who was driving one of her Dads' cars.
"Positive. I've made this drive before plus I'm following the GPS. We're on this road for at least ten more miles before I have to turn off. Now, will you please tell me why we have to go there versus you just talking to Blaine on the phone?" Brody asked before changing the radio station.
"It's because I know there is no way I'll be able to convince him to come tonight over the phone."
"Considering what you're suggesting, this might be a wasted trip. There is no way they're going to come. While you might be able to convince Blaine, Seb's a whole other story."
"I know, but if you just saw their faces. This really means a lot to Tina and Artie."
"Well, I would've seen them if you didn't ask me to go and talk with your Dads while you spoke with your friends. I hope you asked them the most important question though because without an answer to that you don't stand a chance."
"I know. And yes, I asked them but they don't know. Neither has spoken to Finn in a couple of days so no one knows if or when he's coming to town."
"Besides the obvious reasons, Blaine and Seb might have other reasons for saying no, like having plans with his parents. That's one of the reasons why I wished you'd called. And, have you spoken to Brittany yet?"
"Yes, I spoke with Britt she said she needed to talk with Jeff about it. But if he said yes they'd be there considering they were at her house. Though, I'm almost certain he won't go without Blaine and Seb."
"Do you honestly blame him?"
"No because I honestly had no intention of going tonight since we're going to the winter festival at Dalton tomorrow."
"Again, tell me why we're going?"
"It's because Tina and Artie helped put the show together. Over Thanksgiving break Mr. Schue was able to convince the both of them to help with the show."
"So basically we'd be going to support those that helped put the show together versus actually going to see the performance."
"Basically. It's like that time we went to that off-Broadway production your friend help direct."
"True, but we at least wanted to see the show as well."
"Okay maybe the situations are slightly different but still. A part of me is curious to see and hear what they sound like this year."
"Fine, you don't have to convince me I'll happily go with you if you want. You're going to have to come up with a much better pitch for Blaine and Seb to agree." When they pulled into the Andersons' driveway it was obvious Blaine and Sebastian were there since a SUV with New York plates was parked out front. After helping Rachel out of the car, Brody couldn't help but comment to Rachel about how beautifully decorated the Anderson's home was. As they approached the front door Brody felt Rachel's grip on his hand tighten. So before ringing the bell, he leaned down and gave her a kiss hoping she'd relax some. "Just relax, okay. It's just Blaine and Seb." Rachel nodded as Brody rang the bell.
When the door opened they were a bit caught off-guard since Sebastian opened it with Jocelyn in his arm. After he stepped aside they walked into the foyer. "Must say you're some of the last people I expect to see." Sebastian told them before asking them to follow him to the kitchen where Blaine was.
"How was your drive?" Brody asked.
"Relatively quiet actually. Jocelyn and Braeden travel extremely well. And I'm pretty sure we listened to a good portion of the Disney catalog." Once they walked into the kitchen they found Blaine feeding Braeden. "B, we've got company."
"Hey, what brings you by?"
"I've got something I needed to talk to you guys about." Rachel said as they took seats near Blaine. "Where are you parents? I have expected them to be the ones taking care of Jocelyn and Braeden."
"They are upstairs getting ready for a Christmas party." Blaine told her. "They took care of them all afternoon once we arrived. But this party tonight is an event they look forward to, so Bas and I are going to be spending a quiet night at home with the kids. Now, what brings you guys all this way?" Rachel looked over at Brody who gave her hand a squeeze before looking back at Blaine and Sebastian.
"Well…Tina and Artie came over to my house today." Rachel paused knowing she needed to choose her words wisely. "And they invited us all to the winter concert tonight that they helped put together." Sebastian's laughter filled the kitchen which brought endless babbling from Jocelyn. And Braeden was no longer interested in what Blaine was feeding him. "Not quite the reaction I was expecting." Blaine looked over at Sebastian who was finally starting to compose himself after his outburst of laughter.
"Bas."
"Fine, maybe it wasn't that funny. I felt my response was better than it could've been."
"You're right it was. Now Rach, you know you could've just called us instead of making the trip. So what gives considering you had to know what our response would be?"
"I just thought if I came and talked to you guys in person you might consider. It would really mean a lot to Artie and Tina."
"I understand that, but…" Blaine didn't finish his thought just leaned his head back before taking Braeden out of his highchair.
"What B's trying to say is going back to McKinley was not on our agenda."
"I know that. I just thought Blaine would want to come to support his friends."
"While I wouldn't mind doing so, it's not an option Rach. My parents are going out and Bas and I are watching the kids." Sebastian took a deep breath before looking over at Blaine.
"If you want to go B, go. I have no problem watching them on my own. Heck, I'm sure I could get Duval to come over and keep me company since Santana's in LA."
"That's sweet Bas, but I don't want to go without you if I go."
"Not that it matters, but Brittany and Jeff might be there."
"What does it depend on?" Blaine asked.
"Jeff will only go if you two go." Brody told them.
"Are you going?"
"I told Rachel I would go."
"Is he going to be there?" Sebastian asked as he shifted Jocelyn in his arms.
"We don't know since no one has spoken to Finn in a couple of days." Rachel replied. "It was one of the first things I asked them about. They wished they had an answer but they don't."
"I wish I could give you an answer but I can't. This is something Bas and I need to talk about."
"I understand that. But let me say one last thing before Brody and I leave. You've got to know I wouldn't have come all this way if this truly wasn't important to Tina and Artie."
"I know which is why Bas and I need to talk about this. And if Jeff and Britt's decision on attending is based on us, I'll be sure to give them a call once we've made a decision. So either Bas and I will see you later or we'll see you tomorrow night."
"Fair enough."
"And guys, if he is there, you know I'll do my best to see that he stays away." Brody told them as they both got up.
"That's the thing, that shouldn't be happening, Bas and I shouldn't have to take into consideration whether or not he's there. It should just be about whether or not we want to go. But things aren't that simple, especially considering we'd be bringing Braeden and Jocelyn with us. The last thing I want is something to happen with them around again."
"What do you mean by again?" Rachel asked. Blaine sighed, and looked at Sebastian before looking back at Rachel.
"It means we've had a run-in with Kurt once before when we had the kids with us and I'd rather not repeat it."
"Understandable." Rachel said realizing it wasn't something Blaine wanted to talk about. "I'll talk to you later." She then leaned over and gave Blaine a kiss on the cheek. "We'll show ourselves out." After saying their goodbyes, they watched Rachel and Brody leave and looked at each other.
"B, let's eat first and then we can talk."
"Sounds perfect."