Two Steps Beyond

Part 144

When Blaine sat up in bed Monday morning, Sebastian was already getting dressed. "You could've woken me." He said as he watched Sebastian finish getting dressed. "Do you know how long you're going to be?"

"I'm pretty sure it won't be too long considering your grandparents arrive today. And I didn't wake you because you were sleeping peacefully. Do you know what you're going to do while I'm gone?"

"No, but I'm sure I'll come up with something." Blaine said as he got out of bed. "Do you know why Lexi wants this to just be you guys today?"

"I'm not sure, but I have a feeling it's to make sure my Mother doesn't embarrass the hell out of us when they come over here. And bringing Jocelyn and Braeden will keep things from getting too tense. Hopefully she's still in the mood my Dad described as that would make this outing bearable."

"For your sake, I hope it is too." Blaine replied as he wrapped his arms around him. "Just try and go into it with an open mind." As Blaine rested his head on Sebastian's back they heard Lexi call up the stairs. "Sounds like she's ready to go."

"She was ready when I went and got coffee this morning." When Sebastian spoke, Blaine let go of him and he turned around. "How do I look killer?"

"Amazing as usual. I'm a bit jealous that you look so good and you're not going out with me."

"Well, I'll still look just as amazing when we return and just for you, I'll stay dressed up if you like."

"If you want to change I won't mind as long as I get to watch."

"Oh I might just have to change for that reason." Sebastian had just leaned down to kiss Blaine when there was a knock on the door. Since they knew Sebastian would be leaving after it, they both moved forward with the kiss. Blaine was just wrapping his arms around Sebastian's neck when they heard someone clear their throat.'

"I should've guessed." Lexi said. "Morning Blaine."

"Morning. You should probably go." Sebastian nodded before giving him one more kiss.

"I love you."

"I love you too." After Sebastian walked out of the room with Lexi, Blaine closed the door once more and went to take a shower. He probably spent longer then he'd planned in it, but since he didn't have plans for the day he was in no rush. Once he was dressed Blaine grabbed his phone off his desk and headed downstairs. When he walked into the kitchen he was slightly surprised to see his whole family situated around the table. "Morning." He said before going to pour himself a cup of coffee. After he did so he was about to walk out but was stopped by the sound of his Dad's voice asking him to sit. Upon sitting down he looked at his parents and Cooper. "Why do I feel like I'm being ambushed?"

"You're not being ambushed, but I think it's time we all talked." Mr. Anderson said.

"About?"

"What happened at the Sadie Hawkins dance." Mrs. Anderson replied. "Your Dad and I know this isn't something you like talking about, but we felt it needed to be discussed."

"Why?"

"That would be because I happened to tell Dad last night that you told the guys what happened." Cooper said as he put his arm around the back of Blaine's chair.

"So because I finally shared with my closest friends what happened you all now feel it's time to talk." Blaine went to get out of his seat but his Mom placed her hand on his. "What if I don't want to? At least now I know why Coop didn't go with Lexi and Bas." Blaine said as he crossed his arms over his chest.

"This isn't why I didn't go; Lexi felt it was best that she and Bas have some time alone with their parents. Mom and Dad felt since I was here we could do this since we never discussed it as a family after it happened."

"There is nothing to talk about. I got the crap beat out of me for being gay and ended up in the hospital. Are we done?"

"Blaine."

"How would you like me to react Dad? Please tell me so I can meet your expectations." The sarcasm was dripping from Blaine's words as he spoke.

"Blaine, please." His Mom said as calmly as possible. "Your Dad didn't deserve that."

"I'm sorry Dad."

"It's okay; we knew this wasn't going to be pleasant. But since it's rare that all four of us are together anymore it needed to be done. We're not doing this to bring up bad memories Blaine; we're doing it so we're all on the same page. From talking with Cooper, I know the two of you have worked through everything in regards to the two of you and what happened."

"I know I already apologized, but I'm still so sorry for being such a crappy brother back then. I just didn't know how to deal with it."

"I know since we talked about it, I get it. I just don't know why we have to do this."

"Blaine, we're doing this because for the most part your Dad and I didn't handle this well." His Mom said. "We let you take the lead when we probably should've pushed you to talk more."

"Mom, Dad, there is nothing to talk about considering I don't remember what happened. So unless there is a reason, I'd like to go up to my room."

"We're afraid it's going to be brought up when your case goes to court next month." His Dad said. "And we know from after the way you reacted to what happened to Seb you still have problems dealing with it." Blaine looked at Cooper who put his head down. "Don't be upset with him Blaine. Coop didn't want to tell me, but he sort of needed to after he told me you told your friends. I wanted to know why you decided to share it with them after all this time."

"Fine, I didn't handle what happened to Bas well. The thought of what happened to me happening to him scares me. And it caused me to get sick as I had brief flashbacks to what happened. But if it's brought up while I'm on the stand, I'll be fine."

"How can you be so sure?" His Mom asked.

"Well, I'm more comfortable talking about it. And before you say anything, just because I'm more comfortable, doesn't mean I enjoy doing it. Plus, I'm not going to be alone in court. Bas is going to be there as will Jeff, Hunter, and Michael."

"Michael is the young man that Trevor originally hurt, correct?"

"He is, he's also a teammate of Bas and he's become a friend of ours. And as bad as things were for me, I feel worse for Michael because he remembers what happened to him. After talking with him, I'm glad I can't remember. While I know that means the guys who did what they did to me won't ever pay, I don't know how I'd handle remembering every hit, punch, and kick."

"That must be awful."

"It is for him, but like me he's got a good support system around him. While our circumstances are different, it's nice talking to someone who understands. And I know you guys all wish I'd be more forth coming about how I feel about all this but I don't plan when I'm going to talk about it."

"You know you can always talk to us Blaine." His Dad told him. "Your Mom and I don't care what time it is, we're always here for you."

"I know that and I appreciate it, just as I appreciate Coop's offers as well."

"You're just more comfortable talking to Seb, aren't you?" His Mom asked.

"I am and that is nothing against the rest of you. But there is something about talking to someone who didn't live through it with me that makes it easier to open up to him. When I first told Bas what happened to me we were just friends and I don't even remember how it came about. I do know that it just felt right to tell him."

"It's a little late to ask this, but did you ever tell Kurt?"

"No, I only told him something happened at a Sadie Hawkins dance when he had asked me to prom. In all honesty, he didn't seem overly concerned so I didn't tell him anything else and he never bothered to ask."

"That's because your ex is a self-centered ass." Cooper told him.

"Cooper."

"Mom, he's right. It just took me a long time to figure it out. While Bas can be a bit abrupt and arrogant at times, he's also one of the most caring and loving people I know. And my happiness is truly important to him, hence us going to the concert at McKinley. We both really do care what the other thinks and feels about things. And if it's within our means to make the other happy, we do it."

"Speaking of Seb let him know he was right." His Dad said. "Last night Kurt tried to talk badly about him but I told him I wouldn't tolerate it."

"Yet he tried again." Cooper said with a laugh. "He seemed pretty shocked when even his own Dad told him to stop. But that didn't top the look on his face when he saw me and Dad. Oh, and he's supposedly had an epiphany. He now sees that you and Bas belong together."

"And this is something new?" Blaine asked.

"While before he was only accepting of the fact that two of you were together, he now supposedly sees you two belong together." His Dad told him.

"Like that's going to change anything."

"I told him as much." Cooper replied. "But Dad promised he'd relay the message. He also told Kurt if he ever cared about you to leave you and Bas alone."

"That must've gone over well. Did he give another of his meaningless promises?"

"But of course. He also tried to play stupid about trying to eavesdrop on you and Hunter when the detective came to talk to you guys."

"Last thing he'd ever admit to is doing something like that in front of his Dad."

"Boys, aren't we getting off topic?" Their Mom said.

"We are, but this topic is more entertaining." Blaine replied. "And really Mom, what else can we talk about that we haven't already discussed at some point. If you would like me to call you guys next time I feel like talking I will. But up until what happened with Trevor it wasn't a topic Bas and I really discussed. I just knew he was there if I ever needed to talk."

"Your Dad and I just wanted to make sure you knew we were here as well. And while we know you were upset when we just came to New York without talking to you, we wanted to make sure we were good."

"Mom, Dad, we're fine. Yes, I was upset that you guys just came, but I understand why. And we all agreed that from now on you'd call me before coming. You just have to remember that when I have problems I won't always come to you first. I'm not saying I won't ever come to you, but it's not going to be all the time."

"That's fair." His Dad told him. "You're growing up, sometimes it's hard to accept you're not quite our little boy anymore and don't need us as much."

"I'm always going to need you, just some things I'm going to be handling on my own. I hope you trust me enough to accept that."

"We do."

"Since I've been through this Blaine, what Mom and Dad are trying to say is, it's hard accepting we're growing up and don't need them as much. So if they slip up a bit in the beginning, be patient with them. Be thankful though, you're getting the broken in model."

"Cooper."

"Mom, I say that with love. But even you admitted that it was hard on you and Dad when I first moved to LA."

"How about we go back to discussing what happened at the Hummel home?" As their Mom went to get them something to drink Blaine leaned closer to Cooper.

"Thank you."

"You are very welcome."

Meanwhile a few miles away Sebastian sat on the couch in the living room with Braeden on his lap as his parents spoke with him and Lexi. He knew he should be paying better attention, but honestly he had no interest in the conversation Lexi and their Mother were having. And as he looked across at his Dad, it was pretty clear he wasn't into it as well. "Hey Dad, did you set up the train under the tree like you used to when I was little?"

"I did, why?"

"I thought Braeden and Jocelyn might want to see it. Lexi, do you mind if we take them to see it while you two talk?" When she shook her head, Sebastian got up off the couch with Braeden while their Dad walked towards them and picked up Jocelyn from Lexi. Once they walked out of the room Mr. Smythe looked at Sebastian. "What?"

"It took you longer then I thought it would for you to find a way out of there. I must admit, it was a good excuse."

"It wasn't an excuse; I think they'd enjoy it."

"And it had nothing to do with avoiding having a conversation with your Mother."

"Fine, it might've had something to do with it. But I also know Lexi has a few things she wants to talk to her about prior to coming over to the Andersons."

"You mean that she better behave since both sets of Blaine and Cooper's grandparents will be there."

"How'd you know?" Sebastian asked as they walked into the family room and sat down on the floor near the tree. Once his Dad turned everything on they sat and watched the kids be intrigued by the train.

"While your Mother and Carolyn aren't best friends for obvious reasons, Gregory and I actually do spend time together. We felt it was important to get to know each other and we have quite a bit in common. So, once it had been decided that they'd be there he felt it was important that your Mother and I knew. The last thing any of us want is a repeat of what happened the last time we all had dinner."

"Ain't that the truth? Lexi and I were both mortified and it was pretty clear you were as well."

"That's a moment I don't ever want to repeat. But, call it a gut feeling that everything is going to go well. The last thing your Mother wants to do is put a damper on Jocelyn and Braeden's first Christmas. She knows how important this is to everyone. And if you talk to her, you might notice a change."

"Maybe." Sebastian replied with a smirk as Braeden reached for the train. "I'm just kidding Dad; I'll talk to her at some point today. But I'd much rather sit here with you, Jocelyn, and Braeden."

"Alright. Since you want to stay in here, what do you want to talk about?"

"Since when did you start spending so much time with Blaine's Dad?"

"Shortly after you boys left for New York actually. The day you all left, he asked if I played golf, which of course I do. Once I said yes, he invited me to join him, Dr. Duval, and Mr. Sterling golfing that Sunday."

"So you've not only gotten know Blaine's Dad, but Nick and Jeff's as well."

"If you want to get into specifics, I've gotten to know all of your friends Dads. They all get together each Sunday to play golf." Mr. Smythe looked at Sebastian and couldn't help but laugh at the look he had on his face. "Why does this surprise you so much?"

"I just never took you as the type of person to bond with my friends parents."

"I'm not anti-social Seb."

"I know, it's…weird. Anything else happen that I should know?"

"Your Mother helped out the other Moms in planning a charity event."

"That's not funny."

"It wasn't meant to be. She made it through an entire day with your friends Moms and didn't alienate a single one of them."

"How can you be so sure?"

"Gregory said according to Carolyn, your Mother was pleasant to be around that day."

"Did you mark it on the calendar?" Sebastian asked with a laugh. "Because that's a rare occurrence."

"It used to be, I think you really should talk to her."

"Please tell me today wasn't about trying to get her and I to work on things because that could be disastrous. The last thing I need is to be irritated when we return to the Anderson since B's grandparents are arriving today."

"No, that wasn't the point of today. Lexi and I felt it would be good for us to spend some time as a family. Also, she wanted Jocelyn and Braeden to be familiar with me and your Mother before we come over tomorrow and Wednesday."

"That makes sense, because they are a bit uncomfortable around people they don't know. The only thing that calms them is if someone they do know is close. Though, they instantly took to B's parents when we got home."

"That's because they knew they were safe. Some people just project it."

"Like you."

"Why do you say that Seb?"

"Because Jocelyn is content with you, let's see of Braeden is as well." Mr. Smythe nodded so they soon exchanged the children they were holding.

"He's a lot like you were."

"How so?"

"You were a very happy baby Seb." Sebastian looked at his Dad and cocked his eyebrow. "Don't act like that's so hard to believe. If you think about it, we were a pretty normal family until Lexi and your Mother got into it."

"Depends on your definition of normal."

"Seb."

"It's true, Dad. You brought the normalcy to the family."

"That's not true Seb."

"It is. Grandma and Grandpa Smythe knew how to have fun. They constantly played with me and Lexi. Yet whenever we were with the Dubois side of the family Lexi and I always had to be so well behaved and use our best manners. We were never allowed to be little kids. I think that's why Mother had no idea how to deal with us when you weren't around."

"Her way was just different Seb."

"We'll have to agree to disagree on this because we obviously remember things differently Dad. Did you know Lexi is speaking French to the kids as well as English?"

"I did, she said even you and Blaine do it."

"When we remember to. Before I forget, thank you for everything you did."

"What do you mean?"

"By getting that information about Trevor out in the public. Are you ever going to tell me how you did it?"

"Just know I had some help, that's all you need to know Seb."

"Dad."

"How about this, I will tell you and Blaine once the trial is over. This way you both have plausible deniability if questioned on the matter."

"Fair enough."

"How are they enjoying the train?" They both looked behind them at the sound of Mrs. Smythe's voice and there in the doorway stood Lexi and Mrs. Smythe.

"They're as mesmerized by them as Seb used to be." Mr. Smythe replied. "You would sit under the tree watching it for hours. Seb."

"I remember that." Lexi said as she walked closer before sitting down next to Sebastian.

"Seb, do you mind if we talk for a few minutes before you and Lexi leave?" Sebastian glanced at Lexi and then at his Dad before taking a deep breath.

"Sure." As he replied he handed Jocelyn to Lexi. Before he got up, Lexi smiled at him reassuringly. Sebastian nodded in response and soon headed off after his Mother.

"Do you know what they're going to talk about?" Mr. Smythe asked.

"Nothing too intense, last thing I need is Bas upset when we head back. What did the two of you talk about?"

"A little bit of everything."

When Sebastian walked into the living room his Mother was already seated on the couch. Once he took a seat opposite her he relaxed a bit when he saw a genuine smile on her face. "I promise I won't make this long since I know you're looking forward to getting back to the Andersons. But I want you to know I know how important these next couple of days are for you and Lexi. And I promise I won't do anything to ruin it."

"Not to sound cynical, but don't make promises you can't keep."

"This is a promise I can keep. I know it's going to take time for us to rebuild a relationship Seb. All I'm asking for is an opportunity to do so."

"We can try, but we need to do this at my pace no matter how slow that might be."

"That's fine. May I ask you something Seb?"

"Sure."

"How are you and Blaine doing?"

"We're good, why?"

"It's just; I know the two of you have had to deal with quite a bit. I was hoping it wasn't having an ill-effect on the two of you."

"Actually, everything we've gone through has made us stronger. Blaine and I keep the lines of communication open. We know we need to be honest with the other about how we're feeling, especially with everything that's happened."

"Is his ex still being a problem?"

"He's more of a nuisance than anything. Nothing B and I can't handle."

"I'm glad to hear it. While I'm sure I've told you, I'm really happy for you. Blaine's a wonderful young man."

"Thank you and I'll have to agree, he is wonderful." As the two of them talked, they had no idea they had an audience in the hall. From the way they kept looking back and forth at each other, it was clear that Lexi and Mr. Smythe were surprised by what they were seeing. Sebastian and his Mother were actually having a conversation and neither looked tense or stressed, they were actually smiling. After feeling her phone vibrate in her pocket Lexi knew she needed to interrupt as she'd promised Cooper they'd be back before the grandparents arrived.

"Excuse me, but we need to get going Bas." Lexi said as they walked into the room.

"That's alright. Please say hello to everyone for us." Mrs. Smythe said as she and Sebastian got up from the couch. "Thank you for coming by today."

"It was our pleasure." Lexi replied as Sebastian went to go and get their coats from the other room. "And I hate that it had to be so short."

"We understand." Mr. Smythe said. "And it's not as though we won't be seeing you all tomorrow."

Once they were settled in the car Lexi looked over at Sebastian and smiled. "Cooper's goofiness is rubbing off on you."

"Why do you say that?" She replied as she pulled out of the driveway.

"Because you're smiling solely due to the fact that our Mother and I actually had a civil conversation."

"It might be, but do you honestly blame me. The last thing I wanted was to be bringing you back in a bad mood. Blaine would never forgive me."

"Yes he would because B is one of the most forgiving people I know. Now did you decide we needed to leave before things got bad or did we leave for a reason?"

"We left because Cooper sent me a text saying his grandparents would be there within the hour. So I felt it would be best if we returned now so we had time to relax. I know you're going to want to tell Blaine all about what happened."

"Just like you're going to want to talk to Cooper. Do you know what they did while we were gone?"

"Not really, but I'm sure they'll both tell us all about it once we return."