Two Steps Beyond
Part 145
When they returned to the Anderson home, Mr. Anderson was there to greet them when they came walking in from the garage. "How'd things go?" He asked as he took Braeden from Lexi so she could take her coat off.
"Surprisingly well. They send their regards and will see us all tomorrow. And that if you guys need them to bring anything, don't hesitate to ask."
"Everything is taken care of, but I appreciate the offer." Mr. Anderson replied as Lexi took Braeden back. "Seb, why don't you head upstairs and see what's keeping Blaine?"
"Alright." Sebastian then handed Jocelyn to Mr. Anderson before heading upstairs. Once Sebastian rounded the corner, Cooper came walking into the hallway and took his daughter from his Dad.
"What's going on?" Lexi asked as they headed towards the family room.
"Nothing, Blaine's just taking his sweet, old time getting ready." Cooper replied. While Cooper stood by his answer, Lexi couldn't shake the feeling that more was going on.
After Sebastian reached the top of the stairs, he could hear music coming from Blaine's room. It only took a few minutes to realize it was one of Blaine's favorite Concertos playing. With the door being closed, Sebastian knocked before opening it. Upon walking in, he saw Blaine sprawled across his bed clad in only a pair of boxer briefs. "Not that I object, but shouldn't you be getting dressed?" Sebastian said as he took off his coat and placed it on the chair.
"I should be, but I don't quite feel like it yet. And I know I've got time still." As Blaine spoke Sebastian sat down on the edge of the bed. "How was your visit?"
"It went well actually. And you'll be pleased to know I told my Mother I'm willing to work on rebuilding our relationship."
"Good for you Bas." Blaine said as he sat up on his elbows.
"Thank you. She was actually nice to be around. How was your morning?"
"Let's talk about it later."
"B." Sebastian said as he lay down next to Blaine.
"Alright, my parents felt that we needed to talk about what happened to me at the Sadie Hawkins dance since we were all together."
"That seems odd, why?"
"At first they didn't say, but when they realized I didn't want to talk about it they told me it's because they're afraid it might get brought up during the trial. And they weren't sure how I was going to react. Also, Cooper told my Dad last night that I told the guys what happened to me and they were curious as to why I finally told them."
"Ugh, I'm sorry B."
"It's alright. Once I got passed being frustrated it was a good conversation. And then we got into my Dad and Coop's trip to go see Kurt and his Dad. You'll be pleased to know you were correct."
"About?"
"Kurt tried to badmouth you and my Dad squashed him before he could start. Told him he wouldn't tolerate Kurt speaking ill of you around him. And then he tried to do it again and Burt stopped him. Coop said it was pretty priceless, but not as bad as his face when he saw my Dad and Coop."
"Now that's a conversation I wish I was around for."
"Trust me, if my Mom isn't around my Dad and Coop will recap it for you. I think they enjoyed themselves a bit."
"Why not when your Mom is around?"
"Because Coop got a bit carried away talking about Kurt. I'll tell you the rest of it later on if that's alright."
"You know me; I'm here when you want to talk so no rush. Now, what are you going to wear?"
"Considering you look so nice, I need to be complimentary. But can I get one thing before I get dressed?"
"Depends on what that is."
"A kiss."
"Of course." It would've been so easy for them to get lost in it, but they knew they couldn't. So once it broke, Sebastian rolled onto his back as Blaine got off of the bed and headed for his closet. By the time Sebastian sat back up, Blaine was pulling his sweater over his head. "Looking good killer."
"Thanks." Blaine then walked towards the bed. "Shall we?"
"We shall." Sebastian replied as he took Blaine's hand which he'd extended towards him. "What's today going to be like?"
"Crazy, knowing my Grandparents. Think of graduation, but crazier. My grandparents love Christmas and I'm pretty sure they're as excited about having us all here as my parents are. And knowing my Grandma and Nana, they're going to want to get to know you better."
"That's fine with me; will you be joining me when they do?"
"I'm sure that can be arranged."
"If you're talking about sneaking off tonight, not going to happen." Cooper said as they reached the landing. "You're in it for the night like the rest of us."
"That's not what we were talking about Coop." Blaine told him. "Where is everyone else?"
"Family room. Dad asked me to see what was keeping you, though we sent Bas to do it."
"He still wasn't dressed." Sebastian replied. "That is what took a bit of time."
"Alright."
"No sarcastic comeback, I'm shocked." Blaine said as they walked towards the family room.
"You weren't up there long enough to constitute one. But I'm glad you dressed nicely."
"Why is that?"
"Dad set up the camera because Mom wants a photo before the Grandparents get here." When they walked into the family room Lexi and Mrs. Anderson were sitting on the couch holding the kids while Mr. Anderson talked on the phone. "What's going on?"
"Work." Mrs. Anderson said as she shook her head. "Just once I'd like to get through a vacation without the office calling."
"Ask him to turn it off." Cooper told his Mom as he sat down next to Lexi.
"I would if he wasn't working on a big project."
"When isn't he working on a big project?"
"Very true. You boys look nice."
"Thank you." Blaine replied. "What's with the need to take a picture now since I know you're going to want to take a ton over the next few days?
"That would be because I want to and I realized that the last picture I have of all of us together is when you boys graduated."
"That was only six months ago Mom."
"True, but before that it was at Cooper and Lexi's wedding and these little cuties weren't yet in the picture."
"Yes they were." Cooper said with a laugh that was quite contagious as Blaine and Sebastian began to laugh as well.
"Cooper."
"Come on Mom, you know it's funny because technically they were."
"He's got you there Mom."
"Not you too Blaine." Mrs. Anderson replied while trying not to laugh. "Lexi, how do you put up being around the three of them all the time?"
"I'm constantly entertained."
By the time Mr. Anderson got off the phone everyone just looked at him as he'd gotten a tad irritated near the end. "Sure you don't need to take a breather Dad." Blaine asked as he leaned back against Sebastian.
"Positive. So, are we ready to do this because if we don't do it now we're going to have to figure out how to add four?"
"Aren't we going to be having to do that later regardless?" Cooper asked.
"Yes, but…ugh."
"Relax dear; the boys are in rare form. Seb, you're being quiet."
"That's because B and Coop seem to have everything under control right now. Don't worry; when the opportunity arises I'll chime in." Blaine looked back over his shoulder at Sebastian and smiled as his Dad shook his head.
"You know, let's just do this before the comments really start to fly since everyone seems to be a comedian today." With that comment said, Mrs. Anderson got up off the couch and started to put everyone where she wanted them. After positioning Cooper and Blaine behind the bench she asked Sebastian and Lexi to stand next to the boys.
"B." Sebastian said quietly once he was next to him.
"Did you really think she wasn't going to include you? The fact that she referenced graduation should've been a clue." Sebastian just smiled before leaning over to kiss Blaine on the cheek.
"Mom, may I have my son?"
"Nope."
"Excuse me?"
"Your Dad and I will be holding your kids so the picture is balanced." Once Mr. Anderson took Jocelyn from Lexi, Mrs. Anderson looked at him.
"What is it Mom?" Blaine asked.
"Nothing." She then smiled before they each took their seats in front of them. After a couple of shots were taken, Cooper and Lexi got to hold their kids again as Mr. and Mrs. Anderson looked over the pictures that were taken. "You guys are free to do what you want till your grandparents get here."
"Are you telling us we're done?" Cooper asked.
"Yes, for once we lucked out and got good pictures on the first try." Since they were already in the family room, they all got comfortable. "Now, why don't you boys tell us about the competition you entered?"
"What would you like to know?" Sebastian asked.
"Whose taking part would be a good place to start?"
"B."
"Our graduating class. Brittany and Santana. Rachel and her boyfriend Brody. Wes and his girlfriend Hailey. David, James, Flint, and Hunter."
"Hunter Clarington?" Mr. Anderson asked.
"We don't know anyone else named Hunter." Blaine said with a laugh. "He's actually flying in Thursday so he's able to take part in practice."
"Who is he staying with?" Mrs. Anderson asked.
"Thad." Sebastian replied. "It's only fitting since Cassie and Donovan are coming to town a little later."
"Wait, so Thad's brother is dating your publicist?"
"Yes Mom." Cooper replied. "And before you ask, no Lexi and I didn't fix them up. It was totally random but we both approve. They're quite a good fit for each other. So much so that Donovan is in Colorado with her for Christmas."
"Not that it's any of my business, but how are Thad and Hunter handling this?"
"It was a shock at first, but they're fine with it." Blaine replied.
"Hunter is happy Cassie is to finally dating a nice guy." Sebastian added.
"While Thad is happy Donovan is finally dating someone with brains and a personality." Blaine finished just as the doorbell rang.
"I'll get it, you guys can finish talking." Mr. Anderson said as he got up off the couch.
"Who do you think it is?" Cooper asked.
"Nana and Grandpa."
"Why do you think that?"
"Law of averages." It wasn't long till a smile crept across Blaine and Cooper's faces. "I was right." He said as he heard his Nana laugh. "Last chance to make a dash for it Bas." Sebastian just smiled before taking Blaine's hand.
"It'll take more than your grandparents to scare me off B." Blaine then turned to kiss Sebastian on the cheek.
"Aren't you two adorable?" They all looked towards the doorway at the sound of Nana's voice. "No need to stop on our account."
"Hi Nana." Cooper said as Blaine was trying to stop himself from blushing. "It's good to see you."
"It's good to be seen Cooper. Lexi, it's good to see you as well. Blaine. Sebastian."
"Nana, we told you that you can call him Seb." Blaine said as he got up off the couch. "I've missed you." He said as he gave her a hug.
"I've missed you too. So, how are my famous boys doing?"
"Famous?" Blaine asked as Sebastian walked up to them.
"Yes, I'm a hit at the country club having such handsome young men in my life. All my friends feel you've done well for yourself Blaine."
"Nana."
"Come now, Seb is handsome. No need to be bashful." She then extended her arms to Sebastian to give him a hug. "You've got quite a catch in Blaine as well Seb."
"You won't get any arguments from me." Sebastian replied before wrapping his arms around Blaine from behind.
"You just can't leave those boys alone can you." Grandpa Anderson said as he walked into the family room with Mr. Anderson.
"We were all just getting reacquainted. What took you so long?"
"Do you realize how much stuff we had to bring in?" Mr. Anderson said before taking a seat next to his wife. "You went overboard Mom. You do realize the kids are going to have to bring all that home and Blaine and Seb are flying."
"Whatever can't fit in their suitcases, we can ship."
"Always thinking ahead, aren't you Nana." Cooper said.
"Of course. How else do you think I keep up with all of you? Don't think I've forgotten you Lexi."
"I didn't. Feel free to spend as much time with them as you want. I'm not going anywhere."
"Good, because we plan on getting to know our great-grandchildren these next few days as well as get to know you better."
Soon enough Blaine and Cooper's Grandparents were sitting on the couch with Lexi and Cooper along with Jocelyn and Braeden. Blaine and Sebastian had just gotten up to get something to drink from the kitchen when the doorbell rang once more. "Do you want us to get that Dad?" Blaine asked.
"That's alright; you and Seb go get your drinks I'll get it." Blaine and Sebastian nodded in response before continuing on their way. Once inside the kitchen Blaine wrapped his arms around Sebastian's waist.
"You sure you're alright?" Blaine asked as he looked up at Sebastian who'd wrapped his arms around Blaine as well.
"Yes, you're Grandparents are adorable. But your Grandpa is a bit quiet."
"That's because Nana rarely gives him a chance to get a word in edge wise."
"That's a good point, but she was right."
"About?"
"That you're quite the catch Blaine Anderson."
"So are you Sebastian Smythe." Blaine then got up on his toes to kiss Sebastian. When Blaine felt Sebastian's tongue brush his lips he backed off from the kiss. "We…we can't."
"I know, sorry." Sebastian replied before leaning down and pressing their foreheads together. "Don't want to get caught up and get busted by the other set of Grandparents."
"You think Nana is bad, Grandma would make a big fuss over it. Honestly just once in the next couple of days I'd like to see how they'd react to Coop kissing Lexi."
"B, they're as bad as we are about stealing kisses so it'll probably happen. I need to tell you one thing though."
"What's that?"
"It wasn't fair wearing these pants today."
"Why?"
"They accentuate your ass perfectly. You're going to be putting dirty thoughts in my head all day."
"Since when is that something new?"
"True, but your mind works the same way."
"You won't get any arguments from me."
"What won't you two be arguing about?" Mrs. Anderson said as she walked into the kitchen.
"Nothing worth talking about Mom. What brings you in here?"
"Your Grandparents are thirsty. So if you boys wouldn't mind helping me, I'd appreciate it. That is unless I was interrupting."
"You weren't interrupting Mom, we were just talking."
By the time the three of them returned everyone was settled in the family room. Blaine and Sebastian barely had a chance to set the drinks down when his Grandma and Grandpa Davis came up to them and gave them each a hug. "We were hoping you boys were going to be here." His Grandma told him.
"Where else would we be?" Blaine asked.
"Out having fun."
"They've done plenty of that since they've been home." Mr. Anderson replied.
"Is that true Blaine?"
"It is."
Since everyone was there, Blaine and Sebastian made themselves comfortable on the floor instead of sitting on the far side of the room. During the next couple of hours, Sebastian and Lexi got a full dose of how crazy it could get having the whole family together, something they didn't really get to experience when the boys graduated. By the time the room started to clear out since they were about to eat dinner Blaine rested his head against Sebastian. "You okay B?"
"You mean besides being utterly embarrassed."
"What are you embarrassed about?" Sebastian asked as he wrapped his arm around him.
"Did they really have to share all those stories?
"I thought they were cute, so you have nothing to be embarrassed about." He then kissed the top of Blaine's head. "If it makes you feel any better, my Grandma and Grandpa would've fit right in. They would've jumped at the opportunity to share stories of me and Lexi from our childhood with our significant others. My Dad even commented today that Braeden reminds him a lot of me as a baby. Guess I was a happy baby."
"Awww."
"See, there are stories of me out there to but you'll have to get them from my Dad."
"I just might have to do that."
"All I ask is that I'm present during it."
"Deal. Now, are you sure you're going to survive being around them for a few days?"
"Absolutely. They're wonderful B. They really do remind me a lot of my Dad's parents."
"You really miss them, don't you?" Sebastian nodded. "Since Lexi spent more time with them have you ever talked about them with her?"
"I have. But why don't we talk about this later, okay?"
"That's fine. We should probably get going before they send Cooper after us."
"True." Sebastian then leaned over and gave Blaine a kiss before they got up and headed for the dining room. Once dinner was over, Blaine and Cooper were left shaking their heads as started doing the dishes. "Guys, considering where that conversation was headed are you really shocked?" Sebastian asked as he brought them the last of the plates.
"Yes!" They both replied causing Sebastian to laugh.
"By the way, where is my wife?"
"Upstairs changing the kids into their jammies." Sebastian said.
"She's got to be mortified right now."
"Go check on her Coop, I'll help B finish up the dishes."
"You don't have to Bas."
"Go." Cooper nodded and stepped aside. Sebastian took Blaine's spot putting dishes in as Blaine took Cooper's at the sink. "He's got to know she's fine, right."
"Yes, but at the same time being asked when they plan on adding to their brood can be a bit intimate. Because in a way that's asking about their sex life. And while we know it's not lacking, I don't think that's information Cooper wants to share. But I can't blame them considering how cute Jocelyn and Braeden are."
"True and your Grandma was pretty blunt in how she asked."
"Yea, that's why Coop's concerned about Lexi. Did you see my Mom's face when she asked, she was shocked. I don't even think she's asked Coop or Lexi when they thought of adding to their family. I mean, we all know they plan on it, it's just a matter of when."
They were just finishing up in the kitchen when Mr. Anderson came walking in. "Where's Cooper?"
"Upstairs with Lexi." Blaine replied. "He wanted to make sure she was alright after what happened at the end of dinner."
"Yea, your Grandma wasn't very subtle, was she? And Nana didn't help matters. So, I'm going to say this now. If Cooper and Lexi don't come back down, you boys don't have to spend the rest of the evening with us either."
"She'll be okay." Sebastian said. "If anything, she was just shocked which will wear off."
"What will wear off?" Lexi asked as she and Cooper walked into the kitchen with the kids.
"Your shock." Sebastian replied.
"It's already gone. Now, what's next on this evening's entertainment?"
"It's time for Blaine to do this thing."
"What would that be?" Sebastian asked.
"Blaine is going to play the piano and sing." Cooper replied. "Considering the grandparents know you can sing Bas, I'm sure they'll convince you to join him."
"If he wants me to, I gladly will."
"By the way, thanks for finishing up guys."
"You are welcome." Blaine replied. "So, ready to go sing some carols?" When they all walked into the living room, they found the grandparents seated on the couch while Mrs. Anderson was making room for everyone to sit. "Relax Mom; Bas is going to sit with me at the piano."
"Are you sure?"
"We're sure." Sebastian replied as Lexi and Cooper sat down on the loveseat near the piano. Once they were situated, Blaine and Sebastian started to go through the music on the piano. While they tried to figure out what they wanted to sing, both Grandma and Nana came over to Lexi and Cooper to apologize for what they said. Cooper and Lexi both reassured them they said nothing wrong and proceeded to tell them they had yet to make a decision about adding to their family. "Lexi, you game to play?"
"Why do you ask?"
"There's a song here B and I want to sing, but the piano is something B would rather not play while singing if that makes sense."
"Sure if you're willing to hold Jocelyn."
"Do you even have to ask?" Blaine replied.
"Then fair enough, I'll play. Coop?"
"We will join you." As they got up off the loveseat, Lexi soon handed Jocelyn over to Sebastian before sitting down behind the piano and being joined by Cooper and Braeden.
"Just give me a minute to warm-up, alright?"
"We can do that." Sebastian replied as he got Jocelyn comfortable in his arm. While Lexi warmed up a bit, Blaine and Sebastian discussed how they wanted to handle the arrangement.
"They know they don't need to go through so much trouble, right?" Grandpa Davis said. "We're good with straight forward."
"This isn't trouble for them." Mrs. Anderson replied. "This is something they enjoy. So just sit back and prepare to be entertained." Prior to them beginning, Mrs. Anderson nudged her husband who had the camera next to him. "You need to get a picture of this." There was something about the sight of them all around the piano which warmed her heart. After starting off simple, their song choices and arrangements began to get a bit more complex.
It wasn't long till they were in their own little world, singing as Lexi played. While finishing, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, Cooper slid a piece of music across the piano. Blaine shook his head while Cooper kept nodding. Once they finished Cooper just looked at Blaine. "Why?" Blaine asked quietly.
"Because when you two sang it at Dalton last Christmas it was beautiful and our grandparents deserve to hear it in person."
"Coop, we sang that with the Warblers."
"Blaine, you two were in your own world that night."
"Is everything alright?" Mr. Anderson asked.
"It's fine Dad. Just trying to choose one last number before Lexi and I take the kids up to bed." Blaine looked up at Sebastian just looked at him. "So?"
"Lexi, if we give you the key can you play some fill around us since we won't have the guys harmonies?"
"Of course, if that's what you two want. Blaine?"
"It's up to you killer, but Cooper's right we sounded great last year."
"Fine, we'll do it." Blaine replied with a smile knowing Sebastian and Cooper were both right, they sounded really good last Christmas. After going through a few chord changes with Lexi they were good to go. When Lexi began to play the brief intro, both of the Andersons looked at each other, instantly recognizing the song.
I don't want a lot for Christmas
There is just one thing I need
I don't care about the presents
Underneath the Christmas tree
I just want you for my own
More than you could ever know
Make my wish come true
All I want for Christmas is you, yeah.
I don't want a lot for Christmas
There is just one thing I need
And I don't care about the presents
Underneath the Christmas tree
I don't need to hang my stocking
There upon the fireplace
Santa Claus won't make me happy
With a toy on Christmas Day
I just want you for my own
More than you could ever know
Make my wish come true
All I want for Christmas is you
You, baby
While they sang, Cooper kept glancing at Lexi who was watching Blaine and Sebastian sing. Just as they did the previous time they sang it, they did nothing but look at the other. It was almost to the point where it felt like one was intruding on a moment between the two of them. By the time they finished Lexi nudged Cooper before giving him a kiss, clearly happy with his song choice. "That was wonderful boys, thank you so much." Nana said as Lexi took Jocelyn back from Sebastian.
"You are very welcome." Blaine replied. "We're glad you all enjoyed it. Lexi, thank you."
"You are very welcome. Now if you'll all excuse Cooper and I, it's time to get these munchkins to bed."
"With as awake as they are, will that be a problem?" Grandma asked.
"No, we've got a secret weapon that does wonders. We'll see you all in a bit." Once Lexi and Cooper walked away, Blaine walked around to the other side of the piano and put the music away before closing it up.
"Why don't the two of you excuse yourselves as well?" Mr. Anderson said as he walked up behind Blaine while the grandparents continued to talk about what they just heard with Mrs. Anderson. "You deserve it after the performance you just put on."
"But, won't that be rude?"
"Blaine, if I thought it was rude I wouldn't recommend it. Considering the way they're talking right now, it's going to be awhile till the subject changes. So please, go and relax. If anything important comes up me or Cooper will come and get you." Blaine looked across at Sebastian and smiled before looking back at his Dad and nodding. "I'll cover for you."
"I love you Dad."
"I love you too; now go make your getaway."
Song : All I Want For Christmas Is You, Mariah Carey