Two Steps Beyond
Part 146
The next morning, Blaine and Sebastian were still curled up in bed when there was a knock on their door. "B." Sebastian said quietly as he was barely awake.
"Ignore it, it's too bloody early." Blaine replied before wrapping an arm around Sebastian's which was around him. When there was another knock, Blaine sighed as he debated answering it. After considering the time, he reluctantly got out of bed to get it knowing it must be important. Upon opening the door he found Cooper standing on the other side. "This better be good Cooper, it's freaking early."
"I know and I'm sorry but I really didn't want to wake Mom and Dad." Blaine stepped aside and let Cooper into his room not wanting their conversation to wake anyone else in the house. "When you guys unloaded the SUV did you get everything out of it?"
"You're asking this now?" Blaine asked.
"Yes because I needed to do it while my wife was still sleeping and I'd rather wake you and Bas then Mom and Dad as I said. But when I was in Mom's little Christmas storage room yesterday I couldn't find something rather important."
"What would that be?"
"Lexi's Christmas present." That comment from Cooper caused Sebastian to sit up in bed. "Sorry for waking you Bas."
"It's okay. Which box was it?"
"It was wrapped in shiny red and green plaid paper and had a gold bow in it."
"I remember that one." Blaine said. "When Nick and I loaded the SUV we moved some of the smaller gifts into the two big gift bags. Sorry."
"It's okay; I just wanted to make sure it was here. I'll go downstairs and make sure. It's my own stupid fault for not checking inside those bags."
"It wasn't stupid Coop, you had no idea we put more stuff inside them. If you want I can come down and help you look."
"That's okay, you two go back to sleep or whatever you were doing."
"Coop, it's barely after six, we were still sleeping."
"Hey, one never knows. Thanks again guys!" Once he walked out of the room, Blaine closed the door and quickly got back into the warm bed.
"He's a goof but at least it was a good reason." Sebastian said as they got comfortable once again under the covers. Cooper's brief appearance wasn't enough to stop the two of them from falling back to sleep rather quickly. They had fallen back to sleep so quickly and soundly that when there was another knock on the door they were both ready to snap before they glanced at the clock and saw that it was after nine. "I'll get it this time." Sebastian then gave Blaine a quick kiss before getting out of bed. When he opened the door he was sure he was going to see Cooper, but instead it was Lexi. "Yes."
"Why are you acting weird?"
"I'm not acting any weirder than usual. What do B and I owe this honor?"
"Breakfast is about ready and everyone was wondering if you two were joining us."
"B, are we joining them for breakfast?" Sebastian asked as he looked over his shoulder at Blaine who was still comfortable in bed. As they had a brief conversation Lexi just shook her head. "We'll be down shortly, but make sure there is coffee ready."
"There was a new pot brewing when I came up so, you should be good. Oh, and don't put anything too nice on, Coop and I want you two to come outside with us."
"That depends, what for?"
"To play in the snow with the kids."
"Acceptable, now scoot so we can get dressed." By the time Sebastian turned around again, Blaine was already out of bed. "Here I was already to use my charms to get you out of bed."
"If you used your charms, we wouldn't have gotten out of bed." Blaine replied with a laugh. Since they were putting on clothes to go outside it wasn't long till they were heading downstairs. When they rounded the corner they were both awakened by all the conversations that were happening. After giving his Mom a kiss, Blaine and Sebastian went to pour themselves some coffee. "Have you been pushed aside Mom?"
"Me and Lexi. Your Grandma and Nana insisted on feeding Jocelyn and Braeden this morning. Notice, she didn't have either of them with her when she went to get you."
"You've got a point." Sebastian said as he leaned back against the counter. "Will you be joining us out in the snow?"
"I will be."
"Mom, where are Dad and Coop?"
"Building a snowman." Lexi replied. "They wanted one built before we brought the kids out."
"This I've got to see." Blaine replied before setting his cup down on the counter and taking Sebastian's hand. "Do we have time Mom?"
"Yes, but do me a favor. Tell your Dad and Cooper to come in, they can finish after breakfast." Blaine nodded and soon him and Sebastian were putting their sweatshirts on and walking out onto the back deck. Once they were outside they easily spotted the two of them just on the other side of the pool.
"Coop!" Blaine called out as he and Sebastian watched.
"What?"
"Mom says you and Dad need to come in, breakfast is almost ready."
"Fine!" As they walked towards the deck, Blaine and Sebastian looked at each other, debating as to whether or not to start a snowball fight with the two of them. Considering breakfast was soon, they reined in their impulse. "Were you two up or did they wake you?" Cooper asked as he and Mr. Anderson reached the top of the deck.
"We were semi-coherent." Blaine replied. "By the way, did you find it?"
"I did, so thank you."
"Find what?" Mr. Anderson asked as they all walked back into the house.
"Lexi's Christmas present from Coop." Blaine replied. "When Nick and I loaded the SUV we rearranged things a bit which included putting some gifts that didn't belong into the two big bags."
"I could understand the need to panic. Finding a replacement gift on Christmas Eve would've been difficult."
"More then you realize since I brought it back with me from Europe." Cooper replied as he and his Dad took off their boots. "Seeing the way the two of you are dressed you'll be joining us."
"We will be." Sebastian replied. Breakfast went by relatively fast considering all the different conversations that were going on. Before they all knew it they were all cleaning up so that they could head outside. "B, are your grandparents coming outside as well?" Sebastian asked as they headed up to Blaine's room to get their boots, gloves and boots.
"Yes and watch out."
"For what?"
"Both of my Grandpas are notorious for throwing snowballs when you're not looking. And Grandma and Nana are almost as bad but they try to distract us so we don't see we're going to get hit."
"B, your family is crazy."
"Tell me something I don't know. Safe to say Jocelyn and Braeden are going to get corrupted. By the way, when are your parents coming over?"
"According to your Mom, around four and then around nine tomorrow morning."
"Are you okay about them being here that early tomorrow?"
"If yesterday was any indication, we should be good. Now, let's go have some fun!"
By the time Blaine and Sebastian made it downstairs, everyone was already outside. "Come with me Bas." Blaine said as he took ahold of Sebastian's hand. "We're going to sneak out because who knows what they have planned."
"Are you saying they'd assault us?"
"One never knows." He said before they headed down the basement steps. After looking out the window, Blaine looked back at Sebastian. "They were going to do just that Bas." Sebastian looked around Blaine and shook his head as they all seemed to be patiently waiting their arrival. "Let's have some of that fun you wanted." Blaine stretched to give Sebastian a kiss before they quietly made their way outside. With all the conversations occurring, no one heard the two of them on the far side of the house.
Once they had a supply of snowballs made they checked out their targets, making sure to know where Jocelyn and Braeden were so they didn't get caught in the cross-fire. Not surprisingly they were being held by their great-grandmas. "Ready?" Sebastian asked with a smirk and Blaine nodded. With the freshly fallen snow they were able to sneak around till they could see them all perfectly. While they were all waiting with snowballs in hand for Blaine and Sebastian to appear, they were going to be completely caught off guard when they got hit.
"You sneaks!" Cooper yelled after Blaine got him square in the back. Blaine and Sebastian both started to laugh before the snowballs started to fly. With the supply the boys had created they were able to do pretty well even though the odds were stacked against them. By the time they'd finished they all couldn't stop from laughing.
"Youth triumphs once again!" Blaine said with a smile as he and Sebastian finally walked towards the others.
"That's because you two are sneaky." Cooper told them.
"And you guys weren't being sneaky planning on ambushing us once we walked outside?" Sebastian said.
"He's got a point Coop." Lexi told him as she shook the snow out of her hair. "We were planning on getting them when they came out."
"Who figured it out?" Grandpa Anderson asked.
"Blaine." Sebastian replied.
"I taught you well."
"That you did. Now, how about we show Dad and Coop how to build a proper snowman?" Since Blaine obviously wasn't impressed with his Dad and Cooper's skills, he and Sebastian began building another snowman with the help of the Grandpas.
"They're all crazy." Mrs. Anderson said.
"And this surprises you dear?"
"No Mom, it doesn't." By the time they all came inside they couldn't believe it was already time for lunch. With as many of them as there were, she told them all what was available to eat in the fridge and to just help themselves. "Lexi do you need any help?"
"No, we're good. Since neither are hungry right now, Coop and I are going to put them down for a nap. But thank you." As Cooper and Lexi walked out of the kitchen, Blaine walked over to the stove.
"What are you doing Blaine?"
"Making hot chocolate for Bas and I. Anyone else interested?"
"Are you making the real stuff Blaine?"
"Yes Nana."
"Then count me and your Grandpa in."
"Same here Blaine." His Grandma chimed in.
"Mom?"
"You might as well make enough for everyone since I know Cooper and your Dad will want some and I'm sure you already know whether Lexi will want any."
Once the batch was made, Blaine and Sebastian took their cups up to their room since they planned on relaxing a bit before having lunch. After changing out of their damp clothes into something dry, they got comfortable on the bed. "I've got to tell you, I can't remember the last time I had fun like that." Sebastian said as Blaine leaned back against his chest.
"The guys will be offended."
"Funny. The fun we have with them is totally different."
"I know. While my parents can do the whole formal thing, they know how to have fun and you can see where they get that from."
"That's how it was for my Dad. And while I give my Mother crap a lot of the time, when I actually think about it, it's not all her fault. Her parents always expected Lexi and I to be well-behaved. So while it sucks that they wrote me off after I came out, I'm not really missing out on much. Honestly, with the way they are I'm surprised they still even speak to my Mother after the way she lashed out at them."
"Does Lexi talk to them?"
"No, she wrote them off when they turned their backs on me. She said she doesn't need people like that in her life, family or not." Blaine then rolled onto his side and placed his cup on the nightstand before turning back to Sebastian. "What is it B?"
"I hope that spending time with my family doesn't make you feel weird." Blaine said as he was now lying chest to chest with Sebastian. "That's the last thing I'd want."
"It doesn't, so don't worry." Sebastian then leaned in to give him a kiss. "It's nice being around crazy family antics."
"That's good to know. I was thinking."
"That often gets us in trouble B."
"Yet you never complain."
"It's my kind of trouble." Sebastian said with a wiggle of his eyebrows. "What were you thinking?"
"Well, I'm not hungry considering all we ate for breakfast so I was thinking about taking a shower to warm up. Plus, we know they'll be hot water since everyone else is eating."
"I like the sound of that killer."
"I had a feeling you would. So, I'll go close the door and I'll meet you in the shower." Blaine then kissed Sebastian before moving off the bed. Just as he was about to close his door Lexi and Cooper were walking by.
"Isn't it a little early to be closing the door?" Cooper asked as he slid his arm around Lexi's waist.
"For your information, we're going to take a shower since neither of us are hungry. We figured it's safer to take it now then later when everyone is going to be taking one to get ready."
"You just had to give a reasonable answer, didn't you?" Cooper said with a smile.
"It's the truth. And what are you two doing up here again since you already put the kids down?"
"We were going to do the same thing so we weren't running around later." Lexi replied. "But we'll give you two a head start." Blaine smiled before putting his hand back on the door. "And Blaine."
"Yes Lexi."
"Don't use all the hot water."
"Got it."
When Blaine walked into the bathroom, Sebastian was already in the shower. With Lexi and Cooper planning on doing the same thing, Blaine quickly got in and joined him. Upon wrapping his arms around Sebastian, the softest of sighs came out of his mouth. "I was beginning to wonder." Sebastian replied before turning in Blaine's arms and pulling him under the water with him.
"Lexi and Cooper were passing by as I was about to close the door."
"What are they doing up here?"
"Planning on doing the same thing we are so I was told not to use all the hot water."
"How rude." Sebastian replied before moving his leg between Blaine's. "Guess we can't take our time."
"We can, it's a pretty big hot water tank."
"So you tricked me."
"No, it just wouldn't survive ten adults trying to get ready at once. Though, we need to be quiet since Cooper's bathroom backs up to this one."
By the time they finished with their shower, they were both clearly relaxed. They'd each just put their pants on when there was a knock at the door. "Your room is like Grand Central today B." Sebastian said while he looked through the shirts he brought. When he opened the door, there stood his Dad.
"Hey Dad! What's up?"
"I'd actually come up here to recommend you guys do what you already did, shower so there was enough hot water. Guess I'm a little late."
"You are. We figured since we weren't hungry we'd get a head start. And so you know, Coop and Lexi are getting ready as well so everything will be good for the rest of you."
"Well, we appreciate that. I will go so you guys can finish getting ready." Blaine smiled before closing the door.
"Everything okay?"
"Yep, he actually came up to recommend what we just did."
"You mean shower, not the sex."
"Yes, the shower." Blaine said as he walked back to the closet to get his black shirt. "Why am I not surprised you're wearing a green shirt?"
"Because you know me, but I was actually going to wear red till you put on your red pants. We would've looked weird wearing opposites like that."
"Very true. You know you don't need to wear a tie Bas."
"I know, but since you're wearing one, I figured I would as well."
When they finally made their way downstairs, Mrs. Anderson met them at the bottom of the stairs since she was on her way up. "Don't the two of you look handsome?"
"Thank you." Sebastian replied before she gave them each a kiss on the cheek.
"If you two want quiet, go to the living room if you want to deal with the craziness, the Grandparents are in the family room."
"Thanks for the heads up Mom."
"You're welcome."
Since they'd spent quite a bit of time upstairs alone, they decided to head for the family room and everyone else. No sooner did they round the corner did Blaine's Grandma speak up. "You boys look as good in person as you do in those pictures."
"Thank you Grandma." Blaine said before they took a seat. "We clean up rather well."
"That you do. Before the conversation could progress any further, Lexi and Cooper came around the corner with the kids. "Guess we all better get a move on if the kids are already." The four then got up but before leaving made sure to have a few words with all of them. Once they were gone Cooper and Lexi sat down opposite of Blaine and Sebastian.
"Did we leave you enough hot water?" Blaine asked as he slipped his hand into Sebastian's.
"You did, thank you." Lexi replied. "You both look very nice."
"As do all of you." Sebastian replied. "Are you ready for whatever this night may bring?"
"I am, are you?"
"I think so."
"Well, if you're concerned at all I've already convinced Mom and Dad to let the two of you have wine this evening if it becomes necessary." Cooper told them as he adjusted Braeden in his arms.
"What has been deemed necessary?" Blaine asked.
"If tensions start to rise, hopefully a little wine will take the edge off."
"Perfect, the six of you are here." Mr. Anderson said as he rounded the corner.
"We are, why?" Cooper asked.
"Your Mom wants a picture of all of you. And I know it can get annoying but this is really one of her only quirks."
"It's okay, we get it." Cooper replied after looking over at Blaine who smiled. "She wants reminders of us all being here."
"Also it's Jocelyn and Braeden's first Christmas." Mr. Anderson added. "So why don't you all get comfortable on the couch and we can get this done before anyone else comes down or arrives. The fewer distractions we have, the better." With it just being them in the room, Mr. Anderson was able to get all the pictures he wanted with having everyone pulled in separate directions. They were just finishing up when Mrs. Anderson walked into the room and spotted them all by the tree.
"Looks like I missed out on everything."
"Trust us Mom, Dad got every picture possible." Blaine replied as he moved Jocelyn into his other arm.
"You must all think I'm being silly."
"It's not." Cooper replied. "But why don't we let Bas got one shot of you two with me, Blaine, and the kids."
"Do you mind Seb?" Mrs. Anderson asked.
"It would be my pleasure." Sebastian gave Blaine a quick peck on the cheek before walking over to Mr. Anderson and taking the camera from him. Knowing the Grandparents would be down soon, it didn't take long for Sebastian to get quite a few good shots. "I think you'll be happy with these." He said as he handed the camera back to Mr. Anderson.
"They look great Seb, thank you."
"You are welcome." Just as Sebastian answered the doorbell rang. Blaine looked up at Sebastian whose previous smile had faded just a bit. "I'm okay." Mrs. Anderson gave Sebastian's hand a reassuring squeeze before going to answer the door.
"We can do this Bas." Lexi said as she and Cooper walked closer to Blaine and Sebastian.
"I know." The four of them were still talking when the Smythes walked into the family room. "Hi Dad. Mother. Merry Christmas!" Sebastian said as he gave them each a hug.
"Merry Christmas to you as well!" Mrs. Smythe replied as she gave everyone a hug.
"Please, make yourselves at home." Mrs. Anderson said as Mr. Anderson walked into the room. "May I get you anything to drink?"
"We're good right now, but maybe later." Mr. Smythe replied. Sebastian gave Blaine's hand a squeeze causing him to look up at him and this time Blaine saw a more relaxed smile on his face. From that look alone, Blaine could tell Sebastian was more at ease and it was clear even from his point of view Sebastian's Mother was in a good mood. It was only a few minutes later when the Grandparents came walking into the room.
"I hope we haven't kept everyone waiting." Nana said.
"Not at all." Mrs. Anderson replied before making proper introductions. While Mrs. Smythe's manners were usually impeccable, there was an ease about her today that had both Lexi and Sebastian smiling. If those smiles stayed on each of their faces for the next day and a half Cooper and Blaine would have been given the best Christmas gift they could've asked for. About a half hour prior to dinner Mrs. Anderson asked Blaine and Sebastian to help her in the kitchen since Cooper and Lexi seemed to be entertaining everyone with recent details of Cooper's recent premieres. Once they were in the kitchen Mrs. Anderson looked at the two of them. "Seb, look in the fridge." Sebastian shrugged his shoulders but did as he was asked. Upon opening the door he quickly closed it before smiling at Blaine.
"Guess he really was telling the truth."
"Thank you!" Sebastian said as he walked over and gave her a hug.
"You are welcome. But I hear Blaine makes a close replica."
"He does, but this will help refresh my taste buds."
"Is there anything else Mom?"
"Not really, but you two looked a bit bored so I thought I'd help you escape." Mrs. Anderson then looked across the kitchen before turning back to the boys. "Actually, while I check on everything, can you two bring the high chairs into the dining room?"
"Of course." By the time they returned Mrs. Anderson had her apron on and was I fully cooking mode. "Since Bas and I are pretty capable Mom, just let us know what you need us to do."
"You know, I think I'll take you up on that."
When Mr. Anderson came walking in to check on things he couldn't help smile as he watched the three of them work on dinner. "Here I was going to offer some help but it looks like you've got all the help you need."
"That I do."
"You know what that means though, right Dad?"
"And what would that be Blaine?"
"Since we're helping Mom cook, we don't have to do dishes."
"That I do know. But if Cooper and I are doing dishes, that leaves you two to entertaining everyone."
"I'm sure we'll manage." Sebastian replied.
"All you boys have to do is agree to sing again and everyone will be happy." Mrs. Anderson chimed in with.
"Easily done." Blaine said while slipping passed Sebastian to get something from the spice cabinet.
"Well then, I'll be going and let the three of you finish up. Before I forget, I was going to pour the wine soon, do you each want a glass?" Blaine and Sebastian looked at each other before looking back at Mr. Anderson.
"Yes please Dad." Once he walked out of the room Blaine looked at his Mom. "From what Cooper said I thought wine was only going to be offered if things got stressful."
"It was supposed to be, but since things are going so well we thought it would be nice to let you two enjoy a glass for no reason." Blaine and Sebastian both smiled. "I thought you'd both appreciate. Just limit it to one."
"Done."