Two Steps Beyond
Part 150
Knowing their friends were there, Blaine and Sebastian got up much earlier than they had planned on. After getting dressed they headed down to the kitchen to make some coffee. Blaine had just gotten it started when they heard the door to the basement open. It was only a few moments later when they saw Jeff come walking into the kitchen. "Morning." Jeff said as he took a seat at the island.
"Morning yourself, sleep well?" Sebastian said.
"I did actually. Before I freak, by chance did you guys let me parents know I we were staying?"
"Yes." Blaine replied. "Since you and Nick had left your phones on the table we sent texts to your parents from your phones letting them know. And sent I sent a text to Wes's Dad so everyone was covered."
"What about Thad's parents? And….where's Hunter, I didn't see him downstairs?"
"Cooper called Donovan to let him know what was going on. And since Hunter was up, B set him up in the office. I'm guessing Britt isn't up yet."
"Nope, but she stirred when I got up so it probably won't be long till she's up here." While Jeff was speaking the coffee pot when off. So Blaine got them all cups and poured. He'd just handed them to Sebastian and Jeff when Brittany came walking in. "Hey." Jeff said softly since it was obvious she was still waking up. Brittany replied and walking straight into Jeff's arms and wrapped hers around him. "You should still be sleeping."
"I wasn't the same without you." She replied before resting her head on his shoulder. "Morning Blaine. Sebby."
"Morning Britt." Blaine replied. "May I get you anything?"
"Coffee please." Since Sebastian had yet to put anything in his, he slid his cup over to her before getting up to pour himself a cup. "Thank you Sebby."
"You're welcome. Since you guys know best, how much time does it take Nick and Santana to become coherent?"
"Not long." Jeff replied. "And before I forget, thank you for letting us sleep. For being on the couch, I slept really soundly."
"Since you guys didn't budge when people started moving around it was a pretty simple decision." Blaine told him. "Heck, according to Bas they tried waking Rachel and she didn't move."
"Then where is she?" Brittany asked.
"Brody carried her upstairs." Sebastian replied. "As far as we know, she never woke."
"Good thing she's tiny because that's a lot of stairs." Jeff said just as Thad came walking into the kitchen.
"What are we talking about?" Thad asked as he took a seat next to Sebastian.
"Brody carrying Rachel all the way upstairs last night." Blaine replied. "And if you want coffee, you need to wait for the new pot."
"That's fine. Please tell me someone let my parents know I crashed here. Shit, where's Hunter?"
"Yes, your parents know. Cooper called Donovan. As for Hunter…look behind you."
"Man, I'm sorry." Thad told him.
"No big deal. I slept well on the couch in the office." Hunter said. "Is it correct to assume everyone else is still sleeping?"
"I'd say so." Sebastian replied. "But we are going to have to wake them in a little bit so they can all go and get changed for rehearsal."
"Considering our track record, we brought a change of clothes with us." Jeff said. "And I'm pretty Nick and Santana did as well."
"Nice to know I wasn't the only one." Thad said with a laugh. "Knowing Wes, they brought clothes with as well. Our past track record serves us well." It wasn't much longer till everyone made their appearance in the kitchen. "So Blaine, think your parents are going to be surprised to see us?"
"Depends how awake they are when they come down." He replied as he leaned back against Sebastian who was still sitting. "If anyone is hungry, help yourselves since I'm sure you all know where everything is, except you Hunter so just asked." Considering the fact that none of them ate much the previous evening they were all pretty quick to get themselves something to eat.
When Mrs. Anderson came walking into the kitchen she just smiled seeing everyone. "Morning!" She said before going to pour herself some coffee. After they all answered she looked across at Blaine and Sebastian. "Anyone else here?"
"Nope. And since you didn't come down last night let me introduce Hunter and Hailey." As they exchanged greetings she smiled again. "What?"
"It was pretty easy to deduce considering I knew everyone else. I'd ask if any of you need anything but I see you made yourselves at home."
"I hope you don't mind, Blaine told us too."
"Of course not Thad, I wouldn't have it any other way. And since you're all here, I'm going to remind you all that Blaine's Grandparents are here so don't be surprised if you see people you don't recognize."
"Hopefully we don't startle them." Wes said. "Seeing all of us first thing in the morning could be a bit shocking."
"You might be surprised." Sebastian said. "After spending time with them it's clear where Blaine and Cooper get their personalities from." Blaine glanced back at Sebastian. "I mean that in the best way possible B." He then leaned over Blaine's shoulder and gave him a kiss on the cheek.
They were all cleaning up from breakfast when Mr. Anderson as well as the rest of the family came walking in. "I didn't know we needed to make reservations." Grandpa Anderson said as they sat down.
"We're clearing out so you're good Grandpa." Blaine replied before introducing his friends to his Grandparents. Once the introductions were done they all made their way out of the kitchen. "Hunter, I can show you where you can change. As for the rest of you, you know where to go." While the guys walked out to their cars to get their bags, the girls made themselves comfortable in the family room.
Rehearsal that day flew by and before they knew it they were calling it a day. As they cleaned up the theater they all went over their plans for once they returned to New York. "Now, are we all still good for our little Christmas on Sunday or are we postponing it? Sebastian asked.
"We're good." Dave replied. "Are you two still game for housing some of us?"
"Of course." Blaine replied. "Since there aren't currently any distractions, are we still doing Times Square on New Years'?"
"That's the plan." Jeff said. "It supposed to be much nicer this year."
"But if the weather goes to hell, we'll party at our place." Sebastian said.
"Works for me." Thad replied. "Now is everyone heading home or are we all doing something?"
"We're heading home." Jeff replied. "Need to spend that last night with the parents."
"Plus we're getting a rather early start tomorrow." Nick added.
"I thought that was the case, but I was just checking. When is everyone flying out tomorrow?"
"B and I are heading back early. Our flight is at nine."
"We'll be seeing you at the airport." Hunter replied. "That's the same time we fly out."
"When are Cassie and Donovan heading back?"
"Tomorrow as well, but they are taking a slightly later flight." Thad told them. "What about Lexi and Cooper?"
"They're leaving early tomorrow as well." Blaine said. "At least that's the plan but it could always change."
Once they got into the car Blaine looked over at Sebastian who had closed his eyes. "What?" Sebastian asked without even opening his eyes.
"How'd you know I was looking at you?"
"It was a safe guess since you hadn't turned the car on yet. So, what is it?"
"Are you sure you still want to do this?"
"Yes. After the previous days I'm optimistic. And don't take this the wrong way because I do want to see them, but I can't wait to go back to your place and do nothing."
"After that rehearsal, I'm ready for the same thing." Blaine replied as he turned the car on. "At least we stopped sooner today."
"I think part of that was due to the fact we over did it a bit yesterday. Plus everyone wanted to spend those last little moments with their families. Now, how are you feeling about the fact that your Dad is flying out for the trial?"
"I'm fine with it actually. And he's only going to be there for the first couple of days since I'm near the beginning of the witness list. He just wants to make sure I'm okay."
"That makes sense. Is your Mom coming as well since I don't remember your Dad saying if she was?"
"She is. I think for them they need to be there since we'll never really get closure with what happened to me. Mr. Sterling is coming out as well to support Jeff even though he told him it wasn't necessary."
"Sounds like the general consensus since my Dad is coming as is Hunter's Mom."
"Is there a reason Hunter's Mom is coming versus his Dad?"
"His Dad has a meeting to attend in DC that he can't get out of. And like Jeff, he told her it wasn't necessary to be there but well, you see how well that went."
Blaine and Sebastian continued to talk the entire way to Sebastian's house. When Blaine pulled through the gate he noticed Sebastian take a deep breath. "I can still turn around."
"That was done because I was tired B, no other reason. I'm honestly fine with doing this. Personally, I'm surprised they had no objection to us coming straight from rehearsal." Sebastian said as Blaine parked the car.
"Well, we offered so they can't say anything about our appearance.""
"That's very true." Sebastian said before they got out of the car. As they walked to the door, Sebastian took Blaine's hand in his. After giving it a gentle squeeze, Sebastian opened the front door. "We're here!" He called out as they walked into the foyer.
"We're in the living room." Mr. Smythe called out in return. It was a short walk from the foyer to the living room. When they rounded the corner, Sebastian was surprised to see how casually his parents were dressed. "How was rehearsal?"
"Productive." Sebastian replied before they sat down. "I'd give you a hug, but I don't think either of you want to touch us."
"We'll take your word on that. So, are you boys all packed and ready to leave tomorrow?"
"We are for the most part. Only a few things left to pack."
"I'm guessing that includes packing up your gifts." Mrs. Smythe said.
"Those have actually been shipped already. They will be arriving tomorrow afternoon actually so B and I will be able to get all our unpacking done at once."
"You got a quick start on that." Mr. Smythe said.
"It helped that my parents already had boxes ready. They had a feeling we'd all be shipping things home." Blaine told them. "And once again, thank you for everything."
"You're welcome." Mrs. Smythe replied. "We're glad you liked everything. Now, do you boys have plans for New Years'?"
"We're all going to Times Square this year since we didn't last year. It's supposed to be a nice night." Sebastian told them. "Cooper and Lexi think we're crazy, but they've already done it so who knows."
"Don't let her fool you; she had a blast when she did it." Mr. Smythe told them.
"I figured as much since she's done it more than once. Though, the second time she did it she went with Cooper."
"Do they have plans for New Years?" Mrs. Smythe asked.
"They are spending it at home. After how crazy the last month has been for Cooper they're staying in. But I think they are going to have some friends over." Blaine replied. "They're going to make the most of their time before Cooper starts work on his new film."
"If it's anything like this last one, I can't wait. I honestly couldn't figure out whether he was a good guy or a bad guy."
"We couldn't either." Sebastian told her. "And neither could anyone else who saw it so don't feel bad. It was a really well written story."
"You're right it was. Now, I know he has another film coming out in May, what type of film is it?"
"It's an action movie." Blaine replied.
"He's covering the gamut with his first few films, isn't he?" Mr. Smythe said.
"We said the same thing." Sebastian said. "B and I are going to be going stir crazy waiting for the one he's going to be starting."
"What's that about?"
"It's a mystery, that's all he'll tell us. But considering the cast, it should be something special."
Throughout their time at the Smythes, the conversation stayed pretty safe, but considering the fact that previous safe conversation had taken a turn for the worse Blaine saw this as a positive. Sebastian never got tense the entire time they were there. If anything, it looked as though he was comfortable spending time with his parents. From what Blaine saw, Sebastian's Mother was keeping her word in letting Sebastian set the pace for things.
As they made their way out to car after having dinner Sebastian gave Blaine a quick peck on the cheek before walking around to the passenger's side. "What was that for?" Blaine asked before opening the door.
"Just felt like it." He replied with a smile.
After they pulled out of the driveway, Sebastian placed his hand on Blaine's thigh and gave it a gentle squeeze. "It's nice to see you like this after spending time with them."
"It's nice feeling like this. And while I'm still hesitant since she's said once before that we can take things at my pace and we both know what happened. But this time feels different."
"I noticed that as well. She didn't push at all."
"That was a relief because I'm pretty sure if she did, I would've grabbed you and we would've headed right out the door."
"I don't think you're the only one that was relieved, your Dad was too."
"No doubt about that."
When they finally arrived back at Blaine's they were both hoping they could head straight upstairs to shower. As they pulled into the garage, Blaine looked over at Sebastian. "Since I didn't get the chance last night, do you want a massage tonight?"
"I'd never say no to one but you don't need to if you don't want to. I feel pretty good today. Do you need one?"
"Like you I'd never object to one." After gathering their things, they made one last check of the car to make sure they didn't leave anything behind. "I can't believe we're heading home tomorrow."
"Me either, this week flew by which is something I didn't expect."
"This week was full of surprises for you, wasn't it?" Blaine said as he took ahold of Sebastian's hand.
"It was and they were all pleasant. Think about it B, except for that slight hiccup with Hummel the week was everything you wanted."
"And everything you needed. You needed it to be a good week."
"Why do you say that?"
"Because you were all prepared for things to go to hell. You said before we left you hoped to be proven wrong."
"That's true. It's probably due to the fact that this week went so smoothly that it went by so fast." Sebastian had just finished speaking as they walked into the house. Blaine was about to call out that they were home when his Dad came walking towards them.
"How was your day?"
"Successful." Blaine replied.
"That's what I was hoping to hear. If you boys are hungry, there is food in the kitchen."
"Thanks, but we had dinner with my parents." Sebastian said.
"Well then, that answers what would've been my next question."
"What was it going to be?" Blaine asked.
"How the visit went but since you boys had dinner with them it must've gone well."
"It did. What's the plan for the rest of the night?"
"We're all just relaxing in the family room. You boys are welcome to join us or do whatever you want."
"Alright." Once the conversation ended, Mr. Anderson continued towards the kitchen and the boys headed upstairs. After walking into the bedroom Blaine closed the door. He'd barely turned around and Sebastian was already changing. "Are you wanting to go downstairs afterwards or do you want to stay up here?"
"Going down is fine. Even though we know we're going to be seeing your parents in a couple weeks, it would seem rude to hang up here. Why, what do you want?"
"I was thinking the same thing. At least I know my parents won't mind if we just curl up on the couch and watch whatever it is they have on."
"Since that's the case I won't ravage you in the shower." Sebastian replied with a smirk.
"What if I wanted you to?"
"I'll make it up to you once we get home tomorrow."
"I like the sound of that."
"Glad you do."
When they made their way downstairs they were surprised to find one of the couches empty. "We thought you two would want to get comfortable." Mrs. Anderson said. "So feel free to stretch out."
"That is greatly appreciated Mom." Blaine said before they got comfortable. "Did everyone get home safely?"
"They did and they asked us to tell you both how great it was to see you. And they hope they see you again soon." Mr. Anderson said.
"I hope you told them that it probably won't be this summer." Blaine replied.
"We did and we told them it was because you planned on taking classes this summer. But you should know, they asked if you would mind them coming out to visit for a couple of days."
"That would be fine. Once I know what my schedule will be I'll let you all know."
"Are you the only one planning on taking classes this summer?" Lexi asked.
"No, Nick is as well. He and I both want to try and move things along."
"I know you said Nick wants to be a doctor, but has he decided what he wants to practice yet?" Cooper asked.
"He plans on being a pediatrician." Sebastian said. "At first I was shocked, but then once I thought about it, it made sense."
"It does." Lexi added. "He's a natural when he's with Jocelyn and Braeden."
"That's why it makes sense to me and B as well."
"What does his Dad think?" Mrs. Anderson asked.
"From what Nick has said, he's completely supportive." Blaine replied. "He's happy Nick is doing what he wants versus following in his footsteps. Basically once Nick said he wanted to be a doctor most assumed he was going to do what his Dad does."
"It's good for him choosing what's best for him." Mr. Anderson said. "Now while I know each of you plan on staying in New York after you graduate, have the others thought about what they're going to do?"
"As of now, everyone wants to stay in New York."
"What about some of the older boys?" Mrs. Anderson asked.
"I think it's going to end up being a toss-up between New York and Massachusetts, or Boston to be exact."
The rest of the evening was spent talking but nothing too serious. Mainly they were all just enjoying being together. By the time they called it a night, they were all falling asleep. It was safe to say they made the most of their last night together by just enjoying being together. After closing the door behind them, Blaine and Sebastian immediately got into bed knowing the alarm was going to come way too early.
The flight back to New York went by way quicker than they'd expected. After gathering their bags they quickly grabbed a cab back home. By the time they walked into their building they looked at each other as they watched Walter signing for quite a few packages. "Looks like our timing couldn't have been better." Blaine said as they waited for the delivery driver to leave.
"I'd have to agree. Personally, I'm anxious to get to quite a few of those items." Once the driver left, they walked up to Walter.
"Welcome back gentlemen! Did you have a nice time?"
"We did. How was your holiday?" Sebastian said.
"It was wonderful. And thank you both so much, you didn't need to."
"We wanted too." Blaine replied. "By chance, are two of those boxes ours?"
"They are."
"Excellent. We'll be back down after dropping off our luggage."
"No rush."
Blaine and Sebastian quickly headed up to their apartment and dropped off their bags before returning for their boxes. Once they were back in the apartment, Sebastian began unpacking the boxes while Blaine emptied out their suitcases since they hadn't done laundry while they were in Ohio. "B, do you remember if we need to go to the store or not?" Sebastian called out.
"I think we're good, why?" Blaine replied as he walked out into the living room.
"Because I was going to change into something comfortable if we didn't need to go out."
"I'll go check, but I'm pretty sure we're good. Did everything arrive in one piece?"
"So far, so good." Sebastian replied before Blaine headed for the kitchen. It wasn't long till Blaine returned and soon joined Sebastian on the floor. "So?"
"We're good, but so you know I really don't feel like cooking tonight so I figured we'd order in."
"Fine with me since I don't feel like cooking either. And since you said we're good, I'm going to go and get comfortable. You?" Blaine nodded and soon followed Sebastian into their bedroom. Even though they were both anxious to spend some time together, they did what they planned and changed into comfy clothes before heading back into the living room. With the two of them working together it didn't take long to get everything unpacked. "Do you have any idea where you want to put most of this stuff B?"
"I've got a few ideas. So let's put the stuff we know where it goes away and work from there." Sebastian nodded and they got to work. Surprisingly it didn't take them long to get everything put away and they were soon cuddling on the couch. After Blaine placed his head on Sebastian's chest, Sebastian wrapped his arms around him.
"You okay B?"
"Yea, I think all the running around we did is finally catching up with me."
"I know the feeling, so why don't we take a nap?"
"Are you sure?"
"Why not? We're not expecting anyone and we've already called our parents to let them know we've arrived."
"You're right." Blaine then turned slightly so he could grab the blanket off the back of the couch. After draping it over them, he wrapped his arms around Sebastian. "Sleep tight Bas."
"Sleep tight B."