Part 7
After stopping at the bakery and coffee shop, Nick was all set to head over to Blaine and Sebastian's. While he was certain he was going to be waking them, he knew bringing them food and coffee was the easiest way to appease them both. "Good morning, Mr. Duval." Walter said as Nick walked into the lobby.
"Morning." Nick replied. Even now, it still amazed Nick that he remembered everyone's name. Considering the number of residents in the building, the man had an incredible memory to not only remember them, but constant visitors. On his way up in the elevator, Nick thought about how he was going to address the issue with them both. By the time the doors opened, he was still unsure how he was going to do it. So with a deep breath, he rang the bell and waited.
Considering the hour, he wasn't too surprised that it took a bit longer than usual for one of them to answer. Once he heard the lock turn, he wondered who was going to be on the other side. "Do you know what freaking time it is Duval?" Sebastian stated as he leaned against the opposing door.
"I brought a peace offering." Nick replied as he raised the tray of coffees and the box from the bakery. "May I come in?"
"Since you brought substance, you may." Sebastian said as he stepped aside so Nick could come in. It was pretty clear he'd either woken them or they'd just gotten up since Sebastian was only wearing a pair of lounge pants and his ring. After closing the door, Sebastian grabbed a coffee off the tray. "It's still hot, we won't kill you." Sebastian said as they headed down the hall. "What's in the box?"
"Croissants." Nick replied as he'd made certain to grab one of their favorites. "Blaine up?"
"Yea, he's in the living room. Are you going to tell me what brings you by so early?" Sebastian asked as they walked into the living room. "B, Nick brought us breakfast." Sebastian said as they continued around the couches till they could sit. Much like Sebastian, Blaine was wearing only a pair of lounge pants and his ring as well.
"Care to tell us why you're here?" Blaine asked as Nick handed him his coffee which he eagerly accepted. After taking a sip of his coffee, Blaine glanced back at Sebastian upon noticing that Nick looked a little nervous. "Just ask Nick." The statement brought a knowing look to Nick's face that helped him relax a bit.
"What's with the rings?" Those simple words brought smiles to both of their faces. "I noticed them last night, but didn't say anything because well, I figured there must be a reason why you didn't say anything."
"For starters, we got engaged Friday night." Blaine replied which brought a huge smile to Nick's face. "Bas."
"And secondly, we didn't say anything because we were curious as to how observant our friends are."
"Wait, so you guys don't plan on telling anyone?" Nick asked while opening the box.
"Hold that thought, let me get some plates." Blaine said before getting up. As Blaine walked out of the room Sebastian smiled at Nick.
"Impressive, I thought for sure Santana would've noticed them."
"I'm surprised she didn't. I mean, it's not like you guys were hiding them." While Nick spoke, Blaine was already walking back into the room with plates and napkins.
"What did I miss?" Blaine asked as he took a seat once more.
"I told him I was impressed. I honestly thought Santana would've noticed first and he agreed."
"Okay, first I need to tell you both how happy I am for you guys. It's about time."
"Careful with that comment, the same can be said for you." Sebastian told him.
"True, but the rest of you all got together around the same time. But I know what you mean. I can tell you it's going to happen. I just have to find the right ring. But back to you two, I'm assuming your parents know since they didn't say anything."
"We told them on Saturday at Cooper's urging. We were going to do the same thing with them as the rest of you but Cooper convinced us telling them was the right thing to do." Blaine told him.
"I've got to agree with him. I don't know you're parents as well Seb, but Blaine, your parents would've killed you."
"I know, but now they've been told. You're now part of a very elite club."
"Who else knows?"
"Besides our families and you." Sebastian said and Nick nodded. "Hunter and Jeff."
"Jeff knows!" Blaine and Sebastian both started to laugh at Nick's reaction. "And he didn't tell me?"
"I swore him to secrecy." Blaine told him. "He was actually with me when I bought Bas's ring."
"You don't seem surprised that Hunter didn't say anything." Sebastian said.
"That's because he's Hunter, we're talking about Jeff here. Don't get me wrong, I love him to death, but man. I can't believe he kept quiet about this. I mean…" Nick was honestly having trouble grasping the fact that Jeff had kept quiet. "Wait…you're both wearing rings. Is this something I don't know about or…"
"Normally, only one of us would be wearing one so you can relax." Sebastian told him. "The reason we're both wearing one is that we both planned to propose to the other."
"Who asked first?"
"I did." Blaine replied with a smirk.
"That you did B." Sebastian then kissed the top of Blaine's head. "After he did, I called Hunter who was holding Blaine's ring for me to bring it over."
"It's actually pretty cool. Unconventional, but that's totally you two."
"We thought the same thing." Blaine told him. "Now that you know, Jeff's going to be thrilled to have someone else to talk to. Not telling anyone was getting to be a bit much. He and Hunter enjoyed finally having someone to talk to about it."
"Trust me; we're going to talk about it."
"Take it easy on him." Sebastian said. "He, like Hunter, knew how important keeping quiet meant to me and B."
"Doesn't mean I can't have a little fun with him."
"True, just don't take it too far." Blaine said to him and Nick nodded.
"Now, for the big question."
"Yes, you may tell Santana." Sebastian said before taking a bite. "We know she'd kill you if she knew you waited after finding out."
"Is this something she should keep quiet?" Nick asked before taking a croissant out of the box. "I mean, you know she can keep a secret." He then watched as Blaine and Sebastian exchanged a few glances and brief words. Even after all this time he still didn't understand how they seemed to be able to have such conversations based solely on looks and a few words.
"How about you go and see Jeff today and you guys tell the girls together?" Blaine told him. "As Britt doesn't know yet either."
"Makes sense, but, do they need to keep quiet?"
"Till Friday, we're curious to see how long it's going to take Wes to notice." Sebastian stated.
"Oh, he'll spot those rings instantly." Nick told them. "Blaine, you know that."
"Well, considering what day it'll be I'll give him some leeway if he doesn't."
"Doesn't matter, he'll notice. I can't even keep track of all the times we thought we could sneak something passed him but he always noticed. I've got a question."
"You've had a few of them." Sebastian stated. "But proceed."
"This might sound self-involved, but why Jeff?"
"I started looking at rings when he was shopping for Britt's." Blaine told him. "He happened to notice me checking out the other cases and well, the conversation evolved."
"Who knew going to med school would keep me out of the loop on so many things?"
"Hey, you're busting your ass, it's expected. And well, do you take your best friend or your gay best friend ring shopping?" Sebastian said. "Not to say you don't have good taste Nick, but Blaine was the safer option."
"Not going to argue that point. If he took either of you with over me even if I wasn't in med school it would've made sense. So don't be surprised if I snag one or both of you when I go shopping."
"I think we can accommodate that request." Blaine told him. "But back to what we had been discussing, they need to keep quiet till Friday. I'm sure Wes will happily spread the word."
"You know you could just send a text out to everyone or a vid message or something."
"True, but the way everyone started to come at us after everyone started getting married and engaged we decided to have a bit of fun." Sebastian said.
"I'd expect that from you Seb, but not you Blaine. But it makes sense. Shit, even I asked you guys about it after Jeff proposed."
"It's okay; we understood where everyone was coming from. It was just everyone came at us at once." Blaine said. "So we got a bit defensive and such with our reactions. Now it's time to see how much attention people pay."
"You know, at first seeing you both wearing rings, I thought you might've run off and gotten married without telling any of us."
"As tempting as that might've been, we want you all there." Blaine told him.
"Plus our parents would've killed us." Sebastian added.
Since they both had rehearsal, Blaine and Sebastian agreed whoever got done first was responsible for dinner that evening. When Sebastian arrived at Columbia he wasn't surprised to see Hunter was already there. "Just the man I was looking for."
"Nice to see that smile is still on your face. Who knew getting engaged could make even you such a happy person. May I see the ring again, since we've now have better lighting?" Sebastian then held up his hand. "Got to give Blaine credit, it's really nice."
"I agree." Sebastian replied. "I've got a question for you."
"Shoot." Hunter replied as they headed towards the field.
"Would you be my best man?" No sooner did the words leave Sebastian's mouth did Hunter stop walking and turn to look at him. "Hunter?"
"Absolutely!" Sebastian sighed rather loudly when he answered. "Did you really think I'd say no?"
"I hoped you wouldn't." Sebastian said once they began to walk again. "It's just you looked at me a little strange after I asked."
"I was shocked. I thought you'd ask Thad honestly."
"Don't get me wrong, Thad is one of my best friends but…shit; don't make me get all emotional. I had enough of that this weekend."
"I get it." Hunter said reassuringly. "It would be my honor to stand up for you when you marry Blaine. Has he chosen his best man yet?"
"Cooper."
"Is there going to be anyone else or just me and Cooper?"
"We're still unsure. There might be two more but we don't know. The only thing we do know is that Jocelyn, Braeden, and Ethan are all going to be in it. Besides that, we haven't decided much else besides some basics."
"Well, as your best man, if you need me to do anything don't hesitate to ask, okay?"
"Will do. Oh, and Nick figured it out last night. He stopped by this morning."
"Does this mean we can tell the others?"
"No, though we've told Nick and Jeff they can tell the girls. We don't want anyone to say anything until Friday."
"Going to see if Wes notices?"
"Yep. He's like another brother to Blaine so it's only fitting to see if he can figure it out before we tell anyone else. But…we should probably tell everyone to wait till Sunday just in case."
"Whatever you two decide upon, just let me know."
"Oh, you'll know as I have no doubt the instant Lexi can tell someone Cassie and Tasha are going to be the first people she calls. By the way, Lexi knows you and Jeff have known so be prepared."
"I think I can handle whatever those ladies throw at me but thanks for the advance warning."
Considering Blaine's rehearsal was in the Bronx, it wasn't surprising that Sebastian arrived home first that afternoon. When the elevator doors opened he found Brittany sitting on the floor outside their door. "Everything okay Britt?"
"Sebby!" Brittany exclaimed as she got up off the floor and ran to hug him. No sooner did the hug end did she grab ahold of his hand. "You and Blaine are getting married!" She then gave him a kiss on the cheek. "I'm so happy for you guys. Where's Blaine?" After she asked her question Sebastian went to open the door.
"He's still at rehearsal. Come on in. We can continue to talk while I start dinner."
"No need to cook Sebby."
"Why is that?"
"Me, Jeff, Santana, and Hunter are taking you guys out to dinner. Nick would love to come, but he can't for usual reasons."
"You guys don't need to do that." Sebastian replied as they sat down in the living room.
"We want too."
"How about I make a deal with you?"
"That depends, what?"
"How about everyone comes over here for dinner and you help me cook?"
"Why?"
"We just went out to dinner last night and with all the studying Blaine and I have been doing a home cooked meal sounds more appealing."
"Let me call Santana and see if she's okay with it. If she is, then I will gladly help you." Brittany was still speaking when she took her phone out to call Santana. "Just so you know, Santana would have to leave early because she's working a benefit this evening." It wasn't long after she spoke did she begin speaking with Santana and explaining what Sebastian had told her. "She wants to speak to you." Brittany told him as she held out her phone.
For the next ten minutes, Sebastian spoke with Santana as Brittany listened to his side of the conversation. By the time he got off the phone he just looked at Brittany. "She understands, though she doesn't like that I'll be cooking my own celebratory dinner."
"Yea, she mentioned that to me too. Did she mention whether or not she was going to call Jeff and Hunter?" Brittany asked as she turned on the couch to face Sebastian
"She said she would do it so we could go to the store. I just need to call Blaine and tell him what's going on and then we can go." When Sebastian got ahold of Blaine he had just gotten on the subway and was heading home. After Sebastian explained the situation to him, he gave him some ideas for dinner since he knew it would still be awhile before he arrived home. "Ready Britt?"
"Yep!" She then wrapped her arms around him in another hug. "I'm really happy for you Sebby!"
"Thank you Britt!" Sebastian then kissed her cheek before they got up off the couch and headed on their way. It didn't come as too much of a shock to Sebastian that when they arrived home Blaine was already there and Hunter was with him. "B, put down what you are doing." Sebastian told him as he and Brittany set the bags on the table.
"Why is that?" Blaine asked as he turned and was quickly pulled into a hug by Brittany. Much as she'd done with Sebastian, as soon as she stopped hugging him she took ahold of his hand.
"You and Sebby both have excellent taste."
"Thank you." Blaine replied as the all too familiar smile crept to Sebastian's face as well as his own.
"As I've already told Sebby, I'm really happy for both of you!" She then gave him a kiss on the cheek.
"We're really happy about it too." Blaine then noticed the way Brittany was looking at Hunter. "Everything okay Britt?"
"I should be mad at you." Brittany said as she slid her arm around Blaine's waist, but kept her eyes on Hunter. "But I can't be."
"I'm happy to hear that." Hunter replied. "Care to tell me why?"
"I should be mad because you and Jeff kept this news from everyone. But I can't be because you guys did it for Blaine and Sebby."
"You don't know how much we both wanted to tell you guys."
"I think she does." Sebastian said. "She spoke with Jeff. What were you doing B?" He continued as he started to put food into the refrigerator.
"Hunter and I were chopping chocolate. I thought I'd make dessert while you took care of dinner."
"Wait, chopping chocolate is usually only done for a couple of recipes. Please tell me it's my favorite."
"Yes, it's your favorite. I really should call my Mom and ask her to do it." Blaine said with a laugh. "You know she'd be more than willing to."
"I don't know, after Christmas a few years back she might not be as willing considering how good yours turned out. Didn't she say something about being obsolete because you could make it as well as she could?"
"She did, but that doesn't mean she'd ever say no if I asked."
"You know he's got a point Seb." Hunter said as he went back to chopping.
"True. How soon after we separated did they get ahold of you?"
"I had multiple messages left for me." Hunter replied. "I quickly responded once I saw them. That was the reason I didn't walk to the subway with you."
"Understandable. Britt, ready to get to work?"
"Just tell me what you want me to do Sebby."
With all four of them in the kitchen busy at work, it would've been easy to assume they all would've gotten in each other's way. But since Blaine and Sebastian were so used to working together, they somehow managed to keep the interference to a minimum. Blaine had only taken the torte out of the oven and Sebastian was about read to put dinner in. "After watching the two of you, I really should take a cooking class." Hunter said as he leaned back before taking a sip of his wine.
"We can recommend some good ones. Britt and Santana actually gave Nick and Jeff cooking classes for Christmas last year." Blaine told him.
"Was that because they couldn't cook Britt?" Hunter asked.
"Not so much couldn't cook, but were repeating a lot of dishes. Santana and I actually took some classes a couple of years prior. We felt bad constantly calling Blaine and Sebby for advice."
"You know we didn't mind." Sebastian said as he put his arm around her. "You guys asking us for help has actually made myself and Blaine better cooks. You made us want to keep improving."
"He's right Britt, it has. So, when should we be expecting Santana and Jeff?"
"Soon. Santana has that benefit tonight so she's leaving a bit early. And Jeff gets home around the same time each day."
"Is that Cassie's benefit she's working?" Hunter asked.
"It is. With Nick so busy with rotation, she's keeping herself busy. And with your sister getting closer to her due date Santana is more than willing to help her when she can. Cassie really helped Santana find her passion for what she's doing."
"And here I thought Santana wanted to do something like this so she could boss people around and yell at people."
"Sebby."
"Come now Britt, you know she loves that part of the job."
"She does, but she likes the rest of it as well."
"When do you go back to work with Lexi?" Blaine asked as he refilled her wine glass.
"Next week."
When Cooper came walking back into the house the evening, he was slightly concerned by how quiet it was. Normally he'd call out, but considering Lexi and Gabrielle had only been home a few days he began making his way through the house. Even though he'd already been in the foyer, he realized Lexi was at least home because her purse was sitting on a table in the foyer. As he climbed the steps he swore he heard what sounded like the Warblers singing. Once he reached the top of the stairs, he saw Lexi sitting on the couch with her laptop in front of her, as well as some magazines next to her and their wedding video on the television. "At least now I know I wasn't hearing things." Cooper said as he sat down next to her.
"Yea, Jocelyn and Braeden wanted to see our wedding so I took the video out."
"Shouldn't they be here watching it then." Cooper said as he put his arm around her. "How's our little angel?"
"Sleeping and before you ask where everyone else is I'll tell you. They took the kids to dinner and a movie."
"Wow the kids are living it up on a school night."
"They are but they got there little bit of work done. That was something I told them needed to be done if they wanted to go."
"Makes sense. Now, why are you watching it again?" As Cooper asked he noticed just what magazines she'd been looking through.
"You realize that was the start of everything for them." Cooper looked at her and cocked his head. "I know, I'm not talking about the initial falling for each other, but the start of their relationship. Think about it Coop, it only started a couple days prior. Yet looking at them you'd think they'd been together much longer than that."
"That's because they had been, they just hadn't realized it. And if it wasn't for me giving them a swift kick in the behind they probably would've still been circling each other."
"You're never going to let them forget that, are you?"
"Nope, I plan on including it in my speech."
"You're already working on your speech?"
"Absolutely. Since they've yet to say when they plan on getting married I need to be prepared. I still can't believe Blaine came up with the one he did on such short notice."
"It was amazing."
"Exactly, that is why I'm working on mine already. I don't have the same way with words that he does. Remember, he's the song writer after all. Now, care to tell me what all these magazines are for and what you're looking at online?"
"Well, the magazines should be obvious since they've been in the house ever since Britt and Jeff got engaged. But, I was just looking to see how things work if that makes sense. I mean, it's not like when we got married Coop."
"Relax Lex, it's something we're all going to have to figure out. We've got time."
"Time is relative Coop. When you all took the kids to the park Saturday, Blaine, Bas, and I had a chance to talk once I woke up."
"What haven't you told me?" Cooper asked as Lexi leaned against him.
"I got an answer to a question my Mother asked them. They plan on this being a short engagement."
"That doesn't surprise me. My Dad and I were talking about it and he guessed the same thing. He figures with as long as this took, though their reasons made sense. They're not going to prolong things. They're going to want to get married sooner rather than later. That is one of the reasons I'm already working on my speech as I said."
"That makes sense Coop. And while I know they both want to enjoy this right now, I've got what seems like a billion questions for them both. I mean, we've had quite a few of our gay friends get married and each wedding has been so different."
"Think of it this way hun, that means there is no right or wrong. Whatever Blaine and Bas want is going to be right."
"Please tell me you're willing to tell me that over and over again."
"Don't worry, I will. You do realize you're not going to get any of your questions answered till they come back from their vacation."
"I know. But that doesn't mean I can't have some ideas by the time they return."
"Lexi."
"Come on Coop, you know I've been thinking about this. And before everything got better with our Mother I swore I was going to be the one mainly responsible for things on Bas's side."
"Lexi, this is one time there honestly aren't sides. They're going to do this together. Your Dad and my Dad have already agreed that they are splitting everything equally down the middle. And Blaine and Bas are going to get anything they want. I think both sets of parents are thrilled that they're actually going to be a part of the process this time."
"There is something reassuring knowing our Mother is so happy and is going to be there when Bas gets married. And while I would've loved for her to come to our wedding, I know looking back it wouldn't have been a good idea."
"Maybe we'll just have to renew our vows in a few years and she can be there for that."
"I'd like that Coop."
By the time Santana arrived at the apartment Jeff was already there. So Santana made a b-line to Blaine and Sebastian on the couch since Hunter answered the door. "Show me." She stated as stood in front of them.
"Don't you believe us?" Sebastian asked as the two of them had yet to move.
"Oh, I believe it happened. Remember, I spoke with Britt who saw your ring Seb. Plus, there is no way Nicky and Jeff would lie to us about something this significant."
"Then why do you need to see them."
"Just show me the damn rings."
"Guys just show her." Jeff said.
"You're no fun." Sebastian replied.
"That's because she's still pissed at me." Blaine and Sebastian then held out their hands so that Santana could take a look. They both felt a bit guilty that Santana was upset with the guys, but like Brittany they knew they could smooth things over with her. "I told you that you'd approve." Jeff said once he saw a smile creep to her face.
"You're right I do. They both have excellent taste. And while the rings are different, they're quite similar as well." Santana then leaned down and gave them both a big hug before kissing them each on the cheek. "I'm so happy for you guys!"
"Thank you." Blaine told her. "We honestly can't believe you didn't notice them last night."
"Neither could I when Nicky told me what prompted his visit to you guys this morning. I'm normally way more observant."
"Well, now that you know you can enjoy the entertainment till everyone else figures it out." Sebastian told her while Hunter poured her a glass of wine.