Moving Beyond
Part 51
With as many people that crashed at the house, Sebastian got up way earlier than he wanted to so that no one accidentally set off the alarm when they left. After turning off the alarm, he brewed a pot of coffee and took a seat in the kitchen. "And here I thought I was the only one up." Brody said as he walked into the kitchen.
"Same here. What are you doing up?" Sebastian said before yawning.
"Stupid inner alarm. Figured it was safer to get up than risk waking Rachel. Is coffee ready?"
"Almost. I understand the whole getting out of bed as to not wake someone. Blaine can get crabby if you wake him too early."
"Same with Rachel and I prefer her in a good mood especially considering we're leaving today. And before we went to bed she was upset that the weekend went way too quickly."
"I'm glad you guys made it." Sebastian said as he got two cups out of the cabinet.
"I'm glad I came with her. She'd explained the whole show choir thing to me numerous times but seeing it really put all the pieces together. And the fact that you guys do your numbers completely acapella, still amazes me. That really does take a lot of talent."
"Thank you. I've thought that on numerous occasions. I've always wondered if some of the groups we go up against would be as good if they had to do what we do. What time do you guys fly out?"
"Our flight is at three which I'm thankful for, even though I'm already up. Do you know the date of Nationals off the top of your head so that we can make hotel reservations down there?"
"Actually if you look behind you at the calendar it's on there as I don't know it off the top of my head." As Brody put the date into his phone Sebastian grabbed a box of donuts off the counter that the guys bought and put it between them. "Hungry?" He asked as he grabbed on for himself.
"Thanks. When will you guys get to work on your Nationals numbers?"
"We've already been working on them actually just in case. But we'll go at them full force starting Monday."
"You guys sure don't waste any time."
"We can't afford to if we want to win it all. It's bad enough that we'll have a week break to make up for."
"Well, I can't wait to see what you guys are going to do."
"Do you like British music?" Brody nodded. "Then you'll love Nationals as the theme this year is an ode to British music. All songs have to be ones done by British artists over numerous decades."
Sebastian and Brody had been talking for well over an hour by the time Jeff made his way into the kitchen. "Morning guys!" He said before grabbing a cup and pouring himself some coffee.
"Morning Jeff! Aren't you just chipper this morning." Jeff just smiled at Sebastian and hopped up on the counter. "You could say that. So, is this the minus one committee meeting this morning?"
"Sure looks like it." Sebastian said with a smile. "You missed out on some fun last night with your early escape."
"I have no idea what you're talking about." Sebastian just looked at Brody after Jeff spoke. "But, what did we miss?"
"Kurt had Finn come over here because he was worried about Rachel."
"You're kidding, right?" Both of the guys shook their heads at Jeff's question. "Do you have something I can put in my coffee? It's too early for this shit."
"In the cabinet behind you."
"Personally the best part was when, hold on, I can't remember her name...the feisty one."
"Santana?"
"Yes. When she told Finn to tell Kurt he walked in on a sex crazed orgy."
"Really?" Jeff asked. "I'd pay to see his face if Finn tells him that."
"Finn's too much of a good guy to tell Kurt something like that. But after everything that's happened, for Kurt's sake I hope Santana doesn't see him when she comes out this summer. I'm sure she's got a laundry list of things she wants to say to him." Sebastian told him.
"Santana is coming out this summer?"
"Oh Jeff, you really did miss out on a lot last night. Wes and the guys invited her on our "Warblers take NYC" trip. They figured Brittany would enjoy the company plus they love having her around. I think they're gluttons for punishment."
"And they all want her to see Kurt." Brody added. "I think that's on Thad's top ten must see's for the trip from what I heard. He told Rachel that he'd contact her to make sure Kurt gets in Santana's sights."
"Good lord, now that would be entertaining. You can't deny that Seb. We could honestly sell admission to that."
"Remember this Brody; I'm not always the instigator. The guys are just as evil." Sebastian chimed in.
"I gathered that last night. Even Blaine was getting in on the action. You're more like Kurt described to me, but not to the extreme extent. But Blaine is nothing like Kurt described."
"That's because Blaine became a shell of himself when he was with Kurt, especially once he transferred to McKinley." Jeff told him. "This is who Blaine is. If anything he's become more comfortable being himself now that he's with Seb. He's regained his confidence and then some."
"This is no longer a meeting of the minus ones. Morning Britt." Sebastian said with a smile.
"Morning Sebby. Morning Brody." She said before walking up to Jeff and leaning against his chest and wrapping her arms around him. "Morning." She said softly as Jeff wrapped his arms around her before kissing the top of her head.
"Did you sleep well hun?"
"Yes."
"Can we get you anything Britt?"
"Do you have any cocoa?"
"Yes. Just give me a minute and I'll make some for you. There are donuts on the counter if you want. If you want anything healthier, you'll need to check the fridge." Just as Sebastian was pouring the cup of cocoa for Brittany, Blaine came walking into the kitchen.
"Looks like you're the only loner now Brody. Morning Blaine." Jeff said.
"Morning guys! Oh, is that for me?"
"Sorry killer, it's for Brittany. But there is enough for another cup of you want."
"Yes please." Blaine then handed the cup to Brittany. "Do you want any whipped cream or anything Britt?"
"Whipped cream please."
"My kind of girl." Sebastian said with a wink as Blaine walked to the fridge. After topping each of their cups Blaine just looked at Sebastian and smiled.
"Is it just me or does it seem weird that the five of us are the only ones up considering the house is full?" Blaine asked as he sat down next to Sebastian.
"It is a bit weird." Brody said. "But I'm rather enjoying the quiet. This place was happening last night."
"You should've seen some of the parties these two threw at the beginning of the school year. Last night was tame in comparison." Jeff told him. "One of my faves was still the one you guys threw shortly after returning from New York after you got together.
"You mean the pool party at B's?"
"Yes! Heck the whole week leading up to it was fun. You'll need to throw another one before we all leave. Put that pool to good use."
"That's do-able, but it might not be as crazy as my parents probably won't be gone. Maybe I could convince them to go visit Cooper. That shouldn't be too hard considering recent events."
"Guys."
"Yes Britt." Sebastian replied.
"Can we go to the zoo next weekend?" As she asked Blaine, Sebastian, and Jeff all looked at each other. And after no words were exchanged they all said yes.
"How did the three of you just do that?" Brody asked before pouring himself another cup of coffee.
"We spend lots of time together." Blaine replied. "Now Britt, do you want anyone else to go or is this just the four of us?"
"Just the four of us."
"Is there a special reason for going or do you just like going to the zoo Brittany?" Brody asked.
"I like going, but new tiger cubs were born and I want to see them."
"Well, when you come out to New York again you need to check out the zoos there, they're pretty cool." Brittany looked up at Jeff who smiled.
Slowly but surely more people started to make their way into the kitchen. While fellow classmates just congratulated them again before leaving, their fellow Warblers stuck around. "Don't you two look cute." Santana said as she walked in and saw Sebastian leaning against Blaine. "Morning all." As everyone replied Santana got herself some coffee. "You look tired Seb."
"That's because he is." Blaine replied. "He and Brody have been up for hours already."
"Why?"
"I didn't want to risk anyone tripping the alarm." Sebastian said. "I have a good feeling that an afternoon nap is on the agenda today. When are you leaving?"
"I need to leave in a little while as I told my parents I'd spend some time with them before going back to school."
"Now, do I even want to ask where you slept last night?"
"Why Seb, are you jealous that I didn't join you and Blaine?"
"You guessed it; we were both crushed when you didn't crawl into bed with us."
"Next time." She said with a wink. "I actually crashed in what I'm guessing was your sister's old room."
"What gives you the idea it's her room?"
"The purple walls. Big wrought iron canopy bed with sheer fabric draped from it. Vanity."
"Good deduction." Sebastian said with a smile.
"It's feminine, but not overly girly. I liked it. Plus that bed was all sorts of crazy comfortable."
"Tell me about it." Blaine cocked his head and looked at Sebastian. "She's right; Lexi's bed is really comfortable. I slept in there when we painted my room." As everyone started to eat Santana walked up to Blaine and Sebastian and settled herself between them. "I'm sure you two could have a ton of fun with that canopy." They both just looked at her and couldn't help but smile. "Do you mind if I take a shower before I go?"
"Not at all. I don't know if there is anything in Lexi's bathroom, if there isn't you're more than welcome to use mine." She then gave Sebastian a kiss on the cheek before heading upstairs. After she left the kitchen Blaine looked at Sebastian. "What is it B?" Blaine didn't say anything and just kept looking at him. But soon he got what Blaine was trying to get across and the two of them sprinted up the stairs.
"What the hell just happened?" Brody asked as the guys just missed knocking over Rachel. "They just had a complete conversation without saying a word."
"Like Blaine said, we spend lots of time together." Jeff replied.
When they reached Sebastian's bedroom they were happy to find it was still empty as was the bathroom. As they started to put things away Santana walked in. "You didn't have to clean up on my account."
"Yes we did. We just threw clothes all over last night. Didn't want you to accidentally trip on a shoe or something." Sebastian told her as Blaine closed the drawer behind him.
"That might be true in some part but I have a feeling there is more too it." Blaine just shook his head. "Alright, I'm not going to ask any more questions right now as I need to take a shower. But know if you're still in here when I come out the questions will be flowing." After she walked into the bathroom and closed the door both of them collapsed on the bed.
"That was way too close." Blaine said as he ran his fingers through his hair
"Ya think? As much as I love her, I really don't want her to know what we've been doing."
"No kidding. Did we get everything?" They both looked around the room.
"I think so, but after what she just walked in on we should probably double check before leaving."
By the time Santana came back downstairs and started to say her goodbyes it was time for Rachel, Brody, and Wes to head off as well as they all had flights to catch. "Now, will we be seeing all of you at Nationals?" Blaine asked as they all walked towards the door.
"You know you'll be seeing us." Rachel said after giving Blaine a hug.
"I'm not missing it." Wes added as he looked at Santana.
"Of course I'm going to be there silly. Now give Auntie Tana a hug so I can go." After Blaine and Sebastian each gave her a hug she looked at Jeff and Brittany. As the girls hugged, Jeff couldn't help but smile. There was no doubt that Brittany missed her best friend. "Continue taking good care of her Jeff." She said as she gave him a hug.
"You know I will. Have a safe trip back." He then gave her a kiss on the cheek.
"Thanks." Once she walked out the door, Rachel and Brody weren't too far behind.
"Guys, once again, great job last night. You have all the right in the world to be proud of yourselves." Wes told them.
"We appreciate it." Blaine told him. "Sadly today will be the last day to bask in the glory before getting back to work."
"And to think, you guys used to think I worked you hard."
"You set the standard. We're just maintaining." Dave told him.
"You're exceeded it. We never won regionals while I was there. Nationals were only ever a dream which you guys are achieving. And I can't wait to see you guys on that stage doing what you do so well. But like the others I need to get going. So I'll see you in May." Wes and the guys all exchanged hugs before he headed on his way.
"Now, is anyone else leaving or are we all just going to chill?" Sebastian asked as they watched Wes pull out.
"I'm all for chilling though you look like you could use some sleep Seb." Thad told him.
"Trust me; I have no problem falling asleep with all of you here.
Once they made it back to school the week flew as they were all amped about going to Nationals. Even with the extra rehearsals thrown in no one was anymore irritable than normal. By the time Friday rolled around though they were all looking forward to the weekend. "Jeff, when are we going to the zoo, tomorrow or Sunday?" Blaine asked.
"I was thinking tomorrow as Dave and Thad were talking about an early practice. That way we can go straight there. It doesn't open till ten."
"That works. Who's picking up Brittany today?" Sebastian asked as he got his stuff together for lacrosse practice.
"No one, her Mom is bringing her."
"Now, I've got a question for you before I leave."
"What is it Seb?"
"Is Brittany going to come to Nationals?"
"Yes, it's already been taken care of. Her parents have no problem with her flying out with my parents."
"Sweet. Okay, I need to go." Sebastian then leaned over and gave Blaine a quick kiss before heading out the door. Once he was out the door, Jeff spun around in Blaine's desk chair to face him as he was lying on his bed.
"If anyone else just heard that conversation they'd swear Seb has a thing for Brittany."
"That's very true. Now, since we've talked about her coming to Nationals there's something I've been meaning to ask you."
"Is it going to need a complex answer because we don't have much time till we have to go do our thing with our vastly improved beginner Warblers?"
"That depends. If you feel it's going to take that type of answer you can always answer later."
"Okay, what is it?"
"What's this Bas is telling me about you wanting Brittany to move out to New York when you and Nick leave?"
"He told you, did he?"
"Yes and he's quite keen on the idea. I honestly think he'd miss not seeing her."
"I know the feeling. And yes, I'd like her to come out with us and the two of us recently talked about it. She likes the idea of moving to the city. And the fact that a bunch of us are going to be there makes it all the more appealing."
"What would she do when she gets out there as I don't think I've ever heard her mention college?"
"Come now Blaine, you and I both know that's not her thing. Actually she was thinking of dancing which I think is a great idea as we all know how good she is."
"That's actually a really good idea and the opportunities for dancers are endless but it'll be difficult."
"True, but she'd be doing something she loves." Jeff then glanced over at the clock. "We better go, but we can talk on our way."
Jeff and Blaine were just finishing up their rehearsal when Nick came through the doors with Brittany. "Sorry, I didn't realize you guys were still going. We'll be waiting in the theatre." After Brittany waved at Jeff and Blaine they headed on their way.
"Who's that with Nick?" One of group asked.
"That would be Jeff's girlfriend who is helping us with our choreography for Nationals."
"She's hot! Did you see those legs? They…"
"Eyes off freshman!" The look Jeff shot him as he spoke was enough to silence him.
"I'd listen to Jeff. She's not just important to him, she's pretty important to all of us so there will be no disrespectful comments made towards or about her. And if we hear one, we'll unleash Thad and Sebastian on you." Blaine said with a smile as the group looked a bit terrified. "She's an honorary Warbler and you will treat her with respect." Once they finished up their rehearsal they headed for the theatre to meet the rest of the guys. By the time they got inside the guys were working with Brittany who had changed out of her uniform and into a pair of shorts and a sweatshirt. "She's not going easy on them."
"Did you honestly expect her to? She really wants us to win." Jeff told him.
"The formations look funny without us, Thad, and Bas."
"We should probably get up there so she can stop yelling at them for their screwed up spacing. Though, it won't be perfect till Bas and Thad get here. But once they do all excuses go out the window." After tossing their blazers on seats in the theatre they hopped up on stage and got to work. It was probably only a half-hour later when Thad and Sebastian came walking in and got right on the stage. "Leave it to you two to arrive right as we're taking a break."
"We didn't want to interrupt." Thad replied as most of the guys plopped down on the stage. "But seeing the way they all look, maybe it's a good thing we waited. We just got our asses kicked and it looks like it's going to happen again."
"That's most likely." Blaine said after giving Sebastian a kiss. "She's cracking the whip today."
"Jeff. Sebby. Can you come here for a minute, I've got an idea?"
"So much for easing into things." Sebastian said before he and Jeff headed over towards Brittany.
"So, how are our future replacements doing?" Thad asked as he and Blaine watched what Brittany had Jeff and Sebastian doing.
"They've definitely come far this year. They've actually exceeded my expectations. I think things will be good when we graduate. Though, they need to watch themselves as they almost pissed Jeff off."
"Pissed Jeff off, how as that's almost impossible?"
"Nick came in with Brittany while we were still working and…"
"You don't have to say anything else. They made some stupid comments about Britt."
"Yep. It was nothing bad, it was more the way they said it. If they were a pack of dogs I'd say they were in heat."
"Yikes! No wonder Jeff wasn't happy, though can you really blame the kids. Britt's gorgeous!"
"No, I don't blame them. They just need to find a better way of expressing themselves. I helped him get them in line though when I threatened to sick you and Bas on them." Thad couldn't help but laugh.
"I don't know if I should be upset or take that as a compliment."
"Take it as a compliment."
For it being a Friday the guys practiced way longer than they ever imagined. That was one of the problems with rehearsing in the theatre as there is no visible clock. "Guys, I think we need to stop for the night." Dave said as he came back on stage.
"Why?" Thad asked.
"That would be because it's seven."
"That's not funny Dave." Trent told him.
"I'm not trying to be, it's seven o'clock. We've been practicing for over three and a half hours."
"That would explain why my body hurts." Nick chimed in.
"Glad you're not blaming Britt for working us so hard." Jeff said as he sat down.
"I know better than that. And honestly, if Dave didn't say anything I'd be more than willing to continue."
"No, we're calling it a night. Though, just because we practiced a bit longer today doesn't mean tomorrow morning's rehearsal is cancelled." Thad told them. "We've got a lot to get done before we have that week off for spring break. Blaine. Seb. You're being really quiet, what's going on over there?"
"Just tweaking some music, that's all." Blaine replied. Once practice was called for the day most of the guys took off as they were hungry but more than a few remained.
"Now, is this going to be an all-night music tweaking or quick?" Thad asked.
"Does it really matter?" Sebastian asked.
"Actually it does. We were all thinking of going to grab something to eat but if you two are still going to be working we'll bring it back."
"You don't need to do that guys." Blaine replied.
"Yes we do because otherwise you two will skip dinner." Nick told them. "We know you both too well." Blaine looked at Sebastian who shrugged his shoulders. "We'll bring it back." As the guys and Brittany walked out Sebastian looked at Blaine.
"They know they don't have to do what they're doing, right?"
"Yes, but they're looking out for us. You know they're right. We'd work till we were tired and then once we get to bed we'd be wondering why we're so hungry."
"Okay, maybe they do have a point."
"Bas, you just need to accept that people that care about each other look out for each other. Last year the guys liked you, but they were afraid to try and get too close. Now, they're not as afraid as you've let them in."
"Not completely."
"I never said completely. But you have let them in and they're just letting you know they care."
"They are pretty cool. If you said I'd be as close to them as I am last year I would've laughed."
"That's because you weren't letting anyone in. You truly believed that if you did you'd get hurt. You protected yourself from getting hurt by not letting anyone in."
"In a way I let you in."
"That's because you're walls dropped once in a while due to how you felt about me."
"Maybe, but no one else seemed to see it."
"I think more saw than you realized."
