Moving Beyond

Part 52

With as much as was drilled into their heads the day before, the guys were thankful it stuck when they started their rehearsal Saturday morning. Now was the time to start actually working on the vocals while dancing which always proved interesting as someone usually forgot to breathe and would be exhausted by the time a song was done. As they worked, it became clear it was going to take more work than usual as they'd really upped their game with the new choreography. With each show they'd done they'd increased the difficulty and they were definitely pushing their limits with what they were doing. But they knew they needed to go for broke if they were going to win.

By the time they'd called it a morning everyone started to discuss their plans for the day. "So, would you guys be up for seeing a movie?" Thad asked.

"Afraid not, we've got plans." Sebastian replied as he looked over at Jeff. "Maybe later."

"And just what are the four of you doing, because I saw that look you gave Jeff?" Dave asked.

"We're going to the zoo." Brittany replied.

"That actually sounds like a lot of fun." Trent told them. "Are you going to see the new tiger cubs?"

"Yep!"

"Cool, I want to see them. One of you guys needs to take a picture."

"I think that could be arranged." Blaine replied. "So, if you don't mind we need to go change so we can go."

Once they were in the car on the way to Columbus Blaine glanced over to Brittany who was sitting in front with him. "Now, do I need to ask where we're going to go first?"

"Only if you're forgetful Blaine."

"She's got a point there B. By the way, how did I end up back here instead of riding in front?"

"That would be because you couldn't say no to Brittany when she asked." Jeff replied.

"I think Trent's upset that we didn't ask him along." Blaine said.

"But we did say we'd take pictures. And Britt did offer to go again next weekend if he wanted to." Jeff added.

"True. But he was still shocked when we said he couldn't come along."

"Britt did tell him this was a double date so unless he knows something we don't I think we're at maximum occupancy." Sebastian replied. "Right Britt?"

"Yes Sebby."

By the time they reached the zoo they were pretty happy that the parking lot wasn't full. There was definitely something to be said for the cooler weather that day. After they were inside Blaine and Sebastian couldn't help smile as they kept up with Jeff who was being led by the hand of Brittany who was making a beeline for the tiger den. "I think it's safe to say we're going to be there for a while." Sebastian said with a smile. Once they reached the den, the guys had to admit the cubs were adorable and they could see why Brittany wanted to come so badly. They'd even lucked out that when they were there it was feeding time.

After taking numerous photos of the cubs themselves, Blaine took one of Brittany and Jeff with the den in the background. And with Brittany one photo was never enough as she needed one with Sebastian and Blaine as well. Luckily for them there was a lady nearby that offered to take a picture of the four of them. As she handed the camera back to Sebastian she couldn't help comment on how cute they all looked. Though, she couldn't quite figure out which of the three boys was Brittany's boyfriend as she seemed close to all of them.

"The four of us are definitely a sight." Sebastian said as they headed for the next exhibit."

"Why do you say that?" Jeff asked.

"That would be because that nice lady that took our picture couldn't figure out who Brittany was dating."

"If it was anyone else, I might be offended." Jeff replied before he gave Brittany a kiss on her cheek. "But there is no denying how important you two are to her."

"Yep. If it wasn't for my friendship with Blaine and Sebby there would be no us." Blaine couldn't help but sigh after what Brittany said and gave Sebastian's hand a squeeze.

"Can't argue with that logic." Sebastian added. "Plus we can't forget that Santana gave you two her blessing."

"She told me last weekend that she's happy that Jeff makes me so happy."

"Did she say what would happen if Jeff didn't make you happy?" Blaine asked.

"Yes, but I'd rather not say. It wasn't very nice."

"Call it a gut feeling Britt, but I have a feeling Jeff would rather not hear it." Sebastian said as he nudged Jeff. "But I have a good idea of what she'd do."

"What happened to not talking about it?" Jeff said. "Onto a better subject, what are you two doing over break?"

"You mean besides fussing over Jocelyn and Braeden?" Blaine asked.

"Yes."

"We don't know really except that we are going to dinner with Rachel and Brody one night. What about you two?"

"We're actually going to Disney."

"Just you two or are there more going?"

"My parents and sister. Nick and his family. Brittany, Dave, Thad, and Santana."

"How the hell did that motley group get put together?" Sebastian asked.

"I honestly don't know. Ask Nick as I have a feeling he was behind it."

"Do you know Britt?" Blaine asked.

"No, but I know Santana is looking forward to it. She was rather excited when Nick asked if she wanted to come with. I wish you two were coming with."

"Me too. I have a feeling you guys will have stories beyond stories to tell once you get back." Sebastian said.

"I've got to agree with you there." Jeff said.

"Now, are your parents letting you two room together?" Sebastian asked with a raised eyebrow.

"They actually are as they figured it was pretty pointless to put us in separate rooms considering Brittany crashes in my room when she stays at my house."

"With as worried as you were about them in the beginning, going on vacation as a group is a vast improvement." Blaine told him.

"Yes, though my Dad can't stop with the comments sometimes."

"There is no way he could be any worse than what Cooper does to us." Blaine said.

"That could be debatable."

"Britt, what do you think of Jeff's family?" Sebastian asked.

"They're funny. His Dad constantly embarrasses him, it's cute."

"And how does he do that?" Blaine asked. The words had just left his lips and Blaine could already see Jeff starting to blush. "You know what Britt, I don't need to know." Jeff then mouthed the words thank you which caused Sebastian to laugh.

"You owe him man."

"I know. Now how 'bout we check out the rest of the zoo."

They'd just made the announcement that the zoo would be closing soon as they left the tiger den again as Brittany wanted to stop one more time before they left. As they passed the gift shop they had to stop as her eyes grew wide seeing the cute stuffed tiger cubs that they had. "Can I get one?" The pure look of innocence in her eyes brought a smile to all of them.

"We'll be right back guys." Jeff said before they walked into the gift shop.

"At one point I would've been offended by how cute they are together, but not anymore." Sebastian said as they sat down on a nearby bench. "I honestly love seeing my friends happy."

"So do I, but most of all I love that you can be like this around them. That you let your guard down when we're out with them."

"It's getting easier, but…"

"You don't need to say anything else Bas, at least not right now."

"We're ready to go guys." Jeff said as they approached the bench with Brittany holding her new stuffed tiger cub in her other arm. As they walked back to the car they tried to decided what else they wanted to do, but that conversation was interrupted by a call from Nick.

"Do those guys have radar or something to know we were leaving?" Sebastian asked as Jeff was telling Nick they were just leaving.

"I have a feeling they checked the zoo's hours." Blaine replied as they reached the car. This time around Brittany sat in back with Jeff as she was a bit tired and wanted to sleep on the way back. "Now, do you want to do whatever the guys have planned or our own thing?"

"Depends on what they tell Jeff they have in mind."

"Well, aren't you being agreeable."

"That happens when I'm in a good mood. And after the day we had, I'm definitely in one." They'd barely gotten onto the highway and Brittany was already asleep on Jeff's lap. "I have a feeling they're not doing much tonight." Sebastian told Blaine after glancing behind them.

"I think you're right." It was just a few minutes later when Jeff finally got off the phone. "Welcome back."

"Thanks. Who knew he could talk so much?"

"We did." They replied.

"So, what did he want?" Sebastian asked.

"They want to know if we all want to see a movie."

"Weren't they going to go to one this afternoon while we were at the zoo?" Blaine asked.

"That's what I thought, but Nick said everyone decided to do their own thing and then meet back at Dalton for dinner and a movie."

"Is it just me, or do you not sound thrilled with the idea of going out?" Sebastian asked.

"Between all the practice this week and this morning along with all the walking today at the zoo I'd rather just chill."

"You could chill at a movie."

"True, but if we watch a movie tonight I'd rather be comfortable."

"What's your idea of comfortable?" Blaine asked.

"Either in bed or lounging on a couch, not sitting in a theater."

"You clearly don't have an interest in anything at the theater, do you?" Sebastian asked.

"Nope."

"Well, we could always just crash in one of our rooms and watch a movie or we could always go to my place. What do you think B?"

"I'm good with whatever you decide as I'm game for anything."

"Anything?" The intrigue in Sebastian's voice didn't go unnoticed.

"Britt and I are sitting back here Seb." Jeff said with a slight laugh.

"I know. Hey, just how bad does your Dad embarrass you?"

"How'd I know you'd ask?" Jeff replied as he ran a hand through his hair.

"Because I wouldn't be me if I didn't."

"Fine, let's just say spontaneity is not something afforded to us when we're at my home."

"Are you saying your Dad has walked in at inopportune times?"

"That would be an understatement. And when he does, he doesn't leave in embarrassment. He tries to have a bloody conversation." Both Blaine and Sebastian couldn't help but laugh but they kept as quiet as they could so they didn't wake Brittany.

"Please tell me he hasn't walked in on you two in the act." Sebastian said.

"Thankfully, no. But after enough close calls I make sure my door is locked and usually something is pushed in front of it. And before they went away for Valentine's weekend, he decided that he and I should talk."

"That couldn't have been good. And just what did this conversation entail?" Blaine asked.

"It was a conversation I would've much rather had with say an older brother than my Dad."

"Well, if need be I can have Cooper give you a call."

"How kind of you Blaine."

"He's good like that." Sebastian said with a smile. "It couldn't have been that bad."

"It was. Reminding me that her needs are as important if not more important than my own."

"He didn't." Blaine said.

"He did and more before tossing a box of condoms at me."

"As bad as that is man, at least your Dad is cool about the fact that you and Brittany are having sex, in his home."

"I know, but it doesn't make it any less awkward."

"Did he at least get you festive ones?" Sebastian asked.

"What do you mean?"

"Blaine picked up red and pink condoms for Valentine's Day."

"I have a feeling Jeff could've done without that little bit of knowledge Bas."

"It's okay Blaine, I know you two are having sex and it doesn't bother me. Now where did you find them?"

"You really want to know?" Blaine asked.

"Yes, otherwise I wouldn't have asked."

"There's actually an adult novelty store just outside Westerville."

"That's a sex shop Jeff." Sebastian clarified incase Jeff didn't know what Blaine was talking about."

"I guessed as much Seb."

"Okay, I was just making sure."

"Well, next time you guys go let me know so I can tag along."

The drive back to Dalton flew by as the guys talked the entire time and before they knew it they were pulling into the parking lot. After Blaine parked the car he and Sebastian looked back at Jeff. "What is it?" Blaine asked as Jeff hasn't moved.

"She looks so peaceful that I don't want to wake her."

"It wouldn't be the first time you've carried her in." Sebastian reminded him.

"True, but I'd rather not risk waking her till I have to." After Jeff spoke Sebastian looked at Blaine.

"We have two options. Invite the rest of the guys over to the house or blow them off and just let it be the four of us."

"You put that so eloquently Seb."

"Hush. Now we need to decide quickly."

"Invite them." Blaine said. "Whoever is good with just chilling will come over while the rest go out." Blaine then watched as Sebastian pulled out his phone. "What are you doing?"

"Sending them all at text to meet us in the parking lot. Why should we go in just to leave again? Plus if we get out of the car there's a chance of waking Brittany."

"He's got a point Blaine." Blaine nodded and they all sat back and waited for the guys to come out. They must've all been together as came walking out the doors as a group. Once they reached the car Blaine and Sebastian both motioned for them to be quiet.

"Looks like you guys have fun." Thad said as he looked at them and saw Brittany asleep. "So, what do you guys want to do tonight?"

"We're thinking of just going to Bas's and taking it easy. But anyone who wants to join us is welcome."

"We had a feeling that's what this was going to be about." Nick said. "I told them I didn't think you guys were going to want to go out."

"Good call man." Sebastian told him. "So who's coming?"

"It's going to be senior night at your place and the rest of the guys are going out. That cool?" Thad asked.

"Perfect." Blaine replied. The idea of just spending the night with just their closest friends was definitely just what he needed. "Okay then, we'll meet you at Bas's." After Blaine closed his window they watched the guys all head for their cars. "That worked out well."

"Agreed." Sebastian said. "Now let's get out of here."

They had just pulled through the gates at Sebastian's house when Brittany started to stir in the backseat. "Where are we?"

"We just got to Seb's. We're going to order take-out and watch a few movies." Jeff replied as he brushed her hair out of her face. "Is that okay?" She answered, but it was so faint Jeff couldn't hear her.

"Is she okay?" Sebastian asked as he got out of the car.

"Yea, it just takes her a while to wake up if she's been sleeping soundly. Can you walk Britt or do you want me to carry you?"

"I can, but…"

"You want me to carry you."

"Yes please." Blaine couldn't help smile over at Sebastian as they listened to their friends. After Sebastian opened the door he couldn't stop himself from making a witty comment.

"Now, should we be throwing birdseed or blowing bubbles?"

"Cute Seb."

"Come now, you're totally carrying Britt over the threshold. If you two go straight upstairs B and I won't be offended." Blaine couldn't help laugh at Sebastian's comment.

"If it was just the two of you, we might. But not with the rest of the guys coming over."

"Okay, what if it was just Nick?"

"Seb?"

"Come on, indulge me."

"Blaine."

"You started this Jeff by saying you would if it was just Bas and I." Blaine told him.

"Blaine. Sebby."

"Yes Britt." They both replied.

"You're silly."

"You've got that right Britt." Jeff said as they walked into the great room. "Seb and Blaine are very silly."

"But you love us anyway." Blaine said.

"That we do." Jeff replied.

Once everyone arrived, Sebastian got up and closed the gate before heading to the kitchen to grab the pile of menus. After he came back he tossed them on the coffee table before rejoining Blaine on the couch. "Okay, now that you're all here, how was the zoo?" Trent asked as Dave grabbed the pile of menus and tossed various ones at the guys.

"It was fun." Blaine replied. "We had a good time."

"Were you able to see the cubs?"

"Yes, they were really cute and fluffy." Brittany told him. "We actually arrived in time to see them get fed. Jeff took video."

"I thought you'd appreciate it too." Jeff said. "And Blaine and Seb took a ton of pictures."

"Excellent. I can't wait to see them."

"Now,Trent…Beat….why aren't you going to Disney with the rest of this motley crew?" Sebastian asked.

"Well, I'm going to the Bahamas with my family." Trent replied.

"I'm going to visit my sister in Cali." Beat said.

"Okay, at least you're both going somewhere fun." Sebastian said. "And while we're talking of trips, we really need to pick a week for our New York adventure."

"Shouldn't we ask the other guys too?" Trent asked.

"We're the seniors and it's mainly our idea so…but if you think we should." Blaine could hear the evident frustration in Sebastian's voice even if the others couldn't.

"Bas has got a point as does Trent. So, what if we come up with say three possible weeks and go from there. As we really need to choose because most of us have busy summers ahead of us."

"Aren't you and Seb going to Europe after graduation?" Nick asked.

"Yes we are." Sebastian replied. "A week after graduation we leave for two weeks."

"Plus we're also going to the Caymans with Coop and his family."

"Shit, no wonder you two want a date." Thad said. "Now, do you know when you're going to the Caymans?"

"That's still open, but I have a feeling a date will be set when we're visiting them on break as it'll have to work around Cooper's schedule."

"Good point." Dave said. "Okay guys, grab your phones and bust out those calendars. We've got a trip to plan."

"Someone needs to get a hold of Wes." Thad said.

"And Santana." Jeff said. Sebastian looked at Blaine before getting up off the couch. "Where is he going?"

"Probably getting his laptop, hopefully we can get them both online instead of trying to do this through phone calls." Blaine said. Low and behold a few minutes later Sebastian came back, laptop in hand. "Thad, call Wes. Britt can you call Santana?" They both grabbed their phones and proceeded to make the necessary calls.