Two Steps Beyond
Part 28
The next two days went by pretty quickly and before they knew it, it was the Fourth of July and party time. When they woke up early that morning they were surprised to see Mrs. Anderson already in the kitchen. "Morning boys!"
"Morning Mom." Blaine said before they sat down at the island. "What are you doing up so early?"
"Aren't you two throwing a party today?"
"We are." Sebastian replied while Blaine poured them each a cup of coffee.
"I thought you might appreciate a little help. That reminds me, the guys are out front installing the ramp you ordered."
"When did they get here?" Blaine asked.
"About ten minutes ago. I was out front watering my flowers when they arrived."
"That would explain why we didn't hear the doorbell. Where's Dad?"
"Out for his run, but he's already vacuumed the pool so you're all good to go."
"He didn't need to do that."
"He knows. And with a ramp being installed I'm guessing your guest list includes your friends from McKinley."
"It does. There really is going to be a lot of people here today."
"I figured as much when the caterer called while the two of you were still in Europe."
"I'm sorry Mom; I really should've told you how big it got."
"That's alright Blaine, your Dad and I figured it was going to be pretty big since it's basically yours and Seb's going away party. That is also why we are going to be spending the day with the Sterling's." Blaine just smiled at his Mom. "Just do your Dad and I a favor."
"Anything."
"Be responsible."
"No need to say anything else Mom, we understand. Right Bas?"
"Completely."
"I'm guessing since you and Dad are going to be at Jeff's the two of you aren't going to be the only ones there." Blaine said.
"You are correct. Basically all the parents are going to be there while all the kids are here."
"Don't take this the wrong way Mom, but I'm honestly surprised you and Dad aren't going to be here."
"The decision to go to the Sterling's wasn't instant, but after some thought we realized it was the right thing to do. Just remember, we can return at any time."
"Understood, now since you're up do you mind keeping an eye on things while Bas and I run out for ice?"
"Go!" Mrs. Anderson then gave them each a kiss on the cheek. "Just don't get lost along the way."
"We won't."
By the time Blaine's parents left for the afternoon quite a few of the guys were already there. "So, just how crazy is this party going to be?" Dave asked.
"Think of the pool party last summer, but with less alcohol." Blaine replied.
"Cool, any particular reason for less booze?" Beat asked.
"My parents could return at any moment."
"And they asked us to be responsible." Sebastian added. "And considering it's a holiday, I can see why."
"Does that mean no crashing here tonight?" Thad asked.
"No, you're all more than welcome to stay still. It just won't be a free-for-all like last time, limited space available." Blaine told them. "I figured everyone would just take their usual rooms and those select few others that stay can crash in the family room."
"That's reasonable." Dave said.
"What's reasonable?" Jeff asked as he, Brittany, Nick, and Santana walked out onto the deck.
"Everyone crashes in their usual rooms while select others that stay crash in the family room."
"Works for me." Jeff replied. "When will everyone else be here?"
"In about an hour, give or take." Sebastian replied. "Does everyone remember where they usually crash here at B's?" The guys all nodded. "Since that's the case why don't you guys just take your stuff up there now instead of messing with it later?"
"That's actually a really good idea Bas. This way everyone else won't know they're all staying."
"Are you saying you don't want everyone thinking they can crash here tonight Blaine?" Thad asked.
"Exactly. It's sort of different since my parents are home this time around."
"This might sound like a weird question, but are your parents going to care that Britt and I are sleeping in the same room?" Jeff asked. "Usually when we crash here they're gone."
"Not at all, considering Bas sleeps in my room. They're pretty cool about things now a days."
"Are you saying they weren't always like this Blaine?" Nick asked.
"Yes, according to Cooper who was shocked to know Bas was sleeping in my room at Thanksgiving. Just try and keep the volume down on any extra-curricular activities if you know what I mean."
Not surprising to Blaine and the guys, the rest of the Warblers and the guys from Dalton were the next to arrive. Most quickly taking notice of Brittany and Santana floating in the pool. "Not that we mind, but please tell us there will be other girls here as well considering those two are off-limits." Jacob said. "Though they are definitely nice to look at." Jacob's words were met by a glare from Jeff.
"Just remember that. Look but no touch."
"That is ingrained into our memories."
Blaine had just walked back into the house to grab some more towels when the doorbell rang. When he opened it he was surprised to find Sam, Artie, and Tina standing there. "Hey, you guys did see the note to just come in, right?" Blaine said with a laugh. "How are you?"
"We're good. A bit surprised to have received the invite though." Artie said as they headed towards the back.
"And why is that?" Blaine asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Just, you invited everyone, even Jake. And after what happened between him and Seb we're just surprised, that's all." Tina told him.
"That is water under the bridge. And considering Puck is going to be here as well, I doubt Jake will make the same mistake twice."
"Good to hear. By the way, looked like you and Seb had one heck of a vacation." Sam said.
"We did." Blaine replied just as they got out on the deck. "Make yourselves comfortable, drinks are in the coolers. And Artie, if you want to come down pool side just let us know. All the guys are more than willing to help." Blaine then took the pile of towels he was carrying down to the pool.
"How is it every time we come to a Warbler party Brittany and Santana are always here before anyone else from McKinley?"
"That would be because, A, Britt is still with Jeff and B, they are honorary Warblers." Dave said while grabbing a drink. "Our little graduating class is pretty close so we all got here early."
"That explains why Santana is here early as well then. Brittany and Santana are pretty inseparable." Tina said which just earned a smile from Dave before he headed back down to the pool.
"I think your friends from McKinley think the two of you have deserted them." Dave said before sitting down next to Brittany and Santana.
"Why do you say that?" Santana asked.
"Because they said you two always seem to be with us."
"That's because you guys are more interesting."
"I've got to agree with the lady." Nick said before sitting and handing them each a drink. "They're not the most exciting bunch. Hell, from what Blaine and Seb have said Rachel has totally changed now that she's away from all of them."
"I don't know if it's because of being away or the hottie she's involved with. He puts the guys around here to shame."
"Hey!"
"I didn't mean it like that Nicky, he's just…he's not a McKinley boy. You Dalton boys are totally in a league of your own."
"So kind of you to stroke his ego Santana." Dave said.
"Like I didn't stroke yours as well, I saw your face drop too. Nick was just more vocal about it."
"What's going on over here?" Sebastian asked while sitting down next to Santana.
"I've offended Nick and Dave."
"That doesn't take much."
"Nice Seb." Nick said.
"It's true, so what did you say?"
"I mentioned how hot Brody is and that he puts the guys here to shame."
"Ouch, even I'm offended." Sebastian feigned hurt as he spoke. "And here I thought you thought us Dalton boys were good looking."
"You are, and I clarified myself after these two got offended."
"Did she really guys?"
"She did." Dave replied. "Said we're in a league of our own."
"That's because we are. Most of us aren't just good-looking, we're talented and rich as well."
"Did you get that out of the Dalton handbook Seb?" Santana asked.
"No, because there is that one blemish on that statement."
"And what would that be?" Nick asked.
"Hummel was there for a semester, totally brought down the good-looking guy quotient. From pictures I've seen, he didn't even look good in the blazer and that's basically impossible."
"Don't you think that's a little harsh Seb?" Dave asked.
"No, and you know it's true because I've said much worse about him."
"Much worse about who or do I not want to know?" Blaine asked as he approached them.
"You already know B." Blaine just shook his head at Sebastian's comment.
"That answers that question. Is there a reason why my ex was brought up?" He asked before sitting down on the bottom of Brittany's chaise.
"We were talking about how good-looking the guys at Dalton are. And I said Hummel was a blemish on it and that he didn't even look good in the blazer."
"Ah, at least that's why he was brought up since he's not necessarily my favorite topic. And the blazer didn't look right because of his shoulders." Blaine said. "Keep the topic of him off-limits now guys."
"That's fine, but any particular reason?" Dave asked.
"Finn's here. And when you guys talk about him it takes on a life of its own which usually contains lots of insults."
"Got it." Dave replied.
After Blaine and Sebastian left to go check on everyone else, Nick sat down next to Santana while Jeff came over and lied down next to Brittany. "Told you we'd find her with Brittany." Puck said as he and Finn approached.
"Are you really surprised to see me with Britt, we are best friends?"
"True, we have a question for you." Finn said.
"And what would that be?"
"Is it true you transferred schools?"
"I did and why does it matter?"
"We're just surprised that you're going to the East Coast, that's all."
"Sounds as though you knew I had transferred since you know where I'll be. So what is this really about?"
"We want to know why. You have all of us here to support you if things don't go right. Why go somewhere where you won't have anyone close."
"She will have people close, us." Nick said which brought Finn's attention to him. "Beat will only be a half hour away while Jeff, Britt, Thad, Seb, Blaine, and myself will less than an hour away by train. So she'll have more than a few people she can count on. "Oh and let's not forget Rachel as well. And if adults are needed Cooper and Lexi are there also."
"Okay, but that's not the same thing as having us nearby." After Finn spoke Jeff just looked at Nick who was clearly agitated.
"And would you like to clarify that statement." Santana then looked at Nick before glancing across at Jeff. This was one moment she was happy Brittany had her headphones on and was completely oblivious to what was going on around her.
"Sure, you Warblers aren't us, her friends."
"I'll be sure to pass that along to Rachel when I see her in a few days. And for your information, we are her friends. Just how many times did either of you go to visit her at school?" Nick just watched as Finn and Puck exchanged looks. "I thought so. And how often did you see her when she came home to visit, about as many times as you visited, right?"
"We saw her when she was home." Finn said.
"Let me clarify that. How many times did you see her that she wasn't with us?" The aggravation in Nick's voice was obvious and it was gaining the attention of those around them.
"Just forget it Nick, it's not worth getting upset over." Santana told him.
"What's going on guys?" Sebastian asked as he and Blaine were now standing next to them after being told of what was going on by Trent.
"Nothing I can't handle guys." Nick replied.
"Seems your friend here thinks he knows Santana better than Puck and I."
"Maybe he does." Blaine replied. "We've all spent quite a bit of time with her this past year. Did you know she came to DC to see us perform at Nationals?"
"She did?" Puck said, surprised by this little bit of news.
"I did. And personally I'm offended that you think that the guys aren't my friends as well. Who are you to tell me who my friends are?"
"I didn't mean it like that Santana." Finn said.
"Oh really, because it sure sounded like it to me. You act as though just because you've known me longer means that we're better friends. The Warblers, as you put it, are just as much my friends as you guys are. And you owe Nick an apology."
"What for?" Puck asked.
"Because he's as good of a friend to me as Brittany is so that puts him ahead of both of you."
"You're saying he's your best friend as well?" Finn asked.
"He is. Nick gets me. So are you going to apologize to him or do I have to kick your ass? And that's not something I really want to do because it would ruin Blaine and Seb's party."
"Sorry man, we didn't know."
"That's a half-assed apology if I've ever heard one." Jeff said while sitting up. "Don't say it if you don't mean it."
"He apologized, what more do you want from him?" Puck asked. Jeff just looked across at Nick and sighed in exasperation.
"You know what; you're not worth getting upset over." Jeff then nudged Brittany and pointed to the pool. So she took off her headphones before taking Jeff's hand and getting into the pool.
"Jeff's right, that apology sucked." Sebastian told them. "And you both know it."
"Bas, Jeff's right it's not worth getting upset over. Don't let this spoil today." Sebastian looked down at Blaine who had taken his hand.
"Fine. Are you two going to be alright because if I stay here any longer I might say something I'll regret later on?" Both Nick and Santana nodded. Once they did that Blaine and Sebastian walked away. The four of them just looked at each other.
"I'm really sorry Santana. I had no clue you were so close with Blaine's friends."
"They're my friends too Finn. Or did you not notice that at Regionals?"
"I just thought you were supporting them because of Britt."
"If she was supporting us at Regionals because of Brittany isn't that an oxymoron considering we were competing against her." Nick said. "She was supporting us because she's friends with us. Why does everything have to be so black and white with you guys?"
"What do you mean?" Finn asked.
"It would honestly take too long to explain to you in a way you'd understand it and I'm not really in the mood to do that today. I want to have fun so I'm going to take my friends advice and just drop this; it's not worth it honestly. And since we leave in two days it means even less."
"What do you mean you leave in two days?" Puck asked.
"Jeff, Brittany, and I are moving to New York along with Seb and Blaine."
"Brittany's moving to New York?"
"Finn, you must be honestly living in your own little world that you didn't know she was leaving. She's moving in with Nick and Jeff." Santana told him.
"I had no idea."
"Dude, even I knew. Santana's right, you've been living in your own little world. Correct me if I'm wrong, but aren't you going out there like a week later or something Santana?"
"It's two weeks later, but yes, I am. Now if you two don't mind, Nick and I are going to go join Jeff and Brittany in the pool along with everyone else." Finn and Puck just looked at each other as Santana took Nick's hand before they got up and walked to the pool.
"She was never that nice to either of us. She was always a bitch even when she was being nice." Finn told Puck.
"I think it's those damn blazers they wore. They fucking hypnotize people."
"Is everything okay?" Blaine turned his head to see Thad standing next to him and Sebastian.
"Yes, why?"
"Things just looked a bit tense over there. I thought Nick was going to snap and that takes a lot. He's almost as calm as you are Blaine."
"They were." Sebastian replied. "Finn seems to think Santana will be all alone and away from everyone now that she's transferred schools."
"But we're all going to be nearby and that's not even talking about Dave or Quinn who are in Connecticut."
"We know that, but it seems Finn didn't realize us Warblers are Santana's friends as well." Sebastian told him. "He seems to think the only reason Santana is around us all the time is because of Brittany."
"Sucks to be oblivious to the obvious, but at least now it makes sense why Nick looked so irritated." Shortly after Thad spoke Blaine started laughing quite loudly. Sebastian and Thad just looked at each other and soon saw what was so funny. Brittany had pushed Finn into the pool fully dressed. "What the hell?" Thad said through his laughter. "I wonder what prompted her to do that."
"I don't know, but she sure as hell doesn't look happy. I haven't seen that look on her face since we screwed up during rehearsals prior to Nationals. She looks pissed." Blaine said before walking over to Brittany. "What's going on Britt?"
"Finn upset Santana, it's wrong to upset someone."
"So you pushed him into the pool?"
"He needed to cool off. No one has the right to tell someone else who their friends are. You guys are as important to Santana as you are to me."
"We appreciate that Britt." Blaine said before giving her a kiss on the cheek. "And I'm sure Santana appreciates it as well."
By the time Finn pulled himself out of the pool, most of their guests had gotten back to partying except for a few. "Man, I've never seen Brittany angry before." Sam told him while handing him a towel. "What the hell did you say to her to upset her?"
"I didn't say anything to her."
"What did you say to Jeff?" Tina asked.
"It wasn't him either, it was Santana and Nick. Did you know Brittany is moving to New York?" They both nodded. "Did you know about Santana?" They nodded again. "How am I the last one to find out this stuff?"
"Do you really want us to answer that?" Tina asked. "And what's the big deal about Santana transferring schools? Personally I'm happy for her because she wasn't happy at Louisville. And now she'll be near Brittany."
"But they're not together anymore."
"I know, but they're still best friends. And being as close as they're going to be they'll get to see each other all the time. It's not like Nick or Jeff is going to complain about having her around on the weekends considering the four of them spend most of their time together." Tina just looked at Sam before shaking her head because Finn looked completely lost. "You need to get back in touch with reality Finn, otherwise life is going to pass you by along with most of your friends."