Two Steps Beyond
Part 31
Thankfully when Blaine, Jeff, and Brittany returned to Blaine's house his parents were gone. "Just give a few minutes to put this in the pool house and we can go." Once Blaine was out of the car, Brittany handed him the box containing the vase.
"Be careful." Jeff told him with a smile.
"That's something you don't need to tell me twice."
He was just walking back out to Jeff's car when his parents pulled into the driveway. "What are you doing here? I thought you all went over to Nick's." His Mom said once she was out of the car.
"We were, I just forgot something and Jeff here offered to bring me to get it."
"And just what did you forget?"
"Flash drive with our pictures." Blaine couldn't believe he came up with something so quickly that was definitely believable.
"Alright, well you have fun." She then gave Blaine a kiss. "Are you and Seb going to be home for dinner tonight?"
"Probably not, if we're not home before you and Dad go to bed we'll see you in the morning." Once Blaine got into the back of Jeff's car, Jeff turned around to face him. "Is everything okay?"
"Yes, but that was way too close." He replied while leaning his head back. "Now let's go enjoy our last day in this place." They were about halfway to Nick's when Sebastian sent Blaine a text asking where they were. "It seems our presence is missed."
"Of course it is, we're awesome." Jeff replied. "And I'll get you that money tomorrow."
"Like I told you when I bought it, you can get it to me whenever. It's not like you're going to run off on me."
"Very true, I'd just rather take care of it right away."
"I get it." When they pulled into the Duval driveway they were surprised to see the guys out front. "Wow, two welcoming committees." Blaine said with a laugh before getting out of the car. After giving Sebastian a kiss he looked around at the guys. "Not that I mind playing basketball, but it's hot as hell out so why aren't we in the pool?"
"That would be because my sister and her friends are out there."
"Is my sister here?" Jeff asked.
"Yes and she went gaga when she saw Seb take his shirt off."
"Sorry about that Seb." Jeff said.
"Can't fault her for having good taste."
"Where's Santana?" Brittany asked.
"She is up in my room taking a nap. She didn't sleep very well last night."
"She told me she slept alright." Sebastian said.
"She lied. She was up most of the night. Why do you think she was downstairs so early this morning?" They all just looked at Nick. "Britt hun, does Santana normally sleep-in in the morning?"
"Yes."
"There you have it. So, are you up for shooting hoops for a little bit?"
"Why just a little bit?"
"My Mom is taking my sister and all her little friends out."
"Was she originally planning this or is it because we're here?" Thad asked.
"It's because we're here and she knows that if we can't relax we'll just go back to Blaine's and she'd like to at least be able to see me today. That reminds me Jeff, your Mom is on her way over."
"Figures as much."
"Why Jeff, don't you want to see her?" Blaine asked.
"Guys, she's been an emotional wreck these past few days. I swear, every time she looks at me she cries."
"I do not." Jeff looked over his shoulder and saw his Mom standing there.
"Yes you do. Just ask Dad."
"I'm not crying now."
"That's because you were busted." Jeff said with a smile.
"My Mom is inside."
"Thank you Nick." As Mrs. Sterling walked passed Jeff she slapped him upside the back of his head. "Watch your manners Jeffrey."
"Says she who just hit me."
"Just because you're taller doesn't mean you're still not my little boy." Once she walked into the house the guys all looked at Jeff.
"Yes Jeffrey, be nice to your Mom." Thad told him.
"Alright Thaddeus." The guys all just started to laugh. There was just something about it when they all started to playfully snipe at one another that always made them laugh.
Luckily for them it was only about a half hour later when Mrs. Duval and Mrs. Sterling reappeared with all the girls in tow. "Where are you taking them?" Nick asked.
"We're dropping them off at the mall." Mrs. Duval replied.
"There is a god." Jeff remarked quietly so only the guys could hear.
"Did you say something Jeff?" Mrs. Sterling asked as the girls got into the two cars.
"Just asked Seb when we're leaving tomorrow." After Jeff spoke all the guys saw what he'd mentioned earlier because they all could see her eyes tear up.
"We're just dropping them off Nick so nothing crazy since we'll be back."
"And here we were all planning on going skinny dipping. Guess that's out of the question now."
"Nick."
"I was just kidding Mom, geesh. We did that at Blaine's yesterday and it's really too sunny to do it today. Don't want certain body parts to get burned." The guys all started to laugh as Mrs. Duval just looked at her son, astonished by what he just said.
"We'll behave Mrs. Duval."
"Thank you Beat." She was about to say something else but just shook her head before getting into her car. The guys all moved aside so that the Moms could pull out.
"I can't believe you said that to her." Trent exclaimed.
"What?"
"You told her we were going to go skinny dipping."
"And your point is?" Nick just looked at Trent. "You've never done it, have you?" By this point all eyes were on Trent. "Trent?"
"Alright, I haven't. But that's because I don't have a pool."
"I don't either but that hasn't stopped me." Beat told him.
"That's because you're an exhibitionist like Seb."
"Did you hear that Seb?"
"I did. I think it's time Trent here took the plunge. He should find out how good it feels to be so free."
"I don't think so."
"Why, it's just us." Blaine chimed in. But soon he realized just why Trent was hesitant. "What if I take Brittany inside while you take the plunge?"
"What about Santana?"
"She's asleep." Nick reminded him. "But I'm sure Blaine will make sure she doesn't come outside. Right Blaine?"
"Absolutely. So are you going to do it?"
"What the hell, what do I have to lose."
Knowing they didn't have much time, Blaine took Brittany inside while the rest of the guys headed out back. "Why aren't we going out back Blaine?"
"Because Trent is shy."
"About?"
"Everything. So, are you excited about leaving tomorrow?"
"Yes. Santana helped me finish my packing the other day."
"Are you happy that she's going to be close by since she changed schools?"
"Yes. Now I'll have everyone that's important to me close by."
"What's going on?" Santana asked while yawning as she walked down the stairs.
"We're just wasting some time. Cute t-shirt." Blaine said with a smile causing Santana to look down at what she was wearing which was a Dalton t-shirt.
"What can I say; one of Nick's t-shirts is more comfortable to sleep in than what I was wearing. Speaking of, where is everyone else?"
"Outside." Brittany told her.
"If they're outside, why are you two in here?"
"Trent is shy."
"Blaine, can you fill in the blanks please since I'm still waking up?"
"Nick and Jeff's Moms took the girls to the mall and Mrs. Duval basically told us to behave. And in response Nick told her he was basically bummed that she'd be back soon because we were all going to skinny dip."
"Sexy."
"I know, but Trent sort of freaked at the mention of it."
"He's never done it, has he?" No sooner did Santana speak did they hear a cheer from outside.
"He has now judging from their response. That's why I'm in here. Trent was hesitant about doing it in front of either of you."
"That's cute." Santana then got a twinkle in her eye.
"What are you thinking Santana?"
"It really isn't the same if you're doing it all alone."
"If it was anyone besides Trent I'd say go for it, but he's pretty shy and can get self-conscious."
"Alright, since you asked so nicely I won't do it, though the thought is pretty appealing though."
"I doubt Nick will tell you no later on. Hell, I'm sure none of the guys would object."
"Why Blaine, are you saying you wouldn't mind seeing me naked?"
"I might be gay Santana, but that doesn't mean I don't appreciate a beautiful woman."
"Who knew you could be so smooth Blaine."
"I did." They all turned around and saw Sebastian leaning against the doorway. "You're all welcome to come out now. Trent is dressed again."
"I'm honestly surprised the rest of you didn't join him." Blaine told him.
"We were going to, but didn't want to risk the Moms coming back before we all got dressed. We don't need Nick getting into it with his Mom the day before we leave. But you never know, if we're all still here late enough it'll probably happen. That is if the ladies wouldn't mind."
"Why would we mind?" Santana said. "A bunch of gorgeous guys naked in a pool, come on now."
"I don't know, just being polite. But, I have a feeling that even after the rest of us leave skinny dipping might still happen."
"And why are you so sure about that?"
"That would be because I know you are staying here tonight so you can see us all off tomorrow."
"What makes you think we'll go skinny dipping?"
"I know you and Nick better than you think. And considering he mentioned it, it's on his mind. Probably because it's something you guys have already done."
"Fair enough and your assumption is correct." Santana then looked at Brittany. "Why don't we go upstairs and put our suits on then meet the guys out back?"
"Okay."
Once they headed up the stairs to Nick's room Blaine looked at Sebastian. "Don't you think that was pushing things a bit?"
"No, because Santana confirmed what Nick said without any prodding. They're definitely close to each other; they just don't know what it is that is exactly going on between them."
"Are you saying that you think it's more than just friends with benefits?"
"Yes. There are feelings involved; it's just a matter of figuring out what those feelings are."
"Is it wrong to be happy for them regardless of them not really knowing what is going on?"
"Not at all, because if it is I'm in the same boat as you, wrong."
It wasn't long after Blaine and Sebastian got outside did Brittany and Santana appear. "I heard we missed the show." Santana said while pulling her cover-up off.
"You told them Blaine." Trent said.
"Yes, and they wanted to join you but I stopped them."
"Thank you."
"You should just be happy we didn't find this out after we were all drinking because otherwise privacy might not have happened." Beat told him. "Personally I think you're crazy for not wanting to skinny dip with two beautiful ladies. I would not have objected."
"That's because you're an exhibitionist." Dave said with a smile while winking at Trent.
"So be it, but would the rest of you have objected to Brittany or Santana joining you?" When none of them said anything, Beat just smiled. It wasn't long after that little exchanged did the guys all change and join the girls who were already in the pool. When Blaine came back up after diving into the pool he looked at Sebastian who was talking to Thad.
"What is it B?" Sebastian asked once he got closer.
"Do you see that?"
"See what? Jeff and Brittany kissing on the steps? Beat putzing with the playlist? Trent lathering on sunscreen?"
"Bas."
"Oh, you're talking about the way Nick and Santana are lounging on that float, aren't you?"
"Yes."
"That's actually what Thad and I were talking about. I have a feeling she's going to be a wreck when we leave tomorrow. Not only is Brittany leaving, but so is Nick."
"That's why I told Seb here that Dave, Beat, and I will take her out for the day once you guys leave. Do something fun, so she can't dwell on things. I know we can't replace them, but we can do our best to make sure she doesn't get really depressed."
"Are you guys still going to keep an eye on her for us?" Blaine asked.
"Absolutely. Between the three of us she won't be alone if she doesn't want to be. Even Logan offered to help."
"Good, because after everything that happened yesterday I don't think it would be good for her to be alone. Finn really rattled her yesterday."
"Just fair warning; if we see him none of us are going to hold back in telling him exactly what we think of him."
"Who am I to stop you? He deserves anything you guys say to him."
"I have a feeling by the time they're done B, that Finn's going to be thankfully that we're all leaving Ohio."
By the time Mrs. Duval and Mrs. Sterling returned with the girls the guys were all sitting around the table playing poker while Brittany and Santana were giving each other pedicures. "Just fair warning guys, the girls are coming out to go swimming."
"Mom."
"Nick, I kept them out of your hair for hours. It's still nice out so their entitled to go swimming."
"Fine, just tell them to leave us alone. And that includes them gawking at the guys and hounding Santana and Brittany."
"I will tell them. But if they get annoying get me before going off on them. You honestly frighten your sister when you get mad."
"Well then she should do a better job of not pissing me off. Also remind her that she can't move into my room. I heard her making plans for it earlier today."
"I'll remind her. And Santana."
"Yes Mrs. Duval."
"You're staying tonight, correct?"
"Yes, if that's still all right with you and Mr. Duval."
"It's fine dear, you know that." Once Mrs. Duval walked inside Sebastian looked at Santana.
"I think she likes you."
"Ya think, but his sister doesn't. She thinks I'm a bitch."
"But you are one." Sebastian said with a smile.
"True, but she shouldn't say things like that since she really doesn't know me."
"And just why does she think you're a bitch?" Blaine asked.
"That would be because Santana chewed her out for walking into my room without knocking."
"Was there something going on that she shouldn't see?" Dave asked.
"Yes, I was changing." Nick replied. "She's got a horrible tendency to just open doors not caring that they might be closed for a reason."
"And just where were you Santana when you snapped?" Thad asked.
"I was coming back to the room after doing my hair. She just opened the door, Nick yelled so I snapped on her about respecting his privacy. Personally I think she was hoping to catch Jeff changing that day but he was downstairs already." She'd just finished when the girls came walking outside. It was pretty clear to all of them that Mrs. Duval had done what Nick had asked because they could all tell the girls were purposely not looking at them.
Sebastian had just made his bet when he glanced over to the pool and smiled when he saw the girls staring at them. "Our sex appeal is undeniable." That comment was enough for the guys to all glance over at the pool which caused the girls to squeal.
"I'd prefer if you don't mention sex appeal when our sisters are around." Jeff said before folding his hand.
"Understandable, won't let it happen again." Sebastian replied before leaning over to give Blaine a kiss on the cheek. That little acted caused the girls to squeal again.
"Did you really have to do that Seb?" Nick asked while trying not to laugh at the way the girls reacted.
"Yes, otherwise I wouldn't have been able to sneak a peek at Blaine's cards." Blaine just looked at Sebastian and shook his head.
"I'm out."
"We already know that Blaine." Thad said with a laugh.
"Ha. Ha. Ha. Very funny." Blaine tried his best not to laugh, but failed because he had to admit, it was. "I hope you're happy Bas."
"Of course I am, I have you don't I." The guys all sighed at Sebastian's words and watched as Blaine kissed him. Even though they see them together quite a bit, they aren't always privy to these little moments between the two.
Brittany had just sat down on Jeff's lap and he'd placed his arm around her when Nick snapped his head towards the pool. "Watch it you little brats!"
"We didn't say anything."
"Bullshit! I heard it so knock it off. If you all weren't so prissy guys wouldn't run when they see you coming!"
"MOM!"
"You're kidding me, right? You're going to call Mom because I called you prissy. I've called you much worse."
"MOM! Nick's being a jerk!"
"Stop being such a jerk Nick." Beat whined while trying to suppress his laughter. "You're so mean."
"If you only knew. She's been nothing but annoying since she hit puberty. Do you know last week I happened to finish off the ice cream while my Mom was at the store and she threw a fucking hissy fit? It was ridiculous."
It had gotten to the point where Nick was completely ignoring his sister yet she was still yelling for their Mom. "Please tell me there's a good reason why she's yelling for me Nick."
"She's PMSing, how the fuck should I know what's wrong with her?"
"Nicholas."
"Come on Mom, you know she's been nothing but a little bitch this past week."
"That's because she doesn't want to admit that she's going to miss you. She figures if she annoys you she'll get some attention from you."
"That's not the way to get my attention and she knows it. And her and her little friends need to stop with the snide comments about Santana and Brittany."
"And just what did they say?"
"One got offended because god forbid Jeff had his hand on Brittany's ass."
"And Santana?"
"That honor goes to my dear sister who called her a bitch again for no reason."
"Like I said, she just wants to spend more time with you. And for the past month you've spent most of your time with Santana." Mrs. Duval saw Santana look over at Sebastian. "Dear, don't worry about it, please. My daughter is just horrible expressing her feelings when it comes to her big brother. And she can't quite handle the attention he gives his friends."
"Will you please talk with her Mom?"
"I'll try, but you leaving tomorrow isn't easy for any of us."
"I know, but she's really making it so I don't want to spend time with her at all. Hell, Jeff's sister isn't being as annoying."
"That's because she has siblings." Jeff said. "At least that's what my parents told me. Though, she has been whiny lately as well. About a week ago she actually tried to climb between Brittany and I in bed when we were sleeping."
"Guys, why don't the rest of us just go and you two can spend some time with your sisters." Blaine said to them both.
"That's really not necessary Blaine, though the sentiment is appreciated." Mrs. Duval told him. "The girls have had ample opportunities to spend time with their brothers and they didn't take advantage of it. It's just something they're going to have to accept. Nick and Jeff actually cleared time for them and they pushed it off, thinking they had more time. They aren't little kids anymore so they know they're actions have consequences. And one of those is that Nick and Jeff aren't going to waste their last day with their friends to spend time with them." Once Mrs. Duval walked over to the pool the guys all looked at Nick.
"How is it your Mom didn't flip out on you the way you just talked to her?" Dave asked.
"That would be because my sophisticated Mom has the mouth of a sailor when others aren't around." The guys all glanced over to where Mrs. Duval was talking to her daughter before looking back at Nick.
"Your sister doesn't look happy." Trent told him.
"That's because I'm pretty sure my Mom is laying into her pretty bad. She's pretty sick of her attitude lately."
"Nick." His sister's voice was very soft and he looked up to see her standing behind Beat and Dave.
"Yes."
"I'm sorry and so are my friends." She then looked at Santana who was sitting between Nick and Sebastian. "I'm sorry for calling you a bitch Santana. It was uncalled for and I won't do it again."
"Don't make promises you can't keep munchkin." Nick told her.
"I know." Nick then waved her over and gave her a hug.
"You know if you wanted to spend time with me you just had to ask."
"I know. Mom said the same thing. I just…I'm going to miss you."
"I'm going to miss you too. I bet if you're good you'll be able to convince Mom and Dad to bring you out to visit me."
"You think so?"
"I guarantee it." Once she headed back to her friends everyone at the table just looked at Nick. "What?"
"That was very sweet of you, considering the brat she was being." Blaine told him.
"Thank you; as much as I try I can't stay mad at her no matter how annoying she can be."
"That's because you're a good big brother." Santana told him.
"I could be better, but thank you."
"And Nick, speaking from experience, don't lose touch with her because once it happens things can get ugly."
"Point taken Blaine."