Two Steps Beyond
Part 34
After a quick knock on the open door Jeff poked his head around the corner. "What can we do for you Jeff?" Sebastian asked while buttoning his shirt.
"Brittany wants to know where we're going so she knows what to wear. I know you said to dress kind of nice, but she wants to know a bit more."
"We're going to that karaoke bar Cooper took us all too." Blaine replied.
"Okay, sweet."
"You seem overly happy with B's answer, why?"
"That's because that means she'll choose the rather tight dress she was eyeing instead of the pants she had out."
"You must love other guys checking out your girl, don't you?" Sebastian said.
"Absolutely, it's good for my ego knowing she's all mine."
The guys were all dressed and were just waiting in the living room for Brittany when Blaine's phone rang. Seeing it was Cooper, he excused himself from the guys. "Hey Coop, what's up?"
"Just thought I'd see how things are going now that you guys have extra bodies in the house."
"It's going well. We're just waiting on Brittany to finish getting ready and then we're going out for the night. We're going to meet up with Brody, Rachel, and Hunter."
"Considering that group, I've got a good idea of where you're going. Am I correct?"
"You are correct. We thought it would be a good way to spend their first real night here since last night we were all a bit tired when we got here."
"Makes sense. So what did you all do today?"
"They went sight-seeing while Bas and I just hung around here."
"Any specific reason you didn't go with them?"
"Coop, you know why we didn't go."
"Alright, I do. So are you going to tell me how it went?"
"Really well actually, Will didn't push things to a point where Bas got truly uncomfortable. And if we were getting close he gave him time to compose himself. So all in all I'd say it was a success."
"Glad to hear it. We'll be much happier once this is all over."
"It'll never be all over for Bas, Coop."
"I know, but Jean being put away will be a good start. Well, I better let you go. You guys have fun tonight."
"We will." By the time Blaine came back to the living room Brittany was there waiting. "You look beautiful Britt."
"Thank you Blaine."
"We all told her the same thing, though Jeff threw in a few more adjectives." Sebastian told him. "What did Cooper want?"
"Just wanted to make sure we were all good now that the apartment is a bit fuller." Blaine then winked at Sebastian which basically let him know Cooper was also checking up on them. While they'd been getting ready they were both wondering just when Cooper or Lexi was going to call and check up on them.
"Question, how are we getting there?" Nick asked.
"I actually called for a car because it's too warm still to be cramped on the subway with as stunning as we all look." Sebastian replied.
"Good idea." Jeff said.
By the time they arrived there was quite a line outside. This was definitely a time where Blaine was happy that Sebastian was on such good terms with the doorman that the five of them walked right in. With as hopping as it was, they made their way up to the VIP lounge and got comfortable. "I figured we were going to be fighting for a table downstairs." Blaine said once they got comfortable at their table overlooking the floor.
"Since it's a Friday night I knew better and called to reserve a table up here. Plus this spot brings back certain pleasant memories."
"What memories Sebby?"
"Blaine and Seb had their first kiss up here." Jeff told her.
"And it's also where they became a couple." Nick added, which brought an even bigger smile to her face.
"Bas."
"Yes B."
"Please tell me you sent a text to Brody and Hunter telling them where to find us."
"I did and also left word at the door so they didn't have to wait in that crazy line."
"And it was greatly appreciated." They all looked up and saw Hunter standing next to the table.
"Hunter Clarington, I'd like you to meet our friends we told you about. Nick Duval, Jeff Sterling, and Brittany Pierce." They all shook hands but Hunter's shake with Brittany seemed to linger which caused all the guys to look at him. "I should also add that Brittany is Jeff's girlfriend." No sooner did Sebastian add that little tidbit did Hunter let go of her hand and sit down next to Blaine.
"You're quite the lucky guy Jeff."
"Thank you." While Jeff replied he wrapped his arm around Brittany's shoulders. The guys all just smiled, it was amazing how a little attention to Brittany always brought out Jeff's protective side.
"Who else are we waiting on?" Hunter asked.
"Brody and Rachel."
"Ah, so I get to finally hear the infamous Rachel Berry sing."
"It's worth it, trust us." Nick replied. "Do you sing or are you just here for a fun night out?"
"Both actually." Hunter then looked closer at Jeff and Nick before turning his attention to Blaine and Sebastian. "Warblers as well?"
"That they are." Sebastian replied. "And if you went to the showcase as well you'll remember them from there also."
"Did you compete at Nationals?" Nick asked.
"Sadly no, but I was there. We didn't win our Regional but won Presidential honors which included an invite to come to Nationals as guests without having to purchase tickets. And as I've told both Blaine and Seb you guys were amazing. You truly deserved to win. I went to the showcase as well and you guys were great. The fact that you guys didn't put on some big dance number was really appreciated. It truly showcased your voices."
"Why thank you." Jeff replied.
They were just ordering their second round of drinks when Rachel and Brody appeared. "Sorry we're late." She replied before sitting down next to Nick. "It took a bit longer than usual to get out of the house."
"Usual reason?" Sebastian asked.
"But of course, especially after what just happened. Which by the way, he's an idiot Britt. Don't listen to a word he says. He had no right to say the things he did to you or Santana. Or about you Jeff."
"Who filled you in about what just happened?"
"Kurt. Finn told him all about it."
"Can we not talk about him please?" Nick said. "I'm with Jeff that we just rank him up there with Voldemort." After taking a sip of his drink Nick pushed away from the table. "I'm gonna go sing."
Once Nick walked away Rachel looked at the guys. "Did I say something wrong?"
"That whole situation is just a touchy matter for all of us." Blaine replied. Once Nick took the stage they all were paying close attention, curious as to what he was going to sing. "Should I even ask why you're going to record him?"
"Just covering my bases." Jeff replied. "It can either be shared or used as blackmail in the future."
When Nick took the stage they all cheered and he glanced up to where they were. He'd just finished the first verse and Blaine, Sebastian, and Jeff all shared knowing looks and smiles. The more the song went on, the more their original instinct was proven correct. No sooner did he finish, the girls yelled even louder while Blaine and Sebastian just looked at Jeff. "Not to jump to conclusions, but does Nick have a girlfriend now?" Rachel asked once Nick walked off the stage.
"It's complicated." Sebastian replied. "Though Jeff, you know you need to send that to someone."
"Just going to watch a replay before sending it, I want to make sure it's audible."
Once Nick sat back down at the table all eyes were on him. "You were really good." Hunter told him.
"Thank you."
"He's right man, you were." Brody told him.
"I was expecting Coldplay knowing you, but that was acceptable."
"I'm glad you approved Seb." Nick then looked over at Jeff who was staring into his phone. "You didn't?"
"Of course I did. Never know what we're going to see. You should know that better than anyone, Mr. I caught Blaine and Seb's first kiss on video. And it's a good thing I did, because I know a certain someone would love to see that performance."
"Don't you dare!"
"What's her name Nick?" Rachel asked.
"It doesn't matter because Jeff isn't sending it to anyone."
"Fine, I'll post it with the rest of the Warbler videos. She'll see it one way or another."
"You're an ass."
"And you need to tell her how you really feel."
"You're reading too much into a stupid song."
"Not to be out of place, but you're totally smitten with whoever she is." Hunter told him. "Thou doth protest too much."
"He's got a point." Brody added.
"Guys, back off. It's like Bas said, it's complicated." Blaine told them while smiling at Nick.
"Thank you Blaine."
"You're welcome. So, who's next?"
"I'd like to hear the infamous Rachel Berry." Hunter said while leaning back.
"You only get to hear me if I get to hear one Hunter Clarington when I'm done."
"Deal." Everyone just looked at each other after they shook hands prior to Rachel heading down the stairs.
"Do I even want to ask what that was all about?" Blaine asked.
"These two have quite the competitive nature going on." Brody explained. "It seems Hunter made quite the impression at Callbacks prior to our arrival one night. And all anyone could talk about was how amazing he was."
"What were you doing at Callbacks?" Sebastian asked.
"One of my friends invited me when he was in town visiting his brother who happens to go to NYADA."
"Got it."
"Why so competitive though?"
"My dear girl's ego got put in check because some of our friends said Hunter's performance was better than hers that night."
"I thought you hadn't heard her sing." Blaine said.
"I haven't, we left before she went on because we were going sailing in the morning."
It took a while since there were a couple of people ahead of Rachel but soon she took the stage. Blaine recognized the look in her eyes all too well as one that is determined to prove something. "This should be good."
And just as Blaine predicted, Rachel definitely brought it. In the beginning he could tell she was trying to prove a point but once she got into the song that faded and she was just enjoying herself. She was about halfway through when he glanced over at Hunter who definitely looked impressed by what he was hearing. Shortly after she finished Sebastian leaned over the railing since he was on the far end. "What did you think?"
"She is everything I was told."
"Make sure you tell her because she loves to have her ego stroked like the rest of us."
"What did you think?" She asked once she returned to the group.
"You were incredible." Hunter then bowed to her. "Hopefully I can bring my A game as well." He replied before heading down the stairs himself.
"Have either of you heard him sing yet?" Brody asked Blaine and Sebastian.
"We haven't, but according to Cassie he's good."
"He must be to impress the crowd at Callbacks." Rachel replied. "They're not an easy crowd to please, especially early in the night before the alcohol really starts to flow."
When Hunter took the stage the seven of them all exchanged looks since no one knew what to expect. Once the music started the guys all shared approving looks since he'd chosen a song by Maroon 5, so they approved in his choice of music. As the opening continued Blaine and Sebastian glanced over at Brittany and Rachel to see if they were noticing the same thing they were. Judging by the smiles on their faces, they were. Hunter definitely had moves. Then once he opened his mouth to sing they could see why the crowd at Callbacks reacted the way they did, Hunter could sing.
While they watched Blaine felt a tug on his sleeve so he looked to the side and saw Nick looking at him. "What?"
"He would've fit in well with us."
"Agreed." He was just reaching the end of the song when Blaine glanced over at Rachel who was rather engrossed in his performance. "I think it's safe to say Hunter now has a fan in one Rachel Berry." Blaine said quietly to Sebastian who nodded in agreement.
Once he returned they all sat back down. "I've got to give it to you; you lived up to the hype."
"I will take that as a compliment Rachel."
"Good, because it was one."
"Don't take this the wrong way, but damn you can move your hips." Sebastian told him.
"If I didn't know better I'd think you had a dance background." Brody said.
"Gymnastics actually."
"I'm sure your Dad loved that." Sebastian said.
"Guess Cass told you more than I thought since you basically nailed that because I completely caught the sarcasm."
"Good, because if you didn't I might have to end this friendship."
"We're safe there Seb. But now that Rachel, Nick, and I have all sung whose next?"
Now that Rachel and Hunter had successful shown each other what they were capable of, the rest of the night was definitely less tense. But that didn't mean the rest of them didn't want to prove themselves as well. Quite a few people approached their table and commented about the fact that all of them could honestly sing, and not just karaoke quality singing. While Sebastian and Brody were in the middle of a rendition of "Sexy and I know it" Blaine noticed Nick glance down at his phone and a smile creep to his face. "Considering you only ever get that smile around one person care to share?"
"She liked my performance and she wishes she was here with us."
"We'll make sure to come back when everyone is in town." Blaine said before wrapping his arm around Nick's shoulders.
"Would someone please tell me how my boyfriend can turn into a complete fool when he sings with Seb and still look sexy as hell?" Rachel asked after they finished.
"They bring out the goofy side in each other. And seriously Rach, you can't do that song without being silly. About him looking sexy, that's just something he and Bas having going for them naturally."
"Blaine's got a point Rachel." Jeff told her. "The only thing missing was one of them in a goofy wig."
"Maybe you two have a point." Just as she spoke Sebastian and Brody reappear.
"What did you think?"
"No one could ever question your confidence Bas." Blaine told him before giving him a kiss.
"But here's the ultimate question, do you think I'm sexy?"
"If you wanted the answer to that question you should've done Rod Stewart." Blaine replied causing Jeff and Nick to laugh.
"What's so funny?"
"The year prior to your arrival and Blaine's departure the Warblers actually did that song." Nick told him which also garnered looks from Hunter and Brody.
"You guys sang that song for school?" Hunter asked.
"Let's just say that just because we're private school boys we don't hide our other sides too often."
"Are you discussing your singing of "Glad You Came" at regionals?" Blaine said.
"Maybe, or we could tell Seb here about the time you got us to back you up on a Robin Thicke number in the Gap." Jeff said.
"Which number B?" Sebastian asked, his curiosity definitely getting the better of him. The redder Blaine's cheeks got Sebastian's mind started going through Robin Thicke songs that he knew in his head. "You didn't?" He then leaned in closer and whispered a title into Blaine's ear which caused Blaine to face him. "You most definitely have to sing that for me, in private."
"Should we be looking for another place to stay?" Nick asked.
"No, we can be quiet." Sebastian said with a wink.
"Blaine, what song was it?" Rachel asked.
"Judging by the blush on his cheeks I think I know." Brody replied.
"Am I the only one that doesn't know?" Hunter stated.
"I don't know." Brittany said.
"Okay, so the girls and I are the only ones that don't know." Jeff then looked at Blaine before whispering the title in Hunter's ear. "You performed that song in public."
"Yes I did, it was not one of my finer moments or decisions."
"Blaine will you sing it for us?" Brittany asked. "You know I love hearing you sing." All the guys just looked at Blaine. Jeff, Nick, and Sebastian couldn't help wonder what Blaine was going to do because he had little resolve when it came to Brittany. The only two that were probably worse than him were Jeff and Sebastian.
"Not here Britt." The look of disappointment on her face really got to Blaine. "What if I promise to sing it for you when we get home?" Blaine hoped that would work because he really couldn't stand seeing her sad.
"Okay."
"If Blaine sang this with the Warblers, should Nick and Jeff be joining him?" Hunter said which earned an approving grin from Sebastian.
"Hunter's got a point."
"Bas."
"Come on B, if you could sing it in public, you can sing it in the privacy of our home, surrounded by friends."
"I'm not going to be able to get out of this, am I?"
No." The unison response from everyone made Blaine laugh before leaning his head on Sebastian's shoulder in defeat.
"Fine, I will sing it when we get home. So that means you three are invited over as well."
As the night went on Brittany urged the guys to do a group number and they finally relented. "So, which of you two is going to be our fifth?" Sebastian asked while looking at Hunter and Brody.
"Hunter can do it. He's got more experience with group numbers like this."
"Are you sure?" Hunter asked.
"Yes, I'll stay here and keep an eye on these lovely ladies."
"Guess you guys got me then."
"Works for us." Sebastian replied before they made their way down the stairs.
"Why did you let Hunter do it?" Rachel asked as she turned to face Brody.
"Considering the brief talks we've had, he's honestly the better choice. I never did the whole glee club thing, he did."
"I can accept that reasoning." Rachel then looked at Brittany who looked a bit disappointed. "What's wrong Britt?"
"My phone is dead so I can't record the guys."
"I'll do it."
"Thank you Brody."
"is there anything you're not comfortable with?" Sebastian asked Hunter as they looked over the list of songs.
"I'm good with whatever you choose. But since you're looking at boy band numbers you guys are going to have to let me know when it'll be my turn since I'm sure you guys are used to splitting numbers up."
"We can do that." Nick replied. "How about this one?" The guys all looked at each other before Sebastian asked for a set of headphones to listen to the number because the title didn't ring a bell instantly. After listening to it for a bit he passed the headphones around till all the guys took a listen. "So, what do you think?"
"I say yes, especially since we've done a few of their songs already." Jeff said. "Guys?" Blaine, Sebastian, and Hunter all nodded in agreement.
"Let's do this then."
Their choice of the Wanted's Lightning was definitely the right one since they definitely had the crowd on their side. It also didn't help with how late it was and the liquor was definitely flowing. By the time they left the stage the guys were unquestionably on an adrenaline high. "I think Thad's going to have some tough competition when he comes to town." Nick said with a smile before putting his arm around Hunter.
"Don't let him hear you say that." Blaine said with a smile. "Though Nick's right, you fit right in with us."
"Mark this day as the day the Warblers shared the stage with someone other than one of our own." Sebastian said proudly before they headed back up the stairs. "Was that number up to your expectations Miss Brittany?" He asked while Jeff pulled her into a hug.
"Yes!"
"Brittany's right, you guys were great." Rachel said. "But I think you gave a few guys inferiority complexes."
"Why do you say that?" Jeff asked.
"Did you not hear the way all the females were screaming for you?"
"And fear not, it was recorded on Brittany's insistence." Brody told them.
"What can we say, she knows us well." Jeff replied before giving her a kiss.
"And just so you know B, you can hold off on your special performance till tomorrow since it's getting late."
"How kind of you Bas."
"What can I say; I want you in prime singing condition. But just because he's not singing till tomorrow doesn't mean the rest of you aren't still welcome to stay. We have more than enough space." Rachel looked back at Brody who basically gave her a look that said he was fine with whatever she decided.
"We're coming over." Rachel told them.
"That leaves you Hunter, how about it?" Sebastian asked.
"Sounds good to me."
"Since it's well after one, why don't we get out of here." Blaine said after looking at his watch.
"It's after one?" Nick said, surprised by how late it was.
"You know what they say, time flies when you're having fun."
"And I'd say we definitely had fun tonight." Sebastian added just before they headed on their way.