Two Steps Beyond
Part 48
When they all finally met up at Blaine and Sebastian's on Sunday morning the mood was much different than it had been the rest of the week, everyone was leaving that day. "I know this might sound presumptuous, but I think we need to do this every summer." Logan told them.
"I completely agree, this week has been fun." Nick said. "Why don't we let Wes call a vote one last time? Well, Wes and Dave, consider it the official passing of the gavel onto Jacob and Logan."
So in true Warbler fashion, Wes and Dave did just that and the guys voted unanimously that they would all get together for a week every summer. After the vote was taken a few of the guys had to take off because they had early flights while everyone else was just going to hang until they needed to go. At one point Blaine looked at Sebastian and couldn't help wonder what was going on after spotting Nick and Jeff in the corner talking with Dave, Thad, Trent, and Beat. "Wouldn't you think he'd be spending as much time as he could with Santana before she leaves?" Blaine asked Sebastian softly.
"One would think, but I think something is going on. I just don't know what, but something is going on."
Before the conversation could go any further Wes and Hailey sat down next to them. "We're not interrupting, are we?"
"Not at all." Blaine replied. "So, are you two heading back to Ohio or are you going back to Massachusetts?"
"We're going back to Cambridge." Hailey replied. "It's time to spend some time with the rest of our friends before school starts. But I've got to say, I've more than enjoyed all the time we got to spend with you guys this summer. I now know why the "Warblers" are so important to Wes. You guys really are like brothers. I noticed it over Christmas, but this summer really drove the point home."
"That we are." Blaine replied. "And I think I can speak for the rest of the guys it's been nice getting to know you too."
"Well, I can't remember if I mentioned it to you but all of us that are going to school here on the East Coast plan on getting together once a month." Sebastian told them.
"Really?" Wes asked.
"Yes, really." Blaine replied. "Trent's going to be near you since he's going to Brown. Dave's going to Yale, while Beat is going to Princeton. And the rest of the guys are going to be here in the city."
"That sounds like a great idea. It'll be nice seeing everyone more than just once in a while."
It was around one o'clock and the only ones left at the apartment were Nick and Santana, Brittany and Jeff, and all the guys that had been staying with Blaine and Sebastian. "So, are you guys going to tell us what that hush-hush conversation was about now that everyone else is gone?" Sebastian asked.
"Yes." Nick told them. "Beat, Trent, Thad, and Dave are the only ones that are going back to Ohio in this room." Blaine and Sebastian just looked at each other before looking over at Nick and Santana.
"You're staying?" Blaine asked.
"I'm staying. Now that we're "official", we thought it was silly for me to go home for two weeks just to come back."
"Not that this isn't great news, but don't you need to pack?" Sebastian asked.
"I'm actually all packed for school." Santana replied. "I never unpacked my boxes from school after I got home. My parents have no problems bringing all that stuff out when it's time. And my Mom said she'd pack the rest of my clothes."
"Is that all you guys were talking about, the fact that Santana isn't going home?" Blaine asked, a bit of hesitation in his voice.
"That was the gist of it." Nick replied. "We didn't grab you two because you were busy playing host to the guys that were here. And…"
"We're going to let people know we're a couple. And since you two are out here you won't get as much of the backlash." Santana told them.
"You guys think some of Santana's friends from McKinley are going to overreact, don't you?" Sebastian said.
"They might. And since they're all going to be back in Ohio call it a gut feeling that they're going to get dragged into this more than anyone else." Nick said. "And there is the chance of them seeing the others."
"The more I think about it, why don't we just wait till you guys are at school." Santana said after getting up off the couch and walking towards the windows before Nick could stop her.
"Santana, I think I speak for all of us but we'll be fine. If we could all deal with the fallout from Blaine and Seb getting together we can dealing with whatever might happen because you and Nick are together." Beat told her.
"Come on Santana, not everyone can be Jeff and Brittany." Dave told her with a smile. "But come to think of it, there was even controversy attached to them."
"That's right; we were accused of stealing her away to hurt the New Directions chances." Trent added. "And remember, we're going to talk to all the guys once we get home."
"See, we're just one big, happy, New Direction stealing family. Though, I take highest honors since B came back to Dalton." Sebastian said with a laugh. "But, I will gladly deal with the crap that gets thrown our way because others simply can't understand our decisions."
"Look at Seb, been the logical one." Jeff said.
"He's right though, the only ones that have given any of us problems are those that just can't see we all make each other happy." Blaine said before kissing Sebastian. "Right Britt?"
"Right!"
"What about you Santana, is Nick worth dealing with their petty BS?" Blaine asked causing Santana to turn from looking out the window and look at Blaine before looking at Nick.
"Absolutely!"
"Then get the negative thoughts out of your head." Sebastian told her. "If the guys don't have a problem with it, you shouldn't. And I dare anyone to say something to you online because all the guys will have your back. And by guys, I'm including Brittany and Rachel just an fyi."
It was only about an hour later when the rest of the guys left, but reminded them all they'd see them soon. Once it was just the six of them in the apartment they all just looked at each other. "So, have you thought about how you're going to make this big announcement?" Sebastian asked while he and Blaine stretched out on the couch.
"Not really." Santana replied.
"Well, if you want an instant reaction, just change your status. Remember the freak out that occurred when I changed mine last year?" Blaine said to them.
"Blaine's got a point." Jeff told them. "You can let everyone know without saying a word." They then watched as Santana turned to face Nick.
"It's up to you."
"No, it's up to you. My close friends already know. You're the one that's going to get more heat about it."
"True, but you're worth it." Santana said before curling up in the crook of Nick's arm.
"Why don't we just take a picture of all of us?" Brittany said. "The three couples."
"That's actually not a bad idea." Blaine said. "Post a picture of all of us, and say something like staying in New York with these guys or something along those lines."
"Those words alone will get the rumor mills turning." Sebastian said before popping off the couch, practically knocking Blaine on the floor.
"Where are you going?" Blaine asked.
"To get the tripod and camera, we've got a picture to take."
"He's overly excited." Nick said.
"That's because he loves screwing with people. And considering he stayed out of everything when it went down with us, I'm sure he can't wait to let the insults fly for anyone objecting of you two being together."
"Times like this I'm glad to have him on my side."
Once Sebastian returned with the tripod and his camera, the ideas for poses started to fly while he set things up. "Before we do this, you might want to text Rachel." Sebastian said. "She's going to need fair warning because we all know Kurt's going to flip out."
"Seb's got a point." Nick replied.
"Why doesn't she just move out?" Santana asked while taking her phone out.
"She is actually, she's moving in with Brody once her lease is up in a couple months." Blaine replied.
"Good for her! Being here in New York has really changed her. The old Rachel Berry never would've snagged a guy as hot as Brody."
Once Sebastian sat back down on the couch with Blaine, the others joined them and let the silliness began since Sebastian set the camera to just keep snapping pictures every few seconds. Quite a bit of time had passed before one of them realized that they should probably check the camera. Since Sebastian thought ahead, he just ran the cord from the camera to the television so they could all see what was taken. "I personally think you should post that one." Sebastian said once a picture came up of Brittany kissing Sebastian and Santana kissing Blaine.
"What, so they think we're all having sex?" Santana said with a laugh before Sebastian went to the next picture.
"No, because I think it's cute." Sebastian then went back to the picture. "Just look at Jeff and Nick's faces, priceless."
"Bas has got a point there, but I'm not quite sure what the looks mean."
"I can tell you that the two of you are the only two guys they can kiss all they want." Nick said to which Jeff agreed.
The further they went into the pictures, their antics calmed down a bit and quite a few cute shots were taken. "I like that one." Brittany said to one of Blaine lounging between Sebastian's legs, leaning against his chest with his head on Sebastian's shoulder, while Brittany and Santana each sat on Jeff and Nick's laps and had their arms wrapped around them.
"Britt's got a point, I like that one too." Jeff said. "We all honestly just look happy and content. What do the rest of you think?
"I like it, B?"
"Agreed. Now it's up to you two." Blaine said before glancing over at Nick and Santana.
"I'm with them; I think it's a really good picture of all of us." Nick said. "So, that leaves you. What will it be?" As he spoke Nick leaned over Santana's shoulder.
"Upload the pic Seb." Santana said before kissing Nick.
"Will do." Sebastian replied before going to get his laptop.
"Make sure you send us copies of it!" Jeff called out. "It's really good."
"Aren't the two of you going out to dinner tonight?" Nick asked.
"We are, though our reservations aren't till seven so we have time." Blaine replied.
"Are you meeting them at the restaurant or at their home?" Santana asked.
"At the restaurant, since Cooper wanted as much alone time with her as possible."
"He has to start promoting his movie soon, doesn't he?" Santana asked to which Blaine nodded. "And even though we've apologized a ton since Monday, I just want to say I'm sorry again. None of us wanted you to feel like Cooper was more important."
"Santana's right, we're just excited for him." Brittany added. "You're excited, aren't you Blaine?" While the girls started to talk to Blaine, Sebastian just stood at the end of the hall and listened. A smile creeping to his face knowing just how much what they were saying really meant to him.
"I am." Blaine replied, his smile projecting just how excited he really was. For all the doubts Blaine might be having about what this could do to his relationship with Cooper there was one thing that was certain, Blaine was proud of Cooper.
"Now that the girls have said their peace, may I ask you something?" Nick asked while Sebastian walked back into the room.
"Sure?"
"Please tell us he's not only doing chick flicks." Blaine and Sebastian both laughed.
"Don't worry, he's got another movie coming out late this year and it's actually a drama, right Bas?"
"Yes, the drama is at the end of the year while that drama/action flick he just finished isn't till sometime next year." Sebastian replied after he had his laptop set up on the table. "You sure you still want me to upload it?" He asked with a glance over his shoulder to Nick and Santana.
"Yes, post it." Santana replied.
"Who wants to bet once Seb posts it that comments are going to go crazy?" Jeff asked. "What, no one?"
"You're stating the obvious Jeff." Blaine told him. "People are going to freak and not for the reason you think. It'll be because Santana isn't coming home."
"True, but once people realize I'm not coming home all the murmurs are going to begin." Santana replied.
"I say you both change your status at the same time after Bas, posts the picture."
"I've got to agree with B, let it all hit the fan at once."
"What do you think Britt, should I let everyone know I'm with Nick?"
"Yes."
"And why is that?"
"He makes you really happy. I haven't seen you smile like this in a long time. You're always smiling since you two got together."
"She's right." Jeff added. "The same goes for him. But Nick, you might want to give your Mom the heads up before your sister sees the change."
"Good point considering all the times she's asked me if I'm going to ask her."
"She has?" Santana asked, slightly surprised.
"Yes, she likes you a lot."
"She also likes that he's not so grumpy anymore." Jeff added.
"Thank man." Nick said while rolling his eyes.
"No problem. Now call your Mom so we can have some entertainment before Blaine and Seb have to start getting ready."
"Jeff's got a point, I don't want to be at dinner when this all gets going." Sebastian told them.
"How about this, I tell my Mom today and you don't post the picture till tomorrow so you have all day to enjoy? That is if waiting till tomorrow is alright with you?" Nick said while looking at Santana.
"It's fine with me, what's one more day."
"So you know it'll have to be after lacrosse practice. I can put the picture up around ten, will that work?"
"How about you call us on your way back and we can meet you here so we're all together?" Santana asked.
"B, does that work for you?"
"Works for me, and you guys are welcome to come over whenever you want in the morning. You don't need to wait till Bas is back."
"Alright, but we'll still call in case you decide to sleep in." Jeff said.
"I have a feeling all of us will be sleeping in tomorrow except Bas. Sorry babe."
"That's alright; I can always take a nap sometime during the day."
"Speaking of lacrosse, when does Thad come back, isn't he playing this year too?" Nick asked.
"This week starts voluntary workouts, mandatory is next week. So, Thad's schedule is similar. If I remember correctly he'll be back out here either Thursday or Friday."
"Why did he even go home?" Santana asked.
"His brother's twenty-first birthday party is Wednesday." Blaine replied. "Otherwise he would've stayed."
"That makes sense. I didn't know he had an older brother."
"He has two of them actually." Sebastian replied. "The eldest is an investment banker"
"What does the one turning twenty-one do?" Brittany asked.
"He's in med school." Blaine replied.
"And what is Thad going to be studying?" Santana asked.
"Law."
"Dang, his whole family is just a bunch of over-achievers."
"You do realize I'm going to be going law school and B's going to be going to med school, right?"
"I know, and you're a bunch of over-achievers too. But I love you regardless."
"And just what are you studying my dear?" Sebastian asked.
"Public relations actually." Blaine and Sebastian both started to laugh which caused everyone to just stare at them. "What's so funny?"
"You know that's what Hunter's sister does for a living, right?" Blaine said.
"She does?"
"She does. She's got some serious big name clients." Sebastian told her.
"Really?"
"Yes, really." They all then watched as Sebastian took his phone out of his pocket.
"Who are you calling Bas?"
"Cassie. I'm sure she wouldn't mind talking to Santana about what she wants to do."
"Seb, you really don't have to do that."
"I know, but if you're going to do this you might as well talk to someone who is really good at it. Never know, when the time comes you could always intern for her." Once Cassie answered Sebastian got up off the couch to talk to her.
"Why did he do that Blaine?"
"Because he wants you to succeed. Just think, you could be an over-achiever like the rest of us. But seriously, Bas is right; you should talk to someone in the business. I'm sure there is stuff she can tell you that you can't learn from a book."
"It's just…I'm not used to people going out of their way for me."
"Get used to it." Nick told her. "We all look out for each other and do what we can to help each other."
"That I do know considering the way you all banded together to help Britt."
"They really helped me a lot."
"It was our pleasure." Jeff said before giving Brittany a kiss.
"Santana." Sebastian called out.
"Yes?"
"Are you free Wednesday morning?"
"I am." After she answered they watched Sebastian go back to his call and then come back to them.
"You have a meeting with Cassie on Wednesday morning at ten, don't be late."
"Are you serious?"
"I am. She said she'd love to talk to you." Santana then jumped up off the couch and hugged Sebastian.
"I never expected something like that, are you sure she doesn't mind?"
"Not at all, she said she'd love to talk to you like I said. But now that we spent quite a bit of time taking pictures and talking about how Nick and Santana are going to tell everyone about them being well, them. I'm going to kick you all out of our home so we can start getting ready."
"Fair enough." Jeff said as they all got up. "You guys have fun tonight and wish Lexi a happy birthday from us."
"We will." Blaine replied. "And for you four, don't do anything we wouldn't do tonight."
"Free for all!" Nick said with a smile.
"Alright, now get so we can start getting ready." After the girls gave each of them a hug Blaine walked them to the door while Sebastian waited in the living room. By the time he returned he found Sebastian lying down. "Care if I join you?"
"I was hoping you would." Sebastian replied before scooting back enough so there was room for Blaine. Once Blaine was lying down next to him, Sebastian wrapped an arm around him. "This is nice."
"Agreed." Blaine said while relaxing against Sebastian. "Is there anything we didn't do this week?"
"I don't think so. And before I forget, don't take it upon yourself to clean up everything tomorrow. It can wait till I get home from practice."
"Aren't you just thoughtful?"
"I try."
"But seriously, no reason you should have to do it all. And I know you; once you start you won't stop till you're done."
"Fair enough. Now, since we have more than enough time to get ready did you kick them out for any particular reason?"
"As tempting as ravaging you right here, right now is I actually just wanted this, to cuddle up with you on the couch in peace and quiet."
"Yea, things got a bit crazy this week. Do you regret letting the guys stay here?"
"Not at all, you?"
"The only thing I regret is that it limited our spontaneity."
"Well, now that they're gone we can make up for it whenever and wherever we want." Sebastian said before pulling Blaine closer. "But right now, let's just enjoy this before we have to get ready."
"Sound like an excellent idea."