Two Steps Beyond

Part 59

After having quite the extensive talk with Lexi, Blaine and Sebastian headed home. "I totally understand if you don't want to go to these things." Sebastian said on their walk back home.

"Actually, it sounds like fun, though I'm sure the novelty will wear off after a while."

"At least Lexi gave us that list of ones we need to go to. I'm pretty sure anything pertaining to Fashion Week is a must go considering our new occupation. At least that's only four times a year."

"We can't forget we must go to any gala Lexi helps plan."

"I honestly don't know how she's going to balance everything now that she's a Mom. I know she cut back the amount of parties she goes to since she and Cooper got together. And she cut back completely during the end of her pregnancy. But now she really doesn't have any good excuses not to go."

"Yes she does, she hates leaving her kids with a sitter."

They were almost home when Blaine sent a text to Nick and Jeff asking them if they could come by later than planned since he and Sebastian were just getting back after talking with Lexi. And that they had quite a bit to talk about and asked if they could all just do dinner instead. Sebastian was relieved when Jeff replied that it wouldn't be a problem, since he was exhausted and wanted to lie down and take a nap.

Even though they'd lied down for their nap together, when Sebastian finally woke up Blaine was no longer next to him. "Hi Sebby." Sebastian looked to the side and saw Brittany sitting on the other couch watching television.

"Hey Britt, how long have you been here?" Sebastian asked, his voice groggy since he was still waking.

"About an hour."

"Is anyone else here?" Sebastian asked while sitting up and stretching.

"Nick and Jeff are in the kitchen with Blaine making dinner."

"Where's Santana?"

"She on her way, she was at work."

"Work?" No sooner did the word come out of Sebastian's mouth did he spot Nick standing behind Brittany.

"Yes work, but we'll let Santana explain once she gets here. Did you enjoy your nap?"

"I did, though it would've been better if B was still next to me when I got up."

"Sorry about that Bas, but it's a good thing I did because I needed to go to the store." Blaine said as he came walking around the couch. "I was going to wake you but you looked too comfortable."

"Thank you for letting me sleep. What are we having for dinner?"

"Fajitas, hope that's alright."

"Fine with me. Where's blondie?"

"He's on the phone with his Dad." Nick replied while taking a seat on the couch. "He should be here soon."

"Please don't tell me his Dad gives advice over the phone." Sebastian said before pulling Blaine close.

"Don't know, but I wouldn't be surprised if he does. And I'm sure you're both going to love this, but we need to make plans to go shopping."

"Is this at your insistence or Santana's?" Blaine asked.

"Both actually."

"And just what are we talking about?" Jeff asked as he walked into the room.

"Going to the West Village." Sebastian replied.

"Cool, when are we going?"

"I'll call Brody later and ask when he's free since technically I'm free each day after practice."

By the time the doorbell rang, they all assumed it was Santana and it couldn't have come soon enough since they were all getting hungry. She wasn't even able to make it too the living room since the guys cut her off as they all headed for the kitchen. "Please don't tell me you expect me to cook because my feet are killing me." Santana said as she took a seat.

"Relax, we're cooking." Blaine told her. "We just brought you here because we're starving and knew if we let you get comfortable out there we'd have to wait longer."

"So, what's this about you working?" Sebastian asked as Blaine and Jeff started cooking.

"I have you to thank, I got an internship at Cassie's agency. So I owe you."

"You don't owe me a thing."

"Seb, you made the call."

"But you got the internship on your own. I had nothing to do with it."

"Regardless, thank you."

"You're welcome."

"Now that you're awake Seb, could you and Blaine fill us in on those invites?"

"Gladly, they were meant for you as addressed."

"How?" Jeff asked.

"Lexi actually helped plan the gala and well, Nick your parents usually attend. And Jeff, your parents have attended in the past."

"What are we talking about?" Santana asked as she put her feet in Nick's lap.

"This morning invitations were delivered for a gala at the Museum of Modern Art." Nick told her. "And well, I called Blaine to see if he and Seb had received something similar, which they had."

"And since I didn't know much about it, I decided to go talk with Lexi." Blaine added.

"Am I safe to assume this is a black-tie affair?"

"It is." Sebastian replied. Though no sooner had he, he noticed Brittany and Santana look at each other. "What's wrong?"

"Guys, something like that means fancy dresses."

"Okay."

"We can't afford dresses like that. What passed as fancy at McKinley would be laughed at."

"No big deal." Jeff replied. "We'll buy you guys' dresses."

"I don't think so." Santana replied. "I can't let Nick do that after everything he's already done." Blaine and Sebastian looked at Nick who just shook his head. Basically telling them he'd explain later.

"What would you say if I told you both that you wouldn't have to buy dresses?" Sebastian asked.

"We'd have to buy dresses in order to go." Brittany replied.

"Ladies, my sister has enough dresses in her closet that she'll never wear again. I'm sure she'd be willing to let you guys borrow one. Heck, I bet Tasha and Cassie could lend you one as well."

"I appreciate that Seb but…" Before Santana could even finish Sebastian was on his phone. "He's calling Lexi, isn't he Blaine?"

"Probably. But he's right, I doubt she'd mind. She's got an entire closet in one of the bedrooms filled with beautiful gowns. Knowing her, I'm sure she'd be thrilled to help out."

"She is." Sebastian replied. "If you two are free on Saturday you're more than welcome to go over to Lexi's. And she said if she doesn't have something you like she's sure between her, Cassie, and Tasha they can help figure something out."

"Britt, would you even want to go to a gala?" Jeff asked.

"It's basically a fancy party, right?"

"Yes."

"And we get to dress up?"

"We do."

"I'd love to go. Santana, are you going to go with Nick?"

"Yes, I'm going to go with Nick."

By the time they'd finished eating and got comfortable in the living room Sebastian noticed the pile of envelopes on the table. "What are all of these B?"

"Well, one of them is your invitation to the gala as for the others I don't know since I was waiting for you to come home to open them." Blaine replied after sitting down next to him. Once Blaine was settled Sebastian grabbed the pile off the table while Jeff went to go put a movie in.

"We need to move our vacation B."

"You guys already went on vacation." Santana said.

"We were going to Orlando for a few days." Blaine replied. "Why?"

"Fashion Week. All these invites are for different parties and events. So between lacrosse practice and these events we're going to need to reschedule. Sorry."

"That's alright."

"Really?"

"Yes, though I'm not thrilled about it. I probably would've been more upset if we didn't go to Leavesden. But since we did, I can wait."

"Aren't you two getting all fancy on us?" Jeff said.

"Hey, you two are going to be doing the same sort of things." Sebastian said.

"True, but not as often as the two of you. Before I forget, when does Cooper's movie come out because Jeff and I promised the ladies we'd take them opening night?"

"August thirtieth." Blaine replied. "It's a Labor Day release."

"Will you guys come with us?" Brittany asked.

"If it's good we will." Sebastian replied.

"What is that supposed to mean?" Santana asked.

"We're going to the premiere the week prior so we'll be seeing before the rest of you." Blaine told them.

"Wait a minute, so you two are going to have the premiere, fashion week, and the gala all within a two week span?" Nick asked.

"Close to it. Don't forget, we start school as well." Sebastian said. "Safe to say we need to enjoy our free time while we can."

After coming back from a morning run on Saturday morning Sebastian and Blaine took a quick shower, and got dressed before heading over to Nick and Jeff's. "I think this is only like the third time we've been here since we moved them in." Blaine said on their way.

"That's because our place has more space."

"That's very true. Now, is Brody meeting us here?"

"He is."

When they knocked on the door they weren't quite sure who was going to answer. But their morning couldn't have started much better since Brittany was the one to welcome them. Once they were inside she gave each of them a big hug and a kiss on the cheek. "The guys are almost ready."

"You seem rather happy this morning Britt." Sebastian said.

"I am. I slept really well last night and Jeff made a really yummy breakfast."

"What did he make Britt?" Blaine asked.

"He made waffles that looked like Mickey Mouse."

"I want waffles that look like Mickey Mouse. Jeff!" Sebastian called out. "Get your butt out here Jeffrey Sterling."

"Good morning to you too Seb." Jeff said while pulling his shirt over his head. "What's so important that I get out here?"

"He wants Mickey Mouse waffles like you made Britt." Blaine told him, which just cause Jeff to smile.

"Are you serious?"

"I am. Bring me Mickey!" Sebastian said with a smile.

"Do want some too Blaine?"

"If it wouldn't be a hassle, Bas and I only grabbed a quick bite this morning after coming back from our run."

"Follow me."

Once they were settled in the kitchen Jeff got the waffle maker back out. "Please tell me that was here before you and Nick got here." Blaine said as he and Sebastian took a seat.

"It was. Britt, you should go find out what's keeping Santana since I know you're excited about today."

"Okay." Brittany then gave Jeff a quick kiss before heading off.

Once Brittany was gone Sebastian cleared his throat. "Yes Seb." Jeff said while continuing to work on breakfast for the guys.

"What do you want to get today?"

"I'm not quite sure besides the obvious, though I'm clearly up for experimenting a bit more. But I need to ask you both something."

"Anything." Blaine replied.

"How is it you two used handcuffs yet had no marks on either of your wrists?"

"They're padded." Sebastian told him. "And surprisingly, rather comfortable no matter how hard you pull on them."

"Jeff." Brittany said once she walked back into the kitchen. "I don't think they're going to be ready anytime soon."

"They're at it again?" Jeff asked and all Brittany did was nod. "Doesn't surprise me. So guys, hope you're not in a hurry to leave."

"We're not." Sebastian replied. "Who are we to deny either of them pleasure."

"Have you even seen them this morning?" Blaine asked.

"Yes, we had breakfast together. Then they went to shower and get ready."

"They lose track of time like we do Bas."

"Sounds like it."

"I can't say anything because Britt and I are just as bad. Hopefully Brody is as understanding."

"I'm sure he will be."

By the time Nick and Santana appeared Blaine and Sebastian were just finishing breakfast. "Morning!" Blaine said rather enthusiastically.

"Morning." Nick said a shy smile on his face. "Have you guys been here long?"

"Long enough." Sebastian replied. "Though no worries, Jeff fed us while we waited."

"Sorry guys." Santana replied.

"Like Bas said, no worries."

"Still."

"Santana, honestly it's no big deal. It's not like we have to leave at a given time, plus Brody isn't here yet." Blaine told her, hoping to reassure her.

"Now ladies, is there anything you want the guys to pick up?" Sebastian asked which earned him a look from both Jeff and Nick.

"Jeff knows what I want." Brittany replied. "We talked about it last night."

"Anything Nick wants to get, I'm game. Can't knock something till you try it, right?"

"Very true." Blaine replied as there was a knock on the door.

"That must be Brody, I'll get it." Nick said while Jeff finished cleaning up.

"Are we correct to assume you're going over to Cooper and Lexi's?" Blaine asked.

"We are, and we should probably be going." Santana said while looking at Brittany.

"Tell them we say hi." Sebastian said before giving each of the girls a hug.

"We will." Brittany replied before giving Jeff a kiss. "I'll call you later. Love you."

"Love you too." Jeff said before giving her another kiss. "Have fun!"

As the girls headed out they stopped long enough for Santana to say goodbye to Nick before heading on their way. "Sorry I'm late guys." Brody told them. "I lost track of time."

"It's happened to all of this morning." Nick replied which earned a laugh from the others. "So, we ready to go?"

"Let go shopping!" Sebastian exclaimed while taking Blaine's hand before they headed out for the day as well.

When Santana and Brittany arrived at Lexi and Cooper's they stopped for a moment out front. Ever since they'd left Ohio their lives had changed in ways neither of them ever expected. They both knew their boyfriends had money, but now that they were out of school it was becoming more obvious. "Britt, are you sure about this?"

"Yes. You?"

"I want to be, it's just…all this is so new to me."

"Me too, but Jeff said last night it's all new to him too. And if it's new to Jeff, it's new to Nick since they do almost everything together."

"You know, you're right. Heck, it's even new to Blaine and Seb from what they said the other night."

"Yep, remember Sebby said if we have any questions to just ask Lexi."

"That's true."

"What's true?" They both turned their head upon hearing Cooper's voice. "Morning!"

"Morning Cooper!" Brittany replied. "I didn't know you were home." She said as Cooper stepped aside to let them in.

"I just got back last night. How are you both?"

"Good." Santana replied. "Where's Lexi?"

"She is up in our bedroom with Cassie and Tasha, she's expecting you so head on up."

"Where exactly?"

"When you get to the third floor turn left, our room is at the end of the hall."

"It's opposite Blaine and Sebby's room."

"That's correct Britt, good memory."

When the girls reached the top of the stairs Santana let Brittany lead the way. Once they reached the open bedroom door they just stood and watched the scene in front of them. Music was playing and Lexi, Tasha, and Cassie were dancing around while pulling numerous dresses off the rack they'd set up. Cassie had just spun around when she spotted the girls. "Come on in, we've been waiting for you."

"Before we start, I just want to say thank you. We really appreciate this." Santana said.

"No problem, this'll be fun." Lexi replied. "Tasha and Cassie brought quite a few dresses with them as well so I'm sure between all the ones the three of us own we'll find something that can work for you both."

"I'm sure you're both overwhelmed by this." Tasha said to which they both just nodded. "Relax, it's basically like prom on steroids and the alcohol is provided though I know the two of you would never partake is such things." Tasha had to stifle a giggle as she spoke since she knew the boys drank, so she assumed the girls did as well.

"These dresses are all really pretty." Brittany said while looking through the rack.

"Thank you." The three basically said in unison.

"Why don't the two of you start looking through them while we pull some we think might be perfect for you?" Lexi told them.

"Are these it?" Santana asked.

"No, the rest are in my closet. Feel free to go there as well. The ones out here are all Tasha and Cassie's."

After pulling quite a few dresses off the rack Brittany and Santana headed for Lexi's closet. "Good lord!" Santana exclaimed. "This isn't a closet, it's a bloody room!"

"Cooper says the same thing." Lexi said from her spot in the door way.

"It looks like Carrie Bradshaw's closet." Brittany said.

"It's close." Tasha added. "As for thinking it's a room Santana, you're right. This used to be the bedroom next door. But Lexi had the wall knocked out and turned it into a closet."

"The original walk-in closet is on the other wall and has all of Cooper's clothes." Cassie told them.

"Well, now that you know the history of my closet, anything catching your eye?" Lexi asked since Brittany and Santana had each stopped in front of particular dresses. When they both nodded Lexi went and grabbed the dresses. "Time to start having some fun, let's try these babies on."

For some reason Santana and Brittany were more than comfortable enough to stand in front of Lexi, Tasha, and Cassie in just their bras and panties, probably do to the fact that it wasn't much different than wearing a bikini. As Lexi and Tasha helped them with their first dresses, Cassie went into the closet in search of shoes for each of them to put on since most of the gowns were floor length. With their first dresses on, they just waited for the shoes. "Why do you look so nervous?" Lexi asked.

"This is a Dior." Santana replied.

"I know. Relax okay." Lexi said with a wink just as Cassie returned with shoes. Once they each slipped the shoes on, Brittany and Santana just looked at each other. "You both look amazing."

"Lexi is right." Cassie said. "What do you each think?"

"I love it!" Brittany replied. As she spun around Lexi, Tasha, and Cassie all just looked at each other and smiled. "You look great Santana."

"Thank you, so do you."

"Okay, time for pictures." Tasha told them.

"Why pictures?" Brittany asked.

"Well, this is only the first dress and we want to remember what it looked like on you by the time we get to the end. So, glam it up girls!"

The rest of the morning and early afternoon was spent with the girls trying on basically every dress that was there. They honestly felt like little girls playing dress up in these beautiful dresses, dresses that neither of them would've ever dreamed of wearing. Each time Santana put one on she noticed the designer labels inside. While they might've spent a hundred dollars or so on a prom dress, the dresses they were trying on were probably thousands of dollars.

While Brittany and Santana were putting their regular clothes back on, Lexi, Tasha, and Cassie were stretched out on the bed with a laptop in front of them waiting for the pictures to finish loading. "Feel free to get comfortable when you're done." Lexi told them. Once they were dressed they got comfortable on the bed as well. After spending as much time with them, the three older girls truly felt like older sisters to them both.

"Do either of you have a favorite?" Cassie asked.

"I really liked the lavender one with the slit." Brittany told them. "And that funky pink one."

"Excellent choices, they both looked great on you." Tasha replied. "What about you Santana?"

"I'm torn between the dark blue one that I first tried on and the strapless plum colored one."

"I must say, you both know what looks good on you, because I think those were some of my favorites on both of you."

"Take that as a huge compliment considering what she does for a living." Cassie told them.

"We do." Brittany replied.

"Now, you two can each take those dresses home with you." Lexi told them. "Since I'm sure you'll change your minds numerous times between now and then as to which one you want to wear. And if you all of a sudden change your minds let me know and we can bring one of the others to you."

"I don't know how we'll ever thank you guys." Santana told them.

"We honestly had fun. Plus it's nice to know these dresses are going to see the light of day again. And know, when other invitations come around you're more than welcome to any of the other dresses."

"You don't mind us borrowing them?"

"Not at all." Tasha replied. "Like Lexi said, it's nice knowing they're going to get worn again. There is no reason for you two to have to go out and buy dresses when we've got closets full of them that you can wear. The only reason I buy new ones all the time is because of my job."

"She's right, Lexi and I are more likely to wear a dress again, but once we've been photographed in it, it usually ends up in the closet." Cassie told them.

"And before you start worrying, which I'm sure you will just relax." Lexi told them. "Trust me; the guys are just as nervous. Blaine and Bas asked a ton of questions. So if either of you have questions don't be afraid to ask any of us."

"But you guys grew up in this world."

"Cassie more than the rest of us, her Mom had her going to these parties at an early age." Tasha told them. "When Lexi and I really got thrust into this world we were only a few years younger than you guys are now."

"What's going to happen when people find out we're not like the rest of you?"

"Girls, there are lots of different people at these parties. Trust me, most don't get along but they put their fake little smiles on and go about their business. Old money hates new money, society types hate celebrities, it goes on and on." Cassie told them. "Just be yourselves, that's all that matters. You two belong there just like anyone else."

"If it makes you feel better, ask Cooper about his first experience. He was scared to death." Lexi told them. "But by the time the night was halfway over his anxiety was gone and he just enjoyed himself. And think, you guys aren't going to be alone."

"Lexi is right; you're both being accompanied by your adorable boyfriends. Plus Blaine and Seb will be there." Tasha told them.

"Is Hunter going to be there?" Brittany asked.

"Yes, Hunter will be there much to his dismay." Cassie told them. "So you'll have plenty of people to talk to."

"Do you two feel any better about all this? I know it must be overwhelming."

"I feel better actually, thank you." Santana told them. "It's nice to know we're not the only ones overwhelmed by all this."