Two Steps Beyond
Part 60
When the girls finally arrived back the guys were all settled in the living room watching a ballgame. "Welcome back!" Jeff replied after hearing the door close. "You girls have fun?"
"We did!" Brittany replied, before leaning over the couch to give him a kiss. "Lexi and her friends are really cool."
"I completely agree with you Britt." Sebastian replied. "Looks like you two had a successful day, I see dresses."
"We did." Santana told them. "It was like being in a dress shop, it was insane. And before I forget, your sister's closet is crazy!"
"That's an accurate assessment." Blaine said.
"Now, are you ladies going to model those for us or do we have to wait?" Nick asked.
"You have to wait." Santana told him. "We're going to go put these away, we'll be back."
"Put them in the spare room, that closet is relatively empty."
"Got it!"
After the girls returned, they each curled up next to their boyfriends on the couch. "Did you guys have fun today?" Brittany asked.
"You could say that." Nick replied with a smirk.
"Oh no, do I even want to know?" Santana asked upon looking up at Nick.
"They weren't that bad, honest." Blaine told them. "But I think you'll all be having quite a bit of fun."
"B's right, any timidness is gone, they went for it." Sebastian added.
"Where's Brody?" Santana asked.
"He went home shortly before you two got here." Jeff told him. "I have a feeling he was a bit anxious to get there." The smile on Jeff's face was anything but innocent.
"Should we even ask?"
"Put it this way, Brody almost put Seb here to shame." Nick said. "Know how Rachel said to not go too crazy, I think he pushed the envelope as far as he could."
"Wanky."
"Though I should warn you Santana, Nick did purchase one of our favorite items." Blaine told her. "Hopefully you enjoy it as much as the rest of us do."
"What do you mean by the rest of you?"
"Britt and I indulge as well."
"Indulge in what?"
"You'll find out." Nick replied, while pulling her closer and placing a kiss on top of her head. "But enough about our shopping trip, how was your day?"
"Like we said when we got back, lots of fun." Brittany replied.
"Besides it being a fun day, it also put some worries at bay." Santana added.
"What kind of worries?" Sebastian asked.
"Seb, this is your world. Hell it's something all of you were born into, Britt and I weren't. So all this is new to us. In a way, we felt as though we didn't belong."
"And Lexi and the girls helped?" Blaine asked.
"They did actually, more than they probably know."
"Oh, Blaine."
"Yes Britt."
"Cooper's home. He wanted you to know, he got in late last night."
"Thank you Britt. Is it safe to say Cooper was on Daddy duty while you girls had fun?"
"He was, he only came in once."
"Let me guess, lunchtime?" Sebastian asked.
"You've got it." Santana replied. "And I know we said it before, but her closet is crazy. She's got everything."
"That's very true. Surprisingly enough, she wears most of it."
"I love all her shoes." Brittany added.
"Pretty crazy, huh." Blaine said. "Her shoe collection would make Carrie Bradshaw jealous."
"Absolutely."
"I think you three need to have a Sex in the City marathon." Nick said.
"Hush." Blaine said with a playful smile on his face.
"Seb, do you watch it?"
"I have, with B."
"Don't act like you didn't enjoy it."
"Alright, I did." Sebastian replied while wrapping his arms around Blaine who was sitting between his legs on the floor.
"I need to say something to you Seb."
"And what is that Jeff?"
"I personally think you should've called Kurt Sheldon when you talked about coitus." Jeff had barely finished speaking and they were all laughing. "He might've known what the word meant, but I doubt he knew the context you were using it in."
"You've got a point, I doubt Kurt would have even understood the reference."
"Blaine, how did you deal with that?" Nick asked.
"Add my geekdom to the never ending list of things he didn't understand."
"You're an adorable geek B."
"Thank you Bas."
"If you keep this sweetness up guys, I'm going to need to go to the dentist." Santana told them.
"Would you prefer it if we were raunchy?" Sebastian asked.
"Raunchy, no, just not so sweetie and lovey-dovey."
"We can accommodate that request, can't we B?"
"I think we can. Now, since we went shopping today, when are you girls going?"
"We need to talk to Rachel. Though, it might be unnecessary depending on what the guys got."
"I have a feeling you'll both be happy with what we bought." Jeff replied.
"I know you're trying to be reassuring Jeff, but you're scaring me slightly."
"Don't be scared Santana." Brittany told her. "Last time Jeff went shopping he bought lots of fun stuff. So I'm sure Nick got lots of advice from Jeff, Blaine, and Sebby."
"The advice is what I'm afraid of Britt."
"Don't be." Nick told her. "I honestly didn't go overboard. I went the more playful route, though…" He then leaned over and began whispering in her ear. The longer he spoke, the more mischievous Santana's grin became.
"I think it's time for B and I to leave."
"I think Bas is right. So, we'll see you all for brunch tomorrow." Blaine said as they got up off the floor.
"Guys, you don't need to go." Nick told them.
"Trust us; we need to after seeing the grin on Santana's face." Sebastian replied.
"Just remember guys, pace yourself." Blaine said with a wink. "And if you're too tired for brunch tomorrow, we'll understand."
"Cute Blaine." Jeff replied.
"He is, isn't he?" Sebastian said with a smile. "But seriously, have fun tonight and we'll see you guys tomorrow." Jeff was about to get up, but Blaine and Sebastian both stopped him, telling them they'd see themselves out. So after giving each of the girls a quick kiss they were on their way.
While waiting for the elevator, Blaine looked up at Sebastian. "Are you up for being a bit playful tonight as well?"
"Are you propositioning me?"
"Maybe?" Blaine's voice had an innocence to it that absolutely made Sebastian melt. Blaine then slid his hand into Sebastian's. "I just thought it would be fun to try out some of the stuff we bought, but if you're not inter…" Blaine's words were cut off when Sebastian kissed him. If it wasn't for the elevator dinging, they probably wouldn't have stopped.
"Is that answer enough if I'm interested?"
"I think I might need more."
"Oh, you'll get more alright."
When Sebastian finally opened his eyes on Sunday morning he was relieved to see it was only slightly after nine. Upon glancing up at Blaine he couldn't help but wonder how they got like they were. From what he could recall when they fell asleep early that morning Blaine was curled up against him. Yet now, they were in opposite positions. Sebastian went to stretch but stopped half way when his body basically told him to stop. It wasn't that he and Blaine had gotten crazy the night before; they just probably pushed their limits more than they should have.
Knowing how he felt, Sebastian could only wonder how Blaine was going to feel when he woke up. But with as peaceful as Blaine looked, Sebastian curled back up next to him. He was in no rush to get moving since their friends wouldn't be over till eleven. With Sunday's basically being the quietest day of the week they'd all decided they'd meet for brunch each Sunday unless something came up. It was basically an open invitation, just show up to Blaine and Sebastian's with something to share. Sebastian was about to fall back to sleep when Blaine started move. "Morning killer." Sebastian said as he moved enough to look up at Blaine.
"Morning babe. How long have you been up?"
"Not long, though I almost dozed back off. How'd you sleep?"
"I crashed." While he answered Sebastian could see that Blaine was trying to figure out how they ended up the way they were. "Didn't I fall asleep on you?"
"You did, I have no clue how we got like this." Sebastian then stifled a laugh as Blaine tried to stretch, since he stopped midway just as Sebastian had.
"This isn't funny Bas."
"I know it's not, you basically did the same thing I did. That's why I was laughing. One can only imagine how the others are going to be feeling this morning. Remember, we're the supposed kinky ones of the bunch so we should be used to this."
"They all put us to shame yesterday."
"True, but part of that is because we already own some of the stuff they bought."
"Yes, but they don't need to know that." Blaine said while running his fingers through Sebastian's hair. Even though he loved sleeping on Sebastian's chest, there was something endearing when their positions were reversed. Though Sebastian was basically the dominant one in their relationship, he had no problems stepping back and letting Blaine have it once in a while. Their relationship had a balance to it that they both needed and appreciated. Some might not believe, but Sebastian didn't always need to be in control, while Blaine couldn't always step back. The balance they'd found clearly worked well for them.
"How long before you need to get up?"
"It needs to be in the oven around ten. Why, what do you have in mind?"
"After last night, nothing. I'm more than content cuddling in bed till we have to get up. It's one of the advantages of everyone coming over here."
"Do you know if Thad is coming?"
"He is, said he's got some stories for me from his first week of practice."
"Knowing Thad, they're going to be interesting."
It wasn't surprising to Blaine nor Sebastian that Hunter and Thad were the first ones to arrive. After putting what they brought in the kitchen Thad headed for the living room to talk to Sebastian while Hunter stayed with Blaine in the kitchen. "How's your Mom?" Hunter asked while helping Blaine get everything they needed out.
"She's doing better, though sleeping through the night can still be an issue. But she's getting there. She said the worst part is feeling so helpless and having to rely on my Dad and her friends as much as she does."
"That's understandable. I can't even imagine how freaked out you were. Cass was pretty thrown when she came home from Lexi's that day."
"How so?"
"She told me Lexi flipped out after talking to you and Cooper."
"Could've fooled me, she was pretty pulled together when we finally saw her."
"That's probably because she got it out of her system. Cass said she knew she couldn't be a wreck because not only was Cooper going to need her but you might as well."
"Since that was the case, good thing Cassie was there."
"I said the same thing. Plus I'm sure Lexi liked having an extra set of hands around to help pack."
"Now, what's this I hear about Cass and Beat?" Blaine asked, cocking his eyebrow slightly.
"My sister assures me they're just friends."
"You don't buy it, do you?"
"Some days I do others I don't. I can tell you, if he was a tad bit older there would be no doubt about it."
"What, she doesn't go for younger guys?"
"She usually doesn't care much about age, but the fact that he can't legally drink is a bit of a killer. It would cramp her lifestyle a bit."
"I'll keep that in mind if they're still friends and single when he turns twenty-one."
"Onto a different subject, are you free Tuesday?" Hunter asked while setting the last of the plates on the counter.
"I am, why?"
"Want to spar?"
"I was actually going to ask you if you wanted to do that this week."
"So, is that a yes?"
"It is."
"Do you need to check with Seb?"
"No, we've basically just been hanging out once he's gotten home from practice. If anything, he'll probably go lift or something while we spar. And considering how last week ended, I need it."
"Care to talk about it?"
"We just ran into Kurt when we were out with the kids in the park. He apologized for the umpteenth time. I'm just over it."
"I'm surprised he had the guts to say anything."
"He was with his Dad who told us that Kurt truly meant it this time."
"I'm guessing you and Seb don't believe him."
"If you knew how many times we've heard the words I'm sorry, you'd understand why."
"Oh, I totally get it. No need to justify how you feel to me."
When Blaine and Hunter joined Sebastian and Thad in the living room they both were a bit surprised to see how hard they were both laughing. It was pretty safe to say Thad's first full week of practice was anything but boring. "Do I even want to ask what's so funny?" Blaine asked upon taking a seat.
"Complete and utter chaos during the first couple of days of practice." Thad told them. "It seems our current captain and co-captain can't stand each other. So anytime one says something, the other contradicts him, to the point where the first couple of days we didn't do much. And you could totally tell they were doing it to piss the other off."
"Looks like you've got a head start on them Seb." Hunter said.
"I told him the same thing. Our team gets along pretty well."
"Also, I'm one of only three freshmen on the squad."
"Sounds like the situation Bas is in, though he knew most of his team before he got there."
"That is certainly a positive. I get treated more like a teammate, than a newbie."
"I wish that was the case for me. Our co-captain is a much nicer guy than our captain who seems to have no desire to get to know the freshmen on the squad. That reminds me, our co-captain played with you last year."
"He does realize that by not bonding it can screw you guys over." Sebastian said. "Who's your co-captain?"
"He's been told that over and over again. His name is Evan."
"Tall, dark brown hair, built like Beat."
"That's him."
"He's definitely cool; you'll get along well with him."
The rest of their friends happened to arrive just as the timer went off in the kitchen. So while Blaine headed for the kitchen, Sebastian headed for the door. "Don't you all look bright eyed and bushy tailed."
"Can it Seb." Santana said as she slowly made her way inside after giving him a kiss. The way they were all moving it was taking everything Sebastian had not to start laughing. There was no doubt in his mind they all stayed up way later than they should have. While most headed for the family room, Brody and Jeff headed for the kitchen.
"Morning guys!"
"Morning." Jeff said through a yawn. "Where should I put this?"
"On the counter. Didn't Bas and I say if you were too tired we'd understand if you didn't make it?"
"I know, but Britt really wanted to see you guys and well, we're seriously hungry."
"I wonder why. Is it safe to presume everyone else is as tired as you two?"
"That would be correct." Brody replied while pouring himself a cup of coffee. "How is it you and Seb are so awake?"
"It's probably because we didn't overdo it like the rest of you. It's not to say we didn't enjoy ourselves though. Now, I should wait to ask this when Nick's around, but what did the girls think of what you picked up?"
"Britt was happy, though I was the best behaved out of all of us." While Jeff spoke, both he and Blaine looked at Brody.
"What?"
"We know Rachel, did she freak out?" Blaine asked.
"She was a bit concerned at first but…she was open to basically all of it."
While Jeff and Brody indulged in coffee, Blaine headed for the living room. "If you're all interested, everything is ready."
"Does that include coffee?" Rachel asked.
"It does." Once everyone walked passed, Blaine grabbed ahold of Sebastian's arm. "And here I thought Brody and Jeff were in bad shape."
"We've created monsters B, plain and simple." Sebastian then leaned down and gave Blaine a kiss. "Now let's go eat before they finish everything."
While they ate they discussed basically everything and anything. Basically no subject was off limits. When it came time to figure out what they were going to do for the day, it was easily decided that whatever it was, it would require little to no effort. Then once it started to pour it became clear they were all just going to hang out all day.
Once they had everything cleaned up and put away Santana came walking up to Blaine and Sebastian. "And just what can we do for you?" Blaine asked.
"This might sound odd, but I love to read on rainy days and well, you've got the perfect view to watch it rain."
"You're wondering if we have any books." Sebastian said.
"I am, and I really don't care what type they are."
"There are a ton of books in the office." Blaine told her. "Go see what you can find."
"And what types of books are in there?" Thad asked.
"Practically some of everything if we're being honest. I have no doubt she'll find something." Sebastian replied.
They were all settled in the living room trying to figure out what game they were going to play when Santana came walking back in with a look on her face that none of them could quite place. "What is it?" Nick asked. They all just watched as Santana's gaze went directly to Blaine and Sebastian.
"Guys, please don't take this the wrong way because you know I love you both, but…" Once the infamous word "but" fell from her lips all the eyes in the room fell upon Blaine and Sebastian. "What the hell are you doing with two shelves worth of romance novels, in hard cover nonetheless? I know you're gay, but…come on."
By the time Santana was done speaking, Blaine and Sebastian were both practically in tears from how hard they were laughing and Hunter wasn't doing much better. "Guys, what's so funny?" Thad asked.
"Seriously, I'm rather curious myself now." Nick said as Santana sat down next to him. "What gives?" For as long as the guys had known Blaine and Sebastian, none of them had ever seen them laugh like they were. Slowly they began to compose themselves, and dried their eyes before looking over at Hunter and then the rest of their friends.
"Did you notice anything particular about the novels?" Blaine asked with a smile.
"I did actually; they're all by the same author. Though I do have to say, you both have excellent taste because I love her books."
"Guys you need to tell them." Hunter told them.
"Tell us what?" Brittany asked.
"All those novels…are written by my sister."
"No way!" Rachel exclaimed.
"Yes way. If you don't believe me call her yourself. But if you notice, Blaine and Hunter were laughing as well. Coincidence, I think not. And for your information though, Blaine and I have read them."
"I had quite a bit of catching up to do. I didn't read my first one till Cooper and Lexi got married."
"Why does she write under a pen name?" Santana asked.
"I can answer that one, I think." Jeff replied. "It's because she also writes books about British Literature. And I can only presume she feels her "intellectual" work wouldn't be regarded with such high regard if one also knew she wrote romance novels. Is that close Seb?"
"That's actually the reason. It was her editor's idea and she thought it was an excellent idea. The romance novels actually came about on a dare from her friends while in college."
"That's really cool Sebby."
"I agree Britt, it is really cool. So does that answer your question?"
"It totally does. I hope you guys weren't offended." Blaine looked at Sebastian who just smiled.
"Not at all. I can honestly tell you I wouldn't have read them if it wasn't for the fact that Lexi wrote them. But I've got to give her credit; they're not what I imagined they'd be when I first started reading them. I figured they'd be really girly." Blaine told her.
"That's exactly the point." Santana said to them. "Her stories are honestly romantic, yet she doesn't make the heroine weak like so many others do. And the way she describes things you can completely understand why they fell for each other."
"This might sound weird guys, but I think you should read at least one of them." Blaine told them. "Might help in the romance department."
"Are you saying we're not romantic?" Nick asked.
"No, but Lexi throws quite a few stellar ideas in her books. Doesn't she ladies?" All three of the girls nodded. "See what I mean."
"Hunter, have you read any of them?" Brittany asked.
"I actually have at my sister's insistence. She felt guys nowadays are lacking in the romance department and thought reading one of them would help. It was easier to read when she told me Lexi wrote it and told me it wasn't cheesy. And the guys are right, there are some great ideas. Some of which I've actually used and the results have been very successful."