Two Steps Beyond
Part 71
After spending Saturday just relaxing at home, Blaine and Sebastian were more than ready for their usual Sunday get together with their friends. And considering Santana had basically told everyone to move on from what happened it was going to be a rather normal day for all of them. Since Blaine had cooked the previous Sunday, this weekend it was Sebastian's turn. So while Sebastian was in the kitchen Blaine went to get the door.
"Hey stranger!"
"Beat, how are you? Come on in."
"You look surprised."
"I am, though it's a good surprise. How'd you know?" Blaine said as they headed for the living room.
"I spoke with Thad who said it was an open invite."
"So you drove all the way from Jersey for brunch?" Blaine asked cocking his eyebrow slightly.
"I've actually been in the city since yesterday."
"Do I even want to ask who you're staying with?" Beat's smile seemed to grow a bit bigger. "You didn't?"
"No, I stayed with Thad actually. He should be here soon. The bakery didn't have his order ready so he told me to head on over while he waited. You really thought I stayed with Cassie, didn't you?"
"The thought might've crossed my mind, though I'm not quite sure how Hunter would've reacted considering he currently lives with her."
"Don't worry, Hunter and I have talked about this. Everything is cool. Nothing is going on between Cassie and I."
"But you wish there was."
"Of course I do, you've seen her. And her personality tops things off."
"What's stopping it then?"
"Age, and I really don't blame her. Where is Seb?"
"Cooking, it's his turn this week." Just then the doorbell rang. "Feel free to go and say hi, I'm sure he'd love to know you're here."
"Will do." So while Blaine went to get the door, Beat headed for the kitchen and Sebastian.
Within about a fifteen minute span of time everyone was there. "Didn't bring Gretchen today?" Blaine asked as he looked at Thad.
"Her parents are in town visiting so you're only blessed with my presence."
"Do I want to even ask where Seb is?" Jeff asked.
"He is in the kitchen with Hunter and Beat."
Blaine had barely answered and Sebastian called out that everything was ready. When they walked in the kitchen Jeff just looked at Sebastian. "Cute apron."
"Thanks." Sebastian replied with a rather goofy smile on his face. "Are you going to do what it says?"
"You want me to kiss the cook?"
"Sure, why not? Though it needs to be my cheek, these lips belong to Blaine." The rest of them all laughed when Jeff walked up and actually kissed Sebastian on the cheek. But not to be outdone all the girls went and did the same thing.
"Nicky?" Santana just looked at him and without anything else being said Nick followed suit.
"I really should've gotten this apron sooner." Sebastian said after Nick gave him a kiss. "Thad? Hunter? Beat? Brody?"
"What the hell!" Brody replied.
Once the rest of them followed suit all that was left was Blaine. "What do you say B?" The slight wiggle of his eyebrows brought all eyes to Blaine.
"Whatever you two do, keep it PG, we are about to eat." Hunter told them.
"Fair enough." Blaine said before giving Sebastian one last kiss before breakfast. "Was that acceptable?"
"It was." Thad replied and with that they all started dishing up their food. With as many of them there they started discussing their plans for Labor Day weekend. The girls were all pretty adamant about not wanting to leave the city till after they went to see Cooper's movie. Thankfully, Hunter reminded them there were movie theaters out in Southampton so they didn't need to stay in the city to see it.
"Are you sure it's going to be showing Hunter?" Rachel asked.
"Yes, I already called to check. And considering everything that's happened I'm pretty sure Blaine and Seb would rather see it outside of the city."
"You are correct." Blaine told them. "Are you sure Cassie doesn't mind us all taking over the house again?"
"Not at all, she's happy someone is going to get to enjoy it."
"She's not coming?" Sebastian asked.
"She might make an appearance, but she's not sure since she'll be coming back from LA and she doesn't know when she'll be back. She just might stay in the city and veg; it all depends on how things go on her trip and when she returns."
"When does she leave?"
"In a couple of hours, she's not thrilled about it but she needs to go." For some reason all the eyes in the room drifted to Santana.
"Yes, I know why she's going and no I can't say anything." That was all that needed to be said and the topic was dropped.
By the time they started cleaning up from brunch the doorbell rang. "Are you guys expecting someone?" Nick asked.
"Tasha is stopping by." Sebastian replied, before going to get the door. When they reached the living room Tasha just looked around.
"I was not expecting a full house. If you two want I can come back later."
"It's alright, they're pretty self-sufficient." Blaine told her. "They actually kicked me out of the kitchen so we could get started." When they walked into their bedroom Tasha looked around.
"Looks good guys, very you."
"Thanks." Sebastian replied while opening the closet. "Do you have anything particular you want us to wear?"
"The evening events are easy since you guys are wearing suits. It's the in-between stuff I'm more concerned about."
"Why don't you tell us what you'd like and we'll pull what we think is appropriate?" Blaine said.
"Works for me, since you two know what's in there better than I do." So with Tasha seated on their bed, Blaine and Sebastian started pulling things from their closet and dresser. With them both pulling things it didn't take them long to have clothes laid across their bed for each occasion. Only a few times did Tasha ask them to find something different from what they'd originally pulled. "That wasn't too bad, was it?" She said once they finished.
"Not bad at all. And now we won't accidentally wear them." Sebastian replied.
"You do remember we might be late to a few things because of classes." Blaine told her.
"I remember. The afternoon events are alright to arrive late to, it's the evening events I need you to be prompt."
"I'm going to be cutting it close on Thursday."
"Lacrosse game?"
"Yep. But I'll be sure to bring my suit with me and leave straight from school."
"That's fine. Send me a reminder tomorrow and I'll be sure to send a car for you. I don't want you riding the subway all dressed up." Sebastian nodded in confirmation. "Well, since we're all done I'll be leaving you. You guys have fun with your friends today."
"What are you doing today Tasha?" Blaine asked.
"I'm actually heading over to Lexi and Cooper's when I leave here. She wants an extra set of eyes to help determine some outfits as well. Now, are you two still going to the gala?"
"We are."
"Excellent, if I don't see you before then, I will see you there."
"Are you bringing a date?" Sebastian asked.
"Why do you ask?"
"I might've heard Lexi say something about you bringing someone."
"Yes, I'm bringing someone."
"Do we know him?" Blaine asked.
"I'm not quite sure. But I will be sure to introduce you." Tasha then gave them each a kiss on the cheek before heading out. As Blaine and Sebastian followed her out they both paused for a moment to look at each other before continuing on to the door. After seeing Tasha out Blaine looked up at Sebastian.
"I think they're impatient."
"You think?" Sebastian said with a laugh. "What makes you think that other than the fact they opened up the piano and have situated seats around it."
"Glad to know I'm not the only one that saw that."
"You up to playing?"
"Absolutely, though make sure you're sitting where I can see you."
"I'll make sure of it." Sebastian said before leaning down to give him a kiss. "What do you say we have some fun with them first?"
"What do you have in mind?" Sebastian then leaned down and whispered into Blaine's ear. "It's simple, but it could be fun." Blaine nodded before taking Sebastian's hand and walking to the living room. Once they got settled on the couch all of their friends looked at them. Sebastian had stretched out and was leaning against Blaine. "What?"
"You both know what." Jeff said to them. "Don't play innocent with us, we know you."
"And we know you Jeff." The look Jeff shot them spoke volumes, it was clear Jeff hadn't told anyone, not even Nick what had happened. "Am I correct in guessing you want to hear what Blaine wrote?" The instantaneous yes from everyone caught both of them off-guard. "I think they're anxious."
"I'd have to agree." Blaine then lowered his head so he could kiss the top of Sebastian's. "Shall we?"
"We shall." Sebastian replied prior to sitting up. While Blaine headed for the piano, Sebastian asked Thad to switch seats, which he happily obliged. After everyone was settled Blaine looked over at Jeff.
"Go ahead, I know you want to and it'll stop me from having to do this more times than necessary." Jeff just smiled and took out his phone.
"You'll play it whenever I want though, right B?"
"Absolutely Bas. Ready?"
Judging from the smile that was already plastered on Sebastian's face, they all knew they were in for quite the treat. While Blaine played everyone's eyes kept going back and forth between Blaine and Sebastian. Even though there were nine other people in the room, at that moment it was as though it was only Blaine and Sebastian. Once Blaine finished a small smile crept to his face, but it seemed to slowly grow as Sebastian looked at him.
"That was amazing Blaine." Rachel told him. "I'd always known you were talented, but this…you blew me away."
"She's right Blaine, that was incredible." Hunter told him. "Now Seb's reaction makes total sense."
"You doubted me?" Sebastian said.
"Not really, but being in love tends to skew one's perspective at times. But this was definitely not one of those times. It was everything you said."
"Hunter's right Blaine." Nick told him. "Impressive once again."
"Thank you, I appreciate that." Blaine said as he got up from the piano to sit down with Sebastian. Once he was close enough Sebastian pulled him down onto his lap. "Was it just as good this time?"
"Without a doubt." He then leaned in and kissed Blaine.
"Santana, you okay?" Blaine asked as she was a bit quieter than usual.
"I'm fine." When she sniffled slightly, he realized why she was so quiet. And one glance at Nick confirmed it. "Now, do the two want to venture out today, or are you staying in still?"
"That depends, has the media attention died down yet?" Sebastian asked.
"It's died down a bit. Basically it's all about her now." Sebastian looked at Blaine who's expression didn't seem to indicate what he wanted to do.
"What do you think B?"
"I'd rather stay in, but the rest of you are more than welcome to go out. That includes you Bas." Once Blaine finished, Sebastian tightened his hold around him slightly and that was all the response Blaine needed to know Sebastian was fine with staying in.
"Considering it looks like it's going to rain, I'm all for staying in. Though, if you two want us to leave I'm cool with that." Thad said.
"I'm with Thad, relaxing sounds good. It's probably one of the last chances we'll have." Jeff said.
"Well then, how about we just do a movie marathon." Sebastian said. With a few looks exchanged it was decided they were going to do just that. So, now that Blaine was done playing they all moved the chairs back to where they belonged and started to get comfortable.
"Do you want us to black out the room?" Blaine asked.
"You can do that?" Brittany asked.
"We can. We've found when we watch movies it's better the darker the room is since we get sun from basically every angle."
"I say do it then." Nick said.
"Wait a second."
"What is it Beat?" Sebastian asked.
"Promise me, Thad, and Hunter that the rest of you won't go crazy with the making out because the room is dark."
"What makes you think that'll happen?" Brody asked.
"Because it's a given watching movies with them. At least Blaine, Seb, Jeff, and Brittany."
"Are you saying you think we're just as bad?" Santana asked.
"Yes."
"They are." Sebastian chimed in.
"Thanks a lot Seb."
"You know I love you Santana, but it's true. You and Nick have problems keeping your hands and lips to yourselves. I don't blame you though, considering school is starting soon. I'm pretty sure we're all making the most of the time we have."
"He's got a point." Nick said which earned him a nudge in the side from Santana. "There are times we can try to be modest, around them, doesn't work."
Once they picked out quite a few movies and were all set the movie watching began. Considering how many people were there, they all had pretty similar interests. Just as Beat had predicted, each couple had their moments, but they were clearly aware of those around them and didn't get too carried away. Prior to starting their third movie, they came to the consensus that they were going to order pizza since they were all too comfortable to go out.
Sebastian was about to order when Hunter told him to just relax and that he'd take care of it. After he walked out of the room Blaine glanced up at Sebastian. "What was that about?"
"I've got an idea, but I'm not positive."
"I do too, I was just curious if you thought the same."
"Cassie."
"Yep. Who would've ever thought you'd take indirect direction so well?"
"Not me, but after everything there are certain people or things I'm not going to question in the near future." Blaine then stretched up enough to kiss Sebastian's cheek. That little gesture was all Sebastian needed to know Blaine was basically of the same mindset.
With as late as it was when they finished, Thad and Beat were just going to crash while everyone else headed home. "Are you guys sure you don't mind us staying?" Thad asked as they were putting the living room back together.
"You should know by know if we didn't want you here, we'd tell you." Sebastian replied. "By the way, do you want me to get you up when I get up for practice?"
"Would you?"
"I wouldn't have offered if I wasn't willing."
"What are your plans for tomorrow Blaine?" Beat asked.
"Jeff and I actually have orientation tomorrow."
"How exciting. I had mine Friday. And honestly, it felt like Dalton all over again. Wes was right; going there has clearly given us all an advantage."
"I will gladly take any advantage." Thad said. "Have the rest of you gotten letters from your school's glee clubs?" They all nodded. "Are any of you going to do it?"
"I thought about it, but I really don't know." Blaine replied. "As much as I'd like too, I think I'm just going to concentrate on my studies. Plus I might be a bit too tempted to compare them to the Warblers."
"I thought the same thing. I think the bond we had is part of what made it so much fun."
"What do you think Bas?"
"I'm with you B, it's tempting, but I'd rather concentrate on school especially since I'm playing lacrosse. I'd prefer my free time to be available to spend time with you. Plus like you guys, it won't be the same. And it's not like we all don't still sing together."
"I like that answer. And you're right Bas."
"I knew you would."
When Blaine got up the next morning, it was slightly strange to not be the only one in the apartment. After talking with Beat briefly, he let him know he was more than welcome to stay while he was at orientation. Beat appreciated the offer but told Blaine he was going to spend time with Nick since Jeff was going to be at orientation as well. "If you want, you can come with me over to their place and Jeff and I can from there."
"That's great; just let me take a quick shower."
"Alright, I need to leave in a half hour."
"I'll be ready."
Beat was true to his word and he was ready to go in less than a half hour. They were about halfway there when Blaine couldn't resist asking Beat a question. "So, are you going to tell me the real reason why you're staying in the city instead of at school this week?"
"What, you don't believe it's only because I want to spend time with you guys?"
"I know you do, but I have a feeling it's something else."
"Alright, I wanted to see for myself that you and Seb were alright. And once I got here a few other things came up."
"Are you happy with what you saw?"
"Yes, I am. I was afraid both of you were going to act like it was nothing."
"We did to Cooper and Lexi, but we don't think they believe us."
"That's because this subject hit a little too close for either of your comfort."
"I can see how you could see that in me, but Bas?"
"Yes, even Seb now a days. He's really opened up since you guys got together. It's as though the giant wall he had up is slowly coming down. I'm sure it's down completely around you, but it's nice knowing he's letting the rest of us in as well."
"I never thought I'd hear that from you."
"I know, I'm usually the quiet one. Though, it is hard to get a word in edge wise when Nick and Jeff are hyper. Then once you add Dave and Thad, it's just better off sitting back and enjoying what develops."
"You won't get any arguments from me. So that made you like the silent observer of the group. I'm sure you saw things the rest of us didn't."
"I'm pretty sure I did too."
They'd just finished up their conversation when they got to Nick and Jeff's. Almost right after Blaine knocked Jeff opened the door. "Are you anxious to leave?" Blaine asked as they walked in.
"Not really. I thought you were Britt."
"Gee, thanks." Beat said before sitting down. "Where's Nick?"
"Bathroom, he should be out soon. Make yourself at home and we will see you two later."