Two Steps Beyond
Part 100
The next week was a bit of a blur for all of them. During Blaine and Jeff's usual downtime on Tuesdays they managed to get some homework done, while also working on Jeff's surprise for Brittany that weekend. They probably would've stayed in the practice room they were in until their lab if a few of the guys didn't come looking for them. After telling them they'd be there soon to help, Blaine helped Jeff put the finishing touches on his number. As Jeff put it, he wouldn't have enough time to practice if it wasn't for him calling Lexi and asking her to keep Brittany a bit late each day that week.
Then on Wednesday, Blaine and Sebastian made the most of their date night since their previous ones had been postponed due to Sebastian's lacrosse schedule. Plus knowing they were going to have company for the weekend they got a bit more carried away than normal. The last thing either of them wanted was to get caught up over the weekend and have Nick and Santana look at them funny. Though, Sebastian reminded Blaine that for all they knew Nick and Santana were just as bad considering they mainly saw each other on the weekends.
By the time Thursday rolled around the guys all had a chance to get together and catch up since their usual Sunday brunch got postponed due to the fact three of them were working. While Blaine and Hunter were already in the ring sparring they both stopped when they saw they weren't alone that day. "We've got an audience." Hunter said as they paused for a moment.
"We do." Blaine said as he grabbed his towel. "And here I thought we were meeting for dinner."
"We figured since we were all free we'd come down here." Jeff replied, with Sebastian, Nick, and Thad next to him.
"Are you guys just going to watch, or are you going to get a work out in as well?" Hunter asked.
"Thad and I are going to go lift, but these two." Nick said pointing at Jeff and Sebastian. "They were wondering if you two would teach them how to spar."
"We can speak for ourselves Nick." Sebastian said.
"I know, but neither of you said anything and Thad and I need to go. Later!" Once Nick and Thad walked away, Jeff and Sebastian made their way into the ring.
"So, you guys think you're ready to spar?" Hunter asked and they both nodded. "I think Blaine and I can take a quick break, what do you think Blaine?"
"If it was anyone else, no. But for these two I'll make an exception."
"You're so kind." Sebastian replied.
"What can I say; I've got a soft spot for you."
"Guys, Hunter and I are standing here."
"Oh, they know." Hunter said with a laugh. "Now, do you both have your gloves?" They both nodded. "Well then, go get them and we'll be waiting for you." After they got out of the ring to get their gloves and tape, Blaine and Hunter took advantage of the bit of time and got a bit more of their workout in.
"Please tell me you won't hit me that hard." Jeff said to Sebastian as they watched.
"Don't worry; I'm not capable to that. I really don't get how the two of them aren't sore when they're done. Each of those blows looks like it hurts. Now you know why I didn't want to spar with Hunter."
"Oh, I completely understand. Though, I'm sure he would've taken it easy on you. You did bring the sparring gloves Blaine bought you, right?"
"Of course. You got yours?" Jeff replied by pulling them out of his bag. "Do you think they'd have a problem helping tape us up?"
"You really think Blaine's going to have a problem helping you." Jeff asked as he cocked his head to the side.
"No, but I don't want to screw up his sparring time with Hunter."
"He'll be fine. They both looked happy that we're finally taking this step. So, once they show us what to do, I'm sure they'll go to the other ring and continue."
"True."
Jeff and Sebastian stood by the side of the ring while Blaine and Hunter finished their current round. Upon finishing they looked at each other before taking off their gloves and motioning for the guys to enter the ring. Slightly catching Sebastian off guard, Blaine went to tape up Jeff's hands while Hunter took care of Sebastian. "I know, you were expecting Blaine to do this, right?" Hunter said as he began to tape up Sebastian's hands.
"How'd you know?"
"You haven't taken your eyes off of him. He asked me to do yours so it got done quickly. This isn't necessarily the place to be lovey-dovey."
"True. Thanks."
"Don't mention it." Once Blaine and Hunter finished up, they put Jeff and Sebastian in front of each other. After going over the basics, they asked them to give it a go. Blaine and Hunter both wanted to see what they were going to do, before going back to their sparring. "They're not bad for beginners."
"Not bad at all. Also helps most shots are off limits for them. Could you imagine their reactions if we'd gotten them head gear?"
"They would've freaked out. This is a big step for both of them."
"That it is, you notice that they're communicating?"
"I did, looks like they're good to go. Guys, we'll be in the next ring." Sebastian and Jeff both nodded before Blaine and Hunter got out of their ring and into the next. The four of them were still all going at it when Nick and Thad returned.
"I can honestly say I never imagined Jeff taking up boxing."
"Me either and the same could be said for Seb. They look pretty comfortable in there." Thad said before they turned their attention to Blaine and Hunter. "Just think, someday they'll look like those two."
"Seeing Blaine like this I can't even imagine how much a punch from him would hurt."
"Thankfully, neither of us will ever find out. I wouldn't want to get punch by either of them."
"Did you check your messages earlier?" Nick asked as they took a seat.
"I did. Do you know what the girls want?"
"Nope. But the three of them are up to something. I'm just glad that whatever they have planned they decided to wait till after mid-terms next week. And they've clearly done their research as whatever they've got in mind they have planned for a night where neither you nor Seb have a game. And after looking at the schedule, Hunter is free as well."
"Speaking of mid-terms, have we figured out what we're doing when the guys come to town?"
"From what Jeff said the other day Blaine and Seb thought we'd do some karaoke on Saturday night at their favorite place."
"Sounds good to me. When is Wes coming to town?"
"He and Hailey are coming in on Friday night. Santana said she'd met them at the train if her schedule allows. Otherwise they're going to come over on their own. Is Beat bringing the girl he's dating?"
"Still undecided. He said he's not bringing her unless Gretchen is going to be at most of our little get-togethers. And she's not sure how her schedule for the weekend is going to be."
"Plus, with what else is going on, I don't know."
"Trouble in paradise?"
"Not trouble, there's just….nevermind I shouldn't talk about it."
"Thad."
"Nope, I've already said too much. Now, are you and Santana set for your weekend with Blaine and Seb?"
"We are. By the way, I don't know how to thank you for holding all the stuff Jeff bought for this weekend. He really had no idea where he was going to put it."
"It was my pleasure. Like he said, he could've given it to Blaine and Seb to hold but you guys are there quite a bit. While my place is a bit of a mystery since I live with my brother."
"Speaking of, has he made you get lost anymore?"
"No, but that's because he spent all of last weekend at her place since Hunter was staying with Blaine and Seb. I'm not complaining though, ever since they started dating he's much easier to deal with."
"That's a bit of knowledge you should probably keep from Hunter."
"Oh, I will, trust me. Blaine and I had a whole conversation about it. Having a brother is much easier than a sister."
Once the four of them finished sparring they went to shower so the six of them could all go and grab a bite to eat. On their way to dinner they'd already begun planning what they were going to do the next weekend. "Before I forget, are we going to do brunch on Sunday or are we postponing it again." Thad asked.
"That depends, Jeff are you going to be willing to drag your ass out of bed?" Sebastian asked.
"I say go ahead with it and if Britt and I feel up to it, we'll show."
"So, we won't plan on seeing you." Blaine said with a smile.
"Hey!"
"Come now, with everything you have in store for this weekend, spending time with the rest of us isn't even close." Jeff just looked at the rest of them as a faint blush was coming to his cheeks. "That's what I thought. Now back to the next weekend. Do we know who all is coming?"
"Everyone as far as I know." Nick replied. "But be forewarned Blaine, the guys that aren't in New York are going to want to be filled in."
"That's alright, I figured as much. And it's not as though I mind talking about it. Are the girls planning on joining us?"
"They are, but they're all going to class on Saturday morning since Hailey will be in town." Jeff said. "So, we just need to let them know if they're going to need to meet us somewhere before they go."
"I think that can be arranged." Sebastian replied. "Thad are you sure you don't want to stay with us, there is more than enough room."
"I'm good, but thanks. It's a short trek to your place from mine."
On Friday, Blaine was certain Jeff wasn't going to make it through the day as classes were the last thing on his mind. "Everything is going to be fine; you need to relax before you stress yourself out."
"I know, I just want this weekend to be perfect."
"It will be because it's going to be spent together. Thad said he'd meet us at your place with everything you bought. And we'll both help you set up."
"How would I do this without you guys?"
"You would've managed. I'm just happy you took my advice and talked to Lexi."
"Me too. She was more than willing to help."
When they finally got to Jeff's that afternoon Thad was standing outside the door holding multiple bags. "It's about time you two showed up."
"Sorry." Jeff muttered while unlocking the door.
"Relax, I was just kidding."
"He's a bit stressed." Blaine said as they walked inside.
"I can tell." Thad replied while he set the bags on the couch. "Where do you want to start?"
"I was thinking we'd start in here and Blaine could set up the bathroom."
"Works for me." Thad replied as Jeff started to take everything out of the bags. While they waited there was a knock on the door. "I've got it." When Thad opened the door he was surprised to see Sebastian standing there as he stepped aside to let him in. "Looks like we've got more help."
"What are you doing here Seb?"
"Blaine sent me a text saying you might need more help. And since it's raining out, our game was canceled. But, I'll leave if…" Sebastian stopped mid-sentence as Jeff shook his head.
"I'll take all the help I can get. Thad and I are going to start out here while Blaine was going to set up the bathroom."
"What do you want me to do?"
"You could help Blaine and then move onto the bedroom. It's clean, so don't worry."
"Fresh sheets?" Jeff nodded.
"I put them on this morning after she left for dance class. So, that part is all good." While they talked, Jeff had separated everything he'd bought into separate piles and soon the guys gathered what they needed and headed off.
"Has he been like this all day?" Sebastian asked as they started setting up the bathroom.
"Yep. Have you spoken with Lexi?"
"I have. She and Britt spent the day shopping. It seems like Jeff's not the only one with a few surprises up his sleeve. This weekend is as important to her as it is to him."
"Do you know which day is their actual anniversary?" Blaine asked.
"Tomorrow." Sebastian replied as they finished up. It didn't take them long to set up the bathroom since they did it together. When they walked into the bedroom, they set a few items on the bed before looking at each other. "I think he did this on purpose."
"What?"
"Had his two gay friends set up the romance in his bedroom knowing we'd help set the mood."
"If that was his plan, it's not a bad one, especially with how nervous he is." As they went to work, Sebastian bent over when he dropped a few candles as Blaine set their holders on the nightstand. "Um, B."
"What?"
"Our boy isn't as innocent as we thought."
"How so?" Sebastian replied by lifting a cuff up off the floor. "Are you serious?"
"They're just like ours. Kinky bastard."
"Guys are you…" Jeff's words fell short when he saw what Sebastian was holding. "I can explain."
"What's there to explain?" Sebastian said. "You're more adventurous than we thought. Nothing wrong with that. When'd you get them?"
"The last time we went shopping." Blaine and Sebastian looked at each other. "I honestly didn't think you'd take it this well."
"Who are we to judge when we've got them as well." Blaine replied which surprised Sebastian, but Blaine was always more open to Jeff and Nick. "What did Britt think?"
"She wasn't sure at first which is why she used them on me first."
"So you were at Britt's mercy?" Sebastian asked as he sat down on the bed.
"I was and let's just say she enjoyed herself."
"Do you mind if I offer up a recommendation?"
"Please do."
"Let her cuff you and convince her to use the body paint. Pure, torturous bliss."
"Might just have to give that a try this weekend. And I should warn you both, Nick and Santana can get carried away easily so don't be surprised if you catch them in the act."
"Duly noted." Blaine replied. "You should probably get back to Thad, we're almost done here."
"Cool. Thanks again guys."
"You are welcome." Once Jeff walked out of the room Blaine looked at Sebastian. "Don't tell me I said something wrong again." Sebastian said as he pulled Blaine close.
"Not at all, but you gave me an idea."
"Do we have any left?" Blaine nodded. "Well then, I guess I know at least one thing we'll be doing this weekend." Blaine then leaned down to kiss Sebastian before they got back to work. When they finally walked out into the living room they couldn't believe what they were seeing. "Do I even want to ask where you got white Christmas lights?"
"You'd be surprised how easy they were to find." Jeff replied. "What do you guys think?"
"She's going to love it." Blaine replied as he looked around the room again. "Where did the flowers come from?"
"They were the kitchen. I had them delivered before we left this morning."
"Sounds like you're good to go. The only thing missing is Britt." Thad said.
"And she'll be here in about an hour or so." Jeff replied. "So, I better get started on dinner."
"What about dessert?"
"Already in the fridge. Nick picked it up this morning before he went to class." Jeff then reached behind him and grabbed a bag. "Speaking of Nick, this is his."
"Oh, now you're pushing it Sterling." Sebastian said with a smile as he took the bag from. "Remember one thing, okay."
"What?"
"Enjoy yourself. If things go awry, don't sweat it. Go with the flow."
"Thanks."
"Oh, and call us on Sunday so we know when it's safe to send Nick home." Blaine said.
"You know you could see us on Sunday."
"We doubt that." Thad said. "Seeing all this, I'm pretty sure you and Britt are going to make the most of your weekend. So, with that the three of us will be leaving you." Each of them gave Jeff a hug before heading out. As they waited for the elevator Thad looked over at Blaine and Sebastian. "What did he walk in on in his bedroom?"
"Nothing, why?" Sebastian replied.
"Bull, he looked like a kid with his hand in the cookie jar when he came back out."
"Let me ask you something before we answer."
"Shoot." Thad said as they got onto the elevator.
"Have you slept with Gretchen?"
"I have, why?"
"Have you gotten past the basics?"
"Not really, why?"
"Let's just say, Jeff's well passed that point." Sebastian replied.
"I figured as much since you guys all spent a day shopping for toys."
"You should've come with." Blaine said. "And we've gone more than once."
"I wasn't invited, either time."
"You can come next time." Sebastian said. "As long as you don't get all shy on us."
"Just let me know when. And when have you ever known me to be shy guys."
"He's got a point. But we could see how it could make some people uncomfortable."
"Guys, I don't care what the two of you do when you're alone as long as you're both happy."
"We know, it's just shopping for that type of stuff is a bit different." Blaine said.
"I appreciate your consideration, but I'll be fine."
"Alright, we were just making sure. So, what are your plans for the night?"
"I actually have a date with Gretchen. You two?"
"Not sure yet as we can't leave our place till one of them arrive." Sebastian said. "For all we know we'll spend a quiet night in, but who knows. But tomorrow they'll have our place to themselves for a little while as we're going over to Lexi and Cooper's in the afternoon."
"Everything alright?"
"Yea, we're just going to catch up. We try and get together a couple of times a month." Blaine told him. "Plus we've got some details to figure out."
"Thanksgiving or Christmas?"
"Both." The way they both responded Thad laughed.
"Alrighty. Well, I'm going to go catch my train. I'll see you guys on Sunday if we don't talk before then."
"Well see you then." Sebastian replied. "Have fun tonight!"
"Oh, I plan on it. Later!" As Thad headed down the steps of the subway station Blaine looked up at Sebastian.
"Ready to go?" Sebastian nodded and they soon headed down the steps as well.
Knowing their weekend wasn't going to be what they were used to, they both got started on their homework as soon as they got home. They'd probably been at it for a couple of hours when the doorbell rang. "Who do you think it is?" Sebastian asked as he set his book down. Blaine glanced at his watch then back at Sebastian.
"Nick. Santana works till six." Once he'd answered Blaine got back to work while Sebastian went to get the door. Just as Blaine had thought, there was Nick standing on the other side.
"Welcome!" Sebastian said overly enthusiastically as he opened the door.
"Thanks. I take it your game got cancelled."
"It did." Sebastian replied as he closed the door behind him. "So I went and helped romanticize your place. I think it's pretty safe to say Jeff's going to sweet her off her feet."
"Very cool, now…"
"Your bag is already in your room."
"Cool. Hey Blaine!"
"Greetings! Make yourself at home." As Blaine spoke they walked around the couch where Sebastian got situated again. "How was your day?"
"Long." Nick replied as he got comfortable on the other couch. "But, I survive. You guys?" He asked as he took his books out figuring he'd study as well.
"Mine was quick." Sebastian replied.
"And mine dragged." Blaine added. "Do you have a lot to do this weekend?"
"Surprisingly, not a lot. And I'm sure Jeff said it a hundred times, but thanks again."
"No problem. Bas and I were talking though when we got home." Nick looked up from the book in his lap when Blaine spoke.
"What did Jeff say?"
"That you and Santana tend to get carried away." Nick shook his head. "Don't be ashamed of it, we totally get it given you guys don't see each other all the time. So, we thought we'd tell you we don't mind." Sebastian said. "Just don't get carried away in the kitchen."
"Thanks." Nick mumbled. "We're not that bad."
"According to Jeff you are." Blaine said.
"Like he's one to talk."
"Like I said, we don't care. And in case you didn't pack enough, there are condoms in the nightstand."
"Lovely. Please tell me they were already there and you didn't put them there for out benefit."
"They were." Blaine told him. "We actually have them stashed all over the apartment."
"So you two are just as spontaneous." They both nodded. "Should've guessed as much."