Two Steps Beyond

Part 101

By the time Santana arrived at the apartment the guys were starving. "We were being to think you got lost." Blaine said as he let her in.

"Sorry about that, I needed to stop by Lexi and Cooper's to help Britt get ready. I should've called."

"You should've but we'll survive." Nick said once they came into view. "How'd it go?"

"Jeff's going to be blown away because he looks incredible. Even Cooper was impressed. How did your part of the planning go?"

"She's going to be swept away." Blaine replied as he sat down next to Sebastian. "Did you eat?"

"Nope, you guys?"

"No, we were waiting on you." Nick said as she sat down next to him.

"You didn't need to wait for me."

"We know." Sebastian told her. "But we wanted to. And your late arrival gave us all time to get quite a bit of homework done."

"Guess that just leaves me with work to do."

"Oh, we're not done. We just all made a dent in it. Before we forget, you guys will have the place to yourselves for a while tomorrow as we're going over to Lexi and Cooper's."

"You trust us."

"They already put the ground rules in place." Nick said before giving her a kiss on the cheek. "I'll fill you in later. Now, do you want to go out to eat or do you want us to order in?"

"That's up to you guys."

"No, it's up to you. You're the one that's had a hectic day. You had school and work." Blaine told her. "We're good with either."

"Let's go out then because then I won't feel bad if I want to stay in all day tomorrow."

"Works for us." Sebastian replied as he got up off the couch. "Let's go then because it's a Friday night and all the restaurants are going to be crazy." They all knew Sebastian was right, so they got up and headed on their way. When they finally got to the restaurant it was just as they figured, packed so they were pleasantly surprised when the hostess told Blaine the wait was only twenty minutes. "Guess there must be a big party."

"Guess we weren't the only ones making the most of an off day." They all turned their heads and watched as smiles crept to Blaine and Sebastian's faces.

"Hey Nate!" Sebastian said. "You're not. Let me introduce our friends Nick and Santana." As they shook hands, Sebastian looked around. "Where's your better half?"

"Ladies room. How are you doing Blaine?"

"I'm good, thank you. Anyone else here?"

"John and Lauren. John saw someone at the bar so he's saying hi and Lauren is with Jenna. Must say, I was almost expecting to see the rest of your friends."

"One couple is celebrating their anniversary while the rest of the guys are on dates."

"Ah, so the new couples didn't want to hang with the established ones."

"Pretty much." Nick replied as John walked up.

"Hey guys!" They all said hello and Sebastian made introductions once more. "This must be a favorite of all of ours."

"Why do you say that?" Sebastian asked.

"Michael is here as well…with a date."

"And you didn't go say hi, shame on you." Sebastian said to Nate.

"I didn't know that's who he saw otherwise I would've stopped as well. Is this the same guy?" Nate asked.

"I'm pretty sure it is." John replied. "But I didn't ask in case it wasn't."

"I take it the first date went well." Blaine said as he looked up at Sebastian.

"It did. He said they had a really good time. And everyone, get your minds out of the gutter."

"Touchy." Santana said as she leaned against Nick who had his arms around her. "You should know by now we don't buy into those stereotypes Seb." Sebastian then stuck his tongue out at her. "Blaine watch your boy, he's being naughty."

"He wouldn't have me any other way." Sebastian replied before sticking his tongue out again.

"Are you guys always like this?" Nate asked.

"Yes." Sebastian replied. "Santana gives as good as she gets and sometimes worse. But we love her."

"I love you too Seb."

"Looks like we're missing the fun." Jenna said as she and Lauren appeared. Nate was about to make introductions but she told him it wasn't necessary as she'd already met Nick and Santana at a couple of lacrosse games as had Lauren. "Are you guys coming or going?"

"Coming." Sebastian replied. "Hopefully it's not much longer."

"Even if it is, you'll be in good shape once you're seated. The kitchen is moving quickly. But we should probably get going if we're going to catch our movie. It was great seeing you." Jenna then gave Blaine and Sebastian each a kiss on the cheek.

"Guess we need to go. You guys have a good night." John said as each of their girlfriends took their hands. "And we'll see you Monday." Once they headed out it wasn't long after that their name was called. As they made their way to their table, Sebastian waved to Michael who spotted them as they continued on their way.

"I think we're going to have a visitor before they leave." Sebastian said once they were seated.

"Is Michael the same one that…" Nick didn't finish as Blaine and Sebastian both nodded. "Got it. How is he after everything?"

"He's doing surprisingly well." Blaine replied. "I think part of it comes from knowing they'll finally be some true justice for what happened to him."

"I can't even imagine going through something like that and the one who did it gets off." Santana said. After she spoke, Sebastian wrapped an arm around Blaine since they were seated in a booth and pulled him a bit closer. And she also noticed a change in Nick's expression as well. "Guys? Did I say something wrong?"

"No." Blaine said quietly without looking at her. "You're right; its unimaginable knowing someone that hurt someone so badly is still out there." Sebastian leaned his head against Blaine's as Nick took Santana's hand in his and gave it a squeeze. Nick knew Santana knew something wasn't right, but he also knew it wasn't something they could talk about. He felt a sense of relief that she took the subtle hint and didn't ask anything else. Their drinks had just arrived and they were still looking at the menu when they noticed someone standing at the end of their booth.

"I was wondering when you were going to appear." Sebastian said prior to making introductions. "We heard you're not alone."

"That's correct. He should be here in a minute. And we won't be long as to not intrude."

"Did you guys eat or were you just grabbing a drink before going elsewhere?" Blaine asked.

"We were just grabbing a drink, but hunger took over so we're now waiting for a table." They were all still talking when someone walked up next to Michael. "Guys, I'd like you to meet Dylan." Blaine had glanced over at Nick and it wasn't till he heard the name did he look up and start to laugh. "What is it Blaine?" Dylan then leaned over and saw Blaine on the other side of Sebastian.

"We know each other."

"So this must be Sebastian." Dylan said and Blaine nodded. After the strange meeting Blaine made proper introductions before he and Dylan mentioned how they knew each other.

"This is odd." Michael said.

"Tell me about it." Dylan said.

"Trust us, we're used to weird." Nick said. "So you're the one that talked Blaine and Jeff into helping you."

"You know Jeff?"

"He's his roommate." Santana said. "And best friend." Blaine looked across the table at Santana and smiled. He knew that look all too well and he could see that she was sizing the guys up. "How did you two meet?"

"We have mutual friends in common." Michael replied. Santana then scooted over closer to Blaine since they had a U-shaped booth and pulled Nick along with her.

"You two should join us so you don't have to wait."

"We don't want to intrude."

"She's right; we've got space so you should join us." Sebastian said. "It's alright with you two, right?" Nick nodded and Sebastian looked over to gauge Blaine's expression as he nodded. When he was happy with what he saw he kissed the top of Blaine's head.

"One might say you're spoiled being surrounded by guys Santana." Michael said.

"She doesn't mind, trust me." Nick replied.

"Hey."

"You know he's right." Blaine said to her. "So don't try and deny it." Santana just gave him a look before leaning against him and kissing him on the cheek.

"Don't go sharing all my secrets Blaine."

"I'd never do that to you my dear. So, had you two known each other for a while or was this more of a chance meeting?" Michael and Dylan looked at each other in a way where you could tell they were trying to decide who would answer.

"We've known each other for about a year." Michael said. "But it wasn't till a couple of months ago did our friendship begin to change."

"Ah, that moment where you're friends but you realize something might be going on." Nick said and they both nodded. "I know that moment well."

"I still can't believe you two hid it from the rest of us." Sebastian said while glancing at Nick and Santana. "You had to know we'd support it."

"We know, it's just…it caught us off-guard too. And by the time we realized it we were both a bit overwhelmed considering."

"Fair enough, B and I did the dance for quite a while too."

"No kidding." Santana said with a laugh. "Maybe we learned it from you."

"Hush." Sebastian said to her.

"Make me."

"Nick, quiet your woman." Nick just looked at Sebastian as Santana's jaw dropped. "You know I love you. Now just kiss her." Not one to miss an opportunity Nick did just that and kissed her. When the kiss broke, Santana looked at Sebastian as Nick leaned back slightly.

"You're damn lucky he's so good at that."

"I'll take your word on it; I'm rather partial to B." Sebastian then looked across the table at Michael who was laughing. "You find me amusing?"

"I do."

"Dylan, I should warn you, this is them behaving so if you're uncomfortable I'd go now." Blaine said just as their waitress brought their appetizer.

"I'm good, but thanks for the warning. And thanks again for your help today. Hopefully you and Jeff were able to get everything done."

"You're welcome and we were. He should be enjoying his night as we speak." Sebastian then leaned over and whispered something in Blaine's ear that caused him to laugh.

"Ignore them, they often get like this." Nick said.

"Are they always like this?" Michael asked.

"Yes!" Nick and Santana replied causing Blaine and Sebastian to shake their heads.

"What are your plans for after dinner?" Sebastian asked.

"There's a club we're interested in checking out." Michael said. "How about you guys?"

"I'm going to take a bath." Santana replied. "And then curl up in bed."

"Correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm assuming you'll be joining her at some point Nick."

"You're correct. All depends on a few details."

"The guest bath has more than enough room for two." Blaine said. "So you'll be fine."

"You guys are staying with them?" Dylan asked.

"Remember, he and Jeff live together, so if Jeff's having a romantic weekend with his girlfriend..."

"Sorry, forgot that detail."

"You just met us, you're forgiven." Nick replied.

The rest of the time they were at the restaurant time seemed to fly as they talked and got acquainted with each other. A few times throughout the evening Blaine and Sebastian shared looks in a way of reminding them to talk once they got home that night. By the time they were getting ready to leave, if anyone had looked at them never would've guessed some had only met for the first time that night. After saying their goodbyes, the four watched as Michael and Dylan caught a cab to their next destination. "Why do I have a feeling the two of you are shocked?" Nick said as they began to walk.

"Because we are." Sebastian replied as he took Blaine's hand in his. "Did you even know Dylan was gay B?"

"Not a clue, which was why I was so shocked when I saw them. But from what I know of him, Dylan's a pretty cool guy."

"That's good to know as I'd hate to think Michael was dating a jerk. He deserves some happiness with everything going on."

"Blaine."

"Yes Santana."

"What was wrong earlier?"

"Not now Santana." Nick said as he pulled her close against him.

"Nick's right, now's not the place to talk." Blaine told her. "But you deserve an explanation."

"If you don't want to tell me I'd understand. I know sometimes I tend to push too much and..." Santana stopped mid-ramble when Blaine took ahold of her hand. There was something about the way he gently held it then glanced over to her with a small smile that she didn't feel the need to say anything else. She knew that whatever was going on was going to be talked about, just not on their walk home. By the time they were back at Blaine and Sebastian's the two couples went their separate ways to change before meeting back in the living room.

"Are you sure you want to do this B?" Sebastian asked as he put on a pair of sweats. "Because you know she'd understand if you change your mind."

"I'm sure, but stay close, okay." Blaine said before pulling on his t-shirt.

"I'm not going to go anywhere." Sebastian said as he pulled Blaine into a hug. "You do know she's going to flip, right?"

"I know, as I'm sure Nick does. I have a feeling he's going to be holding her tight the entire time."

"Is this a one off type of thing or are you going to tell the rest of the guys?"

"I'm going to tell the rest of the guys. After everything that's happened, I feel they deserve to know everything. I just hope they take the news the same way Nick and Jeff did."

"They will." Sebastian then leaned down and kissed the top of his head. "The guys love you B and nothing you tell them will change that."

When they walked out into the living room, Nick and Santana were already comfortable in a corner of the couch. Whether she realized it or not, Blaine and Sebastian knew there was a good reason they were sitting the way they were. As they sat down in the opposite corner, Blaine leaned back against Sebastian's chest once he wrapped his arms around him. "Just so you know Blaine, I told her that she might not like what you're going to tell her."

"Better to know, than not." Sebastian replied.

Once Blaine started to talk, Nick tightened his hold on Santana slightly when he felt her tense up a bit. The more he spoke, the more she began to move within Nick's arms. To say that she was upset about what she was hearing was a definite understatement. By the time Blaine finished Santana had tears flowing down her cheeks. "I'm so sorry Blaine, I had no idea. If I had…I never would've said something like that."

"It's alright, you didn't know."

"Nicky, how long have you known?" She asked as she looked back over her shoulder while wiping the tears from her eyes.

"About six weeks." He replied before handing her a tissue. "Blaine told Jeff and I prior to our trip out to Southampton for Labor Day."

"So this is part of what you guys were talking about when you disappeared."

"It was, and while I plan on telling the other guys, I…"

"Don't worry Blaine, I won't tell anyone. Could I ask you something?"

"Sure."

"Why'd you tell Nick and Jeff?" Blaine tilted his head slightly and looked at Nick.

"Remember that night you came home and Jeff and I were talking about something Brittany told us. That Blaine and Seb showed up at Lexi and Cooper's and that Blaine looked sick and Seb looked worried."

"I do."

"B looked sick because he'd gotten sick earlier that day after I told him what happened between me and Trevor. And then I told him about Michael which caused B to have a flashback."

"Okay, now that makes sense. But what type of flashback since you don't necessarily remember?"

"I can faintly remember the first few punches and being yelled at, beyond that my memory is a blank till I woke up in the hospital. I can't even tell you how many people were involved."

"How can anyone beat up a kid?"

"Because there are bigoted assholes in the world." Sebastian replied. "I need to say, you took this news better than I expected."

"That's because I was in shock." Santana replied. "While I'm still upset, anger is slowly setting in."

"Sadly, you can be upset about what happened, but there isn't much else." Blaine said. "I've just come to accept that whoever hurt me will never be punished."

"This might be a weird question, so if you don't want to answer it you don't have to. But, would you rather be in your situation or Michael's?"

"Mine, as I know how hard it was for him to see Trevor get off for what he did to him. While I'm not happy that whoever hurt me is still out there, it's got to be worse, knowing the person that hurt you got off."

"Hopefully because of what Trevor tried to do to you some justice comes out of all this." Nick said. "Though, I wouldn't mind beating the crap out of him myself."

"Only if I get to help you Nicky."

"As amusing at that would be, we're better off letting the legal system do its thing." Blaine said. "I have a feeling it's going to make things right this time around."

"How can you be so sure?" Nick asked.

"Something Hunter said last weekend." Sebastian replied. "It seems he did a bit of digging after everything happened. And if what he found was accurate, Trevor is screwed because part of his deal was that he also stay out of trouble."

"Which he didn't." Santana said.

"Exactly, so he could get punished for both crimes. Hunter and I just couldn't find what would happen to him if he broke the agreement. That part of the records must've been sealed."

"Who knew you guys would get such an early start on your law degrees?" Nick said with a laugh.

"Not us, but it's giving us a different perspective to things."

"We joked last weekend that they should go into practice together along with Thad." Blaine told them.

"I could see it happening." Santana said. "Not a group of guys I'd want to mess with."

"Did you guys mention this to Thad?" Nick asked.

"I did." Sebastian replied. "He could see it happening as well. But we all agreed that B needs to be our resident psychologist."

"Guess you need to make sure you look into criminal psychology Blaine." Santana said with a smile.

"Funny that you mention it because after we talked about it, I actually did since it wasn't something I was even thinking about. So it's something to consider even though I want my own practice."

"I'm sure there are people that do both." Nick told him as they all got a bit more comfortable.

"There are. And even if it's not something I want to do all the time, you know I'd help them out if I could. But I'd have more than enough time to get settled as you know the guys will all start out in big firms before heading off on their own."

"B's right, we've got to make names for ourselves before we venture out on our own."

"For some reason, I don't think that's going to take long for any of you." Santana said.

By the time they all decided to call it a night it was around midnight and while none of them had anywhere to be early the next morning, it was time to go their separate ways. Once Blaine and Sebastian made their way into their bedroom Sebastian closed the door behind them. "How you feeling B?"

"Good. You?" Blaine asked as he took off his t-shirt before getting into bed.

"Good, but you know what I'm talking about."

"I'm good, really. Like you said, she took that better than expected. I just hate how she got so upset with herself over what she said. She couldn't have possibly known."

"I know." Sebastian said as he joined Blaine in bed. "But you had to know she was going to do that."

"True, doesn't mean I have to like it." Blaine said as he rested his head on Sebastian's chest. "And while she seemed to get better as the night went on I have a feeling it's still bothering her."

"It may be, but I'm sure Nick will take care of her."

"Bas."

"I didn't mean it like that, though it will probably happen as well. It's just, he seems to get through to her in a way no one else can. And we both know that after an emotional experience, some loving is often what both parties need."

"Is that so?

"You know it is."

"And here I thought we just couldn't keep our hands to ourselves." Blaine said while tracing patterns on Sebastian's chest.

"Well, that too but we've gotten better."

"We have but a lot of that has to do with school."

"Are you saying that you're only behaving so we get adequate sleep B?"

"Sometimes, though we more than make up for it on the weekends. And you know what today is." Blaine said as he moved his hand lower.

"Why don't you tell me?"

"Better yet, I'll show you." Blaine replied before beginning to kiss his way down Sebastian's chest.