Two Steps Beyond

Part 105

Once they'd finished their sight-seeing for the day, everyone headed home to change before agreeing to meet back at Blaine and Sebastian's. When Hunter walked into his home he was greeted by the sounds of giggling. Knowing his sister didn't giggle often unless Lexi and Tasha were around, he announced his arrival before proceeding. After hearing Thad was housing a bunch of the guys he wasn't going to be surprised to find Donovan there.

His instinct was proven correct when he reached the end of the hall and saw Cassie and Donovan curled up on the couch. "Don't worry, I'm only home long enough to shower and change. And to let you know I'm not going to be home tonight."

"I wasn't worried. Why aren't you coming home?"

"Well, considering Thad is putting up a few of the guys I assumed Donovan wouldn't want to be there. Low and behold I was correct. So, Blaine said I was more than welcome to crash with them tonight."

"You don't have too."

"I know, but this way you two can do as you please without worrying about me coming home."

"You really don't need to do this." Donovan told him.

"I know, but I also know she's going to be pretty busy coming up so your time together might be limited. And while this place is huge, I'd rather not walk in on something coming home."

"Hunter."

"Come on Cass, I'd rather not do this now. So, I'm going to go hop in the shower and you two can go back to whatever you were doing." As he walked towards his room, Cassie looked back at Donovan, who tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.

"Sorry about that."

"You've got nothing to be sorry for. I think what he's doing is pretty nice actually. The fact that he realized I didn't necessarily want to stay at my place now that it's a little crowded makes sense. And considering the invite came from Blaine who are we to argue. If anyone understands being around their older siblings who are in relationships it would be Blaine and Seb."

"That's true. Guess we were successful last night though."

"How's that?"

"He didn't realize you crashed here or he just didn't mention it."

"From what I've gotten to know, he's a lot like Thad. He noticed and chose not to say anything. Thad said it's a bit weird knowing you're Hunter's sister."

"How so?"

"For him and Hunter, it's just weird knowing we're together. Just as I'm sure it took a while for Blaine and Seb to get used to the idea of Lexi and Cooper. And in Hunter and Seb's place, they'd probably rather not know certain aspects of their sisters lives."

"That's a very good point which I didn't think about."

When Hunter got back over to Blaine and Sebastian's most of the guys were ready and they were just waiting for the others to arrive. "Since I see you brought a bag, I'm guessing you were right?" Blaine said as they walked towards the guest room.

"Yep, they were curled up on the couch when I got home. From what I saw, I think they plan on having a quiet night in this evening."

"I see we've added one." Sebastian said as he leaned against the doorframe.

"That you have."

"Was he there?" Hunter nodded. "From what I've heard about her dating life from Lexi, she's done well for herself this time around. Donovan's a good guy no matter how odd Thad may be at times. Now, onto your dating life, how'd the second date go?"

"Let's not go there."

"That bad?" Blaine asked.

"It was like the first, so that's the end of it. But if it makes you both feel better, I've gone out since then and it went well."

"Are you seeing her again?" Sebastian asked.

"Yes."

"Good for you!" After everyone arrived, it wasn't long till they headed on their way. Since it was a beautiful fall night, the walk to the restaurant was rather pleasant. They were about halfway there when Santana and Rachel came up on either side of Blaine and Sebastian. "Is there something we can do for you ladies?"

"We were curious why you chose to include us." Rachel said as they continued to walk.

"Why wouldn't we?" Blaine replied. "You've all got lovely voices."

"We know." Santana replied with a smile. "But won't having us screw you guys up. I'm sure there are more Warblers around that would be willing to join you."

"There are more, but we want you ladies." Sebastian said. "And having your voices joining us won't screw us up. Jeff, B, and I have already discussed what we want to do with the arrangements."

"But so you know, you'll be doing stuff you're not used to as well. While you girls are joining us, we're still doing the arrangement in Warbler fashion. So be prepared to work on your harmonies amongst other things." Blaine told them. "Though, you won't have to do what Beat does since his mentors have joined us."

"Awww, but I was looking forward to it." Santana said with a smile.

"I'm sure if you ask Beat, Flint, and James they'll be happy to teach you." Blaine told her.

"I know it's still early, but have you thought about what we're going to wear?" Rachel asked.

"That's still a work in progress, but we might call in some professional help." Sebastian replied with a wink. "Need to make sure we find something that'll work for all of us."

"You're going to ask Tasha for help, aren't you?" Santana asked.

"It's an idea." Blaine replied. "That is unless you girls come up with something amazing."

"We'll think about it." Rachel replied.

By the time they'd finished dinner everyone was ready to let loose and relax. Since the temperature had dropped quite a bit, it was going to take a while for them all to get to the club as taxis were in high demand that evening. To make sure everything was set Blaine, Sebastian, and Beat headed off in the first taxi while everyone else followed behind. Upon arriving, Sebastian added Flint, James, and David's names to the list so they'd be able to walk in with everyone else as the line was long that evening. Once they were settled upstairs, it was about twenty minutes later till everyone arrived.

No sooner did they all arrive did some of them vanish. "Would someone tell us where Jeff and David are going?" Thad asked.

"Jeff owes me a song." Brittany said from her spot next to Sebastian near the railing.

"And I take it David's helping him?" Blaine asked to which Brittany nodded. "Who's it by?"

"JT."

"Please tell us he's not doing N'Sync." Nick said.

"He's not."

"Aren't you going to tell us?" Wes asked as he flipped through the song catalog.

"You'll find out soon, he's next."

"Jeff's girlfriend is adorable." Flint said to Thad who nodded.

"That she is. But fair warning, when we start dance rehearsal, she's a drill sergeant. No goofing off. She's the reason we were so good at Nationals, she never let up."

"Good to know. Now Beat, where is your girlfriend?"

"Back at school working on a project."

"You mean she didn't want to meet all of us." Sebastian said. "I'm offended for all of us."

"No, she wants to meet you guys. She was pretty pissed she couldn't come up, but the project is due on Monday and is a huge part of her grade. But she said the next weekend I come up, she'll come with."

"Fair enough. Thad, where's Gretchen?"

"She's got dance rehearsal all weekend for her upcoming show. We were lucky to even get to go out last night."

"Guys, Jeff and David are on stage." Blaine told the guys so they could all come to railing. They'd all barely gotten settled when the music started and they all shared looks. Jeff's performance for Brittany was of SexyBack. While Jeff was more often than not content letting the others take lead, when he took center stage the attention was always on him. Throughout the performance the guys couldn't help notice the girls having a conversation. And if the looks on their faces was any indication, they had something in mind.

When Jeff and David came back upstairs, Brittany was soon in Jeff's arms. It was clear she approved of his performance. "Impressive." James told him. "While we all enjoyed it, the girls enjoyed it more."

"Glad that was the case. So, who's next?"

"Wes just went downstairs." Trent replied. "Who knows what he's got in mind considering how vast his taste in music is." Even though they'd just gotten there, this night was just what everyone needed. The stress of school was put the wayside along with everything else that was going on. So when Wes hit the stage they were ready for anything. Once the song started the guys looked around as they didn't know it off the top of their heads, but one look at Hailey let them know she knew the song.

"I'm going to kill him."

"I don't know if I can let you do that." Blaine said as he wrapped an arm around her.

"You'll see why soon." Hailey then leaned her head on Blaine's shoulder, while trying to hide the smile on her face as Wes sang. But as soon as he started the chorus all eyes were on her as Wes pointed up to where she was standing.

The only thing I want

The only thing I need

The only thing I choose

The only thing that looks good on me...is you

"Who would've ever imagined our gavel wielding leader singing this?" Thad said as Wes continued the Bryan Adams song.

"Now you see why Blaine." Hailey said without taking her eyes off Wes.

"I'd say yes, but your smile is saying you don't mind it one bit."

"B's right. You are clearly a happy lady."

Once Wes came back upstairs the guys all commented on his song choice, they'd kept him so long that he didn't get to see Hailey before the girls headed downstairs. "What are you they doing?" Wes asked once he reached Blaine and Sebastian.

"Don't know, but they started plotting when Jeff was singing." Sebastian replied. "And if past experience means anything, their song with be sexually based to get a rise out of you guys."

"That's really not fair." Nick said after glancing downstairs. "They do this knowing the night's just starting and there is nothing we can do about it."

"But won't that make going home later all the more enjoyable." James said as he walked over. "I can safely say you've all done well in the girlfriend department."

"Do you have one?" Nick asked.

"I do. She's helping host a charity fundraiser this weekend."

"And she didn't mind you coming here?" Blaine asked.

"Nope. We've been together long enough that guys or girls' weekends are the norm. Plus, this event is ladies only."

"Don't let him fool you; he busted his ass helping her before we left. And dragged me into it." Flint said.

"I only got you to help so we wouldn't miss our train. At least everything was there. We just had to bring the boxes inside."

"Why didn't you ask Trent for help?" Nick asked.

"Bastard took an earlier train." James replied. "But fear not, he helped the day before so it's all good."

"Damn right I helped." Trent said as he walked over. "It was worth it though, it's for a good cause."

"Also doesn't help that he's interested in some of her sorority sisters who were also helping." Flint added with a smirk.

"You're just full of surprises, aren't you?" Blaine said as he cocked his eyebrow.

"Look! The girls are going on!" Sebastian shook his head at how quickly Trent changed the subject. Their sassy Warbler clearly had found a groove in college. Before anyone had a chance to start the music started and all eyes quickly fell to Nick, Jeff, Wes, and Brody.

"I don't think you could've described their song selection better." Blaine said to Sebastian who wrapped his arms around him from behind.

"The guys are going to have a long night." Sebastian whispered into his ear.

"True, but at least they know they get to go home with them unlike all the others. And I think Wes is in complete awe."

By the time the girls finally made it back upstairs they were quickly brought into their boyfriends' arms. "I think they liked it." Rachel said through a giggle as Brody nuzzled her neck.

"I'm pretty sure most guys loved it as did select females." Flint said.

"He's right." Nick replied from his spot behind Santana. "Though, what you girls did wasn't fair."

"And why is that?" Santana asked innocently.

"You know exactly why."

"I'll make it up to you, I promise." She said before turning her head enough so she could kiss him.

"Good thing we're not staying with them." Dave said with a laugh.

"Smartass." Jeff remarked as he broke the kiss he'd been in with Brittany.

"Come on man, we all know what's going to happen." James said. "It's just a matter of whether or not you guys do as they asked. Unless, you guys aren't into that stuff." Blaine and Sebastian immediately started to laugh.

"Like you're ones to talk." Nick replied.

"Who said we're denying it." Blaine said. "Bas and I just found it funny."

"Brody."

"Yes, Santana."

"Are you sure you didn't go to a prep school?"

"Positive, why?"

"Just because." Rachel started to giggle as she knew what Santana was talking about. While all the Dalton boys seem to have impeccable manners. What they did behind closed doors was often a completely different story and would probably shock most. Once their conversation calmed down a bit, the rest of the guys started to make their ways downstairs to sing. After settling into their booth Blaine glanced over at Wes who was sitting next to them.

"Someone looked a bit off-kilter earlier."

"Huh, when?"

"After the girls' performance of S&M." Sebastian replied. "You okay?"

"I'm fine. It was just unexpected, that's all."

"You sure?" Blaine asked.

"Yes, that's all it was. I mean, it's not like we're innocent."

"We got that from your song." Sebastian said with a laugh. "So what is it?"

"It was the shock of how open you guys are about it."

"Well for starters, unless you were in our little huddle there was no way anyone would've heard us over the music. Secondly, it's pretty normal when we all get together for the most part. There is a fine line of what we will and won't discuss." Blaine told Wes as he leaned against Sebastian.

"When you put it that way, it makes sense. Now, I know you probably don't want to talk about it but…"

"I'm okay."

"Seb?"

"Same here. By the way, thanks again for talking with my Dad."

"It was my pleasure. I actually put him in touch with my friend who's on the lacrosse team since he had even more information. When I saw your Dad before he left he seemed more than happy with the information he gathered."

"He was."

"By chance, do you guys know how Michael took the news when it broke?"

"He was ecstatic." Sebastian told him. "Between the news breaking and what happened to B, Trevor will finally be punished. And it helped when he heard B punched Trevor."

"Very cool." As Wes answered his gaze had gone over to where Hailey was standing with the rest of the girls. "Any idea what they're talking about?"

"If I was to venture a guess." Blaine said. "Considering Brittany looks absolutely giddy, she must be telling them about how she and Jeff spent their anniversary last weekend. He went all out for her."

"Lovely."

"What is it?"

"Just what did he do?"

"If I didn't know better B, someone's anniversary must be around the corner."

"I think you're right Bas."

"You're right, it is, so what did Jeff do?"

"He lit their living room in white Christmas lights, plus put candles everywhere. Set the mood in the bathroom where they were going to enjoy a nice bubble bath together after dinner." Sebastian told him.

"Oh, he cooked her dinner plus ordered her favorite dessert." Blaine said. "Oh, and after their bath he planned on giving her a massage with some lotion he picked up. And then after the massage…well, you can guess the rest."

"That was only Friday." Sebastian added. "He planned to make her breakfast in bed on Saturday, which was their actual anniversary. He took her to the zoo, because she loves it."

"He also got her flowers, plus some jewelry which we've yet to see."

"You've got to be kidding me, right? There is no way Jeff did all that." Wes said a look of shock on his face.

"Yes, Jeff did all that." Sebastian told him. "He was planning for well over a month."

"Bas is right, he had stashed all the stuff he'd bought at Thad's. And then on Friday we all helped him set up. Wait, he also sang to her."

"I'm screwed."

"I doubt that. Hailey loves you. I'm sure she'll be happy with whatever you have planned." Blaine reassured him.

"I don't doubt that, but let's just say I've never gone that all out for her."

"You're kidding, right?" Sebastian said and Wes just shook his head.

"I'm not saying I haven't done romantic things, I just…haven't done what Jeff's done."

"How long have you two been together?" Blaine asked.

"Three years."

"Then I doubt she'd expect something like Jeff did for Britt. Think about it, Jeff set some pretty high standards for himself."

"I know, but if that's what the girls are talking about it's going to be fresh in her mind." Wes said as he looked over at Hailey who saw him looking and smiled back at him.

"We'll help." Sebastian said. "That is, if you want."

"Are you serious?"

"Of course we are." Blaine said. "How much time do we have?"

"Two weeks."

"That's more than enough time." Sebastian told him. "Have you bought her a gift yet?" Wes nodded. "Then you've got a head start. Now, time to tell us what you had planned and then we can go from there."

By the time they decided to call it a night it was close to one in the morning. To say the night wasn't entertaining would be an understatement as they were some of the most bizarre combinations of people singing together. At one point they looked down and Santana and Hailey were doing a number with Flint and Brody. While Brittany at one point convinced Blaine and Nick to sing Lady Gaga with her. "I still think you should've sung Love Game with Britt." Sebastian said as they waited for a cab.

"You would."

"What, I'm innocent." Blaine just looked up at him and smiled.

"While you could see me singing it, there is no way in hell Nick would've."

"Okay, maybe you got a point."

"Now did this come up because Rach sang it and shortly afterwards her and Brody called it a night?"

"Maybe?" Sebastian replied as he pulled Blaine close against his chest as the wind picked up. "Do you blame me?"

"No."

"Are you tired B?"

"Not really, why?"

"Just because we have company doesn't mean we can't have some fun."

"Just keep it down." They both turned and saw Hunter standing next to them. "I am in the room next to you."

"Since you asked so nicely, that can be arranged." Sebastian replied.

"Thank you."

"Don't mention it." The three of them started to laugh as another cab pulled up.

"You guys take this one." Beat said. "It would be weird for us to get there before you and have to wait."

"Thank you." Blaine replied just as another cab pulled up. "Guess you won't be waiting either. See you at home."