Two Steps Beyond
Part 106
With as slow as they were all moving the next morning one would've assumed they'd all had too much to drink the previous night. When Blaine made his way to the kitchen to get coffee for him and Sebastian, he saw Beat leaning against the counter patiently waiting. "Nice to see I'm not the only one that looks like he should still be in bed." Beat said as Blaine got cups out for him and Sebastian.
"Yea, we tried to go back to sleep but it just wasn't happening."
"Where's Seb?"
"He's still in bed. Anyone else up?"
"I saw Trent about ten minutes ago and no sign of Dave or Hunter yet. So, any songs come to mind last night?"
"A few. Figure everyone will have a few ideas once they get here."
"That I'm sure of as we're never at a loss for opinions. I'm sure whatever you three come up with will be incredible as usual. Though, I have one request."
"And what would that be."
"It's actually two, but find something that will showcase the girls a bit."
"We were planning on it. And the second?"
"Whether it's with the girls or during the other numbers, find something where Santana can just go off. I'd always known she had a great voice but she was on fire last night."
"That she was. Hopefully we can find something that will fit your second request."
"What are we talking about?" Dave said as he walked in, still looking half asleep.
"Music." Beat replied. "Why are you up because you look worse than Blaine and I?"
"Morning bathroom stop and then I heard voices."
"Coffee?" Blaine asked and Dave nodded so he grabbed another cup.
"By chance, do you know what the girls are planning for Thursday?" Beat asked as the coffee pot went off. "Because Rachel, Santana, and Brittany made it clear to us that attendance is mandatory."
"Mandatory?" Blaine asked as he poured and Dave and Beat both nodded.
"Yes, and they used that word." Dave said. "They said they know it's a bit of a trip, but they'd feel much better knowing we were there."
"I have no clue, wish I did but they're being pretty hush-hush about it. All I know is we're supposed to meet at the gym at seven that evening. And since you're both only an hour away by train, you're expected to be here. So, Bas and I figured you might not want to head back that night so you're free to crash with us again."
"Cool, because I was going to ask." Beat said. "Now, if you don't mind I'm going to go take a shower. And you should probably get Seb his coffee because if I remember correctly he's a bit cranky without it."
"That's still the case." So after getting another pot started, Blaine headed back to their bedroom and found Sebastian sprawled across the bed. "Didn't leave me much space." Blaine said as he handed Sebastian his coffee.
"There is always room for you B. What took so long?"
"Beat was already in the kitchen, he's the one that started the coffee. And then Dave came in."
"Guess the others aren't up yet?"
"Trent is according to Beat, but no one's seen Hunter yet. What are we doing for breakfast?"
"Thad said him, David, James, and Flint are taking care of it. So, who knows? But I'm not objecting if it means we can stay in bed longer. What are we even doing up B?"
"I wish I knew. That's the general consensus; no one knows why they're up considering how late it was when we finally called it a night. Considering how tired we all were when we got back, how did we stay up talking for at least another hour?"
"Don't know and the fact that we're up is ridiculous because we didn't go straight to bed. I swear the guys just wanted to talk to mess with us."
"Maybe, but we didn't let that change our plans." Blaine said as he lay down next to him.
"I'm glad it didn't. There is something about watching you sing and dance that has quite the effect on me."
"So I've noticed."
"What is it B?"
"Have you noticed anything different lately?"
"Depends."
"Thad and Hunter have been acting different ever since I told them what happened." As Blaine spoke Sebastian sat up slightly so he could lean against their pillows and placed his coffee cup on the nightstand. After glancing at their door and seeing it was shut, he nudged Blaine who curled up against him.
"That's because they're both pretty angry." Sebastian said as he wrapped an arm around him. "Thad is pissed that something like that happened to you. Thad remembers how small you were when you first came to Dalton. So the thought of someone doing what they did to you really struck a nerve with him."
"While I'm still small, I was definitely smaller when I started Dalton."
"That I wish I could've seen as I'm sure you were adorable." Sebastian said before kissing the top of his head. "Then we have Hunter. While he's got other friends that are gay, this is the first time he's seen the full effects of what we have to deal with. Think about it, while he wasn't there when things started with Trevor, he showed up while it was happening. Then hearing it wasn't the first you've had to deal with this sort of bullshit pissed him off. And, I don't remember if I told you or not, but he asked if that's why you started to box and I told him yes."
"You told me. We also talked about it when we were at the gym last week."
"That doesn't surprise me. Now, to say Hunter's tolerance for ignorant people is slim might be understating matters."
"It's none existent Bas."
"Okay, you've got a point. Basically what I'm saying is, while we've only known Hunter for a few months this bothers him like it does the rest of the guys. None of them feel it's right to attack someone because they're gay. Like one of them said, who we love doesn't affect anyone else so why are people so bothered by it. And the fact that you were a kid when you were attacked pisses them off even more. So if they're acting weird, it's because they don't want you to know how angry they are about what happened."
"So it's not something I did."
"Absolutely not. While I was pretty sure of it before, this just proves there is nothing the guys wouldn't do for you."
"As I've said before, it's us Bas, not just me."
"True. Now, I know Britt's hugging you tightly every time she sees you. How's Rachel doing?"
"She's mad at herself."
"Why?"
"That she didn't know. She came by NYU the other day so we could talk as she knew our nights are pretty crazy. She feels that she should've known there was more to it back when I was hesitant about going to prom with Kurt."
"There's no way she possibly could've since you never told Kurt the whole story."
"I know that and I told her that as well. But she said after everything her Dads ever told her that she should've known there was more to it. Think about it Bas, Rachel understands probably better than anyone."
"True, but she's got to know just because she's got two Dads that she's not going to know everything that's going on. Or everything we have to deal with."
"That is something I told her as well. To which, she asked me to not keep her in the dark about what's going on."
"Like Santana did."
"Exactly. While we want to leave our friends out of this, they're a part of it whether we want them to be or not by simply being our friends."
"I never thought I'd hear those words come out of your mouth B."
"Me either, but after telling everyone I realized how much of what happens to us affects them. It killed me seeing the girls cry."
"Me too B. I was almost certain Britt and Rachel weren't going to let go of you last Sunday."
"You weren't the only one. Jeff said she was still pretty sad when they got home that night, but he did his best to make her feel better."
"I bet he did." Blaine playfully smacked Sebastian's chest. "What, you can't tell me you didn't think the same thing."
"Okay, maybe I did, but still." Blaine said as he tried not to laugh. "It was nice seeing them both in a good mood yesterday."
"That's because they all want to give you what you want and that's the feeling that nothing has changed."
"But it has."
"But not in the way you think. The way they all feel about you hasn't changed B. What you told them just made them a bit more aware."
By the time Blaine and Sebastian walked out into the living room after their shower they were surprised to see that almost everyone was there. "We were all just trying to figure out who was going to go get you two." Trent told them.
"You could've just knocked on our door." Blaine replied. "We had no clue people were arriving."
"We did knock." Beat said. "No one answered."
"You must've knocked while we were in the shower." Sebastian replied.
"We knocked over a half hour ago." Dave told him. "And well, both of you still have wet hair."
"You're point being."
"Bas, don't."
"Fine." Sebastian then gave him a kiss on the cheek. "Who are we missing?"
"Just Rachel and Brody." Wes replied. "But they are on their way according to the last text Santana got."
"Where are the girls?"
"Out in the hallway talking with Hunter." Nick replied. "And before you ask what they are talking about, we have no idea. He'd just answered when the four of them came walking back inside.
"I see they've decided to join us." Santana said once she spotted Blaine and Sebastian.
"We have." Blaine replied. "As we told them we had no idea everyone was arriving since it's a bit earlier than we usually get together on a Sunday."
"Blame Thad." Jeff told him. "He thought we should make the most of the day and we all agreed."
"How did we not know this?" Sebastian asked.
"Guess you guys didn't check your phones." Before anyone had a chance to say anything else the others appeared from the kitchen.
"We'll be eating in about a half hour." David told them. "So, what did we miss?'
"Blaine and Seb take extra-long showers." Beat said with a wink. "Besides that, not much."
"Since we're all basically here, how about we start going over song ideas." Wes said. "Then when Rachel and Brody get here they can add their input." When everyone agreed, Blaine grabbed his laptop which was sitting on the end table and opened it up to start making the list. To say everyone had ideas, would be putting it mildly. While the songs ran the gamut, the one thing each number had in common was it could highlight what the guys did well. And they were songs that had enough layers that they shouldn't have too many issues breaking them down.
By the time Rachel and Brody arrived they had a list of about thirty songs. Those of which they were going to listen to after brunch to make sure they were what they were looking for. Plus, some songs were done by numerous artists so they'd need to find the arrangement most fitting for them. While still being able to make it their own.
Throughout brunch they all talked about what they wanted to accomplish with their performance. And while Blaine might've thought at first everyone just agreed to make him happy, the enthusiasm they were showing made it clear this was something they all truly wanted to do. Rachel and Santana agreed that they needed to talk one of the older siblings into recording the performance because they wanted a reminder of their time with the Warblers. "Why do I have a feeling you ladies have an ulterior motive for wanting the performance recorded?" Flint said.
"And if we do?" Santana replied.
"I'm curious as to what it could be."
"They want to stick it to a few people." Thad told him. "Right ladies?"
"You are correct." Rachel replied. "While I know you guys made "peace" with them for the most part it would be fun to get a rise out of them."
"What would you girls say to sexing it up a bit?" Sebastian asked.
"Depends, what do you have in mind?"
"Nothing too crazy, but we might as well make the most out of having four gorgeous ladies joining us."
"Bas." Blaine said as he glanced over at Sebastian. "What exactly do you have in mind?"
"You'll see." The next thing they all saw was Sebastian getting up from the table and leave the room.
"Blaine." Wes said.
"That look from hasn't failed us yet, so it must be good. But ladies, if you're not comfortable with whatever he has in mind, please tell him."
"You know us Blaine; we're not shy in voicing our opinion." Santana said.
"That's something most of us know." Beat replied.
"No one can ever say you guys don't know where we stand about something." Soon they all heard the apartment fill with music and slowly smiles crept to their faces. When Sebastian walked back into the room he had quite the smirk on his face.
"What do you think?"
"Not what I would've expected." Trent said. "Reason?"
"I was thinking, we'd start with this, but hide the girls from view."
"Why hide us?" Hailey asked.
"I think I get it." Brody said. "Then have them slowly appear as the lyrics begin."
"Exactly. No one will expect it since there are only four of them and…fourteen of us. It would completely catch people off-guard. Unless someone saw us take the stage they'd think it was an all-male group. If done correctly the girls are quite the weapon."
"Seb's got a point. While I'm sure Blaine and I can get everything done without anyone noticing. Once we walk into the theater that day we'll be spotted. And the guys know from conversations we've had that we wouldn't be singing unless the rest of you are with us."
"So, while they'll be expecting a version of the Warblers, we'll be giving them an unexpected variation of them." Dave said.
"Precisely. What do you guys think?"
"It's brilliant." James told him.
"B, Jeff, think we can make this song work?"
"Absolutely." Blaine replied. "Now we just have to finish the set."
Once everything was cleaned up they made their way back into the living room. While they started to knock songs off the list, Blaine, Sebastian, and Jeff got to work on the first arrangement. As they sat at the piano, they couldn't help but laugh when their friends started to give reasons for certain songs while others had reasons against them. "Not everyone can have my knack for picking songs." Sebastian said with a smile as he leaned over the piano.
"Could I ask what brought that song to mind?" Jeff asked.
"Flint mentioning the Stones while Britt and I were making faces at each other."
"You realize you made her day with your song selection, right?"
"I know. If her smile wasn't indication enough the kiss she gave me reaffirmed it."
"But, you do realize she's going to step up the choreography for this part, right?" Blaine said.
"I know. That is why I want to do it first. This way we'll have all our energy and will have our middle ballad to catch our breath a bit."
"Have you two thought about what song you want to do?" Jeff asked rather quietly.
"What do you mean?" Blaine asked.
"Guys, while you two won't admit that you want it. Know the rest of the guys want you two to do the ballad."
"I take it this has been discussed?" Sebastian asked.
"In a roundabout way, yes it has."
"What would you say if we thought of doing something similar to our showcase at Nationals?" Blaine said. "Or doing something where we could belt out a five part harmony."
"That's risky."
"When did we play it safe last year?" Sebastian asked. "By taking chances we won it all. And if we do as we did at Nationals, it'll be the five of us that are in the city so we'll have ample time to practice together. The only difference is that instead of being accompanied by our guitars, we'll have everyone else." Jeff looked between the two and realized that while the rest of them had talked about having Blaine and Sebastian do the ballad, Blaine and Sebastian had put some serious thought into it as well. Knowing they'd basically decided the ballad to be a group number, Jeff knew neither of them would budge. And if he was being honest with himself, he loved their idea.
"Sebby! Blaine!"
"Yes Britt." Sebastian replied.
"We have a question, meaning us girls."
"Why didn't you just ask me?" Jeff asked as he slid an arm around her waist.
"Because I already know your answer silly."
"She got you on that one." Blaine told him as Jeff just shook his head. "What can Bas and I do for you?"
"Did you guys bring any of your stuff from Dalton?"
"Which stuff?" Sebastian asked.
"Uniforms." After she answered Blaine and Sebastian looked at each other as though neither could remember if they brought them with or they were still back in Ohio.
"I think we did." Blaine replied. "Why?"
"Well, if you don't do you think your Mom could send part of it to you?"
"If we don't have them, I'm sure she would."
"Cool."
"Britt, why do you girls need to know?" Sebastian asked.
"We were thinking of outfits. Mainly we need to know if you have your ties."
"If we don't have them, we can get them."
"Thank you!" She replied before giving Jeff a kiss on the cheek and heading back towards everyone else.
"What are could they possibly be thinking of doing?" Blaine asked.
"I think I have an idea." Jeff replied. "And if they want to do what I'm thinking, you'll definitely approve."
"Jeff." Sebastian said as he turned slightly to face him. "Talk."
"It's just an idea Seb."
"True, but I have a feeling I'm having the same one."
"Guys." Blaine said.
"B, think about it. I asked the girls if they'd mind getting a bit sexy and think about the first number. I have a feeling they're planning on fulfilling most guys' fantasies. What do you think Jeff?"
"My thoughts exactly. And I've got to say, I won't object one bit. When Britt dressed as one of us that was one of the hottest things possible."
"So if they're going to do that…" Blaine said.
"We're going to embrace the prep school boys we all are. Well, all of us but Brody and Hunter but they fit the build. And they've both got the attitude."