Two Steps Beyond
Part 107
By the time the weekend was over, they had their set list ready to go. That proved to be a positive as it allowed Brittany and Brody to get to work on the choreography once Blaine, Jeff, and Sebastian told them the changes they'd planned to make. And while change was still possible, it gave the two of them a place to start. And with the three of them working on the arrangements in New York with a little help from Wes, they were pretty certain they'd have the music ready to send to the guys by the end of the next weekend.
Since Jeff and Blaine had agreed to help the glee club, they had greater access to the practice rooms than their lab would allow. Each of the glee clubs had a space set aside just for them and Blaine and Jeff weren't going to let that go to waste. "So, did you have to call your Mom or did you guys have your stuff here?" Jeff asked as they sat at the piano.
"We had them, but I asked my Mom to check my closet at home to make sure I didn't leave any behind. You know we all had more ties than we needed."
"True, but that's because we'd often spill stuff on them and not get a chance to get them cleaned right away. So, did your Mom find it cute you called to ask about ties?"
"It wasn't the only reason I called her. I called because Coop said she wanted to talk to me about something."
"Everything alright?"
"Everything is fine. She had some questions in regard to Christmas as she's started her shopping. Plus she wanted to see if Bas was staying with us or if he was staying with his parents."
"From everything I know about Seb's relationship with his parents I'm guessing he's staying with you."
"He is, which is what my Mom thought as well, but she wanted to check. She also wanted some ideas as to what to get him for Christmas. While she'd gotten some from Lexi, she wanted to pick my brain as well."
"Sounds like a recent conversation Nick and I each had with our Moms. They wanted to know how we planned on spending Christmas as well as gift ideas for the girls."
"How are you guys handling Christmas?"
"Christmas Eve will be spent at the girlfriends' homes and Christmas at ours. Speaking of, did you get Logan's invite?"
"We did and we'll be there. I even checked with my Mom when I called to make sure nothing was planned for that night. Speaking of, Bas and I were wondering how you guys wanted to handle Christmas."
"You mean, are we going to celebrate when we get home, do it before we leave, or after we come back?"
"Exactly. Personally, Bas and I would prefer to do it after we get back since things will be a bit hectic before we head home. Plus, it would be silly to bring our gifts home for each other just to bring them back in different cars."
"Sounds like you and Seb had the same conversation Nick and I had. So we'll celebrate when we get back."
"Perfect, that's one more thing taken care of. The only thing left is to figure out what day we want to head home." After being taking off track for a bit, they quickly got back to work knowing they only had about thirty minutes before the rest of the guys would arrive. "Does it feel strange that the arrangements we're working on our more complex than what we put together for the guys?"
"A little, but they're still getting comfortable with each other, where as we know exactly what we're all capable of and can play to those strengths. I don't think I've ever seen Beat as happy as he was knowing he was going to have Flint and James helping him."
"That's very true, which is why if you look at what I wrote, I took that into account."
"He'll be happy when he sees this."
"I hope so. Now, did the girls say anything else about what they have in mind clothes wise?"
"Seb and I were correct with what they thought. They're going to pull off the sexy/naughty school girl look."
"That makes things easy for us."
"That's what they figured as well. The only thing we'll need to decide on is what color pants to wear and pick up vests as we can't really wear our ones from Dalton."
"That'll be easy enough. And buying new ones is easy, plus it's not like all the guys had them."
"Well, looks like you two are busy." Dylan said as he walked into the room.
"You could say that." Jeff replied as he closed the binder. "Just taking advantage of the down time to work on a few things. Blaine and I were just saying you guys have made quite the improvement."
"Thank you. If we hadn't it might've been time to throw the towel in. We were wondering if you guys had time to work on some new arrangements."
"Depends, how soon do you need them?" Blaine asked.
"We'd love to have them by the time we return from Thanksgiving break."
"That's do-able as long as it's not too many."
"Only two songs. We'd like them for the festival."
"Alright."
"Excellent, you two have been a godsend."
"It's our pleasure." Jeff replied.
"Still, thank you. Now, on a different subject are you guys going to be at the game tomorrow night?" Dylan asked.
"Do you really think I'd miss the first playoff game?" Blaine replied. "If it was on the road maybe, but the fact that their hosting I'll most definitely be there."
"What about you Jeff?"
"We'll be there as well."
"By we, I'm guessing that means I'll get to meet your girlfriend."
"That you will. She loves watching Seb play."
"Since you asked about the game, is it safe to presume things are going well with you and Michael?" Blaine asked.
"They are. It's been a rather seamless transition from friends to boyfriends. A bunch of our friends said it was about time."
"Oh, I know that feeling well." Jeff said with a laugh. "Blaine and Seb danced around each other for what felt like forever."
"Uh, remember I was dating Kurt."
"I try to block that out of my memory, especially towards the end when he became a controlling ass."
"I take it you don't like Blaine's ex."
"Not anymore, but I used to. Hell I thought Kurt was perfect for him at one point. But the more I got to know him that changed. And if you had seen the sparks that flew when Blaine and Seb first laid eyes on each other you'd understand. It was an instant attraction."
"Jeff."
"It was. While you tried to pay attention to the rest of us, your eyes were glued to him. And you can't deny it, because you already admitted to it."
"Sounds like he's got you there Blaine."
"He does." Blaine replied, a rather shy smile creeping to his face. "I was definitely attracted to Bas the first time I laid eyes on him."
"Now, when we ran into them at dinner we heard your roommate and his girlfriend went from just being friends to a couple. What about you and your girlfriend?"
"That's a strange story that I don't have enough time to tell."
"It can't be that strange."
"It is, trust me." Blaine replied. "A bunch of us were there and we couldn't believe what we were seeing. But I guess Britt just couldn't resist her cuddle bear, could she?" Dylan couldn't help the laugh that escaped his mouth.
"Cuddle bear?"
"Yes, and she still can't resist." Jeff said with a wiggle of his eyebrows.
When Blaine arrived home that night he was surprised to see other people in the apartment. "Hey Blaine!" Nate said once he walked into the living room.
"Hey! Where's Bas?"
"I'm right here killer." Sebastian said as he came around the other corner. "How was your day?"
"Interesting. Yours?"
"I'll tell you all about it once I show the guys out." Sebastian then leaned down and gave Blaine a kiss before walking Nate and John to the door. By the time Sebastian returned Blaine was stretched out on the couch. "You look tired."
"That's because I am. What were the guys doing here?" Blaine asked as Sebastian lifted his legs up so he could sit down.
"They just wanted to go over a few things about the game tomorrow that they forgot to talk to me about earlier. Nothing too crazy, but it seems the season I had didn't go unnoticed."
"That's because you had a great season Bas. And I'm not just saying that because I'm your boyfriend. The numbers don't lie."
"I appreciate that B, and you're right, I did have a good season. That is why they wanted to warn me that there could be some attempts to knock me out of the game."
"You're kidding?"
"I'm not. They said the playoffs get a bit nasty. During Nate's freshman year he hurt his knee during the playoffs on whatever viewed as a cheap shot."
"Lovely."
"I know it's not something you want to hear but I'm not going to lie to you. Besides that, my day was pretty normal. So, what made your day interesting?"
"Classes were pretty normal. Jeff and I got a lot accomplished on multiple fronts."
"Alright, still not hearing interesting."
"Dylan asked us to work on some arrangements for the festival."
"Okay, that's interesting. How did you and Jeff take it?"
"We took it in stride. They just gave us two songs they want arrangements for. They'd prefer we get them to them by the time Thanksgiving break is over."
"Not to be rude, but it's not going to interfere with what you guys were already doing, is it?"
"Not at all considering the head start we've got on our numbers. I sent what the three of us worked on to Wes to let a fresh set of eyes get a look at it. Plus, the numbers they gave us are pretty straight forward. Jeff and I plan to kick it up a notch since they've improved. Thought we'd give them something that would challenge them but not to the point they'd get disheartened."
"Fair enough. Are you going to be there tomorrow night?"
"Absolutely. Dylan asked me the same thing today. It seems things are going well between him and Michael."
"They are. Is Jeff coming?"
"He and Britt will be there. You had to know your number one cheerleader wouldn't miss your game."
"And here I thought you were my number one cheerleader."
"When it comes to cheering you on at a game I'd say Britt and I are one and one A."
"Sounds about right. Lexi and Coop plan on being there."
"Are they bringing the kids?"
"Depends on whether or not they can find a babysitter. They'd prefer not bringing them since it's gotten a bit chilly in the evenings."
"Good point. I'm sure they'll figure something out. If not they'll just bundle them up."
"That's what Lexi said. Speaking of, did you call your Mom?'
"I did, and as Coop said it was nothing to worry about."
"Care to share?"
"She wanted ideas for Christmas gifts for you."
"She doesn't need to get me anything."
"You try telling her that and see where it gets you."
"Okay, you've got a point. So, what did you tell her?"
"You're just going to have to wait and see. That reminds me though; Jeff and Nick want to do Christmas after we get back as well."
"Cool, that's what Thad wanted to do as well. While the rest of the guys said either at home or after as well."
"Guess I'll just send an email out and we can pick a date."
"That must mean we're hosting." Sebastian replied.
"We are since we have the most space. But everyone is going to contribute to food."
"Works for me. Now, how much work do you have to do?"
"I'm done actually. I made the most of my downtime today. You?"
"Finished it already."
"Wait, are you saying we can honestly relax tonight?"
"That I am unless you have something else you want to do?"
"I'm sure I can think of a few things."
When Blaine arrived at Columbia Wednesday evening, he was the first of their group of friends to arrive which didn't surprise him. He was just about to make his way up into the bleachers when he heard his name being called out. Upon turning around he saw Jenna running towards him. "Good, it was you."
"It is."
"I would've felt weird calling for you and it wasn't you."
"Well, it's me. How are you?" Blaine asked as they headed up the steps.
"Nervous, you?"
"The same, though Nate and John didn't help matters."
"Seb told you."
"He did. Were you two together then?"
"No, but we got together shortly after it happened. Are your friends coming today?"
"They are, they should be here soon. Jeff had to swing by the apartment to get Brittany."
"Wasn't she working today?"
"She was, but Lexi let her go early so she could meet Brody at the studio."
"Got it." After Jenna responded Blaine could tell there was still something she wanted to talk to him about.
"What is it?"
"Nevermind."
"Jenna."
"Nate told me what happened, are you okay?"
"I'm okay."
"Honest?"
"Honest."
"He said Seb was pretty freaked out. But I would've been too. He really loves you."
"I love him too."
"You must be talking about Seb." Jeff said as he, Brittany, and Nick sat down next to them.
"We were in a way. Like your sweatshirt Britt."
"Thanks, Sebby bought it for me."
"Then Thad got her a Fordham one after he came over and saw her wearing it." Nick said with a laugh.
"I just wanted her to be warm when she came to watch me." Thad said as he joined them.
"Right." Nick replied. "Where's your other half?"
"She should be here soon. She's coming with Rachel and Brody."
"Now, are you here purely to root for Seb or are you scouting the game?" Jenna asked.
"Purely rooting for Seb." Thad replied. "Anyone else coming?"
"Hunter should be here soon, he was coming after his meet. And Lexi and Cooper should be here soon as well."
"Shit, he's still crewing; it's got to be freezing out on the water."
"It is." Hunter replied as he sat down. "But thankfully the season is just about over. Where's Santana?"
"At school." Nick replied. "She was in town last night and will be again tomorrow so she had to skip out on tonight. But I'm supposed to keep her updated and root extra loud to make up for her not being here." While they continued their conversation Lauren and the rest of their friends joined them.
"We were beginning to wonder where you were." Blaine said to them after giving Rachel a kiss.
"That's my fault." Rachel told them. "I forgot my jacket so we missed the train. The next one wasn't for twenty minutes. Did we miss warm-ups?"
"No, come to speak of it, here they come now. So you made it with time to spare."
"Good, because Brody was a little upset."
"For good reason, I reminded you to grab your coat before we left and you still forgot it. We're just lucky the next train was an express as well otherwise we would've missed the start of the game. And we've done that too many times this year."
"True, but they haven't all been my fault. It was yours last time."
"And you got mad at me, so we're even." Brody then leaned over and gave her a kiss. "Am I seeing things or are we all here minus Santana?"
"Everyone that is New York based is here."
As warm-ups began, Brittany stood up and began to take pictures to send to Santana while the rest of them began to vaguely discuss their upcoming plans. "Hunter, do you mind tumbling on a stage floor?" Brody asked.
"That depends, what do you have in mind?"
"There's just a set-up Britt and I have in mind for a part of one of the numbers that would fit a tumbling run perfectly. And while I'm capable, why should I do it when we have an actual gymnast."
"As I said, what do you have in mind?"
"I send you the segment of music and you can come up with it on your own because I'm sure your skills surpass mine. Sound good?"
"Works for me." Hunter had barely answered when they all heard someone clear their throat.
"Hey Dylan!" Jeff replied as he looked up. "Care to join us?"
"I don't want to impose."
"You wouldn't be." Blaine told him. "And considering you're still new to the game we can answer any questions you might have."
"Are you sure?"
"Positive." Once he took a seat, Blaine proceeded to make introductions. During the introductions everyone realized that any planning they'd been doing was now temporarily put on hold. When the teams headed towards their sidelines after warm-ups Blaine felt a nudge in his side.
"What is it Britt?"
"Sebby." Blaine looked towards the field as saw Sebastian as well as a bunch of the other guys looking up in the stands. "I think he's looking for you." Though he knew Sebastian knew he was there, Blaine gave him a small wave. As he did it he saw a small smile creep to Sebastian's face.
"I think this is the first time I've ever seen him look nervous." Thad said. "Though he's got nothing to worry about considering how well he played this year. I would've killed to have his season."
"Yours wasn't that bad." Nick told him. "Though if your comparing it to Seb's…" Before Nick could finish Thad playfully shoved him. "You never should've mentioned it."
"Yea, I know Nick." Thad then turned slightly. "Having you here is good for him Blaine. It'll calm his nerves."
"Why does he look so small out there today?"
"Because Harvard fields a huge team." Thad told him. "I looked tiny against them." As Thad spoke Blaine felt a hand take his. He looked to the side and smiled at Jenna who gave his hand a little squeeze. It was pretty clear to him; she knew exactly what thoughts were going through his mind at that moment. Once the game finally began, Blaine started to relax as he got caught up in what was going on. The longer the game went on without incident, the better he felt. Considering everything they'd been told, the defender responsible for covering Sebastian was doing a horrible job.
"Are you keeping Santana up to date?" Blaine asked once the game reached the half.
"I am." Nick replied. "She's rather pissed that she couldn't be here seeing he's having one heck of a game."
"She'll just have to make the next one."
"They're all playing well." Thad said. "They seriously improved since we played them early in the season."
"That they have." Jenna replied. "They've busted their asses this season."
"You can tell Nate is noticeable."
Once the second half started, the wind started to pick up so they all hoped the second half flew. For the most part the game hadn't been chippy, but the bad blood was definitely starting to stir. It was nearing the end of the third quarter when they all got to their feet when Sebastian went down. "Relax Blaine, for all we know he lost his footing." Jenna said as calmly as possible. "With the temperature change, I'm sure the field is getting damp." While she spoke Jenna and the others only hoped that Sebastian would get to his feet soon. The last thing any of them wanted to see was him being helped off the field.
After a bit of time down on the ground with his teammates around him, Sebastian was back on his feet. Anyone close probably felt the tension dissipate amongst the group. They watched as he jogged a bit before the trainer and coach headed off the field. "You can breathe again Blaine." Jeff told him as he gave him a nudge. "He's okay."
"That he is." Thankfully the rest of the game went off without incident as Columbia won their first playoff game. Once the crowd started to disperse, most eyes fell upon Blaine. "No, you don't need to wait with me guys."
"Are you sure, because we don't mind." Brody told him. "Plus, we'd love to congratulate him."
"And we all know he'd love to hear it, but you can tell him tomorrow. I have a feeling he's pretty beat and even though he'll be happy that they won, he's going to be tired."
"Fair enough. But…" Thad said.
"I'll be fine guys. There will be others waiting, plus Coop and Lexi are here. Go get out of this cold. I'll see you guys tomorrow night."
"Alright." Rachel said, knowing all too well Blaine wouldn't change his mind. So after giving Rachel and Brittany each a kiss goodbye, Blaine headed towards the locker rooms with Jenna, Lauren, and Dylan. When they reached the doors leading to the locker room, Blaine was quickly greeted by Cooper and Lexi.
"You okay little brother?"
"Yea, why?"
"Because I'm almost positive you freaked as well when Bas went down." Blaine just looked at his brother. "I thought so."
"Um, Blaine." Blaine looked to his side and saw Jenna and Lauren.
"Would you ladies like to meet my brother?"
"If…if you wouldn't mind." Blaine had to stop himself from laughing because in that moment the two girls looked so shy, something neither of them were and Cooper seemed to stand a little straighter. So Blaine, did as they asked, but also made a point out of introducing Lexi. Once he'd introduced them to both, Cooper did oblige them both with a photo. After the photo was taken they both thanked Cooper, as well as Blaine and Lexi.
"You loved that, didn't you?" Blaine said as he looked at his brother.
"It was cute. I find it amusing that people get flustered around me."
"If they only knew the goof you truly are."
"I might be, but we're more alike than you want to admit Blaine."
"Oh, I know we're alike. They already know I'm a bit of a goof so it doesn't matter."
"Who was the guy with you guys?" Lexi asked as Cooper wrapped his arms around her to warm her up a bit.
"That is Dylan."
"The guy from the glee club?" Cooper asked and Blaine nodded. "What is he doing here?" Blaine then stepped closer to Cooper.
"He's dating Michael." Blaine told Cooper and Lexi as quietly as he could. Before either of them had a chance to respond, the team started walking out. Knowing it was pointless to try and get any closer, the three of them hung back and waited for Sebastian.
"Here I expected a more enthusiastic greeting." Sebastian whispered into Blaine's ear. While Blaine might not have seen him right away, he more than made up for it as he quickly turned around and kissed him. "That's more like it."
"How you feeling?" Cooper asked.
"Besides, being tired and the usual soreness, I'm okay."
"What happened out there?" Lexi asked.
"I tripped…over someone's foot."
"You sure you're okay Bas?" Blaine asked as he took ahold of Sebastian's hand.
"Positive. Right now, the only thing I want to do is go home and take a bath."
"So, us taking you two out to dinner isn't going to happen." Lexi said and Sebastian shook his head. "Alright, but let me know when we can make it up to you."
"We can do that." Sebastian replied. "Thanks for coming tonight, it meant a lot to me."
"You had quite the fan club tonight." Cooper told him.
"Coop's right, everyone showed. And Santana wished she could've been here."
"I know, she called me and wished me luck. So you ready to take me home killer?"
"Absolutely."
"I think we've been forgotten." Lexi said as she watched the two boys.
"I think so too." So after saying their goodbyes to Lexi and Cooper, Blaine and Sebastian headed towards the subway station. They were just about there when Michael and John came running up to them.
"And just where do you two think you're going?" John asked.
"Home, why?" Sebastian replied.
"Well, a bunch of us were thinking of going out to celebrate." Michael replied. "Interested?"
"Not all?"
"Some of the guys have early classes." John told him.
"While I don't have an early class, I do have a bit of homework that I need to do."
"Sure we can't tempt you to join us?" Michael asked.
"Not going to happen man, our boy is quite the student." John replied with a smile. "Guess we'll just have to push off our celebration to the weekend. That is, unless you and Blaine already have plans."
"That would work much better." Sebastian replied. "B and I are free this weekend."
"Alright then, I'll give you the details tomorrow once we figure it out."
"Sounds good. Later guys!"