Two Steps Beyond
Part 111
After getting dressed Saturday morning, Blaine walked into the kitchen and found Sebastian sitting at the table with a cup of coffee and his phone in hand. "Do you want breakfast?" Blaine asked as he poured himself a cup of coffee.
"I do, but I think we either need to eat on the go or we can eat when we get to Lexi and Coop's."
"Okay, but why?"
"We need to leave early. Lexi and Cooper are running out this morning and they're not sure if they'll be there when everyone is supposed to arrive."
"Fair enough. If you want, I'll go grab our bag and the music and we can head on over. Oh, and call or text Beat and Dave. Tell them to head straight to Coop and Lexi's."
"Will do." Once Blaine left, Sebastian sent Beat and Dave a text and made sure to include Lexi and Cooper's address. After that was done, he went and grabbed his travel mug out of the cabinet and dumped what was left in his cup in and topped it off. He'd barely finished up and Blaine was already back in the kitchen. "That didn't take long." Sebastian replied.
"That's because the bag was packed and the music was sitting on top of the piano where we left it. Do you have your iPod with the sample tracks?"
"I do, and even if I didn't there is no doubt Brody or Brittany would have it with them." Sebastian said as they headed towards the door. "I have a feeling we're going to get our asses kicked during dance rehearsal today."
"You too?" Blaine asked.
"Yep, at least according to Hunter."
"Jeff said the same thing. At least we'll be starting the day singing; the rest will come after we're a bit more awake." Blaine told him as they waited for the elevator. "Now, I didn't really get a chance to talk to Coop about this, but are you sure he and Lexi are okay with us invading their home?"
"Absolutely. I think a part of my sister is curious to see how the whole thing takes shape. So, don't be surprised if she pops her head in once in a while."
"Okay, I just wanted to make sure."
"Well, now you know." Sebastian replied before giving him a kiss.
Once they walked through the gate at Lexi and Coopers, they saw them walking out the front door. "Hey!" Blaine called out.
"Hey, you two got here quick." Cooper said as he moved Jocelyn into his other arm. "Guess you were already set to go when Lexi called Bas."
"We were." Sebastian replied. "So you know, we're going to make ourselves breakfast."
"Help yourselves." Lexi told them. "I just went shopping so the fridge and pantry is stocked."
"Thank you." Blaine told her. "Well, you guys better get going. I don't want Bas and I to be the reason you're late."
"Sounds like a plan. We'll see you all later." Cooper said. "And guys…don't do anything too crazy."
"You just have to take the fun out of everything, don't you Coop?" Sebastian said, in mock frustration.
"I know, sucks being an adult sometimes. Later! Once they headed towards the garage, Sebastian and Blaine headed into the house.
Blaine and Sebastian were just finishing up breakfast when they heard a bunch of voices. The next time they looked up they saw Jeff, Brittany, Nick, Santana, Wes, and Hailey walking into the kitchen. "Anything left for us?" Santana asked noticing the plates on the table.
"Afraid not." Blaine replied. "But if you're hungry, I'm sure Coop and Lexi wouldn't mind you helping yourself."
"Did we miss the bell or something?" Sebastian asked.
"No, Lexi told me it was silly to ring the bell when I come over and to just let myself in." Brittany replied. "Are her and Cooper already gone?"
"Yea, they left about a half-hour ago." Blaine replied. "When did you two get in?" Blaine asked as he looked towards Wes and Hailey.
"Last night. We would've had to get up at an ungodly hour if we took the train this morning. And we wanted to be well rested for today."
"Can't argue with that logic." Sebastian replied. "Did Thad get ahold of you?"
"He did, and I've got to say I'm shocked."
"Are you game?"
"I'm game. And I already told Britt about the change so they can work out whatever changes need to be made to the choreography." Wes told them. "Now, where did the rest of the guys stay last night?"
"Thad had a pretty full house." Nick replied. "And Dave and Beat are coming in this morning since they had less distance to travel. So, has Hunter filled you in on what's going on?"
"A bit." Sebastian replied. "From what Hunter has told me and Jeff's told Blaine, we're in for a long weekend."
"At least you're not wearing heels." Santana replied.
"You could've worn sneakers at least for this weekend." Jeff said.
"True, but it's best we get used to it. And we're starting with lower heels and working our way up to what we're wearing for the show."
Blaine and Sebastian had just finished cleaning up when the doorbell started to ring. The first to arrive was Rachel and Brody which made Brittany happy because that meant the girls could get started. Once the four girls headed upstairs the guys all looked at Brody. "What?"
"Rumor has it we're going to be working pretty hard." Blaine replied.
"That's true, but Britt said you guys don't shy away from hard work."
"That's true. Just remember that not all the guys are dancers and sometimes it takes a bit for them to pick something up." Nick said.
"So I've been told."
"Sounds like the girls are starting." Jeff said upon hearing the faint sounds of music coming from the foyer.
"Isn't that going to be loud upstairs?" Wes asked.
"Since Britt works for my sister, I'm pretty sure Britt opened up the channels for some of the other speakers that run through the house." Sebastian said.
"If you guys don't mind, I'm going to head on up and see how things are going." Brody said.
"Sounds good, but remind them that once everyone else arrives we're going to run through the numbers together." Blaine told him.
"Got it!"
Within the next half hour everyone else arrived at the house. "Should I even ask where Jeff is?" Thad asked.
"He's up rehearsing with the girls and Brody." Nick replied. It wasn't long after that, did everyone start to head upstairs except Blaine and Sebastian who held Thad back.
"Yes?" Thad asked.
"We're curious as to why you gave up your part to Wes." Sebastian said.
"While I absolutely love the number and want to sing it. I think it's more fitting that Wes sings it."
"Why?" Blaine asked.
"Guys, while I'm in a relationship, it's nothing compared to what you two share or what Nick and Jeff share with Santana and Brittany. So, it's only fitting to have Wes sing it due to his relationship with Hailey. It's not going to cause a problem, is it?"
"That's actually makes sense and no, it won't cause a problem. The way the part is written it fits both of your ranges. Now, did you tell Wes that was why?"
"I did and he was shocked. And being Wes he said if I change my mind he'd have no problem giving it back up. But we should probably get going."
"That's correct." Sebastian said and they soon headed up the stairs to meet everyone else. When they reached the ballroom they realized why the rest of the guys were standing still and just watching. It seemed that as soon as Hunter had walked into the room Brittany had grabbed him since Brody and Jeff were already there. "Wow."
"We all said the same thing." Trent replied.
"Guys!" Blaine called out as soon as they finished. "Ready to start?" The seven of them all nodded and everyone made their way over to the piano. "Now, I just want to thank you all for being here."
"And being on time." Wes added.
"That too." Sebastian said. "Seriously though, thanks."
"Of course, this is going to be fun." David said.
"Alright, now while I'm sure I know the answer already, but did everyone get a chance to practice?" Blaine asked as he looked around at everyone. "Good. Then let's get started. And guys don't forget to snap." As the girls started with help from Beat, James, and Flint the rest of the guys just listened. Hearing their soft, feminine voices mixed with the guys weren't something they were used to. Much to Blaine's delight, Brittany and Rachel's voices blended extremely well on the opening line, as did Santana's and Hailey's on the second. Then as they built up the third starting with Rachel, then Brittany, then Hailey, till Santana closed off the progression in a way that brought smiles to most of the guys' faces.
By the time they'd finished the first run through it was pretty clear the guys were happy with what they heard. "I think it's pretty clear why you guys wanted the girls to join us." Flint said as he looked across the piano where the girls were. "That was amazing."
"Thanks." Rachel said with what was an almost shy smile on her face. "It's definitely a new experience for us. Now, do you want to run through the whole set first, or what's going on?"
"I think we should go through the whole set." Dave said. "So, onto the ballad, though it doesn't stay that way the entire time."
"Works for us." Nick replied as they all moved around a bit so that Nick, Jeff, and Wes were near Blaine and Sebastian who were near the head of the piano.
"Have you heard them at all?" Dave asked as he leaned toward Thad.
"I have and they're already knocking it out of the park. I'm almost certain the girls are going to get choked up hearing them."
Once Beat and the guys started, Blaine and the others waited to start.
(Blaine)
When I see your smile
Tears roll down my face I can't replace
(Blaine, Sebastian, Jeff)
And now that I'm strong I have figured out
How this world turns cold and it breaks through my soul
(Blaine, Sebastian, Jeff, Nick, Wes)
And I know I'll find deep inside me I can be the one
With everyone else filing in the background the five guys seemed to get a bit lost in what they were singing. So much so that when the first time the five part harmony came along they nailed it as they weren't really thinking about it. While Brittany, Santana, and Rachel had all seen what they guys were capable of, it was clear to all of them that Hailey was blown away. Not just from what she was hearing, but hearing Wes as a big part of it. By the time the song came to an end Blaine and Sebastian looked at each other before looking at the rest of their friends. "So?" Sebastian asked.
"I don't have words right now." Rachel said after glancing at Brody and then at the rest of the girls who seemed to be in shock as well.
"Someone mark that on a calendar!" Thad said with a smile. "Rachel is almost speechless!" The rest of the guys started laughing and soon Rachel was laughing at well.
"I'd say that wasn't funny Thad, but it's true."
"No kidding, you've always got an opinion Rach." Santana said.
"Like you don't?"
"Never said I didn't. That was beautiful guys, seriously. And you know I'm not the overly emotional sort of girl."
"That we know." Sebastian said with a smile.
"Whose idea was it?" David asked.
"James if I remember correctly." Blaine said and James nodded.
"After getting a reminder of what you guys were capable of I knew you'd do the song justice. And you did."
Their last number was going to be a challenge as the lyrics shifted amongst all of them "This should be entertaining." Beat said as he, Flint and James looked at the rest of them.
"I've never seen an arrangement like this." Flint said.
"Neither have I." Beat said. "But I'm pretty sure, if this first run through is botched, Blaine and the guys will rework it. So if the guys want their time to shine they better do it correctly this first time or close enough that they have faith that it'll work."
By the time they'd finished going through the finale all eyes fell upon Blaine, Sebastian, Jeff, and Wes. It wasn't necessarily a horrible run through, but it was nowhere as clean as the first two songs. Once they saw Blaine walk over and grab his bag off the chair they all knew he was grabbing the full arrangement. As the four of them huddled together off to the side everyone looked at each other. "What's going on?" Santana asked.
"They are looking over the arrangement to see why it was such a clusterfuck." Nick replied. "And now they're seeing if the problem is the arrangement or us. Nine out of ten, it's us."
"Nick's right, quite a few of us we a bit late coming in." Trent said. "And if you looked at Blaine at all while it was going on, he was frustrated."
"It could've been worse." Dave said.
"Not by much." David added. "It's been a long time since I've seen that look on Blaine's face, but I remember it well."
"So, what are they going to do?" Hunter asked.
"While I'm sure we're going to go through it again, albeit slowed down." Nick said. "I'm certain that the four of them are thinking of ways to simplify it as well, which means less back and forth on the lyrics."
"By simplifying it, it won't change the bulk of it, will it?" Brody asked.
"No, so the choreography you and Britt came up with is safe." Thad said. "It's like Nick said, the back and forth will get cut back leaving just a few guys carrying the heart of the song."
"Honestly, are you surprised?" Dave asked. "Because personally I was shocked when I saw what they'd done. They've got a lot of faith in the rest of us."
"Exactly, and we screwed up." Trent said. "That's why Blaine looks pissed."
"Guys, Seb had no reaction." Santana said. "So, what does that mean?"
"Knowing him, he knew it would happen so he's not surprised. Plus he's learned to curb his tongue a bit since he and Blaine got together." Thad said. "When we pushed the envelope last year we crashed and burned a few times before we pulled it off. If I was to guess, they'll give us a few more chances before they redo the arrangement."
"If you think Seb believed this would happen, I bet a simplified arrangement is already written." Hunter said. "From what I know, Seb's always got a backup plan."
"You're right, he does." Dave said. "And that's saved us in more situations than we'd like to admit."
When Blaine came walking back over to the piano he sat in front of the keys while, Sebastian, Jeff and Wes had a brief conversation with Beat, James, and Flint. "Well, since that was basically a disaster." Blaine said with a half-hearted smile. "We're going to do that again, but a bit different this time."
"We're slowing it down?" David asked.
"We are. Good memory. Hopefully this can fix things."
"Otherwise you guys have a fix in mind, right." Thad said and Blaine nodded. It wasn't long till Beat and the guys started the number at a much slower pace, but it wasn't so slow that it didn't have a flow to it. This time through things went much better, which was a relief to everyone. Thankfully, each time they picked up the tempo, the guys were able to keep up. And while it wasn't perfect when tempo was reached, it was easily fixable. Since they'd been working for quite a while they all decided to take a brief break before going through the set list one last time before beginning dance rehearsal.
While almost everyone went downstairs to get something to drink, Blaine stayed upstairs in front of the piano. "You okay?" Blaine glanced up and saw Hunter standing next to him.
"Yea, just messing around. Surprised you didn't take the opportunity to leave."
"I'm not the only one." Hunter then pointed towards a grouping of pillows that were on the floor where Beat sat having a conversation with Rachel and Brody. "Some of us brought something to drink up with us the first time."
"I really should've."
"Maybe, but you know Seb will bring you something. You guys really were good before."
"Thank you. It still needs a bit of work, but not much."
"If you say so." Hunter replied with a smile. "Jeff told me you're basically a perfectionist when it comes to this."
"You could say that, so if you don't want to deal with it, I'd understand if you change your mind."
"Blaine, there is nothing wrong with being a perfectionist, especially in situations such as this. Jeff said if it wasn't for you and Seb pushing them there was no way you guys would've won at Nationals."
"Don't let Jeff or the rest of the guys fool you, they're just as bad. Sometimes they just need a little push when they get tired."
"One last run through."
"Yes, one last run through."
"Now, what you were playing earlier, what was it? It didn't sound familiar."
"That's because it's a Blaine original." Sebastian replied as he sat down next to Blaine. "He's been working on it for a few weeks now. Sounds pretty cool, doesn't it?"
"It does." But before Hunter had a chance to say anything else everyone started pouring back into the room. "Guess it's time to get back to work."
"Looks like it." Blaine replied as he and Sebastian got up from the piano bench. With a layout in hand, Brody started to put everyone into position. Once Nick, Sebastian, Blaine, and Jeff got set the girls walked to their assigned partners. "Now remember, Nicky, you said you're okay with this." Santana said as she leaned forward and looked across Rachel and Brittany to the other end where Nick stood with Hailey.
"What is that supposed to mean?" Nick asked.
"You'll see." Rachel replied before gently nudging Blaine who seemed completely confused.
"Jeff." Nick said. Before Jeff had a chance to respond, Brody walked towards the four of them.
"Okay, I'm going to run through their part, and then I'll teach the rest of you guys yours. So, feel free to take a seat." After Brody spoke Blaine, Sebastian, and Nick all looked towards Hunter who said something along the lines of this should be good and had quite the grin on his face. With the guys facing Brody, the girls all took their spots behind them, so they were standing back to back. With a count off, Brittany and Rachel slowly made their ways out from behind Sebastian and Blaine. Their movements were soon mimicked by Hailey and Santana. "Now guys, I need you all to extend your right arms to the girls. After they take your hand, they'll slowly spin into you. They'll go in order of when they sing, so it won't be all at once." As they all practice the move, Thad and David leaned closer to Hunter.
"Care to share what's so funny?" Thad asked.
"Know how the song picks up shortly after the girls do the opening." They both nodded. "The dance moves they do are pretty cool, but they play up the sex-appeal the girls have."
"And?" David asked.
"How's Nick going to react to Jeff grabbing Santana's ass?" All eyes soon fell upon Thad who flat out snorted.
"Sorry." Thad mumbled, before the eight in front of them went back to what they were doing. "You're kidding, right?"
"Nope. With what the girls are wearing, it's the only way to get a good grip for the move. One hand on their ass, while the other supports their back."
"Weren't you at practice with them?" David asked and Hunter nodded. "Did Jeff see you doing this with Brittany?"
"He did, and he was a bit shocked at first, but quickly understood why it was happening. And honestly, it's nothing compared to what happening in the finale."
"Technically, Nick can't say anything because he's going to be grabbing ahold of Hailey's ass." David added. "So if it bothers him, he's giving Wes all the right to be bothered."
"True." Hunter said. "Jeff knows the sexual comments are going to fly out of Seb's mouth once things start happening. Especially with her long legs, she can basically hook them around you."
"He wouldn't be Seb otherwise." Thad said.
The next thing they all heard was a gasp from the others as the girls spun out before spinning back in on the guys and wrapping one of their legs around them. "Hey Britt." Sebastian said as he held her close.
"Hey Sebby."
"You okay?"
"You need to move your hand a bit; your arm needs to support my leg more."
"But Britt."
"It's okay Sebby, I don't mind."
"I hope you heard her Jeff, she doesn't mind. So, none of you can say I'm groping Britt."
"Oh, we still can Seb, but we know you're not." Dave said. As they stood there Brody walked down the line and helped the guys put their hands in the right spots. "Just so the rest of you know, we're all more than willing to fill in for rehearsal purposes."
"I don't think so." Nick replied with a laugh, realizing just what Santana and Jeff had been trying to get at.
"I can't see him, how does he look?" Santana asked Jeff who had a clear view of Nick.
"He honestly looks like he's trying not to laugh. Now you see what I meant that it's a good thing we're all close." Jeff said.
"I do. If anyone besides Nick was going to have his hand on my ass I'd prefer it be you or say Seb."
"Not Blaine?"
"This move would not work between Blaine and I. But if I'm being honestly, I could probably do this with any of the guys."
"Really?"
"Yes, because they all know Nick would kick their ass if they tried anything else."
"Good point."
"Now, since you've all got your hands in the right spots, ladies, you know what to do next." Brody told them.
"Um, shouldn't you tell us what we need to do?" Blaine asked.
"Just support their backs and help them get upright again. But remember at tempo this is all going to be much quicker so you won't be this close for as long." As the girls basically swung around the guys all just watched.
"The Warblers are getting sexy." Trent said to Wes and James who were sitting next to him.
"You can say that again." Wes replied while keeping his eyes on Hailey.
*Song: Your Guardian Angel, by Red Jumpsuit Apparatus