Two Steps Beyond
Part 115
When Blaine arrived home late that afternoon the last thing he expected to see was Nick sitting on the floor outside their apartment. "Hey!" Blaine said as he unlocked the door. "I hope you haven't been here long."
"I haven't." Nick replied as he got up. "I figured since my late class got canceled I'd just come straight over here since I knew you'd be home soon." He continued as they walked inside. "I hope you don't mind."
"Not at all. Tasha had called Bas and I today and asked if it was alright if she asked you two to join our little get-together this evening. I must say I was surprised that she had your numbers."
"She actually asked Britt to talk to us. And before you ask, Jeff's going to our place to grab what she asked for us to have with us."
"I'm guessing pieces of the uniform."
"Most importantly, the pants, dress shirt and tie."
"Makes sense since Bas and I have most of the other pieces, plus she's bringing a bunch of stuff with her. So, make yourself comfortable and I'll go get us something to drink." Nick nodded and went to sit down while Blaine headed for the kitchen. When he returned Nick was on his phone and judging from the smile on his face he was talking to Santana. "Tell her I say hi." Blaine said as he sat Nick's drink down in front of him. Nick did as Blaine asked, and soon returned a greeting from Santana. While Nick was on the phone, the bell rang so Blaine went to get it assuming it was Jeff. But upon opening the door, he was greeted by a messenger who had a rack of clothes.
"Blaine Anderson?"
"I am. May I help you?"
"Yes, I was supposed to drop these off to you."
"All of it?" Blaine asked.
"Yes. Would you like me to bring the rack inside for you are you alright taking it yourself?"
"I'll be alright." Blaine then grabbed his wallet out of his pocket and tipped the man before pulling the rack inside. He'd just reached the living room as Nick was getting off the phone.
"What the hell is that?" Nick asked as he got up and walked towards Blaine.
"Tasha sent it over, guess she didn't want to bring everything with her."
"Do you blame her, that's a lot of clothes?" Nick said as they started to take a look through the little windows on the garment bags. "What does she have in mind?"
"Bas and I asked her if she could help us give the Warbler uniform an update. Speaking of, did you talk to Britt or did you talk to Jeff after he spoke with her?"
"Jeff left me a message since I was in class, why?" He replied as they went to sit back down.
"I was curious how the girls meeting went."
"Guess we'll just have to wait till they get here. Since I said that, Britt's coming over here after work so she isn't bored at home. I hope that's alright."
"I don't know, I might have to twist Bas's arm to let her stay." Nick and Blaine both laugh at the comment knowing all too well, Sebastian would have no problem with Brittany being there and neither did Blaine. While they waited for Jeff and Sebastian to arrive, Nick and Blaine decided they'd make dinner instead of ordering out.
Once they were in the kitchen, Blaine looked over his shoulder at Nick. "Just ask Blaine." Nick said as he started to chop some vegetables.
"What makes you think I want to ask you something?" Blaine replied while taking the chicken out of refrigerator, thankful Sebastian had the foresight to thaw something for dinner.
"I know that look all too well, so what is it?"
"How are things going with you and Santana?"
"Good, why?"
"That's not what I meant and you know it since you know me so well. So?"
"Fine, we're really happy. Is that better?"
"You're getting there." Blaine replied with a smirk.
"Blaine Anderson, are you asking me if I love her?" Nick asked as he turned to face Blaine.
"Do you?"
"I'd like to know that as well." Sebastian said as he walked into the kitchen and gave Blaine a kiss.
"I do." A smile crept to Blaine's face as Sebastian looked across at Nick. "Don't say anything though."
"So you haven't told her."
"Nope and don't plan on it."
"Why?" Blaine asked as Sebastian began to help them with dinner.
"Because I don't want to scare her away. While she puts up that tough exterior, she's not that tough."
"Like Bas." Sebastian looked across at Blaine who smiled back at him.
"Exactly. I mean, I'm pretty sure she feels the same, but I don't want to say it to her and force the issue. I'm happy with the way things are."
"So you're going to wait for her to say it." Sebastian said.
"I am."
"I'd say you're making the right decision. While I agree with you that she feels the same way, you're better off waiting for her to say it. Right B?"
"If it was anyone besides Santana, I'd say you're silly for waiting, but since she is quite a bit like Bas I totally get it. Heck, I waited till he said it first."
"You're kidding?"
"He's not." Sebastian replied. "And I don't blame him. If he said it to me when I wasn't ready to say it back, I don't know how I would've handled it. I mean, it could've been a kick in the pants to recognize what I was feeling or…"
"It would've pushed you away regardless of how you felt for him." Nick finished for him. Sebastian nodded. "See, you both get it."
"We do." Blaine said. "And as long as you two are happy, that's all that matters."
"Yet you still had to ask." Nick said with a laugh.
"Well, yea, I was curious. I mean, it's pretty obvious how you both feel."
"Are you saying we're as blatant as the two of you and Jeff and Britt?"
"You're close." Sebastian replied. "Speaking of love, B, did Wes ever say how his anniversary went?"
"He did."
"And?" Nick asked before Sebastian had a chance.
"Hailey was shocked. She had no clue Wes was capable of something like that."
"That's what happens when one friend goes overboard and his girlfriend boasts about it. And then, two of your gay friends give you advice." Sebastian said with a laugh. "But now he's going to have to keep it up."
"He knows, but he said her reaction is well worth it. He made it so the entire day was about them."
"Good for him." Nick said. "Hailey is sweet. Much better than his psycho ex, I never liked her."
"That's because you and Thad always thought she was giving you two the evil-eye."
"The evil-eye?" Sebastian questioned.
"She did, if you don't believe me, ask Thad. Think about it, after he broke-up with her she tried to say that Thad slashed the tires on Wes's car because Wes didn't give him a solo."
"Did it go to B?"
"Of course it did, but that's beside the point. Why would Thad slash Wes's tires, especially when Wes was more than willing to take him places? Those slashed tires cramped Thad's social life." While Nick spoke the doorbell rang so Sebastian went to go get it while Nick and Blaine continued to talk and prep for dinner.
"Welcome!"
"Why are you so happy?" Jeff as he walked in carrying both his school bag plus a bag carrying his and Nick's clothes.
"Because I'm getting to hear all about the craziness that happened at Dalton before I arrived. Come, we're in the kitchen." So, once Jeff set the bags down they headed for the kitchen.
"Good, Jeff's here. Jeff, can you please tell Seb that Wes's ex was nuts?" Nick said to him before even saying hello.
"Sure, she was crazy! Always looked at the rest of us funny." Jeff said as Sebastian handed him something to drink.
"Would you say the look was the evil-eye?" Sebastian asked.
"Not to me, but to Thad and Nick, definitely. She really didn't like either of them."
"Was there a particular reason?"
"I think it stemmed from the incident of them walking in on them while they were making out in the Warbler common room."
"Wait, this does not sound like the Wes I heard all about."
"Wes had his moments he relaxed." Blaine told Sebastian. "When it came to the Warblers it was business first, fun second. But in his social life, Wes enjoyed himself."
"Yet, considering we used to sneak Britt on campus what was Wes's girlfriend doing there."
"It was over a weekend when not many people stuck around except for the underclassmen. But since Wes's family was out of town he decided to stay since his parents were renovating their home. And since he was head of the council he decided to make use of it and secured the common room for his own use."
"And well, while Wes thought they were all alone Nick and Thad seemed to miss the memo or notice the doors were closed and walked in." Jeff added.
"Nick, what were they doing?" Sebastian asked.
"They were just making out on the couch. It wasn't like any clothes were removed but she got pissed at us for walking in."
"How'd Wes react?"
"He laughed, and then asked us to leave which we promptly did. After that, she always gave us the eye."
"I thought you guys said she was sweet."
"She was, she just didn't like us." Blaine said. "But once Wes broke-up with her, her true colors showed. That's one of the reasons why Wes understood what we were dealing with during all that crap with Kurt."
"Well then, you learn something new every day." Sebastian said. "So, what's with the rack in the living room?"
"Tasha sent it over." Blaine said.
"I figured us much, what's on it?"
"Don't know as Nick and I didn't open any of the bags. Speaking of Tasha coming over, were you able to talk to Hunter?"
"I was and he can't make it. He's having dinner with his Mom and Cassie tonight. Speaking of clothes, how did Britt's meeting go?"
"She said it was great and would tell me all about it when she gets here."
The boys had just finished eating dinner when Tasha arrived. Upon walking in she was happy to see them all there. "I can't believe I'm asking this but by chance can I get something to drink Seb?"
"What would you like?"
"Just a glass of wine if you have it, I had a long fucking day."
"One glass of wine coming up."
"Sorry about that, hey guys!" Tasha said as she walked towards the clothes rack. They all said hello back as she began unzipping the bags. "Would you guys mind changing for me?"
"Not at all, we'll be right back." Blaine told her before they all went to change. After giving Tasha her glass of wine Sebastian went to go change as well. "Bas."
"Yea B?" Sebastian replied as he began to change.
"I know Tasha said she had a long day, but she looks seriously fried."
"I noticed that too. Guess we'll just see where the night takes us."
Once they were all dressed they headed back out into the living room. "Don't you all look so cute in your matching outfits?"
"Cute Tasha."
"Give me a break Seb, my snappy comments are not what they usually are. Now, I had something in mind and after seeing what the girls will be wearing I was wondering if you guys minded if you don't all match."
"We're game for anything." Jeff replied. "And uh, what are the girls wearing?"
"Is Britt coming over here?"
"She is."
"You'll find out then as she has a picture of the sketch of their outfits." Since the boys said they didn't mind if they all didn't match, Tasha tossed Sebastian a pair of navy pants to put on. While he changed into them, she handed the others vests in different colors and cuts. As Nick buttoned his vest he looked at Tasha.
"How is it this is the right size for me?"
"I have a knack for guessing peoples sizes." She replied while stepping closer to Nick and undoing the cuffs on his shirt. "You don't mind, do you?"
"Not at all."
"Sorry, I get so used to working that sometimes I forget to ask before adjusting someone's clothes."
"We mentioned it to them." Blaine told her. "They said you have free reign."
"Nice to know." She said as she finished rolling up Nick's sleeves. "Britt said you guys are doing a ton of dancing so you need to be comfortable as well as able to move, right?"
"That's correct." Jeff replied. They noticed a slight change on her face.
"What is it?" Sebastian asked.
"Well, I now you guys can't wear your Dalton blazers, but jackets do look nice, especially those with a sleeker cut. But if you're doing a lot of dancing it might not be a good idea."
"If it helps, three of the guys aren't doing the same intensity of dancing as the rest of us." Blaine told her.
"Have I met them?"
"You've met Beat." Jeff replied and soon a smile crept to her face.
"Are the other guys built like him?"
"Similar." Nick said.
"Do you think they'd mind wearing jackets if the rest of you aren't?"
"I don't think so." Blaine told her. "They're all pretty agreeable and as long as they're comfortable, they won't care." Once Tasha took a step back from Nick the other guys turned toward him.
"Looking good Duval." Sebastian said.
"Thanks."
"I'll take that as you approve." Tasha said.
"We do." Blaine said before Nick went to go take a look at himself in the mirror. While he was out of the room, Tasha told Sebastian to grab one of the jackets off the rack while she tweaked Jeff's outfit. After stepping back, she shook her head before walking towards the rack and then tossing a pair of pants at Jeff. As Jeff changed into the new pair of pants the bell rang so Blaine went to go get it. Upon opening the door Brittany hugged him.
"Looking good Blaine Warbler." A smile crept to Blaine's face upon hearing what used to be an all too familiar greeting from her.
"Thanks, we're in the living room." He said before they headed down the hall. "How was your day?"
"I'd rather not talk about it." Blaine just looked up at her, surprised by what she said. He was just about to say something else when they reached the end of the hall and she practically went running into Jeff's arms. Seeing the way she was holding him tight caused Blaine, Sebastian, and Nick to all look at each other. And considering Tasha didn't say a word even though she'd been in the middle of working on Jeff's outfit the look between Blaine and Sebastian intensified. As Tasha went to work on Blaine, Sebastian and Nick watched as Brittany still hadn't let go of Jeff and he was holding her almost as tightly.
"Tasha, if you need Jeff, just say something." Sebastian said quietly as he knelt next to her.
"It's fine, I still have to finish Blaine and you. They can have all the time they need." Hearing Tasha's answer, Sebastian and Blaine knew Tasha must have some inkling as to what was going on with Brittany.
"Care to tell us what's going on?"
"Not really. I'd love another glass of wine though."
"Sure."
By the time Sebastian returned, Nick had an arm around Brittany while Tasha finished up with Jeff. Judging from the look in Jeff's eyes, Brittany had obviously told him what was wrong and he clearly wasn't happy. After taking her glass from Sebastian and taking a sip, Tasha finished up with Jeff before tweaking Sebastian's outfit slightly. "What do you boys think?" She asked as they all looked at each other.
"I wish we could've looked like this at Dalton." Nick replied.
"Agreed." Blaine told her. "I like this a lot."
"Good. It's hard to keep true to what you guys want while still updating it. So, switching up colors and cuts helps. And it's nice to know I can include the jackets because I think it'll balance out the look. What do you think Brittany?"
"They look really nice, but we're going to look better." When she spoke that was the first time they'd all seen her smile since she'd arrived.
"Are you going to share what you're going to look like with us?" Sebastian asked.
"Of course I will Sebby." As Brittany went to go get her bag, Tasha walked closer towards the guys.
"Now, you guys meant it when you said the others don't mind buy new pieces, correct?"
"Correct." Blaine told her. "You just need to tell us what to get and where to get it."
"What I need is list of the guys and a brief description of them and from there I'll separate the outfits."
"What if I could give you a picture of what they look like?" Nick asked.
"That would be even better." Nick then took his phone out of his pocket and pulled up a photo from their weekend's rehearsal.
"How's this?" He asked showing her the picture.
"Perfect, just send it to me." She said prior to giving Nick her number. At that same time Brittany came walking back over and handed her phone to Sebastian.
"What do you think Sebby?"
"Their amazing." He replied before handing the phone to Blaine who had a similar response. "You girls are going to look incredible and all your boyfriends will be really happy." Sebastian was just finishing his sentence when Blaine handed to phone to Jeff who's eyes bugged out.
"There is a God!" Jeff exclaimed before Nick snatched the phone out of his hand. "I'm right, aren't I?" Jeff said, unable to rid himself of the huge grin on his face.
"This has got to be a joke, right?" Nick said, completely blown away by what he was seeing.
"Nope, I talked to my friend earlier and that is it. And all the girls have given their approval. I see you boys all approve as well."
"Hell yes we do!" Jeff said as he wrapped Brittany in a hug. "I can't wait to see you in it."
"I can't wait to be seen."
"Just remember the outfit stays on till the competition is over." Sebastian told him.
"I guess I can wait. What about you Nick, will you be able to with Santana in that?"
"Guess I'm going to have to."
"Question." Blaine said as he looked at Tasha.
"Hopefully I have an answer, shoot."
"Is the plaid skirt because you wanted to put us in different colored pants or did it have nothing to do with it?"
"Well, I remembered you boys considering it. And then once I saw the sketch I knew we needed to do it. I'm rather fond of the blue and gray plaid with that little bit of red piping, you?"
"Don't answer Jeff as we already know your answer." Sebastian said with a smirk.
"Fine."
"I do." Sebastian said. "It's what I was hoping for actually. While I loved what Britt wore with us, the plaid gives it a certain something."
"It adds to the sexiness of it." Nick said.
"We'll take your word on it." Blaine said.
"Man, you might be gay but you so noticed that outfit is sexy as hell." Nick told Blaine point blank.
"Okay, I did. I can't believe Rachel gave the okay."
"She loved it." Brittany told them. "Oh, the bustier underneath isn't going to be blue for all of us. Two of us are wearing blue the other two red."
"Please tell me Santana is wearing red." Nick said.
"She is. She and Rachel are wearing the red." Brittany told them.
"Well, since I now know what versions of the outfits work. Why don't you all go change so I can get out of here." Tasha told them.
"Do you have plans tonight?" Sebastian asked as he hung the jacket back up.
"I do, which is why I need to get going."
"Date?" Blaine asked.
"For your information, yes. So hurry up and change." Since Tasha had taken pictures of all the boys she sat down on the couch next to Brittany while the guys went to change. "I want to apologize for earlier today Brittany. Kurt had no right to do what he did. And I want you to know I had a talk with him so it won't happen again."
"It's okay, it wasn't your fault. He just doesn't like anyone who's happy for Blaine and Sebby."
"I know that, but that didn't give him the right to do what he did."
"Who did what?" Blaine asked as he walked back into the room with the new pieces over his arm.
"It's not important." Tasha said as she got up from the couch realizing the other guys would be returning soon as well. "I'll have someone come by tomorrow evening to pick the rack up."
"Could you have them come by on Friday evening instead?" Blaine said to her as she hung up both of his vests.
"Sure, but do you mind me asking why?"
"We're not going to be here tomorrow night. Bas has a game."
"Then I will have someone come by Friday night. I'll call one of you tomorrow to set up a time."
"Any time after four works." Blaine told her. "I'm always back here by then."
"Alright, after four." Tasha said before grabbing her coat. "Oh, do me a favor, ask Nick to send me a who's who in the photo."
"Will do. You have fun tonight."
"I will." Tasha then gave him a kiss before heading out.
By the time the rest of the guys came out, Blaine was sitting on the couch with Brittany who was eating a bowl of ice cream. Sebastian cocked his head to the side as he saw that Brittany was curled up against Blaine who had his arm around her. Once their eyes locked on each other, Sebastian mouthed to Blaine, asking what was wrong to which he replied he'd tell him later. "I know this is your usual date night so we should probably get going when she's done." Jeff said once he sat down on the other side of Brittany.
"You don't need too." Sebastian told him. "We've got plans for Friday night so we're all good. You guys don't need to leave till you honestly want too. I just hope you don't mind if I get a bit of work done while you're here."
"Not at all, as long as you don't mind us doing the same." Nick told him.
"Who are we to stop your quest for higher learning?" Sebastian replied before grabbing his laptop off the table. "Do you have any work to do B?"
"I only had some reading to do and I finished it between classes. Then last class ended abruptly when a girl got sick in the middle of class. They cleared out the whole room so basically, class got canceled."
"Aren't you the lucky one?" Jeff said. "I could've used something like that happening to me during my last class."
"Why is that?" Nick asked.
"My history professor decided it was a great time for a pop-quiz. I mean really, who the hell gives those still."
"Obviously your history professor." Sebastian said.
"Thank for stating the obvious Seb."
"You're welcome. So Britt, how's your ice cream?"
"It's really good. Blaine made me a sundae."
"Why can't I get a sundae?" Jeff asked.
"Go right ahead and make yourself one. All the fixings are in the kitchen." Blaine told him. The next thing Blaine saw was all the guys walking out of the room.