Two Steps Beyond
Part 119
On Sunday morning, Blaine was just getting off the phone with Cooper when Jeff and Brittany, along with Wes and Hailey came walking into the living room. "Hey guys!" Blaine said once he put his phone in his pocket. "Aren't we missing one?"
"He's at the airport." Jeff replied. "So, we have no clue as to whether or not they are coming for brunch or if they're going straight home."
"I take it they missed each other more than they thought." Sebastian said as he rounded the corner.
"Definitely." Jeff replied. "I think they've gotten so used to spending their weekends together that this felt weird."
"I could see how that could happen." Wes said. "But at least they were apart for a good cause. My brother said she was amazing."
"Excuse me?" Blaine asked.
"I'm not going to get into it, but ask Nick when you get the chance."
"We will." Sebastian said. "But can I ask one thing?"
"Sure." Jeff replied.
"Was the trip a success?"
"It was. I can say when I spoke with my sister; she had that spunk back in her voice. She sounded like herself again. And she and Ally felt good enough that they actually saw our parents on Saturday. That is after they spent part of the morning and afternoon out with Santana."
"Wait, Santana took the two of them out?" Sebastian asked. "Last I remembered Ally wasn't Santana's biggest fan."
"Well, that has changed. It slowly began to change once Nick and Santana made things official. And after what Santana did, I'm pretty sure Ally adores her if Megan's impression of her is anything to go off of."
"Should I even ask where Santana stayed when she was back home?" Blaine asked.
"She stayed with her parents Friday and Nick's on Saturday." Brittany said.
"Why did she stay at Nick's?"
"It's closer to the airport and she was going to have to pick up Logan this morning to give him his car back."
"Okay, that makes sense."
"What makes sense?" Thad asked as he and Hunter walked into the living room.
"Santana staying at Nick's on Saturday night."
"So that's what they were talking about." Hunter said.
"Huh?" Wes asked.
"Friday night we convinced Nick to call her after watching some videos his sister sent him. Safe to say, Nick was enamored by the time he was done watching."
"Hunter is right; Nick was in his own little world." Thad said. "When we walked back into the room they were finishing their conversation. And I swore I heard him say something about how it was going to be weird that she was going to be sleeping in his bed without him."
"Well, now you know why." Jeff replied. "Now, are we waiting on anyone else?"
"No, as Rachel and Brody can't make it since he is teaching a class for one of his buddies today." Sebastian said. "And Rachel is working on a monologue for class on Monday."
"Now Britt, were you happy with our improvement yesterday?" Thad asked.
"I was, you were all really good. I never expected the rest of you to show up."
"What can we say, we're gluttons for punishment." Sebastian replied.
"It made it easier knowing we weren't the only ones practicing though." Wes said. "I still can't believe Flint convinced Beat and Dave to go to them when practicing with us would've been easier."
"I can." Blaine said. "They knew it would be easier for five of them to practice, than three. Plus it allowed Flint, James, and Beat to get into that familiar groove again." They were all about to go sit down to eat when Jeff's phone went off. "Let me guess, they won't be joining us."
"You are correct." Jeff replied. "Now let's eat." As they walked into the dining room Sebastian wrapped his arm around Jeff's shoulders. "Yes?"
"So you know, B and I are fine with you guys sticking around for a while as I'm sure you're not going to want to go home right away."
"We appreciate it. I was actually going to ask if you minded us sticking around. I mean, it's not like we all ever vanish right away after we eat. But I know they'll probably be preoccupied for a while. And you know Nick would never say he'd want some time alone, but we all know he'd want this."
"He's not much different than the rest of us. So, it's a good thing we all know each other so well."
On Tuesday while Blaine and Jeff waited for the glee club to arrive they took advantage of the bit of down time they had. "Now, you never mentioned how things were when you and Britt finally went home on Sunday."
"Oh, that's because I think they forgot we'd be coming home." Jeff said as he started to putz on the piano a bit. In recent weeks his piano playing had improved greatly. "But before you ask, no, they weren't having sex when we walked in. Though it was pretty clear they had recently."
"Please tell me you guys cover your couch before you do that." Blaine said with a laugh. "Considering we all sit on it.
"Don't worry, we do. I could ask you if you and Seb do the same thing."
"You could, and I would tell you we do most of the time. Though when we forget me make it a point to clean the cushions." Blaine said with a smile and a wink that caused Jeff to laugh. "But don't worry; we don't get carried away out there often. Before I forget because Bas was curious, but do you know if we're going to be learning part of the finale this weekend."
"That's the plan unless people have forgotten all that they've been taught. If they have, they'll have to go back and teach what's been forgotten."
"The best thing they did was make videos showing the different parts so everyone could have a reminder."
"It was, Britt said it was Brody's idea to do the whole thing after she recorded her part for Hailey. By the way did you see that charm bracelet Hailey was wearing?"
"I did, why? I'm assuming it was her anniversary gift from Wes."
"It was. Each charm had significant meaning to them. Britt thought it was super sweet."
"Well, it's something to keep in mind for later down the line when you two have more memories. And I must say, it was nice having Wes here this weekend so we could rehearse."
"Tell me about it. While I know Thad said he'd fill in, it's nice hearing Wes's voice finishing out those harmonies."
"Agreed." Blaine was just about to say something else when the guys started walking in. "We'll finish this later."
"I must say, it's nice seeing you guys each Tuesday when we arrive." Dylan said as he and Bryan walked over to the piano. "And I need to tell you both, those new arrangements are amazing. I'm truly in awe of your talent."
"You are welcome. We're glad you like them." Jeff said. "We felt it best to get them to you early so we still had time to tweak them."
"The last thing we expected was getting them in two weeks' time." Bryan said. "I hope that by the end of the year I'll at least be able complete one in the amount of time you guys did two."
"I'm sure you will." Blaine told him. "You have to remember Jeff and I have a bit more experience. We've had to fix arrangements at the last minute before when someone got sick."
"I just hope you both know how much we all appreciate everything you guys have done." Dylan told them.
"We're glad to help, and it's been fun." Blaine told him. "What are you guys going to be working on today?"
"Actually, we were going to try out your arrangements. We felt it was best to give them a try on a day we have you both here. So, once we warm-up we'll give it a go." While they began to warm-up Blaine and Jeff looked at each other. Each week when they'd listened to warm-ups they thought back to how their warm-ups had evolved over the years at Dalton. In the beginning they were simple, but by the end of their senior year, part of their warm-up was working on their multiple harmonies.
The guys were about halfway through their rehearsal when Blaine and Jeff excused themselves after receiving a text from Sebastian. And since the guys were passed working on the new arrangements they didn't feel too bad about leaving. When they walked out of the building Blaine was just about to call Sebastian when he looked up and a smile crept to his face. "Hey killer." Sebastian said as he leaned against a wall.
"Hey."
"Guys."
"Don't worry, we know you're here." Sebastian said as he walked closer till he could give Blaine a kiss. "Look to your left." Jeff did as Sebastian asked and saw Brittany sitting at a table. "Go to her silly." Jeff just smiled at him before jogging off towards Brittany as Blaine tightened his hold around Sebastian's waist. "I take it you don't mind me showing up unannounced."
"Not at all. What do I owe this pleasure?" Blaine asked after Sebastian kissed the top of his head.
"Britt thought it would be nice to surprise you two with dinner. So, how bout we head over before Jeff eats everything." Blaine smiled up at him and they headed over. As they sat down, Brittany smiled at them both.
"This is a nice surprise Britt." Blaine told her as he opened his container. "May I ask why?"
"Sure. I've got dance class tonight so I wouldn't see Jeff till late. So, I called Sebby to see if he minded eating early because it would be wrong to bring Jeff food and not you." Brittany then reached for the bag that sat between her and Sebastian and pulled out two containers. "Dessert."
"Did you bake?" Sebastian asked.
"Lexi and I made cookies today. We made enough so that there were enough for her and Cooper, for me to bring home and to give a container to you two."
"Sweet!" Jeff replied before leaning over and giving her a kiss. "Now, is tonight a normal class or are you working on choreography with Brody?"
"It's actually a dance class with Brody." Brittany replied. "I should be home around eight."
"That works. Are we still on for the gym tomorrow?"
"We are if you mean meeting Hunter."
"That's what I mean." Jeff replied.
"And what are you going to the gym for?" Blaine asked.
"To work on my backflips some more. I mean, I'm doing them without the harness now, but they still need some work. So, I asked Hunter if we could work on them. And since we don't do this at the usual gym, I needed his help."
"Makes sense." Sebastian replied. "Now, according to Britt he's quite the gymnast."
"He is. Good god. The first time I went with them, Brody pointed him out as he was flying across the floor. He was doing all sorts of crazy stuff. And the height he was getting is crazy. Then about a week ago, I saw him on the rings. I have no idea how people do that."
"It takes lots of upper body discipline." Blaine said. "After hearing everything Britt's told us about it, I'd love to see him do it." Sebastian nodded in agreement.
"Ask if you guys can come by tomorrow." Jeff said. "I'd doubt he'd mind. He's in his own little world when he does that stuff. We've mainly caught him when we've arrived as once we get there he pushes that stuff to the side."
When Jeff and Blaine finally walked into their music lab that night Bryan was sitting at their usual table waiting for them. "Looked like you both had a good reason for running out." He said with a smile.
"Yea, my girlfriend thought it would be nice to surprise us with dinner, and cookies." Jeff replied. "And she thought it was only appropriate to bring Seb along."
"Ah, so that was the mysterious Sebastian."
"That it was." Blaine replied. "Were you the only one to see us or did the others as well?"
"It was just me as everyone was either grabbing a bite to eat before their next class or was heading home and the subway station is out the other doors."
"You could've come by and said hi."
"Thank you, but I didn't want to intrude. You four looked rather happy. Is Sebastian still playing lacrosse?" Bryan said as they all took their stuff out.
"He is. His next game is Thursday; since it's the playoffs they only have one game a week."
"They must be thankful for that. I've seen quite a few lacrosse games and they all look exhausted afterwards."
"They are." Blaine replied. "And if the game is overly physical, their sore as well. That's been the case with most of these playoff games since one loss and you're out."
"Well, wish him luck."
"I will."
When Jeff got home that night he was surprised to see that Santana was the only person home. "Hey!" He said as he set his bag down. "Where's everyone else?"
"Nicky is on his way home and the same goes for Britt. I'm pretty sure she sent you a text since class ran long." Santana said as she looked up from her laptop. "Do you have time to talk?" Jeff looked at Santana before nodding his head and walking around to take a seat.
"And what would you like to talk about?"
"Well, I've already had this conversation with Nick, but…I think you need to talk to Megan a bit more than you do."
"Alright, but why?" Jeff asked as he sat a bit straighter.
"Because neither her or Ally will admit it, but they really miss you both. And going to school at Crawford is a huge change for them. The last thing they expected was to deal with the crap they did."
"That's because it never should've happened." Jeff stated. "I still can't believe no one noticed."
"Oh, people noticed, but Jen is such a bitch no one dared confront her. I think they honestly just thought Ally and Megan were doing things for her to stay on her good side. They had no idea she was basically blackmailing them."
"What exactly was she doing to them because Megan and Ally were rather vague, but it seems they opened up completely when they talked to you?"
"You know how rumors tend to run rampant and can often ruin someone even if they're lies." Jeff nodded. "She was going to spread a rumor that the girls would have a hard time denying because of certain friendships."
"Santana, tell me as I'm sure you told Nick."
"Actually, I haven't told Nicky yet."
"Haven't told me what?" Nick asked as he closed the door behind him.
"From what I've gathered, you better sit down man." Jeff told him. Nick took a deep breath before going to sit down next to Santana. Once Santana began to talk again, she chose her words wisely as she watched the way Nick and Jeff were reacting. By the time she told them what Jen had threatened them with, they were both furious. "That's bullshit! Megan isn't like that. I mean, she's boy-crazy, but she is in no way ready to be sleeping with anyone!"
"Nicky." Santana said softly as she turned in her seat to look at Nick who'd yet to say a word but his face showed exactly how he was feeling. She took her hand and caressed his cheek, causing him to look at her a bit more.
"I never should've told you to behave. That bitch didn't deserve any fucking consideration! He said as he leaned in and rested his forehead against hers. "No wonder they didn't say anything."
"At least you guys realize how rumors like that could stay with them. And considering how the Warblers try to look out for them, people would think it was true. While girls at Crawford would think they're both slutty, the Dalton boys could think they're easy. I mean, they would've been screwed. So they had no choice. But once it started to affect their school work they knew they needed to do something."
"I don't even know how to begin to thank Logan and Jacob for taking them in." Jeff said as he ran his fingers through his hair.
"You have yourself to thank." Nick told him.
"How is that?"
"They got quite good at sneaking girls in after all those times we snuck Brittany in. Hell, we snuck both the girls in." Nick said before kissing Santana on the cheek. "So by the time they had to do it this year, they were experts."
"True. Let's just hope they don't do it often." Jeff said.
"I think they know they need to play it safe. And if there was a time to do it, they chose the correct one. I just wish they would've told us."
"You're kidding, right." Santana said. "They were both crying when we talked. There is no way they ever could've told either of you. But so you know, I did tell them I was going to let you both know what was going on. I felt you both had a right to know, since if something like that did get out I'm sure someone would get in touch with you."
"I really appreciate that." Jeff told her. "While we knew things were bad, we had no idea the extent."
"He's right. And now it makes more sense as to why they didn't tell our parents. They would've flipped." Nick had just finished speaking when Brittany came walking through the doors looking utterly exhausted.
"You okay babe?" Jeff asked as she dropped her bag and headed towards him.
"I'm really tired. That class was crazy. I'm pretty sure Brody had to carry Rachel."
"Rachel went to the class?" Santana asked.
"Yea, she feels she needs to work on her hip-hop style of dance as most of what she does at NYADA is more structured."
"And what you and Brody choreographed isn't that type of dance for the most part." Nick said.
"Yep. So, I'm going to go take a shower and go to bed as I need to be to work early tomorrow." Brittany said before giving Jeff a kiss on the cheek.
"Want some company?" Jeff asked.
"Of course." She said with a smile as she got up off the couch.
"If we don't reappear, we'll see you both in the morning." Jeff said to them before following Brittany out of the room.
"Since they're gone, what do you want to do?" Nick asked.
"While I'd love to do nothing, I've got a bit of homework to do. Plus I have a few things I need to get done for Cassie before I head back to school tomorrow."
"Well then, what if I make us some coffee then because I've got homework to do as well."
"Sounds perfect."
When Jeff walked into the bathroom he was surprised to see Brittany sitting on the edge of the tub watching it fill. "I thought you were going to take a shower." He said before sitting down beside her and wrapping his arms around her.
"I was going to, but then I saw that new bottle of bubble bath on the counter and changed my mind. Are you still going to join me?"
"Do you still want me to?" Jeff asked as he leaned his head on her shoulder.
"Of course, otherwise I wouldn't have asked. Also, I'd rather lean against you then the tub. You're more comfy." Brittany said before looking over her shoulder and giving him another kiss. "Did you change already?"
"Yep, I've got nothing on under this robe. You?"
"Why don't you find out for yourself?" Jeff couldn't help the smirk that crept to his face as he loved moments like this with Brittany when she got playful. He'd just begun to undo the tie on her robe when there was a knock on the door.
"Go away!" Jeff snapped back as Brittany put her hands over his.
"Your Dad is on the phone." Nick told him.
"Take a message." The next thing Jeff knew Nick had walked into the bathroom. "He heard me." Nick nodded as he realized they were about to get in the tub. As Jeff took the phone, Nick mouthed that he was sorry before heading out and closing the door behind him. "Hey Dad! What can I do for you?" While Mr. Sterling replied Brittany turned off the water in the tub before getting up off the edge. The way she glanced at Jeff as she slowly undid her robe, Jeff had to take a deep breath as she pushed it off of her shoulders and let it fall to the floor. Any sense of control he had seemed to disappear in that moment.
"Jeff, are you alright?" Mr. Sterling asked as Jeff had gotten quiet.
"Yea, sorry Dad." Jeff replied as Brittany stepped into the tub. "What were you saying?"
"That it was nice to see your sister this weekend and I have a feeling you and Nick were behind it since Santana picked them up."
"Happy coincidence." Jeff replied as Brittany tugged on his robe.
"I doubt that, but thank you. You're Mom missed her as did I. How's everything with you and Brittany?"
"Great." Jeff said as Brittany managed to undo his robe completely.
"Could I talk to her? I thought I heard her voice earlier."
"Uh, she's taking a bath right now."
"Oh, well tell her I said hello. And well, I'll let you go."
"Okay, but why?"
"I think it's pretty obvious why you didn't want to talk to me so we'll catch up later."
"Dad."
"Don't worry; I won't say anything to your Mom. Though she knows you're not her innocent baby boy anymore."
"Can we not do this now?"
"Sure, we can talk later. Enjoy your bath!"
"Yea, bye Dad." Once he hung up, Jeff put the phone on the counter before taking off his robe and getting into the tub behind Brittany. "My Dad said hi."
"Okay. What didn't you want to talk about?" Brittany asked as she leaned back against him while he wrapped his arms around her.
"Us taking a bath together with my Dad." Jeff replied before kissing her on the cheek as she had her head on his shoulder.