Two Steps Beyond
Part 129
By the time they'd all gone upstairs to rehearse, Lexi still hadn't appear and since they were just going to be warming up Blaine and Sebastian decided to bring Jocelyn and Braeden with them. "You do realize she's going to tell us we should've brought them back to her." Blaine said to Sebastian as he sat down at the piano after Nick took Jocelyn from him.
"I know, but there is no reason they can't be with us. We're only going to be singing to start. We'll bring them back to her prior to dance rehearsal." Sebastian said as he shifted Braeden in his arm. "Plus they love listening to us, don't you?"
"If anyone saw you like this Seb they wouldn't believe it." Thad told him.
"I know. So, ready to start?" Everyone nodded and soon warm-ups began. As they sang, Blaine glanced at Sebastian after noticing the silly grin on Nick's face as Jocelyn held tightly to his fingers while pulling on his hand. Sebastian returned the look and nodded. While it was clear the girls absolutely adored the twins, the guys weren't far behind. The fact that they were as well behaved as they were probably helped. They were about halfway through their warm-ups when Blaine felt a tap on his shoulder and looked back to see Lexi standing behind him. So after they finished their current run, Blaine got up off the bench and let Lexi take a seat.
With her now playing piano they continued as Sebastian and Blaine just exchanged looks. By the time they finished Lexi looked up at Blaine and Sebastian. "We know, we should've brought them to you." Sebastian said as he slid an arm around Blaine's waist. "But since they wouldn't be in our way, we brought them with."
"Fair enough. I was actually able to get quite a bit of work done once I was done talking to Cooper so thank you."
"You're welcome." Blaine replied. "But now they'll be all yours again since we need to get to work."
"I think I can manage."
"Where do you want us to bring them?" Nick asked.
"Family room, but I can take her."
"That's alright." Nick replied. Before he followed Sebastian out of the room Santana leaned over and kissed Jocelyn on the forehead which caused her to start to babble. After giving Santana a kiss on the cheek, Nick headed out.
"Remember that the next time you pick on us about being cutesy with them." Jeff told her from across the piano.
"I will." Santana replied. "It's hard not to get like that, they're adorable."
"They sure are." Brittany replied while leaning her head on Jeff's shoulder.
As they began practice, Lexi was thankful they left the door open as she was enjoying listening to them. It seemed she wasn't the only one, since both of her kids seemed be happier than usual. While she sat on the floor and played with them she was startled when her phone beeped. Upon looking at it she was surprised to find a text from Tasha asking if she happened to know where any of the girls were. Once she replied and said they all happened to be at her home, Tasha told her she'd be swinging by. Since she was up with the kids, she sent Tasha a text telling her to just let herself in so she didn't leave the kids alone.
It was probably an hour later when Tasha came walking up the stairs carrying four garment bags. "Sounds like you're getting quite the concert today." Tasha told her as she closed the gate behind her.
"We are. And even though it's only rehearsal, they sound really good. So, what is in those bags?"
"The samples of the girls outfits. If these fit properly, Susan will begin making the real deal. I mean, these look just like the real deal, but she'll be using better quality fabric for the real outfits."
"Have you seen them yet, or did you just pick those bags up?"
"I've seen them, and they look amazing. If you want, I'll have the girls change into them down here so you can take a look."
"That might not be a bad idea, though you know they'll be going upstairs to show the guys."
"Now those are some reactions I can't wait to see." Tasha told her with a smirk.
"Since that's the case, why don't you just leave the bags here and go up and get the girls."
"Are you sure they won't mind?"
"They've been going for quite a while without a break so I'm sure they won't mind." Tasha smiled and set the bags across the back of the couch before heading up to the ballroom. When she reached the doorway they were just setting up so she leaned against the frame to watch. While she wanted to see the girls in their outfits, she also wanted to get a sneak peek at what they were doing. Since she'd already heard the list of songs from Lexi, she was thrilled that she seemed to be catching them at the beginning.
Between the vocals and the dance moves, Tasha was completely entranced. Then when she watched Hunter do a tumbling run through the middle of everyone she was shocked. She'd always heard Cassie say how good he was, but she'd never seen him. What he did proved it wasn't just Cassie being proud, Hunter truly was talented. Then when she watched them all in unison she was even more impressed. It proved to her that what they did at Cooper and Lexi's wedding was just the tip of the iceberg of what they were capable of.
While listening to the ballad, she was drawn in by the beautiful harmonies and how seamlessly they all danced. As good as they looked in the first number; she was amazed by how graceful they all looked. "They're pretty impressive, aren't they?" Tasha turned her head slightly and saw Lexi standing next to her, balancing a child on each hip.
"They really are." Tasha replied while taking Braeden from her. "That's really a beautiful song."
"I agree. You can tell Blaine, Bas, Jeff, Nick, and Wes are all singing from their hearts. But, that's pretty easy to do when your significant other is in the room with you."
"That's very true. With what I've seen so far, I can only imagine what the finale looks like."
"Just watch." Lexi told her as they finished the ballad. Then after a brief pause, they began. They were barely thirty seconds into it and Tasha had already looked at Lexi twice. "Keep watching." Even though she'd heard them sing the number and dance it, this was her first time seeing it all together as well. Between the combination of what the couples were doing as well as when the boys did their back-flips Tasha was blown away.
Once they finished Tasha looked at Lexi, mouth wide open. "That was…just…wow!"
"And think, they're not performing till February. Imagine what they'll look like by then." After she spoke, Lexi saw them all heading for their water bottles so she nudged Tasha and then headed into the room. "That was incredible guys!"
"Thanks, but it still needs work." Sebastian replied. "Ah, what do we owe this pleasure?" He asked once he spotted Tasha.
"I actually need to borrow the girls for a bit."
"I don't know if we're willing to part with them." Sebastian told her as all the guys laughed and the girls came closer. "But I'm sure we can come to some sort of arrangement that can be beneficial to all of us."
"Seb." Santana said to him as she cocked her head.
"Come now, I'm just playing and you know it. Actually your timing couldn't be better as we were actually going to take a break."
"What do you need us for?" Brittany asked.
"I actually have the samples of your outfits that need to be tried on. And if everything fits properly, Susan will get to work on your actual outfits."
"Will we get to see them?" Wes asked.
"That's up to the girls but I don't have a problem with it. Girls?"
"Depends how we look." Rachel replied before getting up on her toes to give Brody a kiss. "Maybe we'll be back soon." After the girls walked out with Tasha, Blaine and Sebastian walked up to Lexi.
"Let us take them and you go and help." Sebastian told her.
"Bas."
"Go, I'm sure help is going to be needed and this gives us an excuse to relax." Lexi looked back and forth between the two and realized she wasn't going to win. So, she handed the kids off to the boys before heading out. "We're going to have fun, aren't we while they girls play dress up." Sebastian said as he spun around with Jocelyn. With Sebastian in his own little world the other guys smiled when they noticed Blaine was recording the entire interaction.
"Is he always like this with them?" Trent asked.
"Always." Blaine replied with a smile.
With the girls still downstairs changing, Sebastian and Blaine each took seats on the floor and let the kids go. As they crawled around the vast space the others soon took seats as well, basically forming a circle around the kids. "Guys, they like to climb up on people so if they do and you don't want them to, just tell them no and place them back on the floor." Blaine said as he leaned against Sebastian and watched as the kids crawled around. "My parents are going to have their hands full with them when we get home."
"True, but it's not like we won't be there to help." Sebastian told him. "Knowing Cooper and Lexi, your parents are well aware of how active they are."
When the girls came walking out of the library and into the family room, Lexi and Tasha couldn't believe their eyes. "Wow!" Lexi said as they got up off the couch. "What do you girls think?"
"They're incredible." Rachel said as the girls all looked at each other.
"Now, after what I just witnessed, do you girls feel secure in them?" Tasha asked. "Don't want to give a random peep show." After a moment all the girls nodded.
"We're good." Santana said. "The multiple layers help. At first I thought it might be too much, but it doesn't feel like we're wearing that much, right?" The others all nodded.
"Santana's right, and most importantly, they're comfortable." Hailey said.
"Britt, you're quiet. What do you think?" Lexi asked.
"I love it! She said with a big smile. "It looks just like the sketch."
"That it does." Tasha said. "Are those faux collars with the ties comfortable?"
"They are." Brittany told her. "I barely even notice."
"Same here." Hailey said. "So ladies, think we should show the guys or keep them wondering?"
"I think you should show them." Lexi told them.
"Why is that?" Santana asked.
"It's because it's going to take them some time to get used to what you're wearing. To put it bluntly, you all look hot! And there is no way they won't be affected by it." Soon all of them were giggling as their minds all seemed to wander to the same place.
"Well then, let's go have some fun!" Hailey said. But before they headed up Tasha gave them all one last look over. After tightening the backs of their vests slightly they headed up the stairs with Lexi and Tasha following behind. When they reached the doors though, they all stopped and just watched what was happening in front of them. There in the middle of the room, they sat singing. "Lexi, do you have your phone?"
"Why?"
"Look." Lexi made her way through the girls and soon was pulling her phone out. As she began to record she noticed the kids weren't with Blaine and Sebastian, but Braeden was climbing on Beat who was lying on his back and Wes being a backrest to Jocelyn who was happily clapping along.
"I think we need to wait till the song is over." Santana said.
"Me too." Brittany said to which Rachel and Hailey agreed.
"Looks like you got a new fan Beat." David said from his spot next to him as Braeden was smiling down at Beat.
"What can I say, he's got taste."
"That's questionable." James said which caused Beat to flip him off. "Such a horrible role model."
"Hey, I didn't say anything that could be used against me at a later date. And said finger gesture was out of his view."
"It's a good thing or Lexi would've kicked your butt." Blaine said with a laugh. "Speaking of, I wonder what's taking the girls so long."
"Something probably doesn't look right."
"Actually, we were enjoying the entertainment." Rachel said as they all walked in. If looks on the guys' faces and their sudden silence were any indication, Lexi was right in her assessment."
"What do you think?" Brittany asked as she and the girls turned around to give them a full view. Blaine and Sebastian looked at each other and then at the guys, more specifically the girls boyfriends.
"You girls look…incredible!" Blaine replied as even he was blown away by how they looked. "And I'm sure the rest of the guys agree, right?"
"Blaine's right, you all look amazing." Thad said.
"Jeff?" Brittany asked sweetly. After taking a deep breath Jeff got up off the floor and walked over to Brittany and pulled her close before whispering in her ear. When she started to giggle a few of the guys shook their heads.
"I have a feeling there's a good reason he didn't speak out loud." Hunter said.
"I think you're right." Thad said in agreement. As he did so, soon the other boyfriends all walked towards their girls, Wes the last to arrive since he had to hand Jocelyn off to Blaine. While the four couples spoke, Lexi walked over to Beat and picked up Braeden while Tasha picked up Jocelyn from Blaine.
"Is this going to be another all day rehearsal?" Lexi asked.
"We'll probably go till about seven, why?" Sebastian said in response.
"Just curious, that's all."
"Guys?"
"Yes Britt." Dave replied.
"Would you mind running through the set one more time before we break for lunch?"
"Sure." James replied. "Is it safe to presume you girls want to give your outfits a test run?"
"It is." Rachel replied. "We want to make sure they do what they're supposed to."
"And we don't expose ourselves." Hailey added.
"Ah, so you want them to function as well as look good." Sebastian said as he got up off the floor.
"That's the idea." Santana told him as Nick whispered into her ear, bringing a smile to her face.
"We should probably get a move on before the guys can't dance." David said bringing laughter to the entire room. The glares he received from Jeff, Brody, Wes, and Nick proved how correct his words were. As they set up, Lexi and Tasha walked to the opposing wall so they could get a better view this time around. Plus Lexi, knew her kids would enjoy being able to clearly see what was going on. Once Rachel backed up to Blaine, he glanced back at her over his shoulder.
"You girls really do look fantastic."
"Thanks. It's nice to see everyone approved."
"Rach, everyone more than approves and you know it."
Thankfully the run through went extremely well. While they all caught their breath Tasha came walking over. "Everything good?" The girls all nodded. "No slippage?"
"No slippage." Santana said.
"Excellent, I will let Susan know. And by the time you all come back from your winter break your outfits should be ready unless something comes up."
"We don't know how to thank you." Hailey told her.
"Seeing you guys happy is thanks enough. I'm glad Susan was able to bring your vision to life."
"Um, what are we going to owe you for them?" Rachel asked.
"Nothing, it's already been taken care of." The girls all looked at Lexi who shook her head before glancing to her right.
"Fine, we're guilty as charged." Blaine said. "Bas and I paid for them."
"Why?" Rachel said as she crossed her arms in front of her.
"It's our way of saying thank you. And don't even try convincing us to let you pay us back. Just let us do this for you." The girls all looked at each other before stepping closer and having a little talk that no one outside of their little circle could hear.
"Are you two worried?" Beat asked.
"Slightly." Blaine replied. "We were sort of hoping they weren't going to ask."
"You had to know that wasn't going to happen." Brody told them.
"Like B said, we hoped." As Sebastian answered the girls came walking up to them. "What's the verdict? Are we going to get yelled at?" Brittany walked up to him and kissed him on the cheek while giving him a hug then did the same to Blaine.
"Thank you."
"You're not mad?" Blaine asked as the rest of them gave them each a hug and a kiss.
"We were at first." Rachel stated. "But then we talked and realized it's silly to be upset because you two wanted to do something for us."
"We appreciate that." Sebastian told them.
"But…" Santana said. "We want to do something for you guys in return."
"And what would that be?" Blaine asked.
"Let's us make you dinner. We know it's not much, but we also know you wouldn't let us do too much." Hailey replied. "Think of it as a simple token of our thanks."
"Will you let us?" Brittany asked.
"Are we allowed to consult with each other?" Sebastian asked.
"Of course Sebby." Sebastian then leaned in closer to Blaine and while no one could hear, it was pretty obvious they were talking to each other.
"You may. When will this be occurring?"
"We were thinking in two weeks." Hailey replied. "Precisely, the Friday evening before our next weekend rehearsal."
"We'll have to check our schedule but I'm sure it'll work."
"Sebby."
"Fine, our schedule will be clear." Sebastian said as he wrapped an arm around Brittany and brought her against him.
"Thank you." Rachel told them both. After talking a bit more the girls headed out to change back into their rehearsal clothes. Once they were gone the rest of the guys gathered round.
"What?" Blaine asked noticing that all eyes were on them.
"That was really nice what you both did." Wes told them. "None of them expected it."
"We know." Blaine replied. "Bas and I figured it was the least we could do considering the four of them have to put up with the fourteen of us. And try as we might, sometimes we let our conversations get away from us."
"Considering Jeff and I have apologized to Britt and Santana for it numerous times I can tell you they honestly don't mind. Personally Santana is happy that we're all so comfortable around them."
"Same goes for Hailey." Wes chimed in.
"And Rachel." Brody added. "They truly like that we don't behave differently because they're around. Well, at least a lot."
"That's because we've never really been bad in mixed company." Dave said. "We clearly leave that for when it's just the boys."