Two Steps Beyond
Part 130
When Blaine walked into the rehearsal room on Tuesday afternoon he was happy to find it empty. The last few times when he and Jeff had arrived there was always someone there who didn't belong. Playing the bad guy and kicking people out was starting to get old. He'd been working on his piece for his music lab for about twenty minutes before Jeff came walking in. "Sorry I'm late." He said as he set his bag down. "I brought a piece offering." Blaine looked up and saw Jeff had set a cup on the table next to the piano.
"Coffee?"
"Peppermint hot chocolate. Britt got me hooked on it so I thought it was only fair to get everyone else hooked as well." While Jeff spoke Blaine took a sip and soon smiled. "It's good, isn't it?"
"It is. What kept you?" Blaine asked as Jeff took a seat.
"I needed to speak with my sociology professor about the paper he's having us write instead of taking a final."
"Ah, Bas and I each have a few of those as well. Was he willing to answer your question?"
"He was and actually said it was a good one. Now, are you sure you want to do this today?"
"I do. While it's tempting to surprise them, I don't think it would be right, especially if we end up competing against them. This way it gives them time to tell us they don't want us around when they're rehearsing that stuff."
"Makes sense. They are a cool bunch of guys and surprising them like that would be a bit cruel."
"Exactly. So, I sent Dylan a text earlier today and asked him if he minded coming a bit early."
"And?"
"He said it wouldn't be a problem. I also told Bas we were going to tell him just in case."
"So he can warn Michael if things don't go well."
"Yep. Since we finally have some privacy I've got a question for you."
"Should I be worried?" Jeff asked.
"No." Blaine said with a smile. "What did you really think of the girls' outfits they'll be warning?"
"Are you implying that my opinion is more than that of everyone else?"
"Not just yours. You, Nick, Wes, and Brody to be exact. While all the guys had a strong reaction to them, I know it had to hit you four a bit harder shall I say. Pardon the pun." Blaine said as he tried not to laugh.
"Oh, our opinion was very much like the others. The only difference is we're able to act on it." Jeff said with a smile.
"You still haven't answered my question."
"Fine, they looked incredibly sexy. And if we weren't all together I'm sure all of us would've acted upon it then and there."
"So David wasn't far off."
"Not by much. I mean, that outfit is just…yea." Jeff said as a not so innocent smile came to his face. "That outfit shows just enough to truly entice ones imagination."
"That it does. Bas and I actually talked about that Saturday night after we all went to bed. He said, and I agreed that we wouldn't be surprised if there was some role-play in all of your futures."
"I'd say that's a safe assumption considering Nick, Wes, and I had a similar talk after the girls went to bed. And we're pretty sure the girls know it too." They probably were talking for only about ten minutes more when Dylan walked into the room, closing the door behind him. "Hey!" Jeff said with a smile.
"Hey! You two seem to be in a good mood."
"That's because we are. Amazing what spending the weekend with close friends can do for you." Blaine said. "How was your weekend?"
"Interesting." Dylan replied as he took a seat across from them. "Michael and I went out to dinner and saw the former senator and his wife."
"Ugh, that had to be awkward." Blaine said as he sat up in his seat a bit.
"You could say that again. Thankfully he stayed away, but the whole situation was weird. It put a bit of a damper on our night so instead of going out afterwards we just went home and watched movies."
"While it might not have been what you had planned, hopefully you still had fun." Jeff said.
"We did. And by the second movie, Michael was back to himself again. So, what is it you two wanted to talk to me about?" After he spoke, Jeff and Blaine looked at each other, almost deciding who was going to speak first. But after taking a cleansing breath Blaine began to spoke.
"You know Jeff and I have really enjoyed helping you guys, right?" Dylan nodded. "That's why we need to talk to you."
"You're not deserting us, are you?" Dylan asked as he leaned back in his chair.
"We're not, though you might want us to after we tell you what we want." Jeff told him. Seeing that they both looked a bit uncomfortable, Dylan reached over to his bag and pulled out a piece of paper and slid it across the piano. "What's this?" Jeff asked as Blaine picked it up.
"Your entry form." Dylan said with a smile.
"You knew?" Blaine asked, slightly shocked by how calm Dylan was.
"Of course. You didn't think those flyers just happened to get placed on the piano directly in front of you two, did you?" Blaine and Jeff looked at each other and then at Dylan.
"Why?" Jeff asked.
"Because I could see how much you guys still love this stuff, but I knew you'd never sing with us. Your loyalty is to your boys and I respect that. So, I felt if I put the flyers in front of you it would give you a gentle nudge. And after seeing the way both of you lit up after reading it I knew it worked. Plus, since we're being honest here…I wanted to see you guys perform in person. I had really hoped you guys would compete."
"Well, it worked." Jeff told him. "After we decided it was a good idea, he went home and ran the idea by Seb and I ran it by Nick."
"Then that weekend we ran it by everyone since they were in town and they were more than eager to take part." Blaine added. "It seems everyone missed performing."
"Let me guess, your time together with your friends this weekend was spent rehearsing."
"It was, but we also went out and had fun. We've actually been working since that first weekend."
"Really?" Dylan replied, slightly shocked by what Blaine said.
"Yea. We spent that first weekend choosing songs so that we had ample time to put together arrangements."
"How long did those take?"
"Since there were four of us working on them, one week." Jeff told him. "Once they were finished we sent everyone their parts and a week later we got together for our first rehearsal."
"So, you've been mainly working on vocals so far?"
"Actually, we've got our complete choreography done." Blaine replied with a rather shy smile.
"We just started ours."
"We know. The thing is, a couple members of our group are actually dancers. And well, Jeff's girlfriend, Brittany is a dancer as well and helped choreograph, much like she did for us last year. You see, once the arrangements were finished, Jeff ran them through the computer and created computer generated versions of them so that they could begin working on the choreography."
"You guys are taking this seriously, aren't you?"
"We are. We've all got pretty serious competitive drives so if we're going to do something, we go all out." Jeff told him.
"I'm seriously impressed. And can tell you I can't wait to see what you've come up with. One question."
"Shoot."
"If you guys win the open round, you're going to take advantage of the invite to compete against the other groups aren't you?"
"We are." Blaine told him. "You don't mind, do you?"
"Not at all. From what I've seen in video you guys will give a lot of them a run for their money, including us."
"Are you sure you don't mind considering Jeff and I wrote your arrangements?"
"I'm positive Blaine. Heck, we're lucky that you guys did it."
"So, you don't want us to disappear when you rehearse for the show?" Jeff asked.
"Nope, we'd be crazy not to take your advice."
"Are the other guys going to mind?" Blaine asked.
"No, a bunch of them were talking and were wondering whether or not you guys were going to take part. Bryan was pretty certain that you would be as was I. Nice to know we were correct. How many schools compile your little group?"
"I thought you only had one question." Jeff said with a laugh.
"You've got me there, but I'm curious." Jeff and Blaine looked at each other and started to count up everyone and the colleges represented.
"Eleven." Blaine replied.
"Wow."
"Yep, and think, some universities are represented more than once."
"Think I can get a sneak peak?"
"Nope. All our operations are top secret, but nice try." Jeff told him. "Bryan mentioned that you guys get a pretty big crowd for this, was he right?"
"He was. Last year when Fordham hosted they sold out well in advance, why?"
"When do tickets go on sale?" Blaine asked.
"After we come back from break. I'm guessing you guys are going to need quite a few."
"That's correct. Between girlfriends, friends, and family they add up pretty quickly."
"Understandable. Have you guys shared with anyone else that you were performing or am I the first outside of your little group?"
"My brother and sister-in-law know." Blaine told him. "Plus Bas told Nate."
"As in Nate Blackwell?"
"Yep. After one of our dance rehearsals he notice some bruises on Bas and he asked about them. So Bas told him but made him promise to keep quiet."
"Knowing those lacrosse boys the way I do and well, you know them as well. They'll all be there to support Seb."
"Nate told him that as well. So, now you can see why we'll need quite a few tickets."
"Well, let me know how many you'll need and I'll be sure to set a block of them aside for you guys. Is it alright if I tell Michael?"
"Of course." Jeff replied. "Now that you know, it's no longer a secret. I've got to tell you, it's a relief that you didn't freak out on us."
"Well, I'm glad you both took the gentle nudge to perform again. I've got an idea."
"What would that be?"
"What if we all go out to dinner say, Thursday night. Bring the significant others along."
"Sounds good to me, I just have to check with Bas."
"Same here, I just need to check with Britt."
"She won't mind being out with all guys, will she?"
"Not at all, she's pretty used to it. Often it's only her or her and Santana if she's in town hanging with a bunch of guys."
"Invite them along."
"Are you sure?" Blaine asked.
"It's dinner, why not unless Nick and Santana didn't like us after that impromptu dinner we had together."
"No, they liked you. Trust me, if Santana didn't approve she would've said something. She's not the type of person to bite her tongue."
"Especially if she feels people could hurt those she cares about." Jeff added. "Blaine was just making sure, because well, that's the way he is. So, I will mention it to them tonight when I get home."
"So yours and Nick's girlfriends must get along well since you two live together." Blaine tried not to laugh, but he just couldn't stop himself. "What's so funny?"
"What Blaine here didn't tell you nor did I is that my girlfriend and Nick's girlfriend are actually best friends as well."
"Convenient."
"You could say that again." Blaine said through his laughter.
"Let me guess, because of one relationship the other began."
"That's a good way to put it." Jeff told him. "So, I will let you know either sometime tonight or tomorrow whether or not Thursday works."
"Sounds good. What about you Blaine?"
"Same. Once I talk to Bas, I'll let you know.
When Blaine got home that evening he was greeted to the sound of Christmas music filling their home. The further in he walked, he could hear Sebastian singing along with what was playing. As he reached the end of the hallway he stopped dead in his tracks upon seeing Sebastian dancing around, wearing nothing but the boxers Blaine had bought for him the previous Christmas and his Santa hat. Before he had a chance to speak Sebastian made his way towards him and quickly wrapped his arms around him. "Welcome home!" He said before leaning down to kiss Blaine.
When the kiss finally broke, Sebastian had quite the smirk on his face and Blaine was trying to catch his breath. "That was one heck of a welcome home kiss."
"I'm glad you approved. I felt it only fitting since you situated yourself underneath the mistletoe."
"Mistletoe?" Sebastian nodded before leaning down to kiss him again. This time when the kiss broke Blaine looked up and noticed rather huge bundle of mistletoe above him. When Sebastian went to kiss him again, Blaine took ahold of his hand and moved them out into the living room.
"You're no fun." Sebastian said with a pout.
"If I stayed there, we never would've stopped."
"And you're complaining, why?"
"Because I can think of much better places to do the same thing. By the way, you look quite sexy this evening."
"Glad you think so. Now, since you stopped me from kissing you beneath the mistletoe, where would you like to go?"
"How about you let me change and then we decide?"
"Homework?"
"Done."
"Did you talk with Dylan?"
"Yes, and that's something we need to talk about."
"Well then, since that's the case you can talk to me while you change." When Blaine nodded, he noticed that Sebastian still had a smirk on his face. "Are you waiting for a reason?"
"No." Blaine then gave Sebastian's hand a tug before walking towards their bedroom. Once they reached the doorway Blaine looked back at Sebastian and smiled. "When?"
"I did it after I got home today. I felt our bedroom was lacking proper holiday mood lighting." Blaine laughed softly as he walked into their room. "Do you like?"
"I do." Blaine replied as he looked at the lights framing their ceiling. "No need for any other lights now unless we're studying."
"My thoughts exactly." Sebastian replied as he stretched across the bed. While he watched Blaine changed, Sebastian cleared his throat a few times. Each time Blaine looked at him, Sebastian would smile before Blaine would finish changing. Even though Sebastian had his Christmas boxers on, Blaine grabbed a pair of his holiday lounge pants and pulled them on. "Ummm."
"I don't remember where I put them when we unpacked." Blaine replied before getting up on their bed. "I'll wear them tomorrow night, promise." He then leaned down to kiss Sebastian who wrapped a hand around his neck and slowly deepened the kiss. With the way they were laying, one would think Blaine had all the control since he was on top but Sebastian was clearly was. When it broke Blaine, looked down at him and smiled. "Isn't this better?"
"Much, but less talking more kissing." When Sebastian went to pull him down again Blaine braced himself.
"Not that I mind, but what's with the intense need to kiss."
"Mistletoe, you need to kiss when you're beneath it." Blaine rolled onto his side ever so slightly and looked up at their ceiling. "See." Sebastian said, and from the sound of his voice Blaine knew he was smiling.
"Interesting place to put it."
"I thought it was appropriate." Sebastian said once Blaine was looking at him again.
"Where else did you put it?"
"You'll just have to wait and see. Though, before we get back to what we were doing you said you wanted to tell me something about your talk with Dylan."
"I do." Sebastian then scooted back so his head was propped up more by the pillows. Once he was settled Blaine got comfortable lying next to him, his head propped up by his hand. "Dylan set us up."
"What do you mean?" Sebastian asked, cocking his eyebrow in the process.
"He put those flyers on the piano purposely so Jeff and I would see them."
"I'm confused."
"So were we. Seems he could tell Jeff and I both still had the itch to perform, but knew it would never be with them. He knew our loyalty was with our friends and he totally respects that. So, he put the flyers in front of us hoping it would give us a nudge to perform."
"Sneaky, I like it."
"I knew you would. Jeff said the same thing during our ride home. And he said when he saw us read them and our faces light up he knew the chances were good that we'd take part."
"Did you tell him how quickly you put it together?"
"We did and he was shocked."
"Did you tell him we're going co-ed?"
"No. And I told him it was alright for him to tell Michael so I'm sure you'll hear about it tomorrow."
"Alright, anything else or can we get back to kissing?"
"He invited us out to dinner Thursday."
"Just us?"
"No. He invited Jeff and Britt as well. And when he questioned whether or not Britt would have a problem being out with all guys we told him no since she's often the only one. We then said if it wasn't just her Santana was usually around so he told Jeff to invite her and Nick as well."
"Sounds good to me. And before I forget, Coop is home and would love to see us before he leaves again."
"When does he leave?"
"Tomorrow night."
"So he's basically home for two days."
"Yep. So I told him, we'd swing by tomorrow sometime after we're done with classes."
"We can do that." Blaine said as he rolled onto his back so he could reach his phone on the nightstand.
"What are you doing B?"
"I told Dylan I'd let him know as soon as I had an answer about Thursday."
"After that do you have anything else to do?"
"I do." After Blaine spoke, he heard Sebastian huff in frustration. "Relax Bas."
"But…" His words were stopped by Blaine's finger on his lips.
"You're what I have to do. So the sooner you let me send this text, the sooner I'm all yours again." While Blaine spoke he watched a smile creep to Sebastian's face. No sooner did Blaine send the text did he roll back to Sebastian. "Now, where were we?"
"You were going to kiss me with reckless abandon." Sebastian replied with a smirk.
"Is that so? Or is that what you're wanting?"
"Why don't you kiss me and find out?"