Two Steps Beyond
Part 132
Knowing what his day held ahead of him, Blaine decided to get his baking done for that evening before even leaving for school. With Sebastian still sound asleep, Blaine wanted nothing more than to stay in bed with him, but knew this was going to be his only opportunity. So after giving Sebastian a kiss on the cheek, Blaine carefully made his way out of bed and put some clothes on. He'd just pulled his shirt over his head, when he heard Sebastian move; he hoped he hadn't woken him by giving him that kiss. But there, was Sebastian still sound asleep. The noise Blaine had heard was just him rolling over in bed.
After carefully closing their bedroom door behind him so that he could listen to music and not wake Sebastian, Blaine headed for the kitchen. Once he'd put his iPod in the dock and chosen a playlist, Blaine pressed brew on the coffee pot before pulling out his cookbook. While flipping through the pages Blaine was in his own little world. So much so that he didn't hear Sebastian walk into the kitchen. It wasn't till Sebastian wrapped his arms around him did he realize he was no longer alone. "It's not fair sneaking out of bed like that." Sebastian whispered into Blaine's ear before beginning to nuzzle his neck. "I rolled over, all set to kiss you yet you were nowhere to be found."
"Sorry." Blaine said softly before turning his head just enough to kiss Sebastian. "But I knew I needed to get started."
"On?"
"Dessert for tonight, since I won't have much time after I get home."
"I've been shunned for chocolate. I get it." Sebastian said as he released his hold on Blaine and stepped back.
"Bas."
"You're cute when you pout, you know that?"
"Maybe I do and use it as a weapon." Blaine said before wiggling his eyebrows. "Knowing you can't resist me when I'm like this."
"Hell, I can't resist you most of the time." Sebastian replied before taking cups out for him upon hearing the coffee pot go off. "Now, what are you thinking of making?"
"I was thinking of making my Mom's triple chocolate torte."
"Yes please." The smile on Sebastian's face caused Blaine to laugh. "What?"
"You're cute."
"Thank you."
"And I'll be sure to remind the lady herself so she makes it while we're home. Hopefully I'll be able to do it justice."
"First off, thank you. But I know you and Cooper love it just as much. Hell, so does Lexi. And I have no doubt; you'll be able to do it. Is there anything I can do to help?"
"This is one time where I ask you to not distract me. But once it's in the oven I'm all yours."
"I can do that. I won't want to be the reason it doesn't turn out."
By the time Santana arrived at the apartment she was a bit frazzled. So much so that it was noticeable to everyone once she walked in. "I'm so sorry I'm late. I swear I'm not trying to make it a habit but the train…" Santana didn't get to finish her ramble as Nick pulled her into a hug and gave her a kiss.
"Relax, you're not late." He said as he tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "You have more than enough time to get ready. We're not leaving for an hour."
"But you are all ready to go."
"That's because Jeff and I didn't want to get in the way of either of you getting ready. And Lexi let Britt go early since she knew we all had plans thanks to Blaine and Seb."
"He's telling the truth." Jeff told her. "And personally, you look great so even if you were late you had nothing to worry about."
"Jeff's right, you look pretty."
"Thank you everyone." She replied as she leaned her head against Nick's shoulder. "But I'm going to change regardless as I've been wearing this all day and I feel blah."
"Need any help?" Nick asked.
"No she doesn't." Jeff stated.
"And how would you know that?"
"It's because if you help her then we will be late." Brittany couldn't help but giggle, knowing just how right Jeff was. After a little more banter, Santana gave Nick a kiss before heading into the bedroom to change. Once Nick sat back down he glared over at Jeff. "You cannot be mad at me because it's the truth and you know it."
"Doesn't mean I like hearing it. So Britt, how's Lexi doing with Cooper being gone?"
"She's good, but it helps that he was home for two days."
"He was?"
"Yep. He came home Tuesday morning and left late Wednesday."
"That explains Blaine and Seb spending date night with Lexi. Guess it wasn't just her." Nick said with a laugh. "Are you sure there isn't anything we can bring with us?"
"Positive. Dylan said he and Michael were taking care of basically everything."
"What does that mean?"
"Nate is bringing drinks and Blaine and Seb are taking care of dessert."
"Do you know what Blaine made?" Brittany asked.
"How do you know it wasn't Seb?" Nick asked.
"Because Blaine does most of the baking, but he said Sebby was getting better."
"All he said today is that it was something chocolate and it's rich." Jeff said. "And don't ask for anything more since that's all he told me." While they were waiting for Santana to change, Jeff received a text from making sure he had the directions and knew which train to take. After confirming the information, Blaine let them know that he and Sebastian were leaving and that Michael had said they were welcome whenever so if they were ready they could leave. By the time Santana came walking out, Jeff had already grabbed his and Brittany's coats and Nick had done the same.
"I thought we weren't leaving for a bit." Santana said as she walked up to them.
"We weren't going to, but Jeff spoke with Blaine who told him Michael said we're more than welcome to come whenever. So, if we were ready we could come now."
"Have Blaine and Seb left yet?"
"They left about fifteen minutes ago." Brittany replied. "So, do you want to go?"
"Sure, as long as it's alright."
"Blaine assured me it is." Jeff told her.
The subway ride over to Michael's didn't take long at all and they were all relieved that once they were out of the station they only had to walk about a block since the wind had picked up. "You do realize we're only a couple of blocks from where Cooper and Lexi live, right?" Nick said as they walked.
"I noticed that." Jeff replied. "If we were going to their place though we would've gotten off on the next stop. While their home is surrounded by other what we'll call mansions, this is like sophisticated brownstone central."
"Interesting description." Nick said with a laugh.
"Fine, do better?"
"Guys, it's silly to argue over it." Brittany said as she moved a bit closer to Jeff as a rather brisk gust blew. "They're all nice homes."
"She's right." Santana added and both Nick and Jeff just looked at both of the girls before shrugging their shoulders. "There it is!" With the recent snow, the boys helped the girls up the steps in case there was any hidden ice. Shortly after ringing the bell Michael opened the door.
"Welcome! Come on in!" As he stepped aside to let them in, he greeted them all more personally before taking their coats.
"Thanks for including us." Nick said as he handed Michael his and Santana's coats.
"My pleasure. I'm going to go and put these in the study. Just go down the hall and once you pass the stairs, turn left, that's where you'll find everyone else." They all nodded before Michael headed off and soon proceeded down the hallway. Once they passed the staircase they would've known where to go considering the laughter they heard coming from the room to their left.
"I see you finally made it." Sebastian said with a smile before taking a sip of his drink. "B and I along with the others were wondering when you were going to get here."
"Well, no more wondering, we're here." Jeff replied.
"Now, everyone knows everyone, right?" Michael said as he walked into the room.
"I think you and I are the ones at the disadvantage." Nate said. "All the others bonded while you, Seb, and I were playing."
"He's right." Jenna replied. "It's nice to see you all again."
"It's nice to see you too." Brittany replied.
"May we get you something to drink?" Dylan asked. "We've basically got everything."
"Sebby, what are you drinking?"
"Wine."
"Sophisticated." Santana replied with a giggle.
"Hush, B is too. Do you really think all those open bottles of wine in our place are from Coop and Lexi?"
"Good point." Nick replied. After the guys asked the girls what they wanted, they followed Dylan towards the bar.
"I need to ask this now that you're both in the same place." Jenna said as she sat down on the arm of the chair Nate was sitting in. "Brittany, why do you call Seb, Sebby?" Blaine leaned his head back as he laughed and a smile crept across Sebastian's face.
"Do you want to tell her or should I Britt?"
"You can."
"Wait, I want to hear this too." Dylan said as they all came back. "I wondered the same thing."
"For starters, don't get any crazy ideas." Sebastian told them. "Britt is the only one that can call me that."
"What about Blaine?" Nate asked, and Blaine shook his head in response. "Interesting."
"When B and I first got together his ex referred to me as the evil Prince."
"Evil Prince?" Michael asked.
"Not so much now, but Seb's hair used to resemble that of a Disney prince." Santana told them. "And since Lady Hummel felt intimidated by him, Seb was an evil prince."
"Strangely that makes sense." Nate said. "Continue."
"And well, Britt felt Sebastian was a bit too stuffy, so, she called me Sebby. And for some reason, coming from her I don't mind it."
"But if anyone else dares call him that, there are repercussions." Nick told them.
"Have any of you been tempted to call him that?" Jenna asked.
"Yes, but we value our lives too much." Jeff replied. "Seb wasn't always the mild mannered guy before you now."
"Let me guess, Blaine played a part in that." Michael said.
"He did." Sebastian replied as he slid his arm around Blaine's waist. Once he did so Blaine just looked up at him and smiled.
"I need to say this, but your home is beautiful." Santana told Michael.
"Thank you. It's been in our family for quite a long time. Once I decided to go to school at Columbia my parents felt it was only fitting that I live her since they don't use it often."
"Where do your parents live if you don't mind me asking?" Jeff asked.
"Westchester. While they love the city, they prefer the openness of our home there. Plus it allows my Mom to ride whenever she wants."
"Ride?" Jenna asked.
"My Mom is a horse lover. We've got four of them, all of us ride actually."
"I never knew that. Learn something new every day." Jenna said. "Do any of you ride? And Nate, don't answer since I already know."
"But they might not."
"Fine, he does." She replied. "What about the rest of you?"
"I do." Dylan replied. "Though I hadn't for a while. During break was the first time I'd ridden in quite a while."
"I do as well." Nick said and Santana just looked at him. "I didn't tell you?"
"No, how long?"
"Since I was a kid, all of us ride. My Dad loves to ride to clear his head, but doesn't often get the opportunity. That is why he got a motorcycle."
"What does your Dad do?" Michael asked.
"He's a neurosurgeon."
"Impressive." Nate replied. "I'm sure other doctors love that the neurosurgeon rides a motorcycle."
"Yea, he's heard quite a few jokes about it."
"Now, since we're all getting to know each other a bit more, what are you all studying?" Jenna asked. "And so it doesn't seem like I'm not sharing, I'm studying chemical engineering."
"Really?" Blaine asked. "I never would've guessed."
"Me either when I first met her." Nate replied. "Who knew at that point my future girlfriend was a bit of a geek."
"Hey."
"Oh come now, you know I love you. But it's true. And since Jenna has shared, I'm currently pre-med."
"So is Nicky." Santana said.
"Cool, I plan to go into orthopedics, you?"
"Pediatrics."
"Awwww."
"Shut up Seb." After Nick spoke, he realized that was the first time he'd told anyone besides Santana and Jeff what he planned to do.
"Come on man, that's adorable. But considering the way you act around Jocelyn and Braeden I really shouldn't be surprised. It's a natural fit for you."
"I told him the same thing." Santana replied before giving Nick a kiss on the cheek. "Since I'm speaking, I might as well go next, I'm with Public Relations."
"It's brave to want to deal with the public in that manner." Michael told her. "Are you thinking of dealing on the personal level or corporate?"
"Personal, as of right now I'm interning at one of the PR firms in the city."
"She's being modest, she's interning at the top PR firm here in the city." Blaine said with a smile.
"Thanks to you two."
"What did they do?" Jenna asked.
"Nothing beside make a phone call." Sebastian replied. "I just got her to talk to someone and she did the rest herself."
"Don't knock it Santana, making it in this city is all about who you know and making the most of it." Jenna told her. "And it sounds like you made the most of the opportunity Seb presented you."
"She's right." Jeff replied. "Maybe now you'll believe it since it isn't coming from one of us." Santana just looked at Jeff before smiling and nodding, knowing they were right. She did get her internship on her merits.
"What about you Brittany?" Nate asked.
"I'm not going to school right now, but I dance. And when I'm not dancing I work as an assistant."
"That sounds like a lot of hard work." Dylan said. "A couple of my friends are dancers and they put in crazy amount of time at the studio and audition a ton. The fact that you have a job on top of that shows some dedication."
"Thanks." The smile that came to Brittany's face was genuine. It was pretty clear those closest to her were at bit worried when the conversation of what they were all studying came up and how she'd react. But clearly Brittany had grown quite a bit since they'd all gotten to New York. And Dylan's words couldn't have rung more true. While the rest of them were going to school, Brittany was clearly working hard to try and fulfill her dream while also maintaining a job.
"Since you're talented girlfriend has spoken, what about you Jeff?" Dylan asked.
"Computer science."
"Really, I never would've guessed."
"There isn't much Jeff can't do with a computer." Nick replied. "What about you?"
"Music education actually. I believe music can help people in so many ways. So, bring that to people is important to me."
"You couldn't be more right about that." Sebastian said. "Heck, music brought most of us together. And since I'm already talking, I'll state whatever already knows and that I'm currently pre-law."
"I'm majoring in psychology." Blaine said. "That leaves you, Michael."
"Wow, that got to me quick. I'm an accounting major, which only makes sense because numbers are to me as computers seem to Jeff. And on that note, I'm going to go check on dinner. I'll be right back." Michael then leaned over and gave Dylan a kiss on the cheek before leaving the room.
"Safe to say we all cover the gamut of study." Jenna said. "Brittany, let me know the next time you're going to dance as I'd love to see you."
"I can do that. Do you dance?"
"I used to till I blew out my knee in high school. I still dance for fun, but not to the extent I used to."
"Did you do dance line or cheerlead?" Santana asked.
"Dance line, why?"
"Britt and I were both cheerleaders."
Once the girls got to talking, the guys made their way over to the other side of the room to talk as to not interrupt. They'd just begun talking about everything they all needed to do for finals when Michael came walking back into the room. After informing everyone that dinner was ready they made their way into the kitchen. "It smells incredible." Jenna said as the girls walked in behind the guys.
"Thank you." Michael replied. "We hope everyone enjoys."
"Who cooked?" Nicked asked.
"We both did." Dylan said. "But to be honest, Michael is the better cook. My skills are pretty limited but are slowly expanding."
"Who'd you learn to cook from?" Sebastian asked as they all began to dish up their plates before heading for the dining room."
"My Mom, she's actually quite the chef."
"He means that in the literal sense." Nate said. "His Mom is a chef."
"What's her specialty?" Jeff asked.
"French cuisine." When Michael answered, Blaine, Jeff, and Nick all looked at Sebastian who now had quite the smile on his face.
"Fair warning, I think Seb might kidnap your Mom." Blaine said as he finished dishing up his plate. "He's a sucker for good French cuisine."
"Do either of you cook?" Michael asked as they all walked into the dining room.
"We both do actually." Blaine replied. "Why?"
"While my Mom is a bit busy, I'm sure she'd be more than willing to share some of her favorite recipes with you. That is if your skills are a bit more than basic."
"They're both excellent cooks." Nick told them. "They put the rest of us to shame."
"You're getting better." Sebastian replied. "Nate, Jenna, which of you does the cooking?"
"We split it pretty evenly." Jenna replied. "Though we both have our specialties, thankfully those specialties aren't the same."
"That works well then." Dylan replied. "If we want anything beyond the basics, that's up to Michael or we're calling for take-out."
"Since you're all here, I need to ask. Do all of you sing or just Blaine and Jeff?" Michael asked.
"Don't forget Seb sings." Nate added.
"Can't forget Seb." Michael replied. "So?"
"We all sing." Blaine said. "And that includes the girls."
"Remind me not to take part in karaoke with any of you." Jenna said. "Because I so can't sing."
"Did you tell her?" Sebastian asked as he looked across the table at Nate. When Nate shook his head Sebastian smirked. "Remember after the lacrosse get-together you asked Nate when you could hear B and I sing again."
"I do."
"You're actually going to get the opportunity to hear all of us sing."
"How?"
"They are taking part in the competition NYU is hosting." Dylan replied. "While schools from all over compete, there is also an open class for anyone wanting to give it a go. Then the winner of that class is eligible to compete against the school sponsored groups."
"And there is nothing against those competing from to be from the same schools or to be attending school. It's just an age range for eligibility." Jeff said. "And number of participants helps decide who you're competing against as well as set length."
"Seb, when you said we'd be hearing all of you did you mean…" Dylan said as he looked across at the six of them. "All of you?"
"I did. We were going to keep the girls a secret but we decided you can know. But, we're hoping you keep that part to yourself."
"Oh, I will." Dylan said. "Trust me; I'm thrilled that you guys are going to perform. Now I'm curious after seeing what you guys do, how you're going to include the girls."
"For that, you will have to wait." Blaine told him.
"Why do I feel like I'm missing something?" Jenna said.
"From what Dylan has told me and from what I know from Seb, we're surrounded by some serious talent." Michael said. "It seems that we are joined by members of the last two show choir national champions."
"All of you?" Nate asked and they all nodded.
"But B's special, he was part of both groups." Sebastian said proudly. "The rest of us have only won once, though Britt did choreograph most of the Warblers championship routine. So, in a way she's won it twice as well." Sebastian then glanced at Brittany and winked.
"How long do we have to wait to see you guys?" Jenna asked.
"The competition is in February." Dylan replied. "Blaine and Jeff have already asked to have a block of seats put aside since this competition tends to sell-out."
"You didn't tell me that B."
"Must've slipped my mind, sorry." Blaine then leaned over and gave Sebastian a kiss. "Forgive me?"
"Of course."
Once they finished dinner, they all headed back towards the family room to relax before having dessert. "Blaine. Seb. What is that delicious dessert you brought that's been teasing me since you arrived?" Jenna asked as she sat down next to Nate.
"That would be his Mom's triple chocolate torte."
"You can make that?" Jeff asked.
"That must mean you've had it before." Michael said.
"I have, so has Nick. It's…there really aren't words to describe it."
"How is it we haven't had it then?" Brittany asked.
"My Mom doesn't make it too often because of how sinfully it is."
"Sinful is an interesting choice in words Blaine." Santana said.
"It's a perfect description." Sebastian replied. "Just wait for the sounds that will escape everyone's mouths once they take a bite."
"How long do we have to wait because it sounds divine?" Nate asked.
"I'd wait about a half hour. " Blaine told him. "That way you can truly enjoy it."
The next half hour seemed to drag as most looked at their watches quite a few times. Once Michael got up to go to the kitchen to start a pot of coffee, it wasn't long till everyone was there as well. "Are you going to watch it brew?"
"Only if Blaine doesn't cut into dessert." Jenna told him.
"Do you have a sweet-tooth my dear?" Sebastian asked.
"She does." Nate replied.
Realizing everyone was a bit anxious; Michael told Blaine where he could find the knives while Dylan got plates out. Blaine had just finished dishing up the plates with some help from Dylan when the coffee finished. As everyone took their plates Blaine looked up at Sebastian who kissed the top of his head to try and calm his nerves. "They're going to love it B." Soon the all too familiar sounds began to fill the kitchen which brought a smile to Blaine's face. "Told you."
"Oh my god, this is incredible!" Santana exclaimed. "If I ask now, will you make this for my birthday?"
"I think that can be arranged." Blaine replied before finally taking a bite as well.
"Sinfully is the perfect description." Jenna told him. "This is amazing Blaine!"
"Guys, does it compare to my Mom's?"
"Absolutely!" Nick replied while Jeff nodded.
"Is it wrong to want to learn to bake after tasting this?" Michael asked.
"If it is, we're in the same boat." Dylan told him. "Now, Blaine, can Seb bake as well?"
"He's learning."
"I make a mean batch of cupcakes." Sebastian chimed in with. "And before you ask, I do make them from scratch. It's the only way B will let me. Nate, what do you think, you're pretty quiet?"
"That's because he's too busy eating." Jenna answered.