Two Steps Beyond
Part 137
Considering the previous evening's events, Blaine and Sebastian both slept rather well. They probably would've spent a bulk of the morning in bed if it wasn't for a knock on their door around nine. "We need a do not disturb sign for your door." Sebastian said as he rolled off of Blaine.
"That would go over real well." Blaine said with a laugh before getting out of bed and pulling on a pair of sweats. "While my parents might laugh one could only imagine the comment my grandparents would come up with." Upon opening the door he saw his Dad standing there with Braeden in his arms. "Yes."
"I thought you boys would like to know your Mom made breakfast and it should be ready soon. But I figured it was better to tell you now so you had time to get dressed."
"Thank you. Did you guys have fun last night?"
"We did. You?"
"We'll talk about it later."
"Blaine."
"Dad, later." Mr. Anderson shrugged his shoulders before looking passed Blaine at Sebastian who was sitting up in bed.
"Morning Seb."
"Morning!"
"Well, I'll go so you two can get dressed. Don't take long."
"We won't." Once Blaine closed the door he walked back towards the bed and sat down. "I'm assuming you heard."
"Yes, breakfast is about ready so we shouldn't dawdle." Sebastian replied before getting out from under the covers and pulling on a pair of sweats as well. "I must say, I didn't expect to see him."
"Very few people go to the office after the holiday party." Blaine told him. "For as long as I can remember, it's always been the unofficial start to my Dad's vacation."
When they finally walked into the kitchen they found Mr. Anderson feeding the twins while Mrs. Anderson finished making breakfast. "Morning boys!"
"Morning Mom." Blaine said before walking over to give her a kiss. After he did that Sebastian did the same before they each poured themselves some coffee. "So, how'd they behave for you two last night?"
"Really well." Sebastian replied. "And Jocelyn's sensitive ears saved me from getting a headache."
"Bas."
"It's true, I'm surprised Braeden was able to fall a sleep with that racket they considered music."
"Aren't you being a bit overly critical Seb?"
"Sadly, he's not Mom, it was bad. The only good thing that came from the night was seeing everyone. The setting left a lot to be desired."
"Blaine, tell us what happened." His Dad told him as he split his attention between the twins and the others in the kitchen. Blaine looked at Sebastian who nodded.
"Alright, Kurt was there last night and tried to talk to us."
"What did you say?" Mrs. Anderson asked.
"That it wasn't the time for it since we were leaving and both the kids were asleep."
"Let me guess, he didn't take that well." Mr. Anderson said.
"He didn't." Sebastian replied as he and Blaine looked at each other.
"Please tell us you two maintained some control since you had Jocelyn and Braeden with you."
"We did." Blaine told them. "But at one point we did hand them off to Brittany and Rachel once things got a bit intense. They pick up on those things and we didn't want it to wake them."
"What happened?" Mrs. Anderson asked as she brought the platter of pancakes to the table. "Blaine, just tell us."
"When we tried to leave he grabbed ahold of my arm to stop us." Blaine and Sebastian watched as the Andersons exchanged looks. "Before you ask, when he did it I was holding Braeden." While Mrs. Anderson looked concerned Mr. Anderson's face showed how angry he was.
"Did he not realize what could've happened by doing that?"
"You mean that B's instincts could've kicked in, no." Sebastian said. "That moment is what caused us to hand Jocelyn and Braeden to the girls."
"I know you don't want to hear this, but I don't think you boys should go back to Lima again while you're home." Mrs. Anderson told them. "It's clear Kurt has no respect for boundaries."
"Don't worry Mom, we don't plan on it." Blaine told her. "And so you know, Mr. Hummel was there and knows what happened and he wasn't pleased either."
"Did he say what he wanted to speak to both of you about?"
"He wanted to apologize for the umpteenth time." Sebastian replied. "We told him the same thing we've already told him that his words mean nothing. And that if he had just ignored us last night it would've meant more."
"Were there others around when this happened?" Mr. Anderson asked.
"At the beginning, no." Blaine told them. "But rather quickly we were joined by Jeff, Brittany, Brody, and Rachel. I don't know how they knew but it was nice to have them there."
"So the rest of your friends didn't get involved?" Mrs. Anderson asked.
"They stayed out of it at Quinn's request according to Mike. Since she goes to school with Dave and speaks with the girls often, she was fully aware of everything that's gone on. And felt it best the others not get involved since they have no idea what has happened."
"It was probably for the best then."
"It was because it no longer just involves us." Sebastian said. "He's done things to Rachel, Santana, and Brittany."
"Jeff…Jeff…you need to wake up." Brittany said as she rubbed his shoulder. "We promised the others we'd meet them before heading to Dalton."
"Britt."
"Yea."
"What's on my back?" He asked slowly opening his eyes and looking through his hair that was in the face.
"Lord Tubbington. He obviously missed us both."
"I noticed that when he decided to get comfortable between us last night once we got back here. Would you please get him off my back so I can get up?" Brittany then picked up Lord Tubbington and put him in her lap. "Thank you." When Jeff sat up he was surprised to see a cup of coffee on the nightstand. "Thank you again."
"You're welcome. I hope it's okay, but I invited my parents to the festival at Dalton."
"That's fine; they'll have plenty of company since all of the guys parents will be there as well. I'll be sure to tell my parents that they are coming. Are we getting breakfast or just coffee?" He asked as he moved next to him.
"Breakfast, which is why you needed to get up. And while you were sleeping, Thad called."
"You could've answered, I wouldn't have minded."
"I know, but I didn't know what he wanted and I didn't want to wake you up. You looked too cute sleeping."
"For that you deserve a kiss." He said before leaning over to do just that. "Now, did you tell your parents we were staying at my house tonight because we don't know what we're doing afterwards?"
"I did. And told them we'd be back sometime Sunday afternoon since the Warbler party is Saturday night. It would be silly to come back here just to go back the same night."
When they headed to meet the others Jeff noticed the surprised looks on Rachel and Quinn's faces when they noticed Brittany was driving Jeff's car. "Hope you weren't waiting long." Brittany said as they got out. "But someone didn't want to wake up this morning."
"Guilty as charged." Jeff said as he took ahold of her hand. "Now, let's finish this inside, I'm starving."
"You're always hungry." Rachel said.
"No, that's Nick."
"You're just as bad." Jeff just smiled as they all waited for a table.
"Are you joining us today Quinn?"
"I am. Dave told me this is something not to miss."
"He's right, it's not. So, what exactly is going on between the two of you?"
"Why don't you ask him?"
"We have, but he's rather coy about the whole thing."
"I'd like to know as well." Rachel told her.
"We've gone on a few dates, but right now neither of us is looking for something serious. He's double majoring which is taking quite a bit of his time. And I've upped my course load to the maximum to try and finish sooner."
"So you're pulling a Blaine and Nick." Jeff told her. "Their course loads are crazy."
"The difference is that they're both in relationships already and not trying to develop one."
"Good point." Brody told her. "Now, has he told you what he's been doing during his weekend getaways to New York?"
"He has since he knew I wouldn't tell anyone. I can't wait to see you guys perform. It's going to be amazing."
"What's going to be amazing?" They all looked up and saw Finn, Puck, Mercedes, Artie, and Tina.
"The upcoming dance showcase at NYADA, Brody is performing." Rachel said quickly. "It's to showcase all the seniors."
"You're a senior?" Mercedes asked.
"I am."
"How's Los Angeles?" Quinn asked trying to change the subject.
"It's nice, but it's hard to make it. You really do need to know people to even get your foot in the door some places. And before you do that you have to get a professional demo cut for them to even want to listen." Before any of them could say anything else their waitress came over so the others headed towards their table.
"How did you come up with something so fast?" Jeff asked once their waitress left.
"I have no clue." Rachel replied.
"It was genius." Quinn told her.
"You asking about Los Angeles was brilliant." Rachel told her. "Quick way to change the topic away from us."
"They're staring at us guys." Brittany said.
"I think they expected us to ask them to join us." Quinn said. "And under other circumstances we might've. But I'd prefer us being able to talk a bit more freely and that couldn't happen if they were sitting with us."
"What are you guys going to do before you can get into Dalton?"
"We were thinking of checking out the little shops just outside of the campus." Rachel replied.
"Lucky you." Jeff said while looking at Brody.
"It shouldn't be too bad since we only have an hour to waste. Plus I'll have lovely company."
"Aren't you just the charmer?" Quinn said with a smile. "Has anyone heard from Santana?"
"Nick has obviously." Jeff replied. "And said he'd fill us all in when he sees us. But from what I could get, it's been quite the experience."
The drive to Dalton was quite beautiful that day since it had snowed overnight. The ground was completely covered as were the tree limbs. "B."
"Yes Bas."
"What prompted the bowtie today? Not that I'm objecting because you look amazing. I'm just curious." Sebastian asked.
"Your comment last night about them, I thought it was only fitting to wear one today. And this one is festive without being cheesy."
"That is true; the red and green plaid is festive and pops against your black shirt. I was almost certain you were going to wear the one with lights on it."
"I'll wear that one on Christmas Eve. It'll make Cooper happy."
"He got it for you, didn't he?"
"He did. Want to know the scary part, it actually lights up." The smile that crept to Sebastian's face was just what Blaine expected.
"Why doesn't that surprise me?" Sebastian replied through a laugh.
"Because it's Cooper who bought it." Blaine replied as they pulled through the all too familiar gates. When they reached the parking lot Blaine slowed considerably as he and Sebastian read the signs. "Did they really get parking set aside for returning Warblers?"
"They did." Sebastian replied with a laugh. "And knowing how the headmaster feels about us, I bet they are right up front." Sebastian's words couldn't have been truer as they soon found themselves parked right up front. As they got of the car they were soon greeted by Wes and Hailey. "Long time no see." Sebastian said as he gave Hailey a kiss on the cheek.
"Anyone else here yet?" Blaine asked as he took ahold of Sebastian's hand.
"Beat, David, Thad, and Nick." Wes said. "And here comes Dave." He added as he saw him pulling in next to where Blaine parked. "Guess we should wait." Soon Dave joined them and they all headed inside.
"How did we all get so lucky with the upfront parking?" Dave asked as they headed for the common room.
"According to my brother, once the headmaster heard everyone was coming home he felt it was only appropriate. The rest of us Warbler alumni are getting treated because of your accomplishments last year."
When they rounded the corner into the common room they found quite a few people inside. "What, no welcoming committee?" Sebastian said as they walked down the steps.
"I know, how rude, right?" Nick said with a laugh. "Where are the trumpets announcing our arrival?"
"That's exactly what I'm talking about." Sebastian said as they all smiled.
"So you guys know, James and Flint are here as well but they are showing their girls around." Thad said. "Trent is on his way as are Jeff and Brittany."
"Plus there are a bunch of guys here that none of us know, but James and Flint do so they are before our time." Beat added. "Blaine, Seb, look to your left." Even though he told Blaine and Sebastian all eyes went to the corner.
"They put the tree up." Blaine said with a smile.
"Take a closer look." Thad told him and soon he and Sebastian walked closer while the others all walked close behind. Once they got closer they saw that all the Warblers that were there the past year put their ornaments back on the tree.
"They put their ornaments back up."
"Look closer." Nick said so they did just that.
"Do some of those ornaments say National Champs?" Sebastian asked.
"They do." All their heads spun around at the sound of Logan's voice. "And there is one for each of you over by the piano. Don't worry Wes; there are also ornaments for everyone that wasn't here last year. They are similar to the ones Blaine and Seb got us all last year. The only difference is that these are red versus the blue they gave us."
"You guys shouldn't have." Blaine told him. "But thank you."
"You're welcome."
"It was the least we could do since you all came home. Also for all the help you've given us these past few months." Jacob said as he walked into the room.
"Where are the Warblers?"
"Running through warm-ups in the theater along with the Junior Warblers." Logan told them. "We've got a few surprises in store for you guys this year. But Jacob and I felt it was appropriate to come and say hello. Are the others coming?"
"They are on their way." Nick said. "There are also quite a few walking around school since it's been awhile since they've been here."
"Well then. We will be back shortly." Jacob told them before he and Logan left.
"Wes." Sebastian said.
"Don't ask me, Brandon has been tight-lipped about what's going on. All he told me is they sound pretty amazing."
"Can I just say I've never been so happy to see you guys?" Jeff said as he and Brittany walked into the common room.
"What happened?" Dave asked.
"Nothing besides us getting some company during breakfast."
"Don't tell us it was Kurt." Blaine said.
"No, but it was a bunch of your old glee club. I swear one cannot go anywhere in that town without a member of the New Directions walking in."
"I know the feeling." Sebastian replied while wrapping an arm around Blaine's shoulders.
"Where's everyone else?" Brittany asked.
"Wandering the school." David replied. "And the Warblers along with the Junior Warblers are in the theater. I still can't believe you guys created another group."
"If was created out of necessity." Thad told him. "But it was Blaine's brainchild. He realized with so many of us graduating last year the only way the standard could be maintained was if we nurtured young voices."
"And after auditions it was proven to be a necessity." Dave added. "There were some horrible auditions last year."
"Though nothing compared to some they sat through this year." Nick said.
Once Trent arrived it wasn't long after that James and Flint walked into the common room. While introductions were being made quite a few of those unfamiliar faces began walking in. They watched as Wes, James, Flint, walked over towards the others proving that they were before their time. But not surprisingly, Wes was soon making full introductions. So names the guys had heard in passing over the years now had faces.
While people spoke and got caught up Blaine made his way over to where they had the trophy proudly displayed. "This might be a weird question B, but how does it feel knowing you won two of these?" Sebastian asked as he wrapped his arms around him from behind.
"Surreal, but this one means more too me. While the first one was a great feeling, it just didn't compare to winning this one. We worked so hard for this Bas."
"That we did. I think I know why this one means more though."
"Enlighten me." Blaine said before glancing back over his shoulder and giving Sebastian a kiss on the cheek.
"You won this one with your brothers. While I know you were friends with the New Directions, you didn't have the same sort of bond."
"That's couldn't be more true Bas. And this was a complete group effort. We took chances and they paid off."
"I don't want to interrupt whatever is going on here." Thad said as he walked up to them. "But by chance do you guys know where Nick is, he seems to have vanished."
"He's probably out in the hall talking to Santana." Sebastian replied.
"We checked there and Jeff just got a text from Megan saying the girls were on their way over and they were hoping to see their brothers before they had to start performing."
"Wish we could help you." Blaine said. "But we have no idea where he went." Once Thad walked away Sebastian leaned over Blaine's shoulder.
"You know where he is, don't you?"
"No, but I've got a good idea if he is actually talking with Santana. There's that little alcove down the hall and around the corner that if you don't know about you'd walk right by."
"I know it well." Blaine could feel Sebastian smirk against his ear. "We used it quite a bit."
"That we did."
It soon became clear the Crawford girls were in the building when Megan came running into the common room and wrapped her arms tightly around Jeff. Knowing this was a rare moment, quite a few of the guys snapped a picture knowing Mr. and Mrs. Sterling wouldn't believe what they were all witnessing. Once she let go of Jeff she did the same to Brittany who seemed as surprised as Jeff was. After letting go of Brittany she said hello to the rest of the guys that she knew. "What has you in such a good mood?" Jeff asked.
"I honestly couldn't wait to see you guys."
"Have things gotten better?" Sebastian asked.
"Like night and day. Ally and I believe Jen is truly afraid Santana will come back. She put her in her place in so many ways."
"How'd open auditions go?" Blaine asked.
"I got a solo as did Ally. We're performing four different numbers today and there is a different person featured in each one."
"From what we heard, please tell us Jen isn't one of them." Thad said.
"She's not. Ever since Santana's visit everything has changed for the better. Sarah doesn't put up with anything anymore. Whether you're a freshman or a senior you are treated the same in the group."
They were all still talking with Megan when Nick came walking in. "What's wrong?" Thad asked.
"I can't reach Santana."
"She's probably just busy." Blaine replied. "Coop mentioned they had a pretty busy day ahead of them today."
"That's probably it."
"Nick, that is what's going on. She's just busy." Sebastian said as he glanced over at Blaine. "Have you spoken to her at all this morning?"
"I have."
"Then what's the issue."
"I thought I'd call so she could talk to Ally. My dear sister forgot that Santana wasn't going to be here today and she's a bit bummed about it. She was looking forward to seeing her."
"I'll go talk to her." Megan said before looking at Jeff and heading out. While everyone was reassuring Nick that he tried his best and there isn't anything he could do given that Santana was actually working. Blaine and Sebastian kept exchanging glances with each other that didn't go unnoticed by a few of their friends.