Two Steps Beyond
Part 138
Once the festival started everything that had previously happened in the common room was no longer at the forefront of anyone's mind. When the Crawford girls took the stage to sing a few carols, Jeff and Nick made sure they were front and center to support their sisters. As the afternoon went on, everyone perused the booths that had been set up. "Bas, was that really necessary?" Blaine asked as Sebastian handed him the gift bag.
"Yes. It's only fitting you have a bowtie that resembles our Dalton ties. Figures we found it at the booth the Warblers set up. I didn't see you complaining when your Mom bought one for Braeden."
"That's because you were more than encouraging her. If you hadn't bought one for me I had no doubt one probably would've found its way into my stocking."
"You're right, it probably would've." Sebastian said before kissing Blaine on the cheek. "Do you know why Dalton is hosting again this year after hosting last year?"
"It's because Crawford had a leak in the ceiling of their gym and they had to replace most the floor." Logan said as he walked up to them. "Are you guys enjoying yourselves?"
"We are. I must say, smart work having the Junior Warblers doing most of the wandering caroling." Blaine told him.
"We figured with as big as the group is, we'd make them work." Logan said with a smile. "This way we could also concentrate on our performance. Wandering around singing random Christmas carols is more their speed."
"How are they doing?" Sebastian asked.
"As much as I poke fun of them, they're actually doing really well. Thanks to a video we asked Jeff to put together they realized they have quite a bit to live up to being Warblers."
"What video?" Blaine asked.
"Jeff didn't show you?"
"No." Blaine and Sebastian said in unison as Sebastian started to look for Jeff in the crowd.
"It's basically a video history of the Warblers." Logan told them. "Brandon freaked when he saw Wes in the video talking about the history of the Warblers. After seeing that, the rest of us realized why our history was so important to the rest of you. And we're doing our best to make you all proud."
"From what we've seen and heard you're doing just that." Blaine told him. "Will you be heading for the theater soon?"
"In about twenty minutes for one last sound check."
"Would you guys excuse me?" Sebastian said before kissing Blaine on the cheek. "I have something I need to take care of. B."
"Got it."
"What's going on?"
"You'll find out soon enough.
When Sebastian reached the front doors to Dalton, Santana was walking up the stairs. "Please tell me I'm not late." She said as Sebastian gave her a hug.
"You're not, but you're definitely cutting it close. They're all do on stage in twenty minutes for the final sound check. And so you know, Nick tried to get ahold of you."
"I noticed once I got on the ground. Do you know what for?"
"Ally forgot you weren't going to be here and was a bit upset. She really wanted to see you. So, Nick tried to call you so you two could at least talk."
"Fuck!"
"It killed me and B not to be able to tell him you were on your way. We still can't believe Cassie flew you home early."
"It happened by pure chance. Two of Cooper's late interviews got postponed till Sunday so Cassie said there was no reason for me to stick around after all the craziness of Thursday and this morning. I've got so much to tell you guys. I just need to say, she's incredible."
"You can tell us all about it later." Sebastian said as they stopped just outside the hallway leading towards the festival. "I just need to text B to see if he found Nick." Once a smile crept to his face, Santana knew Blaine must've found him. "My lady, follow me. And I mean that literally so no one sees you."
"Yes Seb."
Upon rounding the corner Sebastian saw Nick down the hall talking with Blaine and Jeff. "Duval, I found something that I think belongs to you." At the sound of Sebastian's voice, Nick turned around.
"And what would that be Seb?" Nick said as he turned to face him.
"Me." Santana said as she walked out from behind Sebastian. The smile that crept to Nick's face quickly spread to the others as he wrapped his arms around her and they kissed.
"I thought you weren't arriving till tomorrow."
"There was a change of plans, you don't mind, do you?"
"Absolutely not."
"I think it's best we leave these two for a bit." Sebastian said as he took ahold of Blaine's hand. "We'll save seats for you. Once the three of them walked off, Nick still didn't let go and Santana didn't mind one bit.
"I heard someone else wants to see me."
"She does, but I'm going to keep you to myself just a bit longer. I honestly never expected you to show up today. When did you know?"
"Early this morning. Cooper was doing his first interview of the day when Cassie told me she was flying me home because of the change in Cooper's schedule. I still managed to take part in a ton of interviews before I had to leave for the airport."
"Remind me to thank Cassie next time I see her."
"I will." Santana then kissed him again. "What do you say we go find your sister before she needs to head for sound check?"
"Alright. So you know, I'm only agreeing because I know how happy she'll be. Otherwise I would've been greedy."
"You can be greedy all you want later, promise."
"Does that mean you're staying with me tonight?" Santana nodded. "Well then, let's go find Ally." Blaine, Sebastian, and Jeff had just found Brittany and a few of the others when they heard a squeal cut through the crowd.
"Safe to say that's Ally." Jeff said as he wrapped his arm around Brittany.
"Why do you say that?" Brittany asked.
"Santana just arrived."
"Really?"
"Yes, really. There was a change in her schedule."
"Nick must be happy."
"Trust us, he is." Blaine told her. "Happy might actually be an understatement. Exuberant might be a better word to use."
When Nick and Santana finally joined up with the others it was just outside the theater. "It took you two long enough." Sebastian said. "We were beginning to think you got lost in one of the alcoves."
"And you said you'd save seats for us, so why does it matter." Nick replied.
"Touché. Was that squeal we heard in the gym Ally?"
"It was. She almost attacked Santana when she saw her. Safe to say both my sister and Jeff's now get along with our girlfriends."
"Have you guys seen Jen yet?" Blaine asked.
"We haven't." Jeff replied. "I don't think she'd be too thrilled to know that not only are Nick and I here but Britt and Santana are as well."
"Nothing against the rest of you, but Santana's the one she won't want to see." Thad said before they all entered the theater. As they walked down the steps Rachel's eyes bugged out once she spotted Santana with Nick. Santana just gave her a wink before they sat down. With the way seating was set up, Rachel, Brody, and Quinn were sitting in the row directly behind those reserved for the Warbler alumni. "Anyone know why there are assigned seats for all of us?"
"Considering everything we've seen so far, there must be a good reason." Blaine said as he and Sebastian took their seats in middle of their friends. It wasn't long after they were seated did the house lights dim. When Dalton's headmaster took the stage the guys all shared looks, since they'd expected Crawford's headmistress to be making the welcome speech since technically they were the host school. But none of the guys were objecting since the Crawford headmistress was a bit of a bore.
It wasn't long into his speech that they all realized why they were sitting where they were. He was taking advantage of having all of the champion Warblers together again. As those still attending Dalton took the stage along with the trophy, the headmaster asked the boys to join them on stage. "Guess it's a good thing we all dressed well." Dave said as they all got up to the cheers of the crowd.
"I'm going to kill them for not telling us about this." Jeff said as they headed for the stage steps. As they glanced back at the other Warbler alumni, they were all on their feet. It wasn't long till the whole audience was on their feet as well. Once on the stage Nick and Jeff looked out onto the wings and saw their sisters' front and center cheering loudly.
"Just so you know, Jeff's going to kill you." Blaine said he stepped next to Jacob.
"He can't, we only found out about this during sound check."
"Then why are we sitting where we are?"
"Best view in the house."
After the crowd's applause died down, the headmaster proceeded to introduce all of them. "They're all blushing." Hailey said to Brittany and Santana who were now all alone in the row. "It's cute." Brittany and Santana nodded and started to take pictures. Considering all of the guys parents were in the house, there was not going to be a shortage of pictures from the moment. By the time they came back to their seats they were warmly greeted by everyone.
"Not quite the start we imagined, huh." Thad said as he sat down next to Blaine.
"No kidding." Nick replied.
It wasn't surprising that the Junior Warblers were leading off the concert. Just as Logan and Jacob had told them, the boys could clearly hold their own. While their arrangements were much simpler than those of the Warblers, they showed great promise in what they were doing. Once they left the stage, it was time for the Crawford girls to take the stage. "Please tell us they took our advice." Sebastian whispered into Blaine's ear.
When they took the stage all eyes soon fell to Nick and Jeff who looked like proud brothers at that moment as their sisters were standing front and center. Sarah spoke briefly before they began their first number which had Megan front and center. No sooner did the first words leave her mouth were all eyes on Jeff who had a huge grin on his face. Listening to hear sing and the rest of the girls behind here was such an improvement from what they'd previously heard. When the number ended the boys were all on their feet which drew looks from the crowd around them but they didn't care. After they finally took their seats, Wes tapped Jeff on the shoulder and smiled when he turned around.
The next two numbers were pretty as well, and showcased Sarah and one of the other girls. Prior to them starting the next number they change their formation one last time. Since they all knew thanks to Megan that each of the girls had a lead in a song, everyone looked towards Nick. "What?"
"Look." Blaine said as Ally took the spot all the other leads had taken. The look Jeff and Brittany had on their faces earlier was now on that of Nick and Santana. After everything the two girls had been through for them to be doing this meant so much to all of them. Just as it was when Megan finished all the guys were soon on their feet once more. If anyone doubted that the Warblers had a connection to those two girls they were clearly blind. Similar to what Wes had done with Jeff, David did something similar with Nick.
During the brief intermission that followed the girls' performances Rachel, Brody, and Quinn all came down from their seats to talk with the others. "Your sisters were amazing." Rachel said as she gave Nick and Jeff a hug.
"They were, weren't they?" Nick said. "How'd you all know?"
"Megan told us." Jeff replied. "It was while you were out trying to call Santana. And I'll tell you, just because I knew didn't mean I expected to hear what we did."
"I'm pretty sure half the crowd thinks you're all crazy." Quinn told them. "The people behind us didn't understand why you guys only stood for two numbers."
"First, everyone knows we're crazy." Thad said with a laugh. "And if they can't figure out we've got connections to them, that's on them."
"Thad's right." Brody said. "And I just need to stay this now; this concert is already a hundred times better than that mess we sat through last night."
"Is that true?" Dave asked.
"It is." Jeff replied. "Honestly, it was painful."
"We know they're a bit partial, Quinn? Rachel?"
"No, they're right. Last night was painful." Quinn replied. "This is actually music."
"Who'll be going on next?" Rachel asked.
"The Dalton jazz ensemble." Sebastian replied. "Then the show ends with the Warblers and according to Jacob and Logan they have something special in-store." Once the house lights flashed a few times everyone headed back to their seats. "This is more like it, isn't it B?"
"It is." Blaine then leaned over and gave Sebastian a kiss on the cheek before taking ahold of his hand.
The jazz ensemble was its usual flawless self and had everyone getting into the groove of their jazzed up Christmas carols. After they left the stage it was time for the Warblers. As they took the stage they all noticed they'd changed out of their uniforms and into outfits similar to what they'd worn the previous winter festival. "How many songs are they doing?" Flint asked as he leaned down between Blaine and Sebastian.
"Six or seven if I remember correctly." Blaine replied just before they started. Like they had done the previous year, they mixed up their set list with a combination of traditional and modern Christmas carols. And as they'd done the previous year, numerous Warblers took the lead. When Wes's brother led a tune all eyes were on him as they'd been on Jeff and Nick earlier in the evening. Once Logan did his number the guys were pretty certain the show was over, but the next thing they saw were the Junior Warblers joining the Warblers on stage as well as the girls from Crawford. "Gotta give them credit, this is a good idea."
"Agreed." Sebastian said. "But it's only possible because Crawford can finally hold a tune." Blaine had to stifle his laughter because Sebastian's comment was truer than anyone might've realized. Their rendition of Winter Wonderland was beautiful, but it was pretty obvious the rest of them were there for back-up as the Warblers were clearly leading the number. By the time it ended the entire crowd was on their feet clapping as the joint group took their bow. As they all started to walk off stage, Jacob and Logan both pointed towards the graduates and smiled before walking off the stage.
"Why didn't we ever do that?" Trent said as they all waited for the theater to begin to empty.
"Because last year the Crawford girls were awful and the Junior Warblers weren't ready." Thad said. "These guys got a jumpstart this year as for Crawford; we have ourselves and Santana to thank for that."
"It was my pleasure." Santana said with a smile. "I'm so happy to see that bitch was stuck in the back the entire time. And she looked miserable."
"So the one with the constant pout was her?" Dave asked.
"It was. So, what's the plan for tonight?"
"Party at my house." Wes said
"By the way, you're little brother was amazing as well." Santana told him.
"Please tell him and stroke his ego more."
"Since you're hosting does that mean we're going to be surrounded by the younger Warblers as well." James asked.
"Nope, they are all going to Mitch's. You won't have to see them till tomorrow night."
"Well, I see the missing member of the group finally arrived." Mr. Anderson said as the parents walked up to them. "Did you have a nice flight Santana?"
"I did, thank you for asking Mr. Anderson."
"Jocelyn and Braeden look like they enjoyed the show." Sebastian said as he noticed them wide awake and smiling in each of the Andersons' arms.
"They did." Mrs. Anderson replied. "So getting them down tonight should be interesting."
"There is an iPod in the diaper bag and turn on the playlist Blaine and Bas." Sebastian told her. "It'll sooth them pretty quickly."
"Thank you Seb."
"You are welcome. Just know if you have the speaker nearby you'll be listening to all of us singing."
"Is that the playlist you guys made as a gift?"
"It is and it's a favorite of these two." Blaine told her.
"Hopefully it'll work."
"It always does for Lexi." Brittany chimed in. "They love listening to their Uncle Sebby and Uncle Blaine sing as well as their friends."
"That's good to know." Mr. Anderson said. "So if the iPod dies, we'll just have these two sing."
"Thanks Dad."
"You're welcome. Do me one favor tonight?"
"Anything."
"Be quiet when you two get home. Us old folk need our sleep."
"So says the man who didn't get home till after one this morning." Blaine smiled at his Dad before looking at Sebastian as his parents exchanged looks. "Don't worry, we'll be quiet." Blaine and Sebastian then each gave Jocelyn and Braeden a kiss before the Andersons headed off.
"Nick."
"Yes Dad."
"Same goes for you and Santana."
"I think that probably goes for all of us, but thanks for the reminder."
"By the way, it's good to see you Santana. He was a bit grumpy."
"It's good to be seen Mr. Duval. I'll see what I can do about it."
"He's smiling again, so there isn't much for you to do. Night all!"
Once all the parents left, it wasn't long till they were all joined by their siblings. "Are we going to see you guys at the party tonight?" Megan asked as she and Ally stood between their brothers.
"Afraid not, we're all going to a party at Wes's. So you probably won't see us again till tomorrow morning."
"Does that mean you're coming home after the party?"
"It does." Jeff replied. "I take it you girls are going to Mitch's."
"We are." Ally replied.
"Should we be worried?" Nick asked.
"No. Fear not. Having all of you home means no one will go near us." Ally said with a laugh. "By the way, Jen spotted you when the headmaster introduced everyone."
"How'd she take it?" Santana asked.
"She flipped." Megan replied. "I think that's one of the reasons she looks so shell-shocked on stage. We think she's afraid we've told you guys something else."
"Did she not get that we're home for Christmas?" Nick said.
"Considering how she acted after the last time Santana was here, I think she's not thinking practically." Ally said. "Everything changed after that visit. She was clearly knocked off her pedestal. It seems her reign is officially over."
"Ally is right, no one tip-toes around her anymore. Safe to say we weren't the only ones who benefitted from what you did Santana. Thank you!"
"It was my pleasure. But from what I can see it looks like your rides are ready to go." Santana then pointed over towards the doors where Logan and a few of the Warblers were waiting.
"Are you sure you guys won't reconsider?" Ally asked.
"Afraid not." Nick replied. "But like we said, we'll see you tomorrow. Go, have fun."
"They're right; we should go because you know they're going to have fun." Brandon chimed in with. "At least if the parties Wes used to throw are anything to go by."
"I have no idea what you're talking about." Wes replied while shooting a look at his brother and bringing Hailey closer.
"That might've been believable if you didn't glare at him Wes." James said. "And just what do you remember Brandon?"
"Enough that I'm not going to stay it since we're in mixed company."
"Are you saying they weren't well behaved?" Hailey asked.
"That would depend on your definition." Blaine replied.
"I'd say since the cops were never called on us it never got too out of hand." David said.
"Logan you can take them anytime!" Wes called out. "Personally, the sooner the better."