Two Steps Beyond

Part 149

Before they had gotten back to rehearsal, Nick and Jeff each had a few words with their sisters. But the smiles they all had on their faces once they separated it was clear the talk went well. It also helped that the guys made it clear to Mitch and Tyler that they needed to treat the girls with respect. Once that situation was taken care of they got back to work.

As they set back up again Santana couldn't help but talk to Jeff. "Is everything going to be good?" She asked as they waited to start.

"I think so. Tyler was a good sport about everything. The only thing that really threw him was when Beat, Brody, and Hunter joined the little foray. Considering he's not much bigger then Thad they can be a bit intimidating."

"The only thing worse would've been if Flint and James joined in the fun."

"That's very true."

"Are you two done yapping so we can start?" Sebastian asked from the far side.

"Yes dear." Santana replied.

By the time they were ready for their next break they were all exhausted so they all decided to make this one a little longer. "So Mike, what are your thoughts?" Blaine asked as he leaned back against Sebastian since they were all seated on the floor of the stage.

"For not practicing for two weeks, you guys are in a really good place. I mean, there were only those two parts that I mentioned that needed work. And once they were touched upon it was fixed. Seriously, you guys have a crazy work ethic."

"That's because we hate to lose." Dave said. "And since we can only get together every other weekend we have to take it upon ourselves to rehearse.

"Makes sense. Ladies, got to give you props for what you're doing. It takes a lot of trust for a lot of those moves."

"We know." Brittany replied. "I think in the beginning they were more afraid of dropping us then we were of them doing so."

"I'd have to say that's an accurate assessment." Hunter said.

"That's because you two were trying the moves out before anyone." Jeff chimed in with. "If you think what they're doing now is crazy, you should've seen some of the other stuff Britt came up with. If the other girls had more dance training it would be even crazier."

"Like what?" Rachel asked.

"You game Hunter?" Brittany asked.

"Sure." He replied while getting up off the stage.

"Be careful with her." Jeff said as Brittany got up as well.

"I always am Jeff." As the two of them talked about what they were going to do Mike looked at the others.

"This might be a strange question, but why is it Hunter worked on the moves with her and not Brody who's a dancer?" All eyes fell to Brody since he truly was the only one that could answer.

"There are two reasons. One, during the finale we needed to be able to coordinate the moves of the couples with the guys. And that couldn't have been done if I was dancing with Britt because we'd never be able to see if it worked. Secondly, it was for the best since he was going to be her partner. We didn't want to build the trust between the two of us and then for her to have to put the same sort of trust in someone else."

"Okay, but how'd it all come about?"

"When I asked Hunter to come up with a tumbling run for the first number. While he was working on it, Britt and I were toying with ideas. Then once we started talking we realized Hunter would be her partner and it all fell together from there. I know that might sound strange, but sometimes the best things happen that way."

"Don't have to tell me that twice. I've choreographed enough stuff to know that." Mike said. "More often than not, decision made like that are the best ones."

"You guys ready?" Brody asked.

"I think we are." Brittany replied. "Can someone just choose a song for us to dance to?"

"Got it." Jeff said as he got up and headed towards the stereo. Once Jeff chose one of Brittany's favorite songs she and Hunter began to find their groove as everyone turned to watch. For someone who wasn't a dancer by trade Hunter had clearly picked up a lot during all the time he'd spent with Brittany and Brody. When he scooped her up and she was over his head they all were shocked, but once she basically dropped before curling into Hunter's arms they all gasped.

"There is no way in hell I would've done that!" Rachel exclaimed as Hailey nodded. Brittany and Hunter just laughed and continued on. They pulled out a few more moves that left David and Wes as shocked as Rachel and Hailey were. Once the song ended, Brittany slid her arm around Hunter's waist as they both caught their breath.

"What did you think?"

"I'm so glad you simplified things." Hailey said with a smile. "And Jeff, I can now see why you had such faith in Hunter when we all started learning."

"I can tell you, I was shocked the first time I watched them. And while I give Hunter a hard time, I know they last thing he'd want is for anything to happen to my girl."

"You've got that right." Hunter said as he and Brittany took seats with the others again.

"Now, before we get back to practice, what's the plan for tonight?" Thad asked.

"Well, my parents said we're all more than welcome at the house." Blaine replied.

"Did your grandparents leave yet?" Trent asked.

"No, but they said it was alright. It's not like we can't make good use out of the game room in the basement."

"We've definitely had some good times down there." David said.

"Should we ask?" Santana asked.

"Probably not."

"You sure they don't mind Blaine?" James asked.

"Yes, why?"

"Well, if we're all going over to your place Flint and I would like to bring our girls with."

"That's fine. Ask Bas, my Dad said it before we left. All I have to do is call and let them know we'll all be invading. And Mike, you're included just in case you weren't sure."

"Sounds good."

By the time they finished at Dalton, they weren't sure what sort of fun they were all going to be having that evening as they were all pretty exhausted. But after being apart for a few days they all had quite a bit of catching up to do. While most of them were going to go home and shower and change, Blaine offered up his home to Rachel and Brody because it wouldn't have made sense for them to drive all the way back to Lima just to come back again. Considering where everyone lived, they agreed to meet at Blaine's in about an hour or so.

"Brody, do you remember the way or do I need to go slow?" Blaine asked as they walked out to the parking lot.

"I remember so you're good if you get ahead of me."

Once in the car Sebastian looked over at Blaine. "Please tell me that once everyone leaves tonight I can get a massage."

"I think that can be arranged. You were quite good today Bas."

"Why thank you. You were too." He replied before leaning over to give Blaine a kiss on the cheek. "I think we shocked the Warblers."

"No thinking about it, we did." Blaine replied as he pulled out of the parking lot. Once they arrived home Blaine and Sebastian waited to head inside till they saw Brody pull in behind them. Instead of making them go around to the front they had them enter the house from the garage with them. "We're home!" Blaine called out so as not to startle anyone.

"In the kitchen!" Cooper called out to them and soon the four of them headed that way. When they walked in, they spotted not only Cooper and Lexi, but Donovan and Cassie as well. "Hey! Didn't know you were already bringing people home?"

"I didn't think it was fair for them to go home to shower only to come back." Blaine replied. "Where is everyone else?"

"Mom and Dad took the Grandparents out to dinner." As Cooper responded Sebastian couldn't stop himself from laughing. "What's so funny Seb?" Cooper asked after taking a sip of his beer.

"It's a full family get-together today."

"How so?" Donovan asked.

"That would be because after they shower, Thad and Hunter are coming over as well. So if you guys aren't going anywhere, all the siblings will be together."

"Speaking of, we all better shower since it won't be long till everyone else is here." Blaine said. "So, would you be so kind as to answer the door if we're not down yet when the others arrive?"

"I'll think about it, now go." Cooper replied and Blaine just shook his head before they all headed upstairs. "Did he really think I wouldn't answer the door?"

"He was being polite Coop." Lexi said to him. "After looking at those four, I don't think they're going to be too loud when they all get here."

"I've got to agree, they look exhausted." Cassie replied. "Do you know what time they started rehearsing today?"

"They were gone by the time we came down so I'm guessing nine." Cooper replied.

"Well that explains why Hunter flew out so early."

"You sure it wasn't just to get away from Liz." Donovan said with a laugh.

"I guess she worked her charms on you too." Lexi said with a laugh. "She's something, isn't she?"

"Oh, she's something alright. Also, she's completely smitten with your husband."

"At least we know she has good taste. In all seriousness, how bad was she?"

"She wasn't as bad as usual, but she was still bad." Cassie replied. "Though she knew she couldn't be a complete bitch because she wants to come out to New York and she knew if she was there was no way Hunter or I would allow it. Or at least allow her to stay with us."

"Let me guess, she wants to meet some people."

"Three to be exact, Hunter already mentioned it to Blaine and Seb. They told him to milk it for all it's worth. Only if he wants them to, will they meet her. And I told her depending on when she came out; Cooper might not even be around since he's got a pretty busy schedule ahead of him once you guys get back."

Knowing their friends were coming over, Blaine and Sebastian showered relatively quickly for them and it was a good thing they had since they were walking down the stairs when the doorbell rang. When Blaine opened the door he was surprised to already see Nick and Santana. "Please, come in. Everything okay?"

"It'll be fine." Santana replied. "Anyone else here yet?"

"Nope." Sebastian replied. "That is if you're not counting Rachel and Brody. Seriously, how did you two get here so quick?"

"My parents are having a dinner party so we didn't want to risk being there when their guests arrived." Nick replied as they headed for the family room.

"Then what was with Santana's everything will be fine?" Blaine asked as they all sat down.

"Oh, Ally is going out on a date with Tyler."

"Technically it's a double-date." Santana added. "Nicky's just a little thrown since Tyler can drive."

"She'll be fine man."

"I know, hence why Santana said I'll be fine. It's just been a long day and I'm ready to relax."

"I know the feeling." Sebastian replied as he wrapped his arm around Blaine. "We went hard today."

"But it was worth it." Brody said as he and Rachel rounded the corner. "I was honestly expecting us to be a lot rustier then we were."

"What can I say, we're talented." Nick said with a laugh. "By the way, good call and yours and Brittany's part asking Mike to come by."

"Thanks, we felt it was best to have someone to watch since there were no mirrors this time. With as smooth as it went I feel good about everything. What about you guys?"

"I agree, I feel good." Blaine replied. "Not only did we look good, but vocally I was really happy."

"I need to say this, you guys killed the ballad." Rachel told them.

"Why thank you." Sebastian replied.

"Hey Blaine, did we hear…oh, hey guys!" Cooper said as he came around the corner. "Since you're in here do I still need to be on door duty?"

"Nope, we've got it." Blaine replied. "At least until we decide to go downstairs. Are you guys staying here tonight?"

"We are." Just as Cooper replied the doorbell rang. "Since I'm up, I'll get it."

"How kind." Nick replied while leaning back.

"Blaine, there is a non-Warbler here, should I grant access?" Cooper asked from the foyer.

"Yes, you goof." Blaine replied with a laugh. Once the door closed, they all only expected to see Mike, but Thad, Hunter, Brittany, and Jeff had also arrived. After everyone got settled the conversation picked back up again. If they had told anyone they were all getting together, no one would believe they'd be having such a relaxing night. It didn't take much longer for everyone to arrive and soon they were heading down to the basement. They were nearing the door when Hunter shook his head.

"I thought I left you two in Colorado."

"We just could take being a part from you." Cassie replied with a smile. "How was your flight?"

"Quiet thankfully so I was able to sleep. Yours?"

"Not so quiet. The lady behind us didn't shut up the entire flight. I'm pretty sure we know more than we ever wanted to know about her family."

"That's sucks. And not to be rude, hello Lexi."

"Hello to you. You should probably get going; I didn't see anyone else making their way downstairs." Hunter nodded and headed down after the others. "The way they all look, I'm pretty sure if we closed the door, no one would know they were down there."

"Regardless, I'm closing the door." Cooper said before going to do so. He'd barely walked back into the kitchen when everyone else returned. "And here I thought you guys were going to make a night out of it."

"Cute Cooper." Mrs. Anderson replied. "And judging from all the cars outside I'm guessing we have company."

"We do. They're all down in the basement."

"Did they say how rehearsal went?" Mr. Anderson asked.

"No, but since they weren't crabby I'd say well." Cooper replied. "The one thing we know, it was a long day as they looked exhausted."

"Did they eat?"

"Don't know? Want me to go check?"

"No, I'll do it. This way they'll know we're home." Cooper nodded as his Dad turned to head down to the basement. Mr. Anderson wasn't even halfway down the stairs and he could already hear the music playing. When he rounded the corner, he spotted some of them playing pool while others were playing Rock Band.

"Hey Mr. A!" Thad called out after taking a shot.

"Hi Thad." Mr. Anderson replied before saying hi to everyone else on his way towards Blaine and Sebastian. "Blaine."

"Hey Dad! How was dinner?"

"It was dinner. Now I know I don't need to do this but your Mom won't rest without an answer. So…"

"No we haven't eaten yet, but we will." Blaine replied with a smile. "We were too tired to eat when we got home. But reassure her that we will. And before I forget…Hunter, can you come over here?" Hunter nodded and left his pool game temporarily. "I felt it only right you know everyone." Blaine told his Dad as Hunter walked over. "Hunter Clarington, my Dad, Gregory Anderson."

"Pleasure to meet you sir."

"Pleasure to meet you as well Hunter. And while now's not the time to really get into this, thank you for what you did."

"Don't mention it."

"Alright, you guys have fun. And Blaine, if you can Seb could poke your heads upstairs before it gets too late it would be appreciated."

"Don't worry we'll come up and say hi to the Grandparents."

"Very good." Once their brief conversation was over, Mr. Anderson headed back upstairs.

"Hunter, Bas and I want to play the winner."

"You've got it. If things continue the way they are, you'll be playing me and Nick."

"Cool." After Blaine answered, Hunter headed back towards the pool table while Blaine sat back down next to Sebastian. "Did you hear my Dad?"

"I did. That was a simple enough request. Why don't we just head up after our pool game?"

"Works for me."

"That was a quick visit from your Dad." Wes said as he and Hailey joined them on the couch.

"Yea, he just came by to give us a brief message. When are you two flying home?"

"We leave Saturday morning, you?"

"The same." Sebastian replied. "Come to think of it, I'm pretty sure everyone is leaving on Saturday. Now, are B and I the only ones shipping stuff home?"

"No!" Replied Jeff from the pool table. "Santa went overboard at our house."

"Awww, were you a good little boy Jeff?" Sebastian asked.

"Yes, but so was everyone else in our house, as was the case at Nick's."

"I think it's safe to say all of our parents forgot we need to get home." Dave added. "I'm pretty sure the consensus is everyone is sending stuff home." When they looked around everyone was nodding. It wasn't long after that, did they make their way over to the pool table to take on Nick and Hunter.

"Keep a close eye on them." Jeff said as he sat down on a stool.

"Why is that?" Sebastian asked.

"They were way too good."

"Guess B and I are going to have to see just how good they are."

Once the game started, it was pretty clear that the four of them played quite a bit of pool because the game was pretty close. From his spot on the stool, Jeff was soon joined by Brittany who stood between his legs before leaning back. "Who's winning?"

"Right now Blaine and Seb, but if Hunter makes this next shot they could be tied real soon." He told her before kissing her on the cheek. "Since when are you interested in pool?"

"It looks cool. Do you think you could teach me how to play?"

"I think that could be arranged. Guys, do you think after this game we can teach Britt?"

"Absolutely!" Nick replied and the others agreed. The game ended sooner than expected when Blaine hit an incredible shot. "Dude, that was amazing!"

"Thank you!" Blaine replied before kissing Sebastian. "If you can't tell I play quite a bit or at least used to."

"It's noticeable." Hunter replied. "But not unexpected considering you have a table."

"B."

"Shit. Guys we'll be right back. Need to go make an appearance before it gets too late." Blaine and Sebastian then handed off their cues to Brittany and Jeff before heading up the stairs. They were just about to the door when Sebastian gave Blaine's hand a tug. "What?" Blaine asked as he turned around, but he wasn't greeted with words, he was greeted by a kiss. When it broke, a smile crept across Blaine's face. "What was that for?"

"I just felt like it. I hadn't really given you a proper kiss all day."

"If you want, once everyone leaves you can kiss me all you want."

"I just might do that." Sebastian said with a wink before Blaine opened the door. Once on the main floor they listened carefully to see if they could figure out where everyone was. But they soon headed towards the living room upon hearing laughter. When they reached the opening they found Blaine's parents and Grandparents talking.

"So, you boys finally decided to come and say hello." Grandpa Anderson said to them.

"We would've been up sooner but we got caught up in a game of pool." Blaine replied.

"Did you win?" Grandpa Davis asked.

"We did." Sebastian replied.

"Then it was worth waiting. Now, considering the amount of cars out front one would think you'd all be louder."

"It was a long day of rehearsing Grandpa. We're all just unwinding before we get back to it tomorrow. What did you all do today?" Blaine asked.

"We spent a quiet day at here." His Mom replied. "After the last few days everyone wanted to take it easy. How'd rehearsal go?"

"Really well. It was nice being on a stage because we were able to make sure our spacing was correct."

"And it was because Brody and Brittany are really good at what they do." Sebastian added. "Basically, as long as we don't regress we're in good shape with a little more than a month to go."

"Well, we expect to hear all about it after the fact." Nana told them. "We enjoy watching you boys perform."

"That can be arranged Nana. And so you know, this time around we've got some of our girlfriends joining us. It's only four, but they've got big voices and make quite the impression."

"Sounds like we're in for something special then."

"I think you are." Sebastian said.

"Well, while we appreciate you boys coming to say hi, go back to your friends." Grandpa Anderson told them. "Are you leaving at the same time tomorrow morning?"

"We are, why?" Blaine replied.

"So we can see you before you leave."

"Well, if you miss us you're more than welcome to stop by Dalton on your way home."

"We just might do that if we miss you."

By the time they got back downstairs everyone was comfortable on the couch and floor. "What's going on?" Sebastian asked as he and Blaine approached them.

"We were waiting for you two." David told them. "We decided to watch a movie and before you even say we could've started without you, we just got comfortable."

"What movie did you decide on?" Blaine asked as he and Sebastian got comfortable on the floor.

"Goldfinger." Rachel replied. "It's got something for everyone."

"Won't get any complaints about Bond from us."

"We didn't think so." Jeff replied. "Afterall, you and Seb do have them all."

"That we do." Sebastian said while wrapping his arms around Blaine. "So what are waiting for, whoever's got the remote, hit play."

Once the movie ended, Sebastian looked around the room and soon realized almost everyone had fallen asleep, including Blaine. The only ones still awake were Hunter, Flint, and Beat. "What should we do?" Beat asked quietly.

"Well, it wouldn't be the first time everyone crashed here. And as crazy as it sounds, everyone looks comfortable." Sebastian said.

"Won't Blaine's parents mind?" Hunter asked as he was more awake then the others but considering he'd flown in from Colorado he had a bit of an advantage.

"They'd rather everyone stays here then drive tired." Beat told him and Sebastian agreed.

"While I know most of the guys won't mind, we should probably try and wake Mike and Rachel. Mike because I just don't know what his answer would be. And Rachel because I'm sure she'll need to call her Dads and let them know what's going on." Realizing Sebastian was right; Beat carefully woke up Mike while Hunter attempted to wake Rachel. Surprisingly, Mike woke rather quickly and was surprised he'd even fallen asleep. And Rachel proved to be a more difficult task and soon Hunter gave up and just woke Brody instead.

Since he had plans the next morning, Mike was going to head back to Lima, but promised the guys he'd send them a text to let them know he'd arrived safely. As he carefully made his way off the couch, he said goodbye to those who were awake. And Sebastian made a point out of thanking him for his help that day which Mike appreciated. He then let Sebastian know he'd be in touch about his trip to New York. Once Mike was gone, Brody took his phone out of his pocket and sent a text to Rachel's Dads letting them know they were staying as they were both too tired to drive home.

"You sure Rachel won't be upset?" Beat asked.

"No, because she realized this could happen. She mentioned it to her Dads when she called them and told them we were coming here. They said to just text so they wouldn't worry." Brody told them. As they spoke a couple of the other guys awoke. Considering they didn't have far to drive, they were all going to head home. Beat and Hunter helped James and Flint up the stairs with their girlfriends and once they were to the main floor the guys picked them up. As Hunter was closing the front door, Cooper came walking up behind him.

"Let me guess, we have houseguests." Hunter nodded. "Alright. Who else is awake?"

"Seb and Brody."

"Okay, let's go downstairs." They had just made it down the stairs when they saw Rachel in Brody's arms and Blaine leaning against Sebastian. "What's the plan little brother?"

"I told Brody to take the guest room across the hall from my room. And I was thinking we could put Hunter in Dad's office."

"What about the rest?"

"We got Thad a blanket since he's comfortable in the enormous bean bag. After that the three couples have space since this is a U shaped sectional and everyone else is gone."

"Okay, you get blankets for everyone else and make sure you get in touch with their parents. And I'll get Hunter settled in Dad's office. Oh, and don't worry about Thad, I'll call Donovan and let him know Hunter and Thad are staying here."

"Thanks Coop."

"You're welcome. Once they're all taken care of you two get your butts to bed as well."

"Yes sir."