Two Steps Beyond

Part 152

Once the air was cleared, the atmosphere soon got back to what it was prior to everything happening. With everything that happened, a few of them headed to the kitchen to get drinks while the others straightened up a bit. "May I ask what brought all this up after all this time?" Sebastian asked as he looked at Nick, Jeff, Wes, and Thad who were in the kitchen with him.

"Kurt not being able to leave you guys alone at McKinley." Jeff said. "And after all the other crap he's pulled we're all done. That's why we were so happy when Blaine basically gave us all his blessing to speak our peace."

"The last thing any of us wanted was to have this conversation now." Wes said. "We didn't plan on having it till after the holidays. But once we all found out we all felt the same way, we felt Blaine had a right to know."

"You've got to understand, none of us shared with the others how we felt." Nick told him. "That includes me and Jeff as hard as that might be to believe."

"You don't have to explain to me, I get it. And as shocked as B was, he gets it too. Like he said, he knew you guys didn't like him, he just didn't know it was so intense." Sebastian said. "May I ask what the big issue was because I can't help but feel there is something else?" He then looked around at all of them. "Guys?"

"We feel that Kurt never truly loved Blaine, he loved what Blaine represented." Thad replied rather quickly. "And that's another reason we're all so pissed at Kurt. He seemed to only care about Blaine when it was convenient or could serve him to some extent. So when Blaine broke up with him, his reaction seemed over the top."

"If it makes you all feel better, B and I have talked about that. But let's get these drinks out of everyone and we can all talk later. And B needs to be a part of it." The guys all nodded and grabbed their trays before heading back out to the living room. When they got out there, Blaine was seated at the piano while Rachel and Dave sang. Sebastian set Blaine's drink on the table next to the table before handing everyone else theirs. Once the song ended, Sebastian sat down next to Blaine on the piano bench. "What brought on this combination?"

"It just happened." Dave said.

"He's right." Rachel added. "I think if you look at everyone in this room there wouldn't be a bad combination of voices. And before we get back to enjoying ourselves, are we rehearsing tomorrow?"

"Yes, but we're not doing it till the afternoon since Britt has an audition." Jeff replied.

"What are you auditioning for?" Rachel asked.

"An off-Broadway production of Hairspray. That is one of the reasons why I'm not drinking tonight."

"Good for you!" Brody said with a smile. "I was hoping you were going."

"Are you going?" Rachel asked.

"I am, but I'm going to help the dancers. One of the guys I know is actually choreographing it. Are you going to go for one of the main roles Britt?"

"Since it's a limited cast, after the main roles it's a general call which is what I'm going to."

"Personally, you'd be great as one of Corny Collins Council." Hailey told her.

"Thanks. I'm actually really nervous since this is the first audition I actually had to prepare a song for. All the others have just been dancing."

"You'll do fine." Brody told her. "Just remember to relax and have fun."

"That's what I told her too." Jeff said.

"Just remember, if you get this you'll have to deal with all of us coming to see you. That goes for you too Rachel and Brody." Sebastian said. "You know we're all going to support you guys."

"We appreciate that." Rachel told him.

"Is there a reason you're not going?" Santana asked.

"My dance skills still need work. That's why the shows I've auditioned for are less dance intense."

"That's reasonable, but I've got to tell you, you're much better then you were in high school."

"Thank you."

The next morning when Nick got up, Jeff and Brittany were already sitting in the kitchen. "How's everyone this morning?"

"Okay." Brittany replied as Jeff squeezed her hand. "We're going to be leaving in a little bit."

"We?"

"I'm going with." Jeff said. "Brody said it wouldn't be an issue as long as I'm quiet. Then once the audition is over we're stopping by Tasha's office because she has the girls' outfits."

"If you want, Santana and I can go pick them up."

"That's actually not a bad idea because we're not quite sure when Britt's going to be done. And that way we can head straight to rehearsal. Are you sure it won't be a problem?"

"Positive. Santana is technically off till the second though she's been doing a bit of work from home, so it shouldn't be an issue. Well, I'm going to go and take a shower." Nick then leaned over and gave Brittany a kiss on the cheek. "Break a leg." She then smiled up at him, before he walked out of the kitchen.

"Ready to go?" Jeff asked.

"Ready."

When Nick walked into the bedroom, Santana was just sitting up in bed. "Where'd you go?" She asked as he sat down next to her.

"To get coffee. By the way, Jeff is going with Britt to her audition."

"That's good, she seems more nervous this time." Santana said before taking a sip of Nick's coffee. "Having Jeff there as well as Brody should help calm her nerves. So, since they're going out, how are we going to spend our morning?"

"Well, since I didn't know if you were up, I was going to go take a shower."

"And now?"

"Getting back in bed with you sounds quite appealing. Though, we do have an errand to run before rehearsal."

"And what would that be?" Santana asked before scooting closer to Nick.

"Picking up your outfits from Tasha. Jeff and Britt were going to do it but I offered so they didn't have to rush after her audition."

"Do we have to be there at any certain time?"

"No, why?" Nick asked as she began to place kisses across his shoulders. "Have something in mind?"

"I'm pretty sure you know exactly what I have in mind." Nick then set his coffee cup on the nightstand before slowly lowering Santana back on the bed.

"Guess we better see about that." Nick replied with a smirk before kissing her.

By the time they were finally getting dressed after making the most of their morning including taking a rather long shower, Nick couldn't help but smirk at her. "Was that what you had in mind?" He asked after pulling his shirt over his head.

"Yes and so much more. You constantly surprise me Nicky."

"Are you objecting?"

"Absolutely not. Though, I have one request."

"What would that be?"

"That we grab something to eat before getting the outfits. We worked up quite the appetite."

"Sounds like an excellent plan as I'm hungry as well."

Once they packed a bag to take to rehearsal, they headed on their way. After grabbing a late breakfast, their next stop was Tasha's office. "Did Jeff say why Tasha had the outfits and not Susan?" Santana asked as they walked up the subway steps.

"She is on vacation and figured you girls would want them as soon as possible."

"She was right. I can't wait to see the finished product."

"I can't wait to see you in it." Nick said as he gave her hand a squeeze.

"I know this is changing the subject, but is everything good with you guys and Blaine. I saw you all talking last night after everything happened."

"Everything is fine. And we found out that some of our concerns had already been talked about."

"How so?"

"Seb said that he and Blaine had talked about quite a few things. While Blaine was shocked by our strong feelings about Kurt, he wasn't completely oblivious to them. He just wished we would've told him as he never would've turned his back on us for expressing how we felt."

"You guys were in a no win situation with the way Kurt was keeping Blaine away from you. You didn't want to risk losing him. As I've said, I wasn't always nice to Blaine, but part of that was me just being me, a bitch. Once I started to spend more time with him, I can see why he's so special to all of you. Blaine is sweetheart and doesn't deserve the crap he's been put through. While no one really deserves to go through crap, but, you get what I mean, right."

"I absolutely do, one would think after everything he's been through Blaine would be much more cynical then he is. The fact that he isn't goes to show how nice he is. So when he basically said we were all free to speak our minds to Kurt, proves how hurt he is by everything that's happened. In the beginning Blaine didn't want the rest of us getting involved in fear of it making matters worse. Little did he know things were going to get bad regardless."

When they walked into the building, Santana looked over at Nick. "Do you know if he's going to be here?" Santana asked as they continued towards the bank of elevators.

"I don't know. But it wouldn't surprise me if he was since he was back in Ohio last week with everyone else. We need to remember that this is his place of work so we shouldn't cause a scene."

"That I do know, so I will keep my snark to myself."

"I wouldn't go that far."

"Why?"

"Because if he says something that deserves a snarky reply you shouldn't feel obligated to behave." He then leaned over and gave her a kiss. "Let's do this." Once the elevator doors opened, they headed down the hall towards Tasha's office. As Nick opened the door, he quickly spotted Kurt sitting at his desk before they walked in. With him facing his computer he didn't realize anyone had walked in until he heard the door close.

"Morning may I…may I help you?"

"You may actually." Nick replied. "Tasha is expecting us; well technically, she was expecting Jeff and Brittany but things changed."

"One moment, I'll let her know you're here." Kurt told them as he got up from his desk. It was pretty obvious to them that he wasn't thrilled to see them. Once he disappeared through the doors leading to Tasha's office Nick took a look around.

"Look to your right." Santana did as he asked and saw a blown up shot from the boys' recent shoot. "They really do look good."

"No doubt about it. I'm pretty sure Ally and Megan are going to show everyone they know that picture they took with Blaine, Seb, and Hunter. They were absolutely beaming. While they're used to seeing Blaine and Seb, they honestly freaked when they saw Hunter on that stage."

"And here Jeff and I thought that blood curling scream was because of how awesome we all are."

"Oh, you are awesome dear, but well, you're their brothers."

"Please tell me you're not saying what I think your saying."

"That depends."

"That Hunter is crush worthy."

"He is, well most of you boys are. But since he hasn't always been around there is something mysterious about him. Same goes for Brody."

"Let me guess, our sisters talked to you and Brittany about them."

"They did. You are the one that says they are boy crazy. Don't worry, we told them they were off limits. Brody is not only too old for them, but he's with Rachel."

"And Hunter?"

"While he's older he's still the same age as you and Jeff. So, we might've said he's seeing someone."

"Isn't he?"

"He's doing quite a bit of dating, but if we told them that one never knows."

"I'll trust that you took the right path."

"Good."

They were still talking when Kurt came walking out of the office. "She'll be with you in a few minutes. So please, make yourselves comfortable." Once he sat back down at his desk, Nick and Santana continued with their conversation

"Didn't Seb say they were doing another shoot?" Santana asked

"I think so."

"They are." Kurt chimed in with. "Not to intrude, but yes, they are doing another shoot in February."

"Thank you Kurt." Santana replied. "We'll need to let the girls know they'll have even more photos to gawk at."

"I'll leave that up to you. Knowing they're gawking at my friends is a little weird."

"They're my friends too Nicky."

"Yes, but guys see this a bit differently."

"Come now, even you said they look good."

"Yes, but me saying they look good is in a different sense then you girls saying they do."

"Okay, you have a point there."

When Tasha finally came walking out, they were sitting on the couch. "Sorry for making you wait."

"That's alright; we're not in any rush." Santana said as they got up from the couch. "We're here to pick up the outfits."

"That's what I figured since Kurt said you came in place of Jeff and Brittany." Tasha said as they headed towards her office. "Is everything alright?"

"Yes, Brittany's at an audition and Jeff went along to help calm her nerves a bit." Nick told her. "So I offered to come by and get them so they weren't rushing to get to rehearsal afterwards."

"That was nice of you. Well, there they are. And so you know, I've looked through all of them and they look amazing. While those preliminary designs you girls tried on looked good, these look incredible. I can't wait to see in all in them."

"Is there anything we need to do with them?" Santana asked.

"All Susan asked is for you all to try them on to make sure they fit. But since the preliminary outfits fit, you should be good. If there are any problems feel free to give me a call since she won't be back in the states till after the New Year begins."

"Got it. Thank you again so much!"

"It was my pleasure. Just be sure to hang these up once you get to rehearsal. Don't want them getting wrinkled."

"Understood." Santana replied as Tasha handed the four garment bags to Nick. "I'm sure Lexi already told you, but Blaine and Seb secured a whole block of seats."

"She did mention that and I can tell you both, I will be there. I wouldn't miss out on getting to see you guys do your thing. If what I saw at rehearsal was an indication it should be incredible."

"If I may be so bold, it will be. But we should probably get going since we're going to need to change prior to rehearsal." Nick said. "Thank you once again."

"You're welcome." Tasha then gave them each a hug before they headed on their way. As they walked out of the office she glanced over at Kurt. "Everything alright, you seem tense?"

"Everything is fine, but thank you for asking. I was just surprised to see them, that's all."

"Alright. Well, I'll be in my office."

When Nick and Santana finally arrived at Cooper and Lexi's, a bunch of them were already there. As they headed up the stairs, they were met by Sebastian. "Well, looks like you two did a bit of shopping this morning?"

"No, we went and picked up our outfits from Tasha." Santana replied. "So, is there a place we can hang them?"

"Sure, follow me." Sebastian said before heading up the next flight of stairs.

"Who else is here?" Nick asked.

"Obviously B. Trent, Thad, Hunter, David, Wes, and Hailey. The others are all on their way."

"Has anyone heard from Jeff or Britt?" Santana asked.

"B was actually on the phone with Jeff when I headed down the stairs. But I have no idea how the call was going since I left right after it started. You can hang the garment bags up in the closet." Sebastian said as he led them to his former bedroom. "Feel free to change in here as well. I'll be upstairs with everyone else."

When Sebastian made his way back upstairs Blaine was over talking to Hunter and Thad. "Someone is in a good mood." He said as he came up behind Blaine.

"I am, as is everyone else and you will be soon."

"Do tell."

"Since Jeff was in the audience, he got to hear some things that he probably shouldn't have. Britt really impressed them and she's going to be getting a call back."

"That's great, but she's gotten callbacks before."

"Yes, but from what Jeff told Blaine, this only seems to be done for the sake of protocol." Thad said. "He's almost certain she got a part."

"But we can't say anything obviously." Hunter said.

"In case Jeff heard wrong?" Sebastian asked.

"Essentially."

"Well, I can say if she gets this, it'll be a show I'll enjoy seeing."

"We said the same thing." Thad added. "She's been working so hard it'll be nice to see her succeed. Jeff said between working for your sister and dance class she puts in longer days than any of us do with school."

"Yea, I've heard him mention that a few times." Blaine said. "Then when you hear Brody talk about all the improvement she's made you had to hope she'd get her break."

"This might seem out of place, but how will Rachel take it?" Hunter asked. "Since from what I've gotten to know of her, Broadway is her dream."

"While the old Rachel would've been petty and jealous, the current Rachel will be happy for her." Blaine replied. "Plus it helps that they're not going after the same sort of roles. While Rachel dreams of being a star, Britt wants to dance."

"Okay, that makes sense."

"What makes sense?" Nick asked as he and Santana walked up.

"I think it's best if you wait to talk with Jeff." Thad said. "It's not really a conversation to have with the chance of Britt hearing."

"What's wrong?" Santana asks instantly.

"Nothing is wrong." Blaine reassures her. "But Jeff heard something today. Just know you can't ask him with Britt around."

"Alright." Nick replied. "We won't ask him when she's around. Just promise us it's not bad."

"It's not." Sebastian told them. "Very much the opposite." Before another word could be said, Brittany and Jeff came walking into the room.

"Someone looks more relaxed then the last time I saw her." Nick said as they walked closer.

"I am." Brittany replied with a smile. "Things went really well today."

"That's great to hear! Thad said as the rest of their friends walked closer.

"She was amazing." Jeff said with a smile that was impossible to repress. "They definitely put them through the wringer."

"You must be talking about Britt's audition." Brody said as he and Rachel walked in.

"We are." Jeff replied. "I was just telling the guys how amazing she was and that they put them through hell."

"First, yes, Britt was incredible. Secondly, they did put them through the wringer. Some of the dancers seemed surprised when they were partnered up. They clearly weren't prepared. Yet Britt went with the flow of everything they asked. Is everyone else on their way?"

"They are." Sebastian replied. "So we'll be able to get to work soon."

It wasn't long till everyone arrived and they got to work. Everything they'd worked on back in Ohio, hadn't been forgotten which made things easier. And now that they knew for sure that their spacing was correct it had taken the last bit of guess work out of their routine. "Britt, are you sure you're good to do this?" Sebastian asked before they got to work after their break.

"Yes, why?"

"You were dancing all morning."

"I'm good, but thank you for asking Sebby. While I did dance a lot this morning, it was also a lot of waiting around as well."

"Okay, I just wanted to ask. The last thing we'd want is for you to get hurt by dancing too much."

"I appreciate that Sebby." Brittany then turned and kissed him on the cheek. "I'll let you know if I need to stop, promise." Sebastian smiled and they slowly walked to their spot. Once they were in place, Blaine glanced over at them and Sebastian smiled back. After they got back to work, the time seemed to fly and except for a couple more breaks, they worked till dinner.

"Impressive." They all turned towards the doorway at the sound of the voice and soon spotted Quinn. "Mike wasn't exaggerating, you guys are really good."

"When did you get into town?" Rachel asked as the girls all walked towards her.

"About an hour ago. I know you said I could go straight to your place but since Dave said you guys would be practicing, I thought I'd swing by. I hope you don't mind."

"Not at all." Santana replied. "So you like it?"

"Absolutely. And Rachel, since when did you learn to dance like that?"

"NYADA and Brody." When a shy smile crept to her face the girls all giggled.

"Now, are his other moves as impressive as his dance moves?" Santana asked.

"Santana!" Rachel's response caused the girls to all laugh louder and the guys to all look towards them.

"Considering the looks on their faces, I think it's safe to presume their conversation took a turn." Beat said.

"In what manner?" Thad asked.

"The way Rachel said Santana's name, it took a sexual turn." Nick said with a laugh. "Does that really surprise any of us? We all know the girls are anything but innocent when they know we can't hear their conversations."

"That's true." Jeff said. "I'm pretty certain Nick's right with his assumption. So Dave, when were you going to tell us Quinn was going to be joining us for New Years?"

"I thought I told you."

"Obviously you didn't otherwise Jeff wouldn't have asked." Thad said. "Now, is something going on?"

"We're friends and since she didn't have plans for New Years I asked her to join us. Is that a problem?"

"Not at all." Blaine replied. "That was rather sweet of you. Will the rest of you be bringing your girlfriends with you on New Year's Eve?" With a quick glance around, it was clear those that had girlfriends were bringing them. "Very cool! This will be the first time we'll all be together."

"That's true." David said. "And since we'll all be huddled together we'll have plenty of time to get to know each other."

"Just a reminder, Beat's girlfriend calls him Rick." Sebastian said.

"Uh, sorry but we're so not calling you by your first name, it'll feel weird." Thad said. "So, you better explain things to her ahead of time."

"I think if you guys called me Rick, I might not answer because I'd think you'd be talking to someone else. So don't worry, I will make sure Jess knows and I will try to explain things to her."

"When in doubt, you could always give her a demonstration of your skills." Santana said as the girls walked up to them. "When is she coming to town?"

"She's coming in on the train tomorrow morning."

"I say you get the boys together, not like that'll be difficult and show her your mad skills."

"It would clearly be the easiest way to explain." Rachel said. "And you guys have enough songs in your repertoire that you could do something you haven't done in a while."

"Do you have a specific request?" Sebastian asked.

"Let us ladies ponder and we'll get back to you."

"Fair enough." Blaine said. "So, what now?"

"Dinner." Brittany replied and everyone was quick to agree and soon they were packing up to head on out.