Two Steps Beyond
Part 161
While Blaine and Sebastian were busy with their homework that evening, they left one of their old laptops between them as they both were reading the comments that had been left on the video. There were multiple times they both nudged the other to point out a particular comment. They were going back and forth so often that they became startled when the doorbell rang. After laughing at the way they'd reacted, Blaine got up from his spot on the floor to answer the door. "You'll never believe who is here Bas!" Blaine called out as they came walking down the hall back towards the living room. That comment alone, caused Sebastian to look over his shoulder to see Brody and Rachel walking behind Blaine.
"May we ask what we owe this pleasure?" Sebastian asked as they all walked around the couch to sit down.
"I see you guys are reading the comments." Rachel said.
"Of course, we can't help having our egos stroked." Sebastian replied as he moved up onto the couch next to Blaine. "So, what's going on?"
"Have you kept your reading to the Warbler webpage or have you looked at the Facebook page at all?"
"The Warbler page, why?" Blaine asked.
"Go to the other." Brody told them as he wrapped his arm around Rachel. "I think you might be surprised by what you see." With those words, Sebastian grabbed the laptop off the table and brought it onto his lap to change the pages. Once he opened it, he and Blaine both looked at each other before looking at Rachel and Brody. It was clear from the number of comments; the Warblers as well as Junior Warblers had no problems voicing their appreciation of what they saw on both pages.
"What are we looking for?" Sebastian asked as Blaine began to scroll.
"You'll know when you see them." Rachel told them. "But be warned, I was shocked when I read them so you might be as well." No sooner did Rachel answer did Blaine's eyes open wide and he turned to look at Sebastian who had a similar look on his face. "Those looks must mean you found them."
"How'd they find the video?" Blaine asked before turning his focus back to the computer screen in front of him.
"Logan and Jacob tagged everyone that is in it. Every former and current member of the New Directions have commented. I should also let you know my Dads saw it and were truly impressed by the performance."
"Did you read Finn's comment?"
"I did. I actually asked Brody to read it back to me because it seemed too good to be true. I almost thought I imagined what I read. He was shocked, yet impressed at the same time. I thought Puck's response of what the hell Berry, Lopez, and Pierce was amusing. His mind went straight to the gutter cause of what we were wearing and the dance moves we were doing."
"Typical Puck."
"Very true. And Mercedes said next time she comes to New York she'd love the opportunity to sing with you boys. She's quite jealous that we all got to."
"I think that could be arranged." Sebastian replied. "We are due for a night of karaoke soon. Guess we'll just have to make sure we plan a night like that when she comes to town. I never would've expected for them all to react so positively."
"Goes to show what happens when the chaos is no longer on top of them." Rachel said. "It gives people clarity. And there is no doubt that we were great."
"Modest, aren't we?" Blaine replied with a smile. "But, I've got to agree. My parents, as well as Bas's, loved the performance as well. They wished they were there in person for it."
"My Dads said the same thing as well."
"Did your parents see the video Brody?" Sebastian asked.
"They did and were shocked since it's not something I'd ever done before. So they not only congratulated me on the performance but for also stepping outside of my comfort zone. This is off-topic, but do either of you know how Britt's rehearsals are going?"
"According to Jeff, really well." Blaine replied. "She's really enjoying herself, though it's a lot of hard work."
"If anyone is up for it, it's her." Brody told him. "She's got a crazy work ethic when it comes to her dancing. I wish that I had a room full of dancers like her during each class I teach. She picks things up so quickly and is always eager to learn. She's a choreographers dream. Will you guys be there opening night?"
"You didn't really just ask us that did you?" Sebastian asked as he looked at Brody with a quizzical look on his face.
"True. I just know how important it is to have friends and family there for your big moment."
"I can tell you all of the guys are going to be there. Plus, Brittany's parents as well as Jeff's family will be there as well. And Lexi and Cooper are included when I said, the guys."
"I figured as much." Rachel said. "Brittany adores your sister Seb."
"She adores her as well so she wouldn't miss her big moment for the world."
Another couple of weeks had passed and they were all soon arriving for their usual Sunday brunch. In what seemed like forever, Blaine and Sebastian were actually being allowed by their friends to cook. Somehow along the way everyone else had decided that since they were supplying the place for the gatherings, they shouldn't have to cook. But with a bit of persistence, Blaine and Sebastian were back in the kitchen. While some of their friends were stretched out on the couch, Brittany curled up beside Jeff as she was enjoying her free day. "Not that everyone doesn't cook well, but I've missed having Blaine and Sebby cook."
"No offense taken." Thad said as he came walking out of the kitchen with a cup of coffee. "They're culinary skills clearly surpass all of ours. I prefer it when they cook as well."
"Then how did they stop cooking?" Santana asked.
"That came about when we all felt guilty that they're the only ones with a place big enough to house all of us at once." Nick replied and soon Santana nodded as she remembered that conversation. "Considering the smell coming from the kitchen, we need to go back to exchanging weekends because that smells incredible. Did you see what they were making when you were in there?"
"Nope and if you go in there you'll see they want to keep it a secret. Hopefully it's done soon though because I'm starving."
"When aren't you boys starving?" Rachel asked.
"Right after they eat." Santana replied with a laugh which caused Nick to wrap his arms around her and pull her onto her lap. "It's true Nicky."
"There are other times of the day we aren't."
"When?" Santana asked as she cocked her head to the side and just stared at Nick. With all eyes on them, everyone started to laugh as they seemed to be having a conversation without saying anything. Each of them tilting their head or changing the look in their eyes till Santana finally rested her head against Nick's. "He's right, there are other times."
"Do we get an answer?" Rachel asked once more. The only response she got this time around was Santana shaking her head.
"I think it's probably for the best." Brody chimed in with and Nick nodded in agreement. "You should know by now Rach some things are better left unsaid." Those words from Brody brought a look of surprise to Rachel's face as she started to put things together. Thad, Hunter, Dave, and Jeff all started to laugh once Rachel's face began to get redder by the moment.
"Considering this group, are you really that surprised Rachel?" Hunter asked. "But there may be a few other times during a day as well."
"How dare you guys have fun without us?" Sebastian said as he and Blaine walked out into the living room. "What did we miss out on?" The guys were all still laughing so they barely even noticed Blaine and Sebastian standing there. "Ladies?"
"If we talk about it now, they'll never stop laughing." Santana replied. "And I think Rachel might combust if the conversation continues."
"Britt?" Sebastian asked since he couldn't seem to get a straight answer.
"Santana is right; we shouldn't talk about it right now." Sebastian glanced at Blaine who could only shrug his shoulders.
"Fine but we want answers after brunch."
"You'll need to give everyone time to digest Seb." Thad managed to say as he reigned in his laughter. "Otherwise it might not be good."
"We can respect that." Blaine replied. "So you guys know, you've got about twenty minutes." He then took ahold of Sebastian's hand and led him back into the kitchen. "That was one of the strangest things we've walked into and that's saying a lot."
"No kidding." Sebastian said as he leaned against the counter before grabbing Blaine and bringing him towards him. "But I think I can think of a way to distract myself from what's going on out there."
"Do you now?" Sebastian smiled before lowering his head enough so that they could kiss. They kissed for a bit before Sebastian broke it for a moment. "Please, I think I need more distraction."
"My pleasure."
Knowing they had time, Blaine and Sebastian got wrapped up in each other so much so that when the doorbell rang neither of them reacted. Once it became clear to the others that Blaine and Sebastian weren't coming, Thad went to go and answer the door. His entire walk to the door he couldn't help but wonder who it could be since everyone was there that was supposed to be and Lexi and Cooper had gone away with the kids for the weekend since he had a break in filming. Upon opening the door he smiled and stepped aside. "Didn't know you were in town?"
"Got in last night." Mike replied as Thad closed the door behind him. "Blaine said it was okay to come by today. I'm not interrupting, am I?" He asked as they headed towards the living room.
"Not at all. Guys, we've got company. Someone go get Blaine and Seb."
"Mike!" Brittany called out as soon as she laid eyes on him. Before Jeff had a chance to respond, Brittany had gotten up off of the couch and ran to give him a hug. "What are you doing here already?"
"Rehearsals start tomorrow already. Are you guys sure I'm not interrupting something?"
"Not at all." Dave replied. "We get together for brunch every Sunday. With as busy as we all are it's our opportunity to catch up."
"Hey, glad you could make it!" Blaine said as soon as he, Sebastian, and Beat came walking into the room. "You've got excellent timing as we're about to eat."
"I really don't want to intrude. I can come back later."
"Mike, Dave already told you that you're not interrupting anything." Rachel told him and in that moment Thad pointed at himself. "And Thad did as well, so you're fine."
"Rachel is right." Sebastian said. "So please, join us for brunch. There is more than enough food."
"You picked a great day to come, Blaine and Sebby cooked."
"Britt's right, because they're excellent cooks." Santana said. "So, let's finish this conversation over brunch."
Once they were all in the dining room, the conversation picked up once more. They managed to catch Mike up on everything that had been going on with them in the two months since they'd last seen each other. And Mike was able to fill them in on what had been going on with him as well. After the basics were covered, Mike had to comment on the video of their performance. Considering he knew what the show was supposed to look like he was able to comment on the slightest of details. "I've got to tell you guys; Tina called me freaking out afterwards. Then got upset when I told her I got to see you guys rehearse."
"This might be out of place, but are you two still together?" Santana asked.
"Not right now, but things could always change. With both of us in college now it got a bit weird since our schedules never seemed to work out. But who knows what the future holds. Now, is there anything else going on?" Jeff then nudged Brittany since when they all filled Mike in, Britt's big news had been left out. "Britt?" Mike said once he noticed all eyes fall to her. "Something going on?" Brittany all of a sudden got really shy and turned into Jeff who was sitting next to her.
"Since she's a bit shy at the moment, I'll tell you." Jeff said. "She got a job in an off-Broadway production of Hairspray."
"Seriously?"
"Seriously." Brody replied. "I was there for her first audition which was amazing. And according to my friend who is helping choreograph the show Brittany impressed them more and more each time she came in front of them."
"So, is this just as a dancer or what?"
"She's part of the council." Rachel chimed in with excitement since she was so happy for Brittany. "Sorry." She soon said as she realized she probably shouldn't have said anything.
"It's okay." Brittany said. "I like that you're happy for me."
"Happy doesn't even describe it." Rachel told her.
"When does the show open?" Mike asked.
"Previews start in a week actually."
"I'll still be in town then. Do you think it's possible to see it?"
"I don't see why not." Brittany then looked over at Brody figuring he'd know more about it than she did. Once he nodded continued. "I'll see what I can do at rehearsal tomorrow, okay?"
"That's great. I guess the rest of you will be there for the big opening."
"We will be." Nicks said. "Now, where are you going to be performing while you're here?"
"Lincoln Center actually. I'm actually glad you're all here because I need to put in my ticket request tomorrow. By chance do you know who wants to come?"
"If possible, you need fifteen tickets as it's everyone one along with Quinn, two girlfriends, as well as Wes and Hailey."
"That works out well actually. I must say, I'm a bit surprised you all want to come."
"Surprisingly enough, we all have an appreciation of the arts." Sebastian replied. "So, we're not only going to get to see what I'm sure will be a brilliant performance, we get to come and support you."
"That's really nice of you guys; I don't know what to say."
"Just say thank you so we can move on." Santana said with a laugh. "Has anyone back home been to see you perform besides your family and Tina of course?"
"Mr. Schue came to a performance as did Artie and his Mom. But you guys know better than most, the arts scene really isn't happening in Lima." They all laughed in agreement. "Does anyone back at home know about your job Britt?"
"Besides family, no. I didn't see the point since it's not like they'll come out and see me."
"But they'd all be happy for you, you should tell them."
"Maybe." Once she'd replied, Jeff kissed her on the forehead. "What are we going to do the rest of today?" Her words made it pretty clear to everyone that she didn't want to discuss the topic anymore so they all started to brainstorm about what they were going to do. The way the conversation flowed so openly, it took Mike a bit to get used to the flow since who was talking changed so frequently.
"How about we ask Mike what he'd like to do?" Blaine said as he leaned back in his chair after noticing Mike had been rather quiet.
"Thanks, but I'm actually game for anything since I've only been here a handful of times and really didn't do much sight-seeing while I was here."
"How about Hunter Center?" Sebastian said with a laugh which caused Blaine, Nick, and Jeff to laugh as well and Hunter to just shake his head. Ever since he'd told Blaine and Sebastian about him being a Rockefeller, Sebastian took every opportunity to sneak references in during conversation.
"Where?" Mike asked.
"Why don't we start with the Empire State Building and go from there?" Hunter said.
"Sounds good to me." Mike replied and with that, they all got up and began to clean up.
"You really are a smartass." Hunter said as he came walking up behind Blaine and Sebastian.
"Would you honestly expect less from me given the situation? It was a prime opportunity to say something. Plus, weren't you the one that said you were probably going to tell everyone else sooner or later."
"True, but still. Blaine, I don't know how you put up with him."
"It takes someone truly special to deal with someone as exceptional as me and B's that type of person. Right?"
"Yes Bas, I'm special to be able to put up with someone as eccentric as you."
"I…" Sebastian stopped as he looked at Blaine who had quite the smirk on his face. "You're lucky I love you."
"I know. I love you too."
Once they were out and about in the city, they took Mike to every touristy attraction he could think of. And during each stop, he laughed at the amount of pictures that were being taken. While he told them all the pictures weren't necessary, they told him they enjoyed taking them as it was always fun to look back at their crazier moments. To prove the point, each of the girls showed Mike some of the pictures they'd taken on their phones of times they'd been out and about with the guys. "I see what you mean." Mike said. "You guys clearly have fun when you guys get together."
"We try. With as crazy as school gets one needs to relax." Sebastian said. "And who better to relax and have fun with than your friends. If you can't do that around them, you need new friends."
"That's actually a really good point Seb. Too many people forget to have fun."
"As you can see, we don't have that problem." Blaine told him. "I think the fact that we can have fun, helps us deal with all the other things life can throw at us." While Blaine spoke, Sebastian took ahold of his hand, before leaning over to give him a kiss on the cheek. Even though his words were correct, Sebastian as well as most everyone else could tell that there was more behind them. It was in that moment, which they realized that all the times they spent together, had helped Blaine deal with everything that was going on around him. Blaine would never outright tell any of them how spending time with them helped, but in a way his tone when he spoke did just that.
"So, who are you staying with while you're in town?" Rachel asked as they walked towards a restaurant to have dinner.
"They put all of us that came into town into a housing complex they use for the summer camps. Surprisingly, it's not bad at all. Most of us were expecting to have to share rooms or even seeing bunk beds, yet we've all been given our own rooms."
"That must be a relief." Brody said. "I know after a long day of rehearsal the last thing you need is people around that won't let you just be."
"That's very true. Luckily those of us that are here get along really well. It should make the next few weeks go by quickly. And can I just thank you all for such a fun day. I never expected anything like this when I showed up at Blaine and Seb's."
"You'll learn while you're here, expect the unexpected when it comes to us." Jeff told him. "One often never knows what we'll come up with. But I'm glad you enjoyed yourself. I think it's safe to say we all had fun as well. "
"Jeff's right, the last time we did the whole tourist thing was last summer." Nick added. "I've got to say, it's more enjoyable doing this stuff with less people in the city and cooler temperatures."
"What the ninety degree day we did the Top of the Rock over the summer wasn't fun?" Sebastian asked sarcastically. All of them replied no causing Mike to laugh. "You all did catch that sarcasm in that, right?"
"We did Bas." Blaine replied. "But it's fun messing with you once in a while."
"That wasn't nice." When Sebastian began to pout Brittany walked up and gave him a hug.
"We love you Sebby."
"Thank you Britt, I love you too."
"Blaine." Jeff said as he took Brittany's hand.
"I've got this. I'm sorry Bas; I'll make it up to you when we get home."
"Promise?"
"Promise."
"Yes!"
"You walked right into that one Blaine." Hunter said as they walked through the restaurants doors. "He was going to milk that for all it was worth."
"I know, yet you see how hard of a fight I put up."
"And here we thought you ran right up and jumped into his arms." Dave said.
"He'll save that for private." Beat said.
"You guys are honestly crazy." Mike told them as they waited to be seated. "There really isn't any topic you guys won't talk about, is there?"
"Not really." Blaine replied. "But if it's an issue for you, we can reel it in a bit."
"Please don't. It's nice seeing people so comfortable around each other. At school people tend to be a bit closed off at times."
"It's one extreme or the other, isn't it?" Brody asked just before they were lead to their table. "Dancers can be a peculiar breed. They're either overly talkative or they don't say a word."
"Exactly. The people that are often the most closed off tended to be the most stressed."
"That's very true. I think bonding with the people you're working with tends to make things easier. When people get stressed it can often lead to things going wrong. But some are so afraid of saying the wrong thing; they hurt those around them in the process."
"Finally, someone else who thinks the way I do."
"More do, they don't always voice it." Brody told him. "I think some grew up surrounded by people that played head games too often that it's one of the reasons they don't open up. They'll never let their weaknesses known in fear of them being used against them."
"So very true. I could understand that during the audition process since it's everyone for themselves. But once you've been cast, you should get to know those you're working with. I don't expect them to be like you guys are around each other, but I don't want them to be stand-offish."
"Over time you'll see it change. This is your second year, right?" Mike nodded. "It was the same for me as well as Rachel. But around third year people begin to get more confidence though some are always leery of their talent. For some the realization of living their dream is too much to take."