Two Steps Beyond
Part 162
Even though they'd competed over a month prior, the study habits they'd all gotten into to allow them to practice over the weekends gave them more free time than they'd been used too. While they could've fallen back into their old habits, having more time to themselves on the weekends was something they were all enjoying. So on Saturday morning Blaine was sitting at the piano working on something for fun while Sebastian was lounging on the couch reading. "Hey B." Sebastian said as he placed his glasses on top of his head.
"Yes."
"Do you want to see if the guys want to go to the gym?"
"I'm guessing by the way you put that you want to box."
"I do. Plus I want you to see the improvements I've made since I started sparring with Hunter. Jeff and I have both gotten much better. Even Hunter thinks so."
"I think that could be arranged. I'm pretty sure Jeff is free since Britt's at rehearsal. So, why don't you call Hunter and Brody while I talk with Jeff, which means he'll talk to Nick and I'll also call Thad? It's been awhile since we've all gone together."
"Jeff and I figured out it's been since before we started practicing the last time we all went to the gym together."
"It's been that long?"
"It has."
They didn't talk for much longer and were soon making the necessary calls. Like Blaine had predicted, Jeff was free since Brittany was at rehearsal. And Nick was also free till the evening since Santana was working on a paper. He was just about to call Thad, when Sebastian called over to him that Thad happened to be with Hunter and they said to just give them a time and they'd meet them there. Since that was done, the last person that needed to be reached was Brody. So while Blaine cleaned up everything he had on the piano, Sebastian made the last call. "We're good to go B." Sebastian said as Blaine walked towards him.
"Rachel doesn't mind?"
"She's actually not home. She's in Connecticut with Quinn today."
"Did Brody say what for?" Blaine replied while sitting down besides Sebastian.
"He didn't, just that Rachel took an early train this morning. But he did say she'd be back this evening. And while I'm thinking about it, did Nick say whether or not his Dad will be able to pick up us from the airport?"
"Nick said we're good to go. Mr. Duval will be leaving from the hospital to pick up you, me, Jeff, and Nick, while Mr. Harwood is picking up the others."
"And your Dad is taking our group of four back to the airport on Sunday, right?"
"That's the plan. I'm just glad regionals are a week later this year. I didn't want to miss seeing the guys perform but if given the choice we'd have to miss the performance because there is no way we'd miss Jocelyn and Braeden's first birthday."
"Very true. Do we have to pick the parentals up at the airport next weekend?"
"Nope. They are all arriving midday Friday so we'll be in class. They're either taking a cab or getting a car service."
"Gifts wrapped?" Sebastian asked as they got off the couch to go and get ready to go to the gym.
"They are. The advantages of having their gifts bought in advance." Blaine replied. "Do you even remember what we bought?"
"I do smartass." Sebastian told him. "We bought Jocelyn that dress in Paris along with the cute little bear with the beret. And we got Braeden the jersey along with a toy train."
"Good memory Bas, I'm impressed. Are you sure you didn't take a peek in the closet?"
"Positive. I'm just thankful they grew basically in line with all those sizes."
"Same here, but at least Lexi got used to us bringing gifts for the kids sporadically."
"She has, but that didn't mean she didn't get irritated. I told her it's not our fault that all the things we bought were calling out the kids names. Plus now they're still little enough they won't realize how often Uncle Seb and Uncle Blaine brought them gifts. We just have to tone it down a bit once they start to realize a bit more. Also, has Coop stopped pouting?"
"He has. He had a feeling each of their first words would be "Mama", but it doesn't mean it didn't hurt. The only thing that saved matters was "Dada" was their second. I'm pretty sure when they have more kids, he's going to try and make it so he's around as much as he was their first year for any others."
"Being on set really bugs him sometimes, doesn't it?"
"Sometimes, but at least Lexi always has a camera nearby so she can send him stuff pretty quickly. Thankfully he was around when they both started to walk, that was a big deal to him. But he knows he's going to miss some moments, though it doesn't make it any easier."
They were just finishing up at the gym when Jeff received a call from Brittany saying she was done for the day and asking if he was going to be home soon. Knowing long rehearsals weren't leaving the two of them much time; the guys refrained from giving Jeff a hard time about not joining the rest of them for a movie. "Are you sure Santana isn't going to mind?" Thad asked as they headed for the exit.
"Positive. The paper she's working on is stressing her out quite a bit. She almost didn't come up this weekend because of it. But then she thought about it and came up. She seems to get more work done up here than in her dorm."
"I doubt you're complaining."
"Got that right. So, giving her time to work today isn't an issue."
After saying their goodbyes to Jeff, the boys headed towards the theater. On their way over, they all began discussing their plans for spring break. While Blaine and Sebastian were going back to the Caymans, Jeff was staying in town since Brittany's show was beginning just a few days prior. He didn't want her to have to stay in the city alone since Santana was going to be away for work during break and Nick was heading down to Florida with Thad and a bunch of the guys.
By the time the movie was over they all said their goodbyes before heading their separate ways once more. This was the last weekend all of them technically had free since the next weekend had Mike's performance and then Blaine and Sebastian had the twin's birthday party the next day. "I'm surprised Jeff is coming home since Britt can't." Sebastian said as they walked up the subway steps.
"I think if we were going to be gone much longer, he might not have. But we leave after class on Friday and come back by noon on Sunday. Plus Rachel and Brody are going to be around which makes things easier."
"True. And what's Santana doing that she can't come with us?"
"Hunter would've been the better person to ask. All I remember is that Santana is going to be with Cassie at some benefit that Saturday."
"Then it all makes sense, though I'm sure Ally and Megan are going to be sad that the girls aren't coming home.
"True, but Jeff said his parents were bringing Ally with when they come out for Britt's opening so they'll see them both that weekend."
"Well then, that'll help matters."
The next week flew by and before they all realized it, they were getting ready to head to Lincoln Center to see Mike. "Do you know if everyone else made it to town?" Santana asked as Nick helped her zip up her dress.
"From what I know, everyone is here. But you might want to ask Jeff because he spoke with Blaine this morning and he and Seb are housing the others, including Quinn. Why do you want to know?"
"Just curious. Are you sure you don't mind going tonight?"
"Why would I mind?"
"I don't know, shows like this aren't for everyone." Santana said as he grabbed her purse off the dresser. "So, if you really don't want to go, I wouldn't be offended."
"I honestly don't mind. Plus, Mike's a cool guy. It'll be nice to see what he's been up to." Santana nodded before giving him a kiss on the cheek. "Ready?" She smiled and they then headed for the living room. Once they reached it, they were surprised to see everyone else was ready. "We didn't keep you waiting long, did we?"
"We've all only been ready for a few minutes. So, shall we?" Wes said and Jeff and Nick both nodded. Soon the six of them were on their way. When they arrived at Lincoln Center the others were already there waiting for them. In what seemed like a repeat of the earlier conversation, they all asked if they'd kept them waiting long. But unlike Wes's response, Sebastian and Brody couldn't help but give them all a hard time about the five minutes they waited.
"Is Hunter here?" Brittany asked.
"If you look to the left he's talking with some people he knows." Blaine replied. "But he said he'd be back shortly." Brittany smiled and slid her arm around Jeff. "Has anyone spoken with Mike yet?"
"I did earlier." Rachel replied. "He wanted to make sure we were all still coming and let me know whose name the tickets were under at will-call. And as much as he liked to see us beforehand, he won't be able to till after the show."
"Did he say how rehearsals went?" Blaine asked.
"Long, but worth it. He thinks we'll all really enjoy the show. So, shall we head in once Hunter returns?" Blaine nodded and almost as if he'd heard her, Hunter came walking back towards them. Rachel then got the tickets out of her purse and handed them out before they all headed inside.
To say the show was enjoyable was a clear understatement as they showcased a variety of different types of dance. They were all so caught up in what they were watching they almost missed Mike until Rachel gasped quietly which made everyone focus. While Mike was an excellent dancer when he left Ohio, he'd clearly honed his craft and gotten even better. By the time the show ended they all couldn't wait to make their way out into the lobby so that they could discuss what they had watched. "I know you all told me Mike was good, but I was impressed." Brody told them. "He's clearly one of those people that certainly belong on a stage like that."
"Just think, he almost didn't pursue dancing." Quinn told him. "If it wasn't for his girlfriend at the time he would've followed the path his parents wanted for him."
"Quinn is right, it was an interesting time." Blaine added. "Mike definitely had some tense moments near the end of his senior year. Heck, most of you did."
"Yea, our class didn't have easiest of times making decisions." Santana said. "Heck, even Rachel had her moments."
"Don't remind me." Rachel said with a laugh. "I still can't believe I blew my first audition."
They all didn't realize how caught up in their conversation they had gotten till Mike walked up to them. "You were great man." Brody told him and everyone agreed. "It was a wonderful show."
"Thanks. I'm surprised you're all still here."
"I told you we'd wait." Rachel replied. "It hasn't been that long."
"Actually it has, it took me almost an hour to get out here." A bunch of them all looked at their watches and then laughed. "That must've been quite the conversation you were all having."
"It ran the gamut." Sebastian replied. "Does it feel weird knowing you're only going to be here for a couple more days?"
"A little bit. You guys helped make my time in New York more enjoyable, so thank you."
"It was our pleasure." Blaine told him. "What will you be doing once you get back to Chicago?"
"I'll be getting back to work on a show we're preparing, though I just might see you guys next weekend. Artie called and asked if I was coming to support the New Directions at Regionals?"
"Have you seen their show yet?" Nick asked.
"I have. It's better than last year but I think it'll be tough for them to win."
"Are you basing that off of last year?"
"I am. Have you guys seen what the Warblers are doing?"
"We have." Blaine replied. "And they look great. While they had a great showing at sectionals, this show proves they've managed to improve even more since then."
"That honestly doesn't surprise me. If their work ethic is even half of what you guys do, I can see how that happened."
"Will you be able to join us this evening?" Quinn asked.
"Afraid not as I need to be up early tomorrow morning. There was a part of the show our choreographer wasn't happy with so she's going to see if she can fix what she didn't like in the morning. But I'm glad you all stuck around as I wanted to thank you all for coming."
"We're glad we were able to." Brittany replied. "I'm sorry your schedule stopped you from being able to make it to the preview shows."
"I'm sorry too Brittany, as I'm sure it's going to be a great show."
"We'll be sure to tell you all about it." Quinn told him. "With all of us going you'll be able to get a full perspective."
"I appreciate that. Well, I better let you all go so I can head back in. Hopefully I'll be seeing some of you next weekend and as for the rest, hopefully it'll be soon." Mike then proceeded to give all of those close to him hugs and shake the hands of everyone else before heading backstage again.
After celebrating the twins' birthday on Sunday with more family and friends than Blaine and Sebastian thought would show for Jocelyn and Braeden's birthday party. The rest of the week for Blaine and Sebastian seemed to fly by. Before they knew it they were heading for the airport where they were going to be meeting Nick and Jeff. Once they'd passed through security, they made their way to the gate and waited. While they sat, Blaine got to work on some homework while Sebastian answered a text from Nick asking if they were already through security because there seemed to be some sort of back-up. Sebastian replied that they were already at the gate and that there was no delay when they went through. Nick proceeded to reply that it figured that it was just his and Jeff's luck considering the car they'd called arrived a few minutes a late.
By the time they made it through and down to the gate they barely had time to sit before boarding began. Clearly they were both irritated since it had taken them over a half-hour to make it through when they'd only arrived about ten minutes after Blaine and Sebastian. Once they were seated, Sebastian had to remind Blaine to keep his laptop away since he wasn't going to have much time before they were asked to stow all electronics before take-off. Blaine frowned slightly, but knew Sebastian was right. The last thing he needed was to get started once again to have to stop suddenly. But once they were in the air it wasn't long till they were all at work. Of all the times they had work to do over the weekend, it was one in which they weren't going to be at home.
When Mr. Duval picked them up at the airport he could tell the boys all had quite a bit on their minds as they were quite for most of the drive. It wasn't till they were close to the Anderson home did Mr. Duval ask the boys a question. "Do any of you know what's in the package that was sent to all of the parents?" Nick looked at his Dad before looking back at his friends who were in the backseat. When the guys all shrugged their shoulders Nick looked back at his Dad once more.
"What package?"
"All of the parents received a package yesterday and once we opened the outer box, we saw a note that said it wasn't to be opened any further till you boys arrived in town."
"We have no idea Mr. Duval." Blaine replied. "I wonder why my Mom didn't mention it to me when I talked to her earlier."
"That's because she knew I was going to ask when I picked you all up. Needless to say, most of us are pretty anxious. So now knowing you boys don't know what it is, my curiosity is now peaked as well."
"There's an easy way to solve that." Blaine told him. "Why don't you all come in when we get to my house and we can all find out together?"
"As tempting as that is I better wait till I get home. I don't think Nick's Mom would be thrilled that I found out what was in the package before she did."
"He's right, my Mom wouldn't take that well and she'd know even without him telling her. He'd have some goofy grin on his face that would say everything."
"I would not."
"Yes you would. Mom can read you like a book. So while my Dad can't know, feel free to text Jeff and I with what's in the box since I'm pretty sure your Mom is going to open it shortly after you two walk through the door."
"Nick's got a point." Jeff said.
"So both of you would leave me hanging?" Mr. Duval asked and Nick and Jeff quickly replied in the affirmative. "She'll know you both know."
"True, but she'll be so happy to see us she'll get over it." Nick told his Dad as they pulled into the Anderson's driveway. "Well, you two have fun and we'll wait for your text."
"And after that we'll see you tomorrow." Jeff added.
"Sounds good." Sebastian replied before opening the door. "Thank you again for picking us up Mr. Duval."
"It was my pleasure guys. Bye." Once they closed the door, Blaine and Sebastian walked around to the back of Mr. Duval's car to get their bag out of the back. After grabbing ahold of their bag, they waved goodbye before heading inside. They were barely in the door when they heard Mrs. Anderson call out to them.
"And here I was expecting her to meet us at the door." Blaine said as Sebastian set their bag down. But before Sebastian had a chance to reply Mrs. Anderson came walking up to them.
"I didn't meet you at the door because I only saw you both four days ago. How was your flight?" She asked as she led them both towards the living room after giving them each a hug and kiss.
"Quick considering we were doing homework the entire flight. And we'll be doing that this evening as well." Blaine told her as they sat down on the couch.
"At least you had a flight smooth enough to work. The flight your Dad and I had coming home had tons of turbulence." While she spoke, Blaine and Sebastian both noticed the gift wrapped box on the table. It was clear to them both she was trying to ask about their week, but they could tell she was anxious to open the box as Mr. Duval had mentioned.
"While we appreciate your interest in our week Mom, we can talk about it later, right Bas?"
"B's correct. So, now that we're here why don't you open that package that's staring at us. That is unless you want to wait until Mr. Anderson comes home."
"That won't be necessary." Mr. Anderson said as he walked into the room. Before Mrs. Anderson had a chance to explain, Mr. Anderson greeted the boys. "Has she asked to open the box?"
"She was just about to." Blaine replied. "But Bas and I understood if she wanted to wait till you came home."
"That wouldn't have happened. She's been itching to open it. What are you waiting for dear; you can open it while we talk?" The boys couldn't help themselves as laughter escaped them both as Mrs. Anderson blushed slightly. "So, do you boys know what it is?"
"No." Sebastian replied. "We were shocked when Mr. Duval asked us about it."
"Bas is right; this is as much of a surprise for us as…" Blaine didn't get to finish as his Mom basically shrieked once it was open. Blaine and Bas looked at each other after looking at her and seeing two DVD cases in her hands. "Mom?" Mrs. Anderson handed the cases to Blaine and his eyes bugged out. "Bas?"
"I have no idea. Is there a note?"
"Seb's right dear, check the box." While Mrs. Anderson checked the box, Mr. Anderson took one of the discs to the DVD player.
"We should've known." Mrs. Anderson said. "The discs are from Cooper, Lexi, Donovan, and Cassie. We should've guessed they'd send us video of the show. But, I'm curious as to what's on the second disc which is titled performance collage."
"We'll just have to watch it and find out." Mr. Anderson replied. Once the video started Blaine and Sebastian looked at each other once more upon seeing Simon's Production logo. Then once the video started they were in shock. Due to the clarity it was pretty clear that the siblings had had the performance professionally recorded.
"Text the guys." Sebastian said as Mr. Anderson paused it so Blaine could let the guys know. While the video Cooper and Donovan had taken of them was good, this was something else entirely since it focused in on certain parts without missing key elements of the overall performance. Without a doubt, it was clear the performance had been recorded on multiple cameras. By the time the first performance ended all anyone in the room could do was look at each other. "B."
"I…I honestly don't have words."
"You were all amazing." Mr. Anderson told them. "I know we told you that after we saw the video Cooper sent us, but, but this truly highlighted the performance."
"Could we watch the second performance Dad?"
"Of course." Instantly Mr. Anderson hit play again and as he did, Blaine took Sebastian's hand in his. Even though they'd felt good about their performance that day as well as from watching it from the earlier video. Watching it this way put things in a whole new perspective since Donovan and Cooper's video showed the full stage and wasn't as close or clear. During the second performance, there was a close-up of Blaine and Sebastian during Your Guardian Angel and it caused them both to look at the other as the video clearly showed the two of them basically singing to each other.
Once it ended, Mr. Anderson quickly got up to change discs as Mrs. Anderson spoke with the boys about the differences between the two performances. "Now, how anxious were Nick and Jeff during the final number during the stunts Santana and Brittany were doing?"
"If they were anxious, they never said anything." Sebastian told her. "I think it's because they both knew Brody and Hunter wouldn't let anything happen to them."
"But accidents do happen."
"True, but as Brittany said you have to take those sort of chances once in a while." Blaine told her. "Also it helps that the girls have complete trust in the guys."
"Understandable. Speaking of Brittany, is she getting excited?"
"Extremely. Are you and Dad still going to come out and see the show?"
"We are. We'll be seeing it while you boys are on vacation. We felt it was only right to go and support her."
"Be sure you wait after the show as I know she'd love to see you."
"That's good to know because we planned on waiting." Mrs. Anderson was just finishing when Mr. Anderson sat back down. "Should we see what is on the second disc?"
"Absolutely!" They both replied, so Mr. Anderson hit play once more. While the opening was similar this time around there wasn't a play all option in the menu. Instead there were ten different slide shows listed and a last option that was just labeled photos. As they watched the first slide show they realized that while the cameras recorded, still photography was being taken as well. There were close ups of everyone as well as time lapsed shots of some of their bigger moves.
"The guys are going to freak when they see these." Sebastian said without moving his eyes from the screen.
"I think the parents are going to as well Seb." Mrs. Anderson said. "You all looked stunning." By the time they got to the last slide show, Blaine and Sebastian finally looked at each other once more. The last slide show had pictures that had been taken during rehearsals, from their very first to their last. At first they weren't sure where they came from, but they both soon realized that Lexi as well as everyone else that had visited while they'd been practicing had been taking pictures documenting the moment as well. Once it ended, Mr. Anderson went to the folder marked photos and it was what they all thought after a brief conversation. It was a folder of every picture taken so that they could be printed out if anyone wanted too.
"You boys really didn't know?" Mr. Anderson asked.
"We had no clue Dad. If you don't mind, we need to call Lexi and Cooper."
"If you don't mind sharing the screen, why don't we just do a joint call as I'm sure they're waiting to hear from us all."