Two Steps Beyond
Part 163
After Blaine and Sebastian arrived at OSU the next morning it didn't take them long to find the rest of the guys that had already arrived. "Has anyone heard from Nick or Jeff?" Blaine asked since they were the only two that weren't there.
"They should be here soon." Wes replied. "Nick said they had to make a stop before they headed this way."
"Wonder what he had to do?" Thad asked, but his question was soon answered as he saw Nick and Jeff walking towards them along with their sisters and Ally's boyfriend. "Beware, Nick might be in a mood guys." All it took was for them all to follow Thad's gaze and they knew what he was talking about. Once the five of them reached them, the girls said hello to all of the guys before going to find the group from Dalton that was attending. "Should we even ask?"
"They didn't want to take the bus and Tyler's parents didn't want him driving into Columbus." Nick replied. "So, Jeff and I got to bring them with us."
"Aren't you the lucky ones?" Sebastian replied.
"Yea. And next time Blaine, send a more descript text." Nick said. "Our Moms freaked last night and we so weren't prepared for it."
"Hey, I sent a quick message since we were watching. And so you all know, we all have the same packages waiting for us at home. Cooper and Lexi felt it was best our parents saw the discs first."
"Please tell me you guys had no idea either." Thad said as they walked towards the theater.
"Not a clue." Sebastian replied. "B and I spoke with Hunter and he didn't know either. So our siblings pulled one over on all of us as did Simon considering he saw B, Hunter, and I the next weekend. According to Lexi, Simon and his assistants had a lot of fun putting all of that together."
"Is that one of the reasons there were so many slide shows?" Beat asked.
"It was. Each time they thought they were done someone found a picture they wanted or wished they had used. But Cooper told them not to worry as he was sure we'd all enjoy it."
"My parents were thrilled." Dave said. "I'm pretty sure some of those pictures are either being printed out today or transferred into a digital frame."
"I'd say most of our parents are doing the same thing today." Wes said. "And how did Lexi get all those rehearsal pictures without us all noticing?"
"I think that stemmed from the fact we were all concentrating on rehearsal." Trent said. "Does anyone know if the headmaster saw it?"
"He did." Wes replied. "He came and saw the Warblers the same day Logan and Jacob posted it on the Warbler website."
"Do you know what he thought?" Blaine asked.
"He was impressed according to Brandon, yet he was a little surprised to see Hailey, Brittany, Santana, and Rachel."
"He wasn't upset, was he?" Thad asked.
"Not at all according to Brandon. But I'm sure Logan and Jacob know more so why don't we go and find them. We can wish them luck and see how they're feeling before asking about the headmaster's reaction." Knowing Wes was right, the guys quickly found a page who directed them to where the Warblers were warming up. Luckily it didn't take them long to get to the room as they knew sometimes participants were placed all over but the Warblers were actually near the theater.
Once they reached the room, the nine of the stopped and listened outside the door as they didn't want to interrupt Logan and Jacob who were speaking with the guys. It wasn't till they finished, did the guys walk into the room. At first they went unnoticed but the instant they were spotted they were soon surrounded. "No one would tell us whether you guys were actually going to make it." Logan said. "Even Brandon said he didn't know if Wes was coming home."
"We tried to keep it quiet in case anything came up." Blaine replied. "And while we all were working on homework last night and early this morning we never would've missed this."
"How are you all feeling?" Dave asked.
"Nervous." Jacob replied. "But it's the good type of nerves."
"We know them well." Thad replied.
"You guys still get nervous?" Mitch asked.
"We do." Jeff replied. "I think if we ever performed without them, it wouldn't feel right. I can safely tell you all that we were all nervous before we performed in February."
"You never would've known it from what we saw." One of the Warblers said.
"It's as Jacob described, they were good nerves." Thad said. "They're more like being anxious versus being sick to your stomach in worry. Are any of you feeling sick to your stomach?" They all shook their heads. "Then you've got good nerves. Just remember one thing when you go out there, have fun. Once you begin you'll forget everything else."
"Thad's right." Sebastian said. "Having fun is the most important part. I don't doubt that Jacob and Logan worked your asses off and you guys could probably do your set in your sleep." Most of the guys nodded while Logan and Jacob looked at their friends. "You guys are prepared, so just do what you do and have fun doing it. I truly think enjoying what you're doing shows in a performance."
"It was clear you guys had fun when you recently performed." Mitch said.
"We did." Nick replied. "And while there was more at stake the second time around, I think we enjoyed ourselves more that time." The guys all nodded as they understood what Nick and the rest of the guys were saying. Basically as long as they gave it their best and had fun, good things would happen. So once they were done talking to the group, the guys all paired off with individuals who had questions specific to certain individuals. "How long have they wanted to talk to Beat?" Nick asked Logan who was standing between him and Blaine.
"It's been since they saw the video. Jacob and I told them to just call him, but they didn't want to be seen as a bother."
"Beat wouldn't have minded." Blaine said. "We're all willing to help."
"And we appreciate that more than you guys know. You really helped us this year more than you know."
"This might be a bad time to ask, but do you and Jacob know where you'll be going to school next year?"
"I'll be going to Fordham while Jacob is going to Yale."
"So Thad and Dave will have company." Nick said before calling Thad and Dave over so Logan could share the news. Once the news was shared, the graduates said their goodbye so the guys could get one last run through in. As they reached their seats, it felt unfamiliar to all of them except Wes.
"Please tell us you felt a bit of anxiety last year?" Trent asked Wes who was sitting next to him.
"I did, so it's completely normal. I feel the same way this year."
While they were waiting for the show to start, Sebastian nudged Blaine gently when he saw Artie and Mike heading towards them. "And so we meet again." Sebastian said once they were in front of them.
"So we do." Mike replied. "Did you guys have a nice trip in?"
"We did. How have things been for you since getting back?" Blaine asked.
"Good, but busy. They changed quite a bit of choreography while we were gone so those of us that weren't there had a lot of catching up to do."
"Now Artie, are you here being the good alumnus or are you here for another reason?" Blaine asked.
"Dual reasons." Artie replied. "I'm here to support McKinley, but the arts department is also helping run things. By the way, I know I commented, but you guys put on one hell of a performance."
"Thank you. How's film school?"
"Good, though I'm thinking of transferring next year."
"Where to?" Jeff asked.
"Carnegie Mellon. While I'm enjoying my time here, I think I'd prefer somewhere a bit smaller and the student film reel I've been able to put together this year was quite good if I do say so myself. I'm just waiting to hear back from them."
"Well, good luck." Nick told him. "It's quite a school."
"Agreed. Well, we better get going as we should get to our seats since the shows about to begin. We'll see you guys afterwards?"
"See you then." Blaine replied.
Shortly after they left, Blaine and the rest of the guys watched Mr. Schue and the New Directions walk right passed them. "While our boys have the nerves, they honestly look scared." Jeff said.
"I noticed that too. There is no way one can successfully perform feeling like that. I wonder why though, since this is obviously not their first big performance since they needed to compete at sectionals." Blaine then took his phone out of his pocket and sent a quick text to Mike to ask if he knew why the New Directions looked so scared. It didn't take long for Mike to get back to him and tell him that one of their stronger voices has laryngitis and is only able to dance. "That's a tough break." Blaine said as he showed his phone to Jeff after showing Sebastian the message.
Before they could ask any more questions, the lights dimmed and the competition began. The guys recognized quite a few of the groups performing as they had been there the previous year. While some had improved, it was clear some hadn't fully recovered from losing their graduates. Realizing they really should've asked Jacob or Logan about the performance order the guys were beginning to get a bit anxious. As the New Directions took the stage they couldn't help but wonder if they'd relaxed at all since they'd last seen them. But once the curtain rose, it was pretty clear that they had only been able to relax a bit.
While they had clearly improved from the previous year, it was clear something was missing. The guys couldn't help but wonder what they would've sounded like if they weren't down a voice. Once they finished, Wes leaned over Blaine's shoulder. "They've gotten better, but we've heard better already today."
"I was thinking the same thing."
Knowing it wouldn't be much longer till the Warblers took the stage the guys all looked at each other. It was pretty clear they were anxious to see them perform after everything they'd seen. By the time they finally took the stage, Sebastian glanced over at Blaine once he felt him take ahold of his hand. "They're going to do great B."
"I know." He replied with a smile that was reassuring. "Ever think I just wanted to hold your hand."
"By all means, please do." Sebastian said before leaning over to give him a kiss on the cheek. Not surprisingly, Logan kicked off the first number and it was everything the guys had been told. While he was a great vocalist while they were there, he'd truly embraced his role as the main soloist for the Warblers. In keeping with tradition, their next number was a ballad and soon all eyes fell to Wes as Brandon started off the lead vocals. Seeing the smile that crept to Wes's face, it was pretty clear he didn't know Brandon was singing either. About a third of the way through the number he was joined by Jacob and Mitch. The three of them came together to produce some wonderful harmonies that brought even bigger smiles to the guys faces.
From what the guys sounded like at Sectionals and what they sounded like now, it was clear they put in even more work after winning Sectionals. It was also pretty clear to all of them that whatever Beat had said to the guys was something they needed to hear as they were clearly making their presence known in the best way possible. They'd just begun the final number of their set and the guys soon found themselves on their feet along with the rest of the crowd. Taking a clue from what they'd done the previous year, the last number had main vocals being done by five of the Warblers. They transitioned the way they had the previous year and came together when appropriate while the rest of the guys filled in around them. The performance was everything the guys could've asked for and from what they could see, the guys were enjoying themselves.
When the number finally ended the crowd was still on their feet and cheering loudly. Much like they had the previous year, the guys tried to hide the smiles on their faces but they were undeniable. They knew they'd nailed their performance. Not surprisingly, the Warblers were the last group to perform so soon the theater was filling with light as the judges went to deliberate. "I know this might sound bias, but they're clearly the best group here." Thad said with a smile.
"It might be bias, but it's also true." Jeff said. "They were great and their sound was full, something Jacob and Logan were worried about." Shortly after Jeff spoke all eyes fell to Beat. "I don't know what you said to them, but it obviously got through to them."
"You're going to laugh, but I'll tell you anyway. They were afraid of getting too into what they were doing. But they noticed James, Flint, and I doing just that in the video. So I told them to just embrace the moment. And that as long as it doesn't screw with the choreography, it didn't matter and that Jacob and Logan wouldn't mind."
"You were right." Thad said. "It seemed that giving them that stronger backbone helped the performance. Not that last year wasn't good, but it was great performing with James and Flint accompanying you once again."
"I know the feeling. It was nice having my partners in crime back. Speaking of our last performance, how many of you were hounded when you returned to school on Monday?"
"From what we know, everyone except Blaine and Jeff were hounded since the guys knew." Dave said. "While the season is almost over, the guys were doing everything they could to get me to change my mind. Some of them understood, but some were obviously disappointed."
"Well, I had friends corning me." Wes said. "They couldn't believe that I performed and didn't tell them. They were absolutely shocked when they saw me and Hailey on the stage. Then they tried to convince me to sing with them next year."
"What did you tell them?" Blaine asked.
"What do you think, I declined. If I sing next year it will be with the rest of you. Now, did I hear correctly that Logan and Jacob are going to be in the area next year?"
"You did." Nick replied. "I have a feeling next year is going to be interesting for sure. I know for a fact, Brittany and Santana are trying to convince Quinn to join us."
"Add Rachel to that list." Blaine said. "While we said at the competition that we might perform next year, I think it's pretty obvious we're going to be doing so."
"Speaking of the performance, has Jess made the full transition?" Trent asked Beat who just smiled. "We'll take that as a yes."
"It hasn't been a full transition. It depends who we're around. But if we're around anyone that was there, it's Beat."
The guys were still talking when the lights flashed so they took their seats once more. Since they lights hadn't dimmed completely, Blaine took a look around the theater and noticed that the New Directions weren't in the theater. He nudged Sebastian and told him before telling the rest of the guys. It might've bothered them, but the fact that the Warblers weren't anywhere to be seen they took it in stride.
Soon the lights had been dimmed almost fully and the curtain opened. Up on the stage were five groups which include both the New Directions and the Warblers. "Not to be rude, but how did they get up there?" Jeff asked as he leaned towards Nick.
"Considering there are five groups up there I guess it's possible. But even I can see who the top three groups up there are. I'm slightly curious why there are five up there instead of three this year. Maybe they are trying to keep the crowd guessing." Nick then took his phone out of his pocket and sent a list of the top five to Santana who had asked him to keep her informed. Much like the previous year the judges were extremely long winded and it was clear everyone on stage wanted them to get to the point.
Once they finally started to talk about the performers on stage they knew it wouldn't be long till they would be finding out where everyone placed. The first group to be announced was one that none of the guys remembered which is probably why they finished in fifth. Next to be announced were the New Directions. When Mr. Schue went to accept the trophy it was obvious that he wasn't happy with how they had placed. Going from being National champions to not truly placing at Regionals two years in a row clearly had him frustrated.
After the third place group was announced, all of the guys exchanged looks. Left on the stage were the Warblers and Vocal Adrenaline. All of the guys could tell the Warblers were nervous as Vocal Adrenaline was clearly trying to reclaim their crown. So, the fact that the Warblers had taken them out the year before, this year was personal. "This could go either way Bas." Blaine said and soon felt Sebastian squeeze his hand.
"It could, we just have to hope for the best." Sebastian then looked across Blaine before looking behind him and all of the guys looked just as nervous as he and Blaine did. They all remembered this feeling all too well as the judges drew out calling out the winner the year before as well. Then the next thing they all heard was music to their ears as once again the Dalton Academy Warblers won Regionals. While the crowd cheered, the guys were all pretty sure they were loud enough that the guys on stage could pick them out of the crowd as they were jumping with excitement.
The guys were still celebrating on stage, when the guys made their way out of the theater. Knowing they wanted to give them a greeting similar to what they'd gotten the previous year, they made their way to the rehearsal room as quickly as they could. They were about to turn the corner when they heard someone call out to them. After a exchanging a look amongst them, they all looked over their shoulder. "Jesse, what can we do for you?" Blaine asked.
"I wasn't sure you'd answer to Warblers, since you're technically no longer one."
"That's where you're wrong." Thad replied.
"Oh, that's right you boys have that motto."
"What do you want?" Sebastian asked once more. "As we have some friends we'd like to congratulate."
"I wanted to congratulate you guys."
"What for?" Beat asked.
"For your performance at NYU, you guys blew everyone away. And as much of a jerk as I may be at times, you guys should've won."
"Are you serious?" Blaine asked.
"I am. And whoever's idea it was to include the four girls, brilliant. Rachel clearly isn't the shy girl she was when she was living here."
"She isn't." Sebastian replied. "So, were you there or did you see video?"
"I was there. I had friends who were performing. I wanted to congratulate you all that day, but you never appeared out in the audience."
"That's because we were asked not to come out into the audience." Dave told him. "They thought things might get a little crazy."
"They were right. Would you mind telling Rachel what I thought?"
"We can do that. But if you don't mind." Blaine said as they could hear the crowd getting closer.
"Not at all, go right ahead. I need to go talk to my kids anyhow." Once Jesse turned, the guys rounded the corner and walked into the room just before the Warblers arrived. To say they were on an emotional high might be an understatement. No sooner did Brandon spot Wes did he run up and give his brother a hug while the rest of the guys went about congratulating everyone else. Logan and Jacob were so stunned that it wasn't till they were surrounded by the guys did they break out of the daze they were in.
"How does it feel to be headed to Nationals once more?" Thad asked.
"I…we, can't believe it." Jacob said. "We were backstage when Vocal Adrenaline performed and they were amazing."
"They were." Sebastian replied. "But clearly the judges thought you guys were better. Guess you guys have a lot of work to do once you get back to school."
"We took a chance and started working on our possible set about a month ago." Logan replied. "In doing so it helped us relax a bit. Will you guys come to Nationals?"
"Where are they?"
"Back in New York."
"Hmmm, we'll have to get back to you on that. All that travel, we might not be able to make it. And it's a crazy city to get hotel reservations."
"That's his way of saying we'll be there." Blaine said as he slid an arm around Sebastian's waist. "And you'll be happy to know everyone will be there including the girls."
"Do you think they'd wear those outfits again?" Logan asked.
"Why don't you ask Nick, Jeff, and Wes about that?" Sebastian said. "As I'm pretty sure they'd have opinions on the matter considering it's their girlfriends you're talking about."
Since Logan and Jacob wanted to have a word with the guys, the New York crew made their way out into the hallway. Unlike the previous year, they had stopped family and friends at the far end of the hall. While they waited for the guys to finish they saw Artie and Mike near the front. All it took was a wave of the hand and they were let through. When they reached the doorway they looked at the guys. "Are they still celebrating?" Artie asked.
"They are." Blaine replied. "And we don't blame them, considering the amount of celebrating we did last year. Plus they're all excited to be going to New York."
"That's because they know not only what they're competing for, but they know they'll have quite the cheering section." Mike said. "Let them know, they were great. Artie and I really enjoyed their performance. By chance, was one of the guys your brother Wes?"
"It was. Brandon started the vocals on the second number."
"He's really good." Artie told him. "What year is he?"
"He's a freshman."
"Wow. Sounds like they're in good shape for the next few years."
"We think so." Sebastian replied. "So, have you guys visited the New Directions yet?"
"We tried to, but Mr. Schue wasn't letting anyone in." Mike replied. "He's obviously not very happy with the outcome. I mean, we get it, but even we know they weren't the best group. But they've clearly improved."
"I think it would do wonders for you guys to tell him that." Blaine said. "I think he'd listen to you."
"We'll try, but who knows if he'll listen." Artie said. "You know how stubborn he is."
"That I do, hell we all know."