Two Steps Beyond
Part 166
Thanks to the Wi-Fi on the plane, Blaine and Sebastian were able to keep up with all the crazy going ons of their friends. It became clear that Brittany finally made an announcement that she had a role in an off-Broadway show as Blaine checked Facebook one last time before they prepared to land to change planes in Miami. "Seeing these reactions Bas, I can see why she was hesitant."
"Please don't tell me that B." After Sebastian's response, Blaine slid his laptop over to him so he could read for himself. "I expected worse, but it's still not something I wanted to read. One would think they'd more excited, yet they sound absolutely shocked."
"Remember, a lot of them didn't have a lot of faith in her. At least those I expected to be supportive were. I wonder how Jeff is feeling."
"He's probably more pissed than we are and that probably goes for Santana as well. During our layover we should probably give them a call and see how things are."
"If anyone can cheer her up, it'll be Jeff. But you're right, we should call. I wouldn't be surprised by the time the rest of the guys get up if they have some unique responses to what's been written."
"If we didn't have to turn this stuff off now, I'd have quite a bit to say."
Once they arrived in Miami, they made their way to their new gate before making the intended phone calls. As they'd expected, quite a few of the guys had already responded. Knowing Sebastian had a way with words; Blaine let him go off on a tangent while he called Jeff to check on Brittany. Not surprisingly, when Jeff answered Blaine could hear the irritation in his voice. Surprisingly Brittany wasn't as annoyed as those close to her with the way some people reacted since she'd expected it. Meanwhile, Nick and Jeff were both thankful that Santana was still asleep since they knew she wasn't going to take this news well.
When Blaine told Jeff that Sebastian was currently online replying to all those who doubted Brittany, Blaine heard Jeff laugh. He then proceeded to tell Nick who laughed as well. "I should let you know, that Thad and Hunter are doing the same thing." Jeff told him. "Both of them are beyond pissed. Little did they know Britt's got her own built in defense team."
"That's a good way to describe the three of them. Are you sure she's okay?"
"Yea. She's actually in the kitchen making breakfast right now. I think those that matter to her responded supportively. As for the rest, she had a non-typical Brittany reaction. I think she's spent too much time around all of us."
"Why do you say that?"
"Her exact words were if they don't like it, fuck'em. They're just jealous because most of them are stuck in Ohio."
"Yea, that's not her. But it fits the situation perfectly. If we're all going to rub off on her, this is the time for that sort of response. Since she's cooking will you let her know that Bas and I love her?"
"I will do that, but that's something she knows."
"Still, today is a good day to remind her of that."
"Very true. You two have fun and we can't wait to hear about your trip. Bye Blaine."
"Bye Jeff."
When Blaine ended the call, Sebastian was still typing away. After glancing over Sebastian's shoulder it was pretty clear that he had teamed up with Thad and Hunter. With the way the screen was angled, Blaine pulled the page up on his phone so he could get a better view. The way the three of them were ripping into those who belittled Brittany was something Blaine hadn't seen Sebastian do in ages. That proved just how angry he was. Some of them were still on-line and were now backtracking on their initial responses. If Blaine didn't know better, they were afraid of what the three of them were going to do. If they could instill that sort of fear in just their words, Blaine couldn't help wonder what any of them would be able to do face to face. His Dad was right; the three of them were going to make marvelous lawyers.
Hunter was still sitting in the living room with his laptop open when Donovan came walking into the room. "Aren't you up early for a Saturday?"
"Yes, but I had a bit of packing to finish up. But I've gotten caught up in something. By the way, I'm not the only one up, Thad's up as well."
"And how would you know my brother is up?" Donovan asked as Cassie came walking out into the family room with cups of coffee for both of them.
"That would be because he's online as well right now. And Blaine and Seb are current waiting for their connecting flight."
"What's going on?" Cassie asked as they went to sit down on the couch opposite Hunter. Hunter told her to hold on a second and proceeded to start typing. With the speed Hunter was typing, Cassie knew something was going on as you could almost hear that he was typing with a purpose. "Hunter?"
"Sorry. Britt finally announced what was going on with her and some people didn't take to kindly to it and said some rather derogatory things. So Thad, Sebastian, and I have taken up the mantle of standing up for her."
"Shouldn't Jeff be doing that?" Donovan asked.
"Knowing him, he's taking care of her. And from what Nick wrote he feels the three of us are doing a more than formidable job."
"He's probably right, who better than the future lawyers to be standing up for her. Mind if I see what's going on?" Hunter shook his head and tossed Cassie his phone so she could pull the page up as well since he was getting back to typing. Cassie soon began shaking her head and showed the post to Donovan. "Sounds like petty jealousy."
"That's what the three of us feel as well. Honestly, she's probably the sweetest person I know. She doesn't deserve to hear that crap."
"Those who are talking trash should be thankful all of you aren't closer to them. God forbid you got to give them a piece of your mind in person. What was that?"
"Just a message from Seb saying he needs to go as he and Blaine need to board their flight. He's asking us to keep up the good work till he lands."
"Has Blaine said anything?"
"No, from the earlier message Seb sent he was taking care of things online while Blaine called Jeff to check on Britt. He knew if Seb was going on the attack he didn't need to join in."
"You might not know this, but does Santana know?"
"According to Blaine, Nick said she was still sleeping. But you know she's going to snap when she reads this. Good thing you're taking her out of town tomorrow."
"Sounds like it. That reminds me; I left all my contact information in the kitchen though I doubt you'll need it."
"You're right; I probably won't, but thank you. Anything you need me to tell Dad?"
"Nope, you guys just have fun. Who knows the trouble the two of you will get into?"
"I have no idea what you're talking about."
"Nice try. But the more I think about it, you probably won't get into that much trouble since you'll be diving."
"Exactly. When I'm not diving I plan on laying on the beach."
"That sounds a lot like what Blaine and Sebastian will be doing." Donovan said.
"It is. The only difference really is they're doing it in the Caymans while I'll be in Belize. The three of us have already decided we need to take a dive trip sometime over the summer once Blaine gets his schedule set."
"Well, if you guys are interested in adding another body, Thad dives as well. I'm pretty sure either Beat or Dave does as well."
"I will mention it to Thad when I talk to him next. But that probably won't be till after I return. Speaking of returning, I better go and finish packing. Don't want to keep Dad waiting when he arrives." Hunter then took his phone back from Cassie, before picking up his laptop once more and heading for his bedroom.
"When is he leaving?" Donovan asked as Cassie curled up against him.
"My Dad will be here in a couple hours to get him and they are heading straight to the airport. Why?"
"Just curious. And maybe, I want to make the most of our last day together."
"What do you have in mind?"
"You'll find out soon enough."
By the time Santana got up, Brittany was already gathering her things and preparing to head to the theater for the matinee. While nothing was said, Santana couldn't help but notice something seemed off amongst Jeff, Brittany, and Nick. But since Brittany was about to head out she thought better of saying anything. She figured she could just talk to Nick and Jeff about it once Brittany was on her way. It wasn't long till Brittany gave Jeff a kiss and told him approximately when she'd be back before heading on her way. "So, what's going on?" Santana asked as she sat down on the couch next to Nick.
"Nothing, why?" Nick replied as he set his phone down next to him.
"You're a horrible liar Nicky. Something is going on that you don't want me to know about."
"It's not a matter of lying; it's not something you need to concern yourself with since it's already been taken care of. Isn't that right Jeff?"
"He's correct, I couldn't have asked for a better resolution."
"Will the two of you just fill me in please since it's already been taken care of?" Santana said as she curled her feet up beneath her. "Or at least tell me who took care of said situation."
"For starters, Seb, Thad, and Hunter dealt with the situation." Jeff told him. "Even without being asked."
"What happened with Britt?"
"What makes you think it deals with Britt?" Nick asked as he wrapped an arm around Santana.
"Because of whom you mentioned. Not that the rest of the guys aren't protective, but the three of them have quite the soft spot for Britt." Santana then looked between the two of them. "And now your lack of response confirms what I thought. So, what happened as you know it's better if you tell me than if I find out on my own?"
"Britt finally made her announcement." Jeff told her. "And while some people reacted positively, others, not so much."
"Who?"
"We don't exactly know everyone, but you should know Britt doesn't give a damn." Nick told her.
"He's right, Britt brushed off the responses. The rest of us got more pissed than she did."
"I want to see it." Nick proceeded to grab his laptop off the coffee table and hand it to Santana.
"Believe us, there is nothing left to do." Jeff told her. "The guys truly put those people in their place to the point they were apologizing. It reminded me to never get on any of their bad sides. They tore those people apart. I haven't seen that aspect of Thad or Seb rear their heads in a long time. And Hunter is no different; he's a kindred spirit to them both." Jeff and Nick continued to talk to her while she scrolled through everything that had happened while she'd been asleep. More than once, she looked over at them both and shook her head.
"Why didn't you guys wake me?" She asked as she set the computer aside.
"There was no reason to." Nick told her. "The fact that it really didn't upset Britt helped calm the situation a bit. She shrugged the whole thing off and viewed it as petty jealousy."
"Nick's tell you the truth Santana. This whole thing really doesn't bother her. She found the way the guys reacted cute. She thinks it's sweet that they jumped to her defense."
"I'm glad they did. Wait, aren't Blaine and Seb on a plane?"
"They were when they first noticed. Seb did his bit of defending during their layover." Nick told him. "Blaine was talking to Jeff while Seb went to work. Did you read it all?"
"I did and Jeff was right. Remind me not to get on any of their bad sides. While I can be a bitch, they can be downright nasty. I almost forgot Seb could get like that. And seeing that from Thad and Hunter opened my eyes a bit. In more pleasant news, what is the plan today?"
"Well, I spoke with my parents and they want to check out the new exhibit at the MOMA. So, Nick and I volunteered to take the girls and do a little sight-seeing."
"Anything in particular they want to do?" Santana asked.
"They want to take one of the bus tours." Nick replied.
"Which one?"
"The one that shows you places movies and television shows have been shot in the city." Jeff replied. "Since we haven't done that one in a while, we said we didn't have any objections especially since they've supposedly updated it since we last took it."
"That's fine with me. Now, are we picking them up or are they being dropped off here?"
"Dropped off. They'll probably be here in about an hour."
"Excellent, I've got time for a shower. Nicky?"
"Go, I'll cover if you guys lose track of time."
"Love you Jeff." Santana said as she hopped up off the couch with Nick's hand in hers."
"I know, now go. Just don't get loud as there is no way I'll be able to explain that away to Carly."
"We'll be good." Nick replied.
"Right, you forget that I know you both."
After setting their bags down in the bedroom, Blaine started to laugh as Sebastian quickly stripped out of his clothes. "Not wasting any time, are you?"
"Why should I?" Sebastian replied as he stepped closer to Blaine. "It's a beautiful day." He then grabbed the bottom of Blaine's shirt and pulled it off of him. "That's a bit better. Do you need more help?"
"Show's you weren't paying full attention." Blaine replied and soon Sebastian looked down and saw Blaine's jeans and boxers were pooled on the floor. "So shall we?"
"Just let me send out a text that we've arrived."
"What, no typical picture of our arrival?" Blaine asked as he went to open the French doors leading out to the balcony.
"You're right, I should. But that means we should put our suits on momentarily."
"The things we do for others." As Blaine spoke he caught his suit which Sebastian had tossed at him. Once they each had their suits on, they headed down stairs and out to the deck. With the ocean as the background, Sebastian took the obligatory photo of the two of them. He sent the picture out with a brief message that they'd arrived and they'd talk to everyone once they returned. No sooner was the picture sent did they each remove their suits and toss them onto a chair. Before Blaine could say anything, Sebastian dove into the pool. When he returned to the surface, Blaine smiled as he loved the way Sebastian looked with his hair slicked back. "See something you like killer?" Sebastian said with a smirk.
Blaine could feel himself blushing, but he knew why Sebastian was smirking the way he was as his body was clearly betraying him. "You know I do."
"Then join me." That was all that Sebastian needed to say for Blaine to dive in as well.
Meanwhile in New York, Hunter was heading for the airport and Jeff was waiting for his parents to drop the girls off. Considering Nick and Santana had yet to come out, Jeff started to think of reasons as to why the two of them weren't out and about when everyone arrived. But no sooner was there a knock on the door, did Nick and Santana come walking out into the living room. "You might want to wipe the we just had sex looks off your faces." Nick and Santana looked at each other and started to laugh.
"We did no such thing."
"As she said earlier, horrible liar. I just wanted to give fair warning since my Dad is coming with. That was all Jeff needed to say for Nick to walk into the kitchen and Santana to laugh even more. When Jeff opened the door, the girls quickly walked in as Jeff's parents stood out in the hall. "You know you can come in as well."
"Are you sure, we could hear the laughter out in the hall." Mr. Sterling said.
"It's nothing; Santana's just in a good mood. Please, come in."
"Where's Britt?" Megan asked as the girls sat down on the couch.
"She's already at the theater getting ready. But she said she'd call once she's done and if possible she'll meet up with us between performances."
"Where's Nick?" Ally asked.
"He's in the kitchen getting something to drink." Santana replied. "He'll be back soon. Did you all enjoy your day in New York yesterday?"
"We did." Carly replied. "We went to see the Statue of Liberty. It was really cool."
"It is. That was one of the first things I did when I first got here." Santana replied. "I'm sure if you ask your brother or Nick they've got lots of pictures from our trip there."
"Do you?" Carly asked.
"We do. I can show them to you later. Mom, Dad, are you guys going anywhere else other than the MOMA?"
"We're not sure yet as we're going with Brittany's parents and there are a few things they'd like to see before they leave."
"That's fine, I was just asking. Just give me a call when you want to come and get them or we'll drop them off."
"Are you sure?" Mrs. Sterling asked.
"It's fine." Nick said as he came walking back into the room. "I'm sure we'll all find something to occupy their time today."
"Do you think the guys would sign the newest issue?" Megan asked.
"I'm sure they would, but they aren't here." Jeff replied. "Blaine and Seb are already in the Caymans and Hunter is at the airport. But if you leave your copies here I'm sure they'll sign them when they get back."
"Are you sure?" Ally asked.
"Have they said no the other times they asked?"
"Good point. How do you know Blaine and Seb are already in the Caymans?"
"When they went away last summer they sent a tweet out signifying the start of their trip and it has continued through any trip they've taken." Jeff then took his phone out and looked for Sebastian's tweet. "See." Ally smiled and waved Megan over to look at the picture.
"They look happy."
"They are." Nick replied. "After everything they've gone through, they needed a vacation. So, what do you girls say we get going?" They all smiled and Santana grabbed her purse off the end table.
"We will see you later." Jeff told his parents before giving them hugs. "Now get so we can leave as well." Jeff's parents laughed but soon headed on their way. They were gone only a matter of minutes before they were on their way as well. "So, how are the boyfriends?" Jeff asked as they headed down to the lobby in the elevator.
"They were a little upset that we went away, but they understood why." Megan replied. "But we told them we'd make it up to them."
"Excuse me?" Nick replied as Santana tighten her hold on his hand.
"Not like that." Ally replied. "Neither of us are ready for something like that. "Megan meant it in that we're going to spend all day with them Sunday once we get home. That's all, honest."
"That better be all." Jeff replied as Carly looked up at him.
"What are you guys talking about?"
"Nothing important. I think it's time we change the subject."
"That's probably a good idea." Santana said. "Now, are you guys looking forward to school ending?"
"Yes and no." Megan replied. "Once you took care of things we really started to enjoy ourselves. So, it's going to be weird not seeing everyone all the time. But a lot of us are going to try and get together during the summer."
"Well, if your friends are anything like those of your brothers I'm sure that'll happen. But take this bit of advice. I know you're going to want to spend time with your boyfriends, just don't neglect your friends in the process."
"We won't. We luck out actually." Ally replied. "Our friends don't mind having our boyfriends around and their friends don't mind having us around."
"That's the best situation to be in." Santana told them. "Are any of your friends interested in their friends?"
"Yep." Megan replied. "Most have asked the two of us to set them up. Oh, and Sarah wants you guys to introduce her to Hunter."
"That's not going to happen." Jeff replied.
"Why?"
"Because it's not. She doesn't even know him, why doesn't she want to meet him?"
"I can answer that." Santana said. "Hunter is hot. I have a feeling all the girls that go to school with Megan and Ally have a thing for Blaine, Seb, and Hunter."
"They do." Ally said. "Most didn't believe us when we said Blaine and Seb were gay."
"But we told them it was true." Megan said. "We then pulled up that video in which that paparazzi confronted Blaine and he confirmed that Seb was his boyfriend."
"That must've stung." Santana said with a laugh.
"It did. From that point on while they still find Blaine and Seb attractive they're all about getting to know Hunter. They freaked when they found out he was here over Winter Break."
"Like you two did." Nick said.
"Hey, you didn't tell us he was going to be there. We had all right to be shocked."
"But I know you girls don't flaunt the fact that you are friends with them, do you?" Jeff said. "Well, friends with Blaine and Seb and in by part, you know Hunter."
"Maybe we did." Ally said.
"How so?" Nick asked.
"We framed the picture of us with the three of them. It's in a spot of prominence in our dorm."
"Please tell me you girls made sure Jen saw it." Santana said as they headed into the subway.
"Damn right we did." Megan replied. "She was dumbfounded."
"That doesn't surprise me. By chance, did she see our little performance?"
"She did." Ally said. "She couldn't believe what she was seeing. We've also come to the conclusion she has selective memory because she asked who the blonde dancing was." Nick, Jeff, and Santana looked at the girls.
"You're kidding me?" Jeff said.
"Nope." Megan replied. "But I reminded her that Brittany was your girlfriend. The rest of the girls in the room shook their heads. And proceeded to tell us both how talented both of our brothers' girlfriends are."
"At least the rest of them have good taste." Santana said with a smile. "Because they're right, we are talented. Just imagine how they're going to react when you two come home after seeing Brittany perform."
"Oh, that's one of the reasons I got an extra playbill. I'm so going to let them know just how talented Britt is."