Two Steps Beyond
Part 170
By the time the performances were over, the guys couldn't wait to actually talk since they had to stay quiet. More than one person that had come in to watch the performances had been asked to leave for not respecting the space. "When were you going to tell me Seb was performing your piece?" Jeff asked as everyone began clearing out.
"It only came about a week ago." Blaine told him. "I happened to play it for him and Hunter and well, I wasn't able to keep my emotions in check. So Bas, offered to play it for me."
"Wait, you're telling me he only practiced that for a week?" Bryan said as he grabbed his bag and Blaine nodded. "Shoot me now. I practiced mine for months and still didn't sound that good."
"What can I say, Bas is talented." Blaine said proudly.
"From the looks of it, he along with the rest of your friends are waiting for you two."
"We're just going to grab something to eat, want to come?" Jeff asked.
"Thank you for the offer but I need to decline. I've got some last minute studying to do for a final that starts way too early tomorrow."
"Understandable. We'll see you later." Blaine said.
"Later!" Once Bryan walked away, Jeff and Blaine headed towards the back of the theater. They were about halfway to the guys when Chandler stopped them both.
"What can we do for you?" Jeff asked as he moved his bag to his other shoulder.
"I just wanted to let you both know your pieces were really good."
"Thank you." Blaine replied. "Yours was good as well."
"Thanks, but I have a feeling the professor wasn't too happy with it. He's probably going to say it lacked depth. But, whatever, nothing I can do about it now. And neither of you shied away from the heavier moments of your year and I respect that, it couldn't have been easy to do."
"Thank you, and it wasn't." Jeff said. "But not to be rude, but we need to get going." While Jeff spoke he pointed towards the back of the theater where the guys stood.
"I figured, but I just wanted to let you both know. You guys have a good summer."
"Will do, same to you!" Blaine said and he and Jeff soon continued on their way. Once they reached the guys, Blaine kissed Sebastian on the cheek. "Ready to go grab something to eat?" The three of them nodded. "Everything okay?"
"Yea." Sebastian replied as he took Blaine's hand. "What did Chandler want?"
"He wanted to let us both know that each of our pieces were really good." Blaine replied. "Nothing crazy. And except for one moment from earlier in the year, Chandler has been fine around us. He's a bit quirky, but nothing to worry about."
"Okay."
"He was right; both of your pieces were really good." Thad said. "And while I knew Blaine had it in him, very impressive Jeff."
"Why thank you. It helped having Blaine play it. Amazing how much better it sounded."
"I told them the same thing." Nick said as they headed out. "On a different note, have they started allotting off days on the show?"
"They have. Britt actually got a Tuesday and a Wednesday off so she'll be able to join us in Disney. One of the other girls originally had those days but willingly swapped with Britt when she told her we were all going away." Jeff said. "We just have to make sure she's on the first flight out Thursday morning."
"Excellent." Sebastian replied. "I was looking forward to her joining us."
"So was I." Blaine said.
"You have good reason to; she's a trip at Disney." Nick said. "And we're good because Cassie said Santana can have the week off as well to relax before getting to work full time."
"Does that mean we're all going except for Rachel and Brody?" Blaine asked.
"That would be an affirmative." Thad said. "Britt and Santana were the last ones we were waiting to hear from. And don't take this the wrong way guys, but it didn't matter since the rooms were already booked."
"Thad has a point. Now, who is Quinn rooming with?" Sebastian asked as they headed towards the subway. The guys all looked at each other. "Are you saying none of us know?" They all shrugged their shoulders. "This is crazy, someone needs to know."
"We can call Dave; if anyone knows it would be him." Jeff said. "And before anyone says anything, I know they aren't together in that way but they're basically best friends now. So honestly, I wouldn't be surprised if she's staying with him. That would mean she's also rooming with David and Trent."
"That would make sense." Blaine said. "And Jeff, since Britt is only going to be there for a few days, make sure you know where she wants to go so we can finish planning."
"She wants at least one day at Disney and one at Animal Kingdom. The other day is fair game."
Once they arrived at the restaurant they were thankful they were put in a circular booth near the back so they could do a bit more vacation planning. Considering they were all going, everyone had made a list of must see places. Not surprisingly, there were quite a few repeats. And while they were all good going to separate parks on given days, for the bulk of the trip they were all going to try to be in the same park. They all figured after hitting the main parks at least once near the end of the trip everyone could head out and go see things they missed or wanted to do again. While they were waiting for their main courses to arrive they heard back from Dave who said that Jeff's guess was correct and that he was rooming with Quinn.
"Now Jeff, are you leaving with all of us that Sunday or are you leaving Monday morning with Britt?" Sebastian asked.
"I'm flying down with her. Our flight will get us into Orlando a little after eight and we'll be meeting you guys at the first destination wherever that maybe."
"What about your luggage?" Thad asked.
"Santana and I are going to pay the fee and bring their suitcase down with us. Since Britt's only going to be there a few days her stuff will fit in Jeff's suitcase." Nick said. "So we're taken care of there."
"Alright, if you guys need us to bring anything just let us know." Thad said. "Does it feel weird to anyone else that we're leaving right after Nationals?"
"A little." Blaine replied. "But it's not like we're leaving right after they win. There will be plenty of time to celebrate with all of them afterwards."
"Confident, I like it." Sebastian said. "As long as no one leaves packing for the last minute we should be good to go."
By the time Blaine and Sebastian got home that night both were more relaxed then they'd been earlier that morning. While neither had said they were nervous about Sebastian playing Blaine's piece, they both clearly were. Once they'd changed and got settled back on the couch, Blaine rested his head against Sebastian's chest. "You really did play beautifully today Bas."
"Thank you; I did my best to do it justice."
"You did. Jeff was absolutely shocked that you were playing for me."
"Thad told me the same thing. They said they noticed quite the reaction from him when I took the stage from where they were sitting."
"I'm definitely lucky."
"How so?"
"You've not only got looks and personality, you're crazy talented."
"That goes both ways killer. How many more finals do you have?" Sebastian asked as he wrapped his arm around Blaine.
"One, you?"
"Two. One tomorrow and one the next."
"Did you already take the one you and Hunter were cramming for?"
"I did and the extra cramming wasn't necessary. But, better safe than sorry, right?"
"That is correct. So you know, Jacob sent an email saying they're getting into town on Tuesday."
"Are they nervous?"
"He said they're more excited than nervous. But he and Logan are both sure the nerves will kick in shortly after they land. He also once again thanked us all for being willing to come by and check out rehearsals."
"It'll be fun to do after the week we've all had. And it'll be nice to do something enjoyable after all the studying we've all done."
"Jeff and I had the same thoughts. It's going to feel so good to relax for a bit before I start classes again Bas. It seems like since we got back from Spring Break we've constantly been on the go."
"That's because we have been. I'm pretty sure we both would've been fried if we didn't go away and relax the way we did over break. Crazy how we need another vacation."
"True, but this one is definitely going to be the opposite of the one we just took. But I'm looking forward to it. They all had so much fun the last time they went and we didn't go with."
"Do you regret that we came out here instead?"
"No, as we had fun as well. I definitely think we're all making the right decision to just stay at the hotel the first day. Though, that decision came into play since we're all arriving at different times."
"Yes, but those of us arriving early could still go out but we're choosing not to. Lexi's already looking forward to the crazy pictures that are going to come about because of this trip. And you know she's right. All of us together, at Disney, crazy stuff is going to happen. Shenanigans I tell you."
"True. Speaking of Lexi, have she and Coop decided when they're going to take the kids for the first time?"
"They want to wait till they can enjoy it a bit more. So my guess is they'll be taking them when they're about four or so. But who knows considering they plan on adding to their brood. Once Lexi gets pregnant again everything will change."
After Thad finished his last final he headed over to Blaine and Sebastian's since that was where everyone had planned on meeting that day once they were done. As he walked into the living room and took a good look around he noticed someone was missing. "Where's Nick?"
"He's in Jersey." Jeff replied as he came walking out of the kitchen. "Santana finished up yesterday so they are moving her today."
"They know they could've asked for help, right?" Thad said as he took a seat near Beat.
"We told them the same thing but they said they have everything under control." Sebastian said. "Plus from what Jeff has been telling us, she's been cleaning out her dorm for the past couple of weeks. Today is mainly about moving stuff into storage that she won't need until next school year."
"Okay, now that makes sense." Thad said. "Beat when do you need the rest of our help again?"
"That would be Saturday. But it really won't take long. It's not like we're moving furniture. Renting a furnished apartment was the smartest thing Dave and I did."
"Doing it any other way wouldn't have made sense." Blaine said. "You guys are only going to be here for a few months before heading back to school."
"Speaking of, thank you again for offering up one of your rooms to me if we didn't find anything."
"It was not a problem. It's not like we don't have the space."
"B's right."
"Now, why isn't that little spitfire of a girlfriend of yours joining us in Florida?" Jeff asked as Brittany curled up against him. With Jeff finishing his finals that day, Lexi had given her the afternoon off to spend with him.
"That would be because she starts her job on Monday. But she's looking forward to hearing all the crazy stories once we return."
"Sounds like Lexi." Sebastian said. "They know us all so well."
"They do." Beat replied. "And Jeff, Hunter, Thad, and I want you to know if you need to get away from Nick and Santana once Britt goes home you can crash with us."
"I appreciate that guys." Jeff replied and the three of them nodded. "Has everyone done their early check-in?" Everyone replied in the affirmative. "Cool. Nick said it's nice knowing everything is going to be ready when you guys arrive."
"Agreed." Blaine said. "Wes and I had a similar conversation last night while Bas was doing a bit of reading. Basically all we have to do is arrive as everything else has been taken care of."
By the time Nick and Santana arrived, Brittany had already left for the show that evening. "How long ago did she leave?" Santana asked as she and Nick took a seat.
"About a half-hour ago." Jeff replied. "Is everything taken care of?"
"It is." Nick said. "Judging from the bottles you've all begun to unwind without us."
"We didn't know when you'd be arriving." Hunter replied.
"Feel free to help yourselves guys." Sebastian said. "I'm sure after moving that stuff you two need it." They both nodded and Nick got up to get them each something to drink as Santana stretched out. "You my dear look exhausted."
"That's because I am Seb. The last final I took sucked the life out of me and I haven't recovered yet. That's not to mention the bed in my dorm sucked."
"And here we thought you just preferred sleeping with Nick." Thad said as the others all laughed since they were thinking the same thing.
"Well, I do, but that's beside the point. I'd much rather have dealt with the commute than the crap-tastic sleep I'd been getting in my dorm. I was lucky to get more than three hours straight before my back hurt. We tried everything possible."
"Yikes, I had no idea it was that bad." Thad replied just as Nick came walking back into the room. Upon spotting him Santana sat up so he could sit down.
"What didn't you know?" Nick asked after giving Santana her drink.
"How poorly Santana had been sleeping in her dorm?"
"Put it this way guys, sleeping on the floor was more comfortable."
"Ugh." Hunter said. "Now Santana, is my sister putting you to work already next week?"
"She is, but I can't complain since I get the next week off. Plus, I'm actually looking forward to it. Not going in the past two weeks has been weird. With finals everything she gave me I could work on wherever I was without needing to go in. She wanted me to concentrate on finals so she tried to keep things to a minimum. But what I received today showed finals are over and now it's time to get back to work."
"Are you working Coop's next premiere?" Blaine asked after setting his beer bottle on the table.
"I am and I'm looking forward to it. After working other premieres I can see why Cassie likes Cooper as a client. He's very low maintenance."
"I've heard her say that more than once." Hunter said. "She said every client like Cooper makes up for the divas and assholes she has to deal with."
"And she's got plenty of those. The trouble some of these people get into is ridiculous. There is a good reason she so sought after. She sees to it that most of their misdeeds never see the light of day if possible."
"That I do know." Hunter said. "She's definitely good at what she does."
"I couldn't agree more. I've learned more working for her than any class can ever truly teach me."
"That's because they'll never teach you the intricate ins and outs of the business. They can only prepare you for the basics."
"Why is it that I feel you know way more about what your sister does than you should?" Sebastian asked.
"Probably because I do since I live with her. But she's covered her assed and made me sign an agreement that I can't talk about anything that might occur with me around."
"Your own sister made you sign a confidentiality contract?" Thad asked.
"She did, but it was the smart move considering the things I've seen and heard."
While they all relaxed, some of the guys couldn't help but give Blaine and Nick a hard time about taking classes during the summer. Yet, they did it in fun since they all understood their reasoning behind it. The guys asked if Blaine and Nick were going to keep their classes during the day while the rest were at work and they both said they'd managed to do so. The last thing either of them wanted was to be taking night classes during the summer.
It was probably about an hour after Nick and Santana had arrived that they all found themselves in the kitchen making dinner. While they all could've easily gone out, with all the studying they'd all been doing they'd all been eating out or ordering in to be precise more often than any of them would've liked. With so many of them in the kitchen every aspect of dinner was covered without anyone doing anything more than necessary.
Dinner was about halfway over and they all realized that they wouldn't be doing much that night since they'd all had quite a bit to drink. "When was the last time we drank like this?" Thad asked.
"I think it was when Bas lost in the playoffs." Blaine replied as he leaned his head on Sebastian's shoulder. "Yet that time it was a bit more potent since we were doing shots."
"But at the same time we stopped knowing we had rehearsal." Beat said. "Today, we didn't stop. We just kept drinking."
"You guys all realize we drank way more in high school than we have now that we're in college." Nick said. "Seems a bit off."
"True, yet we kept our drinking to the weekends at Dalton." Sebastian said. "And unless there was a big test or project we rarely had things to work on over the weekends. Nowadays, we've had things to work on over the weekends."
"Good point." Thad said. "I've definitely worked on this more often on the weekends here than I did at Dalton. But I think that's because I've had more project work. How has the transition been for you Hunter?"
"Much like you guys. While classes weren't that much hard, I definitely had more to do on the weekends which took some time to get used to. The one thing I wasn't used to was having some evenings with nothing to do."
"Ain't that the truth?" Jeff said. "It seemed some days it was all or nothing." And everyone nodded in agreement. Once they all finished, no one was in the mood to move so they just kept on talking. It wasn't until the doorbell rang did they all get up and begin clearing the table. When Blaine reached the door he couldn't help but wonder who it was. So after checking out the peephole he opened the door. After signing for the two envelopes, Blaine headed back towards the living room. Knowing they were probably about finished Blaine got comfortable out in the living room and waited.
"Who was it killer?" Sebastian asked as they all walked into the living room.
"A courier. He was dropping off our sheets for the next shoot."
"When do we get to strut our stuff again?"
"The weekend after we get back from Disney. At least it's not after I start school again."
"Hunter, will you be joining them again?" Santana asked as she leaned back against Nick.
"I will be. From what Tasha told us last time two others will be joining us as well."
"That is correct." Sebastian replied. "Hopefully this time she makes sure none of the models suffers from seasickness."
"Who would've ever thought you guys would be doing this?" Beat said. "It's still a bit surreal."
"We think that after each one." Blaine said. "According to Tasha she's going to keep us working till our appeal fades, but she doesn't see that happening anytime soon."
"That makes sense." Thad said. "Oh, and I have one little bit of news to share. I wanted to wait till we were all together but well; I don't want to wait another week."
"Well then, do tell." Sebastian said.
"Remember how I was bitching about how unorganized my lacrosse team is?"
"How can I forget?" Sebastian said with a laugh. "You guys are a mess."
"Yes, but that will be changing."
"How so?" Hunter asked.
"Well, after I threw a bit of a fit after one of our practices all of the guys got talking. I definitely wasn't the only one frustrated; I was just the only one willing to speak my mind. Most of the guys were afraid the coach would cut them if they voiced their issues."
"So?" Blaine asked.
"I've been named one of the assistant captains." Thad said and soon everyone was congratulating him.
"Welcome to the club!" Sebastian said after the last of the guys finished congratulating him.
"You too?"
"Yep. We have a senior captain and then one junior assistant and one sophomore assistant. That way it keeps consistence."
"First off, congrats!" Thad said as the others congratulated Sebastian as well. "That's what we're doing as well. Having two senior co-captains didn't allow for consistency, especially as in this case ours truly disliked each other. Are you playing this summer?"
"I am, you?"
"I'm thinking about it."
"Next time I get up I'll get you the info. But we've still got a spot on our team if you're interested. In case you're curious, not everyone plays for Columbia. A couple of your teammates are on the team as well."
"I'd appreciate that."
"Well Blaine, you won't have to split your allegiances this summer." Jeff said with a smile.
"That is very true. And I think both of your teams made wise decisions, especially yours Thad." Sebastian looked over at Blaine slightly confused after he spoke. "Bas, your team has structure so you're skills weren't as necessary as Thad's are going to be."
"Blaine's got a point." Nick said. "But I'm sure your leadership skills will be needed just as much. Thad's going to have to be more of a hard-ass than you will."