Two Steps Beyond
Part 173
Once they were in the theater and took their seats they waited for the rest of their friends to arrival. When Rachel and Quinn came walking down the steps followed by Brody and Hunter, they were the last of the group to arrive. After they reached the others everyone got up and exchanged greetings. "It's a little weird, isn't it Blaine." Rachel said as she and Brody sat down behind Blaine and Sebastian.
"What?"
"Being here again for this." Shortly after Rachel sat down, Blaine got up from his seat and headed towards the lobby. "Seb, is he okay?" She asked as she leaned forward and all Sebastian could do was shrug his shoulders. While they had talked about it earlier in the week and for the most part Blaine had put it out of his mind it was clear it was still there.
"Aren't you going to go and check on him?" Wes asked as he leaned across the empty seat between he and Sebastian.
"I can't, he wants to be alone right now. And from the look in his eyes, he meant it." Sebastian replied softly before running his fingers through his hair. With everything that had gone on, it still bothered Blaine that he was so blind to everything that had been going on back then. To see that someone he thought he loved was keeping him from those that mattered as well as not making him a priority. For the most part Blaine always tried to put Kurt first and while he didn't always succeed, he tried. That's more than could be said for the other half of the relationship.
It was probably one of the reasons why after that school year ended Blaine tried to spend as much time with the Warblers as possible. He needed to focus on himself again as he felt he was a bit lost. His friends had always been there for him even when he couldn't always do the same in return. He knew for the most part the guys knew it wasn't because he didn't want to be there, they knew Kurt didn't want Blaine around them. And now that his friends had shared their true feelings with him, Blaine knew the guys were right in that Kurt probably knew how they all felt. That wasn't even getting into Sebastian being one of his friends and part of that group.
When the theater started to fill up even more all eyes in the group started to fall on Sebastian since Blaine had yet to return. After hearing what he had earlier Wes got up from his seat. "Where are you going?"
"To check on Blaine. He might've asked you to leave him be, but it's been too long. If he gets upset with me I can deal with it." Wes said to Sebastian. "And don't tell me you're not worried either. You've destroyed your program." Sebastian's eyes then fell to the program in his hands that truly was destroyed from the way he'd been handling it. "Don't worry Seb, I'll tread lightly." Sebastian then smiled and Wes headed up the steps. With those between them gone, Hailey moved over and sat next to Sebastian. Once she'd taken the program from him she took ahold of his hand.
"If anyone can get through to him, it's Wes."
"I know. B really cares a lot about him."
"Wes cares about him as well. Blaine truly is like a brother to him. I don't know the whole story, but I know Wes helped fill a void for Blaine when he first arrived at Dalton."
"He did. B and Coop weren't on the best of terms then as hard as that might be to believe."
"It's not that hard Seb. My sister and I didn't talk for a couple of years over something stupid."
"Really?"
"Yes, but if you saw us now you'd never know, much like Blaine and Cooper."
When Wes reached the lobby it didn't take him too long to find Blaine in a rather secluded spot for a theater lobby. He probably would've walked right by him if he hadn't remembered Blaine saying he went to sit there to think before competing the last time he was there. Blaine was so lost in thought that he didn't even notice Wes till he was directly in front of him. "A certain green-eyed boy is worried." Blaine looked up from where he had his head resting against his knees and looked at Wes. "Nice to see there aren't any tears in those eyes. Mind if I sit?" Blaine shook his head and soon Wes was seated beside him. "Care to tell me what's going on?"
"Why is Bas worried?"
"Blaine, you've been out here for over twenty minutes. Plus, given the look on your face when you left I don't blame him. What is it?"
"Last time I was here I was living a lie Wes. Everyone around me thought I was so happy and carefree yet, I was miserable."
"So I remember. What does that have to do with today?"
"It's just; when Rachel mentioned how surreal it was to be here she was right. I mean, for the girls it was a great time. For me, while I was happy to be competing at Nationals, I…I really didn't want to be here. I mean, I was always close to Rachel, but I wasn't always this close to Brittany and Santana. The New Directions were always Kurt. I mean, being here and not competing with the guys I felt guilty."
"I don't remember if I ever asked, but none of them made you feel that way, did they?"
"No. That's the thing, they were completely supportive, especially Bas. He so wanted to come and see us but he didn't want to cause anymore stress in my relationship with Kurt. I mean, everyone thought we were so happy and we weren't."
"But you put an end to that."
"Not soon enough. I mean, we shouldn't have even been together when we competed. I wasn't happy and we'll, I don't really know how he was feeling. The only time I did know was when he was upset with me for spending time with the guys. Why did I let it go on so long?"
"You were scared and that happens a lot in relationships Blaine. Is everything okay with you and Seb? I mean, I'm only asking because it's weird that you're having these feelings."
"That's the thing, things are great with Bas. I mean, it's not like we don't have disagreements but it's nothing crazy. And we're able to work through them quickly."
"Sounds like me and Hailey. Some people think we don't disagree once in awhile, but it's nothing to write home about. We just understand each other."
"Exactly, Bas understands me and I understand him. There isn't anything I'm afraid or worried to talk to him about. We have different views on some things, but we don't ever make the other feel that their feelings are wrong."
"Okay, since you and Seb are good, what is it?" As he spoke, Wes turned so he was looking directly at Blaine who had turned to face him.
"I'm upset for cheating myself and in part Bas."
"How?"
"I cheated myself by staying with Kurt instead of being with who I truly wanted. Ever since I saw him Wes, I wanted to be with Bas."
"This might come as a surprise, but I know."
"How?"
"Blaine, you couldn't stop talking about him after meeting him that first day. And while you cared for Kurt, you never spoke about him with the same verve you spoke to me about Seb."
"Why didn't you say anything?"
"That would be because you needed to figure it out on your own. Whenever I spoke with Thad or Dave they couldn't help but fill me in on what was going on. They both knew you were completely smitten with Seb. Now, I don't agree with everything that happened and I'll start with Seb's blatant flirting while the rest of the guys backed him up. But they had their reasons which I understand."
"And the slushie?"
"That is something I never would've done, but the guys were angry. They know it wasn't smart and the last thing they wanted was you getting hurt."
"I know. We've all talked about it."
"Blaine, even with everything that went on you and Seb still found your way back to each other. It shows that what the two of you felt went beyond that sexual attraction it might've started out as. The more the two of you got to know each other the harder you both fell."
"I love him with all my heart Wes."
"I know. And while I don't know him as well as the rest of the guys, I'm pretty sure he loves you just as much. I'm pretty sure if I asked the guys, they'd say he does. So having to leave was it about what you were feeling?"
"Yes. Even though I was up on that stage with Kurt, I would've given anything to have Bas here supporting me."
"And that is why Cooper gave you and Seb the push he did."
"Huh?"
"Blaine, remember what the guys told you back when you two first got together?"
"That depends, they said a lot." Wes couldn't help but laugh since Blaine was right. When the two of them got together the guys all had an opinion.
"Even though you two were just friends when we all arrived, it was pretty clear to everyone how the two of you truly felt about each other. The fact that Seb backed off the way he did shows just how much he cares about you."
"The only reason I didn't want jump into things right away is I never wanted Bas to feel like he was a rebound."
"That's why Cooper gave the push. Blaine, you and Seb were together before you were together if that makes sense. You hadn't been emotionally attached to Kurt for awhile according to the guys. They all saw it."
"I know they all treaded lightly around the subject but obviously I was blind and needed a swift kick in my ass."
"Blaine, looking back we all see things we wish we could change and this is one thing they all wish they could change. But they also knew you needed to do this on your own for it to be right. Cooper said he watched the two of you constantly dance around each other, both being the friend you knew the other needed. Yet at the same time, you both looked at each other so lovingly there was no denying what was in your hearts. He also told me that he hadn't seen you smile like you were in ages and the rest of the guys confirmed that you only smiled like that when Seb was around."
"And when did you and Cooper talk?"
"Cooper and I have talked more than you realize. He loves you so much Blaine and he's only wanted what's best for you. He just didn't always know how to go about it. So while he knew how you felt, he also knew you needed to accept how you truly felt about Seb."
"Why is it I always seem to be the last one to get things?" After Blaine spoke Wes put his arm around his shoulders.
"That would be because you've got a big heart and never want to hurt anyone. You always see the best in people, much like Brittany. Just not to that extent. The thing is, I know you knew how you felt about Seb. The thing is, you also knew how admitting these feelings would affect Kurt whom you cared about. And you aren't the type to blatantly hurt someone."
"But I hurt Bas by staying in limbo."
"Yes, but that sweet boy, is who Seb fell for. He never expected you to harshly hurt Kurt and then go running to him. That's not you and Seb knows it. And if you were saying you were happy, Seb wasn't going to push the issue. As he told Thad, he was just happy you were in his life again after everything. If you think about it, you know Seb was in your heart when you were performing that day. And I bet you anything you were the only thing on his mind that day as well."
"You must think I'm a mess after everything."
"Blaine, you are stronger than you give yourself credit for. The only reason you feel bad right now is that you realized that even back then your thoughts were of Seb. So why don't we go back in there before Seb hurts another defenseless program?" Blaine smiled and the two of them got up. "You know you get a smile on your face anytime someone mentions Seb?"
"Do I?" Blaine replied with a rather bashful look on his face.
"You do."
When they reached the theater doors, there was a group on so they had to stand outside and wait till they were done. While Wes hadn't planned on having such an in-depth talk with Blaine, he hoped that Sebastian had relaxed a bit knowing Blaine was no longer alone. Once the doors were opened, Wes and Blaine were escorted to their seats. The instant they were spotted, Hailey got up and moved into the aisle so that Blaine and Wes could take their seats before she took her original seat. Blaine had barely been seated before he leaned over and kissed Sebastian who had been watching him ever since he'd returned. "Everything okay?" Sebastian asked after the kiss broke.
"It is now." Blaine replied before taking Sebastian's hand in his own. Nothing else was said, but Sebastian leaned forward slightly and caught Wes's eye. After mouthing the words thank you Wes smiled back in return, happy to see the smiles on his friends' faces.
"Is Blaine alright?" Hailey asked prior to the next group taking the stage.
"He is. He just realized something and needed time to think." Wes then kissed her on the cheek.
During the first break, a bunch of them went out to the lobby to stretch their legs and get something to drink while the others stayed in the theater. "We won't have to wait much longer B. They're the third act after the break." Sebastian then placed a kiss onto of Blaine's head which was resting on his shoulder. When Blaine didn't react, Sebastian cocked his head a bit so he could get a better look at Blaine. What he saw was the most content look on Blaine's face. Considering the look that had been on Blaine's face when he left and the look he had now, Sebastian knew Blaine was able to get whatever it was off his chest to Wes.
Meanwhile in the lobby, Rachel was leaning up against Brody waiting for the others to return. "Everything okay Rachel?" Quinn asked as she and Dave sat down across from her and Brody.
"I can't shake the feeling that I said something to upset Blaine earlier."
"So you were the last one to talk to him before he left?" Nick said as he and Santana walked up. "What was it?"
"I just said it was weird being back here since this is where we won our title with the New Directions." The words no sooner left Rachel's mouth and Nick and Dave both reacted. "What did I say wrong?"
"It's not that you said anything wrong, it's just…shit, I'm not going to get into this now." Nick said as Santana looked at him since she was as confused as Rachel and Quinn.
"Dave?" Quinn asked hoping he'd fill in the blanks.
"Nick's right, not now. We should probably get back inside since the Warblers go on shortly after the break."
Even though the girls all wanted answers, they knew from the looks on the guys faces they weren't going to be getting them anytime soon. Once they sat back down they noticed that Blaine and Sebastian had barely moved during the break. They lights were just beginning to flicker when Brittany and Jeff quickly made their way down the steps. "Everything okay?" Sebastian asked.
"They are all good to go. They just had a question about one of the changes and they remembered correctly." Jeff replied. "Seeing Britt run through it helped calm their nerves."
"How are their nerves?" Blaine asked.
"Much better than earlier, they looked like they did before Regionals."
"That's a good place to be."
Knowing the Warblers were going to be going on soon, they all couldn't wait for the first to acts to be finished. In all honesty, the first one was not what anyone wanted to see coming back from the break as they clearly froze on stage. The second act was much closer to what they'd already been seeing. As the second group left the stage Blaine leaned towards Wes. "He's going to be fine." All Wes could do was nod since he was truly nervous for his brother.
As the announcer introduced the Warblers their whole little section was up on their feet cheering. The quickly reigned themselves in knowing the guys need to start. But as they took their seats they could see quite a few Dalton parents sitting near them, smiling. Much like they had done the year before the guys had two different sets prepared as the last thing they wanted was to be performing the same numbers should they make finals.
Much as they'd done in their previous two competitions, Logan was showcased in their first number. It was a smart decision since he clearly had the vocal chops but since he was a part of the group the year before he knew what to expect. He'd truly grown from his earlier performances and they all would agree once the show was over he was certainly the right chose for lead soloist. The Warblers harmonies behind him were flawless much to all of their delight. It was no doubt in anyone's mind just how hard the boys worked.
Unlike the previous year where Blaine took the ballad, they didn't put that sort of pressure on Brandon. Instead their ballad was led by a trio of Warblers, which was probably for the best since two of them weren't a part of the group the previous year. At one moment Blaine could tell Wes tensed up as you could hear a slight bit of nerves in Brandon's voice but he battled through and got stronger as the song went on.
When the guys began their last number, Blaine and Sebastian noticed Brittany sit up a little straighter in front of them. While they had all been there when they were working on their number for finals, Brittany had also helped them clean up their choreography for this round as well. From what they were all seeing, it definitely a clean performance dancing wise. And their vocals matched up well. Since they'd heard quite a few of the groups already, most of them could honestly say the guys had an excellent chance in making the finals.
Once the guys left the stage it took everything for them all to stay in their seats when they wanted nothing more than to go to them and congratulate them. But they knew all too well that after getting off that stage the guys were going to need some time to themselves. To truly take in what they'd just done, and to access their performance. After a few more groups performed they all got up from their seats since there were only two performances left. "What do you four think you're doing?" Sebastian asked as he looked at Rachel, Brody, Hunter, and Quinn.
"What do you mean?" Rachel asked and before Sebastian could answer Hunter and Quinn both stood.
"He means we need to get our asses up and join them."
"I knew you were smart Clarington." Sebastian replied before following Blaine up the steps. They were halfway up when he looked behind him and saw the four stragglers coming as well. "Did they really think they weren't welcome?"
"I think they didn't want to intrude." Blaine said. "Out of all of them, I could see Quinn thinking that especially since she really has never been around the guys." Blaine and Sebastian continued to talk the entire way to the boys rehearsal space since they were basically on their own. A bulk of the group headed off together and the final four were coming up behind. "What did you think Bas?"
"They were good, but there were definitely some nerves. Thankfully though they worked through them. When Brandon was singing I swore Wes was going to freak when his voice wavered."
"I thought the same thing. But luckily it didn't last long. Even with the slight nerves they showed, they were still one of the better groups."
"Agreed." When they reached the doorway, everyone was standing outside. "What are you all waiting for?"
"The door is closed." Hailey said.
"That didn't stop this motley crew from barging in on us last year." Sebastian then reached for the door knob and turned. "See, it's open so they are clearly expecting us." No sooner did he open the door and walking in with Blaine all eyes were on them as everyone else filed in behind. "We're not intruding, are we?"
"Of course not." Logan said. "We actually expected you sooner."
"We wanted to give you guys time." Blaine said. "Plus it allowed us to check out more of the competition."
"And?" Jacob asked.
"We all think you're going to make the finals." Thad said. "Just know you'll have to up your game."
"We know." Brandon said softly without looking at them. It was pretty clear to all of them that he felt bad about the wavering in his voice early on in his performance. For all the time any of them had spent around Brandon, this was one of the first times they could truly tell he was the youngest of the bunch. Knowing his brother needed some reassurances; Wes made his way over to him and pulled him into a hug. While Wes had always been a big brother to all of them, in that moment his one and only concern was Brandon. Once the rest of them began to get engulfed in conversations, only a few of them noticed Wes and Hailey taking Brandon to the far side of the room to talk.
"Do you think he's going to be okay?" Jacob asked Blaine, Sebastian, Thad, and Dave whom he and Logan were talking with.
"If anyone can help him, it's Wes." Blaine said. "I'm pretty sure you both know that."
"I know, it's just…"
"You guys need to put your trust in him." Thad said. "Blaine's right. Wes will help him. That bit of nerves didn't affect him long but I can see how he thinks it lasted longer than it did."
"That's what we tried to tell him." Logan said.
"Speaking of, you sounded incredible." Sebastian told him.
"Thank you. I had some great examples of how it should be done." Blaine and Sebastian tried, but they couldn't stop the smiles that crept to their faces. The more the six of them spoke, the more anxious they all began to get since they knew the results were going to be posted soon. Even though the results had yet to be posted, Brittany made her way over towards them.
"I hate to do this guys, but I've got to go."
"We really appreciate that you came Britt." Jacob told her. "And thank you so much for everything you did."
"It was my pleasure." She then proceeded to given Logan and Jacob each a hug. "I'll be seeing you guys for run through tomorrow morning before my show."
"Britt, we don't know if we made it yet." Logan said.
"Call it a hunch, so make sure you're ready because I'm going to put you through the paces." After she spoke she gave Blaine, Sebastian, Thad, and Dave each a kiss before heading on her way.
"No wonder you guys are all always in a good mood. Her disposition is contagious." Jacob said with a smile.
"We know." Dave and Thad replied in unison.
"In this case she's right though, you guys need to be ready to work your asses off." Thad said.
"We know." Jacob said. "We've already told the guys if we make the finals that we're going to have dinner then head into rehearsals."
With everything that had been going on none of them saw Mr. Holden come walking into the room. It wasn't till he walked up to Logan and Jacob. After doing a double-take of all the alumni in the room he finally spoke. "You boys made it!" Before either Logan or Jacob had a chance to react the room erupted since everyone had heard him.