Two Steps Beyond
Part 175
While the guys were clearly bummed about not winning again, they were taking finishing second much better than the guys had expected. Considering they'd graduated half the group the previous year this was a huge accomplishment. But they also knew part of it wouldn't have been possible if the guys hadn't thought ahead teh As plans for the night were being discussed the possibilities were pretty endless since the competition ended much earlier than the year before. Jeff had been in the middle of a conversation with Mitch when he was tapped on the shoulder.
"By chance are you Jeff Sterling?" The man asked.
"I am. What can I do for you?" When Jeff responded quite a few eyes in the room had fallen upon the unfamiliar person in the room.
"I was asked to deliver this to you." The man said before handing Jeff an envelope.
"May I ask who it's from?"
"Miss Brittany Pierce. It would be wise if you open it soon as time is rather crucial." Once that was said, the man made his way out of the room. No sooner was he gone did Jeff get surrounded. When he opened the enveloped he pulled out a letter from Brittany and a smile crept to his face.
"What is it?" Mitch asked.
"My girlfriend is incredible."
"What has she done now?" Logan asked.
"It's a good thing you all don't have plans yet for this evening."
"Why?" Jacob asked.
"She just sent over tickets for all of you to see her show this evening. I guess you all mentioned that you wanted to see it but weren't going to have time with rehearsals."
"You're kidding?" Logan asked as he stepped closer.
"I'm not. So, everyone either needs to head back to the hotel to change or go as is. You don't have much time to decide." As Jeff spoke, Sebastian stepped up behind Blaine and wrapped his arms around him.
"Jeff's right, that's pretty incredible." Sebastian then kissed him on the cheek. "The guys look ecstatic which is pretty crazy."
"I think in the time she spent with them, those that didn't know her fell in love with her like the rest of us have."
It didn't take the guys long to make a decision and they decided to stay in their uniforms. Once they began to collect their things, the others in the room came walking over to Jeff who was talking with Blaine and Sebastian. "I guess that means the rest of us are free?" Trent said.
"Only if you want to be, Britt sent over enough tickets for all of us."
"You're kidding?" Hailey said.
"Nope."
"That had to cost her a pretty penny." David said.
"It might've but she'll never let us know. But anyone that doesn't want to come please let me know so I know if we're going to have extra tickets." Jeff said, but it was clear from everyone's reaction they had no problems seeing the show again. Since those that lived in the city knew exactly where they were going, everyone grouped together to ensure the current group of Warblers made it to the theater in time for the show.
The next morning seemed to come sooner than probably any of them would've liked as they went out after Brittany's show. But since everyone had made certain to pack before the weekend, none of them were running around. Blaine had just walked into the living room with his carry-on over his shoulder when he spotted Sebastian looking out the window over by the piano. "Everything okay Bas?"
"It couldn't be better." Sebastian said as he turned to look at Blaine. "You look more than ready to go."
"I can't help it. I'm rather excited, which must sound silly to you."
"Personally, I think it's cute. Could you come over here for a moment since we still have some time?" Blaine nodded and headed towards him after setting his bag on the couch. The closer he got he noticed a wrapped package sitting on top of the piano. Before Blaine had a chance to say anything, Sebastian wrapped his arms around him and kissed him. "I love you."
"I love you too." Blaine replied with a smile. "What's on the piano?"
"Why don't you open it and find out?"
"Bas."
"B, it's too big to bring with us so indulge me and open it early."
"You know I like to wait till my actual birthday."
"I know. And like I said, it's too big to bring with so please B." Blaine looked at him for a moment, but then soon began ripping the wrapping paper. Even if he might've protested, Sebastian was right in that it was way too big to bring back and forth to Florida with them. Soon a smile crept to Blaine's face as he flipped the frame over. "What do you think killer?"
"It…it's perfect. Thank you!" Blaine then wrapped his arms around Sebastian and kissed him once more. "It describes us rather well."
"It does, but it describes you perfectly. You always manage to perfectly put your feelings in to music B. I was thinking we'd hang it right behind the piano."
"Perfect. And what a coincidence, that space is currently empty."
"Imagine that." Sebastian said with a smile since he'd taken the piece of artwork down a couple of weeks prior. "Would you like to do the honors or shall I?"
"You hang it since you're taller but I'll let you know whether or not it's straight."
"My B, always the perfectionist. It's one of the many things I love about you." Sebastian then picked the frame up and walked towards the empty space behind the piano. "You're sure this is where you want it since it was only my recommendation."
"Yes, now hang it." Sebastian could only smile and proceeded to hang the piece. While it was nothing overly fancy, it truly did describe them well. There on a canvas were the words "Music is what Feelings sound like", surrounded my notes, staffs, and terminology. "I love it Bas, thank you!"
"I'm glad you do." As Sebastian answered Blaine walked back to him and wrapped his arms around him once more.
"May I ask where you got it?"
"At a gallery in Chelsea."
"The day you were out with Thad and Hunter?"
"That would be the one. I hadn't planned on buying anything that day, but I just couldn't walk out of there without this. Thankfully Hunter was willing to hold onto it for me."
"I'm glad you couldn't. And while this might sound selfish, I need to ask you something."
"Yes, you'll have gifts to open on your birthday." Sebastian said with a smile. "You had to know there is no way I wouldn't have something for you to open." Blaine proceeded to get the cutest smile on his face that practically made Sebastian melt. "For someone who doesn't like anyone to fuss over your birthday, you do enjoy it."
"Maybe it's because for once, someone other than my parents makes it a priority."
Since most of them were coming down on separate flights, Blaine and Sebastian were surprised to see Hunter, Thad, Dave, Quinn, and Beat in baggage claim when they went to claim their own luggage. "And here we thought you two would've been down first thing." Thad said.
"That honor goes to our elders." Blaine replied. "Their flight got in well over an hour ago. And according to David's last tweet, are already out enjoying the sunshine."
"Did you guys arrange a ride to the hotel because we've got more than enough space?" Dave asked.
"We are covered but thank you." Sebastian replied as he pointed to the driver holding a sign reading Smythe. "We will see you shortly."
"Will do." Hunter said as Beat grabbed his suitcase off the carousel. "Gentlemen and Quinn?"
Once the five of them headed off, it wasn't long till Blaine and Sebastian were heading off as well. Thankfully both of their suitcases were some of the first ones off the carousel. With the guys and Quinn, as well as their elders there, the only ones left to arrive were Nick, Santana, and Trent who would be arriving within the hour.
Knowing they didn't have much time, Quinn called Hailey to let her know they were on their way and that Blaine and Sebastian were going to be following close behind. Unbeknownst to her, before they headed out Hunter had spoken with Blaine and Sebastian's driver asking him to take a more scenic route to the hotel to give them a bit more time. That call was all that was necessary for her to gather her bag and throw her cover-up on. "What's going on?" David asked.
"Remember how none of us knew when Blaine and Seb were getting here?" He nodded. "Well, Quinn and the guys ran into them at baggage claim and they will be arriving shortly after they do. I need to make sure that lovely clerk that checked us in doesn't accidentally slip up to Blaine and Seb. Wes went to a great deal of trouble to see to it that all of our rooms we near each other. Yet far enough apart so that we can put the finishing touches on Blaine's surprise."
"Good point. Go, I'll tell Wes once he comes back."
"Thank you!" Once she had her bag over her shoulder, Hailey headed back towards the hotel. Each of them had gone out of their way to do little things for this trip. And Hailey was damned if Quinn and the guys were still being checked in when Blaine and Sebastian arrived. Even though Wes and the guys had made their intentions clear at check-in, she wasn't going to risk something going wrong with how hard they'd all worked.
When she reached the early check-in desk, the same clerk was still on duty. "Miss Andrews, what may I help you with?"
"Our friends are currently on their way, including the guest of honor. There won't be much time separating their arrivals."
"And you want to see to it that they don't run into each other here."
"Exactly." Hailey then proceeded to give the names of those arriving so that the clerk could gather all of the items that were waiting for them. "Now, do you know if those items have been delivered to the room of Anderson and Smythe?"
"I'm pretty sure they have but I will check with the concierge services to make sure."
"Thank you." Hailey was just about to head back out to the pool when she heard Quinn call out for her. Once hugs were exchanged, the boys proceeded to the desk while the girls talked. "I really appreciate the call."
"I knew you guys had some things planned and I didn't want their arrival to catch you off-guard. Dave and the guys were shocked when they came walking towards us. While Thad and Hunter thought they'd gotten in earlier, Dave and Beat thought they were arriving with Nick and company."
"Well, thankfully we now know." The words were just leaving Hailey's mouth when Dave came walking over towards them. "I better get going. I'll text you where we're at. Enjoy!" Before Dave could say anything Hailey walked away.
"This is for you." Dave said as he handed Quinn a gift bag.
"What's this?"
"I have no clue. The clerk gave one to all of us. But he also told us we better hurry if we want to be out of sight when Blaine and Seb arrive." Quinn nodded and followed Dave towards the elevators where the rest of the guys were waiting.
"Now, I can't help but ask this." Thad said as they rode up in the elevator. "How did you convince Trent to share a room with you and Quinn? Last I remember he's pretty shy."
"That would be because he's not as shy anymore." Dave replied. "Plus he felt it best if Quinn didn't room with you three horny bastards."
"We would've been complete gentlemen, right guys?" Hunter said.
"Exactly." Beat said. "You'd trust us, wouldn't you Quinn?"
"Do I have to answer that now?"
"Ouch, I'm crushed." Thad replied with an over exaggerated shot through the chest. "And here I thought you liked us."
"I do like you, but that doesn't make me blind. You three are trouble when you get together."
"Dave is just as bad." Thad told her as the elevator doors opened. "Yet you are rooming with him."
"To be exact, I'll be sharing a bed with him." She then leaned over and gave Dave a kiss on his cheek. "The difference being, this won't be a first time." Quinn then took ahold of Dave's hand and headed down the hall towards their room.
"Will one of you please explain that to me?" Beat said as they soon followed behind them.
"I would if I understood." Hunter said. "For two people that are just friends, they're pretty darn close."
"I was just going to say the same thing. Yet, it's not much different than the way Santana and Britt act with Blaine and Seb."
"Yet there is clearly one difference. Both girls are in relationships and Blaine and Seb are gay." Beat said. "Why don't I have a female best friend like Quinn is to Dave?"
"To quote Dave, it would be because we're horny bastards." Thad said quietly unsure if there were children around. "Guess he just hides it better than the rest of us." Hunter and Beat both nodded before stopping in front of their door.
While this was going on upstairs, Blaine and Sebastian entered the hotel. "So, are you ready to start enjoying ourselves B?" Sebastian asked as they headed towards the early check-in desk.
"More than you probably know." Blaine replied. As they walked, they both looked around the hotel and were more than happy with their decision. Choosing a place to stay that satisfied all of them hadn't been an easy task. But once they listed the things they all required or wanted it made it easier as certain hotels were quickly eliminated. Since Sebastian had made the reservation he did most of the talking while Blaine stood next to him.
"Welcome to the Contemporary Mr. Smythe, Mr. Anderson." The clerk said as he handed them their keys. "Just let me get your welcome packets for you and I'll have someone show you to your room."
"That won't be necessary." Sebastian said. "I'm sure we'll be able to find our way."
"I'm sure you will sir, but you might need a hand." The next thing they both saw was the welcome packet being handed to Sebastian and then two big baskets filled with all sorts of wrapped packages being placed on the counter. Sebastian and Blaine were just looking at each other as a large gift bag was then handed to Blaine and a smaller one to Sebastian. "Now you see why you gentlemen will need some help." The next thing they both saw was him wave a bellman over. "If you need anything else, please don't hesitate to call. Have a Magical vacation!" Blaine and Sebastian both thanked him before turning towards the waiting bellman.
"Bas?"
"I have no idea B, no idea." As Sebastian spoke, the bellman loaded their suitcases as well as their baskets onto the cart and offered to take their carry-ons as well. Since the clerk had given the bellman their room number Blaine and Sebastian followed quietly behind. Neither quite sure what to make of what was happening. The closer they got to their room though; Blaine couldn't help notice the smirk that was creeping to Sebastian's face.
"Is there something you're not telling me Bas?"
"You'll find out soon enough B."
Upon opening the door, Blaine and Sebastian walked in and the bellman followed behind with their luggage. "Bas, this is not the room we agreed upon."
"Really?" The smile on Sebastian's face said way more than his words. But before he would elaborate he tipped the bellman who wished them a Magical Time as well. Once the bellman was gone, Sebastian walked up behind Blaine and wrapped his arms around him. "Happy Birthday Killer!"
"This is too much Bas."
"It's never too much for you B. Honestly, do you like it?"
"I love it! Thank you!" Blaine then turned his head enough so that he could give Sebastian a kiss. "May we check out the rest of the room?"
"Of course." After giving Blaine another kiss, Sebastian let go and followed Blaine through the suite. The smile on his face was more than he could've asked for. The slight upgrade he'd made in their room was more than worth it as they now had extra space to stretch out and a magnificent view of the Magic Kingdom. Once they'd checked out the bedroom, they walked back out into the living room. They were going to head out onto the balcony but it was in that moment they noticed two packages on the table.
"Bas."
"That's not my doing B. You're gifts are still in my suitcase." Sebastian replied as they sat down on the couch. "Are you going to open them?"
"One is for you." Blaine said as he handed Sebastian a box. But before he could open it Blaine stopped him. "Not yet?"
"Why?" He then showed Sebastian the envelope that was sitting beneath the boxes that had Sebastian's name on it and to please read first. As he took the envelope from Blaine, Sebastian was beyond confused but proceeded to open the envelope while Blaine brought his box to his lap. "I'm supposed to open mine first."
"What's going on Bas? Who did this?"
"I wish I knew B. There is no signature on the note." Sebastian then put the envelope down and began opening his box. Once it was open, he was surprised to see a video camera in the box. After pulling it out he found a note attached to it that said "use me". "I'm assuming I should use this to record you B. So, your turn." Not surprisingly, the camera was fully charged and ready for use. As Blaine began unwrapping his box, he kept looking between Sebastian and the box. "Don't look at me like that, I honestly have no clue what is going on. And we've yet to look at those two ridiculously huge baskets."
Once all the paper was gone, Blaine took the lid off the box and pulled out a new pair of sunglasses. After a bit of prodding from Sebastian he put them on and posed for the camera. "What do you think?"
"I like them. I haven't seen you in red glasses since you lost your last ones." Sebastian remarked which caused Blaine to stick his tongue out at him. "Carefully B, I am recording and we don't want something on this that shouldn't be seen by others. Now, what else is in the box since it's awfully big for just new sunglasses?" Blaine then proceeded to pull out a new pair of swim trunks with a tag that read, "put me on". "Should I keep filming?"
"Bas."
"Easy there killer. You know I was just kidding. But please, put them on." Sebastian said with a smile. "How convenient, they match your new glasses." Blaine just smiled as he changed.
"There is also a pair in there for you Bas."
"Please tell me they don't match."
"They don't. Mine are red and black with a bit of white. Yours are black and white with a little bit of red. If you think about it, they are very Mickey." Sebastian smiled and turned the camera off so that he could change as well. "Are you sure you have no idea what's going on Bas?"
"Positive, but I've got a good idea who is responsible."
"Same here." After they'd each gotten changed, Sebastian picked up the camera once more and turned it onto the two of them now that they'd changed and Blaine had his new sunglasses perched on top of his head. Blaine then went to grab the gift bag he'd been given because considering the size and weight he had a good idea what was in it. The next thing Sebastian saw was Blaine pulling two beach towels out of the bag. "For some reason I think we're supposed to head down to the pool."
"Good guess. What about the baskets?"
"Let's leave them for later. Since everything is wrapped I can't help but think I'm supposed to wait no matter how tempting it is to open everything." Sebastian nodded and went to grab his sunglasses. Not only did he grab his sunglasses he grabbed his backpack which had everything they needed to relax down by the pool. "Ready to go Bas?"
"Yep."
"Do you have the camera?"
"I have our camera."
"Would you please grab the video camera? I have a feeling we're going to need it."
"Got it." As Sebastian turned to go get it, his phone went off with a text. "Your guess of us going to the pool is correct. I've just been told where to go."
"Then lead the way."
Meanwhile down by the pool, everyone was waiting on Thad who had sent the text. "So?" Dave asked.
"They are on their way down. And before you ask, Seb didn't say anything else. But I think it's safe to presume by now they know all that stuff is from us."
"One would hope." Hunter said. "Otherwise, I'd be worried."
"Did you ask them to bring the camera down?" Wes asked.
"I didn't. I thought you guys were supposed to put a note stating bring me everywhere."
"We had it written but it didn't make it in the box." David said. "And there was no way we were rewrapping it since we were short on paper as it was. We'll just have to tell them to bring it everywhere with them."
"Is that really a good idea?" Flint asked.
"We gave them a video camera; I doubt they'll get that crazy." Thad replied. "They do have some modesty left. Has anyone heard from our stragglers?"
"They are on their way to the hotel as we speak." Beat said. "Nick just sent a text."
"If that's the case, shouldn't someone go and delay the two of them?" Quinn asked. "I'm sure Nick, Santana, and Trent would want to be here."
"Under normal situations, I would." Wes said. "But we have no idea how long they'll be. So we'll just have to hope Seb records everything."
"If their trip to Europe was any clue, they are good at that. They took tons of footage and talked throughout." Dave said as he and a few of the others were on the lookout for Blaine and Sebastian. It didn't take long for Hunter to spot them and as they'd hoped, Sebastian had the camera and was filming. Once they reached the end of the walkway, they looked both ways and soon spotted Beat waving towards them.
"Are you going to say anything B?"
"Nope. I'm sure they'll tell in due time. But until then, I'm just going to go with the flow."
"Good call. By the way, you look stunning if I hadn't told you that already. You could model."
"Why thank you. You look rather stunning as well. I have a few other things I'd like to say, but I can't keep my sweet, innocent image if those things are caught on tape." The closer they got to their friends; Sebastian turned the camera to begin filming them.
"If it isn't seventy-five percent of our motley crew. How was everyone's flight?"
"Smooth." Hailey replied. "Yours?"
"Quick." Once Sebastian replied, everyone proceeded to greet each other as Sebastian somehow managed to record the whole thing. "Am I supposed to record everything or only certain items?"
"The more footage the better." Thad replied. "But you'll have help since Wes has his and Jeff is bringing his."
"So these items were from you guys." Blaine said as he set out his and Sebastian's towels."
"Guilty as charged." Hunter replied. "The glasses look good."
"Thank you! They are greatly appreciated since I lost my other ones last summer."
"We remembered." Dave said. "Hence the new ones."
"And the suits?"
"I got those." Quinn replied. "I'm glad they fit."
"They do and thank you." Sebastian said. "And thank you for not having us match. We can do coordinating, but we don't do the matchy thing."
"I figured as much." She replied.
"Did you two check out anything else?" Flint asked.
"If you're asking about the baskets, no." Blaine told him. "For some reason I got the feeling since the items inside were wrapped I should wait. The instruction with the first gifts was my first indication."
"It was the correct one." Brooke said. "Which side are you on, bay or Magic Kingdom?"
"Magic Kingdom." Sebastian replied. "And the rest of you?"
"We're all on the same side." Wes replied.