Two Steps Beyond
Part 176
By the time Nick, Santana, and Trent got down to the pool only a few of them were in their chairs. "Where's everyone else?" Nick asked as he set his bag down on a lounger.
"Depends who you are asking about." Sebastian said. "Brooke, Nicole, Hailey, and Quinn are in the pool. Wes, Flint, and David are down by the beach. Obviously you can see where Dave, James, and I are."
"Where's your better half?" Santana asked after taking off her cover-up.
"He is out on the bay with Hunter, Thad, and Beat. They are all going parasailing."
"They're crazy!" Trent said as he sat down.
"Tell us something we don't know." Dave said. "But Seb, James and I can't talk since we just got back from doing the same thing. It took you guys awhile to get down here from the time you said you were on your way."
"Don't look at me; these two took forever to change." Trent said.
"Yet you didn't come down without them." James said.
"I didn't know where to meet up since Thad only sent a text to Nick."
"Well then." Sebastian replied with a smirk. "Making the most of having the room to yourself?"
"Wouldn't you like to know?" Nick replied before he began to put lotion on Santana's back.
"That's undetermined at this point. But I'm assuming at least one couple got to make the most of their room already."
"Why aren't you out on the water with Blaine?" Santana asked.
"We already went up." Sebastian told her. "But he loved it so much he's going up again and the boat can only hold so many."
"Makes sense. By chance is that your new suit?"
"It is. B's wearing his and his glasses as well. I've already told the others this, but you guys went overboard."
"We're not done yet." Nick said. "And yes, we know we went overboard. But Blaine deserves it. We all feel he got short changed over the years. Though, his birthday when he was with Kurt wasn't all our fault. Hummel didn't let us see him."
"Care to tell me why no one told me what was going on?"
"It was all a matter of time." Trent told him. "Once we all realized we were going to be here for Blaine's birthday we decided we wanted to do something. As Nick said, Blaine got short changed. And while we were going to include you, we put this all together rather quickly. Plus, this way you get to experience the surprises along with Blaine."
"Does part of this surprise have to do with our schedule change for his birthday?"
"It does." Santana said. "But since you guys asked Jeff what Brittany wanted to do, we hoped you wouldn't think twice about it."
"I was thrilled since Blaine wanted to go there for his birthday, yet he wanted to spend time that day with everyone."
"Now before we go and talk to everyone else I need to ask you something." Nick said. "Did you make plans for Blaine's birthday?"
"Of course I did. What sort of boyfriend do you think I am?" Sebastian replied almost indignantly.
"Relax Seb, Nick didn't mean it like that. Right Nick?" Dave said.
"Dave's right, I didn't mean it that way. I just meant…fuck!" Nick was now clearly frazzled as he hadn't meant to upset Sebastian. He only wanted to know what Sebastian had planned for Blaine. Santana began to rub Nick's back as she knew he felt bad as she looked at Sebastian.
"Seb."
"I'm sorry. It's just sometimes I can't help getting defensive."
"It's okay. I chose my words poorly." Nick told him. "What I meant to ask, was if your plans for Blaine included the rest of us or if it was going to be only the two of you?"
"I had a couple of things in mind for all of us, but a part of me hoped you guys had something in mind as well. I also have something planned for only me and B."
"You can keep those plans to yourself." Santana replied. "We don't need to know that."
"Good, because I'm not telling. Since you guys seem to have something in mind for B, I'm content going along with whatever it might be. It just better be good."
"Trust us on this one Seb, it is." Trent told him. "Everyone worked together on this to make this a birthday Blaine will hopefully never forget."
"Good, because he deserves it."
After spending time out on the water and in the pool, most of the group went to go and get something to eat. Since Sebastian wasn't particularly hungry, Blaine told him he'd bring him something back. While he lay on his lounger, glasses on, Sebastian honestly thought everyone had gone until he felt bodies on either side of him. Upon opening his eyes, he saw Santana and Quinn. "Are you going to talk or ignore us?" Santana asked.
"That depends, what do you want to talk to me about? Because if it's about snapping at Nick earlier, I'm going to ignore you since I already apologized and he accepted."
"It's got nothing to do with that Seb. By the way, you had all the right to snap as Nick worded it poorly."
"We want to talk to you about Blaine." Quinn told him.
"What about him?" Sebastian replied as he pushed himself up onto his elbows.
"Is he alright?"
"Yes, why would you think otherwise?"
"It's because of what happened at Nationals." Santana said. "He got up and left the theater and you looked a bit worried. And then during one of the breaks Rachel said something and Nick and Dave got these all-knowing looks on their faces."
"Yet they wouldn't tell us anything." Quinn added.
"I can tell you both that B is fine. He just had some feelings come up that he hadn't really dealt with."
"Like?"
"You really don't know, do you?" Sebastian said and both girls shook their heads. "B wasn't kidding when he said he really didn't get close to you guys until after he left."
"Yes, we didn't get truly close to Blaine till after he went back to Dalton, but Rachel seemed as lost as we did." Santana told him. "So, what is it?"
"Blaine was miserable back when you guys competed at Nationals."
"No he wasn't." Quinn said.
"Yes he was." Sebastian told her. "For starters, his relationship with Kurt was falling apart. And secondly, he felt guilty for being there with you guys and not the Warblers."
"Okay, I know they were having issues but, I thought they'd gotten through them." Santana said.
"It's hard to get through something when you can't talk about it."
"Do you mind if we ask what the problem was?" Quinn asked.
"It was problems and you need to talk to Blaine. Just know it was more than just his friendship with me."
"But he's okay now, right?"
"He is. He had a nice long talk with Wes and then when we got home he and I talked for hours. And ladies, I'd prefer if you don't tell Rachel."
"Okay, but why?" Santana asked.
"She considered herself a good friend to Blaine back then. So for her to not know how truly unhappy he was will crush her. That's something the two of them are going to need to talk about together."
"Why didn't he let anyone know?"
"It's because B's not the type of person to dump his problems on someone else. And you guys weren't his good friends at that time. Some of the only people he could trust, he was kept from. So B put on a happy face and went on with things. I mean, how would one of the two of you have felt to have gone from being "the man" or the woman to your case, to having your opinions dismissed by practically everyone." Santana and Quinn both looked at the ground as they remembered how Blaine had been treated when he was at McKinley. They both knew it was wrong, yet no one spoke up. "Ladies, I didn't say this to make you feel bad."
"We know." Quinn replied. "But that doesn't mean we won't feel that way. Seb, the New Directions had so many issues it wasn't even funny. Then once Blaine came to be with Kurt it just added more since Finn got all crazy trying to be the man. And after a bit, Blaine just sat back and went along."
"That's because B doesn't make waves. The happiness of those around him means everything to him. And at that time, as long as Kurt was happy, he was for the most part. But then other things happened that started to change that and he didn't know how to handle it."
"May I ask you something Seb?" Santana said to him.
"You may, but whether I answer is a whole different story."
"Fair enough. Did anything every happen between you and Blaine before he broke up with Kurt?"
"Besides the time he and I danced and Hummel was around no. Nothing besides flirting, this was mainly one-sided though Blaine did have his moments. Why do you ask?"
"That would be because there seemed to be a connection between the two of you. I mean, even when I went to confront you about the slushie there was a part of you that seemed a bit…I don't quite know how to put it. You just seemed off when I mentioned Blaine and told you what happened."
"I will tell you both there was more going on than anyone else knows and that will remain between me, B, and Hummel. Blaine and I were friends which made everything that happened worse than it was. I was dealing with things that I didn't quite know what to make of it either, much like Blaine. So when Blaine got hurt, it hit me deeper than I wanted to admit. The last thing the guys and I ever would've wanted was for Blaine to get hurt and that's what happened."
"You loved him back then, didn't you?" Quinn said softly. "Yet he was with Kurt. Santana and I both know how that feels, it sucks."
"In this case it was worse; because I think even back then Blaine loved him." Santana said and as she spoke Sebastian began to chew on his lower lip. Seeing the way Sebastian was reacting the girls both knew they were right. "Since that was the case, why didn't you push harder?"
"You all thought I was an ass to begin with it would've only made matters worse. And well, at that time Blaine and I didn't quite know what it was because it was more than either of us had felt before."
"So neither of you knew what to make of it?" Quinn said.
"Exactly. Do you know I almost went to New York to see you guys perform?"
"Kurt would've flipped!" Santana stated bluntly.
"That's why I didn't go. As badly as I wanted to see Blaine perform, I was not going to add more stress to his life while he was trying to figure out what was going on with him and Kurt."
"So you backed off?" Quinn asked.
"I didn't necessarily back off, but I wasn't going to push things. I cared enough about Blaine that if he was happy, I was happy. But knowing he was miserable yet not doing anything about it was one of the reasons I left at the end of the school year to stay with Lexi. I couldn't stand by and watch."
"Yet you were there when he ended things." Santana said.
"I was, but that decision was B's and his alone. The only thing I did when he got to New York was be the friend he needed at that time. Everything else just happened."
"Did the guys know how you both felt?"
"I'm pretty sure they all did. When we finally got together they all made those feelings pretty clear in their own way."
"I wish I knew back then what I know now."
"Don't we all." Sebastian replied with a smile. "It would've made things a little less chaotic. But we got through it and are where we are now."
"Goes to show how much you two cared that you made it through everything." Quinn told him. "While at first I was surprised to hear you and Blaine got together. Seeing the two of you together, I can't imagine either of you with anyone else."
"Why thank you! I'm guessing you never thought an ass like me would end up with someone like Blaine."
"Basically. But like Santana, I had a feeling there was more to you than meets the eye. And well, through everything Blaine went through I realized Kurt wasn't who we thought he was either."
"Seb."
"Yes Santana."
"Why did you tell us the truth? I'm sure you could've come up with some story we both would've believed."
"I could've, but I know you both care about Blaine so I told you the truth. And while I didn't tell you everything, I told you enough. If you want to know anything else you're going to have to as Blaine himself. But since we're asking questions…"
"No comment." Quinn replied.
"There is something going on between you two, isn't there?"
"She won't tell. I've been trying to get it out of her and all she'll say is that they're good friends."
"With benefits I bet." Sebastian said with a smile that Santana quickly mirrored. "It must suck sharing a room with David and Trent. A week with no nookie."
"You're both terrible."
"I've yet to say anything." Santana said.
"Really, so when we were watching the guys earlier your question had nothing to pertain to this?"
"I'm angelic; I have no idea what you're implying."
"You're only angelic if you're referring to the amount of times Nick has praised god since the two of you got together. I'm certain I've heard the phrase "oh god" more than once."
"You're a bastard Seb." Santana said as she playfully smacked him, but she was smiling as she did so.
"Yet we don't hear a denial." Quinn said.
"That's because it goes both ways for the two of them." Sebastian said. "I think sometimes they forgot they were staying with me and B."
"I hate you both."
"No you don't." Sebastian said as he wrapped his arm around her and brought her up against him. "You love us both. Personally I think you're one of the best things that's happened to Nick." He then kissed the top of her head. "He's clearly as happy as are you."
"Like you and Blaine?"
"Yes, like me and B. As for you Quinn, we still have to figure that out. But you're clearly in a good place right now."
While the three of them talked the others started to return. Upon spotting Sebastian on his lounger with Santana and Quinn lying next to him Blaine stopped. "Do you know what's going on?" He asked Nick and Dave who were next to him.
"We do." Nick replied. "The girls are worried about you."
"Why me?" Blaine asked as they continued on their way, albeit a bit slower.
"When you left before Nationals, they got a bit worried. They were afraid something happened to you and Seb. And that bothered them since they really like the two of you together." Dave told him. "But once we heard what Rachel said prior to you leaving we all had a good idea why you left."
"You didn't say anything, did you?"
"No, we told them if they wanted answers they needed to talk to you or Seb." Nick said. "And it's clear they told Seb. At least you know he won't tell them anything he doesn't feel comfortable sharing."
"True. Why do you guys think I left that day?"
"It was because you were thinking about your life back then." Blaine nodded at Nick's words. "We both knew you weren't happy then, but it wasn't really our place to say anything since we didn't know what they knew."
"They didn't know anything." Blaine said. "As far as they knew everything was fine. Only you guys really knew what was going on with me. Even then, you didn't know everything."
"We knew more than you realized Blaine." Dave told him. "But we didn't push."
"Like?"
"You had feelings for Seb and he had feelings for you." Nick said. "While we both told you it was about time when you got together. It was more than the flirting the two of you had been doing while we got ready for the wedding. You two had been flirting with each other for months. And the way you always asked about Seb that summer before you left for New York."
"Did he ever tell you why he didn't tell you where he was going?" Dave asked.
"He said he didn't tell me because he knew I had to work through things. Little did he realize I'd be worried or that all of us would be worried for that matter."
"As worried as we were, it worked out for the best." Nick said. "During that time apart, you two realized what we all saw. You came to the conclusion you weren't happy with Kurt and couldn't be. And Seb realized what he was feeling for you was more than sexual attraction."
"Don't forget that Blaine realized his feelings for Seb went beyond friendship."
"You guys must've gotten such amusement out of this whole thing." Blaine said as he shook his head, yet laughed at the same time."
"We did." They both replied and soon the conversation subsided as they reached the chairs. Once they were seated, it wasn't long till everyone else returned as well. For someone that wasn't that hungry, Sebastian was eating more of Blaine's food than Blaine was.
"This might be a bad time to ask, but did you two send out your token we are here tweet?" Beat asked.
"We did." Sebastian replied. "We took it after we arrived at the hotel. But I think we should send out a group pic. Then take a new one tomorrow once Jeff and Britt arrive."
"That works." Wes said. "What are the plans for tonight?"
"We haven't discussed them." Hunter said. "I'm game for anything though."
"Well, there is a movie under the stars." Trent said. "Nothing too crazy I know, but tomorrow is going to be the first of many long and crazy days."
"True, but it's just what we need." Santana said. "Last thing we all need is to do something crazy and be dragging tomorrow. We have lots of moments to capture."
"Which means you can't forget the video camera tomorrow Seb." David told him.
"Speaking of tomorrow, Blaine you need to open items one and two in the basket." Hailey told him. "We don't need to be there, but Seb…"
"I need to record him opening them, got it."
"How many items are in those baskets?" Blaine asked as he leaned against Sebastian since they were surrounded by their friends.
"We stopped counting after a certain point." James told him. "But those that are numbered need to be opened in order. After that, it'll be a free for all."
"May I tell you all something?" Every one of them nodded. "You didn't need to do all this."
"All what?" Thad asked.
"Guys, I'm not stupid."
"Never said you were." Beat stated.
"Blaine, this is our way of making things up to you." Nick told him. "No matter how many times you told all of us you were okay with the way things went around your birthday, we know you weren't. And while we should've made a bigger effort our minds weren't always thinking clearly around finals."
"It's okay, which is why I said you don't need to do all this."
"Blaine, just accept you're going to get spoiled this week by someone other than Seb." Hunter told him. "Their motives are true and well, we all care about you. So just enjoy being the center of attention his week."
"But this isn't what this week was about."
"We know, but we want it to be." Wes said. "You've done so much for all of us it's time we treated you the way you've treated all of us. Just don't expect this sort of effort next year though."
"Fair enough, so thank you. Bas?"
"He had nothing to do with this." Dave said. "So, every time we surprise you, he'll be surprised as well."
By the time they'd decided upon what they all wanted to do that evening, everyone headed inside to relax and change before meeting up again later on. Once they were inside their room, Blaine sat down on the couch and stretched out while Sebastian looked at the two baskets. "What are you doing Bas?"
"Looking for the basket with the items you're supposed to open."
"Later. Come join me." Blaine said as he grabbed a pillow and put it behind his head. Sebastian stopped what he was doing and walked closer to him.
"You didn't leave me space to do so."
"Guess you're just going to have to get creative." There was a glimmer in Blaine's eye that Sebastian knew all too well. But knowing that he walked away which caused Blaine to huff, but once he saw Sebastian was making sure the door was locked he smiled once more. "Are you thinking something is going to happen?" Blaine asked as Sebastian got close once more.
"Better to be prepared than not." He replied as he lied down on top of Blaine. "You're not complaining, are you?"
"Not at all." Blaine said as he wrapped his arms around him. "This is the only bad part of the trip."
"What?"
"That I need to contain my feelings for you."
"Sadly, we do that often B."
"I know, but our last few vacations we could be free. Don't get me wrong, I want to be here, it's just…"
"I get it and I understand. And I'm pretty sure our friends do as well. They know it's not always easy being us. How are you feeling about what's going on?"
"I'm a bit overwhelmed. They really didn't need to do this, but…I appreciate it. That doesn't make me selfish, does it?"
"It doesn't and you have all the right to feel overwhelmed. At least now you know what you always felt was right. It was never that they didn't care it was just shitty timing. And as Nick pointed out when we talked, one year wasn't their fault."
"That I do know and I don't want to talk about that."
"Consider it dropped. So, what would you like to do till we meet up with everyone?"
"I've got a few ideas." Blaine replied, the glimmer back in his eyes. "You game?"
"Depends on what you have in mind." Blaine then slid one of his hands that were around Sebastian up his back till it was resting on the nape of his neck.
"This." The next thing Sebastian felt were Blaine's lips on his. It didn't take long for them to both melt into the kiss and for Blaine to relax beneath him. Once that happened, Sebastian shifted ever so slightly so he was a bit more comfortable. When he felt Blaine's hands running over his back, Sebastian broke the kiss. "What?"
"We can do this for hours B."
"That's the point Bas. I can't think of anything else I'd rather do right now than get lost in kissing you."
"But we can't be late. Just let me set the alarm on my phone. Last thing we need is the great inquisition should we be late. And know I have no problem continuing wherever we may leave off." While he spoke, Sebastian set the alarm on his phone. "Now, where were we?"
"Right about here." Blaine replied before pulling Sebastian back down and into a kiss.