Two Steps Beyond

Part 177

The next morning when Blaine and Sebastian headed down to meet everyone as they'd all done their own thing for breakfast that morning they each got numerous texts. "It's as though they think we're forgetful." Blaine said after reading one. "But did they honestly think we'd forget the video camera."

"Or that you'd forget your new camera?"

"That was a pretty sweet gift, wasn't it?" Blaine said with a smile and Sebastian nodded. For the first two gifts, their friends had definitely done well. They'd gotten Blaine a new point and shoot camera which was waterproof. Something he could clearly use during the trip. And the second package wasn't anything too crazy, but the extra battery for the camera was clearly appreciated. "Do we know if Jeff and Britt have landed yet?"

"They have." Blaine didn't even have to turn around as he knew Santana's voice and could only assume Nick was with her. "Thankfully they got in a little early. They should be here soon." By the time she said her last words she and Nick were next to them. "Did you both sleep well?"

"We did, you?"

"Extremely." Nick replied. "Also fair warning Seb, Britt wants a picture of you in front of Cinderella's castle."

"Alright, but why?"

"You are Prince Sebby, aren't you?" Once Nick spoke, Blaine and Sebastian started to laugh.

"He definitely is. Does he still have that wannabe Disney Prince haircut Santana?"

"Somewhat, it's a bit longer now though."

"Yes, but I'm still as striking as I was then." Sebastian replied. "Plus my Prince hasn't complained and that's all that matters."

When they reached the lobby they were surprised that everyone else wasn't there but, after a quick glance at the clock the foursome realized they were early. Feeling like having a bit of fun, Sebastian turned the video camera on Nick and Santana for a bit and they didn't disappoint. They were so busy goofing in front of the camera they didn't notice Blaine and Sebastian's expressions change. To say Blaine and Sebastian got a good laugh when the two of them jumped upon Jeff and Brittany sitting down beside them was an understatement.

"I thought we were meeting you at the park." Nick said once everyone got their laughter under control.

"You were going to but since we got in early we came here instead." Jeff replied. "Wes let us know where you guys were meeting. Speak of the devil; here he comes along with everyone else." They didn't have much time for pleasantries since they were walking to the park since it was such a short distance away. Throughout their way over, conversations continued and pictures were constantly being taken. If one thing was going to come out of this trip, they would all have tons of new pictures of each other with every combination possible.

The closer they got, they all started to laugh at the immense crowd out-front waiting to get in. They easily could've waited, but none of them wanted to so they were more than prepared to deal with the crowds and the wait. If there might've been less of them, they could've considered but there were more than enough of them to keep each other occupied.

Their first full day of vacation with all of them there, was definitely full. Brittany got her picture for Sebastian's in front of the castle, and all of them started to laugh when it was taken as one of the princes was nearby and began to copy Sebastian's pose. Needless to say, Brittany explained to the prince what she'd dubbed Sebastian so the two took a photo together. And then were soon joined by Sebastian's knights, which brought laughter from Wes and the rest of the group that wasn't in the picture. It was certainly one way to start their day.

Each time they'd gotten on a ride, different people paired up so that they didn't end up riding with the same people throughout the day. And with as many of them as there were, it was a good thing they were at a park with so many different attractions. If the smiles on all of their faces by the end of the day were any indication every one of them enjoyed themselves. While they easily could've headed back to their hotel for the fireworks, they all found a place to watch them at the park. And since they were there on an extra hours' day, they made sure to get there early so they could all relax. Knowing they could still hit more rides afterwards.

Since they were all together, Blaine and Sebastian situated themselves in the middle of the group. When Blaine felt Sebastian's arms slide around his waist he leaned back. With his head resting against Sebastian's shoulder more than a few pictures were snapped. "Did you enjoy the day Blaine?" Brittany asked from her spot next to him and Sebastian.

"I did, you?"

"I did." As she answered, Jeff leaned over her shoulder and gave her a kiss on the cheek. "I'm really glad I was able to join you guys."

"So are we. It wouldn't be a group trip without you."

"But Rachel and Brody aren't here."

"Very true. But having Jeff here without you wouldn't have felt right." Sebastian said. "You two are a packaged deal."

"Like all the other couples."

"Exactly. And while we always get on Nick about being crabby when Santana isn't around, Jeff's crabby when you aren't around. But we don't blame him. We're happy when you're around too." Blaine told her. Brittany didn't quite know what to say so she leaned over and gave Blaine a kiss on the cheek, then Sebastian. "Hey Britt, since the Animal Kingdom closes earlier, what are we doing afterwards?"

"Going to Hollywood Studios. It's one of the main reasons we got the tickets we did, so we could park hop."

"Why Hollywood Studios?" Sebastian asked as he was curious as well.

"Since I won't be here when you guys go there are a couple of rides I wanted to make sure I got on while I was here."

"Like?"

"The Rock n' Roller Coaster and the Tower of Terror."

"Excuse me?" Trent said as he heard Brittany. "What about the Tower of Terror?"

"It's one of the reasons we're going to Hollywood Studios tomorrow after Animal Kingdom."

"You are going to be riding that without me dear. I do not do rides like that."

"Are you scared Trent?"

"I just don't like them."

"If you want, I can hold your hand. I'm sure Jeff won't mind."

"That's okay Britt, but thank you."

"What's the reasoning?" Thad asked.

"Rides that do that whole free-fall thing aren't my thing. So I will go with you guys so far, but then I will happily wait for all of you. And I personally can't wait to see the picture that'll be taken. No doubt some of you will ham it up."

"Are you implying we can be overly dramatic?" David asked.

"No, I'm stating it because it's a fact." All of them looked at Trent after he spoke. "Hey, I never said I wasn't included in that. Heck, I can often be one of the most dramatic."

"Not you?" Beat said with a laugh. "You're the most stoic of the bunch."

"No, that honor goes to our dear Wes."

"He's got a point." Thad said and Hailey couldn't stop herself from giggling. "See, even his own girl agrees."

"One needs to be to have put up with all of you."

"But you love us." Blaine replied.

"That I do, I can't argue that point."

By the time they all returned to the resort that evening they were all exhausted as they were constantly on the go throughout the day. When they originally made plans they weren't sure about their "day two" plans, but they were going to be just what they all needed. Most of them couldn't believe Jeff and Brittany were still moving since they had been up way earlier than the rest of them since they'd only flown in that morning. But they clearly weren't going to make it much longer, especially Brittany who had been given a piggy back ride back to the resort courtesy of Hunter. "You sure you don't want me to take her?" Jeff asked as they waited for the elevator.

"If you took her, we'd be picking you both up off the floor." Hunter replied and all Jeff could do was nod since he knew Hunter was right. But that didn't mean he didn't feel bad that one of the guys carried Brittany back and not him.

"I really appreciate it."

"You're welcome." As Hunter answered, Brittany rested her head on his shoulder. There was no doubt she was going to crash as soon as they got into their room. With their room being just before Hunter's, he carried Brittany in and Jeff helped get her onto the bed. "You look almost as exhausted as she does."

"That's because I am. Once again, thank you!"

"Don't mention it. I'll see you guys in the morning." When Hunter came walking out of the room, Blaine and Sebastian were standing outside of their door. "Everything okay guys?"

"Yes. That was really nice what you did for them." Blaine told him.

"And as I told Jeff, it wasn't a big deal. It's not as though she's hard to carry. Right Seb?"

"That's very true. But that wasn't just a trip through the parking lot." Sebastian said. He was about to say something else when Blaine yawned. "Guess we'll just have to finish this in the morning."

"Works for me. I'll see you guys at breakfast. Sleep well!"

"You too! Night man!"

"Night guys!" Once Hunter headed down the hall, Sebastian opened their door. After hanging the do not disturb sign, though it wasn't really necessary he locked the door behind him as Blaine had already made his way in. As he rounded the corner into their bedroom, Blaine was already changing.

"Did you enjoy yourself B?" Sebastian asked as he began to get undressed as well.

"I did, you?"

"Very much so. I think we're all going to sleep well tonight." As Sebastian spoke, Blaine got into bed. With his one arm propping him up as he continued to watch Sebastian change.

"You're right. There is only one bad part about it."

"What would that be?" Sebastian asked as he got into bed.

"It's over." When Blaine replied he curled up against Sebastian.

"Just think B, it's was the first of many fun days to come."

The next morning while they were getting dressed there was a knock on their door. While it might've shocked some people, they were both sort of expecting it. When Sebastian opened the door, wearing just his shorts a smile crept to his face when Hailey blushed slightly. "And what can we do for you this morning that couldn't wait till breakfast?" Sebastian asked as he opened the door wider so they could walk-in. "B, we've got company!"

"We're not interrupting, are we?" Hailey asked.

"We're just getting ready." Sebastian replied as he pulled his shirt on since it had been in his hand. "Now seriously, what do we owe this visit?"

"I was just curious if you'd downloaded all the footage from yesterday." Wes said.

"It's almost done." Blaine replied as he came walking out of the bedroom. "We were too tired to do it last night so we did it this morning. Though technically, it was morning when we got back here. Should I even ask what you and Jeff are going to do with all of it?"

"What makes you think we're doing something with it?"

"Because it's the two of you." Blaine replied while handing Sebastian his shoes. "Three cameras worth of footage is going to make for an interesting video."

"We hope it will. We've both got a few ideas running through our heads already. But everything is going to depend on the footage we have."

While they continued to talk, Sebastian walked over to their computer and unhooked the camera since it was done. With everything they needed on hand, the four of them went to meet the others for breakfast. No sooner were they out in the hallway did Hailey hook her arm through Blaine's and the two of them began to talk. Once they got a few feet in front of Wes and Sebastian, Sebastian turned. "Why do I feel like you want to talk to me?"

"Because I do." Wes replied. "Did you and Blaine talk about what happened?"

"We did. And I know I said it in the theater, but thank you. He needed someone to talk to and in that moment it wasn't me. Though we talked about everything the two of you talked about once we got home."

"Good, I was hoping you two had."

"He told me you and Cooper talk."

"We do. After I found out what happened to Blaine, I had a good idea as to why he didn't talk to his parents. But I never could quite figure out why he wasn't talking to his brother. I mean, I get the whole age difference thing since Brandon and I are about six years apart. It just felt odd if you know what I mean."

"I do. Even though B and I had talked about it, it was interesting hearing Cooper's take on what happened. He truly hated that he couldn't stick around after what happened to B. But he had to go back to LA. And by the time Blaine was coherent, Cooper wasn't around. Blaine felt like his brother deserted him."

"That's what he told me as well. And that any time they tried to talk, Blaine was distant. But there really wasn't anything he could do since he was working in LA. After being rejected by Blaine so many times he just waited and hoped Blaine would call him."

"Yet B didn't. I love him Wes, but he can be stubborn."

"That I do know. It's part of the reason why I feel like I should apologize to you."

"What could you possibly have to apologize to me for?"

"Knowing how stubborn he can be and also how he hates to fail I should've stepped up more when he was in such a tailspin."

"But B told me that you said he needed to figure things out on his own. Much like I did, though I must admit, Lexi helped me a bit."

"That's what should've happened. Blaine should've had someone to guide him in the right direction. When he was going through all that, he and Cooper weren't anywhere close to where they are now."

"That I do know. But we got there and it's all that matters. Do I wish it happened sooner, certainly. But I'm just happy we got here no matter the path we took."

"While I wish Blaine didn't suffer the way he did. I think part of the path you two took made you stronger. A lot of couples would've fallen apart after everything the two of you have been through together."

"That we do know and we've talked about it. If anything is going to pull us apart it's going to be us and not outside bullshit. And isn't part of loving someone being there with them through tough times?"

"It is, and it often tests how much you love someone. Yet from what I saw neither of you ever flinched."

"Wes, I need to tell you something but you can't ask any questions." Wes nodded, thankful they had this time to talk since Hailey and Blaine caught an earlier elevator and he and Sebastian chose to take the steps. "What you guys know about isn't everything Blaine and I have been through. And if the things you don't know about didn't tear us apart, I don't know what would." Those words brought quite the look to Wes's face. Hearing that Blaine and Sebastian had been through more than he knew, let Wes into a part of their relationship that others weren't privy to except for Cooper and Lexi.

By the time they reached the lobby everyone else was already seated at a table for breakfast. Thankfully since Hailey and Blaine were already seated there were seats waiting for the two of them. "Everything okay?" Blaine asked once Sebastian sat down beside him. Sebastian nodded and took ahold of Blaine's hand that was beneath the table. That little action brought a smile to Blaine's face as the waitress came over to take Wes and Sebastian's orders.

While some didn't quite understand Brittany's strong desire to go to Animal Kingdom, those that did, it made complete sense. Once one took into consideration how they'd spent the previous day this was what they all needed. It could've been easy to head for the rides first but they took the relaxing approach to their day.

When they were getting ready to leave the park and head to the next, Sebastian walked up behind Brittany and wrapped his arms around her since Jeff was talking with Blaine and Thad. "Are you going to handle the zoo back home after this?"

"Of course Sebby! But this was really cool! Jeff took a ton of pictures."

"I hope so if he knew what was good for him."

"Sebby."

"It's true Britt. If he hadn't, I would've been upset for you. But just in case, B and I took a ton of pictures too." Even though he was behind her, Sebastian could see a huge smile come to Brittany's face. "I even got video of you and Jeff being all cutesy."

"Jeff got some of you and Blaine as well."

"When were B and I acting cutesy?"

"When we were all over by the Tree of Life and you two thought you'd snuck off where no one could see you. We saw you kissing."' While she spoke, Brittany had turned so she was looking at Sebastian. "It was cute."

"Why do you say that?"

"Because Blaine was on his tiptoes. You're much taller than him Sebby."

"That is something he and I both know."

"I like seeing you both so happy."

"We like being this happy." Sebastian then leaned down and placed a kiss on the tip on Brittany's nose. "Now, how about we go ride some coasters?"

"I'd like that."

Since they were leaving at an off-time they luckily didn't have to wait long for a bus to take them to their next destination. Upon their arrival, they all made a b-line to their must see attractions. After that, they'd figure where they'd go next. Throughout their walk to the Tower of Terror, Brittany kept trying to convince Trent to join them. While Hailey had never gone on before and was a bit nervous, even she was trying to convince Trent to join them. The more the two girls talked to him, the more they could all see Trent's resolve crumbling.

"Is there a reason this means so much to Britt?" Blaine asked Jeff who was walking beside him and Sebastian.

"That would be because of the picture that is taken. It's the only attraction all of us can be in one photo. And she really wants it. But she understands that he's hesitant, though that doesn't mean she's going to give up."

"It looks as though she's winning with a little assist from Hailey." Sebastian said. "I wonder why Santana isn't helping her."

"That would be because Hailey has a slightly more delicate touch about her than our dear Santana."

"Good point. Plus Santana and Nick seem to be in their own little world right now."

"They are clearly looking forward to being in the same city this summer."

"That's completely understandable." Blaine said. "But they clearly saw each other more this past school year than they thought they would."

"Part of that is due to Cassie." Jeff said. "While Santana was going to be coming in two to three days a week, she came in for quite a few events as well. She clearly proved herself to Cassie."

"That really does take a lot as Hunter said. Cassie is not an easy person to please." Sebastian said. Hearing his sister's name more than once, Hunter came closer to the guys.

"May I ask why you're discussing my sister?"

"We were talking about Santana." Blaine said. "And how she's proven herself to Cassie."

"She definitely has. One of the other guys in the office wanted her as his intern and Cass told him to go to hell."

"Any particular reason besides the fact that she likes her?" Jeff asked.

"For starters, no intern has ever last an entire school year with Cass. She's not an easy woman to please. Secondly, the guy is a creep and Cass saw a sexual harassment suit coming a mile away. The guy constantly stares at the good looking women in the office. But he walks that fine line so that nothing happens."

"If that's the case, why so worried?" Blaine asked.

"It's because something about him when he's around Santana makes Cass uneasy. She even told Santana that if she's ever gone when she's in the office who to report to."

"Has she told Santana the reasoning?" Sebastian asked.

"She has and Santana thanked her."

"I wonder if Nick knows." Jeff said.

"He does." Hunter replied. "After Cass told me about dude creeping, I told Santana that she needed to let Nick know."

"How did she take that?" Blaine asked.

"She had actually already told him. The two of them talked about it the same night Cass had talked with Santana. Must say I was impressed. Some girls would keep something like that to themselves. Think it's not a big deal."

"Honestly, I'm surprised she did since Santana tends to not count on anyone and makes it a point to take care of herself. But if I actually think about it and not go off of instinct, it makes sense. She's let her walls down now that she's with Nick and has less of a problem counting on others. I'm pretty sure of that guy tried anything Santana would put a hurting on him before Nick even got a chance."

"Probably, but it's a good thing Nick knows." Hunter said. "It helps keep all bases covered."

The guys were so caught up in their conversation that they hadn't even realized they were in the queue for the Tower of Terror. They'd just gone along with the group. It wasn't till the affects began did they realize where they were. "Looks as though the girls succeeded." Sebastian said as he turned and spotted Trent standing between Brittany and Hailey.

"He's still got a few chances to change his mind." Jeff said. "Though, from the look on his face, he's going to do it. It's hard to say no to my girl."

"That is something we can all agree upon." Blaine said. "And knowing there isn't a malicious bone in her body makes it easy."

Once they made it inside the building, Brittany had made her way back up to Jeff. "Hi." She said softly before wrapping her arms around him. "Trent's going to ride with us."

"So we saw." Jeff replied as he placed his hands over hers. "What changed his mind?"

"Me and Hailey. He said if Hailey was willing to try so should he. But he's going to sit between me and her."

"That doesn't surprise me one bit." Prior to boarding the ride all of the guys reminded Trent that it was his last chance to get off. But he confidently told them he was going through with it. Even as much as Brittany wanted to ride in front, she sat in the middle so that Trent would be a bit more comfortable. "Just do me one favor Trent." Jeff said as they all get settled.

"What would that be?"

"Don't break my girlfriend's hand from holding it too tight." Jeff then proceeded to laugh which cause Trent to just glare at him. Thankfully if he decided to scream the only ones that would know would be them. Since there were almost enough of them to fill the car, the cast member let them have their own instead of having a couple of random people join them.

Once the ascent began, Brittany felt Trent's hand on hers. As strong as he was trying to be, it was pretty clear his nerves were getting the better of him. "It's going to be okay." Brittany told him and flashed him a smile that helped put him at ease. After they began their second ascent, Blaine looked over his shoulder back at Trent and just smiled. He along with everyone but Hailey knew their descent was going to begin soon, once they heard those fable words.

If on cue, as soon as the first drop occurred Trent and Hailey screamed. The whole group did their best not to laugh as they could understand the reaction when you're not expecting it. Once it began to rise again, Brittany reminded everyone that when the doors opened that the picture would be taken. It was prior to their third drop the doors opened and all of them couldn't help but wonder what the picture was going to look like.

By the time they took the final drop through the Tower they were all curious how Trent and Hailey were going to be once they had their feet back on the ground. Instinctively once they were done the entire front row turned and were pleased with what they saw. Trent and Hailey were both smiling and Trent was no longer holding Brittany's hand. "Did you guys have fun?" Brittany asked as they all got unbuckled.

"I did." Hailey replied as she took ahold of Wes's hand. "Though, I don't think I've ever screamed as loud as I did on that last drop. Trent?"

"While it was a bit nerve wracking, it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be."

"Yes!" Brittany cheered before they all entered the gift shop. "I'm glad you enjoyed yourself."

"Me too." Trent then gave her a kiss on the cheek. "Thank you for convincing me to ride it."

"Are you sure about that?" Beat said from his spot in front of the picture station.

"Yes, why?"

"Because the look on your face in the photo is priceless." That comment alone brought everyone to the picture station. "I don't quite know what to make of it." It was taking every bit of control Beat had to not bust out laughing. But soon so that the picture wasn't up, Jeff went and bought the photo.

"You sure you're okay?" Blaine asked as they headed out towards the next attraction.

"Positive. Though I don't think I'm going to be living that picture down for awhile." Trent replied.