Two Steps Beyond

Part 179

Once they were back at the resort, Brittany and Santana guided Blaine and Sebastian out back towards the pool while Nick and Jeff headed up to their room to get the rest of the gifts. "Are you sure I can't convince you all that you've already done too much?" Blaine said to no one in particular since everyone was nearby.

"Positive." Dave said.

"Have you enjoyed yourself today Blaine?" Trent asked.

"Absolutely!"

"Then why have it end." Blaine wanted to answer, but he truly couldn't find the words. And a part of him knew that anything he said his friends would have a comeback for. So he just gave Sebastian's hand a squeeze as they continued on their way. They were just nearing the end of the path when Blaine saw where they were heading. There across the pool were tables set up and party lights hanging from the umbrellas. Sebastian had spotted it as well and looked down at Blaine who happened to be looking up at him. Neither said a word, just smiled at each other.

When they reached the tables there were a few members of hotel staff there waiting for them. As they all got settled, drinks and snacks were brought out. Even though they'd been eating throughout the day, they were all still hungry. No sooner were Nick and Jeff spotted, did Thad and Wes go to help them with everything they were carrying.

While they were getting everything settled, Hailey sat down next to Blaine and Sebastian and started showing them some of the pictures that had been taken throughout the day. It was clear they were all in their own little world when some of these shots were taken as everyone seemed oblivious to all the cameras around them. "What were you guys doing in that picture? Wes and I were too far away that we couldn't figure it out."

"Recreating the scene where Harry finds out Sirius is his Godfather and betrayed his parents. Nick and Santana were Ron and Hermione." Hailey couldn't stop herself from laughing as the whole scene now made complete sense.

"If they were Ron and Hermione, who's Seb because he's a little tall for Draco?"

"Thad would be Draco since he's the shortest." Sebastian said with a smile as Thad looked over at them and shook his head.

"That would leave you and Hunter as…" Thad began to say.

"Don't even." Hunter said. "Neither Seb nor I are that gullible."

For the first time that day, things were finally starting to slow down. Even though they'd sat a few times during the day, they never truly relaxed. As Sebastian wrapped his arm around Blaine, he instinctively leaned against Sebastian, resting his head on his shoulder. "They really are good together." Quinn said quietly to Santana.

"They are. This is the first time you've really been around them for an extended period of time. They get like this quite a bit. At first I used to wonder, but now I know it's just instinctive that they both seem to always know what the other needs."

"That I have definitely noticed. By the way, did you talk to Nick?" Quinn asked as she watched Blaine and Sebastian.

"I did and now I know why Blaine doesn't want to talk about his birthday when he was at school with us."

"Was it really that bad?" Quinn asked and Santana nodded. "How?"

"Kurt gave him a card and a small gift. That was it."

"Okay, that is a bit tame but…" Santana put her hand up and stopped Quinn before she could say anything else.

"Quinn, he did it the day after his birthday. Kurt got the day wrong. Then wondered why Blaine wasn't overly thrilled. Blaine spent his birthday at home with his parents."

"Why didn't he go out with the guys?"

"From what Nick told me it was because Blaine thought that maybe Kurt had something planned and was going to surprise him. Yet as the night went on, the only birthday wishes he got were from the guys and Cooper. Blaine even talked with Kurt that night, yet nothing."

"How'd Nick find out?"

"Seb. Seems Blaine called him late that night knowing Seb could always cheer him up. And in the process, told Seb everything. Nick said Seb was still furious the next day when everyone saw him and proceeded to tell the guys that Kurt forgot Blaine's birthday."

"That couldn't have sat well with any of them."

"They were all as livid as Seb was. But since they were in the middle of studying for finals there wasn't much they could do. You know how important grades are to these boys."

"I do. So, what did they do because I can't see them sitting idly by?"

"Seb blew off his studying that evening and once classes got out for the day drove to Blaine's house. He was waiting in Blaine's driveway when he got home from school that day. He then proceeded to take Blaine out and celebrate a day late."

"What did Kurt say? I'm sure he wanted to go out with Blaine that night."

"He was upset that Blaine didn't want to go out that evening. From what Nick told me, Kurt called Blaine while he was out with Seb. They were halfway to Columbus when Kurt called asking Blaine to go to dinner that night. He didn't even try and make plans with Blaine that day in school."

"Did he ever find out he went out with Seb that night?"

"He didn't." Thad said as he walked up behind them. "Only we knew that Blaine went out that night with Seb. Think about it ladies, if Blaine had gone out with Seb and Kurt had found out, you would've heard about it. The evil Sebastian strikes again. Or whatever crap Kurt would've spewed."

"Seb's name wouldn't have been used for starters. It would've been more along the lines of meerkat." Quinn told him.

"Yea, well Seb and his meerkat look is making a fortune. And while I don't know exactly why you two were talking about this, don't do it in front of Blaine."

"We won't." Santana replied. "This day has been perfect so far and we're not going to ruin it." Thad then smiled and gave them each a kiss on the cheek.

"Now come, Blaine's cake should be here soon."

They made it back from the bay, just as Blaine's cake was coming down the walkway. Once the cake was set in front of Blaine the cast members began to sing. But they quickly stopped and began to listen as Blaine's friends sung to him. While some renditions of Happy Birthday are enough to make you cringe, this group singing was not one of those times. The entire time they sang, all Blaine could do was smile and look at all of his friends as Sebastian held him tightly. As it ended the cast members all began to clap. After wishing Blaine a happy birthday they soon disappeared back into the resort.

"Gonna make a wish killer?" Sebastian asked as the candles were still lit.

"Remember, you can't tell anyone what you wished for or it won't come true." Brittany added.

"Okay, I'm ready to do this." Blaine then closed his eyes for a moment before opening them and blowing out the candles.

"Did you make it a good one?" Brittany asked as she handed Blaine the knife to cut the cake.

"I think it was. So who wants a piece?" As everyone responded, Blaine cut the first piece. But before he could go further Hailey stepped beside him.

"You get to start enjoying, we've got this." She then handed Blaine a fork so he could take a bite. Once he had, she began cutting the rest of the cake. Not surprisingly she gave the next piece to Sebastian before they quickly disbursed the rest of it to everyone else. While everyone ate, Sebastian leaned closer to Blaine and whispered into his ear.

"Care to tell me what you wished for?"

"Nope. Britt's right, if you tell they don't come true."

"Do you really believe that?" Sebastian asked sweetly.

"I do because I made a wish once before that came true and I didn't tell a soul."

"What about telling me that one?"

"No, I'm going to keep that to myself. Just know it turned out even better than I could've possibly hoped for when I made it." Blaine then stretched enough so he could kiss Sebastian on the cheek. "I love you Bas."

"I love you too B."

While they'd been originally unsure when they ordered the cake, they were all more than happy that they'd gotten the larger one since they all wanted to take some back to their rooms. So while the older girls helped slice up the rest of it, Quinn, Brittany, and Santana started to bring the gifts to Blaine. "You know I could've gotten up."

"We know." Quinn replied. "But it's your birthday and you look comfortable. Plus I don't' think Seb wants to move. He looks comfortable too."

"Thank you, I am." Sebastian replied as they watched the table fill up in front of them. The way Blaine felt in his arms, Sebastian was glad they weren't having them move as Blaine was truly relaxed.

"Seb, so you know we didn't bring your gifts down." Jeff told him. "We didn't see them and didn't want to search."

"That's quite alright. You wouldn't have found them as I kept them hidden. While B loves waiting till his birthday to open them, it doesn't stop him from getting anxious. So, out of sight, out of mind."

"I'm not that bad."

"So says he whose eyes lit up before we left upon spotting a gift on the piano."

"I was surprised."

"Yet you were also anxious."

"I thought you hadn't given him anything." Thad said as they all took their seats.

"I hadn't given him anything today. I gave him one gift before we left because it was too big to bring down."

"Got it." Those were the only words Thad needed to say for Sebastian to know he knew exactly what Blaine had been given.

"Are you going to enlighten the rest of us?" Wes asked.

"I bought B a piece of art which you can all see when we get back to New York since it's already been hung." Sebastian replied. "Now, how about you get started on your gifts B?" One thing some still had a hard time recognizing was how Sebastian was quick to deflect most things he'd done for Blaine. He never wanted a fuss made about something he'd done. So while Blaine perused the gifts for which one to open first, Thad leaned over and told Wes what Sebastian had bought for Blaine.

Once Blaine began opening gifts, it was clear these were all gift of a more personal nature versus the themed ones he'd opened the previous evening. Not saying all the gifts were handmade, they were just more Blaine. He opened new headphones, hard-bound copies of some of his favorite books, a few new bowties, along with a new journal. It was getting to the point where he was truly blown away by everything as each gift fit him perfectly. All of his friends had clearly taken time in choosing the perfect gift for him.

"Thank you, all of you! I don't even have the words to tell you all what today meant to me."

"You don't have to say anything." Wes told him.

"Well, just know I truly appreciate everything and…I love all of you."

"We love you too." No sooner did the words leave Wes's mouth, did everyone chime-in in agreement. The bond this group had clearly was one like no other.

It was probably an hour later when Jeff looked at everyone. "As much as we don't want to leave this little party, we need to. "Britt's got a relatively early flight tomorrow." While Jeff spoke, the expression on Brittany's face changed. To everyone it was clear she wasn't looking forward to leaving. Once she'd given almost everyone a hug goodbye, only Blaine and Sebastian were left. When she leaned over to hug them, they both pulled her down onto Blaine's lap.

"I'm really glad you were able to join us." Blaine told her. "I couldn't have imagined celebrating today without you."

"You're just saying that Blaine."

"No, I mean it." Blaine then gave her a kiss on the cheek.

"Well, I'm glad I could come. You take good care of him Sebby."

"You can count on that Britt." Sebastian then gave her a kiss as well. "We'll see you in the morning."

"You don't have to get up to see me off."

"We want too." Blaine said before looking passed Brittany to Jeff who nodded. While Brittany continued to speak with Blaine and Sebastian, Jeff forwarded Brittany's flight information to them. Once she finally said her goodbye, Brittany and Jeff headed back up to their room. "How is she getting home from the airport?" Sebastian asked.

"Lexi offered to pick her up." Nick said. "I have a feeling she wants to hear all about our trip so far."

"That doesn't surprise me." Sebastian said. "Is everyone ready for a relatively quiet day tomorrow?"

"As quiet as a water park can be." Dave replied. "But I totally get what you mean. The only thing we're going to have to worry about is getting too much sun. Are we still going out tomorrow night?"

"That's the plan as of now." Beat said. "But it could always change."

It was well over an hour after Brittany and Jeff headed up to bed that the rest of them decided to call it a night as well. With everything Blaine and Sebastian had to bring upstairs, everyone offered to help. Once they were back in their room along with all of the gifts, Sebastian was about to close the door after thanking everyone. "What is it?" Sebastian asked as Nick stood in front of him.

"There is a bottle of wine chilling in the bucket by the coffee pot."

"And how did a bottle of wine get into our room?"

"James bought it after they landed. He knew you and Blaine enjoy a glass once in a while and thought you two might like to enjoy some on your balcony. A nice way to help close out Blaine's birthday."

"I will be sure to thank him in the morning." Nick was just about to walk away when Sebastian grabbed ahold of his arm. "Nick, I really want to thank you all for everything you did."

"You are welcome. Now, you better go. I have a feeling Blaine would like to spend some time with you before going to sleep. Night."

"Night." Once he closed the door, Sebastian walked back into the room and saw Blaine standing in front of the balcony doors, looking out into the night. "Happy Birthday Blaine." Sebastian said softly as he wrapped his arms around him. Blaine turned his head slightly, allowing Sebastian to see the smile on his face before giving him a kiss on the cheek. "Are you tired?"

"No, even though I should be. I'm pretty sure this adrenaline isn't going to be wearing off any time soon."

"I'm sure I could think of a way of tiring you out."

"I'm sure you could and you wouldn't get any objections from me."

"That's good to know. If you want, we can have a glass of wine."

"As nice as that sounds, we can't. There is no way we can get our hands on a bottle."

"There is one chilling as we speak. Would you like a glass?"

"I'd love one. I'll wait for you on the balcony."

While Sebastian was getting their glasses, Blaine changed into something more comfortable before heading out on the balcony. He was gazing up into the sky when Sebastian nudged him gently to give him his glass. Once Blaine had his in hand, Sebastian made a short toast before they each took a sip. "I'll be right back." After setting his glass on the table, Sebastian walked back inside. Blaine could only assume he was going to change but he honestly didn't know. When Sebastian came walking back out, Blaine was seated in a chair sipping his wine. Upon locking eyes on Sebastian, he noticed a gift bag being slid across the table. "Promise me one thing B."

"Anything."

"If you don't like it, tell me. I went a bit outside of the norm and well, I won't be offended if you don't like it. We can easily exchange it once we're back in New York."

"I promise." Once Blaine answered, Sebastian took a sip of his wine and waited. He wasn't kidding when he told Blaine he went outside of the norm, but he couldn't resist when he saw it. After tossing the tissue paper aside, Blaine pulled a box out and looked at Sebastian. "Bas."

"Don't look at me like that. If you continue to, I'll take it back."

"Oh no you won't, it's mine." Blaine then pulled the white ribbon that held the box close before removing the iconic blue lid. Once he removed the pouch from within the box, Blaine slowly opened it before pulling a bracelet out. "It's gorgeous Bas, thank you." He said as he looked at the sterling silver cable linked bracelet.

"You're welcome. And while it's gorgeous as you said, will you wear it? Because I'd really prefer it doesn't stay in a drawer, but well, that would be up to you as well. But…"

"Yes, I'll wear it. Probably more than I should." Blaine then got out of his chair and walked over to Sebastian and kissed him. "I love it." He then handed the bracelet to Sebastian and extended his wrist. "Would you?"

"Of course." After he put it on, Sebastian pulled Blaine down onto his lap. "I like the way it looks on you."

"Me too. So?"

"You want your other gifts, don't you?"

"Maybe? But I'm more than happy with what I've gotten. I truly don't need anything else Bas. Today was more than I could've dreamt of."

"That is thanks to everyone else, not me killer."

"Still. You were the first to make my birthday a priority and I won't forget that." Blaine then kissed him once more. "You now realize both of my wrists are adorned by something you gave me."

"Guess I need to get to work on other body parts then." Sebastian said before beginning to nuzzle Blaine's neck. "But that'll have to wait."

"For?"

"The right occasion and we're not lacking for holidays. Or in our case, we often give the other things for no reason at all besides the fact that we want to." They continued to sit outside and talk till they'd each finished their glass of wine. And while they could've easily each had another they knew they needed to head inside of they wanted to get up in time to see Brittany one last time before she left. When they walked back inside, Sebastian wondered how long it would take Blaine to notice the box on the bed. Though, he didn't have to wonder long as he soon heard his name come off Blaine's lips once he walked into the bedroom. As he walked into the room, he saw Blaine sitting on the bed with his legs crossed and the frame in hand. "I know it's not like your other gifts, but…"

"Don't you dare say another word!" Sebastian did as Blaine asked and didn't say anything else. He just sat down beside him and wrapped his arms tightly around him. "Bas."

"This is a time you take our own advice Blaine, I love you."

"I love you too Sebastian."

The next morning when Blaine and Sebastian headed down to the lobby, they were still extremely tired but weren't going to not say goodbye to Brittany. Not surprisingly, when they reached the lobby, there stood Nick and Santana as well. "How is she?" Blaine asked quietly since Jeff and Brittany were standing off to the side, holding each other as they talked.

"She's sad, but doesn't regret only being able to join us for a few days." Nick replied. "Jeff's feeling about the same. I think they're both happy we'll all be coming home in a few days."

"Understandable." Sebastian said. "I have no doubt between the show and working for Lexi the time should fly by. And if I know anything, Jeff's going to talk to her quite a bit."

"He plans too." Santana said. "It's the main reason he brought his laptop." The words had just left Santana's mouth when Jeff and Brittany came walking over to them.

"Hi." Brittany said quietly. From the looks of her eyes as well as Jeff's, they'd both recently been crying. Even though Brittany and Jeff had their arms around each other's waist, Blaine and Sebastian still managed to give her a hug. "You guys didn't have to come down, but thank you."

"You know we couldn't let you leave without saying goodbye." Blaine said. "Plus someone is going to need to help Nick and Santana take care of your boy here." A faint smile came to Jeff's face when Blaine spoke.

"Good. Make sure he has fun today and the rest of the trip."

"We will." Sebastian replied. "We're going to do some crazy stuff today, right Jeff?"

"That is correct Seb."

"How crazy?" Brittany asked as she looked between the two.

"Summit Plummet." They both replied.

"You're right, that is crazy."

"Yet you did it last time." Jeff said.

"I did, but that doesn't mean it's not crazy.' When she answered her phone went off. After she sighed softly they all realized what it meant. "Make sure you guys have lots of fun because I'm going to want to hear all about it when you get home."

"We will." Santana said before going to give her a hug. "And I'll keep an eye on the boys."

"I know you will." Brittany then gave each of the guys a hug and a kiss on the cheek before she and Jeff walked out the front doors. The four of them stood there and watched as Brittany and Jeff shared one last hug and kiss before she got into her awaiting car. It wasn't till it pulled away, did Jeff turn around and come walking back inside. As he walked back to them, Nick and Santana realized that that must be what they both look like when they've had to say goodbye to each other when she's left on trips. Knowing Jeff was a bit bummed Santana gave him a big hug once he reached them.

"What's the plan now?" Jeff asked as he looked at the four of them.

"While it was originally to go back to sleep, B and I are too awake now. You guys?" They all nodded as they all had figured the same thing. "Well then, since we were all going to do our own thing for breakfast today why don't we all just eat now. And afterwards you're all more than welcome to come back to our room, we've got the space."

"Works for me." Nick said and Jeff and Santana both agreed so they all headed off for the café. Throughout breakfast the five of them talked about everything and anything. One thing was clear though, it was obvious they were trying to keep Jeff's mind off of Britt's recent departure. When Jeff began to tell them all about some of the video footage he and Brittany had watched they all started to laugh. It was pretty apparent they were all so comfortable around each other that the cameras were completely forgotten about.

By the time they headed up to Blaine and Sebastian's room it was still rather early. "Are you two sure you don't mind?" Santana asked as Sebastian opened the door.

"Positive. Just remember, we need to head out to the balcony."

"Why is that?" Nick asked.

"B's gifts are all over the couch." The words no sooner left Sebastian's mouth that they all saw exactly what he was talking about.

"You made out like a bandit Blaine." Santana told him.

"Yea." Blaine replied, his voice soft as you could tell he was a bit embarrassed by it all. They were about to head out on to the balcony when Santana spotted the blue box and the frame.

"Blaine."

"Yes."

"Care to share what else you got?" Blaine didn't answer, just extended his arm to Santana so she could see the bracelet that he hadn't taken off since Sebastian put it on him. "Damn Seb! It's gorgeous Blaine!"

"I think so too." Once Santana let go of his hand she reached for the frame. "Uh…" The way Blaine's eyes shot to Sebastian once Santana picked it up, even Jeff and Nick were curious so they walked closer to Santana to take a look.

"Didn't know you were so crafty Seb?"

"We'll, I'm a man of many talents." As he spoke, Sebastian slid an arm around Blaine's waist.

"Also didn't realize you were so sentimental."

"What can I say?"

"At least now we know why you didn't talk about where you two went that night. Pretty spectacular for last minute." Jeff said as he looked at the shadow box which contained the tickets from the concert they'd gone to the night after Blaine's birthday disaster. Also inside the box, were numerous pictures of the two looking as happy as they currently were, yet they were taken when the two were only friends.

"Connections make anything possible my friend. And Blaine deserved spectacular."

"Looks like you delivered." Nick said.

"He did." Blaine replied. "What did you guys think we did that night?"

"Knowing Seb, we thought you two went to a club or something. Who knew you got dinner and a concert. I was always curious what the two of you did."

"I'm surprised you didn't think I seduced Blaine that evening."

"That thought did cross our minds." Jeff said. "But the two of you at that time were in a completely different place than you were when you first met."

"That we were." Blaine replied. "You're not upset that we kept this to ourselves, are you?"

"No, it's your moment." Nick said. "It's up to the both of you whom you share it with. So, don't worry, we won't say anything."