Two Steps Beyond
Part 180
Once they all met in the lobby, the first thing all the girls did was give Jeff a hug. The rest of the guys all exchanged looks as the girls all made sure Jeff was alright. While that was going on, Hunter gave Nick a nudge. "What is it?"
"What do you mean?"
"Before all the girls got down here, you and Jeff were looking at Blaine and Seb and talking. I don't mean to intrude, but it didn't seem like a usual conversation."
"Jeff and I recently learned something about the two of them that helped connect the dots a bit. Does that make sense?"
"Surprisingly, it does. Blaine and Seb certainly aren't an open book."
"That is something we can all agree upon. But, the things they keep close are there for a reason. Have you ever heard the whole story between those two?"
"I've heard parts of it. They clearly didn't take the direct approach to getting together. Though, I think all those obstacles strengthened what they have."
"That's a really good way to look at it."
"I mean, we'd all love for relationships to come easily but I think those that took a bit of work are the ones we end up treasuring the most. Not saying those relationships that happen effortlessly are bad, their just different. But I think we can both agree we'd do everything in our power to protect what is dear to us. And while friendships are one thing, romance is a whole other story."
"Who knew Hunter Clarington was a romantic?"
"Most don't. But growing up with all sisters, two being older than me I tended to hear more than I probably wanted to back then about romance. But I think it was worth it. It helped me understand more than I probably would have."
After arriving at the park and quickly finding a spot to get settled, it didn't take long for everyone to start enjoying themselves. Wanting to start the day on an adrenaline high, most of the guys headed for Summit Plummet while the girls were content watching. "Are you sure we can't tempt you?" Thad asked.
"Positive." They all replied.
"We'll gladly record you all being crazy." Hailey said.
"What fun is that? Where's your sense of adventure ladies?"
"Oh, we're risk takers." Santana said. "But none of us want to risk losing our tops." The rest of the girls nodded in agreement. "So you guys go do your thing and we'll watch." Santana then leaned in to give Nick a kiss. "Just be careful."
"I will." As the guys walked away, they understood why the girls weren't joining them but that didn't mean they liked it. Once the guys disappeared from view all eyes fell to Santana.
"Why are you all staring?"
"Are we staring?" Quinn said as they went to find the perfect vantage point to watch the guys. "I don't think so."
"You are. So if there is something you want to ask, go ahead and ask."
"What were you, Blaine, Seb, Nick, and Jeff talking about when we all got downstairs?" Hailey asked. "And if it's none of our business, just tell us so. But from our view point the conversation seemed pretty intense."
"We were just talking about love and life."
"Love and life?" Quinn asked.
"Yes, but that is all I'm going to say on the matter. Wait, I will say one thing. All of the guys are more than what they appear and are way more observant than we probably give them credit for."
"That's something I noticed this week alone." Brooke said. "They all seem to always know what the others are thinking. It should be creepy, but it's not. It's rather reassuring on some level."
By the time the guys all took their turn, they all started to split up and do their own thing. And while the girls were weary of losing their tops on Plummet, they were a bit less worried about other slides. It was around midday, when they all gradually found each other on the lazy river. When Wes and Hailey spotted Blaine, Sebastian, Hunter, Jeff, and Thad all floating aimlessly they couldn't help but laugh. With a little bit of paddling they soon caught up with them. "Finally relaxing I see." Hailey said once she bumped into Thad's tube.
"We are. Looks like the two of you are ready to relax as well." Thad said.
"That we are. Have you seen the others?"
"Yep. Nick, Santana, Dave, Quinn, and David are just up ahead." Jeff said. "And according to them, the others are just up ahead of them. It seems as though we all had the same idea at the same time."
"It certainly does." Wes said. "Do you know if Britt's landed yet?"
"She is safe and sound with my sister." Sebastian said. "Instead of going home, Britt is spending a lazy day with Lexi because she didn't want to risk not hearing her alarm."
"Smart move." Hailey said. "So, are we still going out tonight?"
"Do you want to?" Blaine asked.
"Honestly, Wes and I are game for anything."
"Well, the five of us were actually thinking about just taking it easy tonight since we've got quite the day ahead of us tomorrow."
"That actually sounds like an excellent idea." Wes said. "We've basically been on the go since we've been here. Plus, there is quite a bit to do at the resort itself."
"Our thoughts exactly." Hunter said. They all continued to talk and then surprisingly, bumped into Nick and the others. "Shouldn't you guys be further ahead of us?"
"We would be if we weren't waiting for you guys." Dave stated. "We want to know the plan."
"You mean besides have fun and enjoy ourselves?" Sebastian asked.
"Yes." Dave said.
"All of us are going to hang at the resort tonight. That way we're fully rested for tomorrow." Thad said. "But it's totally cool if you guys want to go out."
"Actually, we were all discussing doing the same thing." Santana said. "Especially since Nicky and I were up early."
"We know the feeling." Jeff said. "Do you know what those ahead of you think?"
"No, but I'm sure they'll be game for whatever we all want to do." Nick said.
"You sound pretty sure of yourself." Beat said.
"Call it a gut instinct."
Nick's instinct was certainly right as they were all for hanging at the resort. By the time they all headed back it proved the right decisions since they were all so relaxed none of them wanted to do what it would take to get ready to go out. With that being the case, it wasn't too surprising when they all found themselves down by the pool later that evening after grabbing dinner. Even though they were by the pool, everyone had showered and changed and it was pretty clear no one intended on going into the water.
While they all talked it became clear everyone was thinking of watching the movie under the stars once more and closing out the night on their balconies watching the fireworks. With Brittany now gone, the remaining solo members of the group made sure to keep Jeff busy so that he didn't have time to dwell on the fact that he was now without Brittany. They'd just come back from playing volleyball when they looked at Wes who was sitting with Hailey on a lounger. "Where are Blaine and Seb?" Thad asked.
"They went up to their room." Wes replied but seeing the looks on the guys faces he quickly continued. "They are talking with Blaine's parents. With as much running around as we did yesterday they never got to talk with him since he didn't answer his phone at all yesterday."
"They're not upset, are they?" Beat asked.
"Not at all. They only called a little while ago because they heard from a reputable source that this evening would be their best chance to reach him."
"Let me guess, Cooper?" Hunter asked.
"Correct. After talking with Britt and following some of our updates he called their parents."
Since they'd brought their laptop with them, Blaine and Sebastian were sitting up in their room talking with Blaine's parents through it. "So, are you going to tell us how yesterday went or do we have to wait till you get back to New York?" Mr. Anderson asked.
"We had a wonderful time."
"Is that so?"
"It is." Sebastian replied. "B made out like a bandit."
"Did he now?" Mrs. Anderson asked and both boys nodded. After they did, Sebastian picked up the laptop and showed the Anderson the piles of gifts on the couch. "How are you boys getting that all home?" She asked once the camera was back on Blaine and Sebastian.
"Everyone has offered to help us." Blaine told them. "From what I've been told, there are still items waiting for me to open when we get home."
"Good thing you boys have all that space."
"We said the same thing Mom. When we get home I need to remember to take a picture of a piece of artwork Bas gave me for my birthday before we left."
"Aren't you two getting fancy?" Mr. Anderson asked.
"It's not thing like that, but I felt it fits B perfectly."
"It does." Blaine added. "It's currently hanging behind our piano."
"Well, know that you have a gift from us waiting at Cooper's." His Mom told him. "We sent it there since it needed to be signed for."
"Cool. We're going there for dinner a couple days after we get home because Lexi and Coop want to celebrate as well. Though, after yesterday they really don't need to."
"Enjoy it Blaine." His Dad told him. "People make a fuss because they care. But I think your friends might've gone a little overboard from what we just saw."
"I told them the same thing." Blaine said.
"Let me chime in here. The only reason they went so overboard is because finals at Dalton kept them from celebrating properly back then." Sebastian said. "So, don't knock it."
"You're right Seb. If they wanted to go all out, it's their prerogative." Mrs. Anderson said. "So, where are you all heading tomorrow?"
"Epcot." Blaine replied. "It's one of the reasons we're taking it easy. Plus, now we finally have the opportunity to record the fireworks from our balcony. You'd both love the view we have."
"Well, I'm sure you both will have lots of pictures to show us so we'll see it. And while we could keep talking to you both, you should probably go back to your friends. But do us a favor."
"We will call when we get home Mom."
"Thank you!"
"You two have fun!" Mr. Anderson said.
"We will." They replied in unison.
"Love you!" Blaine told them.
"Love you too! Bye!" Once they ended the call, Sebastian closed the screen and Blaine leaned back against him.
"They looked honestly shocked when they saw all the gifts Bas."
"I noticed."
"But I really should've shown them what you got me."
"No need B. You'll have plenty of time later. I'm sure your Mom is going to be asking a million questions once we get home. I think she didn't want to keep us from everyone or bore your Dad, otherwise she would've done that now."
"True. Do you mind if we stay up here a little while longer?" As he spoke, Blaine turned on his side so his head was now resting on Sebastian's shoulder.
"You okay B?" Sebastian asked as he ran his fingers through Blaine's curls.
"Yea. I just want to enjoy a little more time with you. And since Wes knows we're up here talking with my parents, no one is going to question how long we're gone."
"That is very true. And while this is comfortable, why don't we relax in bed."
"Bas."
"I don't mean that B, it's just this chair is a little cramped." Blaine smiled and moved off of the chair and headed for the bedroom. Once inside, Sebastian got comfortable and Blaine curled up next to him. "You're right, this is nice."
"Glad you think so. Also, Hailey loves my bracelet. She said you have excellent taste."
"Well, I'm glad she approves. But like Santana, the only opinion that matters to me is yours. Though, it is nice to know that others like it as well. While I made that shadow box, where are you planning on putting it once we get home B?"
"I was thinking either the living room or our bedroom."
"The living room?"
"Yes, why, do you have a problem with that? Because if you do, I'll put it in our room."
"No, I'm just surprised, that's all. Do you know how many times I looked at those pictures?"
"I don't, but I might have an idea. Why didn't you ever show them or send them to me?"
"That would be because I was afraid of what would've happened to you if Kurt found them."
"Bas."
"It's true B. Look at those pictures. Nick and Jeff were right. We were looking at each other in them the same way we do now. And now that we both know what we were feeling back then it's pretty obvious."
"You've got a point. But once I broke up with him you could've shown me. I still can't believe you kept the tickets."
"I'm sentimental, you know that. Well, at least you do now. As for not showing you sooner, I didn't really think about it. But once I realized everyone was doing something special for you, I got to thinking and well, you see what happened."
"It was perfect Bas. Thinking back, I still can't believe you did that for me."
"Well, if you saw me that morning you would have. Ask the guys, I was livid, as were they once I told them. But you should really thank Thad though."
"Why is that?"
"He stopped me from going to McKinley to chew Kurt out for forgetting."
"Do you know I never corrected him?"
"You didn't?"
"Nope. I was still so hurt; I basically didn't react at all. When I saw him the next day at school he asked me what I did that night since I told him I couldn't go to dinner with him."
"What did you tell him?"
"That I was out with a friend."
"He accepted that?"
"He did. Part of me thinks he was too afraid to ask more questions."
"Would you have told him you were with me?" Sebastian asked as he tightened his hold around Blaine.
"Yes."
"He would've erupted B."
"I know. Part of me thinks I said I was out with a friend hoping he'd ask more questions. And then I could tell him you took me out to make up for my non-birthday. That was what we called it that night, right?"
"I think so. But I don't want to slight your parents. You said they celebrated with you."
"They did. Do you know I almost drove out to Dalton that night?"
"We would've gotten you in."
"I know. Though, I don't quite know how I could've explained my presence. In that moment, I wasn't quite ready for everyone to know what happened."
"You're not upset I told them, are you?"
"No. It was just in that moment. I still can't believe you blew off studying."
"I was impulsive. But I knew I had the whole weekend to study still. I don't think I left my dorm that entire weekend. Plus as I told you that night, you were worth it. You still are B."
"So are you Bas, so are you."
When they all met the next morning to head to the park, it was as though there was a slight change in the atmosphere surrounding them. None of them could quite place it, but something had certainly changed. Much like the rest of the parks they kept to a similar routine. And since Epcot wasn't the same sort of park, they basically all chose a direction to go and went from there, stopping at attractions along the way.
By the time they reached the World Showcase they knew a good portion of their time would be spent there. Plus it was the perfect place to stop for a late lunch. "What a surprise, the two of you stopped in France for lunch." Thad said as he, Hunter, Beat, and Jeff approached.
"What can we say, we're predictable." Sebastian said. "Plus we wanted to check out Les Halles Boulangerie Patisserie. We wanted to see if they carry one of our favorite treats."
"Do they?" Jeff asked.
"They do." Blaine replied and lifted the lid on the box that was between the two of them. "Please, have one." Since Jeff had gone to the French bakery in New York with Blaine on more than one occasion he quickly took them up on the offer and was soon followed by the others.
"These are good, but I think I like the ones from the bakery you and Seb go to better."
"So do we, but these aren't bad." Blaine said. "But Bas and I both agree a stop at that bakery is in our future after we come home. Have you guys eaten yet?"
"We have." Hunter replied. "We were actually in search of dessert."
"Well, the Patisserie has quite the selection if you guys want to check it out." Sebastian said. "Have you guys seen the others?"
"Nick and Santana are in Morocco." Jeff said. "And Wes, James, and Flint along with their lovelies are in Japan. As for the rest, who knows since we all had different cravings for lunch."
"Are we staying for the fireworks tonight?" Beat asked.
"That was the plan." Blaine replied. "So, while we're over here it's best if we stake out the best place to watch them."
"Good idea." Thad said. "Crazy to believe we're heading home in a couple days. This week went by way too quick."
"Tell us about it." Sebastian replied. "No sooner do we all get back do most of us start our internships." Blaine then cleared his throat. "I said most killer. I know you and Nick head back to school. At least your schedule isn't too crazy."
While they were all talking, Beat and Thad started to laugh as there was some finger pointing over towards where they all were. "I think you three have some fans." They all looked over to where Beat pointed and started to laugh as they saw a group of women pointing at Blaine, Sebastian, and Hunter. "For some reason, I'm surprised it took his long."
"We're not." Sebastian said. "Not many young kids read said magazine."
"Jeff's sister does." Thad said.
"True, but she's not necessarily young. She's at that age where she's discovering fashion. Plus, Jeff's Mom has a subscription."
"She only really got into it when she saw Brittany and Santana's copies last time we all came down here." Jeff said. "My Mom is rather thrilled Megan is at school because her copy doesn't vanish. Speaking of, did you guys mail those copies back to them?"
"We did." Blaine said. "And we got a thank you from both Megan and Ally."
"Aren't you three doing another shoot after we get home?" Thad asked.
"We are." Hunter replied.
"Hope their prepared for the tans you three are coming back with." Beat said. "We all got lots of color this trip."
"No denying that." Sebastian replied.
They all continued to talk, but while they did, Blaine sent out a text to everyone telling them where they could find them. It was easier for everyone to come to them since that was the direction they'd be heading once they started to explore again. Once they hit all of the attractions, they all split up since there were certain things people wanted to do or try again. So they all set a designated time to meet back up for the evening fireworks.
The next day went by way quicker than any of them thought it would since everyone went about hitting different parks. When Blaine and Sebastian came back to the resort that evening Blaine looked up at Sebastian. "You might hate me for saying this, but we really should start packing."
"I don't hate you for saying it because I know we do. I just hate that packing means we're getting ready to leave."
"Yea, I'm not looking forward to that either. This week has been more than I could've imagined Bas. Yet, going home and sleeping in our bed sounds so appealing."
"It is pretty comfortable, isn't it?" Sebastian replied as they waited for the elevator. "How much help do you think we're going to need getting all your gifts home?"
"Depends. Thankfully neither of us over did it buying souvenirs. We only picked up a few cute things for the kids."
"Part of us not buying a lot is because they bought so much for you. Did we even get anything at the Wizarding World?"
"We didn't buy a single thing. Though, we need to order that display stand for our wands when we get home." Blaine said as they entered the elevator. "I definitely want them all on display. I can't believe they had one made specifically for me."
"That was pretty remarkable, wasn't it?" Blaine nodded. "You can tell no one really knew what it was going to look like the way they all wanted to see it once we left the shop."
"Very true."
Blaine and Sebastian were just finishing up their packing when there was a knock on their door. For what seemed like the first time that trip, they honestly didn't mind someone coming by. Upon opening the door, Blaine saw Hunter, Thad, and Beat standing there so he invited them in. "And just what do we owe this honor?"
"We were wondering if you knew whether you need help getting stuff home." Thad said.
"We do actually. All that stuff on the couch doesn't fit in either of our suitcases."
"How did you guys get all this stuff down here anyhow?" Sebastian asked as the guys took seats.
"We shipped it." Beat replied. "Only the most expensive items came down in someone's luggage."
"Care to share what Seb got you?" Thad asked.
"Sure." Blaine replied. "But one item is already packed so that will have to wait till we return." Blaine then held out his wrist.
"I thought that was new." Hunter said. "I never remembered you wearing anything besides your watch before."
"That's because I never had." Blaine replied. "Are you guys sure you don't mind helping us get this stuff home?"
"Positive." Beat replied. "It was our idea to give it to you down here so it's only fitting we offer to help you bring it home. Know everyone else has offered to help as well."
"Yea, Jeff called us earlier offering the same thing even though he'd told us previously." Sebastian said. "At one moment we thought we had a chance but then, it was quickly dashed."
When everyone else returned that night to start packing, they agreed to meet outside to watch the fireworks one last time. Since Blaine and Sebastian had already packed earlier and given the items they couldn't fit to the others, they were the first ones outside. Once they were situated, Blaine leaned back against Sebastian. There was something very calming about sitting out by the water as they waited. "Bas."
"Yea, B."
"Where do you think we'll take our next vacation?"
"Don't know. Guess it all depends on what's going on in our lives when we decide to take it."
"True."
"Think of it this way B, the possibilities are endless. Who knows what the future might hold for us."
*For those that are interested, there will be a fourth installment to close things out. It will be posted in about two weeks time.