5YL Let the Encore Commence
Part 29
No sooner did Judge Watkins disappear into chambers, was Burt crossing the aisle, much to Mr. Jones dismay to have a word with them. "Why are you so determined to ruin my son?" He asked as Blaine rested his head against Sebastian's chest, as he felt a headache coming on.
"Leave them alone Burt." Patrick replied as he stepped between them. "It's as Xavier said, this is hard on them too, whether you want to believe it or not."
"Right." Burt sarcastically replied. "It must be so hard being them. Weren't they vacationing in Paris barely a month ago?"
"What does that have to do with anything?" Patrick asked.
"They vacationed in Paris, while Kurt's barely getting by back in Ohio."
"And whose fault is that?" Sebastian snapped as he rubbed Blaine's back, knowing if they didn't ward off the headache, it would put him out of commission for the night. "He's the one that threw away his job at Vogue by being an immature ass!"
"There's the Sebastian I've heard so much about." Burt replied as Patrick told Sebastian to calm down and focus on Blaine. "You'd been so quiet, I thought you might've actually changed. Guess Kurt was right, still the same Sebastian."
"What part of leave them alone, don't you understand?" Patrick said to him, closing the distance between them even more. "Or is it something you're incapable of comprehending, much like your son. Everything that is happening right now, Blaine and Sebastian have nothing to do with it. Your son's actions are the reason why we are all here, not my boys."
"Your boys?"
"Yes, my boys." Patrick told him. "Do you really think Sebastian wanted to deal with an upcoming court appearance while preparing for his last batch of law school finals? Or that Blaine wanted to come face to face with your son after what he just said about them? Neither of them wanted to be here today, but your son's behavior left them no choice."
"Yet Blaine wants to speak with my son next week."
"To attempt to put an end to this." Blaine said in response. "Silly me thinking we could have an actual conversation outside of the courthouse, where his defenses are sky high."
"And yours aren't?" Burt replied.
"Not in comparison to his given we've done nothing wrong." Blaine told him. "My defenses are high, because he's constantly throwing accusations at us that have no basis. As for Bas, his defenses are high because Kurt continues to demean his character with blatant lies."
"Not to mention, he comes after Blaine in ways he knows strike a chord." Sebastian added.
"Your husband isn't innocent Blaine, just now he couldn't leave well enough alone." Burt said to him.
"Actually, he is as he's not done a single thing to exacerbate this situation. The only thing my husband is guilty of, is loving me, standing up for me." Blaine said to him while slipping his arm around Sebastian's waist. "But considering how you see things, you'd see that as him exacerbating the situation, simply because he dares disagree with Kurt and doesn't back down."
"He throws your relationship in Kurt's face every time they cross paths."
"No, I state fact." Sebastian corrected. "And while it might not always come out in the best manner, it doesn't change the fact it is true. Blaine and I are together, we're married, and Kurt has no say regarding how we choose to live our life. Your son lost any input into Blaine's life, the instant he abused him for the first time." When Burt went to speak, Sebastian put his hand up to stop him. "Regardless of what you want to believe, it happened. And for the record, the friend of ours that supposed pulled him back, actually stopped him from hitting Blaine. Hunter caught his arm as he cocked it back, and didn't let go till Kurt slowly backed away."
"Don't you think it's about time you stopped making excuses for your son's behavior." Patrick said to him. "Even when Blaine initially left him, you took everything your son said verbatim. Never once considered he was remotely possible for Blaine leaving. Instead, you believed his story that Blaine was cheating on him, when in fact it was Kurt cheating on him, with multiple people."
"Kurt would never do that."
"But he did, and one of his former partners actually spoke out on my behalf." Blaine told him. "Hell, he wrote an entire blog chronicling everything from the moment they met, to how my burgeoning career and relationship affected Kurt after the divorce was finalized. It gives the basic outline of how things went to hell for Kurt once I started re-establishing my life."
"So you are responsible for what's happening to him."
"No, your son's inability to handle what's going on in my son's life, there's a difference." Patrick replied. "Interesting behavior for someone who cared very little for Blaine when they were actually together."
"You don't know what you're talking about as you never supported Blaine or the marriage!" Once Burt said that, they all looked at Patrick who took a moment to compose himself before responding, but it was clear he was furious.
"I'll admit it, I didn't support the marriage, because I didn't feel Kurt was right for him. But don't you dare proclaim I didn't support my son!" Patrick exclaimed. "Sure, Blaine and I have had our issues over the years, but never once did that change the love I have for him. I loved him enough to respect his decision to marry Kurt, even if I didn't agree with it. And never once did I tell him I told you so when he called for my help to get out when things fell apart. If you'd have taken the damn blinders off, you would've known there were issues between them."
"I know there were issues, Kurt thought Blaine wasn't supportive enough and then later thought he was cheating do to his late nights."
"That's fucking rich given it was Kurt who never supported a thing Blaine did, was constantly jealous of him, and was the one that cheated." Sebastian chimed in, unable to refrain from commenting any longer. "Everything he accused Blaine of doing, he actually was."
"According to Blaine."
"And we're putting an end to this." Xavier stated while looking directly at Sebastian who was about to reply, thus causing the others to look around and notice Miss Strauss had already exited the courtroom. "If you're going to go and bond your son out once again Burt, you should probably go do so now." He then looked at Mr. Jones. "Carter, you might want to check with Judge Watkins office if he'll even allow Kurt to rejoin us for his decision. Also, you might want to remind him to keep his mouth shut if he is, as Judge Watkins could easily have him locked up once again."
"Thank you for the reminder Xavier." He replied as he slipped his bag over his shoulder. "Mr. Hummel, we should be on our way as getting Kurt released is going to take some time given the paperwork that will need to be filled out, if that's what you intend to do."
"He didn't leave me much of a choice since we fly out tonight." Burt said in response.
"Don't go banking on that flight home yet, Judge Watkins hasn't rendered his decision yet." Sebastian chimed in as Blaine looked up at him. "For all you know, Kurt may not be going anywhere." With the look on Sebastian's face, it took everything Blaine had not to laugh as Carter and Burt exited the courtroom.
Once they were gone, it left the four of them in the courtroom. "Nice job not antagonizing him Sebastian." Xavier said as he picked his bag up off the chair.
"I didn't say anything he didn't know is true." Sebastian replied before pressing a kiss to Blaine's forehead. "The man's freaking delusional right now, thinking we're responsible for all this. Hell, Kurt showed how obsessed he is with B on the stand."
"I'm not denying that, but you're merely reinforcing everything Kurt ever told him about you."
"Crazy how the only things Burt cares to remember, are the things which paint our boys in a bad light." Patrick said in response, something Xavier couldn't argue with. "The fact they stayed as quiet as they did with all the falsehoods being spouted, is a miracle."
"Bas stayed quiet, I didn't." Blaine replied. "I just don't get why he suddenly refuses to accept what Kurt admitted to doing."
"Because no one wants to imagine their child is capable of the things Kurt's done, and show zero remorse after the fact." Xavier said in response. "I think what your Dad said struck a chord with him, which is why he got even more defensive." He then looked around the empty courtroom. "Much as I want to continue this conversation, I think it's best we have it elsewhere as I'm sure there are plenty of people outside who are waiting for us."
"Are you going to be alright facing them Blaine?" Patrick asked.
"I'll be alright. Let's go get this over with." Blaine replied as he moved his arm from around Sebastian to take his hand. "Are you ready to do this?"
"Absolutely." Sebastian said while giving his hand a squeeze. "I'll follow your lead as to how you want to handle things."
While the four of them exited the courtroom, Judge Watkins was sitting in his chambers with the District Attorney's main psychologist seated across from him after hanging up his robe. "I'm presuming Miss Strauss filled you in on the underlying factors of this case."
"She did, but it didn't quite prepare me for what I heard today." Dr. Taylor said in response. "From the summation of the divorce, to the events that have since occurred, one would think they were married longer than they actually were."
"So you noticed it took longer for them to divorce than they were actually married." Judge Watkins replied.
"I did, and also saw Kurt's response to the divorce contradicted everything Blaine's lawyer filed with the court." Dr. Taylor told him. "I also read the assessment Blaine's therapist submitted on the request of Blaine's lawyer. He got out of that marriage in the nick of time as he was in a very dark place, having lost his sense of self-worth."
"What about the young man you saw today?"
"For every bit of confidence Blaine exhibits, there is still a part of him haunted by what he went through courtesy of his ex-husband, and he probably always will be on some level unfortunately." Dr. Taylor replied. "Yet it was clear he refuses to let that time in his life define him, instead he's focused on the future."
"What about Kurt?"
"I don't think we have time to discuss what I think of his behavior, keeping in mind what I knew going into today." His response caused Judge Watkins to cross his arms. "Without having time to speak with him one-on-one, I'd say his behavior in court showed plenty of traits which border on narcissistic. That in turn reinforced everything his current therapist had to say regarding his aversion to accepting responsibility for his part in all this."
"Did you notice he saw a therapist during their divorce?"
"I did, and saw he actually made a bit of progress which is surprising given what I saw today."
"Why the difference between then and now?" Judge Watkins inquired.
"The relationship a patient has with their therapist can be very hit or miss." Dr. Taylor replied. "Though based on what I read, while he was recommended to go by his lawyer during the divorce, I feel Kurt had ulterior motives for doing so."
"Such as?"
"Showing enough remorse to possibly convince Blaine to change his mind about everything, forget the divorce and come back to him. Essentially playing the situation to his benefit to get what he wanted."
"Based on what I've seen and heard, that wouldn't surprise me." Judge Watkins said to him. "Now, taking that into consideration, why can't he seem to move on from the divorce?"
"Again, it's hard to say precisely based on the limited information I have, yet I believe Blaine symbolizes something to him, something he can't let go of. That's not even taking into consideration where Blaine's life is currently at, which is why nothing you've said or done has been able to deter him."
"Well, I need to come up with something because it's not fair to the Anderson-Smythes to have to constantly deal with his shadow of a presence looming over them." Judge Watkins told him. "The only time Kurt left him alone once he left him was when he was unable to find him, which now is essentially impossible given Blaine's career."
"From what I've heard and read, the Anderson-Smythes do for the most part live their life out of the spotlight." Dr. Taylor stated. "But that in part is a problem, because when they are spotted out or do something, everyone seems to cover it."
"Therein lies my problem, how do I stop this when for the most part the Anderson-Smythes live a private life." Judge Watkins said to him. "Correct me if I'm wrong, but I doubt throwing him back in jail will quell his behavior."
"Again from what I've witnessed, I believe you are correct. If anything it will only fuel his frustration with the situation." Dr. Taylor replied. "What about Sebastian, where does he fit in all this as he seemed to be a soothing, calming presence over Blaine today?"
"While he's a soothing presence when it comes to Blaine, he's got a wicked tongue on him that'll make opposing lawyers take a step back when he comes up against them in the future." That response earned a chuckle from Dr. Taylor. "That young man is extremely smart and well-spoken, while his disdain for Kurt is palpable."
"Yet he always manages to keep it together?"
"For the most part, yes, though he has lost his composure a couple of times."
"Was it warranted?"
"Off the record?" Judge Watkins replied to which Dr. Taylor nodded. "Absolutely. This case is a reminder of why I chose not to preside over divorce. Now back to the matter at hand, how do I resolve this issue to the point we're not back here again in a matter of months because Kurt takes issue with something they've done?"
"You want a recommendation from me."
"I do, as nothing I've done to this point has seemed to have gotten through to him."
"This would be easier to do if he was here in New York."
"I know, but him being in Ohio, as inconvenient as it may be, it's best he's not in the same vicinity as the Anderson-Smythes." Judge Watkins said to him. "This way he can't easily confront them.
"Good point, just keep in mind this is my recommendation based on what's at our disposal here in New York."
"Duly noted."
Although Judge Watkins told them not to leave the courthouse, it didn't mean they didn't end up having to wait awhile for a decision. For after Dr. Taylor left his chambers, Judge Watkins still had plenty to take into consideration. "How much longer do you think it'll be Dad?" Sebastian asked from his seat on a couch in an office Miss Strauss told them they could wait in.
"I wish I had an answer for you, but I'm not surprised it's taking time, particularly since they brought in a psychologist." Xavier replied as he looked at him, before glancing over at Blaine who was standing before a window, looking out onto the city. After motioning towards him, Sebastian shook his head, knowing Blaine needed this time to himself. "I never got the chance to ask, how'd your final go?"
"I feel as though a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders." Sebastian told him.
"How do you think you did?" Patrick asked.
"Complex as it was, I think I nailed it." Sebastian replied confidently, causing the Dads to exchange a smile. "It's true."
"They don't doubt it, they're amused by the manner of your response." Blaine chimed in. "I on the other hand, not surprised in the slightest as I wouldn't expect anything else from you."
"It's part of my charm."
"It certainly is." Blaine replied with a smile as he leaned back against the bookcase. He then cocked his head to the side upon seeing Xavier looking at his phone. "Should we bother asking?"
"It's Victoria, letting me know she and Kate are at the airport currently awaiting to board their flight." Xavier told him, causing him to look at his watch. "Yes, it's that late."
"Do you know if Hummel's been released yet?" Sebastian asked.
"No, but I will look into it if you like." Xavier said, and Sebastian nodded. "Are you going to be alright if he's allowed back in the courtroom Blaine?"
"Yes." He said, instantly noticing everyone was looking at him. "I'll be fine, honest. The overall situation is what's frustrating, not him."
"Understandable." Patrick replied. "Will the two of you be going home once we're done here or are you heading out to meet friends?"
"We're going home." Blaine told him, earning a smile from Sebastian. "Do you know if the decision will be made in open court?"
"I'm not sure." Xavier told him. "But considering the turn things took, it'll most likely occur in closed court." While he replied, there was a knock on the door before a clerk made his way in, informing them a decision had been made and to return to the courtroom. "While I know I don't need to say this, don't react and keep your comments to yourself, regardless of what Judge Watkins decides."
"We'll remain indifferent." Sebastian said as he got up off the couch as Blaine walked over to him. "No matter how hard it may be. Right B?" Blaine nodded before going to give him a kiss. "We've been through this before Dad, we've got this."
"Alright, then let's go hear what Judge Watkins has to say."
Just as they round the corner, Blaine gave Sebastian's hand a squeeze upon spotting the Hummels and Carter approaching from the opposite direction. In turn, Sebastian leaned over to give him a kiss, not caring how Kurt may take the gesture. Given how high tensions were, Xavier stopped them all short of the doors, allowing them to enter ahead of them, before following them inside. Shortly after getting situated, Miss Strauss made her way into the courtroom and the doors were closed behind her. Upon getting settled at her table, she turned to look at them. "Are you alright with him being present?"
"We are, as it's only fitting he's here when Judge Watkins rules." Blaine replied before Xavier had a chance.
"Good, as that's why he allowed him to return once Mr. Hummel posted bond." Miss Strauss told him. "How are you after what occurred?"
"Better now, and again, I'm sorry for my outburst. I simply couldn't take him shifting the blame onto us, especially since he knows what Kurt did to me."
"I believe that is why Judge Watkins wasn't more upset with your behavior." She replied. "I truly am sorry you're having to constantly relive things you went through."
"It's not your fault, it's his as it's the basis of his defense." Blaine said as Sebastian placed his hand on his lower back. "The only reason he ever took some responsibility for what he did to me, was because he got so angry, he blurted it out when we were going at during our divorce proceedings. No matter what's said or done, he's going to continue to blame me, and Bas to a lesser extent."
"Your clarity in all this, really is remarkable."
"It's all thanks to those around me that love and care for me, as they remind me none of this is my fault, no matter how many times Kurt, or Burt, says it is."
"And we always will." Sebastian chimed in.
Yet before the conversation could go any further, the bailiff entered the courtroom, bringing all of their attention forward. Once Judge Watkins entered and then took his seat, they all did the same. "I'm sorry for keeping you all waiting for as long as I did, but I had plenty to consider given what unfolded earlier." He stated while clasping his hands before him. "Kurt Hummel, will you please stand." Doing as instructed, Kurt rose from his chair. "Mr. Hummel, after numerous warnings and punishments you've yet to grasp the wrongs in your behavior and actions. The order is straight forward, you're to refrain from coming in contact with the Anderson-Smythes, you're also not allowed to speak ill of them. While you've stated how unfair you feel that is, your inability to control your own impulses is why it's in place." When he went to speak, Judge Watkins simply raised his hand, stopping him before he even had a chance. "You've also shown here in this courtroom that you believe you are above the rules placed before you, showing an utter disrespect for the legal system. Fines, incarceration, nothing seems to get through to you which leaves me in a quandary regarding what to do."
"Therefore, I've decided to try something a bit unorthodox." Judge Watkins said to him. "Upon your return to Ohio, you will have approximately three days to get your affairs in order before reporting on Monday morning, at eight, to the Ohio State Psychiatric hospital in Columbus for an in-patient evaluation."
"You can't do that!"
"Sit down Mr. Hummel, I'm not finished!" Judge Watkins replied sternly as Mr. Jones attempted to calm Burt down, and get him to sit back down so that he could finish. Burt wasn't the only one surprised, as Blaine and Sebastian were in shock, as were their fathers. Once Burt was seated, Judge Watkins resumed. "You will remain under their care for a minimum of one week, but that may be extended should they deem it necessary. You will also follow the treatment plan set forth by them as a condition of your release. From there, you will enter a work release program for the next two months, which will allow you to still maintain an income."
"Your honor, isn't that a bit excessive?" Mr. Jones asked as Kurt stared blankly at Judge Watkins, clearly shocked by what he was hearing.
"Not in the slightest." Judge Watkins stated as Xavier looked over at Patrick, while Blaine and Sebastian were focused on Judge Watkins. "Time and again your client has shown he doesn't grasp the seriousness of his actions. This ruling was not made lightly, but in hopes of finally getting him to realize how he, and he alone is responsible for what's happening in his life."
"And if my client doesn't show?" Mr. Jones inquired.
"A warrant will be issued for his arrest, and he will then be transported back to New York to serve his sentence at a psychiatric facility of this courts choosing."
"I don't belong in a psychiatric facility." Kurt said much to Mr. Jones dismay.
"What you believe, doesn't matter Mr. Hummel as it's the belief of this court that you do." Judge Watkins said. "Burt Hummel, will you please rise?" Slowly Burt rose from his seat, unsure what was happening. "Mr. Hummel, do with this what you may, but I have some advice I'd like to give you. Much as you may feel you are protecting your son, by taking his side in all this, supporting him, that's not the case. You're not helping him by refusing to see the facts for what they are, and that is he's obsessed with the Anderson-Smythes for one reason or another. Regardless of your son's endless diatribes to the opposite, his actions on this matter speak volumes." Judge Watkins told him. "Furthermore, I recommend you find someone not involved in this situation to speak to in order to gain some needed insight regarding what's happening. Trust your instincts Mr. Hummel, those same instincts which had you reaching out for help last Thursday evening." He then turned his attention to Miss Strauss. "Do you have anything you'd care to add or address pertaining to my ruling?"
"No your honor, as I feel your ruling is more than satisfactory given what's occurred."
"Mr. Smythe, your thoughts?" Judge Watkins asked, bringing Xavier to his feet.
"My clients have no issue with your ruling your honor."
"Very well then. Mr. Jones, you need to schedule a date with my office in three months' time, which is when Mr. Hummel will stand before me once again to discuss his progress." Once Mr. Jones replied, he waited a moment in case anyone else had something to say, once they didn't the sound of his gavel was heard. "Court is dismissed."
Judge Watkins wasn't even out of the room by the time Blaine hugged Sebastian tightly, and he hugged him as tightly in return. "Certainly not what I expected, but I can't say I'm disappointed." Patrick said as he looked at Xavier. "You?"
"Same." Xavier replied. "Clearly Dr. Taylor's opinion impacted the ruling." He then placed his hand on Sebastian's shoulder. "I think it's best if the two of you get out of here and head straight home."
"Alright, but why?" Sebastian asked as he and Blaine stepped away from each other.
"He's way too calm right now and, I don't want either of you here when it hits him what's actually happening." Patrick immediately echoed those sentiments, knowing Xavier was right. "And should you go out tonight, you two take Scott and Marcus with you, this is non-negotiable."
"Yes sir." Sebastian replied, as he knew the no-nonsense tone of his Dad's all too well. "Come on B."
"What about the two of you?" Blaine asked.
"We're going to hang back, ensure the two of you get out of here." Patrick replied before giving Blaine a kiss. "Now go, as he's looking over this way and he looks none too happy."
