5YL Let the Encore Commence
Part 9
Taking in the tone of Sebastian's response to Wes's earlier voicemail to Blaine into consideration, the two of them headed for Santana and Jordan's to make the call to ensure they had privacy. Upon getting settled, Wes called Blaine, putting the phone on speaker to make things easier. Yet when Sebastian answered Blaine's phone, they were each taken back for a moment as it was unexpected, though not unusual for one of them to answer for the other. Their surprise was evident in the tone of their voices, which Sebastian promptly put at ease by telling them Blaine was inside getting them something to eat and would be back shortly. "Since I've got you each on the line, is it safe to presume there is plenty to tell?" Sebastian asked while marking the page in the book he'd been reading and setting it aside.
"That's one way to describe it." Wes told him. "Till Blaine joins us, how's the day going for the two of you?" He asked as Santana tucked her feet beneath her on the couch beside him.
"The change of scenery is nice, as is B's company. Outside of that though, things aren't all that different for me considering I'm studying." Sebastian told them. "Also, if my earlier text came off as overly harsh, I'm sorry as that wasn't my intent. Finding out you testified Wes, caught us off-guard and…"
"No apologies are necessary Sebastian, I understood where you were coming from, which is why I felt it important you knew immediately." Wes said to him. "Last thing I wanted was the two of you to find out courtesy of one of the reporters that were present. You have to know, the last thing I expected when I showed up today to support Santana was that I'd end up testifying."
"We know." Blaine chimed in as he made his return, setting down some food for he and Sebastian in the process. "What even prompted Miss Strauss to call you, when she'd already spoken with Santana?"
"I think it was because she didn't want to put me in a situation to explain how Hummel's tweets were perceived." Santana told him. "Honestly, I was relieved as it was already stressful knowing why I was there in the first place."
"We never meant to put you in that situation. Sebastian replied. "We've actually gone out of our way to try and keep all of you out of this."
"I know, and for the record, the stress was self-imposed from not wanting to fuck things up for the two of you by saying the wrong thing."
"I doubt you could've fucked things up for us, well, unless you made Hummel out to be a saint or some shit."
"Fear not, I did nothing of the sort, but…" Santana's words fell off as she wasn't quite sure how to explain to them what occurred.
"Let me guess, he tried to paint himself as the innocent party." Blaine said, which they each confirmed. "Not surprising since he's done that throughout."
"Judge Watkins was everything the two of you ever told us." Wes told them. "He has zero tolerance for any excuse Kurt attempts to give for things he's done, or in this case, failed to do."
"That would be because Hummel has attempted to manipulate, use the system on numerous occasions." Sebastian said in response. "Hell, he's vehemently denied doing things which were caught on video. So, what did he do this time?"
"What do you know about Mr. Jones?" Santana asked.
"Why are you asking?" Sebastian countered while slipping his arm around Blaine who'd leaned back against him.
"Let's say some of his questions were a bit questionable regarding a certain situation."
"He's not one to play dirty, if that's what you're getting at. You have to keep in mind, his job is to represent Hummel to the best of his ability and it's often based on what he's been told. So, what did Hummel tell him?" Once Sebastian asked, they heard Wes and Santana talking between one another rather quietly, clearly attempting to figure out how to tell them.
"Just spit it out, as I doubt it's something we haven't already dealt with." Blaine told them.
"I don't know about that Blaine." Wes replied, something clearly off in his tone causing Sebastian to tighten his hold around Blaine. "You know Santana was there to help justify why Dave reached out to Xavier, correct?" They each confirmed that to be true. "Well, while trying to discredit not only Dave, but Santana." He then took a deep breath as he hated doing this over the phone, yet since they were in the Hamptons he had no other choice. "They attempted to imply..." They then heard him mutter under his breath which was unusual. "After Santana stated that Dave did what he did because he felt it was right, based off not wanting Blaine to be hurt again, they…"
"They implied one of your run-ins with Dave at Scandals played a part in him attempting suicide." Santana blurted out, stunning them and causing Sebastian to pull away from Blaine, then get up and walk away, raking his fingers through his hair as he did. While the two had cleared the air after Dave's attempt, it didn't completely eliminate the guilt Sebastian felt regarding his part in what he went through. "Guys?"
"It's only me right now." Blaine replied as he watched Sebastian walk through the yard towards the water. "Please tell me you corrected that implication."
"I did, or at least tried to. Where'd Sebastian go?"
"He's heading out towards the water right now, as I was clearly mistaken saying it's something we'd already dealt with." Blaine told her. "Much as Bas knows it wasn't his fault, he certainly didn't make things easier for Dave."
"Santana made a compelling argument on the stand, one that Mr. Jones really couldn't argue with." Wes added. "Not sure if this will help matters, but Santana's testimony was given in closed court, unlike mine. So any implication Sebastian played a part in things wasn't made public."
"I don't know, but thank you for telling me." Blaine replied. "But even implying that, is a new low, even for Kurt. He knows better than anyone the extenuating circumstances surrounding that situation. Also, why was it even brought up?"
"Sadly, it's all a bit of a blur Blaine, I don't really remember exactly." Santana told him. "The good that came from today is Judge Watkins respects what Dave did."
"And."
"Kurt's phone and laptop are having a block installed on them which will stop him from searching either of you or finding out information about you." Wes said to him. "While it might not seem like much, we shouldn't be seeing anymore rants of his on social media, at least from the brief research I did on the train. From what I learnt, these programs tend to block all sorts of things. Given what was stated in court, I have a feeling they are installing the most comprehensive program. Mr. Douglass said he was going to call you and give you a complete synopsis of what occurred."
"Knowing him, he's probably going to speak with Xavier before contacting us, that way he's prepared for any questions we might have as there are certain concerns we only broach with Xavier." Blaine proceeded to sigh as he looked out at Sebastian. "Not that I don't appreciate you guys calling and filling us in, but…"
"Go to him Blaine, the rest of this conversation can wait." Wes replied. "Sebastian needs you right now."
"If there's anything we can do, don't hesitate to call us, alright." Santana added.
"Thank you for understanding, and Santana, will do. I'll talk to you guys later. Bye." Once the two said goodbye, Blaine ended the call before getting up off the lounger, slipping his phone in his pocket as he did, before heading towards his husband. Throughout his walk, he thought about what he should say, but realized he needed to let Sebastian set the tone. Although his focus was on the water, Sebastian didn't even flinch upon feeling Blaine wrap his arms around him from behind nor rest his head on his back, after pressing a kiss against it. They stood there quietly for quite some time, simply listening to crashing of the waves against the shore. Just as he was questioning whether he was doing the right thing, he felt Sebastian place his hands over his, then take one hand in his and bring it to his lips and kiss it. "Want to talk?"
"I underestimated just how desperate he could be." Sebastian told him. "Though, I don't understand how bringing that up would discredit Dave."
"You'll have to ask Mr. Douglass how it got to that point." Blaine said to him. "How are you?"
"Good as one can expect to be given the circumstances. At the same time, it's taking every bit of self-control I have not to not play dirty."
"Stooping to his level won't solve anything Bas."
"Maybe, but it would make me feel better." Sebastian admitted. "We've taken the highroad throughout this mess B, which has given him some sort of bravado that he can do anything and we won't react. I know we're handling this the right way, but…"
"This was a new low, even for him."
"No, abusing you was the new low, which this doesn't even compare. You should probably call Jennifer as I'm sure the media is going to have a field day with this." The frustration evident in his voice.
"It won't be necessary, Santana testified in closed court." Blaine told him. "Only Wes's testimony is on public record." Once he finished, Sebastian slowly turned around to face him, slipping his arms around him as he did. "Are you going to be alright, as I remember all too well the impact that had on you?"
"Yes, as I know it was a culmination of events which led to Dave taking such a drastic action. Yet, it's not something one forgets and was part of me turning the page. One you seemed unsure I'd be able to stick with."
"What did you say to me that day when I showed up after Hunter took the trophy, being nice sucks?" Blaine said as he looked up at him, remembering the moment all too clearly.
"I did, and in moments such as this, I reiterate that statement." Sebastian told him before leaning down to press a kiss to his forehead. "There is something to be said for the saying, don't get mad…"
"Get even." Blaine finished for him, making him smile. "I know, and in this case I understand it more than you could possibly imagine. Yet I know it would only make matters worse, and I don't want that. I want to put this behind us."
"I know, which is why I've behaved and done the right thing. Not to mention, it could screw my chances with the bar if I fucked up majorly. Though it's getting to the point where I don't give a damn." Seeing a look of concern appear on Blaine's face, he kissed him once again. "Relax, I'm not going to do anything stupid which would make the last three years of schooling pointless. Right now though, I want to know what Hummel told Mr. Jones which led him on that path of questioning."
"Mind me asking how you could be so sure Mr. Jones isn't the type to play dirty?" A subtle smirk appeared on Sebastian's face, piquing Blaine's curiosity. "Bas, what don't I know?"
"Know how I told you I knew him, as he went to Columbia." Blaine nodded. "It's a bit more than that, but fear not, I mentioned it to my Dad so it was noted. Just as Mr. Jones put on record he and I know one another, yet not enough where it would cause him to recuse himself, which his own firm agreed with."
"Bas."
"He's Hunter's cousin, on his Mom's side of the family."
"Why didn't you tell me?"
"After addressing the matter with my Dad, I hadn't thought much further about it and you weren't necessarily in the best mood that day."
"Still, you should've told me."
"B, does it really matter?"
"I guess not, but it puts a lot of things into perspective, such as you giving him the benefit of the doubt the way you were." Blaine told him. "Yet, how can you be so sure he…"
"He isn't like Hunter was as a teenager?" Blaine nodded. "Because Carter reamed him up one side and down the other for what he did. So while he'll pursue every possible angle to properly represent his client, he's not the type to fabricate things."
"Further cementing his questions stemmed from what Kurt had told him."
"Precisely." Sebastian replied. "Also, Hunter made it clear to him should he cross an unethical line, he won't only be having to deal with my Dad and Mr. Douglass, but Hunter will make it personal."
"Was he at Hunter and Kimberly's wedding?"
"He was, but made sure not to cross paths with us, which was a bit difficult given I was Hunter's best man. Just as he and Hunter have to tread lightly during any conversations they have."
"That must be awkward."
"According to Hunter it was at first, but now they're more aware regarding what they can or cannot discuss."
"Do you mind me asking what he's like, personality wise?"
"He's a lot like Hunter, though not as easily riled. To put it into a comparison, he's like a cross of Beat and Nick."
"Nick?"
"Yes, because Jeff is relatively mellow, same goes for Trent, and well Thad…" Instantly Blaine laughed. "Point proven. And I stated he's not easily riled, not that it's impossible which puts him in line with Nick."
"Makes me wonder how he's dealing with Kurt."
"Not sure since he and Hunter don't talk about the case, though from what I saw last time we were in court, Hummel's on his last nerve." He then released his hold around him, before reaching back to take ahold of one of Blaine's hands. "I didn't mean to worry you, I merely needed to vent my frustration in my own way." Once he finished the two started making their way back to the house. "What else did they have to say?"
"Not much beyond what I told you as I cut the call short to check on you." Blaine told him. "While I know you need to study, what do you say to a little us time before you resume?"
"What do you have in mind Killer?" Sebastian replied with a slight wiggle of his eyebrows.
"A nice, relaxing soak in the hot tub as I think it would do us each some good. Are you disappointed with my suggestion?"
"Not in the slightest. I'll say it again, much as I love that aspect of our relationship, it's not the basis of it. I love who you are B, everything else is a benefit of it." In response, Blaine stopped walking and stretched to give him a kiss. "You're everything to me B."
"As you are to me, which is why this mess with Kurt bothers me so much. I don't understand why he can't let go and move on."
"I wish I had an answer for you B, but I don't have one. Much as he bitches about the financial burden this is putting on him, he's brought it all on himself, regardless of him believing we're at fault. His inability to take responsibility for his actions is at the root of all this."
"Normally I know that, yet…"
"It's hard to accept when he comes after us."
"More particularly, you. Unfortunately, I'm a bit immune to him coming after me."
"Which is proves how deeply he hurt you." Sebastian told him while caressing his cheek with his other hand. "He's never going to hurt you that way again B."
"I know, and I don't intend to ever let him hurt you either." There was a change in his expression which prompted a change in expression from Sebastian. "But enough about him, let's go get change and enjoy the soak."
"Change?"
"Bas, there are plenty of boats on the water so bathing suits are a necessity. Last thing we need is a shot of our bare asses making it online." Blaine said as they made their way inside. "While that might sound a bit paranoid, one never knows.
"Good point, and you don't sound paranoid at all." Sebastian told him while pulling Blaine's shirt up and off of him. "We've spent enough time out here that anyone who covers or reads the society pages is aware of that fact. To this point, we've lucked out that no one has spotted us when we've been out in the yard." Blaine nodded, before going to remove Sebastian's shirt. "I'd much rather talk about protecting our private life from curious onlookers than Hummel."
"Me too."
"So how about we forget about him, at least for the remainder of the weekend and only discuss him when necessary, such as with Mr. Douglass or my Dad?"
"Works for me." Blaine told him before starting to undo Sebastian's shorts. "Plus we have more relevant issues to deal with, such as taking care of ourselves."
"You won't hear any complaints from me."
So while they were continuing to change to go relax, Santana and Wes were enjoying a glass of wine while waiting for their other halves to arrive. "Do you think they're going to be alright considering what I blurted out?" Santana asked him as he took a sip.
"I do. Difficult as that was to hear, it probably better they heard it from us than being present in court and hearing it that way."
"True, yet if they were there Sebastian would've had the opportunity to defend himself. This entire situation is screwed up, and I can't believe it even went there."
"Goes to show how desperate Kurt is to try and discredit Sebastian."
"But to go after Dave, seems a bit much."
"He was trying to show motive behind Dave's actions. Heck, I was waiting for them to imply that Dave had a thing for Blaine." Santana instantly covered her mouth so as not to spit out the wine she'd just ingested. "Sorry about that." Wes said as he took her glass from her as she looked at him. "Come now, you can't say you didn't think it wasn't going to go there."
"True, but it's another thing to hear it out loud." She told him before taking back her glass. "Did you know Dave had a thing for Kurt at one point?" Wes shook his head. "So, Blaine would be a step up for him. Yet by the time Dave did this, it was common knowledge he was with Sebastian, heck, they were already married at this point. And from my conversation with him, it was evident Dave was truly happy for them. Also, Dave in a relationship or at least he was at Christmas and was extremely happy."
"From his own testimony, it was pretty evident Dave did what he did because he felt it was right, which it was. And Dave doing this, should be a wake-up call for Kurt, because if someone not necessarily close to them is doing things of this nature, he shouldn't be surprised we're watching his actions so closely." Wes said to her. "Much like you, I hate that I didn't see what was happening to Blaine back then and I will do whatever is necessary to protect him now."
"You know protecting Blaine means protecting Sebastian, right?"
"I do." Once he replied, he couldn't help notice a smirk hidden behind her wine glass. "Santana, what are you thinking?"
"I think it's time we get a bit of legal knowledge of our own." She said before reaching for her phone. "And I know just the person to call."
"Hunter?"
"Yes, because if anyone can possibly comprehend where we're coming from, it's him."
"You do recall what Mr. Jones said, that we shouldn't antagonize Kurt, right?"
"I do. This is more about being prepared, should he cross that line. And with all the appearances Blaine's going to be making next week, it's a prime opportunity for Hummel to react, regardless of what Judge Watkins ruled."
"As he hasn't necessarily complied with them up to this point."
"Exactly. So, are you up for a little legal expertise, even though he hasn't passed the bar yet?"
"I am, make the call."
