5YL Let the Encore Commence
Part 24
Knowing Patrick and Kate were spending time with them, Xavier wasn't surprised by the fact he didn't hear back from Sebastian till he was home for the day. Just when he was about to ask where Blaine was, he saw him sit down beside Sebastian. After asking about their day, Sebastian was quick to turn the conversation given it had been on his mind since they spoke earlier in the morning. "Although you told me I had nothing to worry about, I have a feeling you might not have been forthright with me." Sebastian said to him. "So Dad, what pulled you from our conversation?" Considering how well Sebastian knew his Dad, his facial expression spoke volumes regarding what occurred. "I knew it, Hummel pulled another freaking stunt!" Yet before he could get too worked up, Blaine rubbed his thigh gently to help calm him down.
"Given you didn't ask Sebastian to call you back immediately, I'm presuming whatever he did, he didn't go off the deep-end this time." Blaine said to him. "I feel confident saying that given neither Jennifer or any of our friends called, the matter was contained in a sense. Hell, Vincent was here this morning and the topic of Kurt never came up."
"Well, your presumption is correct Blaine." Xavier told them. "Hence why I didn't feel it necessary to speak with the two of you immediately afterwards. Needless to say, he saw your duet and he was none too happy about it."
"Wouldn't have expected otherwise." Sebastian replied. "But how did he even see it given what Judge Watkins ordered? I thought he couldn't search either of our names."
"He can't, but one thing wasn't taken into consideration, the ship name Blaine's fans have for the two of you." Almost instantly Blaine's eyes widened. "Relax, it's already been rectified so he won't be able to search the term Seblaine again." Hearing Xavier say it, made the two of them laugh. "I much prefer seeing the two of you like this."
"Don't get used to it, at least in the moment as I can't knock the feeling there is more to this than you've said." Sebastian said in response. "What don't we know Dad?"
"The reason I got off the phone with you this morning is, Melissa informed me that Mr. Jones was on his way to speak with me."
"Excuse me, what the hell was Carter doing in Ohio?" Sebastian blurted out before Blaine could even react. "Dad."
"Carter came to town on Thursday to ensure Kurt knew all eyes were on him due to the premiere. Unfortunately for him, he arrived after Blaine's morning performance." Xavier told him. "While I wasn't privy to all the details of the conversation, it was essentially an in-person reminder of what was on the line for him."
"Doesn't explain why he was still there today."
"Bas, let your Dad finish." Blaine said as he rubbed his thigh gently as it was doing everything in his own power to not react in a similar manner to his husband.
Once Sebastian apologized to his Dad, Xavier continued, telling them why Carter was still in Ohio. While the two listened intently, the tone of the conversation changed the instant Blaine busted out in laughter after hearing Carter's request. Sebastian looked at his husband, and then at his Dad before looking back at Blaine who was still laughing. "I think you have B's response to the request Dad, and he speaks for the two of us. What the hell was Carter thinking, asking us to speak on Hummel's behalf?"
"He was doing his job Sebastian, but he knew his request was a long shot as neither of you have a reason to ask for leniency on his part."
"Damn right we don't." Blaine said while catching his breath. "If anything, we have every reason to ask the opposite given what he's put us through." He then took a sip of the glass of scotch he'd brought with him for the each of them. "The fact our duet bothered him so much, reinforces how screwed up he really is. I mean, we've been apart longer than we were together."
"Which is probably why Carter made the request." Sebastian replied before giving him a kiss on the cheek. "While I understand it, leniency in this matter isn't going to help. He needs to get it through his thick skull, we're married and nothing he says or does is going to change that. The only thing his behavior does, is reinforce the need for the order. As when it comes to B, he's incapable of letting go of him whether that's due to love or at least his belief of what love is, hatred, or jealous of him."
"I can't argue with a word either of you said, though I'd add Blaine's success to the mix given where Kurt's life stands, both professionally and personally." Xavier told them causing Sebastian to tilt his head in response. "I'm referring to the fact Blaine's personally life isn't a mess, he's happy, and has clearly moved on."
"Well until he found out I was making a name for myself and then learning I was with Bas, he had a life too. He's the one who sabotaged it, he's got no one else to blame for this mess other than himself, regardless of what he says."
"B's right, he's responsible for the mess his life has become." Sebastian added. "What's going to happen now since he in a sense, violate Judge Watkins order?"
"Right now we're playing a waiting game, as Judge Watkins had a full docket today, and Miss Strauss was in court." Xavier told them. "Considering what was stated just last week to Kurt, I have a feeling he's going to be called back to New York to address what happened."
"Are we going to have to go?" Blaine asked.
"I honestly don't know, but to cover our bases, I left word Sebastian has finals next week which he can't miss." While he spoke, Sebastian raked his fingers through his hair in frustration. "I know this isn't what either of you wanted to hear, but I didn't want you being caught off-guard. Right now, I want you, Sebastian, to focus on your finals and let me handle this."
"Easier said than done Dad, especially if B has to appear in court without me."
"Should Blaine's presence be requested, I'll make sure I'm there with him, otherwise Mr. Douglass will handle this matter given your mother and I are coming to town for graduation." Xavier said and could tell his words didn't appease his son. "Try not to think the worst Sebastian."
"Given what Hummel's done, hard not to considering his track record."
"We'll get through this like everything else Bas, together." Blaine assured him.
"Yet we wouldn't be together if the hearing is held while I'm taking a final. And while I love your new resolve, I…you know what, forget it."
"You're afraid I'm going to shut down around him."
"Guilty as charged."
"I'm afraid of that too Bas, but I have to confront those fears, whether it's in court before Judge Watkins…"
"Or when you go to confront him in Lima, I know."
"What's your concern Sebastian as I know you've stated you support Blaine meeting with him although you wished he wouldn't?"
"In a courtroom, B will behave himself, simply because of where he's at, it gives Hummel an unfair advantage given he doesn't give a damn about where he is." Sebastian replied while taking ahold of Blaine's hand. "In private, B will lose his filter, putting them on more equal footing. Change that, it gives B the advantage."
"That's actually a logical response." Xavier said to him. "Once I have more information, I will get in touch with you. Until then, try not to dwell on it. I really hope this information doesn't ruin your weekend."
"We won't let it." Blaine confidently replied. "I mean, we've got nothing to worry about since we did nothing wrong." When Sebastian looked at him, Blaine responded with a kiss.
"Normally I'm the one overtly confident, I like it."
"What can I say, you inspire me." He then kissed him again before turning his focus back to the camera. "Sorry about that."
"Don't be, as I like seeing the two of you happy, especially given the news I shared." Xavier told them. "If you have any questions, don't hesitate to call me."
"Will do." Sebastian replied. "Thanks again for handling this Dad, we truly appreciate it."
"Don't mention it. Now if you don't mind, I'm going to go as I promised my lovely wife I'd take her to the movies tonight, and I'm not going to break that promise to her."
"Enjoy, talk to you later Dad. Love to you and Mom."
"Will do, love you both, take care!"
Once the screen changed, Sebastian pulled Blaine up onto his lap and then wrapped his arms around him. "How is it you're keeping such a clear perspective on all this while my mind keeps going to the worst case scenario? I mean, it wasn't that long ago our roles were reversed." Blaine smiled before taking another sip of his scotch and then putting it down.
"Part of that comes from me having a new perspective on the situation, the other, you're more stressed than you realize." Blaine softly said to him while slipping a hand around his head to run his fingers through the hair there. "So, the thought of not being able to be with me should we go to court because of finals, adds another layer to things. It's one of the few times you're unable to juggle everything that's going on. With that said, it's only right I'm the one that's stepping up given it's because of me we're in this mess."
"No, we're in this mess because Hummel simply can't accept you've moved on." Sebastian told him. "Honestly, I wouldn't be surprised if he had someone watching you back when you were still at NYADA, giving him updates. And if you were alone and somewhat miserable, he was happy. In a sick way, he felt if he couldn't have you, he felt no one should, then you showed up at my door and everything changed, you got your spark back."
"On different fronts." Blaine replied, and Sebastian smiled. "For as much as I'd dealt with what I'd been through, you got through to me on levels my therapist couldn't. You were able to tap into that part of me, he couldn't."
"Simply because I know you in ways he doesn't." The next thing he felt was a soft kiss on his lips. "I'm not going to lie B, I don't like any of this, no matter how my Dad tries to play it. I don't trust him."
"Neither do I, but there isn't much we can do. We need to let this situation play out, before I take matters into my own hands." Blaine then pressed his forehead against his. "You should know, Sam's agreed to meet me in Lima, so I won't be alone."
"Wait, I thought Scott was going."
"He is, but I figured you'd like it better if there was someone else there with me. There's a line Scott can't cross, but for Sam, the line is different."
"It should be me at your side."
"I know, and I wish you'd be able to, but we need to be careful so as not to sabotage your career before it even begins."
"While I know you're right, doesn't mean I have to like it."
"I know, as does Sam."
"I'm going to want to talk with him before the you go."
"He'll be waiting for us at my parents once we arrive, then once that matter is settled, we'll be off on vacation."
"Now that's something I'd rather talk about, as I'm looking forward to seeing you in next to nothing."
"And here I thought you preferred me in nothing."
"I do, but you can't really do that on all beaches. Plus, I don't want anyone else seeing how incredibly sexy you are, you're mine and mine alone."
"All yours, just as you're all mine."
"Yours." Sebastian then pressed a kiss to his lips. "I love you so much."
"And I love you. What do you say we take this somewhere a bit more comfortable?"
"What do you have in mind?" Once Sebastian wiggled his eyebrows, Blaine laughed. "Like you'd object."
"You're right, I wouldn't, but not quite yet. Instead, how about we make our way outside and enjoy the beautiful night before it gets too muggy to do so."
"Sounds perfect."
Although neither of them were necessarily thrilled by what was happening, particularly because of the timing, they intended to keep their promise to not let it ruin their weekend. The same couldn't be said for others involved, particularly Carter who happened to be at brunch on Saturday when he received the call. Since he was with family, he made a point of leaving the table before replying, not wanting a lecture from either his Mom or Aunt had he answered it. He was still outside on the deck when Hunter made his way out to join him, two Bloody Marys in hand.
Once Carter slipped his phone back into his pocket, he promptly took the drink from Hunter and took a sip. "Thank you, how'd you know I'd need that?"
"I've seen that look on your face more often than I care to admit over the past several months." Hunter told him.
"You know we can't talk about this Hunter." Carter said as he leaned against the railing around the deck, and then looking out onto the water.
"We can't talk details, but considering you got a call that put you in this type of mood on a Saturday, it's not good."
"You could say that again." He then looked inside and saw his wife talking with Kimberly. "Not quite how today was supposed to go, today is supposed to be a celebration."
"It still is." Hunter replied while trying to tone down his smile as he knew his own wife was eager to share their own happy news. "To take a page out of Sebastian's and Blaine's book, don't let his crap creep into other facets of your life."
"Easier said than done. This case wasn't supposed to monopolize so much of my time. Hell, I was pulled off other cases because of how often he's had me in court." Carter said to him. "And once again, I'm going to need to rearrange my schedule because he doesn't fucking listen!"
"Wait, you were just in court with him."
"Why do you think I'm so frustrated." Hunter couldn't help but chuckle. "Thanks for the support Hunter." The sarcasm practically dripping in Carter's response
"You know I support you, I just love that Blaine was able to get under his skin so badly. If you'd seen him when he and Sebastian first got together, you'd understand where I'm coming from." Hunter told him. "You know I'm not known for showing my compassion, yet even my heart broke the night he first confronted them together. In that moment, there was no denying the depths of the hell he'd gone through."
"Trust me, I'm aware of the depths of what he went through due to matters which have not only been filed with the court, but occurred in court." Carter said to him. "Damn it Hunter, if it was my choice I never would've taken him on as a client, but wasn't my call. Unfortunately, when you're a first or even second year associate, you essentially do as you're told."
"I'm sorry, I know that, it's just, this whole situation gets me so frustrated."
"Join the club, although it's probably for different reasons."
"Probably, but I'm sure some of the things which frustrate me, frustrate you as well. But you crossed a line when you went after Sebastian about the suicide attempt."
"I was going off what Kurt told me, but I should've known better than to fully trust him since he's been less than forthright with me. For the record, I let him have it for misleading me as he made me look like a fool."
"Good." Hunter told him. "So, when are you due back in court?"
"Wednesday afternoon." It only took one look at his cousin to know he wasn't happy. "What?"
"What time?"
"Does it matter?"
"If it didn't, I wouldn't have asked."
"Two o'clock."
"Fuck!"
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing, besides Sebastian's going to be in the midst of his biggest final at that time."
"With who?"
"Our favorite professor." Hunter replied sarcastically, as he knew Carter would know precisely who he was referring to. "The last thing he needs is to be distracted during it."
"There's nothing I can do Hunter, as I'm sure we were squeezed into Judge Watkins schedule."
"Does Blaine have to appear?"
"I, I don't know. Outside of the date and time, I was told the rest of the pertinent material would be on my desk when I arrive Monday morning."
"Come on Carter, would Blaine presence be necessary?"
"While I wouldn't object to questioning him regarding his motives behind his recent song selection." Carter replied. "But at the same time his presence would merely antagonize Kurt even more, causing him to be even more less likely to listen to me." Hearing Hunter laugh, didn't surprise him in the slightest. "If I was in your shoes, I'd probably laugh too. This whole thing is absurd on so many levels. If he simply followed the guidelines set forth before him, these constant court appearances wouldn't be happening."
"I heard Xavier mentioned that to him."
"He did, quite gracefully too." He then took another sip of his drink. "I was really hoping to not hear back from the ADA's office until Monday."
"Why, so your weekend wouldn't be tainted by one of his tantrums?"
"No comment."
"In all seriousness, I'm sorry you're having to deal with his crap as I know it's not easy, especially today."
"Do you know how hard it was keeping this from everyone, I mean…" Once he got flustered, Hunter put a hand on his shoulder. "I guess this is what I get for choosing to be a lawyer, huh?"
"No, this is what you get for having a client who refuses to listen, there's a difference. Most listen, because they know you're doing your best to help them, but Kurt, he only sees things one way, his."
"For someone that doesn't know him well, you understand him."
"All it takes is a few conversations with those that were friends with him, to get it."
"The same people who've cut him out of their lives."
"Yes, and he brought that all on himself. I mean, Rachel was still friends with him till she found out the truth regarding what he did, from there, she couldn't look at him without being disgusted. As for Santana, she saw the light a little sooner, as she knew Blaine wasn't the person he portrayed him as."
"I remember them broaching the topic during testimony, Rachel cried and…"
"Kurt called her out on faking it, I know, Thad was livid about it."
"I wasn't much better."
"You are doing a job, it's not personal and they all know it." Hunter said to him. "They also understand a bulk of your information comes from Hummel, at least commentary regarding certain situations."
"Thank you."
"Don't mention it. Now how about we go back inside, enjoy the rest of brunch, celebrate. Try not to think about work till you get home, your wife deserves at least that much. Then once you call and inform Hummel of what's going on, you go back to doting on your wife."
"I have prep to do."
"Prep which you cannot fully complete without the documents from the ADA's office, as you don't know which matters are going to be brought up."
"You're right."
"Of course I am, just because I'm younger, doesn't mean I'm not smarter."
"Watch it Hunter."
"Watch what?" Hunter teased, making Carter laugh. "Fine, I'll call it a draw."
"Fair enough." Carter then finished his drink, before looking back inside. "Thanks again for checking on me."
"Don't mention it, and good luck trying to rein in your client." Hunter proceeded to shoot him a wink before the two headed inside, knowing it was going to take more than luck for Kurt to not undermine Carter's actions.
