5YL Let the Encore Commence

Part 25

Once the news was relayed by the lawyers, the reactions of all parties involved were much as expected, especially since at least one of the Anderson-Smythes was to appear. Needless to say, it added another layer to the situation, as Carter knew their mere presence would irritate Kurt. All while Sebastian tried to convince his professor to allow him to take his final early, yet he was unwilling to bend since only one of them was required to attend. "I swear, this guy gets off on being an utter bastard!" Sebastian vented once again, pacing Blaine's studio on Tuesday evening as Blaine sat quietly behind his piano. "One would think a law professor would understand the importance of us showing a united front during court proceedings."

"He probably does, yet he's using the language against you, since it states only one of us has to be there." Blaine said calmly as they were essentially rehashing the same conversation they'd had the previous evening, though for that one he'd been equally frustrated. "I'd love nothing more for you to be there, but it's out of our control."

"Just in case you were wondering, as soon as I'm done, I'm heading to the courthouse."

"Bas."

"Don't alright, as it's my prerogative as your husband to be at your side, even if I'm late."

"Your Dad will be with me."

"My Dad has to watch what he says to Hummel, I don't!" Sebastian lamented. "You know as well as I, he's going to pull either the pity card or attempt some lame-ass apology. He's a glutton for punishment B!"

"True, yet I actually think he does it for sympathy." Blaine said while starting to play. "He gets to say how hard it is to see us together, or in this case singing, to try and garner empathy from others."

"He searched the moment out B."

"Never said he didn't, yet it's what he hopes to achieve even if others know he brought this on himself." Blaine continued. "It's something he's good at, as he knows sob stories get attention. The difference this time around, he's not the victim unlike when he and I initially met."

"Where did this perspective come from?"

"Remember, I try to see my therapist before having to face him in court. We spoke about his behavior quite a bit and what he hopes to garner from it." When Sebastian cocked his head, Blaine mirrored the response. "I went while you at your final, after rehearsal. I recall mentioning it to you last night over dinner, guess you were clearly more distracted than I realized." With that additional response, Sebastian walked towards him till he could sit beside him on the bench.

"I'm sorry." Sebastian replied, his tone much softer than it had been.

"You have nothing to be sorry about, you've had plenty on your mind."

"Still." Blaine responded by turning his head to give him a kiss on the cheek. "I hate feeling this way."

"I know you do, which is why I want you to focus on your final and not what's going to happen tomorrow."

"Easier said than done." Sebastian told him while resting his head against his, without disturbing his play. "I wish we knew why they want one of us there. Even my Dad doesn't understand why since he was a bit vague regarding what he actually did."

"I do too, but I guess it's something that's going to have to wait till tomorrow." Blaine replied. "Given the nature of things, I doubt our presence is unwarranted."

"As do I, but what I'm uncomfortable with is they only feel the need for one of us to attend. Though, we've made it clear throughout this, we're on the same page regarding Hummel. And knowing my Dad, he probably mentioned I had finals this week, something all parties know can rarely be rescheduled."

"That's how I took it as well. It was a polite way of saying, Blaine, you have to be there, and Sebastian, if you don't have a final, you should be as well." Sebastian couldn't help but laugh at his response. "That's more like it." He then kissed him once again. "Think, after tomorrow, you're done."

"I never expected time to fly the way it did."

"It might have something to do with the fact other things were happening." Blaine teased, causing Sebastian's smile to grow.

"Other things?" Blaine nodded. "You mean such as you." Again, he nodded. "Pretty confident of yourself, aren't you?"

"I have my moments."

"More often than not." Sebastian said while slipping an arm around his waist. "You showing up at my door, was the best type of whirlwind that could've happened to me."

"Whirlwind, huh?" This time around, Sebastian nodded. "It was pretty crazy at times, wasn't it?"

"You could say that, but I wouldn't change it for the world. Through all the ups and downs, there was no other place I'd rather be than at your side."

"I hate that I brought all that chaos into your life."

"You didn't bring the chaos, Hummel did. Deny it all he wants, but deep down he knows you were the best thing that ever happened to him, and he blew it."

"Reinforcing the statement you made to him, that I was too good for him."

"You were, are." Sebastian said while pulling him up onto his lap, stopping him from playing. Yet from the smile on his face, Blaine wasn't complaining. "And by us being together, it's a constant reminder he fucked up, plain and simple."

"I really wish it was that simple."

"It's all a matter of perception, and I refuse to get pulled further into his games than necessary. I know I have my moments, but for the most part I like to believe I keep my perspective."

"Except when you have other more pertinent things on your mind, such as finals."

"Or your well-being." Sebastian added. "I couldn't bare letting him hurt you again. While I know you're more than capable of taking care of yourself, I can't help wanting to protect you."

"Just as I want to protect you, and I take no offense to you wanting to protect me as I know where it comes from." Once he finished speaking, Sebastian leaned in for a kiss, this one lasting longer than the one's Blaine had given him. By the time the two pulled apart, Sebastian pressed his forehead against Blaine's. "I'd much prefer doing that the rest of the night than reviewing my notes, but I should be responsible."

"You're right, you should be. Just remember, these lips will be waiting for you once you finish, along with the rest of me once we get home."

"Now that's, certainly something to look forward to."

"I'm glad you think so, now get back to work so I can do the same."

"You don't mind me staying here to do so, do you?"

"Not in the slightest, just keep in mind I'm working on a particular section which is causing me some issues, so…"

"Be prepared to hear you curse, got it." Sebastian said before letting him go. "Or going off and playing something completely different out of nowhere to work your way through it."

"You know me well."

"I like to think I do."

"Trust me, you do." Blaine replied before they shared one last kiss for the time being before Sebastian went and made himself comfortable before resuming his studying, and Blaine got back to work.

Although they clearly had some misgivings regarding the proceedings, they really had nothing to worry about since they hadn't done anything wrong. The same couldn't be said for Kurt, who was uncertain about what he was going to be walking into. So much so, he took Mr. Jones advice and asked Burt to come with him to New York, in case he was needed to speak on his behalf. Given his previous stance on the matter, it took Burt time to make his decision before finally agreeing to join him. It wasn't a decision he made lightly, yet considering what had occurred, in good faith Burt couldn't let him go at it alone, a decision Carole didn't fully support.

When Blaine awoke on Wednesday morning, he was surprised to find coffee on his nightstand, and then to see Sebastian sitting on the chair across from him. After sitting up slightly, and then taking a sip of his coffee, he turned his focus on his husband. "I thought you were meeting Hunter this morning."

"Delay of plans." Sebastian replied, while getting up to sit down beside him on their bed. "In good faith, I couldn't leave without talking with you."

"You could've called me."

"I know, but it's not the same." He said while running his fingers through Blaine's curls which were going every which way. "You know it's hard for me to admit how uneasy I am about you going at it alone today."

"I won't be alone."

"In this capacity, my Dad doesn't count."

"I get where you're coming from, but I'm going to be alright. Plus, didn't you say you're going to come to court once you're done?" Sebastian nodded. "Then we're good."

"Are you sure?"

"Positive." Blaine replied as he leaned into his touch. "Scott's escorting me to court where we're meeting your Dad, as he's meeting with Mr. Douglass beforehand."

"You must think I'm overreacting."

"Not in the slightest, as I'd be doing the same thing if our roles were reversed. And now that you're hopefully reassured, I want you to go meet Hunter, and then onto your final."

"Then to you once it's done." Blaine nodded, and then felt a slight tug on his hair, changing the angle of his head so Sebastian could kiss him. "I love you."

"I love you too." Once he replied, they two kissed once more. "Now go, be responsible."

"Is your proposal from last night still on the table?"

"Most definitely." With that said, Sebastian leaned in for one last kiss before getting up and heading on his way. Though the kiss certainly gave Blaine a good idea of what he was in store for once they got home.

Unlike previous times he'd had to go to court to face Kurt, the all too familiar uneasiness was nowhere around. Even during the ride to the courthouse, he had a sense of calm which even Scott took note of. "Given what you told me, Marcus is going to be waiting for Sebastian after his final." He told him. "Considering what Jennifer heard, I felt it best he be accompanied once he reached the courthouse."

"Did you text him?"

"I did, and his only response was, why Marcus and not Cole."

"Can't say a similar thought didn't cross my mind since Cole tends to do these sorts of things since he blends in a bit better due to his age." Blaine replied.

"That would be because he's currently in California checking out the logistics of the wedding locale."

"Things are going to get crazy in a matter of weeks."

"Still calmer than last year at this time."

"Any particular reason why he went and not you?"

"He's got family out that way, so it was a nice way to sneak in a visit before you go back on tour."

"Makes sense and, we're all good for the trip to Ohio before me and Bas go on vacation, right?"

"Everything has been taken care of."

"Good, hopefully whatever happens today doesn't cause me to alter those plans." When Scott cocked his head, Blaine gave him a reassuring smile as he knew he needed to make things clear to Kurt once and for all.

By the time they arrived at the courthouse, before they even exited Blaine sighed seeing all the reporters outside. After asking if anything else was going on that day, Scott unfortunately had to tell him they were probably there for him. Those thoughts were confirmed the way they reacted the moment Blaine made his way out. Yet in the midst of answering one of the reporters, he caught sight of Xavier and saw he wasn't alone. Upon finishing his answer, Blaine picked up his pace till he reached them, and then without a word being uttered, he felt his Dad pull him into a hug.

"What are you doing here?" Blaine asked once he pulled back, relieved in a way he didn't know he needed.

"Knowing Sebastian couldn't be here with you, I thought you could use a little moral support." Patrick said as they started to make their way inside, leaving the reporters with questions unanswered.

"But…"

"Are you upset I came?"

"No, not at all." Blaine told him. "Bas is going to be relieved as he hates that he can't be here. What about Mom, is she here with you?"

"She's flying out tonight with Victoria, they thought you could use some extra help preparing for Sebastian's party." Instantly he saw Blaine's expression change. "Relax, we all made hotel reservations since we're coming into town early."

"We had a feeling you boys might be going out to celebrate since he, as well as Hunter are finishing up." Xavier added. "I know I went out to celebrate law school being over."

"Good call, as we do have plans." Blaine told them, they just didn't know what those plans were. "Xavier, have they said why one of us needs to be here?"

"No, I wish I knew, but we have to trust there is a good reason for it." Something Blaine and Patrick could only agree with. Just as the they were approaching the courtroom, Xavier stopped them the instant he saw Kurt up ahead with Carter and Burt. "Things certainly got more interesting." He then pointed to the trio, earning an eye roll from Blaine.

"You could say that again." Patrick stated upon making eye contact with Burt who seemed none too pleased that he was there. "Me being here isn't going to cause an issue, will it?"

"If they take issue with you being here, then I'll take issue with Burt being here." Xavier said in response. "You're each simply here, supporting your son. I highly doubt Carter is going to have an issue with it."

"It's not Carter he's worried about." Blaine chimed in, causing his Dad to chuckle.

"My mistake."

"No, you're simply in lawyer mode." Blaine teased, and they each took note of his demeanor. "Speaking of, make sure Miss Strauss knows Bas intends on joining us. I don't want an officer stopping him from entering the courtroom should the doors get closed."

"Duly noted." Xavier replied. "Ready to proceed?"

"Ready as we can be." Blaine said, so they continued on their way.

Upon reaching the courtroom, they saw Burt place a hand on Kurt's shoulder. "It's been a long time Patrick."

"It certainly has Burt."

"Where's the meerkat, couldn't he be bothered to show?" Kurt blurted out.

"Well hello to you too Kurt." Blaine calmly replied. "For your information, my husband is currently taking a final, but will be joining us once he's finished." He then looked at Burt. "Didn't expect to see you here today Burt."

"My Dad being here is no different than yours!" Kurt said rather obnoxiously, even though it was obvious Blaine was addressing Burt.

"My Dad, surprised me, I doubt that's the case here."

"Was that really necessary Blaine?" Burt countered.

"Do you really need to interject?" Patrick stated in response, amusing Blaine all while frustrating the Hummels. "Blaine merely made what seems to be a logical deduction, as the chances of you flying here to surprise him is low."

"See you're still letting others speak of you." Kurt replied.

"No, my Dad is simply voicing his opinion, which he's entitled to, as nothing I said was out of line." Blaine told him, speaking with an aura of confidence which wasn't usually present in these situations.

"Are you going to keep letting him talk to my son like this Mr. Smythe?" Burt said.

"And here is why we're in this situation in the first place, you don't hold your son accountable." Patrick replied before glancing over at Xavier. "This conversation isn't violating anything, is it?"

"No. While it's recommended they don't interact should they see one another, it's something which each side has had an issue with." Xavier said, earning him a look from Blaine, one that was a bit mischievous. "Mr. Jones, do you have a problem with his conversation?"

"Not as long as it remains relatively civil."

"Civil by normal standards or ours?" Blaine replied, prompting hearing a stifled laugh from his Dad. "I mean, he's already insulted my husband with a term Judge Watkins told him he wasn't to use when talking about Sebastian."

"We're not in the courtroom." Kurt countered.

"Does it make a difference, I mean, you rarely listen to what Judge Watkins tells you." Blaine said to him. "I mean, how many times have you been threatened with contempt, seriously Kurt? And I'm not only talking from Judge Watkins either."

"Cute Blaine, real cute."

"Actually, it's sad that I can make that comment without exaggerating fact, and everyone standing here knows I'm telling the truth. But what would you know about the truth, as its something you don't have a very good relationship with."

"You've become an ass since getting with…"

"Say it, I dare you with his Dad standing here." Blaine coldly said, interrupting him. "I mean, it wouldn't be a first for you. Hell, I'm pretty sure it's on the court record."

"You son of a…" This time, Burt was the one to stop him, placing a hand on his shoulder. "What happened to the boy I first met?"

"I'm right here, the difference being I'm not naïve enough to believe a word out of your mouth anymore." Blaine replied. "I know who you really are Kurt, what you're capable of, so if you think I'm going to show you even a glimpse of the same kindness I once did, you're delusional."

"I think that's enough." Burt said, taken back by this new attitude of Blaine. "Is there a place we can go till court starts Mr. Jones?"

"Follow me." Carter replied, before looking at the others who seemed unfazed by what was happening.

Once they rounded the corner, Xavier and Patrick turned to look directly at Blaine. "Care to tell me why you thought provoking him was a good idea?" Xavier asked, though he clearly wasn't bothered by the conversation since Blaine held his own.

"If you thought that was provoking him, you haven't watched your son in action, Bas is a master at provoking him." Blaine replied. "I simply wanted to let him know, he's no longer in control, especially after what happened last time." When Xavier's expression changed, Blaine turned to face him a bit more directly. "It's okay, it's not a moment I really want to think about either, yet, Kurt's not above using something like that against me."

"Something I know all too well." Xavier said. "Sebastian would've been proud."

"I think you're right." Blaine said before turning to face his Dad. "How are you with all this?"

"You don't have to justify yourself to me, he had that coming and then some." Patrick told him. "Just, leave this part out should your Mom call to ask how things went, I don't think she'd take it well."

"You think?" Blaine said thought a laugh. "You know she wouldn't be happy, just as I do, which is why I will leave this this out should we talk. I don't want this to hurt Mom any more than it already has."

"I know, as does she." Patrick replied. "But remember, a parent is always going to hurt if their child is hurting."

"He's right Blaine." Xavier added.

"I don't doubt that, as I'm sure when the time comes I'm going to be even more protective over my children, than I am of my husband." Blaine said. "It's why Kurt needs to know, his days of playing martyr are coming to an end."