5YL Let the Encore Commence
Part 28
After the bit of back and forth that had occurred between the lawyers and Judge Watkins, it was evident Kurt wasn't comfortable with what was going on. "Mr. Hummel, you've made it clear that your point of view is that it was impossible for you to avoid Blaine Anderson-Smythe's appearances those mornings, is that correct?"
"Yes."
"If we take that as fact, simply because customers at the shop wanted to watch him perform, explain how you happened to find out he performed at the premiere after-party?"
"I, I stumbled across video of it." Kurt replied, stammering as he did and losing eye contact with her in the process.
"Sorry, but I find that hard to believe."
"It's true."
"Mr. Hummel, I have the tech expert from our office here in court today and he's assured me that due to the program installed on your computer, it was impossible to accidentally stumble upon said video."
"Well, it happened."
"Your honor, I was wondering if you'd humor me a bit by allowing our tech expert to come join in while Mr. Hummel is on the stand."
"I'll allow it." Judge Watkins stated. Once he had, the tech rose from his seat and made his way towards the laptop which had been set up near the prosecutor's table. After being sworn in, the tech got himself situated.
"Brian, will you please demonstrate the initial block which had been put on Mr. Hummel's devices." He proceeded to pull up an entertainment site which was featuring an article on Blaine and Sebastian at the premiere. He then installed the block, which blocked the article from the site, where it stated he was not allowed to view the content. "Now, will you please attempt to pull video from the after-party featuring the Anderson-Smythes?" Again, similar messages appeared on the screen of each blog which ran the video. "Now search the video using the ship name Blaine's fans have for he and his husband." As soon as he searched the video in that manner, numerous copies of their duet appeared on the screen. "Will you now explain why you were able to find the video this way versus the previous manner?"
"All of these copies of the duet the Anderson-Smythes performed at the after-party are tagged solely using the ship name, versus their individual names which were part of the initial block."
"Mr. Hummel, are you familiar with this ship name Blaine's fans have for them?" Kurt looked off to the side at the monitor which had a still frame of the two sitting on stools on stage. "Mr. Hummel, I asked you a question."
"Yes, I'm familiar with the stupid term."
"Since you are familiar with the term, would you care to change your earlier answer regarding how you came upon video of the duet?"
"Fine, I searched for the video after seeing the after-party for Hidden Agendas was trending." Kurt replied. "I first found video of Blaine and Cooper singing, then another of him being joined by Santana and Brittany."
"How'd you know there was a performance by the Anderson-Smythes?"
"In the Hidden Agendas tag, plenty of fans had tagged, Seblaine and were talking about how incredible they were. From there, it only took a couple of clicks to get to the video."
"So you didn't really stumble upon it?"
"I did."
"Even though you were told to not search the two on the internet."
"I wanted to know what the big deal was about." Kurt replied. "If I hadn't found out about it that night, I would've heard all about it the next day as every freaking show was talking about it, plus it was all over the radio. Everyone was making a big freaking deal about the fact Sebastian not only joined Blaine on stage for a duet, but that it was an original song."
"Did that upset you Mr. Hummel?" Miss Strauss asked.
"Which part?"
"Your choice. The duet, the song."
"I hated that he had the nerve to bring Smythe up on the stage with him and flaunt their relationship."
"They're married Mr. Hummel, so it's not flaunting the relationship since it's well established they're together."
"No, it's flaunting since he downplays the marriage for the most part, but then goes and brings him on stage for a duet." Kurt frustratingly replied. "Then they had to go and sing a song that was a slap in the face to me, as it stated what I always believed, part of Blaine always loved that…that…Smythe." Mr. Jones couldn't help but sigh in relief as he thought he was going to call Sebastian meerkat once again.
"So once again, you feel it was about you on some level, when it was the furthest thing from it."
"According to you."
"No, according to Blaine who wrote the song for his husband. No part of that song is about you." Miss Strauss stated. "The song is about finding a partner who is perfect for you, regardless of any flaws one might have." Once she spoke, Blaine couldn't help but look at Sebastian, as she really understood the concept of the song, which had Sebastian press a kiss to his cheek. "Given how you feel about the Anderson-Smythes, and they you, why do you care what they do? Personally, if I felt for someone the way you do, I'd go out of my way to avoid information relating to them."
"Easier said than done, as Blaine is freaking everywhere." Kurt replied. "And, I don't care what they do."
"Yet your actions say otherwise."
"According to you."
"No, according to this court, whose opinion is what matters in all this." She stated. "Regardless of what you may believe Mr. Hummel, your actions/behavior are wrong."
"Well I'm entitled to my opinions, even if they're about precious little Blaine and his bastard of a husband." The next sound hear throughout the courtroom was that of Judge Watkins gavel come crashing down.
"Bailiff, please escort Mr. Hummel out of my courtroom." Judge Watkins instructed. "I warned you Mr. Hummel."
"You can't do this, I said nothing wrong!"
"Your honor." Mr. Jones said as he stood as the bailiff helped Kurt from the stand.
"He was warned Mr. Jones, I will not stand for him belittling the Anderson-Smythes in my courtroom."
"Your honor, please. This is a difficult situation for him, he meant no disrespect." Burt interjected before Mr. Jones told him to sit back down.
"Mr. Hummel, please sit back down." Judge Watkins replied. "While I understand where you're coming from, your son has been warned numerous times."
"Please, your honor."
"Mr. Hummel, one more word and I will have you removed from this courtroom as well, now take your seat." Judge Watkins stated. "I will not have this courtroom turned into a mockery." The more he spoke, it was impossible to ignore the looks between Xavier and Patrick as they took in what was happening. Once Kurt was escorted from the courtroom, Judge Watkins looked at Mr. Jones. "Since your client was unable to control himself Mr. Jones, I am going to conclude these proceedings unless you have other witnesses you'd care to call to the stand."
"Burt Hummel would like to speak on behalf of his son." Mr. Jones replied after Burt spoke with him.
"Mr. Hummel, you are aware that you would not only have to answer questions from Mr. Jones, but also from ADA Strauss." Judge Watkins stated. "Do you still want to testify?"
"Yes your honor." Burt said as Xavier shook his head, knowing nothing good could come out of this, particularly given Kurt's removal from the courtroom. He then tapped Miss Strauss on the shoulder so the two could talk.
"Your honor, since Mr. Hummel was not listed as a possible witness, I'd like a few minutes to consult with one of the Anderson-Smythes' lawyers." Miss Strauss stated.
"I don't see a problem with that, Mr. Jones?" Judge Watkins said in response.
"I have no problem your honor." Mr. Jones replied. Once Xavier started to speak with her, Burt tapped Mr. Jones on the shoulder as he had a few misgivings about the situation that was developing.
"What could they be possibly talking about?" Burt asked.
"Your guess is as good as mine, but given Xavier is Blaine's father-in-law as well, I'm sure he's heard his fair share regarding how you handled things between he and Kurt, outside of what was in the divorce proceedings."
"Wouldn't that be hearsay?"
"It's not much different from you, but you also need to keep in mind Blaine's Dad is actually here as well, so, anything you say he can easily dispute since he was as involved as you."
"Actually, Blaine tried to keep his parents out of it."
"Doesn't mean they didn't know what was going on." Mr. Jones told him. "So I'm going to ask you again, are you sure you want to testify given what I just said."
"Yes, as someone needs to speak on Kurt's behalf since he was removed from the room."
"I know you don't want to hear this, but he brought that on himself by blatantly disregarding Judge Watkins."
"I know what he said wasn't nice, but was removing him really necessary?"
"He'd been warned repeatedly not to talk about either Blaine or Sebastian in that manner, he left Judge Watkins no choice." Mr. Jones told him. "Kurt doesn't seem to understand these perimeters aren't negotiable, simply because he doesn't agree with them."
"But he's so limited by them."
"He's limited, because he didn't followed the initial guidelines set forth. All he needed to do was not speak poorly about them, yet he couldn't do that. In turn, everything else was set in motion and it spiraled to what it is now."
"Blaine…"
"Don't put this on Blaine or even Sebastian, Kurt did this to himself Mr. Hummel."
"Blaine could've stopped it from getting to this point." Burt told him.
"Blaine wants to be left alone to live his life, which has been the constant in all of this." Mr. Jones replied. "And for the record, Blaine tried, but Kurt wouldn't leave well enough alone."
"You're supposed to be representing Kurt's best interests."
"I am, but there is only so much I can do when he doesn't listen to what he's been told."
Before Burt could respond, Judge Watkins spoke up, instructing Mr. Jones to call Burt to the stand. Upon taking the stand and being sworn in, the hearing resumed. "Mr. Hummel, explain to the court why you felt you needed to speak."
"I felt I needed to speak up, since my son clearly is unable to." Burt replied. "While all of you think this situation is so simple, it's not."
"Why is that?"
"Because Blaine's presence is everywhere. You also don't seem to take into account the impact Blaine had on my son's life." When Blaine rolled his eyes, Sebastian gave his hand a squeeze. "And while the marriage didn't work, it's difficult for him to ignore everything that's going on with him."
"Why does it seem Kurt is incapable of refraining from commenting?"
"He feels betrayed, as Blaine ending up with Sebastian was always a fear of his given how hard Sebastian pursued Blaine."
"Objection your honor, as Mr. Hummel is referring to Sebastian's interest in Blaine back in high school." Miss Strauss interjected. "Once Sebastian headed off to college, he only had contact with Blaine once, briefly, until the day he walked back into his life, which wasn't until the divorce was finalized."
"Sustained. Mr. Hummel, let's focus on the now, not eight years in the past." Judge Watkins stated, earning him a look from Burt. "Simple math, since Sebastian Anderson-Smythe is graduating Law School soon. Am I correct, unless you took a gap year?"
"Yes your honor, you're correct." Sebastian replied from the gallery.
"But it's part of the reason why my son feels the way he does." Burt stated, causing Miss Strauss to look back into the gallery once again, leaving Blaine and Sebastian a bit confused.
"Noted, but these are things your son isn't able to confirm." Judge Watkins replied, and soon saw Xavier leaning over the divide speaking with Miss Strauss. "Is there an issue Miss Strauss?"
"May I approach the bench your honor, along with Xavier Smythe?"
"You may." Judge Watkins replied, before flipping the switch on his microphone so no one could hear what the four of them would be discussing. "I take it you have concerns where this is going Mr. Smythe?"
"I do your honor, as it's treading closely to matters pertaining to their divorce which is a sealed matter. Something my client would prefer to keep private due to certain matters which occurred between he and his ex-husband."
"I have to agree with Mr. Smythe." Miss Strauss added. "We're treading in dangerous territory, and certain information becoming public will do neither of the parties involved any favors."
"Mr. Jones, do you have any issue with this becoming a closed proceeding?" Judge Watkins asked.
"None."
"Then that's what I will do. Do either of you have issue with Mr. Anderson staying?" They all shook their heads. "Miss Strauss, I think it's time you let Mr. Jones know of our special guest as it's pertinent he remain."
"Special guest?" Mr. Jones replied, clearly confused.
"I requested our psychologist observe these proceedings, to give us another perspective to help make sense of this situation which continues to spiral out of control." Miss Strauss said, earning her a look from Xavier.
"I have no issue." Mr. Jones stated.
"Mr. Smythe?" Judge Watkins inquired.
"I have no issue at this time, simply give me a moment to inform my clients about the individual who will be remaining." Xavier replied. "Though that answer might change once my clients are informed. Is that an issue?" None of them had a problem, so they headed back to their tables, while Judge Watkins cleared the courtroom, something the reporters were none too happy about. It wasn't until the courtroom was basically cleared, did Xavier give Blaine and Sebastian the rest of the details. It was evident they were each concerned, yet Xavier reminded them the psychologist still adhered to confidentiality, even if he wasn't seeing them individually. After hearing his assurance, neither had a problem with the psychologist remaining, hoping he could make sense of everything.
"I want to make it clear, simply because the courtroom has been cleared, I will not tolerate any demeaning of the individuals involved." Judge Watkins stated. "I'm aware this is an emotional situation for all of you, but let's try to handle it as maturely as possible." He then looked at Burt. "Mr. Hummel, so you're aware, Mr. Smythe is now sitting second chair to the ADA as he's more familiar with the intricacies of the divorce proceedings between your son and Blaine Anderson-Smythe. That means when the time comes, he'll be allowed to question you should they deem it necessary."
"Understood." Burt replied before taking a sip of water. "Will my son be allowed to rejoin these proceedings?"
"No, he will not, and that's all I will say on the topic. Mr. Jones, please resume your questioning."
"Mr. Hummel, do you remember how your son reacted upon learning Blaine and Sebastian were together?" Mr. Jones asked.
"He called me the next day, and he was really upset." Burt told him. "At first he thought it was a bad joke, seeing them together. Thought Blaine was doing it to spite him, but then Sebastian kissed Blaine and made it clear they were together and had been for a few months."
"And then?"
"He said he got in Blaine's face, but was pulled back by one of their friends."
"Objection your honor, as that's not what occurred." Xavier interjected before Blaine or Sebastian had a chance to open their mouths.
"You weren't there." Burt replied.
"Neither were you, but Blaine and Sebastian were, and they are here."
"Gentlemen, we are not going to rehash the tedious divorce proceedings." Judge Watkins stated, surprisingly calmly. "Let's try to stay on track."
"Sorry, your honor." Mr. Jones stated before resuming. "Once it became apparent to your son that Blaine and Sebastian were indeed together, why did it matter since they were divorced?"
"He felt Blaine being involved with Sebastian was disrespectful to him given Blaine knew how Kurt felt about Sebastian." Burt replied. "I tried to tell him to ignore it, yet that fell on deaf ears. And then any time the three came in contact, Sebastian loved rubbing it in Kurt's face that Blaine was now his."
"What do you think made Kurt react so strongly to those comments?"
"Much as my son denied it, I believe it was because he still loved Blaine. So seeing him with someone he can't stand, is hard. It's one of the reasons why the divorce was so hard on him." Blaine couldn't help but scoff in response, something Judge Watkins clearly heard yet didn't comment on. "Then as Blaine's career picked up steam, he was forced to see more of the two together, and, they weren't shy about showing their affection for each other."
"Did your son's behavior concern you?"
"Yes, and it still does, but I feel Blaine and Sebastian aren't doing anything to make this easier. If anything, they are doing everything they can to make this more difficult for him." Xavier immediately looked back at them, and could see it was taking everything they had not to respond.
"What have they done?"
"Blaine basically dismisses how his new relationship and career are affecting him, while Sebastian seems to relish in the fact he has Blaine."
"Objection your honor!" Miss Strauss stated, as even she could feel the tension building in the room. "Given they are divorced, Blaine is under no obligation to take Kurt Hummel's feelings into consideration regarding not only his personal, but professional life. Secondly, it is out of Sebastian's control if that's how Kurt views the situation."
"How my son views this, is the reason all this is happening." Burt stated.
"Your honor, Blaine and Sebastian Anderson-Smythe have been married for close to a year, and have been together for almost three." Miss Strauss replied. "Regardless of what Kurt Hummel may believe, the Anderson-Smythes are deeply in love with one another and in a committed relationship, this isn't some grandiose production to get back at him."
"Everyone, stop!" Judge Watkins said to them. "This is not getting us anywhere. Mr. Hummel, I want a straight answer from you regarding your son's behavior. Why do you feel he's unable to leave the Anderson-Smythes alone?"
"Part of me feels he's always going to love Blaine, and regrets that their marriage didn't work. Another part of me feels their marriage reinforces every belief he had that they were seeing one another throughout the marriage." Given the courtroom was closed, Blaine got up from his seat and walked to the back of the courtroom, in frustration, hoping Judge Watkins wouldn't object, which he didn't. Tempting as it was for Sebastian to go after him, he stayed in his seat as Patrick looked on.
"Tread lightly with those allegations Mr. Hummel." Judge Watkins said to him, as Blaine's demeanor was impossible to ignore.
"I'm sorry your honor, but you asked and I gave an honest answer based on what my son has told me."
"Mr. Jones, do you have any other questions at this time?"
"No your honor." Mr. Jones replied before returning to his seat.
"Very well them, Miss Strauss." No sooner did he speak, he saw Xavier rise from his seat. "Given your personal connection to this case Mr. Smythe, be careful."
"Understood your honor." Xavier said as he buttoned his suit coat. "Mr. Hummel, are you aware of why the initial language was put into the divorce agreement stating they couldn't speak poorly of one another?"
"I was told it was because of Blaine's career ambitions."
"That wasn't the reason Mr. Hummel. That language was put in due to the incessant name calling and accusations thrown by your son during the proceedings." Xavier told him.
"According to Blaine."
"No, according to the documents filed with the court. While Blaine's career ambitions were taken into account, Kurt's were as well given his position at the time. Speaking ill of one another in a public forum would've been the easiest way for them to get back at the other."
"My son wouldn't have done that."
"But he has, as he's disparaged not only Blaine numerous times, but Sebastian also, each time with unfounded allegations." Xavier replied. "Are you aware of why an order of protection was initially instituted?"
"Because a judge felt it best they don't come in contact with one another."
"While that's true, there was something bigger he took into consideration, which was Blaine's well-being." Xavier said before glancing back at Blaine who was leaning against the back wall. "Hard as this is for you to hear Mr. Hummel, the order was put in place because of the abuse Blaine suffered at the hands of your son while they were married."
"He never touched him!"
"Still defending him, huh Burt!" Blaine blurted out as he walked back towards the front of the courtroom.
"Blaine, calm down." Judge Watkins said as Sebastian approached his husband. "I understand you're upset, but…"
"Upset, upset doesn't even begin to describe how I feel right now. You know that's not true Burt, Kurt's admitted to what he's done to me in front of you! You're only lying to yourself as we all know who Kurt really is and it's not your innocent little boy!"
"I'm sorry your honor." Xavier said as Sebastian tried to calm Blaine down, wrapping him securely in his arm.
"It's alright, as I knew this was going to get heated. With that said, it doesn't give you the right to interrupt Blaine, even if you feel he's being untruthful."
"I'm sorry, it's just hard to listen to this after everything Kurt's put me through."
"I understand that, but you can't simply blurt out your objection." Judge Watkins told him.
"You need to trust my Dad." Sebastian whispered softly into his ear. "He knows the truth, he'll take care of this." After taking a deep breath, Sebastian guided him back to a seat, positioning him between he and Patrick.
"Are you going to be able to control yourself?"
"Yes." Blaine replied softly. "Again, I'm sorry your honor."
Judge Watkins accepted his apology, yet was soon having to explain to Burt why Blaine was allowed to stay after Kurt was ejected for a far lesser offense. While Burt wasn't happy with the response, there was little he could do before the proceedings continued. "Before Blaine voiced his concerns, I was going to point out that there are other types of abuse. And while Kurt did indeed physically abuse Blaine, the emotional and verbal abuse he endured was far worse. Kurt constantly interjecting himself into Blaine's life, stirred up issues he'd thought he'd dealt with. It was for Blaine's mental well-being, Kurt was ordered to stay away from him, and in part away from his boyfriend at the time, Sebastian Smythe."
"That was unnecessary." Burt told him.
"Was it, as your son showed up at Columbia numerous times to have a word with Sebastian?" Xavier stated.
"I don't know why he did those things. What I can tell you now, is this order of protection has made it almost impossible for my son to live his life. No one wants to hire him in the field he's passionate about because they don't want to dare risk upsetting Blaine's management. Then there are others who wouldn't be dealing with his management, but don't want to hire someone with a restraining order against them."
"All of the things you've stated Mr. Hummel, were brought on by Kurt himself. He lost his job at Vogue after his constant inability to behave in a professional manner regarding my clients. It is not Blaine's fault that musicians are linked so closely to the fashion industry. Secondly, I know people are indeed hired in your son's situation, yet they probably don't want the constant bad press he brings with him, press he brings on himself."
"He doesn't bring it on himself, Blaine's career does." Burt replied. "Blaine…"
"Don't address my client Mr. Hummel." Xavier said to him. "This is out of Blaine's control, and has been for quite some time. The moment your son violated the temporary order of protection by confronting Sebastian upon his return from his honeymoon, they no longer have a say in how things progress. Judge Watkins has set clear guidelines for Kurt to follow, ones that if he did, nothing more would happen, yet Kurt can't seem to follow them."
"You don't know how hard this is for him?"
"You're right, I don't, but I know how hard this situation has been on Sebastian and Blaine." Xavier replied. "We all want the same out of all this Mr. Hummel."
"I doubt that." Burt replied.
"But we do, we want this situation between the three of them to come to an end, so they may all move on with their lives."
"Blaine's and Sebastian's lives haven't ended in all this the way Kurt's has. Blaine's gone on to win numerous awards, Sebastian's about to graduate law school, all while Kurt's working for me, back in Ohio, instead of in a field he's passionate about here in New York. You can't compare the situations."
"Never was, but simply because you don't know how Sebastian's and Blaine's lives have been affected, doesn't mean they haven't." Xavier told him. "I have one last question for you Mr. Hummel. Why did you call Kurt's therapist after his reaction to seeing Blaine and Sebastian sing a duet?"
"I'm not comfortable answering that with them present." Burt replied.
"Answering isn't negotiable Mr. Hummel, answer Mr. Smythe's question." Judge Watkins said to him.
"Not while Blaine and Sebastian are present."
"Mr. Hummel, if you don't answer the question, I will hold you in contempt, is that really something you want?"
"No your honor." Burt said in response. "I, I called Kurt's therapist because I felt his reaction was over the top and I was afraid of what he may do. He was livid seeing Sebastian on stage next to Blaine singing. Kept saying how unfair it was, and how it should be him on stage with Blaine and, and not the meerkat." Xavier couldn't help but look back at Sebastian who was suppressing a laugh upon hearing Burt use Kurt's favorite term for him. "I'm sorry your honor, but…"
"It's alright, as I presume you were merely quoting your son."
"That's correct."
"Mr. Smythe, do you have any other questions for Mr. Hummel?"
"No your honor, as he's proven my point regarding his son's mindset when it comes to my clients. Along with why it's gotten to this point." Xavier said before returning to his seat, leaving Burt on the stand.
"Miss Strauss, do you have anything you'd like to ask Mr. Hummel?"
"No your honor, as any questions I have are only able to be answered by Kurt Hummel."
"Very well. Mr. Hummel, you're excused." Judge Watkins said to him. "Mr. Jones, any other witnesses to speak on your client's behalf?"
"No your honor."
"Miss Strauss, would you care to call anyone as a rebuttal witness?"
"No your honor."
"Very well then." Judge Watkins replied. "With that stated, I'm going to go speak with Doctor Taylor in my chambers, and then I will deliberate. Once I've made a decision, I'll have my office contact you."
"Do you know how long it may take your honor?" Mr. Jones asked.
"I recommend not leaving the courthouse."
"What about my client?"
"If his father wishes to post his bond during this time, he may. Otherwise he's staying in lock-up overnight."
"Our flight back is tonight." Burt said aloud.
"Your son should've thought of that before he mouthed off in my courtroom." Judge Watkins replied, before calling court into recess while he made his decision.
