5YL Let the Encore Commence

Part 33

When Patrick awoke the next morning, he wasn't surprised to find his wife standing before the window, looking out onto the city. "How long have you been up?" He asked as he sat up in bed, and was soon aware she'd been up awhile considering she'd gone out to get coffee.

"An hour or so, didn't want to disturb you." Kate replied as she slowly turned towards him. "Any more than I already did last night with all the tossing and turning I did." She then started walking towards the bed as Patrick had moved over a bit. "Why haven't they called us back?"

"I told you the chances of hearing from them last night were slim given the conversation Xavier and I had with Sebastian." Patrick said in response. "Sebastian made it clear Blaine needed time to wrap his head around everything. My exchange with Kurt, and then Burt, has people asking lots of questions, questions Blaine doesn't want to answer."

"You're not responsible for this Patrick."

"But I am in a sense, in that I couldn't refrain from responding." He told her. "I should've walked away."

"You and Xavier were giving the boys time to get out of there." She said. "You never imagined reporters would be listening in on you, while they were out there."

"Yet Blaine and Sebastian are always conscious of it."

"They're used to it, plus they've also been burned by not being aware early on. Consider it a lesson learned." Kate replied as she took ahold of his hand. "Do you think we should wait to hear from them before heading over?"

"Yes, but I know if you don't hear from Blaine by a certain time, you'll be going there anyhow." The next thing he heard, was her giggle. "That's more like it, this trip was supposed to be fun as you're helping Blaine get ready for Sebastian's big day."

"He's insanely proud of all he's accomplished."

"That he is, and he's got every reason to feel that way." Patrick replied. "Yesterday Xavier said it reminds him of how Sebastian is about Blaine's accomplishments, and how they each downplay their own successes."

"They do, do that, don't they?" He nodded in response. "I'm going to try and take a page out of their book today, well, this weekend."

"How so?"

"Focus on graduation, not what's going on with Kurt." When Patrick cocked his eyebrow, she tilted her head. "I'm going to try, as the last thing they need is us or me, bringing things up again after they've most likely dealt with it. Yet if they bring it up, I'll voice my thoughts."

"That sounds like an excellent idea, just keep in mind, Sebastian has no clue what Blaine has in store for him."

"Victoria and I discussed that at length during our flight." She told him. "As far as Sebastian's concerned, it's merely going to be Blaine, his parents, and us at his ceremony, then friends joining us later in the afternoon for his party."

"I know, just be careful as Sebastian will pick up on the slightest hint that there is more going on, which…"

"He might not be too pleased about since he didn't want Blaine making a big deal out of it, somethi9ng we're well aware of. Blaine's worked too hard on this, to mess things up now, especially so close to the big day. Honestly, I think it's these personal milestones in their life, which helps Blaine sort through the rest of the chaos as he so aptly refers to it."

"I agree, though I believe his relationship with Sebastian, along with his career, have helped him deal with the worse aspect of it."

"Without a doubt." Kate then set her cup of coffee down. "Since Xavier has a meeting this morning, and Victoria is confirming certain arrangements, what do you say we go out for breakfast."

"What about going to see Blaine and Sebastian?"

"After breakfast, once Victoria is done. So, what do you say?"

"Sounds like a perfect to me."

Their decision to go out for breakfast was the right call, as Blaine and Sebastian didn't have an early night. While they enjoyed themselves, they also talked for quite some time as what occurred in and after court, caused them each plenty of frustration. Due to the emotional rollercoaster Blaine had been on, Sebastian wasn't surprised he was still asleep after he woke. Before curling up behind his husband, he decided to check his phone, which probably wasn't a good idea given the number of messages he had to return, probably all regarding the same topic. Upon checking to see if his Dad had tried to call, which he hadn't, he set his phone down and got settled behind Blaine.

Shortly after he wrapped his arm around him, he felt Blaine lean back against him, which caused Sebastian to tighten his hold, then press a kiss against his temple. "Morning." Sebastian said before kissing him again which caused Blaine to turn his head. "Feeling better?" Blaine nodded, before giving him a kiss. "Good, otherwise I might have to get creative." His response caused Blaine to laugh. "Here I thought you liked it when I got creative."

"I do." Blaine told him before slowly rolling over to face him. "Thank you for everything last night, as you didn't judge me for how I felt."

"You don't need to thank me, and I'll never judge you." Sebastian assured him. "Remember, you weren't the only one frustrated last night, I was too."

"I know, but, it was different."

"Only slightly. The more I think about it, the happier I am with the ruling."

"How so?" Blaine asked.

"He clearly needs psychiatric help." Blaine nodded in agreement. "Yet regarding the second part of his sentence, it'll be a reminder daily of how badly he's fucked up his life. Think about it, you're going to be on tour, including Columbus during that time."

"True." Blaine said, a smile creeping to his face.

"So, the press coverage will be crazy, since the Dalton boy is back."

"Speaking of, you will be able to make it to Columbus, right?"

"Yes, it's already been taken care of, along with me being able to get off for the benefit."

"I don't know how to thank your boss."

"I'll relay your appreciation, but don't get used to it, as once I'm trying cases, I'll have less freedom with my schedule."

"Outside of pre-approved vacations." Sebastian confirmed his statement. "Still, this situation isn't…"

"B, they know this isn't our fault, we're merely dealing with the situation the best we can." Sebastian told him. "They don't hold us responsible, which is why I won't be punished for it."

"That's the last thing I'd want."

"I know, which is another reason why I've been able to rein in my impulses and not go off on Hummel in a way I so desperately want to." The words had barely escaped him, when Sebastian found himself on his back, and Blaine straddling him. "While I love having you like this, what prompted it?"

"Usually, this leads to something we enjoy."

"Timing B."

"I don't want to talk about him anymore, would much rather show you how proud I am of you. Last night was supposed to be all about us, and while it was…"

"It wasn't what you imagined." Blaine nodded. "Me either, but it's not as though we didn't celebrate."

"It was different, as we had other things on our minds."

"True, though in those moments, you were the only thing on mind."

"And you me. Still good with what we decided?"

"I am, regardless of how our parents may feel about it." Sebastian told him. "Now with that settled, let's work up an appetite."

Timing wise, things couldn't have worked out much better, as Sebastian was making his way down the stairs after his shower when the doorbell rang. Knowing Blaine would be down shortly, he picked up his pace a bit in order to not keep them waiting. Upon opening the door, Victoria gave him a big hug, before making her way in, followed by Kate and Patrick. "Where's your husband?"

"Right here." Blaine chimed in, before Sebastian even had a chance to respond. "How was your flight?" He asked before giving her a hug and a kiss, then following up with his parents.

"Quiet, though our arrival was a bit different." Victoria replied as they all made their way into the living room. "You wouldn't know anything about that, would you?"

"Don't know what you're talking about?" Sebastian teasingly told her as they all took a seat.

"So, you had nothing to do with Marcus and Scott meeting us at the airport?" Kate said in response.

"That was all them." Blaine told her. "Scott felt it best given what happened, the two of you have some back-up. Was it necessary?"

"Not really, but the gesture was appreciated." Kate replied. "We didn't catch you at a bad time, did we?" She said, taking note of Blaine's still damp hair.

"No, we simply had a lazy morning, which was needed after the last couple of weeks." Sebastian said to her. "Outside of our trip to the Hamptons, it was the first time I'd slept in, in quite a while. Speaking of, are any of you hungry as we were about to go have brunch."

"We ate, but don't let us stop you." Patrick told them. "I'm sure we can come up with some way to occupy our time in the meanwhile."

"Good, because I'm starving." Blaine replied while getting up. "You're free to come down, talk to us, or whatever you like. Just don't mess with the music on the piano, I'm working on something."

"Down here, I thought you only worked in your studio?" Kate asked.

"Normally, but I can't help when inspiration hits and didn't want to risk losing my muse. Now if you don't mind, we're going to go eat."

They barely waited for a response, before they were on their way to the kitchen, leaving them in the living room. "They seem…"

"Normal." Victoria chimed in, to which Kate nodded. "I believe it's because they were able to process everything on their own last night, no distractions."

"You clearly spoke to Xavier about it, as he mentioned something similar to me." Patrick stated.

"I did, and hard as it was to not come to check on them."

"It was the right call, to respect their wishes." Kate added. "This is how I expected to see them when we initial planned this trip."

"As did I." Victoria replied, before noticing a new picture on the table beside her. "Seeing them like this, will make it easier to focus on why we're really here." She then sighed softly. "I'm sorry, that must sound so bad. I…"

"Relax, we understand where you're coming from all too well." Kate assured her. "No need to apologize. You want to focus on this milestone in your son's life, it's normal. It's what we want too. Our boys don't deserve to have moments such as these overshadowed."

"To quote our boys, living their life on their terms, is the best revenge." Patrick added. "Yet should they need us, we'll be there for them. Until then, we have a graduation to focus on."

"Someone needs to, since Sebastian isn't."

"But I am." Sebastian chimed in as he entered the room, then proceeded to hand out mimosas. "Simply because I'm not making a fuss about it, doesn't mean I'm not excited. If you don't believe me, talk to B, he'll confirm my statement. In the meantime, enjoy the mimosas, as we felt it wrong to indulge, and not share." Then after only a subtle pause, Sebastian disappeared as quickly as he appeared.

"Well, he made his point." Victoria said before taking a sip. "Wonder how much he heard."

"Enough, judging by the look on his face, yet he clearly didn't want to get into it." Patrick said. "Reminder, we're in their home and we need to watch what we say pertaining to this situation."

While things might be a bit awkward in the Anderson-Smythe home based on everything going on, it didn't compare to what was happening back in Lima. When Carole awoke that day, Burt was already gone and at the shop, meaning she wasn't going to get an answer to the question she posed the night before. Much as she wanted an answer, it was probably best she didn't get it till later in the day considering how heated their conversation had been.

She was in the midst of pouring herself a cup of coffee, when there was a knock on the door which she'd opened prior to heading to the kitchen. Upon arriving at the door, she was surprised to find Sam standing before her. No sooner did she open the door, did Sam make his way inside. "I hope I'm not catching you at a bad time."

"Not at all, what brings you by." Carole replied, smiling as she did, while gesturing towards the family room.

"I thought I'd stop by, after dropping some information off to Rachel's Dads about the upcoming benefit for the foundation." Sam told her. "Figured after what happened, I'd check on you."

"That's sweet of you, but it wasn't necessary." Carole said, and instantly Sam could see she wasn't being completely truthful.

"You don't have to pretend with me Carole, I know this situation sucks." Sam said to her.

"That's putting it mildly." She replied. "While this might seem out of line, how is Blaine doing?"

"Good, though he's frustrated about still having to deal with…"

"Kurt." Sam nodded. "I got that from what was reported of his testimony yesterday. I don't blame him, nor Sebastian for feeling that way."

"I didn't mention Sebastian."

"I know, but he loves Blaine, it's natural he'd be frustrated." Carole told him. "Time and again, he's shown there isn't anything he wouldn't do for him."

"You're right, there isn't, just as there isn't anything Blaine wouldn't do for him." Sam said to her. "Regardless of what Kurt may have told you, Sebastian had no part in their marriage falling apart, that was all…"

"Kurt's doing, I know, you don't need to convince me. If these last years have taught me anything, what I've learnt, is the tip of the iceberg when it pertains to their marriage."

"Trust me, you don't want to know."

"Blaine told you?"

"Enough, which made me question how I missed seeing how bad things were between them."

"That's a question Burt and I have asked ourselves numerous times."

"Difference being, you don't blame Blaine, nor believe all the accusations."

"Mind me asking, how do you know for certain Sebastian wasn't a part of Blaine's life, outside of him saying so?" Carole asked.

"Seeing them together for the first time, there's no way Blaine could've hidden how happy Sebastian makes him. Heck, it's one of the first things Santana noticed as well. For the first time in so long, he looked like Blaine again, he…"

"Had that sparkle in his eye." Sam nodded, before tilting his head. "I've noticed it in pictures of the two of them together. Awful as this may sound, he never looked at Kurt the way he looks at Sebastian."

"Blaine did love him."

"I know, but love like that, is a two-way street, as Sebastian beams at him too."

"I've got to admit, I didn't expect to hear that from you."

"I may be Kurt's stepmother, but that doesn't mean I'm blind." Carole told him. "If you were thinking of checking in on Burt, don't."

"Wasn't planning on it after he defended Kurt to Patrick. I can only imagine what he said to cause Judge Watkins to close the courtroom."

"So, Blaine didn't tell you?"

"I haven't spoken to him, or Sebastian. And even if I had, the chances of them sharing what went down, is slim." Sam said in response. "They feel the less the rest of us know, the better off we are considering how we feel about what's going on. They don't want us getting in trouble."

"Is that why you've all stayed out of it?"

"Basically, but it hasn't been easy." Sam told her. "But we know, if we act out, we'll make matters worse for them. I have to be honest with you, Kurt's comment to Patrick yesterday, isn't sitting well with any of us."

"Who do you mean, by us?" Carole asked.

"Me, Santana, Rachel, any of the guys from Dalton. It's piqued our curiosity regarding what it may be about, especially since Patrick got so angry."

"You seem to know more than what was written."

"That's because Santana's girlfriend is a reporter, and one of her co-workers was at the courthouse." Sam said to her. "Jordan filled Santana in on some information that didn't make it either online or in print. Patrick wasn't the only one pissed, Xavier was too, and Kurt's lawyer, was shocked. He then tore into him for what he did. While they couldn't hear, his demeanor, tone, spoke volumes supposedly."

"You trust this?"

"I do, as this guy has covered all the hearings up to this point and has never once stated anything which hasn't occurred. I hate to tell you this, but, he said Burt was really out of line, which is why Judge Watkins closed the courtroom."

"I figured as much, and he practically admitted it to me." Carole told him. "Hopefully given the sentence Kurt was given, all of this will be over soon."

"What makes you think this time is going to be any different from the rest?"

"You don't know the sentence?"

"No, it was made behind closed doors. Why?"

"Let's just say, the judge made it clear he's finished with Kurt's behavior, and took measures to fix it, measures Kurt's not happy about."

"But, I saw him walking into the shop this morning, as I passed by on my way to the Berrys, so…"

"The judge gave him three days to get his affairs in order, before his sentence begins."

"That's generous."

"Given what his sentence entails, it was necessary."

"Honestly, I'm surprised he didn't keep him in New York."

"As was I, but once Burt told me what was going on, him being back in Ohio makes perfect sense." She told him. "And while I'm being vague."

"It's okay, you've already said more to me than I expected. And Carole, Maribel mentioned you were considering volunteering at the foundation, but weren't sure if Kate or Victoria would want you around." Carole nodded. "Come by, as they don't hold you responsible for Kurt's actions."

"After what recently happened, I wouldn't be so sure."

"You weren't at court, Burt was. The worst thing they could say, is you're not welcome, but I know for a fact, early on, they invited both you and Burt."

"That was before Sam."

"Maybe, but I think you should do it. If you want, I could tell you the next day I'm going to be there."

"You volunteer?"

"At least once a week." Sam told her. "They're helping a lot of people, families. It's good hearing from others who've been through it, understand what they're dealing with. And while you're not Kurt's birth mother, you had to deal with a lot, have been through a lot."

"But considering all that Kurt's done…"

"They don't need to know his name, they just need someone who understands what they're dealing with." Sam replied before looking at the clock. "While I don't want to leave you, I have a few more errands to run before heading back to Columbus. Think about what I said."

"I'll do just that, and Sam, thank you."

"Don't mention it, and so you know, Blaine and Sebastian thought it was pretty incredible that you spoke up for Rachel back when Kurt went after her, it couldn't have been easy."

"It wasn't, but I wasn't going to allow Kurt to use Finn against her." She then wiped a tear from her cheek, that she hadn't realized had fallen. "Why is this happening Sam?"

"I wish I knew."