Sorry for the late post, but the site was having issues and I wasn't able to upload the chapter in order to post it.
5YL Let the Encore Commence
Part 35
Taking the concerned look on Blaine's face into consideration, Sebastian didn't hesitate to tell his husband precisely what he said to Burt knowing he already had plenty on his mind once they were on the road. Needless to say, Blaine's reaction wasn't what he'd expected as he took no issue with any bit of the conversation, he actually approved of it completely. "Here I was expecting you to be upset with me." Sebastian told him as he shifted in his seat slightly in order to look at him more directly.
"Why, as it was everything that needed to be said." Blaine told him. "If he didn't like how it came across, too bad as you've refrained from telling him off for quite some time. Plus know you, you held back a bit considering where this conversation took place." Upon hearing Sebastian laugh, Blaine smiled. "I thought so. The only problem I have with what you did, is I wasn't there to witness it as he deserved to be put on the spot given his change of heart."
"Next time, I'll make sure you're around for it."
"Thoughtful as that is, hopefully there won't be a next time between Judge Watkins ruling and, what I'm going to do."
"Having second thoughts?"
"No." Blaine said before turning into the parking lot of the office building where the meeting was to be held, which ensured their privacy. After pulling into a parking spot, then turning off the engine, he looked over at Sebastian. "But I've got to admit, I have no clue how this is all going to play out which is a bit unnerving."
"No one does, but as I told Burt, it would be in Kurt's best interest to listen to what you had to say to him." Sebastian told him as he reached over to take his hand. "Difficult as it may be to believe, you do have the upper hand in all this B. You're simply reminding him that you not only know, but have proof of all the misdeeds he perpetrated while the two of you were together."
"Perpetrated?"
"You are married to a soon-to-be lawyer." He then gave Blaine's hand a squeeze. "Would you prefer I use other terminology?" Sebastian asked, followed by a tilt of his head. And although Blaine couldn't see his eyes due to his sunglasses, he had a good idea of the look he was being given.
"Not at all." Blaine replied before exhaling, and turning in his seat. "I'm over thinking, aren't I?"
"Yes, but it's understandable. I'm doing it too, which is why if you've changed your mind, it's okay."
"I appreciate that, but no, I haven't changed my mind as his latest stunt was the final straw. He has no idea the toll all this has taken on my parents, so to throw it in my Dad's face was…" Blaine couldn't even finish as he was getting riled up and knew he needed to calm down. "He shouldn't still be able to get to me Bas."
"You're human B, much as you want to be able to turn off your feelings, it's not possible." Sebastian then leaned over to give him a kiss. "I love you so much."
"I love you too." Blaine then took a deep breath before looking over his shoulder towards the building where Scott and Marcus stood. "Marcus is going to stay out here with you, while Scott's going to come in with me and Sam." The next thing Sebastian saw was him rake his fingers through his hair. "Did I make the right call asking Sam to do this instead of say, Wes?"
"While Wes would be more likely to maintain his composure, I doubt he'd be comfortable with what you're doing." Sebastian replied. "Remember though, everything in that file was on the net, so anyone could've stumbled across it, some if it was merely hidden better than others. He wasn't as discreet as he might've believed."
"Discreet enough that I didn't know."
"Only because you never suspected he'd do this to you. Had you even the slightest hint he was cheating, you would've been able to connect the dots."
"You're giving me too much credit."
"No, you're not giving yourself enough." Sebastian said, before letting him know Sam had just pulled into the lot. "Now, should you need me, only say the word and I'll get my ass in there."
"I will keep that in mind, but hopefully it won't be necessary." Blaine told him before kissing him once again as Sam approached. "What are you going to do while I'm inside?"
"Read." Sebastian said before reaching into his pocket to hand the USB drive to him. "You've got this Killer."
"I'll keep telling myself that." Blaine then handed the keys to Sebastian. "Be back soon."
"Can't wait." Sebastian said before undoing his seatbelt. "Do you mind if I turn the car around, so I don't have to keep looking over my shoulder to see if you're on your way?" Blaine shook his head before moving to get out, yet Sebastian managed to get in one more kiss before he did so. Once he was out of the car, Sebastian gave Sam a look that without even a word said, Sam knew what it meant, protect Blaine.
Shortly after the two made their way inside, Sebastian moved to the driver's side of the car, and just as he was about to turn it around, Kurt pulled into the parking lot. Even though he parked close to the building, it was impossible for Sebastian to miss the look on his face, one that made him sick to his stomach as he looked too arrogant for his own good. Marcus clearly saw it too, as before Sebastian could get out of the car to confront him, he was stopped by a hand on his shoulder. "Blaine wants you to stay out of this, remember."
"But…"
"Trust him Sebastian."
"I do."
"Then trust he's not going to let Hummel manipulate the situation, he's no longer has a hold over him. Blaine knows precisely who he is."
"Not the advice I was expecting, but it's what I needed to hear." Sebastian said. "Let me guess, you and Scott discussed this at length."
"We did, not only today, but with your Dad a while ago." Marcus told him, earning him quite the look. "It wasn't only about this matter, you need to keep perspective. Hard as it is to hear, you have more to lose right now."
"Blaine reminded me of that this morning. So why didn't you stop me from speaking with Burt?"
"I was watching closely, and would've gotten you out of there if your body language dictated it was necessary." Marcus replied. "You know better than the rest of us, your husband is strong now than when this first began."
"Trust me, I'm well aware of that." Sebastian replied. "But it doesn't mean I'm comfortable with him being in the same room as Hummel."
"He won't be alone, keep that in mind as your Dad made it clear someone had to be in the room when they talk due to the protective order. Scott will be right outside that door, so it won't take him long to intervene should it be necessary."
"I'm aware of all that, I just don't trust him."
"For good reason given his behavior, yet if this is an end to a means as stated, you need to let it play out."
"Easier said than done."
"Never said it would be easy, but if I've learnt anything during my time working for Blaine, the two of you are capable of getting through this." Sebastian smiled up at him as he knew Marcus was right, this really was a blip on the radar given what they've dealt with. Yet only the other moments, he'd been with Blaine, which made this time all the more difficult for him.
While they were talking outside, Kurt was making his way passed Scott into the conference room where Blaine and Sam were waiting for him. "What's he doing here?" Kurt snidely asked as he crossed his arms in the doorway, as Scott closed it behind him.
"He's my chosen neutral party to what's going to happen here." Blaine told him as he leaned back in the chair he was seated on, causing it to recline.
"He's anything but neutral, I half expected the meerkat to be in here." Kurt said as he took a few steps towards the table.
"My husband, isn't a neutral party, not to mention, the order of protection pertains to him as well." Blaine replied. "Given my other choices, I think you'll agree Sam was the best option, I mean, I could've asked say, Santana, or maybe Thad to join us."
"Cute Blaine, real cute as they're almost as bad as the meerkat."
"Actually, I think you'd be better off facing Sebastian verses either of them. Face it Kurt, I was the safest option given how everyone feels about you." Sam said from his seat alongside Blaine. "So, take a seat so we can get this started as I'd like to enjoy some time with Blaine and Sebastian before they head back to New York." After a slight bit of hesitation, Kurt took a seat across from Blaine, which kept Sam between the two of them. "In case you were wondering, I've signed a confidentiality agreement, meaning I can't speak of what I hear today."
"Don't trust him Blaine?"
"No, I trust him, otherwise he wouldn't be here. Yet given the gag order in place regarding our divorce, I was legally advised it was wise to have whomever was present, sign a confidentiality agreement." Blaine said while coming to an upright position. "With that said, shall we proceed?"
"Why all the formalities Blaine?" Kurt asked as he leaned forward a bit.
"Because this isn't a social call, that's why." Blaine stated with a hint of attitude. "The reason I asked you here, was to try and come to a resolution, one that would allow us all to move on with our lives."
"Your life, and that of the meer…"
"His name is Sebastian, damnit Kurt, stop acting like a child!" Blaine said, cutting him off as he'd already let it go twice, which Kurt clearly took meaning he could use it cart Blanche. "So much for trying to handle this like adults, as you're clearly incapable of doing so." His frustration evident not only in his tone, but his demeanor.
"Come on Blaine, it's a joke." Kurt replied lightly, showing he felt Blaine was overreacting.
"It's not funny Kurt. I'm sick and tired of you taking jabs at my husband."
"He's heard worse."
"It's not a matter if he's heard worse, it's rude and disrespectful!" Blaine told him. "Throughout this entire mess, he's managed to keep his composure, something you'd know nothing about."
"He gives as good as he gets Blaine." Kurt replied, causing Blaine to chuckle before glancing over at Sam who was taking in the exchange.
"If you think he's been giving it back as good as he gets, your memory is betraying you. The wicked tongue he had in high school, is nothing in comparison to now. The only reasons he's refrained from letting you have it, is he doesn't want to make matters worse than they already are."
"That's a joke, right, because this situation can't get any worse."
"But it could, especially if you don't learn to keep your mouth shut." Blaine said rather bluntly. "I mean, Judge Watkins made it pretty darn clear he's done with your behavior."
"I bet you and that sorry excuse for a husband love what's happening to me."
"There's a bit of poetic justice to it, especially given your comment to my Dad afterwards." A comment didn't go unnoticed by Sam. "Not to mention all the snide comments you made during our divorce about me seeing a therapist to work on my issues. Clearly, I'm not the only one with issues. The difference between us though, is I acknowledge that I need help."
"I don't need help! That judge overstepped, he's the one in need of a psyche evaluation." Instantly Sam gasped, immediately reminding Kurt the two of them weren't alone. "Don't you dare tell anyone Evans!"
"Clearly, he didn't, since Carter's motion was denied." Blaine replied before glancing over at Sam who was still looking on in shock.
"If you only brought me here to gloat, I'm leaving. Kurt said as he went to get up."
"Sit down." Blaine stated, which Kurt surprisingly did. "This is not how I intended today to go, yet you couldn't go without insulting my husband, who really isn't a part of this."
"Right, you were sleeping with him when we were together!" Kurt yelled at him, slamming his hands on the table as he did.
"No, I wasn't!" Blaine exclaimed while getting to his feet. "You were the one screwing around behind my back, with multiple partners!"
"I did not!"
"But you did, and I have proof of it!" Blaine replied which caused Kurt to back down ever so slightly. "You heard me right, I have proof."
"If you had proof, you would've used it when we got divorced." Kurt said as he crossed his arms over his chest.
"I would've, if I had it at that time." Blaine said calmly having regained his composure. "It would've been a great counter argument to all the accusations you threw at me. You see, I didn't come into this information until our divorce was finalized. Once I saw it, it proved you were merely deflecting your own behavior onto me."
"You don't know what you're talking about."
"Really." Blaine replied before turning the laptop he had before him, only to show Kurt a picture of him kissing another guy, and the guy's hand missing from view. "Sam, correct me if I'm wrong, but that behavior would be classified as infidelity, wouldn't it?" He asked as Kurt looked on in shock, and Sam took a doubletake at the picture.
"Where'd you get that?" Kurt demanded while trying to close the screen, yet Blaine moved it before he could.
"Doesn't matter. Would you like to see more?"
"You wouldn't."
Kurt quickly regretted his response as Blaine pulled up another picture, this one with a different guy. He then proceeded to click through other pictures he had in his possession, making Kurt go pale. "Just think, most of these pictures are before our one-year anniversary." Blaine then took a moment to pull up a new picture. "This one, is from our actual anniversary according to the time/date stamp on it. Gives the term business meeting a whole new meaning, doesn't it."
"You were cheating on him almost the entire time you were married." Sam angrily said to him. "Yet you were constantly telling the rest of us you thought he was."
"It's not as though he hadn't done it before."
"Once, I cheated on you once when you were ignoring me while I was still back in Ohio and you were in New York." Blaine replied. "It doesn't condone what I did, yet you said you forgave me."
"I had, but you know what they say, once a cheater, always…"
"Guess your next boyfriends are screwed given what you did to me!" Blaine retorted much to Kurt's surprise. "And Kurt, this is only the tip of the iceberg regarding what I know. You see, I don't only have pictures, there are videos too."
"Excuse me?" Kurt replied.
"Video, would you like to see some of it? I should warn you though, the PI said it's a bit, graphic."
"No, that's not necessary." Kurt muttered. "What do you want?"
"Excuse me?"
"What do you want from me to ensure no one else sees that?" Kurt asked.
"What makes you believe I'd show this to anyone?"
"The fact you showed me after having it for some time."
"Now if only you were as observant in court, we wouldn't be here." Blaine replied as he sat back down, a slight smirk on his face. "I want you to leave Bas and I alone, once and for all. I also want you to stop attacking Rachel, because like it or not, she's marrying Thad."
"Outside of Rachel, all of that's covered by the order of protection."
"Something you don't follow, hence why we've constantly been in court." Blaine told him.
"And if I don't, are you going to send it anonymously to one of those trashy gossip sites?"
"No, I'm going to show Burt."
"You can't do that, his…his…"
"His heart, I know."
"It could kill him!" Kurt exclaimed. "Sebastian put you up to this!"
"Actually, it was my idea." Blaine said rather calmly to him. "You see Kurt, I was content to leave this information in our safe for the rest of time. Yet, you simply couldn't leave well enough alone."
"You can't do this!"
"I wouldn't be the one doing it, you would be."
"This is blackmail."
"Blackmail is such an ugly word, I prefer to look at it as leverage over you to ensure a specific response."
"Blackmail."
"Considering losing your job, exuberant fines, and jail haven't deterred your behavior, you left me no other option."
"Blaine, this isn't you, don't do this. My Dad loved you."
"You mean the same man whose accused me of dating Sebastian while you and I were still married. Of purposely destroying your life. The man who threw me under the bus in court on Thursday, blamed this whole situation on me."
"He's my Dad."
"I know that, but it doesn't give him the right to trash me, or my husband."
"Blaine, he's trying to protect me."
"Not holding you accountable for what you've done, isn't protecting you, he's making excuses for you!" Blaine told him. "So what's it going to be Kurt?"
"Why are you doing this?"
"Because I'm sick of you interjecting yourself into our lives, one way or another."
"Why can't you see how hard it is for me to see you with, Sebastian?"
"Maybe because all your cheating proved you didn't give a damn about me! You're using Sebastian as nothing more than an excuse for your inexcusable behavior."
"You know how I feel about him Blaine."
"I know, since you accused me of cheating on you with him more than once." Blaine said. "But again, this isn't about Sebastian, or even me, it's all about you! I really shouldn't be surprised, after all, you do tend to make everything about yourself."
"That's not true!"
"My god, are you incapable of telling the fucking truth!" Blaine exclaimed in frustration, raking his fingers through his hair. "This entire situation, is happening because you're not the center of attention. You couldn't believe I actually left you and had the audacity to file for divorce. After that, you fought the divorce, but it wasn't because you gave a damn about me, it was so you could play the pity card, say how unreasonable I was being." When he went to speak, Blaine simply continued. "Then once you stopped fighting, it was all about what you could get from me. Thank god my Dad convinced me to sign that pre-nup, otherwise you would've been all over my trust fund, not that it stopped you from trying.
From there, it was all about making me even more miserable if that was possible as you hated that my parents were supporting me. I can't even count the number of times you asked me to ask my parents for money for things. Yet once everything was agreed upon, you never gave me another look, but that didn't stop you from trashing me to anyone who would listen.
"Blaine."
"I'm not done yet." Blaine stated. "You didn't give a damn what I was doing, until I started making a name for myself, per Kyle. From there, you had to see for yourself since you told me more than once I didn't have what it took to make it as a mainstream musician. Then came the fateful night you came to one of my shows, fawned over me, again per Kyle. You were adamant about talking to me afterward, only to find me with my friends, in Sebastian's arms, which pushed you over the edge. Seeing me with Sebastian, you knew there was no way of slithering your way back into my life, let would the others let you near me again."
"Go to hell!"
"The truth sucks, doesn't it?" Blaine replied. "The only thing you give a damn about, is the amount of money I'm making that you'll never be able to get your hands on. Something which became even more evident once you lost your job at Vogue."
"A job I lost because of you!"
"Again, not my fault. You were unable to behave in an appropriate manner, time and time again, as Isabelle gave you plenty of chances to prove yourself." Blaine told him. "That very behavior, is why no one wants to hire you, you're a liability as you've proven you have no self-control." He then leaned back in his chair. "Think about it Kurt, my proposal would actually be beneficial for all of us."
"How's that?" Kurt asked.
"Me and Sebastian, get to live our lives without you intruding into them. You, start to come off as a rational human being, meaning…"
"People might consider hiring me."
"Precisely." Blaine replied before looking over at Sam. "This was what I was trying to get you to see earlier, before you behaved like a child, without resorting to…"
"Blackmail." Kurt said as he was clearly thinking about what Blaine had said.
"Again, such an ugly term, but call it what you like if it means you won't take it as an idle warning. For as you acknowledged, it does benefit us all."
"Actually, me more than you."
"Depends on one's view, because honestly, having you out of my life once and for all, would be immeasurable." Blaine told him bluntly. "So, what will it be Kurt?"
"Do you really have to ask?" Kurt replied
"Sadly, I do given how you've behaved throughout this ordeal. I mean, it's impossible to ignore the fact he's aged about five years since this all started due to the stress." Something Kurt really couldn't dispute as he'd noticed it too. "So, prove to me you're not the selfish SOB you've shown yourself to be since this this all started. Be the person I first met all those years ago at Dalton, whose Dad meant the world to him and he'd do anything to protect."
"Yet you're…"
"He went there as you left him no choice Kurt!" Sam blurted out. "You pushed him to this point, and Burt's his best leverage against you. Hate him all you want, but don't even think Blaine never cared about Burt, because he did. Why the hell do you think it's been so hard on him to listen to all the crap he's spewed at him?"
"You don't know everything Sam." Kurt said, albeit a bit reluctantly.
"No, but I know enough. Like I told him earlier, Burt never should've gotten into the middle of all this, yet he did because he loves you, no matter how detrimental it may be for his own happiness."
"What do you mean?"
"Seriously?" Kurt nodded. "His support of you, is putting one hell of a strain on his marriage Kurt. If you'd open your eyes, you'd see it to. I mean, Carole spoke out against you when you dared to use Finn's memory to guilt Rachel after she got engaged to Thad."
"She's the reason my Dad kicked me out."
"You're right, as she was sick of your behavior, and I don't blame her." Sam told him. "Dude, you're what, twenty-seven now? Grow the hell up and stop expecting others to clean up your messes for you, because Blaine's right, you brought this all on yourself!"
"Listen to him Kurt." Blaine replied before checking his phone as Sebastian sent him a text, wanting to know how things were going.
"Let me guess, Sebastian?"
"Yes, he wanted to make sure I was alright."
"I bet he loves this."
"Honestly, we hate this as we merely want to live our life Kurt." Blaine told him. "Also, he's checking in with me, as he doesn't trust you around me considering your previous actions, not that I blame him. So again, what will it be, but think carefully as once you make your decision, there's no turning back."
"Fine."
"Fine what?"
"I agree to your terms, as my Dad can never see that stuff."
"You hear that Sam?" Blaine asked as he looked over at him, and Sam nodded. "Keep in mind, this is between us, no one else can know, even Carter since it's…"
"Not legal."
"Basically." Blaine replied as he took the stick drive out of the laptop, then slipped it into his pocket. "You do know, this little agreement won't change anything in the court's eyes, outside of Judge Watkins not having to see you as much. You're still bound by the rules laid out by him and Miss Strauss."
"I know."
"Just making sure." Blaine told him before getting up out of his seat. "Since this is likely the last time we'll see one another, unless Judge Watkins orders me to appear in court, goodbye Kurt." He then looked over at Sam. "Let's get out of here, as I'm sure Bas is getting antsy." Sam smiled before getting up out of his chair so they could leave. Then with one last look between the two of them, they two of them headed on their way, leaving Kurt to think about just how far he'd pushed Blaine for him to go to this extreme.
While he was thinking, Scott was following Blaine and Sam out of the building as Sam talked what seemed to be a mile a minute. "I still can't believe you just did that!" He said as Blaine kept his focus forward, needing to see Sebastian. "That was unbelievable! You…"
"Sam, stop." Blaine said as he came to a stop. "I understand you're shocked, hell, I can't believe I pulled it off. But this is not the place to talk about it." Immediately Sam looked around as they were in the middle of a hallway, luckily, he hadn't said too much as he was in shock.
"Sorry."
"It's alright, I get it. Let's save this conversation for once we get back to my house."
"What about the confidentiality agreement?"
"It stated you were not to talk about what you heard in that room, outside of the parties involved in the case, which means…"
"I can talk with Sebastian."
"Exactly. Now let's go, as I really need to see him right now as something like that is more his forte, than mine."
"Not a problem, let's get you to your husband!"
