5YL Let the Encore Commence

Part 39

Knowing it was in Kurt's best interest not to be late, Burt managed to convince him to leave earlier than they're originally planned to do. While Kurt wasn't a morning person, his mood this morning was less than optimal for the drive to Columbus. "Are you sure you don't want to talk?" Burt asked once they'd been on the road about thirty minutes.

"What's there to talk about?" Kurt replied. "For the next week, I'm going to be treated as though there is something wrong with me, which there isn't."

"Kurt, wouldn't you like to know why you can't seem to leave Blaine and Sebastian alone."

"I do leave them alone, I simply state my opinion regarding things they do." Kurt said, before Blaine's words echoed in his head, along with some of the proof of what he'd done. "Aren't you going to at least congratulate me for not getting into it with Sebastian that day, it should count for something"

"I hadn't realized the two of you had crossed paths." Burt told him. "You said he wasn't in the room, but never mentioned he was there."

"He waited outside, in Blaine's car during the meeting." Kurt said in response.

"Was he still there when it ended?"

"I spent a few minutes inside once we finished, so by the time I got outside, they were already gone."

"It was probably for the best, that way you didn't have to see the two of them together." Burt told him. "Are you sure you don't want to talk about what you and Blaine discussed?"

"I wouldn't say we discussed things, Blaine spoke. I spoke. We yelled, Sam gave his two-cents."

"Yet something had to happen, as you seemed different."

"Like I said, Blaine pointed out how I could benefit from leaving them alone." Kurt said to him. "And while you have too, he understands how that world works a little better. Plus, he drove home a point Isabelle had made, one I really should've paid more attention to."

"Have you spoken to Isabelle recently?"

"I'm going to attempt to get in touch with her once I get released. If she takes my call, I'm hoping to bring up what Blaine said, and get her take on things."

"Why do you say attempt?"

"After our last call, combined with my behavior towards Blaine and Sebastian, I doubt I'm a priority. Let alone the fact Cara is the one who gets to decide if she's busy or not, and Cara doesn't like me."

"Isn't part of her job to forward calls?"

"Yes, but having done her job, I know the only calls she has to forward are business calls, otherwise she can take a message, even is Isabelle isn't busy. It's why people often tried to get on our good sides, so they wouldn't simply become a message."

"You really miss that job, don't you?"

"I do. While the hours could be crazy, I loved what I was doing." Kurt told him. "It's as though when I lost my job, I lost a part of my identity which I'd created."

"Sounds like that should've been your focus, not what Blaine and Sebastian were doing."

"I know, yet since I didn't, I've become persona non-grata in the fashion world." Before he could continue, he paused as a commercial played on the radio.

For those of you going to SummerBash in Columbus, another batch of VIP tickets for Saturday has been released due to the high demand to see Westerville's own, multiple Grammy winner, Blaine Anderson.

Also, rumor has it Blaine will be making a surprise appearance at his alma mater, Dalton Academy, the Friday evening before as part of a fundraiser for the school.

And since we're on the topic of Blaine Anderson, today is the last day to enter to win a pair of tickets to the sold-out Breaking Through charity event the first Saturday of June. Not only will Blaine before performing that night, Broadway stars Rachel Berry and Jesse St. James are also part of the festivities, each Ohio natives.

"What the hell is Blaine thinking, Jesse St. James, Jesse freaking St. James, Rachel can't stand him!" He exclaimed, shocked that Blaine would dare invite Jesse of all people to his charity event. Yet once the DJ started to talk about the charity more, Kurt turned the radio down a bit, not wanting to hear anymore. "Did you know Rachel was performing at this?"

"No, but I haven't spoken with LeRoy or Hiram lately." Burt told him. "When I get home, I can ask Carole."

"That won't be necessary, since it was just stated she's performing, but I can't believe she agreed to be a part of this if Jesse is." Kurt replied. "Honestly, I'm surprised Rachel was able to get a night off from her show to come to Ohio." He said. "Though, it's not like it's some secret she and Blaine are close, after all, he helped Thad propose to her in Times' Square." The disdain evident in his voice.

"You really don't like Thad, do you?"

"Not in the slightest, as he's as arrogant as Sebastian." When Burt chuckled, Kurt looked at him. "What's so funny?"

"This is the first time I can recall us having a conversation which you're actually using Sebastian's name, not Smythe or…what's that other name you have for him?"

"Meerkat."

"Mind if I ask why the change since we're not in court?"

"Um, Blaine went off on me about using it on Saturday." Subconsciously rubbing the back of his neck as he felt uncomfortable, as the look on Blaine's voice in that moment was still vivid in his mind.

"He's done that before."

"Not like this, everything about him was different on Saturday, and I'm not talking about how he now dresses or wears his hair."

"Should I be concerned about this?" Burt asked, though Kurt's depiction of Blaine fell in line with what he'd seen not only in court, but previous meetings.

"No." Kurt told him. "What I meant, is, he was very cold during our conversation, which isn't really a side of him I've ever seen. I've seen him mad, and angry, but never, cold if that makes sense."

"It does, as it doesn't really match the person we know."

"So, you agree, Blaine's changed."

"Yes, but you have as well." Burt replied much to Kurt's dismay. "Kurt, people change, it's expected."

"Well, Sebastian's still the same arrogant bastard he was in high school, same goes for Thad."

"Do you really think Rachel would be marrying him if he was really that bad of a guy?"

"Honestly, I don't know any more as the mere fact Rachel turned her back on me and supports Blaine and Sebastian, I clearly didn't know her as well as I thought." Kurt said to him before looking out the window.

"I'm sure she could say the same about you."

"Excuse me?" Burt's comment bringing his attention back to his Dad. "What do you mean by that?"

"Kurt, while I've taken your side through most of this, you're not innocent, none of you are." Burt told him. "And while I don't agree with the steps Blaine and Sebastian have taken, you've…"

"Given them no other choice, I've heard that before." Kurt said. "Hell, I've heard it from just about everyone, yet no one ever looks at things from my point of view. Blaine is not the sweet, innocent person people think him to be!" He said in a huff. "I don't want to talk anymore, as I don't want to be in a bad mood when we get there."

"Kurt." Yet he meant what he said, not responding to his name, simply turning his head to look out the window, much to Burt's dismay. The last thing he wanted to do, was upset him, which he clearly did. But at the same time, learnt whatever Blaine had said to him on Saturday, had clearly struck a chord.

By the time they arrived in Columbus, Kurt tried to convince his Dad to stay in the truck, yet Burt insisted he walk him inside. It wasn't that he didn't trust Kurt, but knowing how much was on the line, he didn't want to take any chances. Unlike other hospitals they'd been in, this one didn't have the same sterile environment as the others, strangely enough, it seemed welcoming.

"Hello, may I…" The receptionist paused, as she locked eyes on Kurt, though it was obvious he didn't remember her. "May I help you?"

"Yes, I…" Kurt's stopped mid-thought as he spotted Carter come walking around the corner along with an administrator. "What are you doing here?"

"Did you really think I wouldn't be here to ensure you followed through?" Carter replied, before smiling down at the receptionist. "He won't be needing your help anymore miss." She smiled in response, before returning to work, yet she couldn't help but overhear what was being said. "Kurt, Mr. Hummel, this is Dr. Brady, she'll be responsible for overseeing Kurt's evaluation and reporting back to Judge Watkins. Which means, she's also the one who will determine if you'll need to stay longer than the mandatory one week."

"Do you have any questions Kurt?" Dr. Brady asked.

"Will he be allowed visitors while he's here?" Burt said in response.

"No, outside of the court mandated family session, you won't have any contact with him until he's released from our care."

"What are the chances of this lasting longer than a week?" Kurt asked her.

"That all depends on you Mr. Hummel. Now, if you'll come with me, we'll finish your admittance paperwork and get you settled." Dr. Brady said to him, before looking at Burt. "You'll need to say goodbye to him out here, as only patients are allowed beyond those doors." Before Burt could react, Kurt sighed in frustration rather loudly as a new song began to play in the lobby. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing." Kurt muttered under his breath, as an instrumental version of one of Blaine's songs played.

"Mr. Hummel, if you're not honest about what you're feeling, you're going to make the process more difficult."

"I don't want to talk about it here." Kurt said, upon looking around, fully aware they were out in the open.

"Very well. Say goodbye to your father, hopefully you'll be seeing him in a week's time."

"How will I know when to come and get him?"

"I'll call." Dr. Brady replied, before stepping away to allow the two to say goodbye

Once Kurt headed through the doors with Dr. Brady, Burt looked at Carter. "Was your presence really necessary?" He asked as he watched the doors close behind them.

"Given your son's track record and his recent meeting with Blaine, yes."

"So, you were aware of it?"

"Yes, as Blaine went through all the proper channels to arrange it."

"You had no issue with it?" Burt asked.

"No, as things certainly couldn't get much worse between them." Carter told him. "Clearly, he still has issues when it comes to Blaine so the meeting wasn't a complete success."

"Why do you say that?"

"You don't know what set him off moments ago, do you?" Burt shook his head. "The music, a song of Blaine's came on. If my memory serves me correctly, it was his first hit."

"Which was about he and Sebastian, or so I was told." Burt said to him. "No wonder he reacted, as he said it felt like Blaine was purposely flaunting his relationship with Sebastian."

"That statement alone, should've told you he had a problem."

"Excuse me?"

"Burt, look at the timeline. From the day Blaine left him to the day that song came out, years had passed."

"The divorce had only recently been finalized."

"True, yet it took longer for them to settle their divorce, then they were actually together." Carter reminded him.

"They were together in high school."

"Yes, but even from what I've been told, they had their fair share of ups and down, even broke up for several months."

"How do you know all this?" Burt asked.

"After taking on his case, I was given a rather in-depth dossier of their divorce proceedings. Plus Kurt was rather up front about his history with Blaine." Carter proceeded to ask him to hold on a moment, as his phone went off and he needed to check it. "It's probably best Kurt's here and will have no access to the internet." He said after slipping his phone back in his pocket.

"Why is that?"

"Someone just posted a photo online showing Sebastian arriving at his graduation rehearsal." Carter told him.

"How do you know that?"

"Because I have alerts set up to help me prepare for any possible outbursts from your son." Carter replied, and didn't hear the subtle giggle from the receptionist. "Trust me, I'm more aware of Blaine and Sebastian's comings and goings than I care to be."

"Could I see the picture?" Burt asked, to which Carter took his phone out to show him. "Who's that with him?"

"The one he's talking to, his friend Hunter, the other is Cole, a member of Blaine's security detail, though he's often spotted accompanying Sebastian."

"Kurt said Hunter's a real piece of work." Carter couldn't help but laugh. "I take it, you've met him too."

"You could say that." Carter then put his phone back in his pocket. "Is there anything else you need Mr. Hummel, as I'll be heading back to New York this afternoon as I still have things which need my attention."

"That'll make for a long day."

"It will, but you see I have a family function tomorrow which I can't miss. So, today's work day, will last as long as necessary." Carter told him. "You have my number, should you have any questions. Just keep in mind, once he's released, he'll be reporting to lock-up afterwards. Any time you have with him will be limited outside of work."

"I'm aware of that, I'm still trying to wrap my head around all this."

"Understandable, but hard as it may be, I truly believe it's for the best given what he's done." Carter told him. "Don't you want to know why he's behaving this way?"

"Of course, I do." Burt told him.

"That's what this is about, getting answers so everyone can move on with their lives."

"Blaine…"

"His life's been affected, believe it or not. While it may be different from how Kurt's life's been affected, doesn't mean it hasn't." Carter said to him. "Are you going to be alright?"

"Yes, it's just a lot to think about." Burt replied. "Will you have contact with Dr. Brady?"

"She'll be updating my office, the ADA, and Judge Watkins with his process. If he cooperates, he'll be out in a week, otherwise it's anybody's guess."

"That's what I'm afraid of since he still believes he doesn't belong here."

"Well if he'd not acted so irrationally in court, he wouldn't be here. So once again, Kurt's responsible for what's happening to him, as others are merely reacting accordingly." Carter then pulled his phone from his pocket once again. "I'm sorry Mr. Hummel, but I really need to take this. Again, contact my office should you have any questions." Once Carter walked away, Burt turned towards the doors, yet not before looking back towards the doors Kurt disappeared through one last time. Hard as it was leaving him there, he had to believe it was going to give them the answers they all needed to resolve this, as Carter had said. Otherwise, he had no idea what he was going to happen once Kurt was released, and then sent into lock-up.

Shortly after Burt left the building, the young woman took her own phone out of a nearby drawer and began scrolling through her contacts. Normally she wouldn't share with anyone, people she'd seen coming and going from the facility, yet this time it was different given her connection to the situation. It also didn't help that Kurt seemed completely clueless about the fact the two had met before, albeit they weren't friends. Upon finding the number she was looking for, she anxiously waited for her break because if anyone could connect the dots for her, she had a feeling it would be Santana.

Meanwhile back in New York, Blaine was in the middle of tour rehearsal, though his band could tell he seemed to have other things on his mind. So after finishing Can't Break Me Down, Justin moved forward a bit in order to make eye contact with Blaine. "Something I can help you with?" Blaine asked as he flipped the page in his binder to the next song, as he always kept the music out as a reference.

"You could explain to us why you keep looking at the clock, as it's not like you." Justin told him, a sentiment promptly echoed by the rest of them. "Normally it's one of us noticing the time during rehearsal as you're usually in the zone."

"I thought you guys said I sounded fine."

"You do." Morgan said. "But it's as Justin said, you seem distracted. What gives?"

"I can't afford to lose track of time as I need to shower before I leave here, as I can't afford to be late or disheveled when I arrive at lunch."

"What's the big occasion since tomorrow is Sebastian's big day?" Talia asked.

"Bas's Grandparents are in town, both sets, and he has no clue." Blaine said in response, unable to hide his smile. "Given what Bas has accomplished, I thought it was only fitting they were here to witness his big day as they've always supported him. And after talking with Victoria, we felt it best he saw them today versus springing them on him tomorrow, which was the initial plan."

"You're taking quite the chance considering Sebastian's been downplaying this." Todd replied.

"I know, but I also know how much he loves his grandparents, along with most of his family. Bas is one of the last one's to make a big deal out of something, but this deserves it." Blaine told him. "Never once with everything going on with us, did he let it impact his school work. While he's not been direct about it, I know for a fact he's near the top of his class."

"That's amazing Blaine!" Morgan said happily. "And given everything he dealt with, it's one hell of an accomplishment."

"Exactly, which is why I've gone a bit overboard, but all his hard work deserves to be acknowledge."

"Just as he pushes you out of your comfort zone to acknowledge your accomplishments." Talia added.

"Basically, and I'm always grateful afterwards. Just as I'm grateful Kimberly planned Hunter's big party for Saturday, so our friends aren't pulled in two separate directions." Blaine told them. "Immediately afterwards, Hunter and Kimberly are going to spend time with his immediate family, before coming over to our place, so the two can celebrate all their hard work together."

"They deserve to, as they've each worked their asses off."

"Damn right they have." Blaine said. "Now we need to get back to work as I want to get through the full show at least once before I need to call it a day, as it's one of our last chances to do so before we hit the road."

While Blaine was finishing up at the studio, another rehearsal was just finishing up, and it couldn't have been soon enough for Sebastian. One of the only difference this time around, was Sebastian was at the beginning of the processional, versus the end since he was now married to Blaine. His demeanor wasn't all that different from others, yet it wasn't something they had a choice in regards to attending. By the time they were finally dismissed, it didn't take Sebastian and Hunter long to find one another since they were only separated by a row. "Want to go grab something to eat?" Hunter asked as they walked along with everyone else.

"Raincheck, as I have plans with my parents for lunch." Sebastian told him. "Speaking of, why don't you?"

"My parents aren't in town yet, but it won't be long till they are." Hunter replied after looking at his watch. "They're flight lands in an hour, so we're all doing dinner this evening before all the pomp and circumstance of tomorrow. How are you holding up after your little trip?"

"Honestly, I'm relieved." Sebastian said in response. "Here's hoping we never have to see that son-of-a-bitch again."

"I do too, as you and Blaine deserve to be able to live your life without him being a constant thought in the back of your mind."

"It's the perfect way to word it." Sebastian told him. "We really try not to give him much thought, but, he's always there in some way when it comes to us making certain decisions, particularly big ones. Hell, when it came to us getting married, Scott had to have numerous meetings to ensure our day wasn't ruined."

"Sebastian, I don't think anything or one could've ruined that day, you and Blaine were in your own little world." A fact Sebastian really couldn't argue with, especially given his and Blaine's conversation the night before. "Yet given my current situation, I can't imagine having to deal with something like him, when, you know." Hunter said vaguely, knowing Sebastian would understand.

"Which is precisely why I want him out of our life as that conversation has picked up steam."

"Good, as the last thing I want is for the two of you to give up something you want, because of him."

"I appreciate that." Sebastian said before looking over at Cole who was standing beside a waiting car. "We'll have to finish this conversation later, probably after B and I return from vacation."

"Deal. Now go be the good son, and I'll see you tomorrow, bright and early."

"See you then." Sebastian replied, before making his way towards the open door and Cole. "Do we have time to make a stop before meeting my parents?"

"I don't think so, as traffic is a little heavy, why?"

"Just wanted to pick up a little something for B, guess I'll just have to do it afterwards."

"That sounds like a better idea, as the last thing you want is to keep your parents waiting."

"Tell me about it, as the only worse than keeping my parents waiting, is making my Grandparents wait. I did that once, never made that mistake again. At least now I know where my parents got their views from." Cole had to try not to react, as if only Sebastian realized the trouble he could be in should they get caught in traffic along the way.