5YL Let the Encore Commence

Part 84

Upon arriving at the office on Tuesday morning, it wasn't long till Xavier's assistant knocked on his door. After entering, she handed him a message which intrigued him. "When did this call come in?" He asked as he looked over the message once again, as it was rather early still.

"Only about ten minutes before you arrived." She told him. "ADA Strauss, stated its imperative you get back to her immediately."

"Did she state anything else?"

"No, Mr. Smythe." Shortly after she spoke, the phone rang once again, so she reached for his phone to answer. Within moments, she'd pressed the hold button, before handing the receiver to Xavier. "It's Judge Watkins' clerk." Knowing the look of frustration all too well, she knew she needed to ask. "Do you want me to get in contact with Sebastian and Blaine?"

"Not yet, let me find out what's going on first." Xavier replied. "No need to concern them if it isn't necessary."

"Yes, Mr. Smythe. Should you change your mind, let me know." After Xavier thanked her, she exited his office, closing the door behind her.

The clerk didn't hesitate getting to the reason for the call, Carter's recusal, and asking for his thoughts on it. Given everything which had recently occurred, Xavier wasn't surprised he was requesting to be removed again. After stating his opinion on the matter, he further told the clerk should Judge Watkins need a more in-depth explanation he was welcome to contact him. Once the call ended, he returned Miss Strauss' call, now having a better idea of why she was possibly calling.

"I hope I'm not interrupting." Miss Strauss told him after pleasantries were exchanged. "Yet, I need to know your thoughts on Mr. Jones' request."

"You're not interrupting at all." Xavier replied. "The first meeting on my schedule is still a couple hours away. What I am curious about, is why this time around Judge Watkins is considering Carter's request?"

"Given Mr. Hummel's actions in court, along with statements which have been made, its evident he's put Mr. Jones in an impossible position." Miss Strauss said in response. "With him being unwilling to give his counsel the full story…"

"He makes him look a fool, and incapable of doing his duties."

"Correct." She reiterated. "This time around, his request for recusal was accompanied by a statement from one of the senior partners at his firm, outlining why he the request should be approv."

"Well, Kurt's behavior at his last hearing was enough to push anyone over the edge." Due to the tone of his voice, she felt there was more to his statement, so she inquired. "Not that this is going to come as a surprise to you, but he violated the court order, right outside the court room."

"You're correct, I'm not surprised. Let me guess, he had a few choice words to say about your son, and son-in-law."

"Yes." Xavier stated. "While he's said worse, it reinforced he doesn't take this situation seriously, even with all the fallout."

"Mr. Jones stated as much in his request, not that I haven't seen it firsthand myself."

"Now, what's the issue, as per my conversation with Judge Watkins' clerk, I feel he's hesitant to do so."

"It's based off not only the complexity of the case, due to the divorce's bearing on it, but your son-in-law's status." Miss Strauss told him. "While there have been only a few leaks in the case, a change in representation…"

"Can change that, as one can't guarantee the professionalism of the next lawyer, as some might try to make a name for themselves at the expense of Blaine."

"Precisely, and I'm not saying this lightly, but Blaine's mental health needs to be taken into effect given what's occurred. If this begins playing out in the press…"

"It could be detrimental to him." Xavier replied in frustration. "Blaine's worked hard to get to where he is, and I don't want to jeopardize that. Yet at the same time, I know where Carter is coming from."

"As do I, yet even he is smart enough to understand this type of reasoning behind the decision, should that be where Judge Watkins goes."

"Agreed, which is why I'm going to recommend consulting with Blaine's therapist." Xavier told her. "Obviously I'm protective of Blaine, and don't want him hurt again."

"Rightfully so, and I believe you're correct in that his therapist needs to be consulted." Miss Strauss replied. "This isn't a decision Judge Watkins is taking lightly, hence us wanting your thoughts on the matter. While Blaine has previously given us permission to speak with his therapist…"

"I will get in touch with him, then have him contact you."

"I appreciate that Xavier, and, I'm sorry you have to do this."

"It's not your fault, this is Kurt's as once again his inability to accept responsibility for what he's done, still doing, has brought this on. We're merely continuing to deal with the fall out of it."

"I wish there was more we could do, but…"

"I know, your hands, along with Judge Watkin are tied essentially at this point. Blaine knows this as well, as does Sebastian, though it doesn't make it easier to accept." He told her. "They simply want to live their life without having to give him a second thought. And while they do it for the most part, it only takes one outburst for them to reassess."

"Understandably so." Miss Strauss replied. "Let Blaine know I will be in the office the rest of the day, so should I not be available to leave a message and I'll get right back to him."

"Will do, and Miss Strauss, thank you."

"Not necessary as all counsel needs to be aware of what's happening."

"You know that's not what I meant."

"I do, yet it doesn't change things." She said to him. "Once Judge Watkins makes his decision, I'll make sure you're informed."

"I appreciate that." After the call ended, Xavier took a deep breathe before picking up the phone once again to call Blaine, to tell him what's going on. Although it was early, he was surprised when the call went to voice mail since Blaine typically got up early. Yet not wanting to speculate, he decided to send Sebastian a text, for all he knew, Blaine was at a meeting. It took a few minutes to get a response, unsurprisingly, Sebastian called instead of texting. Xavier did his best to not concern his son, yet Sebastian knew well enough, his Dad never would've texted him regarding Blaine's whereabouts if it wasn't important.

"You do know, if B has a say in it, he'll say to let Carter recuse himself, you do know that right. Sebastian replied after being filled in.

"I do know that, but for the record, Blaine doesn't get a say in it." Xavier assured him. "Given the nature of the situation, they are taking Blaine's mental well-being into account."

"According to Hunter, Carter's done with Hummel's crap, as he does nothing but lie to him, making it impossible for him to do his job."

"He stated as much in recusal request. The problem stems in that nothing's going to change with new counsel, and it could possible lead us to taking steps back. Unfortunate as it is for Carter, he's dealt with Kurt long enough to know a majority of what he's told is false."

"This case shouldn't even be taking up this much of his time."

"Everyone is aware of it, as it's turned into more than anyone imagined, outside of us based on Kurt's history." Xavier said to him. "I don't want you to worry, Sebastian."

'Too late for that." Sebastian replied before glancing at a picture on his desk of him and Blaine from that weekend. "Does Hummel know?"

"I'm not sure. What you need to focus on, is they are going to do what's in everyone's best interest, in the perimeters of the law." Xavier told him. "Carter knows being recused isn't a given, as the request has been denied before, yet…"

"Hummel's recent actions help his case." After Xavier confirmed his statement, Sebastian took a deep breath. "Dad, this situation can't play out in the media."

"I know, just as the ADA knows. Again, don't get ahead of yourself."

"Easier said than done given our history with Hummel." Sebastian replied. "You know B's going to try and act like the request is no big deal, right? While he's not ashamed that he sees a therapist, it's another story when the court needs his therapist's opinion. It's a reminder he's not…this frakking sucks!"

"I know. When do you think Blaine's going to be up?"

"Call the house, he'll answer."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, because once you speak with him, the ADA is still going to have to get in contact with his therapist."

"Will he be able to go back to sleep?"

"Knowing B, no, as his mind will wander, meaning he'll most likely end up in his studio, playing through whatever he's feeling. Then should he need a nap, he'll take one. He's good about taking care of himself in that regard."

"Do you want me to call or text you once we're done talking?"

"No, if B needs to talk, he'll call me."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, as I typically give him a call around lunch."

"You don't want to be seen as hovering, do you?"

"Exactly, and while I'm concerned, I know B will call me if he needs me." Sebastian replied. "Not to mention, he'll probably call his therapist too, so, we're good."

"Very well." Xavier told him. "Once I find out what's going on, I'll let you guys know."

"Thanks."

For as concerned as Xavier was, Sebastian too, Blaine didn't seem overly fazed by the fact the ADA once again needed to speak with his therapist. "I have to admit, you're handling this far better than I did." Xavier admitted, getting a chuckle out of Blaine who he could hear walking down the stairs.

"If I had a reaction anytime my therapist needed to be spoken to in regards to Kurt, I would be seeing him more than I am at the moment." Blaine told him. "Even with all that's happened recently, he hasn't felt it necessary I see him more often."

"That's good to hear."

"I told him the same thing, as early on, anytime he had an outburst which garnered a reaction from me, I couldn't work through it in one session. Part of getting healthy, is knowing what impacts me, and doing my best to manage it when possible."

"Which for the most part, is avoiding all contact with him." Xavier said, which Blaine confirmed. "It's a good thing you and Sebastian didn't come to his last hearing."

"Bas said as much, Kurt once again spun his own version of what happened. He's never going to own up to what he did, consistently. Only ever does when caught up in the heat of the moment, or someone trips him up."

"Something ADA Strauss is getting rather good at, she really got under his skin at his last hearing."

"Good." Blaine replied before reaching for a cup to pour himself some coffee. "The only way to ever get anything close to the truth out of him, is to frustrate him. Gives him less time to think of a new way to spin the situation."

"Very true." Xavier told him. "So you know, I called Sebastian since I couldn't reach you earlier." Once again Blaine laughed. "I take it that's cause you know how he reacted."

"I do, but did you really expect him to act differently?"

"No, as I had a similar reaction, and…"

"There's no need to apologize, if that's where you were going. Based on what you've seen, heard, witnessed, it's understandable. I easily could've reacted differently, hell, I did early on when it was necessary to speak with him. Yet now, I know it's being done in my best interest, as he knows the impact certain situations can/will have on my health and well-being."

"Correct, as the permanent order was put in place due to the impact his actions have/had on you." Zavier reminded him. "Now, as I told Sebastian, I will call you once a decision has been made, but don't expect it before late afternoon given everything which has to be taken into account."

"Understood." Blaine said before taking a sip of his coffee. "Guess I have some calls to make."

"That you do. Should you need anything…"

"I'll call, I promise."

Not only knowing his husband the way he did, but along with what Xavier said to him, Blaine felt it best to go see Sebastian at lunch, instead of talking over the phone. The gesture was certainly appreciated as it was impossible for Sebastian to hide his smile upon see his husband waiting for him. After sharing a kiss, the two began to walk, with Scott trailing behind. "Are you here because you want to reassure me or…"

"To reassure you, I'm okay." Blaine replied before he could even finish. "Everyone's concerns are coming from the same place."

"Any idea which way it may go?" Sebastian asked, and Blaine shook his head in response. "Are you sure you're okay with this?"

"I don't want him hurting anyone else."

"And I don't want him hurting you. Your concern makes you who you are, but it's okay to put yourself first on occasion."

"I'm aware of that, but he doesn't deserve this."

"Neither do you, and right now, you're the only person I car…" Sebastian stopped as he spotted Hunter outside the restaurant, and he wasn't alone. He wasn't the only one to spot the other, as Hunter saw them as well. "Things are about to get awkward." Before Blaine could ask, he saw Hunter and Carter, causing him to look up at Sebastian. "Want to go elsewhere?" Once Blaine said no, Sebastian took ahold of his hand as they got closer. "Hunter, Carter."

"Guys." Hunter replied, as Carter slipped his hands into his pockets. "This shouldn't feel so weird."

"Tell us about it." Blaine said in response, before looking at Carter. "For the record, I hope your request is granted."

"Thanks." Carter told him. "Hunter, how about we catch up tonight instead?"

"You don't need to go."

"Actually, I do, as I don't want anyone viewing this the wrong way." Carter said, and Hunter nodded. "Drinks?"

"Definitely." Hunter replied, before Carter went to place a take-out order, leaving Hunter with Blaine and Sebastian. "Don't take this the wrong way, but I can't wait for this to be over."

"No offense taken." Sebastian said in response. "You know we feel the same way, yet for different reasons."

"Oh, I'm sure some of my feelings, are similar to yours. I just hate having to be so careful talking to him, as does he. Plus, it's made for some awkward family situations." Hunter told them. "Nothing of which, is either of your faults."

"Yet, we're the root of the issue." Blaine chimed in, causing Hunter to look at Sebastian. "I get where you are coming from, but we are part of it, like it or not."

"B's got a point, much as you don't want to say it."

"You each know who the problem is." The adamant manner in which Hunter spoke, made them each smile. "That's more like it. Any change in the situation with his Dad?"

"Nope." Blaine told him, as Sebastian told the hostess how many were in their party. "According to Rachel, Carole's yet to speak to him. He's come by the house each day, but she's not ready to talk to him. Per Hiram, this is the first time Burt seems to grasp the severity of his actions regarding this situation."

"Not to be rude, but that's pitiful given what's happened along the way."

"That's one way to describe it." Sebastian replied. "Personally, I'm surprised she stuck it out as long as she did, even with what B's told me about her."

"Guess she really believed she could get through to him." Hunter stated. "Talk about not realizing how lucky you are, till they're gone."

"Rachel and I said something similar." Blaine said to him. "Mind me asking if you and Kim have found out…"

"Two more days, till we get our first opportunity." Hunter proudly told them. "Yet we were warned, it might not happen."

"Any preference, one way or the other?" Sebastian asked.

"Honestly, I'd love a little girl."

"Why, afraid of having a little version of yourself." Sebastian said, earning him a nudge from Blaine, yet a laugh from Hunter.

"You're not far off. It was actually what Carter and I were going to talk about since the pregnancies are piggy-backing one another in a sense." When Blaine glanced down, Hunter reached out and touched him on the shoulder. "Again, not your fault. Crazy as this sounds, it's easier for he and I to schedule time, than it is to connect with the two of you, especially now with you touring again."

"Well, I'm singing the anthem on Wednesday."

"So I've been told." Hunter replied. "And, I'm going to try and make it to the game. Right now, a night at the ballpark is what I need."

"Brain fried?" Sebastian asked as they were led to their table. Once he confirmed it, Sebastian told him he understood. "Can't say they didn't warn us."

"True, yet we've put the pressure on ourselves by signing up for the first exam." Hunter told him. "While it's a lot of studying, I feel we'll each benefit taking sooner as everything will be fresher in our minds."

"My thought exact." Sebastian replied. "I'm ready to actually start working, crazy as that may sound."

"Not crazy at all." Hunter then looked at Blaine. "Easy as it is for us to vent, we have plenty of time to do that, no reason you should have to listen to it. How's the writing going?"

"Progress is being made." Blaine said rather quietly, causing him to look at Sebastian.

"Trust me, he's outdone himself."

"Bas."

"I speak the truth, as you have outdone yourself."

"According to you."

"I'm going to have to take Sebastian's side on this one, as he's not one to give empty compliments." Hunter chimed in. "I wish you heard your music the same way the rest of us do."

"I get there, it just takes some time." Blaine told him. "Part of it stems from uncertainty, as I have a particular mindset when writing and wonder if it comes across."

"Fair enough. Are the two of you going to get to spend any more time with Anastasia before she goes home?"

"She's actually coming to the game tomorrow." Sebastian replied. "Outside of that, we're not sure if we're going to be able to squeeze in more because of when B leaves. Much as I would love to spend more time with her, at least we got the entire weekend together."

"Did you see Jordan actually made a comment in her blog to stop people from jumping to conclusions?"

"We did." Blaine told him. "Crazy part is, she needed to do it."

"I said the same thing to Kim, as she pointed it out to me. Luckily, you guys have her on your side."

"Agreed, especially with all the other crap we've dealt with." Sebastian stated. "She set the record straight from the start, gave B the platform he needed to address his invasion of privacy."

"Our invasion." Blaine corrected. "We've come a long way from that point."

"We certainly have." Sebastian replied. "We've all come a long way." He added after looking at Hunter. "Grown up, learnt from our mistakes."

"That we have." Hunter said in response. "Now, if only a certain pain in the ass would do the same."

"Here, here!"