5YL Let the Encore Commence
Part 85
By the time Sebastian got home that evening, they'd yet to hear from Xavier and it was evident it was taking a bit of a toll on Blaine. Sebastian offered to call his Dad, yet Blaine told him it wasn't necessary, as clearly a decision had yet to be made. Although he knew he was right, knowing a decision had yet to be made had Sebastian curious about what Blaine's therapist had to say. "At least we know Judge Watkins isn't making a rash decision." Blaine said to Sebastian as he poured them each a glass of wine to go with dinner.
"Did you have time to speak with your therapist or did you merely give your approval for him to speak with Judge Watkins?" Sebastian asked, hoping the two had a chance to talk, and if not, schedule an appointment.
"We had a chance to talk, albeit briefly." Blaine replied. "He said the fact they want to talk to them shows they're not dismissing the toll Kurt's behavior has on me." The next sound Sebastian heard was a sigh of exasperation from his husband. "Why won't he leave us alone?"
"I wish I had an answer for you Killer, but I don't." Sebastian said in response. "Even with the diagnosis which was given, I can't help feel there is more to this than him being a narcissistic asshole. Much as I don't want to say this, I…"
"Don't, this is not your fault Bas." Blaine interjected before he could even finish.
"I play a part in it, as seeing us together seemed to trigger something in him. Before that, he'd left you alone."
"True, yet it wasn't because of you he initially sought me out." Blaine reminded him. "He didn't know we were together till afterwards."
"Good point, one which easily gets lost since he went off the deep end upon seeing us." Sebastian said to him as he brought their glasses to the table. "It wasn't long after, he had his lawyer petition the court for spousal support."
"I still remember the fit he threw when he was shut down in no uncertain terms." Blaine replied with a smile. "The only interest he has in me, is my money, plain and simple, regardless of what Burt may believe."
"You mean, that he still loves you."
"He doesn't know what it means to love another." He said rather harshly while bringing their plates over. "His actions have reinforced the only person he gives a damn about, is himself."
"Which is funny given he's the one responsible for the state his life is in." Sebastian replied, bringing a smile to Blaine's face. "He refuses to own up to what he's done, instead choosing to blame us. If he would only own his actions, we wouldn't constantly be dealing with his crap."
"Unfortunately, I don't see that happening anytime soon. Remember when we first thought going to jail would get through to him, how wrong we were."
"He's merely dug his heels in deeper." Sebastian said, before reaching over to give his hand a squeeze. "I know it's hard B, but you need to trust the system."
"Do you keep telling yourself that?" Blaine said in response.
"I do, because I believe the system works. Otherwise, what was the point of going to Law School or me busting my ass to pass the bar exam. We need to remember they are holding him accountable, hence the situation he's gotten himself into."
"I can only imagine how helpless Carter feels, as he's constantly getting ruled against."
"This case has caused him to question plenty, yet everyone reminds him what's happening isn't his fault, he has an ass for a client, who won't listen." Sebastian told him. "Speaking of, how do you feel knowing by now, he's read the transcript from the divorce."
"Nasty as it was, he now has a better understanding of how things got to this point. Blaine replied. "He can now see his behavior is nothing new, his behavior was none too different back then, compared to now. He dismissed his lawyer back then too, and chose to blame the rulings on his lawyer's failings instead of taking responsibility. I'm pretty sure his lawyer from back then, is grateful someone else is dealing with Kurt's crap now."
"I don't doubt that based on what I witnessed. Hell, even with all the cases my Dad has handled over the years, he's never seen a client so dismissive of his counsel." Sebastian told him. "Honestly, he should be grateful to Carter, as matters really could be worse for him, which is saying a lot."
"Rachel actually mentioned that when we spoke. It's something Carole's mentioned numerous times to her Dads." Blaine said between bites. "Burt said Carter hasn't done enough, but one can only do so much when their hands are proverbially tied. She doesn't understand how Burt seems oblivious to the bigger picture. Yet according to Rachel, Carole leaving, is making an impact."
"We'll see about that." Sebastian replied. "Burt's had his moments in the past, but they've never lasted."
"I mentioned that to her, yet she said, her Dads have noticed a difference in him, so, we'll see."
"I won't hold my breath." Sebastian said before refilling their wine glasses. "You do know, even if Burt changes his perspective, it's not going to change anything."
"Oh, I know, as Kurt wasn't listening even when Burt seemed to not be blaming us. I'm only grateful that he seems to love Carole enough to reassess how he's dealt with this situation."
By the time Sebastian began clearing the table, they were each beginning to feel better, yet they each froze when the phone rang. Since Sebastian's hands were wet, Blaine answered, and it was Xavier. Upon hearing his Dad's name, Sebastian turned the water off, then dried his hands. The fact Blaine wasn't saying much, merely reaffirming whatever he was being told, Sebastian leant back against the counter, waiting for Blaine to speak. After hanging up, Blaine ran his fingers through his hair, before reaching for his glass of wine. It wasn't until he set it down, did Sebastian step towards him.
"Judge Watkins denied Carter's request." Sebastian was about to take his hand, yet Blaine stepped back.
"B, don't."
"Don't what."
"You don't know why he made the decision he did." Sebastian said to him, as he closed the gap between them, then wrapping his arms around him. "There is more than one factor in play."
"I know, yet we can't deny whatever my therapist had to say, had some impact on the decision."
"You're right, we can't." Sebastian replied, before pressing a kiss atop his head. "At the same time, we can't ignore all the progress you've made since this all began. You're a lot tougher than you give yourself credit for, as this is a shitty situation for anyone to deal with, let alone…"
"Someone with all my issues." Blaine said, before resting his head against Sebastian's chest. "I hate that I'm seen as someone who needs protecting. I, I just want to be normal."
"You are normal."
"Nice try, but you know that's not true."
"B, I mean it when I say you're the strongest person I know. What he put your through, doesn't define you." Sebastian assured him. "Just as you refuse to be defined by all you've been through. Time and time again, you've proven you're so much more than the labels people try to attach to you."
"I was actually writing about that the other day."
"I heard." Sebastian said as he loosened his hold on him so they could look at one another. "The only labels that matter, at least to me, husband, son, brother, friend, and we'll soon add father to the list. The rest are bestowed upon you, by people that don't know the real you. The man, I wanted to be better for."
"How is it you always seem to know what I need to hear?"
"It's one of my many, many skills." Sebastian replied, as Blaine smiled, as there was no denying the other implications in his words. "And while other words do describe you, you can't dismiss how you've helped others because of what you have been through."
"That, sounded like something my Mom would say to me." Blaine told him.
"Doesn't make it less true. If you hadn't spoken out about all you've gone through, others might still feel alone."
"I thought you said that doesn't define me."
"It doesn't, as you haven't allowed it to. You've shown everyone there is so much more to you than all you've been through, that it's only a small piece." Sebastian then leaned forward to give him a kiss. "I really wish you saw yourself through my eyes, and that of our friends and family."
"Most of the time I do, it's just hard in moments like this as it's a reminder I'm probably going to be dealing with the affects, the rest of my life." Blaine said, before taking a cleansing breath. "And to think, I thought being almost beaten to death would've been the worst thing to ever happen to me. The worst part, I brought Kurt into my life."
"Don't go there."
"But it's true, whether we like it or not. Yet I got so caught up in what I thought we shared, I didn't see him for who he really was."
"No one did."
"You did, you never liked him from the start, and it wasn't only because you wanted me."
"Nice caveat, Killer." Sebastian teased before going back to the dishes. "More times than I care to recollect, I wondered what you saw in him."
"I'd rather not think about it." Blaine said before going to get another bottle of wine. "Do you think Carter's going to be alright?"
"I do." Sebastian replied. "Sure, he's going to be frustrated, but he'll understand as removing counsel is never taken lightly. Let alone, how Kurt became his client, which I'm sure was taken into account."
"I hadn't thought about it that way."
"My Dad reminded me of that earlier, though I've got a feeling moving forward, Carter's firm will look at the cases they give first and second years for their pro bono work, more closely moving forward." Sebastian told him. "Capable as Carter is, this is a case where an attorney with more experience might be able to better navigate the position he's been put in." After Blaine nodded, Sebastian told him to head on up and he'd be there shortly as he wanted to finish cleaning up.
Once he headed up, Sebastian sighed in frustration as he hated how this decision was making his husband feel. Although he knew there were plenty of factors in play, Sebastian couldn't deny Blaine's mental well-being played a part. While he believed everything he said to him, he also knew Blaine still had his moments which could override the progress he'd made over the years, at least temporarily. Which was why after finishing up, he sent his Dad a text asking if he was told any of the factors that played into Judge Watkins decision. For as forthright as Xavier was with them, he was still protective of them and knows certain information could possible put his son-in-law in a bad place.
Surprisingly enough, Xavier got back to him rather quickly. Knowing his Dad the way he did, he wouldn't put it passed him if he was waiting for a bit of follow-up given what he'd recently told them.
All I know, is Judge Watkins weighed all the information, the pros/cons of recusing Carter.
Before you ask, yes, his therapist's opinion was taken into account given this is about protecting Blaine.
Yet based on experience, was not the only factor.
How can you be so sure?
Sebastian, this isn't a first for me. There is more to this type of decision than you may realize at this point.
Go take spend time with Blaine. If you want to talk later, call me tomorrow. But, try not to worry. Love to you both.
Much as he believed what his Dad has to say, Sebastian hoped his schedule the next day would allow him time to call. With that taken care of, Sebastian picked up his glass and began making his way upstairs. Before he reached the top of the stairs, he heard Blaine begin to play, which wasn't surprising since it was therapeutic for him. Although he hadn't said a word, the moment he walked into the room, Blaine looked up and smiled, before motioning for his husband to come closer.
"Whatever it is you're playing, it's beautiful." Sebastian said to him, making him smile. "Something new you've been working on?"
"How'd you know?" Blaine replied, a bit of light-heartedness in his voice which helped ease the concern Sebastian was feeling. "It's about you."
"I'm honored."
"You should be." Blaine teased. "The lyrics are beside you, if you're interested."
"Are you giving me a sneak peek?" Before Blaine could even respond, Sebastian had the lyrics in his hand. "B, I don't know what to say."
"You don't have to say anything. No matter what's been thrown our way, you've been my light Sebastian."
"You're giving me too much credit."
"And you don't give yourself enough, as you often tell me." Blaine replied. "I believe in you, in us. There was a time I didn't believe it was possible to start over, yet you not only made it possible, look how far…"
"You've come."
"We've come." Blaine said before reaching out for him to sit beside him. Once was seated, Blaine turned to kiss him. "I know I've put in a lot of work to get where I am, but I also know you're a huge part of it. Your unwavering faith in me, when I didn't believe in myself, I'm never going to be able to thank you for that."
"You can relax, B, because you never have to." Sebastian replied. "While the situations are different, I'll never forget that you trusted me enough to open up about everything he put you through. As I said, I know they are different, still, I've never taken that moment for granted. Particularly…"
"Because I hadn't even told Wes, or Sam." Sebastian nodded. "I love and trust them, yet it's another thing to let yourself be vulnerable with another."
"You took quite a chance."
"I know, yet you proved that trust wasn't misplaced. And at that time, my trust wasn't easy to come by."
"A further reminder of how far you've come." Sebastian told him. "I know you're not thrilled with Judge Watkins' decision, but he did what he felt was interest of the proceedings."
"I understand that, but it doesn't make it easier to accept." Blaine replied. "Too many others have been hurt because of his issues with me, with us."
"No one blames you B, they know he's the problem, not you, or us." Sebastian said before giving him a kiss. "The best thing we can do, is continue living our lives the best we can, the same goes for those close to us. To not give him the satisfaction of disrupting our lives." When Blaine cocked his eyebrow, Sebastian smiled. "That statement encompasses everything, including us having a family. I've got similar concerns B, but if we wait simply out of fear of what he might do…"
"He's won." Sebastian nodded. "He shouldn't have that type of control."
"Precisely. What you've accomplished B, is only the tip of the iceberg, and deep down he knows it, another thing which is frustrating the hell out of him. Meanwhile, he's sabotaged his own life to the point, it might never recover, leaving him stuck in Lima, forever."
"Which is his worst nightmare, along with me being with you."
"Snarky, I love it."
"What can I say, you've rubbed off on me." Seeing Sebastian smirk, Blaine laughed. "How'd I know, you'd take it that way."
"Because you know me well. With that in mind, how about we take the rest of the night for ourselves."
"Don't you need to study?"
"Yes, but at the same time, I need time with you, especially since you're leaving on Thursday, leaving me plenty of time to study. So what do you say Killer, want to take this upstairs?"
"Sounds perfect."
While they processed Judge Watkins' ruling, Carter was having to wrap his head around it as well, and happened to be with Hunter when he got the call. Even though he knew it was a long shot, it didn't mean he wasn't taken back by the ruling. "I'm never going to be rid of him, am I?" Carter said in frustration before taking a sip of his drink. "What was supposed to be a simple case, has taken on a life if it's own."
"Were you given a reason?" Hunter asked, knowing they needed to be careful.
"No, and they're not obligated to give me one." Carter replied. "I know there was plenty to take into account, but it doesn't mean I'm not pissed about it. He makes it impossible for me to do my job to the best of my ability. At this point, all I'm doing is ensure he doesn't spend more time in jail."
"Would that really be a bad thing?" Hunter quipped, causing Carter to shake his head. "I'm serious. Outside of it being a waste of tax payer money."
"You know the answer to that."
"True, but you'd feel the same way if our roles were reversed and my client was making life hell for your close friends." Hunter told him.
"Touché." Carter replied. "Much as I teased you for making contractual law your focus, it was the right decision."
"For me, just as this was the right one for you." Hunter assured him. "Don't let one pain in the ass make you question what you're meant to do. Mind me asking why you seem more frustrated, outside of the ruling?"
"I finished reading the record of the divorce proceeding. I now know why, his divorce lawyer wants nothing to do with this. We've spoken, he's sent me his notes, and he warned me."
"Not surprising based on what I've been told." Hunter replied. "When are you in court next?"
"Next month, unless he screws up between then and now."
"Given what's on their schedule, that doesn't bode well for you."
"How so?"
"Cooper's getting married, they're going to be in attendance. Given his current profile because of his movie, you know it's going to get coverage." Hunter told him. "Let alone, the media loves anytime the brothers are together."
"That's something I'm all too aware of, especially after how, you know who, reacted to the premiere footage." Hunter couldn't help but laugh, earning him quite the glare. "It's not funny."
"You only don't see it that way, because you had to get him out of the mess he got himself in because of it. There isn't a person I know who didn't get a kick out of the tantrum he threw." Carter subtly nodded, knowing Hunter was right. "Are you thinking ahead to what could happen?"
"What do you mean?"
"Award season, given the buzz going on."
"I try not to pay attention to that stuff."
"Well, you need to, because the buzz is happening and that means…"
"Fuck."
"Essentially." Hunter told hm. "I highly recommend talking to your wife, who I know follows that stuff, because she and Kim talk about it all the time."
"I'll do just that, and Hunter, thank you."
"You're welcome, and I only told you because I don't want you blindsided. As you being prepared for a possible outburst, is in the best interest of my friends."
"Very true." Carter said, before catching the eye of the bartender to pay their tab. "I need to get going, but, we need to do this again, soon."
"Agreed." Hunter told him. "And Carter, good luck, because you're going to need it."
"Thanks, but tell me something I don't know."
