5YL Let the Encore Commence

Part 88

With Burt having left a bit early to attend another counseling session with Carole, the guys left at the shop decided to turn the pre-game show on, even if Kurt objected. Only for them to point out that if Burt was there, he'd have done the same thing. Kurt tried to argue the point, but his argument fell on deaf ears as they turned the shop speakers on so they could hear it while they worked. Kurt then looked at the clock to see he only had an hour left till he was picked up, so he'd simply have to deal with it as he finished up. Yet in the middle of filing away the work orders for the day, he heard laughter come from the shop, which was followed by a voice he knew all too well, Blaine's.

We appreciate you taking a few minutes to talk with us prior to today's game, Blaine. Singing the anthem isn't new for you, is it?

No, but that doesn't mean it isn't a special honor to be asked to do so. When my manager was called to inquire about my availability given I'm performing this summer, it was simply a matter of finding dates which worked for all parties.

I have to ask, are you rooting for the home town team or - (when Blaine glanced down, the reporter sighed). Guess I have my answer, sorry folks, our close to hometown boy, is rooting for the other guys. With that said, do you get to take in many games with your schedule?

Depends on what I have going on at the time, but I do manage to get in a least a few each season, outside the one's I've sung prior to.

Sounds good. Now, our entertainment reporter sent me a text upon learning you were singing prior to today's game. So, I need to ask you a question or I best not cross her path upon returning. Have you gotten to work on the follow-up to you hit debut album? If so, how is it coming?

Yes, I've already started work on my next album. As for how it's coming, by mid-summer I expect my band and I will be heading back into the studio.

Like an athlete, any added pressure to follow-up such a success debut?

Absolutely, but I try not to focus on that. Instead, merely write what I believe is the best album I'm capable of. Though, that bit of information is always in the back of my head.

While the interview didn't last much longer, the way Kurt was looking at the television, debunked his position, that he no longer cared about his ex-husband on some level. Tempting as it was for the guys to say something, they knew better as Burt didn't need him throwing another tantrum on top of everything else he was dealing with. Although they all had issues with how Burt was handling the situation, the last thing they expected was for Carole to leave him over it. Much as they didn't want to put much stock into it bringing about a change, once Kurt showed no sympathy, something changed in Burt's demeanor regarding Kurt's situation.

As the two of them waited to be called in for their appointment, Carole saw Burt shake his head after reading a text. "Everything alright?" Carole inquired as she held a notebook in her hands.

"Seems Blaine is singing before tonight's game as they interviewed him beforehand and…"

"Ah, the guys put the game on." Burt nodded in response. "Let me guess, Kurt's still at the shop."

"Correct."

"Did he act out?"

"According to this message, no, but seeing him had an impact."

"When doesn't it?" Carole said in response, before seeing what she could find about the interview. Hearing Burt sigh, she took a cleansing breath. "Sorry."

"Don't be, as you're right. Kurt reacts in some way or form at the mere mention of him, let alone seeing or hearing him." Burt told her. "I'm half expecting Kurt to call and say the guys did it on purpose."

"Like they would know Blaine was singing."

"You know that makes no difference to him." Almost instantly she tilted her head as she looked at him. "I'm not that blind."

"Not saying you are, but I was still expecting you to make an excuse for him."

"Well, I'm trying to do better. My last meeting with Dr. Brady didn't go well, as she basically told me that I'm enabling his behavior, just like you have."

"Nice to know you're listening to at least one of us."

"Carole, that's not fair."

"Nothing about this is fair!" She replied quietly enough, yet her frustration still evident. "Yet, none of the consequences have Kurt changing his behavior. It's easier for him to blame Blaine for moving on, than do so himself."

"It's not about him moving on, it's who he…" Burt didn't even finish as she sighed loudly. "I did it again, didn't I?"

"You did."

"He did what?" Their therapist asked as he walked out into the room.

"Once again, he started to make an excuse for his son's behavior." Carole said as she got up from her seat, as did Burt. Her response causing him to look at Burt, who could barely look him in the eye.

"Please come in, seems we have plenty to talk about." He stated, before stepping aside so they could make their way into the office. After the door was closed, he made his way to his seat across from where they sat on the couch, ready to begin what was certain to be another heated session. "Now, instead of addressing the conversation you were just having, let's start with the homework I gave you last time." He then watched as Carole opened her notebook, while Burt took a piece of paper out of his pocket. "Did you each complete it?" They each nodded in response, before handing it over to him.

After looking them over, he looked at them. "While you each have more positives written about not only one another, but your marriage. The negatives all revolve around Burt's son, and the situation he's gotten himself into." Causing Carole to look at Burt.

"Don't act so surprised." Burt said to her. "While you might not like how I've handled it, I know it's the reason you moved out."

"I moved out, not because of the mess Kurt's gotten himself into, I moved out because you kept making excuses, going so far as to blame everyone else." Carole told him. "I can't stand by and watch you condone what he's doing."

"He has…"

"I'm aware he's got issues, but that doesn't mean he's not responsible for his actions." Carole said before he could even finish.

"What issue are you alluding to?" Their therapist asked.

"My son has been diagnosed with narcissistic personality disorder." Burt replied. "And from what I've been told, it's attributed to his treatment of his ex-husband."

"And his ex's, current husband." Carole added. "Let alone anyone else who dares support the two of them. Essentially, Kurt's alienated just about everyone he once considered a friend."

"And how has that impacted the two of you?"

"It originally caused some issues between friends of ours and ourselves, since they happened to be said friends' parents." Carole told him. "Thankfully, most people don't hold us responsible for Kurt's behavior."

"Burt?"

"I've had some long time customers leery of coming back, as they happened to be there during one of Kurt's multiple outbursts since he started working for me." Burt told him. "None of them want to be subjected to his behavior, not that I blame them."

"Have you made Kurt aware of this?"

"I have. He says he's sorry, but…"

"But what?" His therapist asked.

"It hasn't stopped them from happening. Right now, I'm just glad Blaine's not doing anything at the moment that has him constantly on television."

"Why is that?"

"It made having the television on at the shop difficult, as he always seemed to be showing up on different shows. It got to the point where I had to keep up to date on Blaine's schedule, simply to ensure my son behaved while at work."

"None of which I took issue with, as he was looking out for him, I would've done the same." Carole added. "My problem is that you stopped holding Kurt accountable, instead began blaming everyone else for what Kurt's done!"

"They're not innocent either."

"Here we go again, making excuses." Carole frustratedly replied. "If you were constantly being harassed and attacked, you wouldn't sit idly by either! Yet, nothing, I repeat nothing they have done comes even close to the slightest thing Kurt's done to them!" Before the situation could escalate further, their therapist stepped in, knowing if matters got more heated, they'd never be able to talk. "You know what hurts most, is he thinks I'd be acting the same way if it was my son." Carole said as she wiped at her eyes. "Yes, I'd be there for him, but I wouldn't excuse what he's done, I would try to help him see where he'd gone wrong. My god Burt, Kurt has a permanent restraining order against him, that should be all the reminder you need to know you how bad things are." In response, Burt rubbed the back of his neck. "Why is this so difficult for you to understand, I don't get it."

"Because it's hard to accept that for the last few years, my son has done nothing but lie straight to my face."

"Yet you don't call him on it, which makes him think you don't care." Carole said. "You're not that man, Burt, at least, you weren't when I married you."

"I'm not, but I can't turn my back on him, I'm all he has."

"I've never asked you to, I've only ever asked you to hold him accountable. Like it or not, he abused Blaine, in more ways than one. And now, because he's found happiness, Kurt's doing everything he can to undo it."

"He's lashing out because Blaine has everything, while he…"

"Kurt destroyed his own life, Blaine had nothing to do with it. If Kurt had simply listened to the rules, he'd still have his dream job, he'd still be living in New York, and his friends wouldn't have abandoned him. Kurt brought that all on himself, no one else."

"Not to interrupt, but you two do realize you're essentially recounting the same argument you've had the last few sessions." Their therapist told them.

"Oh, we're well aware of it, as that's our problem." Carole replied. "No matter how many times we go over this, Burt doesn't seem to grasp that making excuses for Kurt, isn't helping him. And Kurt doesn't seem to care what his behavior is doing to anyone else, especially his Dad."

"Is that true Burt?"

"Yes, as he personally feels Carole leaving is great, since she's not supporting him in the way he feels she should be." Burt told him.

"I'm sorry, but I'm not going to support his abusive behavior." Carole said to him. "I want him to get help, I want him to get his life back on track, you know that. But I'm not going to stand idly by as he hurts and uses the man I love in the process."

"Then why did you leave?"

"Because I couldn't watch you turn into someone I don't recognize, and I'm not the only one. Our friends have seen the change in you, as have others."

"Others?" Their therapist inquired.

"Yes, friends of our boys." Burt said. "I want to say they were wrong, but, they weren't."

"Then what's changed?"

"He's my son, and…I feel if I do as Carole says, he's only going to make matters worse for himself."

"Given your son's destructive behavior, are you willing to be a casualty of that behavior?"

"Aren't I already?" Once he spoke, Carole reached over and took ahold of his hand. "I don't know what to do, I don't want to lose my son, but I also don't want to lose you in the process of protecting him."

"Are you willing to work with Carole, and me, on a strategy to deal with this?"

"Of course."

"Carole?"

"Yes, but I need to see actions that coincide with the words. You can't tell me one thing, then go and do the opposite just because Kurt gets upset." Carole told him. "I mean, you've said all the right things before, yet…"

"I went and made excuses, I know, and I'm sorry." Burt said. "I just never imagined this would be how Kurt's life would turn out."

"The only way Kurt can possibly get his life back, is by changing his behavior."

"If there was one thing Burt could do now for you regarding this situation, what would it be?" Their therapist asked her.

"Stop blaming Blaine and Sebastian for Kurt's situation." Carole replied matter of factly. "That would be a nice start."

"Burt, do you think you can do that, stopping blaming your son's ex and his current husband for the situation your son has gotten himself into?"

"I will make a concerted effort not to, it's just…" He paused and looked at Carole who was clearly not pleased. "Yes, I will stop blaming Blaine and Sebastian for Kurt's actions."

"Carole?"

"Not to be a pessimist, but I'll believe it, when I see it."

While the two of continued to attempt to find a way to fix the divide in their marriage, Kurt was on his way back to jail, while Blaine was heading home. Given Blaine's appearance on television, Kurt couldn't help but think about how off-track his life had gotten, since Blaine's career had taken off. There he was on his way back to a cell, while Blaine would undoubtedly be heading back to his brownstone, and Sebastian. He was lost in his thoughts so it took him a moment to realize the officer was talking to him. "What did you say?"

"Tomorrow morning you're being taken to the courthouse prior to work."

"Why, I haven't done anything wrong?" Kurt replied.

"They don't give me the details, only information to be passed on." The officer replied. "Should the courthouse meeting take long, your hours at the shop will be adjusted accordingly."

"Does my Dad know?"

"Again, information above my pay grade. But given he's your boss, he probably does as you have to work so many hours per week according to the judge."

"Right, so I can pay my millionaire ex. What a joke!"

"Careful, I know you're not supposed to talk poorly about him."

"I wasn't." Kurt replied.

"No, but you easily could've done so from that point. And if you had, I have a duty to report you. So, it's best you not discuss your ex, or…"

"Yea, yea, yea, I know, his bas…his husband."

"And that right there, is part of the reason you're here with us, you just can't help yourself." In response, Kurt rolled his eyes, even if he knew the officer was correct. If he could only refrain from commenting, at least publicly, he might get his life back to some extent.

While Kurt was being transferred back into custody, Blaine was making his way upstairs to Sebastian's office where he was studying. "Judging from your expression, I don't think you're reading legal briefs." Blaine said, earning him a smile in response as Sebastian pushed back from his desk to get up. "Am I correct?"

"You are." Sebastian told him as he walked towards him to greet him. After exchanging a kiss, he took ahold of Blaine's hand and walked him towards his desk. "I was reading the reaction of your fans upon seeing your new haircut." He said before showing Blaine the link he'd been sent. "Who knew your locks were such a touchy subject? Some are truly upset you cut your hair, especially after seeing that shot of you with a topknot Talia took."

"The fact she was able to do that was all the kick in the ass I needed to do so, even if Coop wasn't getting married next weekend." Blaine said, before laughing at some of the comments. "Imagine if I cut it even shorter."

"Like in high school?" Blaine nodded. "I wouldn't have minded, but I have to admit, I like the longer length. And no, it's not for any other reason beside I think it's looks sexy on you."

"Nice answer." Blaine replied as he slipped an arm around Sebastian's shoulder, so he could massage his scalp. "Speaking of high school, I showed Scott a picture of me from back then and lets just say he was surprised."

"Do you blame him, I mean seriously Killer, that was a lot of fucking gel." Sebastian said. "I still don't understand why you did it. Your curls are…"

"Don't say adorable, please."

"Fine, but you know it's true." Sebastian teased, ruffling Blaine's hair as he did. "By the way, you sounded incredible tonight."

"Thank you. Speaking of tonight, I might've confirmed to Kimberly that, we're going to have kids and that Hunter knows. You're not upset, are you?"

"Why should I be, its good news, and we know she's not going to tell anyone or…"

"Hunter, I mentioned that to her." Blaine said. "Just as we know Jeff and Morgan won't tell anyone. We've really lucked out to have friends who respect our need for privacy, even if at times it's extreme."

"B, we wouldn't be as protective if every little thing you do isn't reported on. This is one moment, we want to keep to us, and those we love. There's nothing wrong with it." Sebastian reminded him. "When the time is right, we'll share our news, but not until then. And it's not as though we can't trust others, but some would be so happy for us, it would be hard for them to not talk about it."

"Rachel."

"For starters, but she's not the only one." Sebastian said before pressing a kiss to his cheek. "For the record, I've been studying since shortly after I got home."

"Shortly?"

"Yes, shortly as I finished up the laundry you had out while I ate."

"Bas."

"It's the least I can do, B. You do so much, the least I can do is throw in a load prior to having dinner. We're a team, remember." Blaine nodded. "I only intend on studying for about another hour or so, as I want to get some quality time in with you since you leave tomorrow."

"Sounds perfect, as it gives me time to finish packing. Speaking of packing, make sure you get your bag set as next week is going to go quick."

"Already on my list of things to do this weekend, but my suit is already in the garment bag along with your tux." Sebastian told him. "Anything else?"

"Make sure you bring a bathing suit, hoping to get in a bit of beach time."

"Done." Sebastian said before kissing him once more. "Now, I hate to do this, but go, as I need to get back to work." Blaine smiled, before moving to kiss him. "You keep that up, I won't get anything done."

"Something to tide you over till you finish and we get that, quality time we each desire."

"Desire is the perfect word to use."

"Then I better go." Blaine told him, before giving him a quick peck prior to getting up off his lap. "See you in an hour or so."

"Can't wait!"