Hey, I want to apologize for going MIA as it wasn't something I intended to happen, yet life once again had different ideas. We've gotten the situation under control, or at least we hope we have, so hopefully things can get back to normal. Again, sorry for disappearing.
5YL Let the Encore Commence
Part 89
Although he didn't know why he was having to go to the court house, Kurt was admittedly concerned, even if he wouldn't say it aloud. When he was brought into the court room, he outrightly groaned in frustration at the sight of Xavier, who was speaking with someone he didn't recognize. "I should've known you were the reason I was here." After he spoke, Kurt saw Xavier shake his head, before saying something to the other gentleman. "What did I supposedly do to your precious boys now?"
"It's nice to see you again, too, Kurt." Xavier stated as he and the other gentleman turned towards him. "For the record, I'm not the reason you're here, he is."
"And who the hell are you?" Kurt replied, forcing Xavier to stifle a laugh. Leave it to Kurt to insult someone he doesn't know, simply because that person was speaking with someone he doesn't care for.
"I am Mr. Stevens, Mr. Hummel." He told him. "I'm an associate of Mr. Jones."
"An associate?"
"Correct." Mr. Stevens replied. "You see, due to recent circumstances, our firm felt it best to give Mr. Jones a bit of assistance handling your case. You see, you're not his only client, which means he can't simply drop what he's doing to come provide counsel for you when it's necessary."
"Then what the hell were you doing talking to him?"
"As I said, charming, isn't he?" Xavier said in response to Kurt's statement. "Mr. Stevens was simply introducing himself."
"Why didn't Mr. Jones tell me he was getting help?" Kurt asked.
"This all happened rather quickly Mr. Hummel." Mr. Stevens replied. "Although you are allowed visits with your lawyer after visiting hours, calls aren't processed unless it's an emergency, which this wasn't. Much as Mr. Jones wanted to join me today to make introductions, his presence was required in court."
"So, why am I here?"
"You are here, as I needed to not only inform the judge of my addition to your counsel, but also so the two of us may speak." Mr. Stevens told him. "Also, I need you to sign a waiver allowing me access to your divorce records, which Mr. Jones already has access to."
"I did no such thing!"
"You did in court." Xavier chimed in. "You gave your permission before the judge, when ADA Strauss questioned your account of events which occurred during your marriage to, and separation from Blaine. When Mr. Jones said he had no access to those records, yet she had them, you gave your permission for him to receive a copy."
"I didn't sign anything."
"Your permission before the judge, made that bit of paperwork unnecessary." Mr. Stevens said in response, as Xavier excused himself to take a call.
"Let me guess, it's that bastard of a son of yours."
"Mr. Hummel!" Mr. Stevens exclaimed. "You are not to speak that way of either of the Anderson-Smythes, regardless of your feelings towards them. If the judge was here, he could've easily held you in contempt!"
"Wouldn't be a first."
"Which is precisely why you're in the situation you're in." Mr. Stevens told him. "At first, I thought Mr. Jones might've been exaggerating your behavior, clearly, he was not. I now have a better understanding pertaining to your reluctance to speak openly with him."
"What is that supposed to mean?"
"Mr. Hummel, based on what I've familiarized myself with regarding your case, you continue to blame the Anderson-Smythes for your situation. Yet, based on the facts which have been presented, there is only one person to blame, yourself. Not the Anderson-Smythes, not Mr. Jones, you." When Kurt attempted to speak, Mr. Stevens raised his hand, stopping him so he could finish. "You see Mr. Hummel, your behavior in and out of the court room has exacerbated your situation. Even without them present, you cannot seem to contain your evident disdain towards the Anderson-Smythes."
"How else do you expect me to feel given all they get away with?"
"Mr. Hummel, they are not getting away with anything." Mr. Stevens told him. "Aside from being told not to speak about you publicly, which isn't an easy task given what's occurred. They've given acceptable answers when approached regarding their legal situation with you. More often than not, referring the reporters to their legal counsel. The sooner you accept you've brought this on yourself, the quicker this situation can be rectified."
"So, I've been told."
"Yet, you've chosen not to. Nor, do you take your therapy sessions seriously."
"Excuse me, those are private."
"Mr. Hummel, due to them being court ordered, status reports are given to appropriate parties." Mr. Stevens told him. "Mr. Hummel, all anyone in this process wants, is for you to go back to living your life. But that won't happen till you're able to refrain from…"
"From talking about Blaine and Sebastian, no matter if they deserve it." Kurt replied. "Even if I do, it's not like the order is going away."
"No, but you won't constantly be in court, allowing you to once again have a life." Mr. Stevens said in response. "You can have your life back Mr. Hummel, you merely have to…"
"Forget about Blaine and Sebastian, not going to happen, especially since Blaine is everywhere."
"Yes, Blaine Anderson-Smythe is a bit difficult to ignore given his profession. Yet, that doesn't mean you have to react or have an opinion on everything he does, whether professionally or personally."
"Mr. Jones has told me something similar a few times." Kurt said before glancing over at Xavier who was still on the phone. "I bet he's talking to one of them about me, about this."
"While that's certainly a possibility, one which he's legally obligated to inform them about. There's also a strong possibility the call is in regards to one of his numerous other clients." Mr. Stevens replied. "Like him or not Mr. Hummel, Mr. Smythe is a highly successful, respected attorney, with clients other than his son and son-in-law."
"If he's so busy, why is he here?"
"You really are incapable of seeing passed your blind hatred for anyone related to the Anderson-Smythes, aren't you?" Before Kurt could respond, he continued. "That was a rhetorical question, no answer is necessary." He stated, now wondering how Carter was able to get this far without snapping. "Now Mr. Hummel, why are you so hesitant to allow me to see the court proceedings from your divorce?"
"I don't see the point."
"This entire situation is because you didn't follow the guidelines laid out in your divorce. I need to understand why that judge felt it necessary to put in that stipulation."
"Fine, I'll sign the waiver." Kurt told him. "Maybe once you read it, you and Mr. Jones can figure out a way to use it to get me out of this."
"Unfortunately, at this point in the proceedings, that's not going to happen given your behavior. You have proven an order of protection is necessary."
"Then what good is having that information?"
"It'll help us to better navigate things, and hopefully do as I said before, get you your life back, within reason of course."
While this was happening at the courthouse in Lima, Blaine was at the airport, preparing to board his flight to Dallas. "Something have you distracted this morning?" Morgan asked they waited, bringing him out of his slight fog. "Blaine?"
"Sorry." He replied before looking outside at the plane. "What did you ask?"
"You seem distracted, want to talk. Is everything alright?"
"Yes, everything is fine, no worries. Or at least, nothing you can do to help."
"What's going on?"
"Cooper's bachelor party is tonight and…"
"You hate not being there for it."
"Yes. He managed to make it to mine, yet, I can't make it to his."
"Blaine, he knows if you could be there, you would be." Morgan told him. "If anyone gets not having control of one's schedule at times, it's your brother. If given the choice, I'm sure he prefers having you there for the big day, standing up with him, then at his bachelor party."
"Bas said the same thing. Said it's one of the downfalls of us living on opposite coasts." He said in response. "I mean, we looked at other days, but tonight worked best for not only Coop, but most of his friends, so, it is what it is. We'll get some brotherly bonding in beforehand."
"I don't doubt that." She replied. "You know, some of your fans are wondering why you're not playing all three days of the festival like others."
"Not surprising, but it's not my news to share." Blaine told her. "With that said, what are your plans for that day since you have it free?"
"We've all decided to lay low so as not to draw too much attention to the fact you and Sebastian aren't with us."
"You don't need to do that."
"We know, but we want to." Justin chimed in as the others joined them. "Your family deserves to be able to enjoy this moment, without prying eyes imposing. Plus, much as we don't mind the paparazzi, we enjoy our privacy, similar to you."
"Now that, I understand." Blaine said before Tess told them the plane was ready for them to board. "I'm still trying to understand why people take pictures of me doing everyday things."
"Because they're surprised to see you doing normal things." Talia told him. "No matter how mundane they may be. I mean, I admittedly got a kick out of that picture someone got of you and Sebastian getting coffee, like it was a shock."
"Exactly!" Blaine stated before starting up the steps, waiting to continue till the others were on board. "If one looks back, how many were posted of him when he was at Columbia, coffee cup in hand." The others couldn't help but laugh, knowing how right he was. "Even now, I don't know how he did it as I got tired watching him."
"Yet he did, which is why I don't doubt he's going to be a force to reckon with once he starts practicing." Todd said to him. "Least we forget, he did it all, while going on this crazy ride with you."
"That's what I mean, I don't…"
"He figured it out, because you and school mattered." Talia chimed in as she got settled. "No one was going to tell that man, he couldn't have both." They all watched Blaine bow his head slightly. "There isn't anything he would've allowed to get in the way of you two having everything you wanted. To this day, I'm thankful he was able to get through to you, so you had belief in yourself again."
"You and me both." Blaine replied. "Which is why, cliché as it may be, I'm always going to thank him, as without his belief in me, none of this would've been possible. Sure, I had my moments, but he spoken in a way which really made me think, and realize why I hadn't given up, though I'd come close."
"Yes, you came close, but those moments often came after a run-in with Hummel." Todd stated, earning him a look from Blaine. "Blame Jordan and Santana, as that's how they refer to him, along with a few other things I'm not going to repeat." Earning quite a bit of laughter. "Would you like me to?"
"Not necessary, as I'm sure we've heard most of them. If not, we can use our imaginations." Blaine said to him as the door was closed. "And now, my success is the best revenge, particularly given everything he said to me back then."
"As it should be." Justin told him. "The best part, you're not having to go out of your way to do so, you're simply living your life."
"Which he can't deal with." Morgan added, earning a nod from Blaine. "Any progress on that front?"
"Nice Segway." Blaine teased as they buckled up. "No, but we don't really expect any at this time. He still can't help but talk crap, even when he spends a majority of his time in jail."
"I still can't believe he's there again."
"Neither can we, yet he is. Xavier told us not to really think about what's happening with him, though it's not easy, for either of us."
"It's because you're constantly wondering when he's going to act out again." Talia said to him.
"Exactly, but we're trying, as we know we can't live our lives, constantly wondering what he's going to do next." With that said, Blaine reached into his bag and handed each of them an envelope which they promptly opened as they taxied.
"Is this what we think it is?" Talia asked, looking at the music before her.
"It is." Blaine proudly replied. "Those are my rough arrangements for three of my new songs."
"Rough?" Justin asked.
"Yes, as this gives you all something to work with. Consider it the bones of the pieces."
"So, you want us all to put our own touch on them." Morgan said, earning a nod. "Any particular reason why?"
"Because while there are a few I've finished, though will undoubtedly be tweaked. Some of my favorites are always the ones we collaborate on. Gives the pieces a unique sound given how our styles mesh."
"And that's why you made sure we each had something on board." Todd add.
"Precisely, though if you all want to relax during the flight, that's cool too." It only took one look between them all to know they were going to be "working" during their flight. "So you know, the last piece in that envelope, is finished though." A statement which had them all go to it. "Once we get settled, I'd like for us to give it a run through."
"Did you write this for Sebastian?" Morgan asked.
"I wouldn't necessarily say I wrote it for him, but he was my inspiration behind it."
"Has he heard it?"
"He has, but it was a stripped down version." Blaine replied. "I think this is going to be one of those songs where I want both versions of it on the album. Think of the stripped down version as a bonus track."
"One which your fans are going to go crazy for, as they love when you do that." Justin said. "It's become your trademark of sorts."
"Which Vincent fought for us to be allowed to do. Having someone who supports my vision, has been a blessing on this ride." Blaine said to them. "It's allowed me to be who I see myself as musically."
They were all caught up in their conversation that it wasn't till Scott poked his head around the corner, did they realize they'd reached cruising altitude. Once he handed Blaine a note, a smile crept to his face, peaking the others interest. "Everything alright?" Morgan asked.
"Yes." Blaine said before looking up at Scott. "Thank you."
"Don't mention it, it wasn't a big deal. Plus as I said when you asked, you deserve a bit of quiet time with Sebastian. Is there anything else I can do?"
"You've done more than enough." Blaine replied, to which Scott smiled, before heading back to Tess to go over the schedule for the weekend as it was rather full.
"Good for you." Todd told him. "Too often you don't take advantage of moments like that."
"I know, which is why I'm trying to get better at it, especially with everything Bas has going on." Blaine said in response. "I'm doing my best to support him, the same way he supported me."
As that statement left him, a similar one left Sebastian who was talking with Andrea. "No matter how hectic things get for him, he's been there for me, even when we're not in the same place." Sebastian said to her. "So again, thank you for asking me first."
"With as crazy as our lives are going to get, we need to look out for each other." She told him. "And I know from past experience, how good time with him is for you, especially when you've got a lot going on."
"Like now?"
"Yes." Andrea said to him. "I know having to sit back and let your Dad handle things, isn't easy on you, as you're not wired to let others take care of you."
"Besides Blaine."
"Blaine's different, he's part of you, just as you are to him."
"How is it you're the first person to get that?" Sebastian replied.
"I think it's because I don't see things the same way others around you do." Andrea told him. "Often people are too close to see it. Not saying your friends don't know you, but their perception is a bit skewed, because they care for you, differently." When he chuckled, she smiled. "Glad you understood that, because…."
"No need to explain, I understand it." He said to her. "While we're friends, it's different."
"Exactly. Now, do you have any other questions regarding the deposition?"
"No, as your notes were clear and you've answered the few questions I did have." Sebastian replied. "Looks to be rather straight forward in comparison to others I've taken part in."
"It is, or at least it should be." Andrea told him. "Which is why asking you to do this wasn't a big issue. Again, I really appreciate this Sebastian."
"Don't mention it, as it benefits us both, though I'm clearly getting the better end of it."
"That you are, as I'd rather be getting away to California instead." She said in response. "I want a full recap when you get back though, alright?"
"Deal." The two only talked a bit longer till she headed back to her desk and he turned his attention back to his computer. It didn't take him long to notice a notification on his phone denoting he had email, so he logged in. Upon seeing it was from his Dad, he admittedly paused for a moment before opening it. Yet once he did, he learnt his hesitation wasn't necessary and was admittedly happy to see Carter was finally getting some help. He was also relieved to read that the man joining him was rather no-nonsense as well, and wouldn't feed into Kurt's view of how the case was proceeding against him. That he was simply there to help Carter. The few questions he did have pertaining the change, he sent back to his Dad, yet none of which were overly concerning. Allowing him to breathe, as this change wasn't something that was going to be something which threw Blaine, as his focus needed to be elsewhere that weekend.
