5YL Let the Encore Commence
Part 96
With as late as the festival had ended, Sebastian began doubting his decision to stay and not head back to New York prior to Blaine taking the stage. Yet with as rationale as Blaine tended to be, Sebastian was pleasantly surprised upon learning they were flying back to New York on a private jet. It seemed Blaine wanted to ensure his husband would be able to sleep on the flight knowing he was going into work Monday morning.
Even with sleeping on the plane and getting some sleep once they arrived home, Sebastian was still slow moving as he got ready for work. Blaine clearly expected it, so he made a point of getting up as well and surprised Sebastian with coffee as he exited the shower. "You really are too good to me." Sebastian sleepily said to him as he took the cup from him, prior to leaning down to give him a kiss. "You didn't…"
"I know, but wanted to." Blaine told him as he watched him head towards the closet. "You could've easily left yesterday, but didn't. Instead choosing to spend time with everyone, which meant a lot, especially to Cooper and Whitney."
"Speaking of the newlyweds, is everything quiet?" Sebastian asked as he began to get dressed.
"You're assuming I checked." His response earned him a glance from Sebastian, over his shoulder. "You're right, I did, while the coffee was brewing. Outside of people talking about my set, the only other thing they seemed to be talking about, is that it was cool seeing my family in attendance." Sebastian turned to look at him. "No one saw my parents, nor has anyone noticed in any of the pictures Cooper's ring. Yet, unless he takes it off during interviews the next few days, his fans will know."
"Did he say how he's going to announce their nuptials?"
"No, but given this is Coop we're talking about, anything is possible." Blaine replied as he stretched out on their bed. "All I do know, is he said he'd tell us all prior to doing so, so we're prepared. Are you sure, you're going to be alright?"
"I've functioned on less sleep." Sebastian told him. "Once I get going, I'll be fine, I promise. And much as I'd prefer spending the day at home with you, I have witness prep this morning, then I have a bar exam class to attend. Hard to believe it's only a matter of weeks till I find out if I'm as smart as we believe I am."
"You are, I don't doubt that for an instance."
"I appreciate that." Sebastian said as he tied his tie. "Just as I know the pressure I'm feeling, I'm putting on myself, no one else is doing it. Now, what are you planning on doing once I leave, or are you going back to sleep?"
"Tempting as that is, I'm going to refrain, though I'm sure a nap will be on the agenda at some point today." Blaine told him as he sat up. "I need to go through my e-mail, schedule some studio time, and confirm our arrangements for Wes's wedding. Hard to believe it's coming up so quickly. At least there'll be a calm after it prior to Rachel and Thad's."
"Yes, because we know things will be anything but calm leading up to that one." Sebastian said with a laugh, before reaching for his shoes. "You know I say that out of love, right?"
"I do, as it's something Santana and I have already talked about." Blaine replied. "You will be able to travel with me on that Friday, right?"
"Yes, as the firm is giving all of us who are taking the exam the day after, off." Sebastian told him, before reaching for his cup to head downstairs for breakfast, followed by Blaine. "Based on what my Dad's told me, I'm going to need it, decompress from the stress I've put on myself."
"Then it's a good thing we don't have to leave too early, it'll allow us to sleep in."
"Sounds good to me."
By the time Sebastian left, Blaine was fully awake which allowed him to get a start on his day. Thankfully, outside of an email from Vincent, and one from Jennifer, nothing else needed his immediate attention. After replying to each, he sent an email to Malcolm, hopeful to get the current studio availability so he could get back to work on his follow-up. He was about to send it, when surprisingly his phone went off next to him, which was rarely a good thing at that hour.
If you're up, call me.
Blaine could only sigh upon seeing the message from his brother, wondering what could possibly be going on given what time it was back in California. The phone barely finished ringing the first time when Cooper answered. Hearing a bit of anxiety in his voice from the start, he knew it was best not to tease his brother. "What's has you up at this hour?" Blaine asked as calmly as he could.
"I'm on my way to an interview. By the way, I didn't wake you, did I?" Cooper said in response.
"No, I was up as I saw Bas off, didn't think it was fair for me to sleep when he had to get up, especially since he stayed later to be with me."
"That was nice of you, bet he appreciated it."
"He did, now what gives."
"This is going to sound stupid, but…"
"Let me be the judge of that, what's on your mind?"
"I don't know what to do with my ring. Taking it off feels disrespectful, yet…"
"You're not ready to share the news, I get it." Blaine assured him. "Just as I'm sure Whitney will understand if you take it off."
"That's the thing, she knows I intend to for obvious reasons, but it feels wrong sticking in my pocket."
"My advice, do you still wear that chain Grandma gave you."
"I do."
"Put the ring on it, that is if it wouldn't show with what you're wearing. That way it's close to you, but out of sight."
"Why didn't I think of that, thank you Squirt."
"You're very welcome." Blaine told him, smiling on his end at how happy his brother sounded. "For the record, it's not something most people think about. Most people are in the situation of wearing their rings proudly, but our situations aren't normal."
"You can say that again. Mind me asking what you would've done if I was sleep?"
"Called your hubby, he's good at figuring these types of situations out since the two of you have dealt with plenty of them."
"Very true. Are you still in the amazed stage that you're actually someone's husband?"
"I am." Cooper replied, gazing down at his ring as he did. "I don't know how I got so lucky, she's everything I could've possibly asked for, and more. Speaking of, you really captured us with that song, which we've listened to more times than I should probably admit."
"I'm glad you like it, as it felt the best way to celebrate what you guys share. Speaking of, why isn't Whitney with you?"
"She's going to spend the day finishing up the packing for our honeymoon. Hard to believe we leave after my interview Wednesday morning." Cooper said to him. "At first I didn't mind waiting to leave, but now I regret having to wait, even though it's only a few days."
"I get it, but before you know it, the two of you will be on your way. Speaking of, will I get to see you guys before you leave?"
"If you come to the studio that morning, yes, otherwise, no as we're heading straight to the airport from there." Cooper then paused for a moment. "Even though I'm going to be on my honeymoon, should things go not as expected with Hummel, don't hesitate to call me. I mean it."
"While I appreciate the offer, I…"
"Call me, Blaine, I don't care the time. Promise?"
"I promise. Now, care to tell me when you're dropping the news?"
"If something doesn't go awry, from about thirty-something thousand feet." The laughter Cooper heard in response, made him smile. "You like that?"
"I do actually, as it means you won't have to field questions after the fact. Your publicist knows, right?"
"Yes, he's fully aware and approves." Cooper told him. "Also, Mom and Dad know, so they aren't going to be blindsided by the announcement."
"I was going to ask that, last thing they need are more curves with everything else going on."
"So, you're aware they're concerned about him getting out."
"I am. Yet strangely, I want him out, simply because locked up we'll never know if he's…"
"He's never going to change, don't fool yourself." Cooper said to him. "He can't stand the fact you're not only successful, but…"
"Married to Bas, I know." Blaine told him. "And I know he's not going to change, it's more about if he's developed any self-control." Almost instantly Blaine heard his brother scoff. "You sound like Bas."
"Because your husband isn't kidding himself. I'm sorry Squirt, but you…"
"I'm not being naïve, it's wishful thinking, I promise you. I'm all too aware of what he's capable of. Which is why I expect to hear something once he's released since he feels he was unjustly punished."
"Sorry for doubting you."
"It's alright."
"It's not, you're not the same person who was once married to him."
"You're concerned, especially after everything he put me through. I need for things to go smoothly Coop so Bas and I can…"
"Can what?"
"Move on."
"That's not what you were going to say."
"You're reading too much into things."
"No, your tone changed. What do the two of you want to do?"
"It's not important."
"Blaine."
"Coop, we'll talk about this later, I promise."
"So, there is something."
"Yes, but it's not a topic I want to have abruptly cut short."
"Fair enough. Just tell me one thing, should I be…"
"It's a good thing, and that's the last I'm going to say regarding the unmentioned topic. Now, shouldn't you be wherever it is by now?"
"Even early, LA traffic sucks." Cooper told him. "But you can relax, I won't push. What are your plans for the week?"
"Relax a bit. Plan my set list for the weekend, and most importantly, spend time with my husband."
"I'm sure he approves."
"That's up to him, as he's got plenty on his schedule as the bar is around the corner."
"Well, remind him all work and no play makes for a cranky Sebastian. I'm sure you can find a way to get him to…"
"Cooper!"
"I love getting a rise out of you, still got it." Cooper teased. "Seriously though, make sure he takes time to breathe."
"You know I will. I'm going to do whatever I can to help him get through these next couple of weeks." Blaine replied, just before Cooper told him he needed to go as he'd arrived at his location, but not without thanking him for the advice.
With that situation handled, Blaine decided to turn on the television and see if he'd missed anything important during the past few days. He turned his head when he heard Jordan talking about the festival from the past weekend, and about how plenty of new music was teased by multiple artists, Blaine included. "For those of you wondering if we have possible release dates for any of the new music teased, we currently don't, but once I do, I'll be sure you're some of the first to know." Jordan said. "But word on the street is we should have Blaine Anderson's follow-up to his freshman smash, before the end of the year. According to my sources, Blaine and his band have been in the studio which is good news for the rest of us." As she continued, Blaine heard his phone go off, and was surprised to see an email from the District Attorney's office.
Almost instantly, he felt a sinking feeling in his gut, but took a deep breath to compose himself as to not get ahead of himself. Yet before he was done, the feeling had returned as Miss Strauss was requesting he come to her office to discuss Kurt's pending release. Of all the times for this to occur, he knew he should tell Sebastian, but he didn't want to concern his husband, if it wasn't necessary. So, not wanting the situation to come back and bite him, he called Sebastian at work.
"Sebastian Anderson-Smythe speaking."
"Bas."
"Miss me already, Killer?"
"Do you have time to talk?" That phrase caused Sebastian to sit up straighter in his chair.
"Yes, what happened?"
"I need to go speak with Miss Strauss today."
"Since when?"
"Since the email I received a little while ago." Blaine told him in response. "She wants to discuss Kurt's pending release. I wasn't going to call, but…"
"You did the right thing B; do you want me to see if I can move things around and come with you?"
"Much as I appreciate the offer, I don't think it's necessary. Plus, you do have a rather full schedule today if my memory from earlier serves me correctly." Sebastian confirmed he was right.
"You're not going to go alone, right?"
"Correct. After I get off the phone with you, I'm going to call Scott and tell him what's going on." Blaine replied. "Do, you have any idea what she might want to talk to me about?"
"She probably wants to go over the variables regarding his release. If I recall correctly, my Dad said the Judge made it pretty clear what was necessary for him to get out. Let alone, he's going to have to go before Judge Watkins shortly afterwards." Sebastian told him. "While I agree it's not something you should worry about, call my Dad, make sure he's in the loop."
"Of course." Keeping to his word, after calling Scott and telling him where he needed to go that day. He then proceeded to send a text to Xavier as he didn't want to wake him, knowing he was undoubtedly still asleep. Once that was taken care of, Blaine headed upstairs to start getting ready as his day had already taken a bit of a turn compared to what he'd initial planned after getting up.
Tempting as it was to take the subway, Scott felt it was best they didn't since they weren't sure what Blaine's mindset would be after the meeting. And the last thing Scott wanted, was for Blaine to have to deal with the public afterwards if things didn't go as expected. Although they were leaving after most were at work, it still took them a bit longer than usual to make their way to the DA's office. Upon their arrival, Scott couldn't help but notice the deep breath Blaine took prior to exiting the car. "Are you sure you want to be doing this without Sebastian?" Almost instantly Blaine looked up at him, prior to them heading towards the building. "I didn't mean any disrespect. I know you can handle this, but I also know the toll this has taken on you. A little support never hurt anyone."
"I know, and I didn't mean to react the way I did." Blaine replied. "This whole situation puts me on edge, as I never imagined it getting to this point, yet it has. And much as I'd love Bas to be here, he's got a full day ahead of him. If I need someone to talk to afterwards, I've got people to turn to before he gets home."
It was obvious ADA Strauss was expecting him, as her assistant escorted him into her office to wait for her. Blaine was only waiting a few minutes before she made her way in and apologized for keeping him waiting. "I truly am sorry for keeping you waiting, but…"
"It's alright, things happen unexpected, especially around here, I get it." Blaine replied as she took her seat behind her desk.
"Still, I knew you were coming and should've tried harder to wrap up the situation I was dealing with." She told him. "I appreciate you coming on such short notice, particularly since I only recently learnt you were on the opposite coast as of last evening. By the time I learned this bit of information, you'd already replied that you'd be coming. Again, I'm sorry as this could've waited till tomorrow, till you were better acclimated to being back."
"It's alright, I was up early as it didn't feel right sleeping in when Sebastian needed to get up for work, and he was running on a similar amount of sleep."
"He joined you?"
"He did. Typically he tends to avoid the west coast, for logistical reasons, yet this trip was an exception."
"May I ask what was so different about this trip." She inquired. "Completely confidential, I assure you."
"I appreciate that." Blaine told her, smiling as he did. "My brother got married."
"Now, that is a fully acceptable exception to his rule."
"Agreed, but it's undoubtedly going to make for a long day for him." Miss Strauss nodded in response. "Now, what do you need to talk to me about?"
"I presume you're aware Mr. Hummel is due to be released shortly." This time, Blaine nodded. "Is this something you're comfortable with?"
"Honestly, no, but I know there's nothing I can do about it. Much as I hate to admit it, it's nice knowing he's not going to run off at the mouth at any moment, or show up unexpectedly. Yet, I'm fully aware, his behavior doesn't justify him being locked up permanently."
"I appreciate your honesty."
"Given the situation, I know the only way you can do your job, is to have all the facts."
"That is correct." She replied. "Are you aware that Mr. Smythe asked if it was possible to have Mr. Hummel reevaluated before his release?"
"I recall Xavier mentioning it in passing over the weekend. Is it possible?"
"It is, and honestly based on his behavior, appropriate given what got him locked up. The problem with that is, Mr. Hummel's public counsel objects?"
"Mr. Jones?"
"No, his Columbus based counsel. Mr. Jones has been in court all week, so another public defender wrote the motion."
"Mr. Jones knows it's necessary, he's witnesses his behavior first hand. His opinion should have some sway in this matter." Blaine said, his tone doing little to hide his frustration. "The other guy has no idea!"
"I know, which is what I stated to Judge Peters." Miss Strauss replied as calmly as she could. "While his public defender, in Ohio is doing his job, his unfamiliarity with the case needs to be taken into account."
"Do you think it would help if Xavier goes and states his case for it. Afterall, he is rather persuasive."
"Mr. Smythe, is actually submitting his objection to this upon his arrival back in Ohio." She assured him. "Needless to say, your father-in-law, is none too happy about it."
"That's the first time I've heard you reference him in that matter."
"I'm sorry."
"It's alright, as he does serve dual roles in my life." Blaine said to her. "I might be overreacting, which isn't knew when it comes to Kurt, but, I'd feel more comfortable if a doctor assesses his situation before he gets out. One can only imagine what being locked up has done to him, and, never mind."
"What is it?"
"It's nothing."
"If it's a concern you have, tell me, so I can possibly address it."
"I'm concerned about his release hearing since it's the same day Sebastian is taking the bar exam." Almost instantly she looked at her calendar. "Yea, not great timing."
"Based on my interactions with your husband, I hope he's not focusing on it, given there isn't much he can do." She replied.
"He's said he's not, but I know it's impossible for him not to because of everything Kurt's put us through."
"Remind your husband, I will do everything in my power to make sure he doesn't harm either of you again. Also, he needs to remember Mr. Hummel has to go before Judge Watkins shortly thereafter, and we're all aware of his stance on probation violation." Instinctually, a smile crept to Blaine's face. "Hopefully that reminder will help put your husband's mind at ease, so he can put his focus where it needs to be."
"I will remind him, but after everything…"
"I know, it's not that simple." Miss Strauss told him. "I would love nothing more than for this stint to have gotten through to him, so you all can more forward with your lives. Yet…"
"Unfortunately, I have a feeling his issues with me, as well as Sebastian, aren't going to be resolved by what he brought on himself. If anything, it's only fueled his hatred for us both."
