5YL Let the Encore Commence

Part 97

After meeting with ADA Strauss, Scott wasn't surprised when Blaine asked if he could take him to the studio. He'd been working for Blaine long enough to know getting into the studio was one of his preferred ways to clear his head. For as often as Blaine worked at home, it was pretty clear being home alone wouldn't have been good for him. Once he got situated in a room, it wasn't long till he not only started to play but write. Scott was watching from outside the room when Malcolm walked up beside him and looked through the window. "From the number of pages on the ground, should I ask how long he's been at it?"

"About an hour." Scott replied. "For the record, those are finished pages, not discards."

"I know, as he tends to crumple those pages up in frustration. Mind me asking what spurred this, as he normally writes at home."

"He met with the ADA earlier, his ex is going to be released shortly."

"About an hour." Scott replied. "For the record, those are finished pages, not discards."

"I know, as he tends to crumple those pages up in frustration. Mind me asking what spurred this, as he normally writes at home."

"He met with the ADA earlier, his ex is going to be released soon. Needless to say, he's not happy about it, even though he knew it was coming." Scott then glanced at Malcolm. "Do other artists write this way or…"

"It depends on the writer, yet all seem to have moments when an idea comes to them and it flows effortlessly, like what is happening now." Malcolm replied. "The fact Blaine can use his talents as an outlet, is good." He proceeded to flip the switch outside, giving him the ability to listen. From there, it wasn't long till a smile crept to his face. "His insanely talented. Curious if this will fit with the other pieces he's chosen for his album."

"You don't know?"

"No, as he's recorded a number of songs, but not all will make it on the album, similar to last time." Malcolm told him in response. "We already have a nice little vault of recorded material he hasn't used." He was in the midst of his response when Blaine looked over his shoulder, then motioned for him to come in. "If you'll excuse me."

Once he disappeared into the room, Scott turned off the speaker to allow the two to work in private. He was about to walk away to get something to drink when his phone buzzed in his pocket. A soft chuckle escaped him as it was a text from Sebastian, asking where Blaine was since he wasn't answering, yet he'd asked him to call him once the meeting was over. Without hesitation, he sent Sebastian a text letting him know Blaine was in the studio working. A response that earned prompt approval from Sebastian, knowing it's often how Blaine deals with his feelings. He then asked if he'd make sure Blaine ate, since he tends to lose track of time when working, which Scott agreed he'd do, putting Sebastian's mind at ease.

After getting off the phone, he looked across the table at Hunter as the two were having an early lunch. "Is it wrong I still get the urge to play dirty when it comes to that S.o.B?" Sebastian said before taking a sip of his iced tea. "I mean…"

"This is me you're talking to Sebastian, no need to justify your feelings towards him." Hunter assured him. "Yet, we've weighed the pros and cons before, he's not worth it. More importantly, it's not worth the stress it could put on your husband."

"Anyone who knew us back in the day, wouldn't recognize us now, aside from our good looks." Sebastian countered, garnering a smile from Hunter. "While I'm aware of all that, doesn't make those thoughts go away, hell, some days they are stronger than ever."

"If they did, I'd say you lost your edge, and we know that's not happening anytime soon." Sebastian nodded. "What's your Dad's take on things?"

"He's using every legal option at his disposal to make it difficult for him to garner any leniency. All while not overstepping the ADA." Sebastian told him. "Because honestly, she's been pretty remarkable given what she's allowed to do."

"Given the nature of the situation, I'm sure his opinion has some sway."

"It does, yet it's still a fine line he walks. His biggest concern is protecting B, which is easier said than done at times. B's word carries a lot of weight in court, yet the toll it takes on him, isn't pretty. So, my Dad tries to keep him from having to appear on the stand. For all the strength he's found, testifying brings back a lot of bad memories. Not to mention, at times he feels his testimony makes matters worse, prolonging this mess."

"If you step back and look at the big picture, if he hadn't found success, things might not be as bad, even with him marrying you." Hunter said to him prior to their food arriving. "It's a double-edged sword of sorts. One alone would've irritated him, yet success and marriage to you. Sorry man."

"You're not saying anything we haven't talked about at length." Sebastian told him. "The one eighty his life has taken since that night he showed up at my door, I wouldn't change it for the world. Not only did he regain his confidence, but sappily, we fell in love, and the rest is history. For the record, I know he feels the same way."

"Never doubted it." Hunter replied between bites. "We've come a long way man. Think back to the start of Law School to where we are now. If anyone told us we'd be married and be family men, we would've laughed." When Sebastian cocked his eyebrow, Hunter simply smirked.

"Tread lightly Carrington."

"Come now, if I can't tease you, who can, aside from maybe Harwood." Hunter said to him. "Also, I have a feeling you haven't discussed a certain topic with him, simply so he didn't have to worry about accidentally slipping up around Rachel."

"Fair enough, as you're right, on all accounts. For as different as my life is, versus what I'd imagined, I wouldn't change a thing, well aside from dealing with his idiotic ex." Sebastian then took a bite of his lunch. "Are you still coming by tonight to study or…"

"I will be there as my wife is going out with her sister tonight." Hunter told him. "Crazy to think it won't be long till we find out how much of this we've actually absorbed, and…"

"Actually start doing some real work, versus being clerks." Hunter nodded in response as he'd recently taken a bit. "Each time we've been in court, my desire grows. Speaking of, how is…"

"He's stressed, knowing full and well what is at stake next time he stands before Judge Watkins. This case has truly tested his passion for his job."

"With an ungrateful client, it's understandable."

"It's not only that he's ungrateful, but he's someone who deserves to have the book thrown at him." Hunter said in response. "If it was his choice, he never would've taken this case. Hell, no one in their right might thought it would get to this point, aside from those familiar with the ass."

"Which is precisely why B was reluctant to go this right yet had no choice. I still recall the first conversation I had with my Dad about it. He warned us it would undoubtedly get ugly, but also knew we had no other recourse." Sebastian told him. "If B didn't take a stand when he did, it sadly could've gotten worse, which is something I don't even want to think about."

"Then don't, focus on all the amazing things which have happened since this all started. His career took off, the two of you got married. There are more positives than negatives."

"I know, as does he." Sebastian then glanced at his watch. "We should probably finish up and get back to work, we can finish this conversation tonight."

"Are you sure, I mean…"

"Yes, as I think you'd be surprised to hear B's take on all this." Given comment he'd just made, Hunter was surprised to see him shake his head. "Seems the paparazzi are bored." He proceeded to wave, causing the man to walk away. "He's going to be disappointed when he sees something scandalous isn't happening, merely lunch with a friend."

"Does that happen often, I mean, I didn't think it did, but I could be wrong?"

"Not really, and usually not here." Sebastian said before catching the eye of their waitress, who made her way towards them. "Which means I'm going to give Scott a call on my way back, give him a heads up. Last thing B needs today is dealing with paparazzi given the mood he's in."

"With that said, are you sure you want to study tonight?" Hunter asked, while simultaneously handing their waitress his credit card, before Sebastian. "I know you said…"

"Yes, as the last thing B ever wants is tip toeing around him. I only said that, as when he's flustered, he's more likely to say something he'd rather not, though Scott's good at protecting him from himself. And he's well-aware of B's current mindset, heck, probably better than I am since he's yet to call me."

"But he's safe at the studio, so you can rest easier knowing he's in one of his safe places."

"Exactly, he'll call me when he's…" Almost instantly a smile crept to his face, as Blaine had sent him a picture from the messy studio.

"I take it, it's from Blaine."

"Yes, and his mood has garnered productivity. Also said he needed to clear his head first, and is sorry for not calling me. But he'll fill me in tonight."

"Now you can breathe easier."

"Damn straight." Sebastian said as Hunter finished up taking care of the check. "Now let's get out of here, as I want this day over with so I can get home to B." He then texted Blaine back, and gave him a heads up about the paparazzi. Only to receive a reply giving him an exact description of the guy who'd taken the picture, and for Blaine to say he caught him leaving his meeting with ADA Strauss. He then told him he'd mention it to Scott, as he'd clearly been followed from his office. By the time the text conversation ended, Hunter noticed a stark contrast in his friend's mood, which made it easier to head back to work.

Sebastian's mood wasn't the only one visibly different, Blaine's was as well which Scott was happy to see. After being filled in on what had occurred, Scott told Blaine he'd give Cole a call and have him get Sebastian after work, which he was immediately thanked for. "Any idea how they knew I'd be meeting the ADA, I mean, it wasn't as though this was scheduled in advance?" Blaine asked as he started organizing his work so they could head home.

"No, but I think it's best you have Xavier contact the ADA, let her know she might have someone with loose lips around." Scott told him, to which Blaine agreed. "He didn't approach Sebastian, did he?"

"No, just took a picture of him out at lunch with Hunter. He's probably trying to spin the situation since Bas wasn't with me. God forbid he have his own life, career." Blaine said to him. "On a happier note, have you checked out the location of Wes and Chloe's nuptials?"

"We have, and there are no issues." Scott assured him. "I've got to admit, your demeanor is night and day different."

"I know. Sometimes I just need to be left alone to sort things out, then everything becomes clear. For too long, I ignored my feelings, which only made them worse. Something which took time, but now everything my therapist ever said, makes sense. Speaking of, I have an appointment the day of Kurt's hearing."

"Smart decision."

"Bas said the same thing, as I know my emotions are going to be running high, even before we get a ruling." Blaine then reached for his phone. "With that said, I need to make sure Cooper drops his news before or after, not day the day off, preferably before. Less opportunity for him to see all the coverage."

"True, yet that doesn't mean he won't see it."

"Yes, but articles mentioning either myself or Bas by name, should be blocked. But, I also know it hasn't stopped him in the past." Blaine said before closing the folder Malcolm had given him to use. "I just hope knowing he has to face Judge Watkins, stops him for doing anything that…" He didn't even finish as the look on Scott's face stopped him. "I know it's hopeful thinking but, if I didn't hope for the best, I wouldn't be me. That doesn't mean, I'm not ready for everything to go sideways again."

"As long as you're prepared for it to go sideways, that's all I need to hear."

"I'm not the same naïve person I used to be."

"I wouldn't say you were naïve, you…"

"While I appreciate that, I was, at least regarding this matter. Now, let's get out of here as I have more work to do, and it needs to be done at home." Blaine said before getting up from the piano. "And once I'm there, you can go as I don't intend on leaving again."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, enjoy the rest of the day." Blaine told him. "It makes me feel better knowing you have time for yourself."

"Alright, but…"

"I know, if I need you, you're only a call away. Might've taken me longer than you would've liked, but I now embrace it. You've saved my ass more times than I care to admit."

"It hasn't been that bad, I've dealt with worse."

"One of these days, you'll need to tell me about some of it.' Blaine said with a smile. "Though, I do know I've been lucky based on stories others have shared with me. For the most part, my fans are level headed, my problems are mainly my ex."

"That they are, though we can't forget about the one who crawled through the air vent." Instantly Blaine began to laugh. "I'm really sorry about that."

"I'm just glad we found her before I went to shower."

"Me too. Yet I'd gladly deal with that stuff, than what I do deal with. Stunts of that nature wouldn't impact my life in the same way. I just want this to end so Bas and I can start a family." The admission stopped Scott in his tracks. "Surprise."

"Not surprising based on what I've witnessed." Scott told him before they made their way into the awaiting car. "It was more hearing you say it. Also adds another dimension to everything you're dealing with. Makes sense you wouldn't want to subject a child to him."

"Exactly, but then we're giving him a say in our lives, power over us, something neither of us want."

"Then don't." Scott told him. "If a family is what you two want, do it. I can adjust your security accordingly."

"But…"

"Blaine, my job isn't only to protect you, but your family as well. So as I said, we'll make the necessary adjustments."

"You make it sound so simple."

"Because it is. Don't let your fears dictate your decision, particularly those out of your control."

"I wish it was that easy, truly." Blaine said in response. "For in the end, I'm only hurting myself and Bas."

"Your fears are rational; I don't deny that." Scott told him. "Just keep in mind that because of your career, having a family was always going to different for you. If it wasn't for your ex, would you this still be an issue?" When Blaine simply looked a him, Scott knew the answer.

"Guess I need to bring this up with my therapist again, huh?"

"Wouldn't be a bad idea, especially since it's clearly something you want." Scott replied. "Don't deny yourself or Sebastian of what you each want based on the unknown."

"Everything you've said, rings true, I know that. Bas and I have had this conversation more times than I care to admit. But the deep-rooted fear I have of Kurt possibly hurting our child/children, is something that scares the hell out of me. Yet I want nothing more than to have a family with Bas."

"Then follow your heart, and trust those around you to keep Hummel far from your children."

"Scott."

"Blaine, you told me you had similar fears regarding getting together with Sebastian, yet, look at you now. While Sebastian had a choice, and your children wouldn't, the same history isn't there." Scott reminded him. "Also, do you really think people wouldn't rally around you if he even looked at them the wrong way. You also have the legal system on your side." Blaine laughed quietly. "What don't I know?"

"Any children of mine/ours, are covered by the restraining order. That addendum was added shortly after Bas and I were married, if I remember correctly." Blaine then looked down at his wedding ring. "Thank you."

"For?"

"Listening, as outside of Bas, I really haven't talked about this with anyone. An outside perspective is what I needed. So again, thank you."

"You are very welcome." Scott told him. "And Blaine, just let me know when I need to start making those adjustments."

"Will do."

With his emotions having run the gamut that day, by the time Blaine got home he was energized to get back to work. After scanning what he'd written into his computer, he made his way down into Sebastian's office to look for the paperwork they'd requested awhile back. If there was ever a time he was thankful his husband's organizational skills, this was one of them. Yet, it hadn't prepared him for how the paperwork had been labeled, Future Anderson-Smythe children, written in Sebastian's impeccable penmanship. Simple as it was, it reinforced everything Blaine was thinking and feeling.

By the time he got settled back up in his studio, with his new composition playing over the speakers, he opened the folder to begin reading. One of the first things Blaine noticed, were the creases on the pages, from Sebastian holding them, proof he'd read through them more than once. While he knew the process wasn't going to be easy, he didn't quite realize how complex it was going to be. He was so caught up in what he was doing, it wasn't until Sebastian cleared his throat, did he know was standing in the doorway. "How long have you been there?" Blaine asked, looking up from his computer as he was making an adjustment to what he'd written.

"Long enough to see you're multi-tasking." Sebastian replied, as he made his way into the room. Once he took a seat on the arm of the couch, he ran his fingers through Blaine's curls, bringing his eyes to him. "It's different, but good."

"Wait till you hear the whole thing." Blaine said confidently, while moving the papers from beside him onto the ottoman. "Sit next to me." When he cocked his head, Blaine laughed, prompting him to do as asked.

"I love seeing you happy." Sebastian told him, after the two shared a kiss. "What brought this on, I mean, considering what happened this morning?"

"Successful studio time, plus a conversation with Scott."

"With Scott?" Blaine nodded. "What about?" Yet before Blaine could respond, he saw what Blaine had been reading. "I thought you…"

"I was wrong." Blaine chimed in, as it was clear to him where Sebastian was going. "I know this is a lot to process."

"You're right, it is as last we spoke you wanted to wait until things with Hummel settled down.' Sebastian said, before raking his fingers through his hair, his thoughts running a mile a minute. "And what does this have to do with Scott?"

"I might've let slip that we want kids." Blaine told him, before rehashing the conversation the two had, Sebastian listening to every word. "I know we've had similar conversations, but something about the timing of this one cause me to reanalyze things. I don't want him to have that power over us, over me. We don't know if he's ever going to leave us alone, and I'm not going to let my own fears get in the way of what we want." He said, before wiping a tear from his eye. "I know this seems sudden, but I'm done letting him influence my, our life."

"Pleased as I am to hear this, it's a lot to take in. I mean, you were adamant we needed to wait. Yet now…all because of a conversation with your bodyguard." For as long as they'd known one another, this was one of few times he'd ever seen Sebastian flustered. "B, I…"

"It wasn't only my conversation with Scott, song writing was very therapeutic." Blaine told him, as he took ahold of his hand. "Remember how you said we can't live our life with 'what ifs' hanging over our head?" Sebastian nodded. "Putting off starting a family, would be just that. If our dealings with him have taught me anything, he's only getting more set in his way that we're the cause of his problems. He's never going to accept responsibility for what he's done."

"You sound like me."

"If being realistic is sounding like you, it's not a bad thing." Blaine said in response. "But accepting he's not going to change, it allows me to focus on what truly matters, us, our dreams."

"So, you're not going to change your mind?" Blaine shook his head. "What about your upcoming album release, and the tour which will follow? I mean, I know there will be times I will be home alone with them, but…I want you here."

"I will be, as I want that too. Not to mention, it would be unfair to you and them for me not to be. I will set my schedule accordingly, one of the perks of my job." A smile crept to Sebastian's face. "I'm sorry."

"Don't be, your concerns are logical. Hell, I have similar ones." Sebastian told him. "Is it safe to presume some of those concerns were eased by Scott?" Again, Blaine nodded. "So, when would you like to set up a meeting?"

"Based on conversations we've had, what if we schedule it once we know the results of the bar exam."

"You do pay attention." Sebastian replied. "Do you mind?"

"Of course not, as I know it's a priority for you, and it should be. Last thing you would want is that uncertainty hanging over you."

"Some would view that as selfish."

"And they would be wrong, it's being responsible." Blaine said in response. "In the meantime, I will get into the studio a bit more to get potential album tracks recorded. That way, should we things go smoothly, we're positioned in a way where comfortable for the next step. You did look into paternity leave, right?"

"Yes, and my firm gives eight weeks." Blaine then gave Sebastian's hand a squeeze. "We're really going to do this, aren't we?"

"We are. But I think it's best we still wait to tell our parents. I mean…"

"No reason to explain, I feel the same way." Sebastian assured him. "It's funny, today at lunch Hunter sort of implied he didn't think it would be long till we started a family."

"Considering he's going to be a Dad, it's where his mind is at." As he finished, Sebastian leaned in and kissed him. When he began to pull back, Blaine took ahold of his tie, and pulled him back in. They were slowly falling back onto the couch when the doorbell rang. "Ignore it." Blaine mumbled, yet Sebastian sighed and pulled back. "What is it?"

"It's Hunter, we're studying tonight, remember." Sebastian stated before giving him a quick peck on the lips, then getting up. "Much as I'd rather see where this was heading, I need to…"

"Be responsible, I know what's riding on this."

"It's more than one thing now." Sebastian said, smiling as he did. "See you downstairs."

"I'll be down soon." Sebastian shot him a wink, before leaving to go let Hunter in so they could study. Once he disappeared, Blaine sat up, then looked around the room. For as much as Kurt tried to disrupt his life, he'd failed to stop Blaine's dreams from being fulfilled. Not only had he found success professionally, but he'd found the love he'd always dreamed of with Sebastian. So, there's no way he was going to relinquish control again, especially to his ex.