5YL Let the Encore Commence
Part 98
Even with Kurt's pending release, those around Blaine couldn't help noticing a new sense of calm about him. It seemed strange enough to some that they reached out to Sebastian to make sure everything was alright. The last thing any of them wanted was for Blaine to feel he had to protect them from anything which was going on. Sebastian made sure they all knew, the calm was legitimate, his husband had simply embraced a new perspective on the situation.
One person who'd yet to talk with Sebastian, ended up reaching out to him over the weekend while Blaine was away performing. "Seriously Sam, you have nothing to be concerned about." Sebastian told him as he leaned back in his chair, looking at their concerned friend on the screen. "As I've told everyone else whose ask, B's got a new outlook on things."
"A new outlook when Hummel is about to get out, really? I find that hard to believe Sebastian." Sam said to him, before raking his fingers through his hair. "So, his new Zen demeanor just appeared overnight?"
"No, it didn't appear overnight." Sebastian told him. "It came about after a few thought-provoking conversations, some which discussed a matter which has been weighing heavily on him."
"Vague enough, Sebastian."
"I'm being vague, because the matter is something which doesn't concern others outside of us, at least for now."
"Sebastian, I…"
"I know you're one of his best friends Sam, but right now this is between me and B. I promise you when the time is right, we'll talk about it, but until then…"
"You're not going to."
"Correct. Now, was his calmness the only reason you got in touch with me or is it something else?" Sebastian asked before taking a sip of coffee.
"That was basically it, I mean, wouldn't you have thought something was up if you got no reaction from him after what I told him."
"Good point, as he has done quite the turn regarding Hummel. Speaking of, if he didn't say it, thank you for intending to go. The more people willing to speak on B's behalf, the better."
"Don't mention it." Sam said in response. "I was just caught off guard by him saying it wasn't necessary."
"He said it wasn't necessary, because he didn't want you to feel obligated to do so. My Dad will be there, so he…" When he raked his fingers through his hair again, Sam simply nodded, before saying, see now you get it. "I wish I could tell you exactly why he reacted the way he did, but I honestly can't, Sam. All that matters to me, is he's not stressing himself out over this since he has little say in what happens."
"He's not acting like he won't get out, is he?"
"Oh no, B's aware that more likely than not, Hummel will be released that day, as am I. I do have one request, Sam, if they let you speak…"
"I promise I won't say anything to intentionally set him off, but…"
"I know, it doesn't take much to do so when it comes to B. You did run this by my Dad, right?"
"Yes, and he thanked me for offering to come and speak since I've been around since the beginning." Sam replied. "Will you and Blaine be…"
"Nope." Sebastian said before he could finish. "I will be taking the bar exam, and B will either be finishing up an interview or in the studio."
"Really?"
"Yes, as my Dad feels it's better we're not there, for numerous reasons. Though in my case, it's not even possible. If I miss this test date, the next one isn't for a few months, and I really don't want to have to wait to truly begin my career."
"I didn't realize it was only given so rarely." Sebastian nodded. "Do you know if Blaine's parents are going?"
"As of the last time we spoke about it, they were unsure. While they want to be, seeing Hummel has a profound impact on them, which takes its toll, much as it does on B."
"Good point. And Sebastian, again, I am sorry I didn't step up sooner, I…"
"No one knew, yet once you did, you stepped up which is what matters now." Sebastian assured him. "By chance, do you know if Carole is still staying with Rachel's Dads?"
"She is, and LeRoy and Hiram told her she's welcome as long as she needs to figure things out. They believe she shouldn't be alone with everything that's going on." Sam told him. "Burt's really trying to fix things with her, but his support of Kurt is quite the obstacle."
"Don't get me wrong, I understand why he is, but there comes a point where you need to draw a line."
"Exactly! Whether Burt likes it or not, everything Kurt's been accused of doing, is true. His denial of things only makes it worse cause he's not helping matters."
"And while I'm not Burt's biggest fan, Hummel's undoubtedly manipulated him regarding the situation. Last thing anyone wants to accept is their kid is a bastard. And before you say anything, I realize it's a bit ironic coming from me."
"Sebastian, while you weren't always a nice guy, what you did and what Kurt's done can't be compared."
"Thank you, but…"
"Seriously, I'd be the first one to say something, but it's true."
"I almost blinded B."
"Yet, he wasn't the target."
"True, but it doesn't negate what I did. I wasn't innocent."
"No, but you were also a teenager who didn't quite think things through, regardless of how smart you believed you were."
"You're being too kind."
"Time allows for a different perspective, plus, Blaine not only forgave you, the two of you are now married. Speaks volumes about who you are now."
"I appreciate that, truly." Sebastian replied. "Much as I would like to continue this conversation, I need to get back to studying."
"Don't sound so excited about it."
"Sorry, it's just I'd rather be with Blaine right now." Sam nodded. "Yet I now see the light at the end of the tunnel in this regard. It's simply a matter of me processing everything in my head the right way, when it matters."
"I don't doubt you will, you've got this Sebastian."
"Thanks, and Sam, trust me when I tell you've got nothing to worry about, B's in a good place."
"Will do. Talk to you later, Sebastian. Bye."
"Bye, Sam." After ending the call, Sebastian glanced over at one of the pictures of he and Blaine on his desk from their honeymoon. "Here's hoping your new resolve doesn't get turned upside-down with his next stunt, cause I'm ready for us to start a family, Killer." No sooner did the thought finish, did he get another notification, this time it was from Blaine. "You have impeccable timing, B."
"Thinking about me?"
"I was actually, and not in a naughty way."
"Really?" Blaine replied, his tone a bit suspicious
"Yes, difficult as that may be to believe." Sebastian responded, not offended in the slightest. "Not all my thoughts pertaining to you are sexual, simply a high majority of them." He added, a wicked glint in his eye, which brought a smile to Blaine's face. "What do I owe this honor, as shouldn't you be in sound check or something?"
"We finished a little while ago." Blaine told him. "I called because I wanted to give you a heads up, you should be receiving a delivery this afternoon."
"From whom?"
"My Mom, it's Wes and Chloe's wedding gift. She didn't want to have to fly with it."
"Gotcha. She knows she could've called me, right?"
"Of course, and she was going to, yet she grabbed the phone from my Dad when he and I were talking." Blaine told him.
"You were talking with your Dad."
"It's not that unusual."
"True, but I can't help but sense something about the timing of things."
"Your instincts are on point, as usual." Blaine said in response. "He wanted to know how I felt about what's about to happen. Thought it would be better to ask while I've got a lot going on, than time to dwell."
"And?"
"He's a bit confused, as is practically everyone in our life. Is it really that strange that I'm unfazed by it?"
"Given history, a bit." Sebastian told him. "Past precedent has them believing you'd be stressed about what's going to happen."
"I am, but I'm not letting it consume me."
"I know, I'm simply telling you where they are coming from. Remember, it took me a while to wrap my head around this new perspective of yours. Give them time B, they'll soon realize this is a step forward and embrace it."
"Hopefully, it's soon, as I really don't want to have to keep reassuring them that I am indeed, okay." Blaine said in response while racking his fingers through his hair. "In other news, I really wish you were here, the weather is gorgeous."
"I wish I was too, but it's my last weekend to study before the exam." Sebastian replied. "I promise you though, I will get outside some, as it's beautiful here as well. Maybe I'll take my stuff outside and study a bit."
"That sounds like an excellent idea. Are you going to see Hunter at all?"
"Probably not, as each of our focus is on different areas."
"Understandable. Would you like for me to call you when I'm done?"
"What do you think?"
"Figured I'd ask, last thing I want to be is a distraction."
"B, you are and will always be a welcome distraction."
"Good to know." Blaine said, winking as he did which made Sebastian smile. "In case I didn't mention it, we're now headlining on Sunday, so I'll be home late."
"You did mention it, but I appreciate the reminder. Also, don't hesitate in waking me when you do, as I won't be sleeping solidly until I know you are."
"Will do." As he replied, Vincent called out for him. "I…"
"I heard. Knock'em dead B, I cannot wait to hear all about it. I love you!"
"I love you too!"
After logging out of the call, Sebastian looked at the picture of the two of them once again before resuming his studying. Not only because he wanted to make sure he was fully prepared, but it was an excellent distraction to what was instore for them the following week.
By the time Thursday came about, Sebastian was hoping to steal a few moments when he awoke yet found the bed empty beside him. After taking a moment to not let his concerns get the better of him, Sebastian made his way out of bed and then was off to find his husband. He'd only gone down one flight of stairs when the aroma of freshly brewed coffee hit him, putting a bit of a spring in his step. Upon reaching the kitchen, he was greeted by Blaine singing along to their stereo while making them breakfast.
The moment he felt Sebastian's arms slip around him from behind, Blaine stilled slightly and leaned back against him. After looking back over his shoulder at him and exchanging a kiss. "I didn't expect you up already, I wanted to surprise you."
"I appreciate that." Sebastian told him, before releasing him so he could resume what he was doing. "I probably would've still been in bed, if I hadn't opened my eyes and didn't find you beside me." He said to him before going to get himself some coffee. "Couldn't sleep?"
"Yes, and no." Blaine replied honestly. "Much as I try not to think about what's going to happen, it's there."
"Understandable, as I can relate. Were you able to get any sleep?"
"Yes. I've only been up for a little more than thirty minutes or so, so not long."
"Acceptable, otherwise I would've expected you to wake me."
"Bas."
"Bar exam or not, I…"
"Bas, if that was the case, I would have, I promise." Sebastian nodded as he took a sip of his coffee. "How are you feeling about today?"
"Regarding matters I have control of, good. Pertaining to the bastard, trying not to think about it as it won't do me any good. At least the exam will keep my mind occupied." He then glanced over at the island where Blaine's phone was as it kept going off. "Aren't you going to look at that?" Blaine laughed, before turning to look at his husband. "B, what is it?"
"Coop posted that he and Whitney got married." Garnering a look from Sebastian over his cup. "I know the plan was to do it yesterday, but if you look at the post, it makes sense. And is surprisingly subtle, yet romantic in nature, not necessarily his strong suits." Sebastian took another sip of coffee before picking up Blaine's phone to see for himself. Upon seeing him smile, Blaine went to put bread into the toaster. "See what I mean?"
"I do, and it's a wonderful picture of them."
"Agreed, and a majority of those notifications are outlets asking for comment." Blaine told him, while getting plates out. "From the text Coop sent me, his publicist is releasing something a bit later with more details pertaining to their nuptials."
"Are you going to respond?"
"Later, as I'd rather spend my morning with you until it's time for you to leave."
"You'll certainly get no complaints from me." Sebastian replied as he took a seat as breakfast was almost done. "Are you going to the studio or coming home after your session?"
"I'll probably head to the studio for a bit, as Talia and Justin are going to be there recording their tracks for a few songs." Blaine told him as he began plating. "This will be a good opportunity to work through some sections on new stuff which are giving me issues."
"New stuff?"
"Recently written, but you've heard bits and pieces of it. I have the bulk of it done, yet there are some sections which need to be tweaked."
"Makes sense." Sebastian replied as Blaine set their plates done. "Given how you all think, I wouldn't be surprised if Morgan and Justin make their way in."
"I wouldn't be either." Blaine said as Sebastian took a bite, a smile creeping to his face. "I had a feeling you'd approve of having a real breakfast before the exam."
"More than you know, and I'm glad that is why you did this versus nerves."
"Me too."
While the two of them were enjoying a rather relaxing breakfast, things were a little more tense back in Ohio. After plenty of debate, Patrick and Katherine decided they would attend as they wanted the ability to speak should the option be presented. And Xavier was going over his notes to ensure not a single thing Kurt had done to Blaine, slipped through the cracks. "How soon after this hearing will he have to go to New York?" Victoria asked as she leaned against the doorframe of her husband's home office.
"A week." Xavier told her. "While Judge Peters is fair, he's not as familiar with Kurt's behavior. I'd much prefer Judge Watkins had a say in his release, but it's not his jurisdiction. Hence why he has to go before him after release."
"So, you don't see him…" The simple shake of his head gave Victoria her answer. "Based on what you know, do you think he's changed at all?"
"Not really, unfortunately. I merely hope this obsession wanes, even if it's only slightly." Xavier told her. "I know that is not the answer you wanted, but it's the truth." Victoria sighed softly. "Are you coming today or are you going to keep yourself busy?"
"I actually have a meeting with a client yet cleared my schedule for the afternoon in case Kate wants to talk."
"I'm sure she appreciates it."
"She does, as we talked over the weekend." Victoria replied. "She really struggled with whether or not to attend but wants Kurt to see them there. A reminder that they haven't forgotten what he's done to their son."
"Patrick told me something similar. The only thing making this easier for him, is the new resolve Blaine's adopted."
"Has Sebastian given you any more insight regarding what brought it on, not that I'm not thrilled with it?"
"No, and I decided not the press the issue. If something were off, Sebastian would mention he was concerned by it, but he's not." Xavier said in response. "Honestly, they are each in a really good place right now regarding everything. So, whatever brought this on, we should simply embrace it."
"Fair enough." She replied, before taking another sip, garnering a look from her husband. "I learned long ago not to push our son, or he only shuts us out for he feels we're intruding. Plus, over the last few years, he has reached out when he needs us. I no longer feel compelled to push."
"I know that's not easy for you."
"It's not, but he's a grown, married man, who I couldn't be prouder of. It's only right, I treat him as an adult and not my little boy."
"He'll always be, but I know what you mean. On that note, remember, don't call him till later today, regardless of what happens in court as…"
"I know, as calling him would be pointless for he'll be taking his exam." Victoria replied. "In case things go unexpectedly, you're packed, correct?" Xavier nodded. "I thought so, but felt it was better to ask."
"Understandable, as I asked Sebastian the same thing when we spoke."
"Are they leaving tonight or…"
"They are leaving late tonight, so Blaine isn't traveling on the day of a show."
"You don't think he's overdoing it, do you?"
"Let me guess, you and Kate do?" She nodded.
"It only seems busy because of the wedding. If it wasn't for the wedding, he'd be performing all weekend. Very little difference."
"Good point." She said as he began packing up his briefcase. "You'll keep me updated, correct."
"Of course." He replied, earning him a smile. "And keep in mind, in a matter of days we'll be seeing them, and you can see how they are doing with your own eyes."
"While it shouldn't be necessary, I know it will help, especially for Kate and Patrick."
"Given the magnitude of what's going on, it's understandable. Speaking of packing, you packed for New York as well, correct."
"I did." Victoria told him, as he placed his briefcase on a nearby chair. "Breakfast before you go?"
"That sounds perfect."
While they were attempting to have a normal morning prior to heading to the courthouse, it wasn't the case for Kurt. "Where's my lawyer?"
"I'm representing you today Mr. Hummel." The young man stated. "Your previous counsel is sick and unable to be here, yet I've been fully briefed."
"As long as you get me out of here, I…"
"Mr. Hummel, your attitude is going to play a huge part in whether or not you're released. I will do my part, but you must do yours as well. Keep in mind, the transcripts of today will be sent to New York for your follow-up hearing."
"Lucky me." He sarcastically replied. "Yet, if I'm going to New York, it means I'm out of here."
"That's correct. Now, do you care to tell me about your session with Dr. Brady yesterday?"
"What's there to say, she doesn't feel I've done the necessary work to get over my issues with Blaine and that bastard he's now married to." Kurt said rather bluntly. "Nothing about the problems they've caused me." The public defender listened, and promptly realized his other counsel wasn't overstating the situation.
"For the sake of today's hearing, you need to focus on what's necessary for you to be released. And that's you are able to behave rationally when it comes to your ex-husband and his new life."
While he was discussing the hearing with Kurt, the others began slowly arriving at the courthouse. "I must say, I didn't expect to see you already this morning, Sam." Xavier said upon approaching him on the steps.
"Good morning, Mr. Smythe." Sam replied. "I didn't want to risk being late." Xavier nodded, then motioned for him to come with him. "Do you know if Blaine's parents are coming?"
"They are, they feel it's important they be here since Blaine won't be to speak on his behalf."
"Makes sense." Sam said to him. "And if I'm allowed to speak, I promise I will keep my emotions in check. As me going off on him won't help matters." When Xavier cocked his eyebrow, Sam laughed. "Guess you can tell I talked with Sebastian."
"The only reason I presumed you did, is it's something my son constantly reminds himself of before hearings himself." Xavier told him. "No part of this is easy on anyone, particularly Blaine even though he's not here himself."
"Does that mean you don't buy Blaine's new attitude?"
"No, I'm simply acknowledging the toll this takes on him." Xavier said in response. "While his focus in on his and Sebastian's future, this situation is always there. Blaine's merely dealing with it in a different way now."
"I guess that makes sense."
"Sam, the best thing any of us can do is support him." Sam was about to speak, but Xavier motioned for him to let him continue. "While we already do, it also means we need to support how he chooses to handle it when it pertains to his well-being, even if we might not understand."
"Sounds like what Sebastian told me."
"Listen to him. I know you and my son haven't always seen eye to eye, you need to trust he has Blaine's best interest at heart. And if he is embracing this new outlook, we should follow suit."
"I know, and for the record, Sebastian and I are on good terms, and I don't question how much he loves Blaine. It's just, this seems out of nowhere."
"Without going into detail, know it didn't and it's taken time for Blaine to get here. Honestly, it's refreshing to me as this situation has had too much impact on his life."
"Don't remind me." The solemn look on Sam's face, spoke volumes.
"Sam, you didn't know. Yet once you did, you were there for him."
"Yea, but I did put my foot in it along the way." Xavier couldn't refrain from chuckling. "Guess Sebastian told you."
"He did but understood where you were coming from. You wanted to protect your friend; you merely didn't have the complete story."
"That's one way to put it." Sam said, as the Andersons' joined them. After exchanging pleasantries, Xavier and Patrick excused themselves for a moment, leaving Kate with Sam.
"I'm glad you're here, Sam." Kate told him. "And I'm sure Blaine, as well as Sebastian, appreciates it also."
"I felt it was right to be here, especially since they wouldn't…be." The pause in his response caused Kate to follow his gaze. "I didn't know she was going to be here."
"Me either." Kate replied upon seeing Carole at the base of the steps with Hiram. "Sam, if…"
"Go, I'll be okay." She smiled, before making her way down the steps to talk with them.
Kate had barely stepped off the last one, when Hiram turned and gave her a hug having spotted her coming towards them. "We're not imposing being here, are we?" Hiram asked and she shook her head. "Carole felt it was important she be here, as she can give a different perspective to what was going on."
"I appreciate that, Carole." Kate said in response. "I know this can't be easy for you."
"Thank you, but what I'm dealing with is minor compared to what Kurt's put Blaine through." Carole told her. "From conversations I've had with Burt, he's still struggling to admit his son is capable of all he's been accused of. Until he can admit that, and let Kurt deal with the consequences, without making excuses for him, there is no help for my situation."
"I'm truly sorry you got dragged into this, I…"
"Katherine, no one is blame for this mess besides Kurt, who still believes he's blameless."
"And he wonders why he's sitting in jail." Hiram chimed in. "Unfortunately, until he accepts responsibility…" He stopped as Patrick joined them and informed them it was time to head inside for the hearing.
