Sebastian read the papers over again and again and again. Just staring at the words and numbers and trying to make sense of them. He looked up at his lawyer, a kind woman who had redone the paperwork and sent it in. Considering it was David who had married into a rich relationship, Sebastian was the one cutting his losses. Not only did this mean he was losing his LA condo and his New York apartments, but he was losing half of his money as well.
The males eyes slid up to Davids who was sadly reading through the paperwork as well, a rough hand on his neck as if he was ashamed to be taking all of the American properties, leaving Sebastian with the European pieces. "Now, Mr. Smythe and Mr. Karofsky, you can clearly see here that the decision of placement of the two children, Annabeth and Liam Karofsky are not stated in the papers. That is to be decided by jury to indecision on the 13th of this month." Sebastian nodded quietly, knowing now that David had companies and ownership of homes in the states he was more likely to receive the children than Sebastian.
Sebastian signed the paperwork with approval from his lawyer and pushed it towards the negotiator and loosened his tie before kissing Davids cheek. "I'll see you on Monday."
David hugged him and whispered a muffled sorry into his shoulder before releasing him and Sebastian walked out of the room quickly afterward. He'd only made it as far as the restroom before tears fell down his cheeks, cascading as he rested his forehead on a bathroom stall wall. Clenched fists banged on the heavy metal as he sobbed, eyes slammed shut in frustration.
"This court is now in session-"
It was all a blur, every sentence slug between lawyer to lawyer, judge intervening. Sebastian was silent, often having to have questions repeated. He was zoned out as his two kids, his beautiful children sat at the end of the table, their input would be the deciding factor but it would be said behind closed doors without the parents there to hear it.
When it was all said and done the lawyer patted him on his back. "That was good." He was assured and then reassured over and over for the next half hour as the kids talked to the judge. David sat on a separate bench, possibly the first time since the divorce took place that Sebastian didn't feel connected to the man. Voluntary separation.
Suddenly the doors opened and the kids walked out, unsure where to stand or who to go to. The lawyers both walked into the room as David stood. "It's okay guys, you don't have to tell us okay?" David assured them just as Annabeth broke down, little tears sliding over her cheeks, not having like to say who she wanted to live with.
Sebastian held Liam against him as they waited for the lawyers. "It's okay guys, for now, we'll still all be together okay?" Sebastian said after a glance to his exhusband who nodded. Sebastian gave a small smile and held onto their children's hands, trying not to cry in front of them.