Two Steps Beyond

Part 155

Once Blaine and Mr. Anderson had walked into the courthouse, it didn't take them long to find everyone else after going through security. After Blaine's Mom had a moment with him, Hunter introduced Blaine to his Mom. Now that all the formalities had been taken care of, they headed up the stairs towards the courtroom. As they reached the top of the stairs, the guys spotted Michael, Dylan, and from what they presumed were Michael's parents.

"Go ahead and go." Mr. Anderson said once he noticed the boys had spotted each other. Blaine smiled and soon the four of them walked away. "I'm really starting to feel like Blaine right now."

"How so?" Mr. Sterling asked.

"I want this over and done with so my son can have his life back."

While the boys all spoke, Sebastian tightened his hold on Blaine's hand once he spotted Trevor walking towards them. Not a word was exchanged amongst them; but Sebastian couldn't help but notice the look Trevor's father had given to their parents. Once they walked into the courtroom the boys all looked at each other. "What the hell was that about?"

"Are you talking about the look the former senator shot our parents?" Jeff said and Sebastian nodded. "I have no clue, but from what I can make out of it, he wasn't happy to see them."

"It looked like more than that to me." Michael said. "Obviously he wasn't happy, but there was some shock to his expression as well."

"I noticed that too." Blaine replied before glancing over at the parents who were talking and he was unable to gauge whether or not they noticed. "Bas?"

"Michael is right, something else is going on."

Before the conversation could go any further they were asked to enter the courtroom. The boys all took their seats directly behind the prosecution, while their parents sat directly behind them. As they waited for everyone to enter the courtroom, the boys all noticed that the former senator kept looking at their parents. Sebastian was about to speak, when he paused for a moment as Hunter's Mom was leaning over his shoulder talking with him.

Any chance of speaking were brought to an end when the doors closed and the bailiff asked them all to rise. While the opening statements were being made, it took every bit of control Sebastian had not to say a word as Trevor was glaring at them. Once his lawyer noticed, his attention was brought from them and towards the judge. Not knowing the complete witness list, Blaine was slightly caught off-guard that Jeff was the first person called to the stand.

As Jeff took the stand, Blaine glanced over at Sebastian who gave him a reassuring smile knowing Blaine felt responsible for putting Jeff in this situation. The prosecutor's questioning of Jeff was very straight forward. It wasn't till the defense was allowed to question him did things get a bit tense as they'd done what they'd all expected and tried to get Jeff to say that Blaine provoked the attack on him. Things got so bad that the prosecutor objected on more than one occasion, each time the judge agreeing the defense attorney had been out of line.

Blaine took the stand immediately after Jeff and they all exchanged looks. After what happened with Jeff, it was clear Blaine's nerves had returned. Like with Jeff, everything was straight forward with the prosecutor as Blaine was able to give his version of the events that day. Once it was the defenses turn, Sebastian made sure to make direct eye contact with Blaine to remind him that he was there and that everything was going to be alright. It wasn't till he saw a faint smile creep to Blaine's face did he know for certain Blaine knew he wasn't alone.

At first the defense attorney was polite, but it didn't take long till he tried to twist Blaine's words of what had occurred. After being warned by the judge once more, the defense attorney brought up the fact that this wasn't the first time Blaine had been assaulted. Noticeably, Blaine tensed on the witness stand as this was something all of them had hoped wouldn't occur. Sebastian glanced back at Blaine's parents and then at his own Dad and saw they all had essentially the same expressions on their faces. When Sebastian looked back at the stand and Blaine who was answering the questions, he tensed slightly but soon felt hands on each of his arms.

With a brief glance in either direction, he was thankful that Jeff and Hunter were both there at that moment. As Blaine recalled what he could remember, the prosecutor looked back at Blaine's parents and Sebastian. While Sebastian and Hunter knew lawyers could be ruthless, what this defense attorney was doing to Blaine seemed wrong on so many levels. Any time the prosecutor spoke up, the judge reminded the defense attorney that Blaine was not the one on trial. By the time Blaine was allowed to leave the witness stand it was clear that he was on edge emotionally. Once he took a seat next to Sebastian again, he immediately took ahold of his hand. At that moment, even Jeff and Hunter could notice the toll of what he'd just done had had on him.

Before the next witness was called to the stand, the judge called both sides to the bench. With the number objections it was clear the judge wasn't amused with the defenses strategy. As they spoke, Blaine felt a hand on his shoulder and looked back at his Dad. Not feeling like speaking all Blaine did was nod slightly before looking forward once more. Even with the hold Blaine had on his hand, Sebastian managed to move his enough to interlace their fingers. Once he did so Blaine glanced over at him and smiled. While they weren't in a place where they couldn't talk, Sebastian reassured him the only way he knew in that moment.

Once the lawyers returned it was time for the next witness to be called which considering what had already occurred, none of them were surprised when Hunter was called to the stand. After a glance at his Mom, Hunter made his way forward. During that time, Sebastian noticed that Trevor's Dad's expression changed completely and he once more looked over towards the parents, more specifically, Hunter's Mom.

The fact that Hunter was also there when Trevor went after Sebastian on orientation day proved that his attack on Blaine wasn't a one-time thing. If anything, it proved that Trevor had a history of this sort of behavior even without including the attack on Michael. The more Hunter spoke, the more uneasy the former senator looked. When it came time for the defense to cross-examine him, they immediately took issue with how Hunter handled Trevor and his friends. According to them, he used excessive force which caused Jeff to stifle a laugh. That little action caused Blaine to smile as well, as he remembered what happened all too well.

For the first time that day, the prosecutors questioned Hunter again on re-direct after some of the things the defense had brought up. Most notably according to them Hunter's violent tendencies. The prosecutor made it a point to bring up that Hunter didn't do anything but address Trevor during their first confrontation. And that his use of force was because Jeff was being held and Blaine was pinned to the ground by Trevor. He did what he needed to do to get Trevor and his friends off of Jeff and Blaine. When Hunter walked back to his seat from the stand, he had his typical look on his face, but it seemed smugger than usual. He was about to sit when Trevor glared at him and all Hunter did in response was smirk.

Once recess was called they all slowly made their way out into the hall to decide what they were going to do for lunch. As much as the boys all wanted to just leave, the prosecutor told them they needed to stick around for the rest of the day. While helping his Mom on with her coat, Hunter glanced over at the guys. "Is it just me or has his Dad been staring at us all morning?"

"Just ignore him Hunter." His Mom told him.

"Do you know him?" Hunter asked as he put his own coat on.

"I do. Now, why don't we all go and get something to eat. You boys have had a long morning." They all nodded and soon the boys headed down the stairs followed by the parents. Once they were outside, the boys walked off to talk with Michael and Dylan for a moment allowing the parents some time to talk.

"May I ask how you know the former senator Abigail?" Mrs. Anderson asked.

"Through some charity work that I do. Judging from the way he was looking at us, I have a feeling he didn't realize that Hunter was my son. While watching Hunter testify, he was the spitting image of his Dad with his no-nonsense attitude."

"From what Blaine said, Hunter acted first and asked questions after the fact." Mr. Anderson said. "He didn't care who it was, he just wanted whoever it was off of his friends."

"Jeff said his timing couldn't have been better." Mr. Sterling said. "He was certain one of the other guys was going to help Trevor deal with Blaine. Trevor was furious when Blaine punched him. Then Hunter showed up and things ended pretty quickly since he caught them off-guard."

"From what they described, I think Hunter would've taken care of things regardless of when he arrived." Mr. Smythe said. "I'm just glad that he did for all involved." The boys were just walking back to their parents when the former senator approached them.

"Abigail, may I have a word with you?"

"Now is not the time, we're just leaving."

"I…"

"What did I say, now is not the time."

"Everything alright Mom?"

"It's fine Hunter."

"Doesn't look like it. Personally I find it odd that he's choosing to talk to you right now."

"Son, this doesn't concern you."

"Excuse me, but who the hell do you think you are." Hunter said as he stepped next to his Mom. "For starters, my name is Hunter and you will address me as such. Secondly, if I heard correctly, my Mom doesn't want to speak to you so you should leave."

"You're definitely your father's son."

"Then you should know you better leave."

"Hunter, enough." Mrs. Clarington said sternly, yet quietly as she glanced at him. "But Hunter is correct, you should leave. If you want to speak to me, you can make an appointment. As I'm fairly certain everyone here doesn't want you around after what your son did."

"Abigail is correct, it's best if you leave." Mr. Smythe said. "None of us have anything to say to you." After receiving looks from all of them, the former senator walked away.

"I'm sorry about that." Mrs. Clarington said. "Let's go." As they walked, Blaine and Sebastian noticed that once they were clear of the courthouse Mrs. Clarington was soon on her phone.

"Is everything alright?" Blaine asked once he and Sebastian came up behind Hunter and Jeff.

"I think so, she's calling my Dad. He wanted a full rundown of what happened this morning. And after what just occurred, I'm pretty certain that if it's possible my Dad will be in New York once his meetings are done. He's not going to take too highly to what just happened."

"He seemed pretty adamant about talking with your Mom." Jeff said. "Do you know why?"

"There could be a million reasons honestly. My parents know more people than I can even keep track off. But from what I could see, he didn't expect to see her today."

"That was pretty obvious." Sebastian said. "If anything, he looked mortified that she was there. And then once you took the stand it got worse."

"Wish I had an explanation for you guys, but I don't. All I can tell you is that I plan on talking to her tonight about it. I can't shake the feeling that something is going on."

By the time they returned to court after the recess for lunch, things picked up right where they'd left off. The only difference now was that Blaine was more relaxed then he'd been earlier. After two more witnesses took the stand, they were all thrown when Sebastian was called to testify. Sebastian looked back at his Dad, before getting out of his seat. While they knew there was a chance of him being called, none of them really expected it until Trevor's confrontation with Sebastian was mentioned during Hunter's testimony.

Once Sebastian was on the stand, he kept his eyes off of Trevor and focused solely on Blaine. Once the prosecutor was finished the defense started. At first they seemed almost cocky when questioning Sebastian thinking they could make him slip up, little did they know who they were dealing with. During one question, Blaine glanced at Jeff when he saw a smirk creep to Sebastian's face just prior to basically throwing Trevor under the bus for showing up not only during orientation, but for also showing up during a lacrosse practice. No sooner did the words leave Sebastian's mouth did Blaine glance over at Michael who was smiling.

As the day came to a close, the courtroom was beginning to clear out when the prosecutor let the boys know they wouldn't be needed the next day, but they might be called back once more. The boys acknowledged that fact before leaving the courthouse with their parents. Once they were out in the hall, Jeff immediately took his phone out to call Brittany to let her know he was done for the day and that he'd meet her at home.

"Judging from that smile on your face she must've been happy to hear from you." Blaine said as they headed down the stairs once more.

"She was, she really wanted to be here today but I convinced her it was best for her to go to work. If anyone could understand her desire to be here it was Lexi."

"That's very true." Sebastian replied. "How were Nick and Santana this morning?"

"They were anxious as well. They were both pretty happy that they had a full day ahead of them to keep their minds occupied. But I don't doubt they'll both want a full rundown."

"Expected. In more pleasant news, did you hear correctly at Britt's audition?" Hunter asked as they waited at the bottom of the stairs for their parents who were talking.

"I did. She's already had her second callback. The last one she had was the most intense according to her since they brought the choreography up on stage to see just what they were capable of."

"If she gets this, do you know when she'd be starting?" Blaine asked.

"The Monday after the competition, so it couldn't be better timing."

"By chance, has she spoken with Lexi about all this?" Sebastian asked.

"She has, and Lexi said they'd figure something out once she starts rehearsing. Lexi said worst case scenario she hires someone temporarily while rehearsals are going on. It seems that once the show starts, Britt will have more time on her hands. So she'll be able to do both. A couple of the girls she's talked with said they have a day job as well as their Broadway gig so it's not uncommon. Basically the only ones that don't have day jobs are the leads."

"Well, I'm sure they'll figure something out."

"Agreed." Once Jeff answered, Sebastian looked back at the parents who seemed to be having quite the intense conversation. After they came down the stairs, the parents told the boys to head home as they were all going out.

"Dad?"

"Relax Seb, everything is fine. We all just have a few things we need to discuss." Blaine looked at his parents who nodded in agreement.

"We'll call you boys later this evening." Mrs. Anderson said. "So, just go home and relax you all deserve it." After saying goodbye to their parents the boys watched as they all walked away.

"That was weird." Jeff said. "Was anyone else expecting to have dinner with their parents?"

"That was a safe assumption." Hunter replied. "But I have a good idea what they are going to talk about."

"You mean the former senators obvious need to speak with your Mom." Blaine said. "He clearly wasn't happy with the way he was treated."

"How else did he expect to be treated?" Sebastian said. "It was clear Hunter's Mom didn't want to talk to him yet he didn't leave."

"Yea, well I'm sure I'm going to hear it from her for speaking to him the way I did but I couldn't help it." Hunter said. "He's a condescending ass, shows he's not the nice guy he puts forward to the public. But not to be rude, I'm going to get going. I think I'm going to go to the gym and blow off some steam. Seb, I will see you tomorrow. Guys, I'll see you this weekend if not beforehand."

"Will do." Sebastian said before they all said their goodbyes. "I think we should be getting home as well B."

"You're right. Jeff, you heading home?"

"Yep. On an opposite note from Hunter, Blaine I'll see you tomorrow and Seb, this weekend."

"See you then man." Sebastian replied.

By the time Mrs. Clarington returned to Cassie and Hunter's home, Hunter had already returned from the gym and was sitting on the couch. "I didn't expect to see you."

"I do live here." Hunter replied. "How was dinner?"

"Productive." She replied as she took her coat off. "What did you boys do after we left?"

"We all went our separate ways. Blaine and Seb went home and from the looks of Blaine, they probably weren't going to do much besides have dinner. And Jeff went home to wait for Brittany. Oh, and so you know I already spoke with Dad."

"What did he have to say?" She asked as she took a seat across from him.

"Just that I should've held my tongue more, but he could understand why I didn't."

"Is there something I don't know?"

"If the look Trevor gave me was any indication he has no remorse for what he tried to do to Blaine. Honestly, I wish I would've hurt him."

"Hunter."

"Mom, if you saw the situation I walked up on you'd understand. While Blaine, Seb, and I have talked about this, I don't get why some people feel the need to get so angry for how they choose to live their lives. How they live has no bearing on anyone else."

"I know that and I'm glad your Dad and I taught your sisters that as well. The strange part about all this is that Trevor's parents hold the same beliefs so this whole situation puts them in an unusual situation."

"How do you not notice your kid is a freaking homophobe after he puts someone in the hospital?"

"That would be because he told his parents that wasn't the reason though once more information came out it was proven it was the case."

"I know you and Dad would do anything for all of us, but how do you protect your kid in a situation like that? You and Dad always told us there are consequences for our actions. Yet in this situation Trevor just…" Mrs. Clarington moved over and sat down next to Hunter the more frustrated he got. It was obvious the whole situation pissed him off.

"Essentially wasn't held responsible for putting Michael in the hospital."

"Yes."

"I wish I had an answer for you dear, but I don't. I understand the need to protect your children, but in that situation you need to let them face the consequences for what they did. Obviously I know he was given some sort of sentence, but it was nowhere near severe enough."

"Mom, I wouldn't be surprised if he never showed up at a single one of those anger management classes or the tolerance meetings. If you saw him when he approached Seb at orientation there was nothing but pure hatred in his eyes. Seb's not the type of person to back down, yet even he knew it wasn't a situation to get involved in. He wanted to get out of there as quickly as possible."

"I got that from his testimony. The whole situation made him uneasy and he doesn't seem like the type of boy that happens to easily."

"He's not. I need to ask you something and I need you to be honest with me."

"Alright, ask away."

"Did you help Seb's Dad get the information out into the public?"

"Hunter."

"Mom, you said you'd be honest with me. Did you or didn't you?"

"I did. I made the necessary calls."

"What were the terms since it didn't happen immediately?"

"Hunter, you don't need to concern yourself with how it happened."

"Mom, this bastard hurt my friends. I want to know how his crimes finally came to light."

"Fine. After orientation and what happened to Sebastian I received a call from Alexander shortly afterwards asking if I could help. He had done quite a bit of research and found out just what sort of sentence Trevor had received."

"Seb and I did something similar."

"So I've been told. Well, once he had all the information gathered he sent it to me to look over and I can tell you I was appalled by what had happened. Alexander then decided that he was going to go down to DC and speak with the senator. He basically told him that Trevor need to leave Sebastian and Blaine alone and that if he didn't…"

"The information would become public knowledge."

"Exactly. Yet, you can see how Trevor took the news. Once his Dad told him to stay away from them he actually sought Blaine out since he knew there was no way he'd be able to get near Sebastian while he was on campus."

"He's crazier than I thought. So because he didn't listen, his Dad's career was ruined."

"Yes. The last thing any of us expected was for him to seek Blaine out in that manner."

"Makes me wonder if his Dad told him what would happen should he mess with Blaine or Seb."

"I doubt it. But it's pretty clear the boy is a loose cannon and no one can predict what he was going to do. I'm just glad you happened to be going to meet Blaine and Jeff that day."

"The thing is Mom, that came about at the last minute. I happened to be coming back from running an errand and told the guys I'd just pick them up instead of meeting them since I'd be in the neighborhood. It was complete chance."

"Regardless, I'm glad it happened."

"I can tell you, Blaine can handle himself. He might be small, but he packs one hell of a punch."