Slow Fade

Chapter 7

Seconds later Cooper Anderson's cheerful voice rang out in the small office. "Blainey, how long have you been holding out on me? When did you start going out with Kurt Hummel and why haven't you told me about him sooner?"

"Don't believe everything you hear Coop," Blaine said at last.

"But Blaine I saw the picture! You were hugging Kurt Hummel, THE Kurt Hummel!" Cooper protested.

"I didn't know you had a crush on him," Blaine joked.

"Blaine," Cooper complained. "You know very well I have a girlfriend. But Kurt Hummel, he's won an Academy Award for crying out loud! How on earth did you end up in a relationship with him?"

Blaine paused briefly before answering. He didn't want to lie to his brother, but he really couldn't tell him the entire truth either. Some secrets weren't his to tell no matter how trustworthy Cooper was.

"First of all the media has jumped to conclusions, that photo was completely innocent. Secondly any relationship between Kurt and I is new and personal," Blaine explained at last.

"So there IS a relationship?" Cooper asked, completely shocked.

"There might be," Blaine answered mysteriously. "But I really don't want to talk about it yet, ask me again another time."

"Sorry," Cooper apologized. "I'm just confused here. You are not exactly part of the Hollywood crowd, so how did you meet Kurt Hummel of all people?"

"He is Wes' patient, and we just hit it off," Blaine replied carefully.

"Well way to go little brother," Cooper replied, pride evident in his voice. "There may be hope for you yet, but what about Mark?"

Blaine frowned, "Coop-"

"Ok I'm sorry," Cooper regretted, changing subjects. "So how are you dealing with the paparazzi?"

"It's awful," Blaine admitted. "I could barely make it into the office today."

"As long as you are associated with Kurt Hummel they will always bug you. If they knew I'm your brother it would be worse, they are always stalking me," Cooper replied seriously.

"Coop, your biggest role was as an extra on Transformers 4," Blaine pointed out.

"Blaine it's a freaking Michael Bay movie," Cooper complained.

"I know, meeting Optimus Prime is cooler than treating colds and sore throats. I know your life is cooler than mine," Blaine teased.

"Blainey," Cooper whined, before he became serious. "I'm worried about you little brother. I know how easily fame can go to your head. Be careful ok?"

"I will," Blaine replied. "Thanks Coop, but I need to let you go. I have a meeting soon and I need to figure out how I'm going to escape the paparazzi tonight."

"Alright Blaine," Cooper said. "But call me if you need anything."

"Will do," Blaine said hanging up the phone.

It had been nice to talk to his big brother again. Despite them both living in L.A. it was a rare thing for them to talk what with Blaine's busy schedule at the office and Cooper's work on the set of a free credit score rating commercial. In a way Blaine felt guilty knowing that he had more fame in one day for simply being seen in the company of a celebrity than Cooper who was still in many ways trying to get his big break as a Hollywood actor.

Blaine had always admired and even envied his brother. Cooper had refused to be swayed by Dad's demands that he get a respectable job as an attorney and moved to Hollywood right after graduating from high school even though he was practically disowned. While Blaine wasn't brave enough to defy Dad and go for his dream of being a musician, he still had enough courage to choose med school over law school. Blaine didn't regret that decision because he really loved being a doctor, but every once in awhile he wondered what would've happened if he did become a musician.

Suddenly a knock on the door pulled Blaine away from his gloomy thoughts.

"Come in," he called.

The door opened and Wes strode in, closing the door behind him. "Hey Blaine, I got done early. Are you ready for that chat now?"

"Of course," Blaine said, turning to pulled Kurt's closed chart out of his bag.

"So what is going on?" Wes asked. "I've heard the rumors and seen the picture and to be honest I'm confused. And why do you want to give me one of your patients?"

It is kind of a long story," Blaine replied. "It all started when I started working as Kurt Hummel's doctor."

Wes listened patiently as Blaine told him the whole story. He showed Kurt's chart to Wes and explained his mysterious health problems. He told Wes about what really happened when the picture was taken and about Finn's crazy idea. Finally he made his request about Wes taking over Kurt's case.

"Wow," Wes said finally. "You really got yourself in a pickle, and you know that if someone goes snooping I could be in trouble too."

"I know," Blaine said. "But I didn't know where else to turn, you are the only one I trust. If you don't want to do this then I completely understand."

"I'll do it," Wes said finally. "You know I will always have your back."

"Thank you," Blaine breathed.

Someone knocked on the door just then. "Doctor Anderson, those test results you were waiting on are in."

"I'll leave you to it," Wes said standing up.

"No stay," Blaine replied. "Those are Kurt Hummel's test results."

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"Nice to meet you Doctor," Kurt said shaking Wes' hand later than evening. "I'm sorry you've been dragged into this mess, but I'm grateful."

"Kurt the reason for this meeting is because the results of your bone marrow aspiration have come back," Blaine said, sitting down on the couch in Kurt's living room.

It had taken nearly two hours for Blaine and Wes to finish up their work for the day. Blaine had changed into an extra set of clothes that Wes had and a big pair of sunglasses that mostly worked as a disguise. It wasn't until they reached Wes' car that someone finally recognized Blaine but by then it was too late and they were able to escape before the paparazzi swarmed the car.

Kurt sighed and sat down next to Blaine on the other end of the couch. Wes sat down across from them and opened the chart. He glanced at Blaine who nodded.

"The results of the bone marrow aspiration have confirmed the diagnosis. You have aplastic anemia and while it isn't severe enough to warrant a bone marrow transplant, it does need to be treated," Wes explained. "Blaine and I along with the hematologist we consulted agree that the next step for you to have a blood transfusion to boost your blood count temporarily. I'm also going to prescribe a medicine to hopefully stimulate your bone marrow."

"I wish I knew what caused it," Kurt said sadly.

Blaine felt a sudden need to pull the other man in the same kind of hug that Kurt gave him the other day, but he ignored it. "There is a chance we may never know especially since all the tests have been negative for other causes. Aplastic anemia is treatable, and a transfusion is a step in the right direction."

"Well at least I have some answers," Kurt replied letting out a shaky breath.

"I need to use the restroom if that's alright," Wes said standing.

"Of course, it is the second door on the right," Kurt said, and the Asian doctor left the room.

As Kurt looked at Blaine, an uneasy silence fell upon them. It was strange that this was the first time they were alone together since starting their fake relationship, and it was also the first time where Blaine could talk to Kurt as a regular person instead of as a physician. And for some reason that made him incredibly nervous.

"Are you ok?" Blaine asked, looking carefully at the actor.

"To be honest," Kurt replied. "I'm scared shitless."

"I can understand why, but we are here to help you through this," Blaine said reassuringly.

"I'm glad you are here Blaine," Kurt said honestly. "You really are a great doctor."

Blaine smiled. "And you are a great patient. Not at the diva that the media makes you out to be."

"Don't be mistaken Blaine, I will always be a diva," Kurt replied, winking at him.

Blaine laughed and was going to reply when he noticed that Kurt was laughing. The actor was staring into space, his eyes rolling back in his head. A second later he started shaking uncontrollably, clear signs of a seizure.