Doctors Need Mending Too

Chapter 9

I know Blaine said he that thought the dinner wasn't important and that it wasn't a big deal. But from the moment we stepped through the doors of the rooftop pavilion of the Medical Suites Building, I knew that it was, especially to him. Blaine looked outstanding with his perfectly gelled hair and neatly pressed suit. I watched him take several deep breaths with his eyes closed and a small smile on his lips. I lifted a hand and rubbed small, soothing circles on his back. My other hand then automatically reached for his chest, just over his heart encouraging him to look at me. He opened his eyes and the hazel green orbs showed a mix of pride and a hint of longing. My heart ached, realizing just how important this was to him, really.

"Let's go get your prize." I said softly. He nodded and his smile widened, showing the creases around his eyes. He was at least, genuinely happy. He then lifted and arm and held my hand just as we took the last few steps towards the door and we entered the room with a still palpable nervous but excited energy oozing out of him. Numerous people went closer to congratulate him and Blaine, as usual, accepted them graciously. On the front was a small stage with several tarpaulins which as he told me were posters of the winning studies. In the middle, was Blaine's. I recognized it as I was with him when he got it printed and on the upper right corner was a yellow ribbon that says though was too far to read, says '1st prize.'

I'm not sure why, but Blaine kept his hand attached to mine as he shook hands, received hugs and kisses from people who probably work with him. As we reached the center of the room, we spotted Dr. Harrison in the middle of a group of elderly people and he immediately stopped once he caught sight of Blaine. The pride in his eyes was hard to miss and as soon as Blaine was within reach, he pulled him into a tight, fatherly hug. I felt the tug of Blaine's hand on mine, but a few seconds into the hug, both of us decided to let go as the older man wasn't about to yet.

"Here's my boy! The big winner! Didn't I tell you? The first time he stepped into our program, I knew he was going to do something big!"

Dr. Harrison's energy was contagious and the smile that formed on everyone's lips was so heartwarming. He lets go of Blaine and held him at arm's length, giving him several strong pats on the shoulder. By the time he let go to say thank you to the several people who were saying their congratulations, he was already colored crimson and I couldn't help but chuckle. He was just too adorable. He steps back to stand beside me, our shoulders touching and I placed a hand on his shoulder, in the hope of calming him a bit. Dr. Harrison's gaze fell on me and for a moment, I froze, afraid that he might not be aware of Blaine's sexual orientation. But the glint of happiness in his eyes and that smile that was on his lips says otherwise.

"You must be Kurt Hummel."

He knows my name. Now, I wasn't expecting that. I swallowed in an attempt to rid myself of the big lump that has formed in my throat and when I failed to compose a coherent response, I decided to settle for a nod. Blaine stiffened against my hand and from the sides of my vision, I think he just turn a shade redder.

"Blaine said you were special. Seeing you now, wow. You must be way, way more than that! Considering, Blaine would rather take you out for dinner than spend time with me. May I say, I am kind of jealous." Now, it was my time to blush.

"Aw, please! Don't scare him!" Blaine protested but Dr. Harrison just ignored him.

"In his first year of residency, I thought Blaine would never date another soul. Not after all that he's been through. But you know what? He pulled through, and kicked some ass in the process. Never disappointed me, became chief, kicked even more ass and now, he's about to graduate and venture into Pulmonology. He's a talented, bright young man if you ask me. And you are the first person, Kurt, which has ever really made him smile like that."

I turned to follow Dr. Harrison's hand to look at Blaine who has indeed smiling his shy smile and looking down at the floor.

"Like he's really happy. Well, he refuses to talk about his exes but evidence shows you are someone very, very special."

The emcee then announced that the program was about to start so we walked to our reserved seats just by the stage and Dr. Harrison went up the podium for his opening speech.

There were six residents who won and for each, a consultant was tasked to give a brief speech and this was followed by a soft applause. Blaine's paper was introduced last and Dr. Harrison was to give the speech. Blaine remained motionless beside me.

"Three years ago, a young man came into my office a week after my Internal Medicine Pre-residency application closed. He was asking me for a slot. If by any chance, he could still apply. He had excellent grades, a charming smile, a modest attitude. But what really hit me was the determination in his eyes. But residency, as most of us know is not a joke. Rules are rules. I set a deadline and he was a week late. So I said no. I can still remember the disappointment and sadness in his eyes. Like he wanted to kick his own butt for failing. Like he's kicked his own butt a couple of times in the past for being a disappointment. And that made my heart twinge. But I stood my ground. A week later, one of my pre-residents quit. There was a long list of who passed applications ahead of him, but I decided out of instinct to give this one tortured soul a call. To make the long story short, I guess we can all conclude that it was not a mistake. This hospital has been submitting journals for the past twenty five years. But never have we placed first. Never. But someone did it this year, and that best thing is that when asked, he'd tell us that our hospital did it. Humble young man. I see him going really far in this profession. I have faith in him. The same faith I know I'd give any of my children. He's the son I've never had. He's the person who seems like he can do everything. He's probably one of the brightest people I know. Ladies and gentlemen, the 1st prize awardee for this year's nationally held journal presentation, the chief resident of the Department of Internal Medicine, Dr. Blaine Anderson!"

I was in tears by the time Dr. Harrison finished his speech and I watched everybody stand up in a standing ovation just for Blaine. I was overflowing with about a thousand different happy thoughts and so, I, too, was brought to my feet, clapping. Blaine was frozen in his seat, his eyes gleaming with unshed tears and his mouth partly open in disbelief. I leaned forward and placed a hand on his shoulder.

"They are all clapping for you, Blaine! I think they want you to approach the stage." Blaine nodded and slowly staggered towards Dr. Harrison. His pace quickened as he walked nearer the older man and by the time they were at arm's length of each other, Blaine took a long leap and hugged him tight, the tears flowing freely down his cheeks. I watched him receive a couple of small pats on the back before he broke away to receive his plaque and his check. He posed for a couple of photos and when he walked back towards me his face was just beaming.

I pulled him in for a tight hug to which I felt his body dissolve into.

"Congratulations!"

"Thank you. And you were right. It would have sucked to have attended this alone."

I would have told him 'I told you so!' But instead, I pushed him away briefly to look into his beautiful green eyes and then pulled him back towards me for a quick kiss. There was a moment of surprise as we pulled apart.

But his smile became obviously wider and then he leaned in again and kissed me back.

*****

Half an hour later, after everyone has settled back down and were drinking wine and having small discussions, Blaine asked me if I was ready to leave. After agreeing, we took the elevator down to the ground floor and walked the few yards to his car in a comfortable silence, with our hands clasped together.

Blaine made reservations in a fancy Italian restaurant an hour drive away from the hospital. The setting was warm and cozy. We started with some wine and a delicate soup and our discussion flowed smoothly just like our delicious meal. His smile never left his face, the sparkle in his eyes was irresistible and the familiar warmth and charisma that used to radiate out of him seemed to have returned. In that moment, I felt like I have my own Blaine back.

"Living in New York has never left my mind you know?" He said after I asked him about what his plans are for the future.

"Dr. Harrison has been trying to talk me into Cardiology. But do you know how many cardiologists there are in this country? Too many! And from the moment I got the letter of invitation from the Montefiore Medical Center to be a part of their Pulmonology Fellowship, I know I would never miss the chance."

I placed a hand under my chin probably to prevent my mouth from hanging in awe. He has spoken more tonight than he has ever had since we've met at the hospital and there is a brightness in his eyes that's telling me just how much he loves what he's doing. It's a familiar look, one I used to see on him after nailing another one of his glee club solos or after a winning performance and it made me yearn for the old him even more.

We talked of my plans to expand my line and the possibility of opening a shop in Ohio. He listened intently, a proud smile beaming from him so affectionately I can't help but blush. He was looking at me like he loves me. I've missed the feeling so much.

After dessert, I excused myself for the washroom and stood up. While peeing, I noticed another man in a worn down sweatshirt and faded jeans as he stood by the cubicle next to mine. He looked very familiar. Maybe it was the wine? But I was feeling fuzzy. It took a while and quite some effort to recall who he was and I was just about done zipping myself up when it hit me.

Danny!

I turned his way again, surprised by the strong hand that clasped me by the mouth keeping me silent as he roughly pushed me against the opposite wall.

"I was never here."

His breath smelled of alcohol and his green eyes were bloodshot. He had dark circles under his eyes and they were constantly looking from side to side like he was anxious. He was positively, absolutely high on something.

Afraid, I nodded against his firm grip. I closed my eyes and then he was gone.

Knowing that I cannot afford to ruin such a beautiful evening for Blaine, I decided to say nothing. We stayed for a little while more as our bill was settled and Blaine was animatedly talking about a Paris trip he had for a medical convention. I tried my best to respond positively and share bits of my own experience as I was there too last year. I was relieved that he didn't suspect a thing.

Blaine was just opening the car door when we heard a woman scream from the street and was followed by the screeching of a car tire. We both immediately ran towards the commotion.

In the middle of the street was a red Honda Civic with the front window shattered and on the floor was a motionless body wearing a very familiar pair of clothes. Before I could speak, I saw Blaine run closer to the scene and I followed dumbly. I hear him order someone to call 911 and by the time I was dragged back to reality, he was calling me.

"Kurt, we need to put him in his back okay? I'm going to need your help. I'll turn his head, hold on to his shoulders and turn his body. It's important that we don't move his head. There's just a lot of blood, but I think he's awake and his pulse is strong. We just have to be very careful." He looked so composed. He seemed like he knows what he's doing. So I nodded.

Just as I was turning Danny's torso, I tried to speak in order to warn Blaine before he sees his face. But nothing came out.

"Blaine, it's, it's..." I stammered. I was too late.

Blaine came face to face with Danny, who was unlucky for us, very conscious. He coughed a bit and spit out some blood, on his forehead was an ugly looking gash and blood was soaking the left arm of his shirt rather quickly.

"Takes quite a lot to get your attention, doesn't it, baby?"

Fear surfaced into Blaine's features but he remained still. He then gently placed Danny's head to the ground before pulling himself up into an upright position. I heard sirens wailing from a distance and just as Blaine took the first few uncertain steps back, the paramedics arrived.

He broke into a run just as the first few EMTs arrived on scene and I followed him, breaking into a jug myself. He was slowed by the mass of people surrounding the area and I was able to catch up with his just as he entered the parking lot.

"Blaine!" I called as I managed to place a hand on his shoulder. I felt my stomach twist into a tight ball as I heard him sob.

"It's okay. He's not going to hurt you."

"He's never going to leave me alone, Kurt! He is going to follow me around and kill me for what happened."

"He won't. You did nothing wrong. The psycho should be locked up. It's not safe to have him roaming the streets." I said just as we reached his car and he slid on the concrete against its warm body. I knelt in front of him, ignoring my subconscious yelling at me not to do so in my designer suit. I leaned closer and pulled him in for a tight hug. He did not resist and I felt him sob a bit more on my shoulder. I closed my eyes too, my heart breaking at how much Danny has broken him. Mindlessly, I heard myself humming Blackbird softly into his ear. I felt Blaine relax instantly until he was motionless under my embrace. A few moments more and he pulled away, using his hand to wipe away his tears.

"Better?" I inquired.

"I've missed hearing you sing." He responded weakly and it made me blush a bit.

"I should have pressed charges when I had a chance. This time, I'm going to make sure he's going to get locked up. Not necessarily a prison, maybe a psychiatric facility? I think I still have some room in me for a bit of mercy." I'm not sure if he was talking to me. His eyes looked far into the street where most of the people have cleared and the damaged vehicle was being towed. Pain was still evident in his body but I'm just glad to have lessened it a bit.

Feeling my legs start to cramp, I placed both hands on my thighs and pushed myself up. I then offered both arms to him inviting him to get up as well, which Blaine accepted. He's frame was still tiny and was light against my pull. It just highlights how vulnerable he is against this stupid, unfair world. I decided not to let go of him as he stood and pulled him in for another tight hug.

"You shouldn't be afraid anymore Blaine. We'll make sure he'd never get close to you again, okay?"

"Okay."

"Let me drive?" I asked.

"Please." He replied, handing me the keys.