Always (Always & Forever 1)

"Babe,'' Avery said, lowering his voice as he passed a throng of interns heading the opposite direction down the long hall to his office.

"Do not babe me. I've scheduled you a doctor's appointment for this afternoon. They'll come to your office here. I'm having Janice cancel your weekly conference call with the secretary of state. You two don't discuss anything important anyway. "

"I'll see to it when I—" Avery started but Kane cut him off.

"When you get back from Asia? In ten days? No. And I'll be here with you this afternoon when you talk to the doctor. You shouldn't have kept this from me. I have half a mind not to go with you tomorrow. I can't believe you wouldn't handle something so important as your health, Avery Adams!"

Avery didn't say another word until he entered his office, closed the door, and lowered the internal blinds that faced Janice's office. He'd deal with her later. Once he was in the privacy of his office, he took the seat closest to the door and dropped down on the soft leather sofa, letting his head fall back as he closed his eyes.

"Don't be angry. I hate when you're mad at me. I honestly just kept forgetting," Avery said.

"I don't believe that's possible. Janice would have said something to you before she called me," Kane shot back.

"Honey, how can I possibly listen to everything she has to say? She's like an overbearing warden with her schedules and appointments." Avery loosened his tie and unbuttoned the top button of his dress shirt, waiting for the Rolaids to begin working.

"We're meeting here at your home office at two," Kane instructed, not giving Avery any sort of break.

"All right, that's fine. Now, tell me you love me," Avery coaxed, smiling as the pain in his chest began to ease.

"I love you, but stop being an ass where your health is concerned," Kane fired back.

"Was that an obscenity? Did you just use your first bad word with me?" Avery laughed. Kane always eased his stress, even as he heard the other end of the phone disconnect. He was slower to end the call, a smile on his face at the love he felt from Kane.

* * * *

"Heart disease isn't the death sentence it once was. With some lifestyle changes, new medication, and regular check-ups we're encouraged, even with your family history," Dr. Lee said, sitting across from Kane and Avery. All Avery's medical records and recent tests were spread out across the coffee table separating the two of them.

Kane felt adrift and scared, gripping on to Avery's hand like he held the only golden life preserver available on a sinking ship full of thieves.

"So this isn't just indigestion?" Kane asked, even though the doctor had just painstakingly answered that question in great detail.

"No, sir, but I don't believe surgery is needed at this time. That's very encouraging for a man of his age, with his family history." Kane looked over at Avery and mouthed the word surgery.

"This isn't a surprise to either of us, Kane. We knew the very real possibility was here," Avery said as though trying for reason.

"And clearly we should have been seeing a doctor regularly like I've asked you, over and over, for years!" Kane said, eyeing Avery before he turned to focus on the doctor. Kane released the hand-lock and leaned forward, speaking directly to the physician as if Avery weren't even in the room. "This won't be left to him any longer. I want to be involved in every step of his care from this day forward."

"Of course, as long as Mr. Vice President agrees," the physician acknowledged, gathering the paperwork and tests back into the file folder. Kane cut his gaze to Avery, who was still lounging back against the sofa like he didn't have a care in the world. Kane narrowed his brow, waiting the heartbeat or two until Avery answered.

"Of course," Avery said, grinning at Kane who immediately turned back to the physician.

"What kinds of medications does he need?" Kane asked.

"We'll begin with something to help lower his cholesterol and then a combination to help slow the progression of coronary artery disease. Mr. Vice President, we have a packet of information; it would be in your best interest to re-evaluate your diet and begin a fitness program," the doctor advised, looking over at Avery, but Kane situated himself directly in the man's line of vision to bring the doctor's focus back to him.

"I can have the kitchen prepare low-cholesterol, low-fat meals," Kane added, and Avery gave a groan. Kane just lifted his hand shushing his husband. The physician smiled, but Kane was all business. If Avery didn't take his health seriously, then Kane would have to do it for him. "And we have a workout facility here in the house. We can start that today," Kane stated.

"Good. It sounds like he's in good hands," the doctor said, rising. Avery's chart was tucked under his arm as handshakes were given.

"Thank you for taking the time to come here," Avery said.

"This is very common, and really no problem for me to come to you. I'll have the pharmacy deliver the prescriptions to you within the next few hours," Dr. Lee assured. Kane stayed silent as he shook the doctor's hand and watched as Avery opened his office door, ushering the man out. He tried to control his fear, not letting it turn into the rolling anger he felt sliding over his body.

"Now, that's taken care of…" Avery started as he closed the door, but Kane cut him off.

"No! You've known about this for a while, haven't you?" Kane accused, rounding on Avery.

"I've only had suspicions. I didn't know anything for certain," Avery defended himself.

"And you still put this off? Is that all I mean to you?" Kane's anger turned quickly to hurt. Avery was too young, they were both too young. If something happened to Avery… The thought was too much. Tears filled his vision, threatening to spill down his cheeks, so he turned away grinding the palms of his hands into his eyes. Avery was there at his side, turning him around, forcing his face up. Avery didn't allow him the moment he needed to gather himself, to rein in his overflowing concern.