A/N Okay, so yes, I left you all with another cliffhanger, and some disturbing news at the end of the last chapter. I just want to remind everyone that everything happens for a reason in this story, even if I don't understand just why myself yet. This time I actually do know why, and you'll understand too in a few chapters. For now, Blaine must break the news to Kurt.

Sorry it's a short chapter, woke up sick this morning.

Reviews are always appreciated!

…

How Do I Tell You

It had taken Kurt the entire week to get used to the pace on Capitol Hill. Anyone who thought that being in congress was a cushy, nine to five job was delusional. Kurt woke up at four thirty every morning, so he could be at the Capitol by six thirty, so he could park and get through security by six forty five, and in his office by seven. He'd spend the next hour going over letters and phone messages from the previous day, making notes for his assistant, Angela, before heading to the floor, where he'd spend the next several hours in heated debates with the other Representatives.

If he was lucky, he would get a break for lunch at noon, if not, it would be between two and three before he'd have a chance to grab a quick salad in the Capitol cafeteria, before having to brave the lion's den again.

They had gotten a full lunch break at noon on Friday, and now it was nearing five when the Speaker called for a thirty minute restroom and refreshment break. Kurt stepped out into the hall to check his phone. It looked like they might actually be finished by six that night. Most of the others were eager to get out of town for the weekend. Most nights they were there until well past eight.

As soon as his phone powered up (they were required to turn them off while on the floor), six missed call notifications popped up. One of them was from Dr. Andrew's office. The others were from Blaine. There was also a text message from his husband;

I need you. It's important. Call me as soon as you get this message- Blaine

Kurt reread the message twice. He had a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach as he dialed his husband's number.

"Blaine?" What's wrong? Has something happened to one of the kids? I have a missed call from Dr. Andrews' office."

He heard the other man sobbing on the other side. "Oh god, Kurt! I don't know how to tell you this. It's Bee."

Kurt felt cold to his bones, and his knees grew weak. He had to lean against the wall for support. "What's wrong?"

He heard Blaine take a deep breath. "Bee has cancer. Non Hodgkin's Lymphoma."

"Oh my god!" Kurt said, sliding down the wall as he lost all strength in his body.

"Dr. Andrews said it's still in early stages, which is good, but they want to start treatments as soon as they find a suitable bone marrow donor. They want to test all of us, you, me, the kids, Burt and Carole to see if any of us are a viable match. They say it is better if it comes from a family member."

"Of course. I'll try and get a flight home immediately!"

Blaine took another shuddery breath. "What about Congress? Don't you have to be there Monday?"

"I'm sure they can live without me for a day or two. There aren't any votes coming up in the next week or so, so I won't be missing out on anything. I just have to let them know there is an emergency at home. Family comes first."

He heard the shorter man sigh. "I love you."

"I love you too. I'll be home as soon as I can."

After he hung up, he sat there for several minutes, just staring into space.

"Mr. Hummel?" A voice said. He looked up at the Speaker of the House. "Is everything okay? You look like you're in shock."

"I just spoke to my husband. My son has cancer."

"I'm sorry to hear that. You want to go home now, don't you?"

Kurt nodded. "Yes, sir. They need to test and see if I'm a bone marrow match. They want to start treatment as soon as possible, before it spreads."

The older man nodded and helped Kurt to his feet. "If you need anything, just let me know. I'll make your excuses to the others. Go ahead and go now."

"Thank you, sir!"

"I recommend you see if there is a military flight available tonight. It might be faster than trying to book a commercial flight on short notice."

Kurt nodded and shook the man's hand before jogging back to his office to gather his things.

…

It was just after three in the morning when Kurt slipped through the door. He left his bag and briefcase by the door, and went straight to check on Bee. The boy was sleeping peacefully. There was no sign that there was a deadly disease eating away at him. He gently brushed a hand over the boy's soft auburn hair, and placed a kiss on his forehead.

"Hey," a soft whisper said from the door, and there was Blaine, looking ragged and worn as he slumped against the doorframe. Kurt rushed forward to hug him, kissing him hard.

"I'm sorry! I should have been here!"

"It's okay, you're here now. That's all that matters."

"Have you told anyone yet?"

"Sam knows. He heard part of my conversation with the doctor. No one else knows yet."

Kurt hugged him tighter. "Have you gotten any sleep?"

Blaine shook his head no.

Kurt took him by the hand and led them down the hall to their bedroom. He quickly changed and climbed into bed with his husband. They held each other tight, and cried themselves to sleep.

…

"Kurt!" Burt said when he and Blaine walked into the garage the next afternoon. "I thought you were staying in New York this weekend. What's up?"

"We need to tell you something. Is Carole around?"

Burt noticed the bags under his son's eyes, and the look in Blaine's, and immediately knew there was bad news coming. "She's at home. What's going on?"

Kurt looked like he was on the verge of tears. "Can we go home and talk about it? I don't think I can say it twice."

Fifteen minutes later, they were sitting in the kitchen at his parent's house, cups of coffee being ignored in front of them.

"Kurt? What's wrong?" Carole asked.

He had to swallow twice before he could speak. "Bee has Non Hodgkin's Lymphoma, stage two."

"Oh my god, Kurt!" Carole said, pulling him into a hug.

"They want each of us to give a blood and tissue sample," Blaine said. "To see if any of us are compatible bone marrow donors."

"Of course!" Carole said, hugging the darker man as well, but Burt shook his head.

"I've just started my own cancer treatment. I'm not a viable donor, but they can take their samples."

"Thanks, dad. I've been given the week off for the appointments and whatever, but I have to be back in DC before the vote on the new EPA rules next week."

"Just let us know when and where, and we'll be there, and if you need help with anything at all, we're just a phone call away."

Kurt nodded.

"It will alright, Kurt," Carole said, squeezing his hand. "Bee is stronger than you know. He'll come through this, you wait and see."

He hugged her tight, as tears began to fall once more.