Not Falling Apart

Chapter 12

Blake's POV

It was later that night. Blake had talked with Adam for about an hour. Now, he was home, and reality set in-Adam was having his first round of radiation treatment tomorrow, which could be pretty serious in itself. Then there was the possibility of the cancer coming back, if not now, maybe later down the road. He had asked the doctor at one point how people got it. There really wasn't a reason, it just happened. It made Blake wonder for about the fifth time why the worst things seemed to happen to the best people.

It was late, and Miranda was already in bed. He sat down on his favorite chair in the living room and decided to text Adam something to wake up too. He didn't know how much he'd be checking his phone, but if it was from Blake, he figured he would.

He collected the funniest pictures he could find of the two of them together and put them in a text, smiling as he remembered all the good times they had shared. He only knew Adam for a few years, but he felt like he knew him for a lifetime. They were polar opposites in many ways, but so similar at the same time. Fans who watched The Voice started calling their bromance Shevine. It was funny to think of him and Adam in a bromance. Not because they weren't, but because he, and probably no one else, would have ever thought they would hit it off so well.

He hit 'send', after adding a couple emojis, then set his phone down and closed his eyes. He fell asleep on the chair, with thoughts of Adam lingering in his mind.

Adam's POV

It was early in the morning, and Adam's doctor had already been in to check on him and tell them that he would get his first round of radiation today. He would need it five days a week, for three weeks. He would be able to go home on the weekends, and have somebody check up on him once in a while. The procedure itself was painless and lasted only a few minutes, although he may have some side effects, mainly fatigue and nausea. Not too different from what he had been feeling for the past week and a half.

Before long he was moved to another room for the therapy. The doctor was right-he was in and out in no time.

Once he got back to his room, he sat on his bed and picked up his phone. One message from Blake. He smiled. He opened it, and he saw pictures of them together. God, we look so stupid. But Adam loved it, because it reminded him of normalcy. What he wouldn't give to be healthy again right now, back at the studio helping people reach their dreams, writing music, and making jokes with his friends.

He set his phone back down. Day one, complete. Three more days in this place, then he could go home, for just a little while anyway. Maybe he'd get to see Blake more.

Blake's POV

It was finally Friday, Adam's last day at the hospital before he could go home for a couple days. Blake had visited him every day, sometimes stopping by two or three times a day. Shakira, Usher, and Carson had all stopped by a few times as well. Blake knew it was nice of them to visit, but he liked having Adam to himself. Sometimes he came home late, when he and Adam had stayed up talking, and Miranda seemed suspicious, but he just told her the truth-he was visiting Adam. He didn't want her to think it was anything more than that-Adam was sick and bored laying in a hospital bed and needed some company.

He came just as Adam had received his final round of treatment for the week. Blake could tell it had taken its toll on him. He looked very tired, and complained of feeling nauseous. But in a way it seemed like he felt better too. He laughed more and made jokes. Blake just knew he had to take it easy because he still was in somewhat critical shape.

Blake hung around until they released Adam, and by that time it was getting dark outside. Blake told the hospital staff that he would drive Adam home and keep an eye on him over the weekend. After he filled out some papers, they were on their way out.

Adam's POV

"You feel like getting something to eat?" Blake asked once they were in Blake's truck.

"I can't believe I'm about to say this, but yes, I'm starving." And he really almost couldn't believe it. He didn't know how he had survived for so long without eating anything, but the thought of food always made him nauseous. As hungry as he was now, he figured he should still be careful not to make himself sick. The tumor was gone, but the radiation treatment was brining on a new round of nausea.

"Cool, this look good?"

Without even realizing it, Blake had pulled up to a diner.

"Yeah, this is great."

They hopped out of the truck and walked inside. The place had a retro feel to it. Adam followed as Blake led the way to the back of the restaurant.

"Hey, Blake, this place is so '50s. Weren't you born in the '50s?" Adam had to raise his voice because of the loud music playing throughout the restaurant. Blake threw Adam the finger over his shoulder.

They made their way to a back corner booth and sat down. The place was pretty packed-after all, it was 7:00 on a Friday night.

A pretty, young waitress came over and got their drink orders. They both ordered a Coke.

She left and they looked at their menus. The place had everything, and it smelled good. They were sitting not too far from the kitchen, and from the corner of his eye Adam saw a rather large, older woman with way too much make-up on looking their way.

Adam kicked Blake under the table.

"Ow, no footsies!"

"No!" Adam said in a loud whisper. "Look." He nodded his head in the woman's direction. "She's staring at you." He smiled mischievously.

Blake looked, then turned back, a hilarious look on his face. "How do ya know she ain't lookin' at you?"

"Oh come on, how could someone resist Blake Shelton?"

"How could someone resist Adam Levine?!" He had a point.

"Well, I don't want her, you can have her."

Blake was about to protest when their waitress came back with their drinks and asked for their orders. Again, they both ordered the same thing-a cheeseburger and fries.

The other woman had disappeared, so they changed subjects. They talked for a few minutes. It almost felt like a date. Before Adam had a chance to ponder that any further the waitress brought them their food. The plates were huge. It all looked and smelled delicious. Adam had forgotten what real food was like.

"I bet you can't eat it all," Blake said.

"Oh yeah, watch me." He dug in.

A little while later, Blake was almost finished and Adam still had some fries and a few bites of the burger. He stopped and watched Blake eat.

Blake finished and looked up. Adam was smiling.

"Aren't you gonna eat that?"

"No, I'm full."

"I told ya you wouldn't finish it."

"Cut me some slack, okay. Gosh, Blake." Adam rolled his eyes and pretended to sound angry.

He may not have finished, but it was amazing. The doctor told him to eat whatever he wanted, as long as he felt up to it, so that he could gain his weight back. All in all, he had lost nearly twenty pounds.

They talked a bit more, then left a tip, paid the cashier, and headed to Adam's place.