A/N: Welcome to my next story. First things first, I own nothing but the plot and a few random OC's, everyone else belongs to Vince McMahon, The WWE or themselves. The only profit I hope to make is knowing how much you like the story.

This is a male/male slash fiction. There will be adult situations and language. This story is not Mpreg. If the material offends you, please move on to another story. I know they are not gay in real life, so no need to tell me. I mean no disrespect to anyone, this is just a fictitious story. Characters will also do things that they may or may not do in real life, such as smoking or drinking.

The places in the story are based on real places, mostly from my childhood summer vacations to my Grandma's and the town where I was born, Cedar Falls, Iowa. It is a small University town in northern Iowa. I have changed some place names, but the streets and descriptions of places are real, based on my own memory.

The subject matter of this story is based in the paranormal world of ghosts and ghost hunting. While there will be moments of comedy, the subject will be treated with respect and all seriousness. If the subject matter offends you, then again, please find another story to read.

Also, this story is told in an almost vignette style. Each place they investigate is its own story, however, a constant background thread will keep the story tied together.

I have spent many, many hours doing research on the subject, but if you have any questions, please feel free to private message me at any time. I hope you enjoy the story and if you do, please leave a review. Even a word or two can be encouragement, I don't even mind if you just say update, it lets me know you care enough to leave a review.

Constructive criticism is always welcome, destructive criticism is not.

I will hush now and let you get on with reading. Please, enjoy chapter one of "The Haunted: A Ghost Story."

Thank you. Lady Dragonsblood

As usual he was late. The tall, lanky, long haired blond looked at the old fashioned pocket watch. It had belonged to his grandfather and was one of his most treasured items.

The hazel eyes of the blond scanned the area. He knew someone wanted to speak to him, but he simply didn't have the time, he had to get to work. His boss could be a real bastard at times, and he knew that better than anyone. He'd been married to the boss for the last five years, and happily so.

The blond man who's name was Adam Joseph Copeland-Reigns looked to where his feelings pointed. "I'm sorry, I'm late for work. Find me later, I'll listen for you, I promise," he spoke to seemingly no one. Adam then jogged down the campus sidewalk.

Adam was a psychic medium, he could feel and speak to people who had crossed over into death. When Adam was a child, his mother Judy, simply thought he had a very active imagination. He was always talking to imaginary friends. Judy didn't worry to much about it; at first.

Adam had been born on October thirtieth, in Orangeville, Ontario, Canada. Judy struggled to make a happy home for her son. Adam's father hadn't been ready to be a parent, so one morning Judy woke up to find a note on the kitchen table. Her husband said he was sorry, but a baby was too much to handle. He wanted her to divorce him and never look for him. Judy was heartbroken at first. Soon though, she realized that it had probably been for the best. As he grew up, Judy never talked to Adam about his father, and Adam never asked. They didn't need anyone else, they had each other.

When Adam got to be ten years old, Judy thought enough was enough. What Adam needed was a real friend. She knew her son was terribly shy and his teachers at school said Adam always played by himself and avoided interacting with his classmates. Judy wondered if Adam needed a change, so she started looking for another job.

Judy found a job as the head secretary in the Athletic Department on the campus of the Northern Iowa University. The college was located in the pretty town of Cedar Falls, Iowa. She told Adam they were going on an adventure, and so they moved.

Judy rented an apartment in a complex with several young couples. She hoped Adam would find a friend among the many children. It also helped, that because Judy now worked for the college, Adam could attend the private school on the campus for free.

The private school was like a learning lab for the University students who majored in Education. It was also an advantage to attend the school as a student. The student to teacher ratio was low. One teacher might only have five students, so the teaching could be a lot more intense. New ways of teaching and experimental subjects could also be taught. It was a wonderful school and Judy was thrilled that Adam could attend.

However, despite all her efforts, Adam still isolated himself and played with his invisible friends. That is, until one day when a new neighbor moved into the apartment next door.

A young widow, Carol Reso and her ten year old son, Jason moved in. Carol had recently been hired by the local public high school to be the new Home Economics teacher. Carol and Judy met in the hallway and it was like meeting a long, lost sister. They were instant friends and for the first time, Adam took to Jason like a duck to water. Judy was so pleased she cried.

Adam was fascinated by the ninja star Jason carried around. He told Jason it had once belonged to a mighty warrior. Jason liked the stories Adam told him. He just thought his new friend had a great imagination and took Adam's ravings as a part of him.

One day, everything changed. Judy, Carol and Adam were eating supper while Jason was at his swimming class. Adam looked at Carol and spoke. "Ralph didn't mean to die. He wanted to get home faster, so he changed planes. He didn't know it would crash. He's really sorry and he loves you and Jaybird very much."

Carol's hand flew to her mouth in shock. No one but Ralph called Jason, Jaybird. He'd given his son the nickname on the day Jason was born. He said the tuft of blond hair on the baby's head reminded him of the tuft of a blue jay.

Judy looked at her son. "Adam, who told you that?" she spoke sharply. She saw the pain in her friends eyes, was Adam being cruel? She had to know.

Adam chewed his food, swallowed and looked at his mother. "Ralph Reso. He's standing right there," Adam pointed to an empty space, next to Carol. He was matter of fact and ate another french fry.

Judy knew right then Adam had a problem. She wasn't exactly sure what to do. She looked at Carol. Carol had the most peaceful expression on her face. Judy was puzzled, did Carol believe Adam?

Adam piped up again. "Ralph says your smile is pretty. You are his sunshine. He's happy," he continued to eat like it was the most natural thing in the world to talk to empty spaces and invisible people.

Carol reached over and brushed a few strands of dirty colored blond hair from Adam's face. "Thank you, Adam. You have a very precious gift." She kissed his little cheek.

Adam ducked away shyly, but he had a soft smile on his lips. Carol believed him. No one had truly believed him before, and it made him feel good.

Over the years, Judy came to accept Adam's gift. She'd taken him to a Professor in the Parapsychology Department at the University. He was a young man by the name of Bray Wyatt.

Bray worked with Adam and taught the boy how to control his gift. Control was important or Adam could be driven insane. He taught Adam that it wasn't being mean or rude to tell the spirits to leave him alone. It was the most valuable lesson Adam ever learned. It probably kept him from a life of insanity.

Bray became a father figure to Adam and over the years they grew close. He was the one Adam trusted and depended on especially when the spirits got demanding.

Wyatt was now the Dean and Head of the Parapsychology Department at the University. It was one of the few places were parapsychology could be studied with complete seriousness. Bray ran a tight ship and didn't put up with any nonsense.

Adam went on to study to the different areas of Parapsychology. His favorite was the study of mystic cultures in ancient societies and how the practices were still handed down through the generations. In one of his classes, he met his soul mate.

Roman Reigns was a handsome man of Samoan heritage. He was tall and had long, black hair that fell in soft waves down his back. He had beautiful piercing dark gray eyes that Adam got lost in.

Roman was a graduate student and was the Aide for the Professor of the fourth year Parapsychology class. Reigns was working on his Doctorate in Parapsychology. He wanted to teach at the University in the future.

When Adam had walked in, on the first day of class, Roman's breath left his body. The blond was the most beautiful man he'd ever laid eyes on. Adam sensed Roman almost before he saw him. He heard his late grandmother whisper in his ear, that Roman was his soul mate.

Adam's grandmother was his spirit guide. She was the one that helped protect Adam from over zealous spirits and evil demons that tried to invade his mind and body. Bray had taught Adam that a spirit guide was essential and to chose one he could trust. It was easy for Adam. His grandmother had been the first spirit to visit him and she told little Addy she would always watch over and protect him. She happily agreed to be his guide to the other side.

When that first class was over, Roman asked Adam to go out for coffee. After that, they were inseparable. Judy loved Roman as well and was glad her baby had found such a wonderful, caring boyfriend.

Jason and Adam remained as close as brothers. Roman had to face a hard time to prove to Jason his love for Adam was real. Roman thought Jason was worse than any father. However, Roman passed, Jason approved, Adam was relieved.

As close as Jason and Adam were, Jason was a skeptic. It wasn't that he didn't believe Adam, he just couldn't make himself believe in ghosts. It didn't really bother Adam, a bit of healthy skepticism kept him grounded. Sometimes people tried to take advantage of Adam and Jason was good at spotting them. Adam trusted Jason's instincts as did Roman. They all had a close, bonded friendship.

Jason had become a police officer for the Cedar Falls Police Department. He was the Sargent in charge of the College Hill area of town. It was where he and Adam had grown up. Jay knew every street, alley and house. He know all of the businesses as well. It also meant he often worked closely with the Campus Police.

One night a drunken college student had accidentally punched Jason in the jaw when he tried to break up a fight. It earned the student a night in jail, and Jason a trip to the dentist the next morning. When Jason walked into the Dentists office, he lost his heart. Sitting at the reception window was the cutest little red-head he'd ever seen. Jason learned the boys name was Heath Slater. Jason was totally smitten.

Heath on the other hand was lot more guarded. It took Jason an hour to pry a phone number from Heath. It took five phone calls to get Heath to go out for lunch.

Jason learned Heath had moved to Iowa from West Virginia to go to the University. Heath worked odd jobs to pay for his education. He was majoring in business communications. Heath wanted to be and executive secretary. He told Jason he found the work interesting and challenging, but he wasn't doing as well as he'd hoped. He tended to be a bit unorganized and that didn't mix well with his chosen occupation.

Heath took his general studies classes and found he liked being a Temp. His jobs changed before they got boring, and he got to meet a lot of different people.

When Jason took Heath to meet Adam and Roman, it was a great success. Heath learned, in the restaurant restroom about Adam's gift. Adam and Heath were side by side washing their hands. Adam was so struck by a spirit voice, he nearly fell over. Heath thought his new friend was ill. He went to help Adam, but Adam stopped him. Adam told him to wait. Heath was worried but he waited.

Heath noticed Adam seemed to be talking to someone. His lips moved but no words were heard. Adam turned to Heath. "Your mom is proud of you, but she misses you. She wants you to call, collect, she doesn't mind. Your grandfather said if you don't call her, he's gonna box yer ears." he almost laughed as he spoke.

Heath's mouth fell open. "How... he... always... threatened to box my ears, but he never did... he laughed instead," Heath was stunned by Adam's words, and more so the fact that Adam laughed after talking about boxing his ears.

With a bit of a sigh, Adam briefly explained about his gift, and that when the spirits spoke, he had to tell their message. It always worried Adam he first time he told someone about his gift, he was never sure how it would go over.

Heath looked at Adam. He could tell Adam was completely serious. "I believe you. My momma has always felt her dad, my grandpa, was watching over us. I'll call momma tonight, as soon as I get home. Thank you, Adam," he gave his new friend a little hug.

Many people came into the lives of the two couples. One of their favorites was Doctor Hunter Helmsley and his husband, Shawn.

Hunter was a General Practitioner and had an office on the Hill. He was good doctor and the students liked him because his fees were easy on their budgets. Shawn was the Pastor of the College Hill Congregational Church they all attended. It was a lovely little stone church that sat next to the big park on Seerly Boulevard. The street ran from downtown to the Hill and was lined by large, pretty oak and elm trees.

Another member of their group was Doctor Chris Jericho. Chris was a Professor of History at the college and had recently taken over as Head of the Department. His long, hard work on his Doctorate had finally paid off. If Adam had a question about the historical nature of a spirit, Chris could provide the answer.

Hunter, Chris and even Shawn supported and believed in Adam's gift. Shawn said even though the Bible spoke against such things, he also knew there were Biblical prophets, and he knew Adam had a special gift. He was not about to judge anyone or anything, that wasn't his job.

Roman was thrilled when his friend, Dean Ambrose moved to Cedar Falls. He and Dean had grown up together in Florida. During their junior year of high school, Dean's mom moved to Ohio and Dean went with her. Dean had a hard life. His mom wasn't the best, but he took care of her. When she died, Dean moved to be closer to Roman. Dean had a very wild side, but he was goodhearted and good natured.

Dean bought an old pizza restaurant on the Hill and turned it into a fantastic bar, called The Lunatic Fringe. Lunatic Fringe was a good way to describe Dean, and the bar became the regular hangout for the group of friends.

Seth Rollins, a computer genius, worked at the Fringe as a bartender. It helped pay for his tuition and rent. Seth and Dean started dating and now lived together over the bar.

There were two other members of the circle of friends, but they didn't hang out much with the others. They helped out when Adam had problem spirits.

Mark Calaway was a Demonologist. He knew demons were real and he knew how to protect not only Adam, but anyone in trouble.

Mark's lover was Wade Barrett, from Manchester, England. Wade was a White Wizard. He could do things that were unexplainable. It ran in his blood, all the way back to the ancient Druids.

Time passed. Adam and Roman had just celebrated their fifth wedding anniversary. Heath and Jason had also married and their third anniversary was coming up.

Adam was not only Roman's secretary, he also taught a class in Mystic Cultures. He enjoyed the work and found it rewarding. Although Roman could be a tough boss, husband or not, Adam could always sex his way out of trouble.

Roman had earned his Doctorate in Parapsychology, and taught a full load of classes each semester. His classes were always full. Adam was never quite sure if it was Roman's teaching skills or his looks that made his classes so popular. It didn't matter, Roman was faithful and his eye never strayed from Adam's perfect ass.

Word of Adam's gift slowly got out. It wasn't something he really wanted made public, but it was Shawn who came up with the idea of Adam using his gift to help people.

Roman and Adam spent many nights talking over the idea. Sometimes the other members of the group chimed in their thoughts. In the end it was Carol Reso who made up Adam's mind. She reminded him of the wonderful, peaceful feeling Adam had given her when he was only ten years old. She said if Adam could bring that kind of peace to an aching soul, alive or passed, then he had the responsibility to do so.

So, that was how the College Hill Ghost Hunters were born. Adam wasn't thrilled about being called a ghost hunter, it sounded too "Hollywood". Seth was the one that said the name worked. It might be cheesy, but it was what they did, so the name stuck.

All the friends had a part in the business. Adam, of course, was the leader with Roman at his side. Dean and Seth became good investigators. Dean because he had no fear and Seth because he used his computer skills to build scientific equipment that would allow the spirits to communicate with them.

Hunter was on hand in case of an injury. Sometimes they were called to an old building with dangerous loose boards, broken glass and nails. Having a Doctor along often came in very handy.

Shawn was there to bless homes and people. More than once he'd had to pray away a demon or evil intended spirit.

Mark Calaway often helped Shawn, especially when demons came into play. Wade worked protection for Mark and the others when times called for it.

Chris' job was to know the history of the case. What was on the property, and who had once lived there. He could also tell Mark some of the history of where the demon legends came from.

Jason's job was to keep them safe. Sometimes criminals hid in the old buildings they worked in. Heath was the one that would do all the interview's and screened their potential clients.

Everyone was equally as important, they had to work together. Another thing Adam had been very firm about, never, ever would they charge money for their services. They would also refuse any gifts of money, or anything else from clients. It was not about money, it was about helping people; period.

Roman, Adam, Heath, Jason, Mark and Wade all lived in a large, three story house on Olive Street. The house was one block from the campus and three blocks from the business district of the Hill.

Jason and Heath lived on the first floor. Mark and Wade lived on the second and Adam and Roman lived on the third floor. It was perfect. They were close, yet each couple had their own apartment. There was also a full basement that was cave like in the rear part. It was where they did their laundry and also hid from occasional tornadic thunderstorms.

There was a nice four car garage in back of the house. They had cars, but usually they either walked or rode their bicycles. It was such a convenient place to live.

Hunter and Shawn lived further down Olive Street on the corner with Seerly Boulevard. Their two story brick house was also across the Boulevard from the church.

When they wanted to meet to talk about a case, they went to the Lunatic Fringe. Dean kept a private room, upstairs just for their meetings.

Adam wanted a small office where they could meet clients, but so far hadn't found one. Office space on the Hill was limited and that's where they wanted to be. So, for now, they made the best of it.

Usually they met clients in their homes or once in a while a client would come to the house on Olive Street. Sometimes a client was really nervous and would rather meet at the park. It worked, but still, Adam wanted an office.

Adam hurried to Roman's office. He was terribly late, but the real estate agent had called about an office space. Adam went to look, but he didn't like the location. It was too far from the main Hill district. It also didn't feel right.

Adam sighed, the line of students outside Roman's office was longer than he hoped it would be. He ignored the whispered remarks as he unlocked the door. He turned to the students.

"Sorry I'm late. Give me five minutes and I'll start making appointments," Adam smiled softly and entered the office. He closed the door behind him.

"ADAM JOSEPH!" Roman's voice boomed from his office. Adam took a deep breath, then went to Roman.

"I'm sorry, babe. The real estate agent was late. I tried to be as fast as possible," Adam gave a small pout and flashed, sad, puppy dog eyes.

Roman rolled his eyes, then smiled a half crooked smile. "You're such a puppy. You know I'm not really mad at you, I could never be. Oute alofa la te oe, very much," he stood up and pulled Adam into his arms and kissed him deeply.

Adam moaned into the kiss. No one kissed like his Islander, just no one. Adam wrapped his arms around Roman's neck and plunged his tongue deeper into Roman's mouth.

Roman reluctantly broke the kiss. "I have enough trouble with students. They don't need to see my dick hard," he gave Adam a swat on the butt and sent him to work.

Adam left with a laugh and went to his desk in the outer office. He pulled out Roman's appointment book and called for the first student. For the next hour, Adam carefully scheduled his husband's day. It was going to be a busy one.

In between Roman's appointments, Adam worked on the questions for the semester test of the class he taught. He hoped Heath would type it later, Adam's typing skills weren't that great especially under pressure.

When the last student left Roman's office, he gave Adam a dirty look and slammed the door on his way out. Adam laughed.

"I know grandma, but someone always has to try," Adam spoke aloud as he finished writing the questions he was working on.

"Don't worry grandma, Adam is the only one for me," Roman said with a laugh as he came out of his office. He carried a black leather brief case in his left hand.

Adam smiled at his husband. "Off to class?" he asked as he re-stacked the papers on his desk.

"Yeah, I'll be home around five. Have the barbecue set up," he gave Adam a quick kiss, then left. He was a bit late for his last class of the day.

Adam gave Roman a nod and wave. He answered the telephone that sat on his desk. "Doctor Reigns' office, how may I help you?" he asked in a calm, professional tone.

At the big house on Olive Street, Heath hung up the phone. He'd just reminded Adam to pick up some ice on the way home. The group was getting together for their monthly dinner party. It was the Olive Street houses turn to host. Roman was doing an Island cook out.

It was unusual, but they used the front yard for the cook out. Mainly because they could use the huge, wrap around porch that graced the front of the house. Two large porch swings hung on each side, with white wicker furniture in other strategic places.

By seven o'clock that evening, everyone had arrived. Hunter, Roman, Wade and Dean were in charge of cooking the meat on the big barbecue grill Adam had set up. Inside, in Heath's kitchen, Shawn and Heath were putting different kinds of salads in colorful plastic bowls.

Seth, Mark, Jason, Adam and Chris were on the porch having a discussion about a possible case, right on the campus. Lawthor Hall, one of the female residence halls was supposedly haunted. Some of the girls swore the piano on the first floor played, long after everyone was asleep.

Chris Jericho took a long drag from his cigarette. "Well, Bray is all for it. You know who the problem is," the smoke curled from his lips like a faint spirit as he spoke.

Adam let out an exasperated sigh. "Yes, I do. I don't understand it. The University is know for its Paranormal Department. It's a main reason some students come here, yet he wants to get rid of it!" he slammed down the bottle of beer he'd been drinking.

The "he" Adam had referred to was Paul Heyman. He was the President of the Northern Iowa University. Heyman hated the Parapsychology Department with a passion. He thought the whole thing was a lot of phony bunkum, and there were no such things as ghosts, spirits or demons. Heyman said it made his college the laughing stock of the academic world.

Roman glanced over at his husband. He could tell Adam was furious. "Must be talking about President Heyman," he whispered quietly to Hunter.

Hunter too glanced at the men on the porch. He nodded in agreement. "Hey Wade, can't you cast a spell to help persuade Heyman to let us investigate? Shawn said some of the girls are really scared," looked seriously at the Wizard.

Wade shook his head. "Wish there was... well, there is, but I can't do it. Alternation is a dark art. I won't do it, sorry," his English accent was thick when he spoke.

Hunter placed a hand on Wade's shoulder. "It's alright, Wade. I was only joking... sort of... Say, could I ask you a favor?" the physician asked, brow raised.

Wade turned the steak he was tending. "You can ask anything. Don't know if I grant what you ask, " he replied with a laugh.

Hunter smiled. "You know Adam let me do some medical research during one his... conversations. Could I do some on you, the next time you cast? Nothing weird, just blood pressure, temperature, heart rate, simple things. I found it fascinating. Adam nearly stops breathing during a conversation, but it has no adverse affect on him," Hunter explained as honestly as he could. He did find the studies interesting.

Wade scratched the dark beard on his chin. "Can I think about it, Hunter? Casting is usually extremely private. A distraction could alter the cast. That could be dangerous if I'm casting protection. It's not that I don't trust you, understand?" he responded as he turned another steak.

Roman entered the conversation. "You know, maybe we could set up something in my lab. That way no one would be in danger," he looked at the two men with a highly arched left eyebrow.

Wade and Hunter both smiled. Wade spoke first. "I would be willing to do that. If it would help," he responded with enthusiasm.

"That would be great. Thanks Roman and you too, Wade," the doctor was very happy with the idea.

Shawn and Heath came out of the house, a bowl in each hand. They set the bowls down on a card table Jason had set up.

"Are we ready to eat?" Shawn asked the group as he stood in the center of the porch.

"Steaks are done," Roman declared with a wave of the bamboo stick he used to cook slices of Samoan spiced pork. "The pork needs five more minutes."

Shawn smiled and bowed his head. The others followed his lead. The Pastor gave a short prayer of thanks and the group chorused an "Amen".

The group of friends picked up a plate each and filled them. Hunter and Shawn sat on one porch swing while Mark and Chris sat on the other. Wade sat in a wicker chair close to Mark. Seth and Dean sat on the porch floor, their backs against the railing. Roman and Adam also sat on the porch floor with their backs against the wall of the house. Jason and Heath sat on the front steps.

The eleven men continued the conversation about Paul Heyman and the situation at Lawthor Hall. In the distance, the campus clock tower known as The Campanile, chimed out a beautiful tune.

Every evening, graduate music students took a turn at playing the organ like keyboard that controlled the ropes of the bells. It was one of the few colleges where a person could learn to play the complicated instrument. The residents of the College Hill area held the tower, its clock and bells near and dear to their hearts.

"Chris, where is Bray? I thought he was going to be here tonight?" Adam asked the older man as he took a bite of delicious Samoan pork.

"He had to finish approving the Doctoral thesis of three students. I forgot to tell you. He said sorry he couldn't be here," Jericho replied after he sipped his beer. While not officially a couple, Chris Jericho and Bray Wyatt dated on occasion. It was more like friends with benefits.

Bray also had two younger lovers, Erick Rowan and Luke Harper. He kept the relationship private, neither Adam nor Chris knew them very well. They lived in Louisiana, where Bray spent his semester breaks.

"Don't worry about it, Chris. He didn't say for sure he would come. So, what do we do?" Roman asked the group in general.

Dean swallowed his bite of food, then waved his fork in the air. "We could force him to let us investigate," he stabbed the air with the fork.

Seth reached out and placed his hand on Dean's extended arm. The touch calmed Dean and he lowered the fork with a sheepish grin.

"I might soon agree with Dean. Some of those girls are really scared. I asked grandma to try to talk to the spirit, but she can't bring it forward. I have to be in the building. Why is Paul so against us?" Adam gave a sigh as he stabbed at a cherry tomato in his salad.

"I'll talk to him. Hopefully he'll care more about frightened students than anything else." Shawn answered with confidence. He'd also put in some heavy prayer time to help.

Hunter gave Shawn's knee a pat. "I'm sure you'll manage it. Roman, are you ever going to give me the recipe for this pork?" he asked, then took a huge bite of food. Shawn just shook his head.

Roman grinned. "Never. You want me to suffer the wrath of my family? To be honest, even I don't know everything in the spice rub. My cousin Dwayne sends it to us twice a year when he makes it," he spoke with pride and watched as Mark devoured the last piece of the pork with gusto.

"I wanted that!" Wade exclaimed as he watched his lover eat the last slice of pork.

"Sorry, dear. Big man, big appetite," Mark's deep voice echoed with mirth. Everyone laughed. Mark rarely spoke, but when he did, it was usually funny or at least full of impish mischief, unless he was at an investigation, then he was always serious. Mark found he had to have a good sense of humor. Dealing with demons could be depressing. Demons loved to try to bring Mark down, he had to work hard to fight them.

"I'll cook a whole pig on our next turn. We'll go down to the Cedar River so I can dig a pig pit on the beach. I'll really show you a Samoan cook out. Jason, Heath, it's time," Roman winked at the couple on the steps.

Heath gave a little squeal. He, Jason and Roman had thought of a great surprise for dessert. The Resos jumped up and went into the house.

Jason and Heath returned. Jason carried an old fashioned ice cream churn, that dripped salty water. Heath carried a platter of chocolate chip cookies he'd made.

Everyone gasped, they hadn't had homemade ice cream in ages. The mixture had been freezing in the darkest part of the basement and only needed a few minutes of final churning.

"Sorry about the cookies. They may look odd, but they taste good. I didn't burn them this time," Heath said with a laugh as he put down the platter of cookies. Some were round some were nearly square, but he'd tried and no one cared how they looked. They tasted wonderful.

The group enjoyed their evening together. They never took these peaceful moments for granted. They never knew when some sly spirit or demon would try to destroy them.

Additional Author's Note:

I will now give you a list of the Samoan phrases used throughout the story.

Llo'u au: my love

Lo'u tava nau: my desire

Pele ea: precious

Oute alofa la te oe: I love you

Mata Aulelei: Pretty eyes