The backgammon match came to a halt when Adam burst into the room. "Hunter, grab your bag. Upstairs, now!" Adam hurried to go back upstairs. Hunter, Shawn, Jason and Chris were on his heels.
Hunter turned to the others. "Stay out here. Adam, you'd better come." he went into the guest room. The Physician frowned when he saw the young man in the bed. He'd obviously been beaten up. Bray held a blood soaked wash rag to the boys forehead. The boy's lips were bloody and split open. A trail of dried blood ran from his nose, down his cheek. His left eye was nearly swollen shut, and would soon turn black.
Hunter spoke softly as he nodded for Adam to open his medical bag. "It's alright..." he was stopped as the young man spoke.
"I know, Doctor Helmsley. The cut will need sixteen stitches..." his voice was airy and harsh. It sounded like he'd been strangled, and bruising around his neck proved he had been.
Hunter smiled. "Well, just let the old Doctor decide about that. Do you hurt anywhere else?" he asked as he gently pushed Bray's hand away.
The cut was bad, it looked like a heavy ring had done the damage. Hunter cleaned the wound. The young man hissed in pain as the antiseptic hit the open cut.
"Shh, it will be alright. Just relax. Let Hunter work. Raise your left hand if you hear me." Adam spoke to the boy, not with audible words, he spoke with his thoughts. He wanted to test the young man.
"I don't need to raise my hand. I hear you. I hear everyone, all the time. Help me, Adam. Help me before I really lose my mind." the young man also spoke without audible words.
Adam took the young man's hand in his. "I'll help you. We all will. It won't be easy. Trust us, we know your gift is real. You are safe here." The non-verbal communication continued.
"You do need stitches, and you should be in the hospital. You could have a concussion." Hunter said as he prepared an injection that would numb the area to be stitched.
"No... please... not concussed... nothing is broken... afraid..." The young man spoke aloud this time. He was highly agitated, he hated hospitals.
Hunter gave the boy's shoulder a gentle pat. "Alright, alright, no hospital. Now, this will sting, but only for a moment. Bray, he'll need a cup of strong cup of hot tea, with plenty of sugar. It will help prevent shock."
Bray left the room. He briefly explained to the others waiting in the hall, about the guest in the room. They all went down the hall to Mark and Wade's apartment to make tea. Everyone needed a cup. Jason ran back downstairs to tell Heath what was happening.
Adam held the young man's hand while Hunter performed the minor surgery. "Who did this? I won't tell," Adam resumed the telepathic conversation. He'd had conversations like this with other empaths, but never one so clear and... effortless.
Adam heard a sarcastic laugh. "My so called lover, Brock Lesnar. I finally told him, it was her or me. I was stupid... I thought it would drive him away. I knew... I... I..." he hesitated.
Adam nodded. "You tried to deny what you knew, that he would be angry and do this to you. You can't fool your empathy. I can teach you how to control it. You can even learn how to turn it off. Can you speak to the dead?" Adam continued the conversation. It was very strange to be having such a clear talk with a living soul. Even his grandmother didn't come in this clear.
The boy winced as Hunter tugged the stitches to tie the silk thread in a final knot. He then responded to Adam. "I honestly don't know. Sometimes I hear and feel things when no one is around, but I don't have to be close to someone to hear them. Oh Adam, I can't take much more." he cried out to Adam telepathically.
"Shh, it's alright. You're among friends and people who can and will help you. I want you to close your eyes..." Adam spoke calmly to the young man's mind.
Hunter finished by covering the stitched wound with a neat bandage. "Well it was sixteen stitches..." his words faded. He could tell that Adm and his new patient were communicating. Hunter left them to it and gently went on to clean and treat the other wounds.
"He.. knows... we're talking... telepathically. He's a nice man... worried about me... why? I am no one to him..." the boy's mental voice was growing tired.
"He understands people like us. Hunter is a good man, the entire group is the same. Now... close your eyes..." Adam again spoke calmly. With a bit of a smile on his lips, the boy closed his eyes.
Adam too smiled. "Now, I want you to imagine a door. A very strong door. Set it firmly in your mind..." he paused to give the empath time to do as requested.
Hunter loaded another needle with something mild to help his patient sleep without pain. He wouldn't normally give such an injection, but he knew of the boys trouble, and a sound sleep would do him good. He gave the young man the injection.
Adam continued his non-verbal instructions. "Now, lock the door. Use as many locks as it takes until you feel safe. My first door had a hundred and fifty locks. That's it, keep adding those locks..." he paused again to give the boy time.
Hunter tapped Adam on the shoulder. When Adam looked at him, Hunter spoke in near silence. "He'll sleep soon. He will be alright. I'll go tell the others. I'll be back later. You're doing good, his blood pressure and heart rate have calmed to nearly normal." He gave Adam a smile and packed up his bag. Adam grinned and nodded, he watched as Hunter left the room.
"It's locked." The boy's mental voice was a bit weak but firm in it's confidence.
"Now, nothing, absolutely nothing can come through that door. No words, no images, no spirits, nothing. When that door is shut and locked, you're safe. Just relax and sleep. You are safe here, I promise." Adam's mental words were soft and gentle. He also tenderly stroked the boy's unbruised temple. He could tell the young man was relaxing.
Adam sat with the young man until he was sure he was asleep. He got up from the edge of the bed and with a final assurance the boy was asleep, left the guest room. Adam found the others in Mark and Wade's apartment. Hunter had just filled them in on the patients physical condition.
"He's asleep. I got him to put up and lock a door to his empathic side. It's alright for now, but he'll need a lot of training. Bray, we don't even know his name." Adam looked at his mentor with anxious eyes. Adam was not the kind of psychic who knew peoples names, he didn't have empathic skills like the young man.
"He's a student in one of my classes. His name is Evan Bourne..." Bray paused. Chris Jericho had let a gasp cross his lips. Bray looked at his sometimes lover with an arched brow.
Chris quickly recovered his composure. "He is in my honors history class. Youngest student I've had in that class.. He is such a good, quiet kid... who would... Lesnar did it! Remember, we saw them at the drive-in that night! The lousy bastard!" Chris hit the coffee table in anger.
Bray smiled, now he understood. Evan must be the one Chris had told him about. Chris had told him about a pretty student and lamented he couldn't ask him out because he was in one of Chris' classes.
Bray and Chris had an open relationship. Chris knew about Luke and Erick, and that they were the true loves of Bray's life. Bray wanted to see Chris happy. He knew the history teacher was lonely, maybe this could somehow work out. He thought Chris and Evan would be good for each other.
Wyatt looked at Jericho. "He's the one, isn't he? The one you told me about?" He looked at Chris with concern in his eyes.
Chris nodded, his face had gone from anger to sadness. "He's such a sweet kid, but always so... guarded. Now it's all making sense. Oh Adam you can help him, can't you? Hunter, anything he needs, I'll pay for. Will he be alright?" The historian looked from Adam to Hunter with deep worry lines across his handsome face.
Hunter responded first. "He will be sore for a few days. He has sixteen stitches in his head and a black eye. He'll need a lot of tender, loving care." He smiled softly at Chris. The physician had a feeling the TLC would be aptly taken care of.
"We'll work with him, Chris. It won't be easy but he wants the help, that's a major step. A lot of empaths try to ignore it... refuse to acknowledge their powers, so to speak. Asking for help... it's good, very good." Adam spoke softly with a hand on Chris' shoulder. The psychic could feel how much Chris cared about Evan.
"I'll go sit with him. I'll take this in case he wakes." Chris nearly whispered and picked up the cup of steaming hot tea. No one moved to stop the historian, they could all see how he felt about Evan.
Bray slumped back on the couch. "I hope... Chris needs this. Especially now, my boys are moving up here. Finally found a small farm to buy for them. They know about Chris, but... well, it's complicated. I'll be back tomorrow, we'll start Evan's training. Will he be up to it, Hunter?" Bray asked, brow raised.
Hunter nodded. "just don't push him too hard. I'd also prefer if he could stay in bed for a least another day. I'll come change the bandage tomorrow. He told me he wasn't concussed, but it can delay, symptoms can occur up to twenty four hours after the injury. If anything changes during the night, call me." The Doctor spoke firmly.
Good byes were exchanged as Hunter and Shawn left. Bray soon followed with a promise to return the next day. Jason and Heath went down to their apartment. Both men had early shifts at their different jobs. Heath was filling in for a week at the Deere plant. He hated factory work, but he loved the pay.
Roman and Adam went up to their apartment, but only after Wade promised to get Adam if things changed with Evan. It wasn't long before the house was still and quiet.
In the guest room, Chris Jericho kept watch over Evan. Chris sat in the window seat. He took a deep drag from his cigarette and exhaled out the open window. The expelled smoke caught the rays of the rising sun and swirled in dreamlike patterns, as the smoke drifted through the open window. The air coming in was fresh and crisp, proving that fall was quickly marching towards winter.
"Those things will kill you, Doctor Jericho." Evan spoke in a harsh, airy whisper. He let out a slight whimper as he moved in the bed.
Chris threw the cigarette out of the window and went to Evan's bedside. He sat in the chair he'd been in most of the night.
"How are you feeling? Need anything?" Chris asked with a soft smile on his lips and kindness sparkled in his blue eyes.
Evan winced as he moved to sit up against the headboard. "Banged up, and a glass of water, please? Have you... been here all night?" He worked hard to keep the empathic door locked. He wanted to have a "normal" conversation with Chris.
Chris moved to fill the glass on the bedside table. Earlier, he gone and filled a pitcher with fresh ice water. He gently held the back of Evan's head with one hand and held the cup to Evan's lips with the other. Evan loved the pampering touches from the handsome history teacher.
When Evan finished, Chris set the cup back on the table. "Thank you, Doctor Jericho. Um.. don't... about Brock... let it go... I'm... I asked him to chose... shouldn't have... it's over now... this was his... goodbye..." Evan explained as best he could. His throat hurt and was extremely tender.
Chris sighed. "Alright. I'm glad you won't be seeing him anymore. You deserve someone who will take care of you... and let you care for them. That's how it's supposed to work. Adam, Roman, Bray, all of us will help you. We all know your gift is real." He spoke softly at first, then normally as he changed the subject.
Evan scoffed. "Gift? A gift, to bear everyone's thoughts? Their cries for help, their tears of anguish? I... must control it, before it controls me. I'll take your help, I'm not... I can't do it alone..." he paused and looked at Chris, then spoke again. "Someone like... you?" his dark eyes flashed at Chris with a blush on his bruised cheeks.
Chris shifted in his chair. "How old are you?" He looked at Evan. His blue eyes clear in his feelings for the younger man.
"I turned twenty-one on March nineteenth, So I'm closer to twenty-two." He answered Chris' question. Evan hoped his age wouldn't matter.
"I'll be forty one soon. Twenty years, that's a big gap..." Chris sighed. He'd hoped Evan was older than he looked, could such a gap work?
"Guess I'd better drop honors history..." Evan muttered as he kept his eyes pinned on Jericho.
Chris shook his head. "No, Evan, you're too smart for that. Tell you what, the class is for six more weeks. You need that time to learn to master your empathy. We'll take the time to get to know each other, see where it might lead. I do like you. You caught my eye the first... oh well, I guess you know that. Yep, gotta learn to control the empathy." He gave Evan a wink. He believed what he said, Evan needed help before he needed another relationship.
Evan nodded, he couldn't think anymore, the locks were starting to open. "Sounds perfect. I need... it's starting again... Adam?" His voice was weaker and his expression had turned grim.
Chris stood. He hesitated, then leaned down and kissed the top of Evan's head. "I'll get Adam. Be right back." He spoke with an encouraging smile.
Evan snuggled down in the bed and let the warm sensation of Chris' kiss wash over him, it was like a comforting blanket.
Chris went up to the third floor. He gently knocked on the door at the top of the stairs. Adam opened the door. "Hey Chris. Evan alright?" the blond asked as he stepped aside to let Chris into the apartment.
"He wants you. I think he can't shut it out, he seemed to be struggling." Chris spoke anxiously, and his eyes reflected that anxiousness.
"Alright. Roman's in the kitchen, go eat. I'll take care of Evan." Adam gave Chris a nudge towards the kitchen.
Chris allowed himself to be guided to the kitchen. A cup of coffee sounded really good about now.
Adam went downstairs. When he got to the guest room, he was surprised to see Hunter. The physician had just arrived and was taking off his coat.
"Hello, Adam. I was just telling Evan, I wanted to stop by before I do rounds at Sartori. So, how did you sleep?" Hunter asked as he sat on the edge of the bed.
Evan moved a bit to give Hunter room. Adam sat in the chair Chris had used. "I actually slept. I can't say I like the drugs, but it was a good sleep." he replied honestly.
"You'll sleep once you learn how to hold the door closed. Oh.. sorry Hunt, I'll be quiet." Adam laughed and blushed.
Hunter laughed. "It's okay, Adam. I'm sure you're right. Don't worry Evan, the sleeping shot was a one time deal. Now, let me take a look at you." His voice was warm and friendly. Evan was instantly at ease.
Hunter gave his patient a complete examination. His last check was of the stitched wound. "Looks good. No infection. I'll come change this again tonight. Your eye will be swollen for a while, but luckily, the optical bones are fine. You're lucky, I've seen worse. Now, I didn't want to ask you this last night, but, were you sexually assaulted?" He asked as gently as he could. Hunter well remembered taking care of Wade, he hoped Evan had not endured the same.
Evan hung his head. "No, it didn't get that far. It might have, but he got a phone call. We're done. He made his choice and I'm not sorry." He spoke matter of fact. It was what it was.
"I'm glad it didn't go that far. Now, you will be fine in a few days. Listen to Adam, he can help you. We will all help you. I'll be back this evening. Call me if anything changes." Hunter packed up his doctor's bag as he spoke.
Hunter let himself out with a wave to Evan and Adam. Adam looked at Evan. "You feel like coming upstairs for breakfast? I can also give you breakfast in bed. Either way, you need to eat, it takes energy to control your gift." Adam raised the window blinds a bit as he spoke.
Evan smiled, Chris was upstairs. "I'd love to stretch my legs, I'll go upstairs." he slowly moved off the bed. Adam helped Evan slip on his robe. Evan was a bit unsteady on his feet, but by the time he'd tied the robe and stepped into his slippers, he felt better.
"Did Doctor Wyatt... any clothes?" Evan asked as he followed Adam up the stairs.
"I'm sure he'll bring some later. You can borrow some from Heath, you're about the same size," Adam responded as he opened the door of the apartment he shared with his husband.
Evan smiled, the apartment was warm and inviting. Adam and Roman had good taste. Cool colors and simple decoration made the rooms look bigger than they were. Adam led him into the cheerful, pale yellow kitchen it was a farmhouse on a city scale.
Chris and Roman stood as Adam and Evan entered the kitchen. Chris held a chair for Evan as he sat down at the table. It was a round table that fit well into the space created by the room's bay window. Evan smiled when Chris poured him a cup of coffee.
"Thank you. You have a great place, lots of happiness here. Yes, scrambled are fine... oh... sorry." Evan had answered the question before Adam had asked.
"Close it, Evan. Reset the locks. I hate to start off pushy, but you must constantly work at it, especially at first. With time, it will become automatic." Adam spoke firmly as he mixed up a batch of eggs to scramble.
Evan closed his eyes. He mentally replaced the broken locks on the door that he's built in his mind. He wasn't here to screw around, if Adam was hard on him it was because he cared. Slowly the locks clicked shut.
When Evan opened his eyes, a plate of scrambled eggs, bacon and toast set before him. He picked up his fork, and looked at the table.
"Um... do you have any ketchup?" Evan asked with a bit of a sheepish grin. Most people thought the combination was gross.
"Finally, someone who knows how scrambled eggs should be eaten. Pass that please." Chris said with a laugh as he waited for Evan to finish with the ketchup Adam had provided.
"You two are... disgusting. Spoiling my wonderful eggs like that... Roman Joseph Reigns! Put that ketchup down!" Adam exclaimed as his husband also put ketchup on his eggs.
Roman laughed, leaned over and kissed Adam's cheek with his ketchup covered lips. "Love you, Viking." He gave Adam a wink, as his husband swiped his face with his napkin.
Adam rolled his eyes. Adam then looked at Roman with love, a love that burned like fire in his hazel eyes. "Love you, Islander." The couple smiled at each other and began to eat their breakfast.
Evan watched the exchange with a sad look on his face. "Like momma and poppa. They were in love, like you and so happy... till poppa went to heaven. She is so sad now... I want... what you have..." he let his words fade and took a small bite of his breakfast.
Chris put down his fork. He wrapped Evan in his arms and held the younger man close. He didn't hide his feelings about Evan from Roman and Adam. If he couldn't trust his friends like he trusted them, there was no point.
Roman and Adam looked at each other. They knew Chris and Evan belonged together. Now, they had to help Evan, for now that was their main priority.
The two couples finished their breakfast. Chris and Roman did the clean up while Adam took Evan down to raid Heath's closet.
"You sure he won't mind?" Evan asked as he took the t-shirt Adam had taken out of the closet.
Adam smiled. "He won't care. Jason is my brother from another mother, and so is Heath. I guess, I'd better tell you about all of us. Here..." Adam picked up a silver picture frame that sat on Heath and Jason's dresser.
The frame surrounded a picture of all the members of the College Hill Ghost Hunters. By the time Adam finished, Evan felt like he knew every member of the group. He even knew about Carol and Judy's trip around the world.
They had worked their way back to the guest room Evan was staying in. Adam freshened up the room while Evan took a bath. When he was finished and dressed, Evan felt better, even though he still looked like a horribly bruised banana. It didn't matter, the wounds would heal and the bruises would fade.
Evan finally laid back down on the bed. "You know, in all the time we've been talking, I haven't had one empathic thought. It's the same when I'm in class, during lectured, it vanishes. Thing is, I can't talk constantly or listen to lectures twenty four hours a day. Oh Adam, can I really learn?" He looked at the older man in desperation.
Adam went to the bed and sat on the edge. He gently stroked Evan's battered brow. "Yes, you can. I did, trust me. If a scatter brain like me can do it, I know you can. I'm not really an empath as such. I can't read a normal person's thoughts, only other psychics, the dead and a very few empaths like you. Our telepathy last night was the first in ages for me, and it was the clearest. I know it sounds... simplistic, and unscientific, but the locked door works. We just have to work on making the door and its locks strong." He explained with gentle touches to Evan's brow.
"Doctor Wyatt said the same. He said there were mental exercises I could do. Say... um... don't Chris and Doctor Wyatt..." Evan asked curiously. He was suddenly worried about it.
Adam smiled. "Yes, they are... well, maybe you'd better talk to Chris about that. I will tell you that Bray has two very serious lovers. They are going to move up here to farm.. so... he won't need Chris and I know Chris likes you. I'll leave it to the two of you. I don't interfere in relationships. See, I nearly caused Jay and Heath to break up when I tried to push their relationship along faster." He gave Evan another soft smile. He wasn't about to interfere with Evan and Chris' budding relationship.
Bray Wyatt found Roman, Adam, Chris and Evan sitting round the Reign's kitchen table, enjoying tuna salad sandwiches on toast with fresh tomatoes.
Greetings were exchanged and Adam set a plate in front of his mentor. Bray put together his sandwich, took a bite and smiled. "Like mom used to make. Not many add sweet pickles and hard boiled eggs. Carol did her job, teaching you to cook. Now, Evan, how are you?" Bray remembered to swallow his food before he spoke.
"I'm alright, a bit stiff and sore, but I'll manage. Adam has me working on a locked door. I can hold it for a while, like when talking or listening. As soon as it gets too quiet, I weaken and the locks open" Evan explained with a bit of a frustrated tone. He took a bite of his own food.
Bray nodded. "Normal, perfectly normal. As long as your empathy is blocked by conversation or concentrated listening, your subconscious mind closes the empathic... path. The door will work, but it takes a lot of practice and patience. We will do some exercises to reinforce the door." He sounded like the doctor he was.
Roman spoke. "The best exercises is for another empath or psychic to fire mental thoughts at you. Adam will do that. Your part will be to deflect them, build a mental force field. I'd like to do some monitoring, if you agree." He also sounded like the Doctor of Parapsychology he'd worked so hard to become.
Evan nodded. "For you, I'll do it. I owe you for helping me and I know you won't use or exploit me. If it will help others, I'm more than glad to do it," he spoke eagerly.
Roman grinned. "Thank you. It's very hard to find people willing to be tested. I can do it, right here in the privacy of the basement. I will use it in my lab, but no one will know who you are. And yes, Evan, it will help others like you and Adam." He gave Evan's hair a playful tousle.
Evan blushed. For the first time he felt completely accepted. He wasn't the weirdo that answered questions before they were asked. His appetite increased and Evan loaded another sandwich onto his plate. Chris grinned brightly and dug into his own food.
After lunch, Chris left to go to his apartment. He wanted to give Evan a chance to work without interference. He promised to return for dinner. Evan wanted to cook, despite being so banged up. Chris admired the young man even more.
Bray, Adam and Evan went down to the basement. Roman wanted to give them a chance to work a bit first before starting the scientific experiments. Instead, he took the shopping list Evan had given him and went to the Hy-Vee.
In the basement, Evan got a quick tour. Adam put a load of laundry in the washer. "Alright, this is where we do our ghost hunting data analysis. Seth also recently moved his equipment into the back room. He builds new hunting devices. One day we hope to have an office on The Hill, but for now this is CHGH Headquarters. We meet with clients at Dean and Seth's bar, The Lunatic Fringe." Adam finished giving Evan a quick tour of the basement.
The three men sat down in the more quiet back room. Bray faced Evan and Adam. "Best way to learn is to just... do it. Now, unlock the door and open it, but only ajar. It will be like mental jumping jacks. When I say close, slam the door and lock it. When I say open, open all the locks and the door. Easy enough, right?" He looked hard at Evan.
"Seems so, but I know it won't be. Nothing worth having is easy to obtain." Evan spoke like a wise old owl. He did know this would be extremely hard to do.
Bray began the mental exercises. "Close... open... close... open... close... open... close." He'd started slowly, giving about a minute between directions.
Evan took a deep breath. "It's... hard, but the last two came much faster. Go again." His face was carved in determination. His tone was almost demanding.
Bray reached over and gently gave Evan's knee a pat. "Easy, son. You aren't going to learn in a day. Adam tried to push too... tell him." The Parapsychologist nodded to Adam.
"Bray's right. I tried to hurry and push and it nearly drove me crazy. I got confused and opened at the wrong times. In my confusion, a very evil spirit got in. It was a long, hard battle to get rid of it. That's how Mark and Wade came to us. Mark got rid of the demon and Wade keeps us under constant protection. So, lets go slow and steady." Adam's face was grim. His words were deadly serious.
Evan nodded. "I understand. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to sound pushy." He hung his head. There was so much to learn, but he wanted to do it right.
"It's alright. Now, when I tell you, I want you to open. However, this time Adam will come at you telepathically. Don't let him get control. Remember, you control the empathy, it does not control you. Ready?" Bray looked at Even expectantly.
"Ready." Evan confirmed with a nod. He balled his fists in determination.
"Adam, you know what to do. Start gentle, then as he gains resistance, go a bit harder. You remember." Bray gave Adam a nod, and Adam returned it.
Adam closed his eyes. He spoke telepathically to Evan. "I'm going to start now. Get ready, I'll send only images at first, block them." He felt Evan brace himself.
Evan's mind was hit with an image of a flower. Adam wanted to start easy. Evan removed the image rather quickly. Each image Adam sent grew steadily darker in nature. A spider, a snake, and so on. He could feel each time Evan shut the door.
Adam's images grew even darker. A car accident, a shooting and finally an image of an atomic bomb exploding. Evan was barely able to shut off the last few images. By the time Adam finished, Evan was sweating and panted hard to catch his breath. Adam was just as exhausted.
"Guys! Hey! Adam! Evan! Stop!" Bray had been calling out to the two telepaths for the last fifteen minutes.
Both Adam and Evan shook themselves. "Sorry Bray, he was doing so well I didn't want to stop. Sorry Evan, I'm so sorry." Adam leaned over and hugged Evan tightly. Adam could feel Evan trembling.
Evan clung to Adam. "It's alright. I have to learn, but I will admit, the last few images were hard to shut out, but I did it!" He was exhausted, but proud and happy he'd done so well the first time.
"You did great. Roman can do his tests tomorrow. That's it for today. I must go. I have to sign the papers for the farm. Great little place on Viking Pump Road. Evan, keep the door closed and locked as much as possible and get some rest." Bray stood and gave Evan's head a pat.
Adam and Evan saw Bray out, then went up to Adam's apartment. Roman had long since returned from shopping. Adam could hear the TV in their living room. Evan went to the kitchen after assuring Adam he was up to cooking.
Roman was watching a documentary on the pyramids the Aztecs had built near Mexico City. He smiled when Adam curled up next to him. Adam rested his head on Roman's shoulder. He was safe in the strong Island arms. During a commercial, Adam filled Roman in on Evan's training session.
"... he did well. Bray said you can start tomorrow." Adam curled tighter around Roman and kicked off his shoes, then continued. "So what was on the grocery list? I'm hungry." Adam gave Roman's neck a nip.
Roman shuddered. "I promised not to tell, but you will love it," he growled his words and pulled Adam into his lap and kissed him deeply. Adam melted into his husband's kiss.
Evan smiled from the doorway. He'd come to ask where Adam kept the cooking oil, but tiptoed out when he saw the couple enjoying a loving moment. He wanted that... hopefully with Doctor Chris Jericho.
There was a light tap on the apartment door as Evan headed back to the kitchen. He felt his mental door unlocking to search who was behind the physical door. He closed his eyes and added another lock to the mental door. He opened the apartment door. Evan beamed, it was Chris Jericho.
"Hi, well, come on in. Adam and Roman are um... well, come into the kitchen. Say, you don't happen to know where Adam keeps the cooking oil, do you?" Evan started off shyly then realized he was being silly. Evan already felt like part of the family. He led Chris into the kitchen.
Chris smiled. "I do actually. It's in the cupboard, over the stove," he pointed to said cupboard. Chris then sat at the kitchen table and continued. "What are you making? Smells good."
Evan grabbed the bottle of cooking oil. "Tacos. The meat needs to simmer. Help me chop? I need to make salsa, plus we need tomatoes, lettuce and onions for taco toppings." He held a knife out for Chris to take.
"Glad to help. So, how did today go?" Chris asked as he began to help Evan chop the needed vegetables. Evan and Chris chatted companionably about not only Evan's session, but life in general; likes, dislikes, philosophies, music, books and other things.
Chris and Evan never knew when Roman and Adam came into the kitchen. The married couple smiled and left Chris and Evan alone to talk. They went back to the living room.
"Hey! Anybody home?" Heath called from the door. Both the Reigns' and Reso's had key to each others apartments. Neither couple cared if the other came to use or borrow something.
Adam called out. "Living room!" He was back to being sprawled out on the couch, his head in Roman's lap.
Heath entered the room. He batted Adam's feet out of the way and sat down. Heath's expression turned serious. "Got a text today. We may have a new case. A lady says her daughter said there's a monster in the closet. I called her, she really sounded desperate. He daughter has changed from a happy child to scared, and cowed. She's ten and has even started to wet the bed. The mom said, last night she heard scratching and growling coming from the closet. She opened the door. There was nothing there, but she said there were fresh scratch marks on the inside of the closet door." Heath explained in a serious tone. Deep lines of worry creased across his brow.
"Set up a meeting as soon as possible. This doesn't sound good. Better warn Mark and Wade." Adam replied thoughtfully. "Oh, and Evan and I borrowed some of your clothes." He added with a slight smile.
"No problem. Hope he's alright. Okay, I'll set it up. Yeah, I drop in at Mark's on the way back down. Gotta go, Jay will be home soon. Gotta make supper. I'll let you know about the meeting. See ya." Heath gave Adam a slap on the leg and left.
Roman looked at Adam. "Sounds bad. I don't like demons or evil spirits." he was interrupted by Chris.
"Dinner is ready. You're gonna love it." Chris had a happy smile on his face. The happiest anyone had seen in a very long time.
Evan had made a delicious taco dinner and was pleased his food was good enough to start a taco eating contest between Roman, Adam and Chris.
Adam had to stop at ten, Roman made it to fourteen, but Chris beat them all by eating sixteen fully loaded tacos. Evan blushed with pride. He also knew that Chris was not going to let Roman beat him, even if he got sick later. That wasn't empathic thought, it was a romantic one.
As they sat around the table, digesting and talking, Adam told Chris about the possible case Heath had spoken about.
"I don't like the sound of that. Mark and Wade better power up. Shawn too." Jericho rubbed his belly thoughtfully.
"Can I help?" Evan asked as he picked up Chris' dirty plate. He wanted to be a help to the group if he could.
"We'll see. You may not be ready to face something evil. But, I'll talk to Bray. You might be good with the child." Adam explained honestly. He wasn't sure a demon wouldn't prey upon Evan's weakness.
What would the next case bring. Would they be up against a demon?