A/N: This is dedicated to Rhiannamator. All my thoughts and best wishes are with you. You have inspired so many of us here. THANK YOU!
Roman had been gone for a month. With a lot of support from his friends and family, Adam got through the hardest parts. First of all, it finally hit him full force when Adam saw Roman's body. He wept till there were no tears left. He knew it was truly real, his beloved Islander was gone. Secondly, somehow, he made through the funeral. It was the hardest thing he had ever been through in his life, even worse than what Wade had done. Adam learned just how strong he truly was, but not without the love and support that surrounded him.
The Anoa'i family had a traditional Fa'Alave Lave, a Samoan family gathering. Adam wore the lava lava he had made for the wedding. Roman's family was pleased and honored that Adam chose to wear it, they knew how hard it was for him. In Island tradition, Roman was cremated, it made burial in small family plots easier
Shawn led the "western" funeral and Roman's Uncle, who was also the family Chief or Matai lead the Samoan part. It was a beautiful blend of the two traditions.
Roman's family and friends brought Adam gifts called Ie togas. The Ie togas were finely made hand-woven mats. The largest and most special was the one made by one of Roman's Aunts in Samoa. The three-foot square mat had been woven in such a way that it created a portrait of Roman. It was so life-like and beautiful. She was a true artist. Adam had it hanging by the door to the bedroom with a little table under it. I was the last thing he saw at night, and the first thing he saw in the mornings, that is, when he managed to sleep.
For the first week, Judy stayed with her son. She just couldn't bear to leave her baby boy alone. At first he loved having his ma with him. He soon realized though, that he had to try to start living again. Judy helped Adam clean out Roman's part of the closet. The clothes went to the church and anything work related went to Dean and Seth. Adam knew the sooner he got it done the better.
Adam had good days and bad days. On the bad days he went to the park. He never saw the old woman again, but he kept her words in his heart. He never told anyone about that odd encounter. It was his and his alone.
Hunter and Shawn grew even closer. Hunter was nearly living with the preacher, but not fully. Shawn said it just wasn't proper for them to live together in the church owned house. Hunter understood, so on Tuesdays and Thursdays he slept at his own apartment. They were falling more and more in love.
Jay and Heath took on the sad task of returning all the wedding presents that had been given to Adam and Roman. Shawn and Hunter insisted that Adam keep the flatware. It was more for Adam in the first place. It was the only gift the blond kept.
After the funeral, Roman's family moved back to the Islands. They took Roman's ashes with them, but there was a memorial at the cemetery. It made Adam feel better to have some place to go and visit. It was in the same quiet, peaceful area where Kevin and Scott were buried.
Roman had told him his father wanted to move back to Samoa anyway, to be with his brothers and sisters. So the move wasn't totally unexpected. It was a sad parting. They loved Adam like one of their own. Sika told him he was welcome in their home anytime, no matter where they were.
Randy came for the funeral. He wanted to stay longer, but he had to get back to work. Ted and Cody had to lie and say Randy was sick in order for him to make the quick trip to Tampa. Adam was so grateful his friend had risked his job to be there for him. They promised a real visit as soon as it could be worked out.
Adam had been given Roman's interest in The Shield Security Agency. He sold it to Dean and Seth. He knew Roman's dream would be safe in their hands. He just didn't want any part of what caused Roman's untimely death.
It was Monday. It was time for Adam to go back to his own office. The only difference was, instead of going back a darkly tanned newlywed, he returned a lightly tanned near widower. He was actually ready to bury himself in his work.
Adam parked "Rita" in his regular place at his office. Adam noticed Heath was already there. He was grateful to his brother-in-law for keeping the business running. It also meant either Jason wasn't there, or he had ridden with Heath, it just depended on how his day looked if he needed his own car or not.
Adam sighed as he took his briefcase out of the back seat. The sun caught the glitter of ring on his left hand. He hadn't been able to remove his engagement ring. It was his last attachment to his beloved Islander, he wasn't ready to take it off.
The decorator headed up to his office. When he opened the door he chuckled to himself, nothing had changed. Jason was there, rubbing his freshly kicked shin. Heath was livid. "Why did you let him in here! You're so stupid sometimes!" Heath whispered viciously with another kick to his husband's shin.
"Nice to see some things never change," Adam said with a bit of a smile. His brother and brother-in-law looked over to the door. They both smiled brightly when they saw their boss walk in.
"Hey bro, welcome back. Yeah, Vixen here isn't happy with me..." Jason was pushed out of the way by his red-headed husband.
"And let me tell you why! He let that rock star prima donna into your office!" Heath spoke quietly, but with venom.
Adam's face fell. "Jericho? Is here? In my office? Right now? Not what I wanted on my first day back," the decorator muttered.
"I know! This... this... goon let him in, not me!" Heath said with another kick to Jason's shin.
"You were doing the coffee. His name is in the appointment book. I thought I was doing the right thing!" Jason answered honestly. He didn't mean to make everyone so upset.
"It's alright. I'm going to cancel the job anyway. No way could I work with him. It's... I didn't want to deal with him first thing. Is that my mail?" Adam asked with a sigh.
Heath nodded. He handed Adam a box and some letters. Adam took his mail, sighed and went to his office.
Chris Jericho was sitting in a chair in front of Adam's desk. He had a different demeanor about himself. He had changed. He looked more like a well dressed business person and not a heavy metal rock star. Jericho had on a pair of well-fitting, black trousers and a dark blue button down shirt. His hair was neatly trimmed. It was smooth down the back and lightly spiked in the front. He'd had it cut and came to the top of his collar. It was the tawny color of the highlights in a lion's mane.
The rock star's face had lost its haughtiness. He no longer looked brash and arrogant. He looked calm and serious. His blue eyes still had their sparkle, but the fire didn't burn as brightly. He tended to take the world a lot more seriously. In other words, Chris Jericho had finally decided to grow up and act his age. He was business person, not a carefree playboy.
Adam stopped at his office door and took a deep breath. He turned the knob and opened the door. He walked in. He'd hoped to have time to adjust to being back at work before he had to deal with customers, let alone the man responsible for Roman's death.
Chris stood up as Adam came into the room, "Hello Mister Copeland," Jericho said warmly. He held his hand out to shake Adam's hand.
Adam just brushed past Chris and put the mail on his desk and his briefcase on the floor. "Mister Jericho. What do you want?" Adam asked. His tone was a bit sharper than he intended as he sat down. He started to open the small box from the pile of mail.
Chris' face was a bit flush as he pulled his hand back as the decorator brushed past him. He sat back down after Adam sat.
"I'm here to start the work on my house. We said you'd start on July 1. I..." Chris stopped when Adam let out a whimper. He watched as the blond dashed out of the office. Were those tears falling from the decorator's eyes? Jericho was confused.
The rock star noticed a small card that had fallen to the floor. He got up and grabbed it. It was a business card. At first Chris couldn't figure out what could have upset the decorator. Suddenly, Jericho understood and he felt just awful. The box had apparently contained Adam's new cards. They read: "Cutting Edge Designs, Adam J. Reigns, Head Decorator/Owner" along with all his phone numbers and office address. Jericho slipped the card into his pocket.
Jason came into his brother's office, he had a slight limp, "Mister Jericho, I'm sorry. If we'd realized... sorry, Adam will be with you in a moment," Jay made excuse for his brother.
"Should I come back? I didn't mean to upset him. I would still like Adam to do the house. I like his style and taste. We did sign a contract and I gave him a hefty retainer," Chris said in a businesslike but friendly tone.
Jason understood both Jericho and his brother. He knew the rock star wasn't responsible for Roman's death. He as actually looking forward to working on the beautiful property. However, he would stand behind his brother and any decision he made.
Heath knocked on the bathroom door. He worried, Adam had flown past him, crying his eyes out. He opened the door when he heard Adam cry out.
"Hey, what happened? Do I need to kick that Jericho bastard?" Heath asked defiantly.
"The... box... my... business... cards... Adam... Reigns..." Adam sobbed out. He was sorry he came back to work.
"I should have opened that damn box. I'm so sorry," Heath said sadly as he hugged his brother-in-law.
"I'm sorry. I guess... I wasn't as ready as I thought... it's not your fault, Heath," Adam said with a sniff.
"Yes. I should have checked more carefully. You need anything, honey?" Heath asked gently.
Adam splashed water on his face and brushed his hair. "I'm okay. I have to go back and deal with Jericho. Thanks, Heath. I couldn't do this without you and Jay-Jay," Adam said as he hugged the red-head.
Heath hugged Adam back and watched as his brother-in-law left. He knew he'd never have the strength to do as well as Adam.
When Adam got back to his office, he saw Jason showing some wall paper samples to the rock star. He walked over to them.
He pulled the book out of his brother's hand, "Thanks Jason, I'll take it from here," Adam said abruptly.
Jay nodded and left. He knew Adam was about to drop the Jericho account. The sandy-haired man was disappointed, but left it to his brother. Jason left Adam's office and went to his own.
"I'm sorry Mister Jericho. I just... anyway, I don't think I'm the best person for your house. I'll return your retainer deposit, plus ten percent. Good luck," Adam said, he hoped Jericho got the hint.
Chris sighed, he wanted the best and Cutting Edge Designs was the best, "I suppose I understand. I don't want to be a bastard, but I did sign a legal contract, Mister Copeland. I chose your company for a reason. I like your style and taste. I really am sorry about what happened. I really am," Chris' tone was firm but friendly.
"I appreciate that you like my work. I just... I... you didn't pull the trigger, but had Roman been at home, he'd still be alive. I just... I'm sorry, but I can't work with you," Adam said with a venomous tone.
Chris sighed, he wasn't going to just give up, he wasn't built that way, if he wanted something, he got it.
"I don't want to harp on this, nor do I want to upset you, but it's a contract matter. I'll have to contact my attorney. I think you know the owner of the firm, Hunter Helmsley. I want... just think about it. Remember, I didn't do it," Chris said flatly. He got up and left the decorator's office.
Adam sighed. He forgotten Triple H and Associates had Jericho for a client. Well he wasn't worried, Hunter would take his side.
The decorator tossed the box of new business cards in the trash, wouldn't need them. He couldn't bear to see the name that never got to be his. He busied himself in catching up for missing the last month at work.
Adam was lost in reading up on the latest design trends. Things like verre èglomisé, antique brass and bleached floors. Shabby chic, homier looking kitchens with weathered wood counter tops. Another hot trend was computer designed fabrics and wall coverings. Customers could design on the computer then have the fabric or wall covering printed out. For instance, a company could have their logo printed on some fabric and have their curtains, pillows, and the like custom-made. It was called DIY on demand fabric printing. Gloss paint was coming back to off set the antique brass. Adam wasn't too crazy about that trend, gloss paint always looked fake to him. Maybe that fad wouldn't last too long.
Adam also noticed that the over the top theatrical furniture of James Mont was becoming popular. Not just any house could carry the look. The decorator loved it. If he were still going to the do the Jericho house, it would have worked. The house had the grandeur for it to look right.
"Adam... Adam?" Heath's voice finally penetrated into the decorator's head as the intercom buzzed.
"Yes, Heath" Adam asked simply as he flipped through another magazine.
"Hunter is here. Can you see him now?" the red-headed receptionist/office manager asked.
"Sure, send him in. Could I please have some coffee? And ask Hunter if he wants some too," Adam replied to the box on his desk.
The blond cleaned up the pile of magazines and trade journals he'd been reading. He stood up and smiled as the lawyer came into the office, he was carrying two cups of coffee.
"Coffee, Sir?" Hunter said with a laugh. He handed Adam his cup as the decorator met him halfway across the room.
"Heath shouldn't have done that! Thanks though. Please, sit down. How are you?" Adam asked the lawyer as he sat in his own chair.
Hunter thought Adam was acting a little strangely. The man was a little too enthusiastic. He figured Adam didn't want anyone to worry about him.
"Adam, it's okay. Heath just told me about the business cards. It's alright to still mourn things about Roman. Nobody expects you to be one hundred percent yet. Hell, I still mourn Kev sometimes. Heath and Jay left for lunch. Jason said he'd bring something back for you. Actually, this isn't a social call," Hunter explained as he took a sip of his coffee.
Adam sighed, "I just wasn't ready to have those cards slap me in the face first thing. Maybe it's too soon to be back..." Adam replied as took a sip of his own coffee.
"No, I think getting back in the saddle, speaking of, the reason I'm here. I want to keep this on a friend level. Justin said Jericho called and that you wanted to cancel your contract with him," Hunter stated, his brow raised.
Adam's eyes got a little fire in them, "why can't he just leave me alone! Roman is dead because of him. I'll give him his money back! Hell, I'll even give him a thousand extra. I can't work with... no, I won't work with him. You can't make me. Jericho can't make me!" Adam was madder than a wet hen.
Hunter smiled internally. As Adam's friend, he was happy to see the old, fiery Adam instead of the sad blond. However, the lawyer part of him had to be firm and probably harsh.
"You have to, son. You have a legal and binding contract with Jericho. For what ever reason, he doesn't want out of the contract. Just... do the job. If you push this and he decided to sue for breach of contract, it could really damage your reputation. You have a lot of influential customers who would not like to see the name of their interior decorator splashed over the newspapers. You could lose everything you've worked so hard for. You could lose this business, that Roman supported you to build," Hunter spoke honestly and used his "court voice".
Adam sighed for what seemed like the millionth time since walking into his office just a few hours ago. He sipped his coffee, then spoke. "I guess I don't have a choice, if you put it that way now do I? Everyone seems to forget that my Roman is dead because of Jericho. So he can take the love of my life, and my business reputation, but yet I'm the bad guy? Thanks for the support!" Adam snapped out bitterly. He was truly angry.
Hunter frowned, he figured Adam would be upset, but not like this. The lawyer knew he had to tread lightly, Adam had been through a lot that morning. He didn't mean to make it worse.
"Honey, I'm sorry. I'm not picking sides. I'm just saying if Jericho wants to push the issue it will damage your wonderful reputation. I know you blame him for Roman's death. It's easy because in Chris Jericho you have a target. You don't know who killed Roman, so it's natural to blame the one in front of you. The one that really killed Roman is still out there. It's not fair of you to blame Jericho, is it?" Hunter asked the decorator.
Hunter cared about Adam both personally and professionally. He of all people understood the younger man's pain. That kind of pain can make you lose all sense of reason. Hunter knew it was time for bit of tough love, at least when it came to the blonds professional life.
"Fair to Jericho? Fair to Jericho? What about fair to me? Is it fair to me to be forced to work with the man responsible for Roman's being away from me? Huh? What about that?" Adam said belligerently. He pouted like a small child.
Hunter would have laughed under different circumstances, but he knew this wasn't funny. "Adam, Roman chose to take the job. You told me you talked about it with him. You agreed he should go... " Hunter was interrupted by an irate blond.
"Oh, so it's my fault Roman is dead. Yeah I get it now. Everyone blames me don't they? Roman is dead because of me!" Adam's voice went from anger to sadness as his eyes filled with tears.
This was the last thing Hunter wanted. He wished Shawn was there, his lover was much better at comforting people. Hunter got up and went around to the upset decorator. He hugged Adam. "You know that's not what I meant and it's not what anyone thinks. You know better than that. Now come on kid, you're just upset today. The last thing I wanted to do is upset you further. Let's go grab some lunch," Hunter said with a warm tone.
Adam robotically let the lawyer drag him to the sidewalk café that was close to Adam's office. During the short walk Hunter sent Shawn a desperate text message. The preacher said he would be there in twenty minutes.
While they waited for Shawn, or at least Hunter was, the two men ordered some food. The lawyer also ordered Shawn's favorite sandwich.
"Hungry?" Adam asked simply. He didn't know that Shawn was coming.
"No, um... I called in... well... I'm not... oh... Shawn is on his way." Hunter stammered. He hated to admit he couldn't fix the mess he'd started with Adam.
When Shawn arrived, greetings were exchanged. Hunter then proceeded to explain the mess he'd created by upsetting Adam. The preacher smiled softly. Hunter was so adorable sometimes. He took a bite of his lunch, he was watching as Adam picked at his food.
"Adam, you know Hunter didn't mean to upset you. You are not responsible for Roman's death. Roman isn't responsible for his death and Chris Jericho isn't responsible for Roman's death. The person responsible is the one that fired the gun. He is the one. Hunter is right, Jericho would have a legal right to make trouble if you break the contract. He probably wouldn't but it would look bad to your other clients. You want to make Roman proud don't you?" Shawn tried to be a more calm voice of reason.
Adam stabbed at the piece of chicken in his salad. He hated it when Shawn made him see reason. Oh how he didn't want to have to deal with Jericho, but he couldn't afford adverse publicity. Roman would be disappointed if he lost the business.
He threw up his hands, "Alright! I'll do it, but I don't have to like it, nor do I have to like Jericho. I don't want Roman upset with me. He helped me build the business," Adam said with resignation and the bite of chicken.
Hunter flashed Shawn a grateful smile. His breath was taken away when the preacher smiled back at him, oh he was falling for the beautiful coppery blond.
Adam caught the glances between the lawyer and the preacher. He could see the growing love between them. In one way he was very happy for them, after all he had encouraged them to get together. The other part of him was jealous. Why should they be happy when his Roman was gone. But his heart ruled and he was happy for them.
"You made the right decision Adam. I'm proud of you. I'll tell Justin to let Jericho know you will continue the job," Hunter said in a relieved tone of voice.
The three men finished their lunch. Then parted company. Adam walked back to his office. He had some work crews to arrange. The sooner he got the job started, the sooner he could finish and never lay eyes on Chris Jericho again.
When Adam got back to his office, Heath and Jay were back from lunch. By the light flush on Heath's fair cheeks it was clear that eating food wasn't what lunch time was about.
Normally, Adam would have teased his brother-in-law, making him flush even deeper, but the decorator just didn't care enough to make the effort.
"Well, I have to do the Jericho account. So I need to see the updated contractors list and who is available to start right away. I'll be in my office," Adam said sounding much like a disgruntled boss.
Heath knew when Adam was in that kind of mood it was better to keep his head down, his mouth shut and do as asked. This wasn't the day or time for office banter.
Adam went through more of his mail. One of the things that had been delivered was a set of blue prints of Jericho's mansion. Well, these would come in handy now. He took the blue prints into his drawing and work office. He pinned them on the bulletin board he had for just such things. He stared at them for a bit. There wasn't much he could do until all the clean out work was done. Carpets pulled and walls stripped.
Heath brought Adam the list he wanted. The decorator smiled, Ryback Construction was available. The crew was efficient and professional. He also liked the fact that Ryback didn't take any crap from anyone, but could do it with polite charm.
Adam called the construction company. Skip Ryback said they would be available to start as soon as Adam was ready. He told the builder to be ready on Wednesday. Jericho would work to his time frame, or not at all.
The interior decorator was glad when he got Jericho's voice mail. He told the rock star they would be there by nine o' clock Wednesday morning to start the clean out and preparations. He said it in such away that Jericho would have no choice what so ever in the matter.
"Adam? I have that antique table and Tiffany lamp for Hunter's office. I'm going to deliver it. It goes under that window with the lamp off set to the left?" Jason read from his notes.
"Sounds good. Just don't break that lamp. It cost a fortune!" Adam said firmly, but with a smile.
"I broke one lamp shade, six years ago! I haven't even cracked an egg since then! Look, I know how you feel but I'm glad you're doing the Jericho account. That property is spectacular. You'll get a lot of clients from it. Just think of it that way," Jason tried to make it sound not so bad.
"I just want to get the Jericho job done and over. Let's just do our best. I don't want that... person to have anything to complain about. James Mont furniture needs to be in that great room," Adam said to his brother as he looked at the blue prints.
By six o'clock that night, Adam was nibbling on a TV dinner, sitting on the couch. The flat screen was on, but he didn't pay attention. The television ran constantly, Adam couldn't stand the quiet. He ate his meal then took a shower. He then settled down on the couch to sleep. He just couldn't sleep in the bed he once shared with Roman. At least he did manage to sleep, as long as the flat screen ran softly in the background.
Adam laid there thinking before sleep finally claimed him. Shawn had advised him to buy a new bed, when he was ready. He did like one he saw in a trade journal earlier. Adam knew though that he wasn't ready yet. He closed his eyes and went to join Roman, who waited for him in his dreams. Tonight they were meeting on the beach... Adam smiled in his sleep, he saw Roman... waiting.
Over in another part of town, Hunter and Shawn were lying in bed together. For once Shawn was spending the night with Hunter at his luxurious penthouse apartment on Bay Shore Boulevard. It had four bedrooms and four bathrooms. It was elegantly decorated, by Cutting Edge Designs.
At first Shawn was a little intimidated by the wealth and luxury. He was used to his modest, church provided house. However, as they laid in bed they could gaze out to the ocean and Shawn liked that. It gave him a peaceful feeling. He could actually picture himself living there.
Hunter had moved into the penthouse about four months ago. He wanted away from the house he shared with Kevin. It was too hard, living with all the memories. This place was his, which he now willingly shared with his beautiful preacher. He also liked the fact that he didn't have to mow the lawn.
"Think Adam is okay. I felt like an ogre. I just wanted him to do the right thing for his company. Thanks for coming to clean up my mess," Hunter said softly as he stroked the coppery blond hair on the head that rested on his chest.
Shawn kissed Hunter's bare skin, "He'll be okay. You did the right thing. You know... Chris feels awful about Roman. I can't really say too much, but he's been coming for counseling with one of the Deacons. He's changed, a lot over the last month. I was happy you called. It felt good to know that you needed me," the preacher said with another kiss to Hunter's broad chest.
"It was nice to have someone to call... Shawnnie, I... I love you, very much." Hunter finally found the courage to tell Shawn how he truly felt.
Shawn raised his head, he turned on to his belly so he could look at Hunter, he saw love and adoration in the lawyer's amber-colored eyes. He smiled softly. "I love you, Hunter. You've brought me life again. I will always love Scotty, you'll always love Kev, but we have found love in our hearts for each other. You make me happy, Hunter," Shawn said honestly to his lover.
Hunter pulled Shawn in for a long, passion filled kiss. They made love in the same passionate way. It was spiritual for them.
In another house, one that was waiting for Adam to turn it in to a show place, Chris Jericho was lying awake in his bed, alone.
At one time his bed could have two or even three boy toys for the rock star to play with, but since the security guards death, he'd slept alone and bid good-bye to his "pets".
He was glad Adam had agreed to keep to their contract., he liked the blond's taste. He knew Adam would make the house, a home. Jericho hoped he could help Adam, to realize he didn't kill Roman, even though he did feel partly responsible.
Jericho's last thought before sleep was that he also thought Adam Copeland was one of the most beautiful men he'd ever laid eyes on.
AN: I think I explained fairly well about the Samoan ways, but if you have further questions feel free to ask either in a review or PM. Also, if you would like to see a picture of the house that I used as Jericho's mansion, I can email you a link, just PM me and let me know. You can also Google James Mont, if you are curious about the grand style of furniture. They truly are works of art. One last thing, you can also Google any of the terms I use when talking about Interior Decorating styles. As always, I thank each and every one of you for reading and reviewing. I appreciate, each and every one of you VERY much. All the best, Lady Dragonsblood.