Adam and Randy were the last ones to arrive at the rehearsal. "Where have you two been?" Chris asked from the stage, he was clearly not happy.
Adam went to the foot of the stage. "Sorry, my fault. The new Principal caught me up in a conversation. Won't happen again. Randy was waiting for me." He explained with anxious eyes.
Chris softened. "No problem. You can't be rude to him. Well, find a seat and we'll get started." He gave Adam a smile.
Adam nodded. "Okay, again, I'm sorry." Adam to the far corner by the side door. He always sat on the floor and used the last seat of the row as a desk. Adam put his backpack on the seat and pulled out his script. Adam looked around.
Randy was with Dolph, Bo, Rhyno, James and Curtis on the opposite side of the Auditorium. Adam smiled when Seth and Roman moved to come sit closer to him. Dean followed his friends.
Dean could see pain on Adam's face even though the blond tried to hide it. He wished he could talk to Adam, in private. Maybe he'd have a chance later.
Chris blew a whistle he wore on a chain around his neck. He figured with so many athletes in the cast, it would get their attention, which it promptly did.
"Okay, we're going to jump right into Act one, scene one. I need, Sampson, Gregory, Abraham, Benvolio, Officer, Lord Capulet, Lady Capulet, Lord and Lady Montague, Prince Escalus, Romeo... Dean you can wait out here till your cue. Now, those of you backstage will shout the crowd lines, and for now, all of you I just called, except Sampson and Gregory, will do the chorus. Let's move." Chris' voice was commanding as was his look.
Rhyno, James Ellsworth, Sami, Roman, Jeff, Bo, Randy, Dolph and Finn all went up on stage. Dean sat on the steps next to where Adam sat on the floor, his back against the wall. Everyone else in the audience either did homework or had whispered conversations.
Dean waited until Randy and Dolph were out of sight backstage. He then leaned down to whisper to Adam. "Adam, what's wrong?" It was becoming way to frequent of a question.
Adam looked up at Dean. "Nothing, I'm fine..." He then stood. "I have to go to the bathroom." Adam went up the four steps and out the side door off the apron of the stage. The restrooms they were allowed to use were across the hall.
Dean went to Seth who sat in the next to last seat on the front row, by Adam's "desk". "I'm going after him. Come get me if it gets close to my cue." Dean smiled as Seth nodded. Dean followed after Adam.
When he got to the bathroom, Adam lifted his tee shirt and winched. There was a bruise forming over the traces of the old one. Adam gently rubbed the aching skin. The door was so well oiled, Adam didn't hear it when Dean came into the bathroom.
Dean growled deeply when he saw the bruise on Adam's abdomen. "That fucking bastard." Dean went behind Adam and gently wrapped his arms around Adam's hips, his chin on Adam's shoulder. He sighed when Adam leaned against him, instead of pulling away like he feared.
Adam felt safe in Dean's arms. "He punched me in the hallway, just now. I didn't know he was waiting for me. I went to get a protein bar, ate it, then the new Principal called me out for coming from the vending area. He and I talked a bit. I couldn't be rude. Why does Randy have to punch me, then he just... crushes me mentally. He's right you know, I am a worthless bitch." Adam let himself melt into Dean's embrace.
"Baby, you're not a worthless bitch. You are wonderful, strong and brave. Adam, I really care about you... maybe... no, not maybe... I love you. I'm going to get you away from him, then you will be my prince." Dean's words were soft in Adam's ear.
Adam spun around in Dean's arms, he placed his hands on Dean's shoulders. "Dean, don't love me... I'm not... ever going to be free, but if I was... I... I... might love you too, but … it can never be..." Tears welled up in Adam's eyes. He knew he loved Dean since their kiss yesterday, but admit to, and ache over something that could never be, was too much.
Dean slid his hands up Adam's body, till he cupped Adam's face in his hands. He leaned in and pressed his lips against Adam's. Adam responded with a tiny whimper. Dean got braver. He let his tongue slide against Adam's lips, he just had to have one full on taste of Adam. This could be his only chance.
Adam wanted one taste of Dean, something sweet and wonderful to remember. He parted his lips and sighed when Dean's tongue slid along side his. Dean tasted of sin, delicious, glorious sin. Every inch of Adam's body tingled, even his tongue.
Dean moaned when Adam parted his lips. He sighed. Adam tasted even better than he could have ever imagined. He kept his touch gentle, as a hand slid around Adam's neck and curled into the soft hairs at the nape. Adam's own hands wandered up into Dean's auburn mop.
The fear of being caught ran through Adam's mind. With reluctance, he pulled away. There was a shine, a spark in the hazel eyes Dean had never seen before. It was a look of love, mixed with fear and hopelessness. A tear fell from one eye.
Dean thumbed away the tear. He pressed his forehead to Adam's. "I promise, baby. Just stay strong and brave. We will be together. You go back first. I love you." Dean gave Adam a quick peck on the lips.
Adam went to the door. "I... I love you, Dean. This can never happen again... just... forget me." He hurried out of the bathroom and went back into the Auditorium.
When Adam sat back down in his spot, Seth joined him. "Did Randy notice?" Adam asked with worry in his eyes.
Seth shook his head. "No, he's still backstage. Rhyno and James are having problems.. or well Chris is. He can't get their blocking to his liking. They are moving on now, Chris said he'd work on it." Seth assured Adam with a confident tone of voice and a look to match.
Adam wilted with relief. "Listen, don't let Dean follow me like that again. Sit on him if you have to. I can't risk Randy finding out. Please, Seth." He looked at Seth in earnest.
Seth frowned. "I'll try, Adam. Dean can be stubborn when he has his mind set on something. We're going to get you out of this. It's a promise." His voice still held a firm confidence.
In the restroom, Dean was about to leave when the silent door opened. AJ Styles walked in. He smiled at Dean. "I thought Adam was in here." He scanned the room quickly.
Dean looked at the history teacher. "He was, but he went back to the Auditorium. Did you want to speak to him?"
AJ nodded. "Yes, I did. It will have to wait. Thank you, Dean." The teacher turned to leave. He had a sad look on his face.
Dean's senses tingled. "Um... I think he needs to hear what you have to say. Just... wait here, I'll send him back." He gave AJ a knowing look.
AJ hesitated. "How would you know what I have to say to Adam?" He knew Chris would never tell a student about his past, even if Dean was Chris' nephew.
"Because sometimes, I've seen the same look in your eyes that Adam has in his. I'll go get him." Dean turned and left without waiting for AJ to further respond.
When Dean went to Adam, Seth was cross-legged on the floor with Adam. They were working on Adam's calculus homework. Adam didn't even bother to hide he was making two copies. They looked up when Dean came back in and sat on the steps.
Dean leaned over and whispered. "Ba... er, Adam, Mister Styles wants to talk to you. He's in the restroom. Seth will warn you if Randy looks for you, right Seth?" He looked at the half blond haired teen, brow arched. Dean knew Seth wanted Adam away from Randy, but for now, would do what he could to keep Randy's ire down.
"Of course, I will. Go Adam, you can't keep a teacher waiting." Seth encouraged Adam. There was just something about the way Dean looked that told Seth it was important for Adam to talk to Mister Styles.
Adam closed his math text book. "Seth, wait for me. I'm not getting problem five right. Well, maybe Mister Styles doesn't get the idea we came up with for our project. Dean come with me, you can help explain our idea." He stood with a glance toward the stage. Randy was still backstage. Good thing rehearsals started so early, poor Rhyno just wasn't built to be graceful on stage. It was taking Chris a lot of time to even get act one off the ground.
Dean thought for a moment. Maybe that really was what Mister Styles wanted. Dean had thought the teacher's look was more serious than that. If the conversation warranted it, he could always leave. Dean got up and went ahead of Adam. Adam prayed that none of this got back to Randy.
AJ leaned back against the counter with a row of six sinks. His arms crossed over his chest, his ankles were also crossed. He was glad when Adam came in but frowned when he saw Dean.
"Dean said you wanted to see me, Sir. I bet your wondering about our history project." Adam smiled at his second favorite teacher.
AJ shook his head. "No, that's not what I wanted to talk to you about. Dean, would you please excuse us? I would appreciate it." He looked hard at Dean. He wasn't angry, just authoritative.
"No problem, Sir. Seth will come get Adam if Mister Jericho wants him. Things aren't going very well, probably won't get past scene one." Dean chuckled. He gave Adam's shoulder a squeeze of reassurance along with a boyish grin.
Adam smiled at Dean, but his eyes held sorrow. He watched as Dean left. With deep sigh, he turned to Mister Styles.
Before Adam could stop him, the teacher did something that went against his nature, he reached out and lifted the hem of Adam's tee shirt. When AJ saw the bruise, he lowered the material.
"I thought so. I was in the drama classroom. I heard it all. How long, Adam? How long has Orton been abusing you?" AJ looked at Adam. His face was drawn in worry, and deep concern crinkled on his brow.
Adam looked at AJ like he was crazy when the teacher had lifted his shirt, but hung his head after AJ had spoken. Now fiddled with the hem of his shirt. "What do you know about it? I just... Randy was waiting for me, I was late. He didn't mean to punch me, Mister Styles." Adam lied. No way could a teacher find out what was going on.
AJ put a hand on Adam's shoulder. "Call me, AJ, at least in here. I know, Adam..." AJ rolled up the sleeves of his black button down shirt. There were several scars on his arms. "My ex-boyfriend. I've had more bruises than a boat load of bananas. That's why I fled Georgia and came out here. I fear the day Luke decides to try and find me. Adam, how long? I promise, what you say stays here, I promise. I won't report anything or tell anyone." He gave Adam a look that spoke of a very deep seeded understanding.
Adam's eyes widened when he saw the scars on AJ's arms. He reached out and turned AJ's right arm so that his wrist was visible. There was a long, jagged scar across the vein. He looked up at AJ with long, wet eyelashes.
"Yes, I did. Thankfully, my friend Dixie found me in time. Adam... are you... thinking about it?" AJ flipped his wrist and took Adam's hands in his. He gave the student a very worried look. His whole face wrinkled up with that worry.
Adam kept his head down, and sniffed. "Yeah..." He barely whispered. It was the first time he'd uttered any word about what he planned for October twenty fourth.
AJ pulled Adam into his arms. "Don't. Don't even think it. It's not worth it. Its the chicken's way out. Your problems might be over, but for the people that love you, their nightmare begins. It's selfish. Can you imagine how Eric would feel? His only child... gone forever? Get away from Randy, Adam. Tell everyone. You will be protected. I didn't have a lot of people to help, like you do. Dixie was the one that helped me leave. I worry about her every day..." AJ paused to let his words sink in.
Adam finally looked up. "I can't leave him. My step-father and Randy's father have planned for us to marry, two years into college. Plus... I... no... I just can't. Randy... was so wonderful... he... changed... sometimes... just... AJ drop it, please?"
AJ sighed. "I was you Adam. Stop it, before it goes too far. You know, he could kill you. Your father wouldn't want that, would he? Come to me if you need an advocate to talk to him. Adam, please keep all this about my past to yourself." With his hand on Adam's shoulder, a firm look in his eye.
Adam nodded sadly. "Thanks. I'm sorry you went through it. I'm glad your okay now. I've got to go before Randy wonders why I've spent half the time in here." Adam turned to leave. When he left the bathroom Adam sighed once again. People didn't understand, he endured to keep Jason safe.
When Adam left, AJ let out a sigh of his own. When he turned to look in the mirror, tears rolled down his cheeks. All the words Adam had said, had come out of his own mouth at one time. If it hadn't been for Dixie, AJ knew he would have died that day. AJ figured Dean, Seth and probably Roman would watch Adam. He knew there was something else Adam hid. There had to be another reason he wouldn't leave Randy.
AJ washed and dried his face. He left the bathroom and went back to the drama classroom to get his brief case. AJ then went to the Auditorium. He sat in the aisle seat of the front row and began to grade papers.
Adam and Seth worked on Adam's calculus. Seth also worked on his own geometry. Neither Seth or Dean questioned Adam on his talk with AJ, but they could tell the blonds mind was in a whirl, he missed three calculus problems, by very simple mistakes. Luckily, Seth had caught them.
They finally got to Dean's entrance of Scene one. Chris finally smiled, Dean was perfect. Dean had also memorized nearly all of his lines for the scene as well. When the scene finished, Chris blew his whistle.
Chris sat on the edge of the stage. "Alright, time to decide on food. I suggest In and Out. They are good and fast." The performers all agreed, who didn't like a burger, fries and a milkshake. It was easy, fast and simple.
Chris spoke again. "Okay, Dean take orders for the left side and um... let's see... um... Dolph, for the right. And folks, if you don't have the cash, don't order, they can't use a bunch of credit cards."
Dolph groaned, going with Dean was the last thing he wanted to do. Dean smirked. He'd asked his Uncle to pick himself and Dolph to be the food getters. Chris agreed without question.
Dean took orders and collected the money. Seth and Adam were the last ones to place their orders. Seth spoke up. Double Double with cheese, small fries and a large chocolate shake." He pulled out his wallet. He didn't have much, but what he did have, he'd earned, working for his dad.
Adam put a hand on Seth's. "Small vanilla shake. Seth's is my treat." Adam handed a twenty to Dean, and gave Seth a look that dared Seth to protest.
Seth sighed. "You need to eat food, Ads. Please? Just a regular burger? Or, I'll pay for my own." He glared at Adam.
Dean didn't wait for Adam to answer. "He'll eat it. I'll be back, fair Juliet." Dean bowed and went to find Dolph.
Dolph spoke to Randy. "He's gonna drill me about the other night, Ran. What do I do?" Dolph was worried. He didn't fancy getting yelled at by Dean.
Randy looked over to where Adam sat. "Just tell him I'll hurt Adam, badly, if he gives you a hard time. Here he comes." Randy glared as Dean approached.
Dean slapped Dolph on the back like a long lost friend. "Unless you wanna try to balance all the food on a bike, you gotta drive. Lets go Porpoise, can't keep everyone waiting." He stood, hands on his hips and tapped his foot.
Dolph rolled his eyes. "Alright, lets go." They exited out the other side door of the Auditorium that lead to the parking lot.
Before Randy could get to Adam, Chris spoke again. "Okay, let's run it again, up until Romeo's entrance. The when the food arrives, we'll take a break. So back up on stage. Randy, you can read Dolph's lines if we get that far. Let's go." Chris clapped his hands and gave AJ a wink.
Adam let out a breath. "Seth... oh... never mind." He let out another breath. Adam continued making copies of the calculus homework for Randy and Dolph.
Seth looked at Adam. "What? You can tell me anything, you know this. Is it Mister Styles? He... oh Adam... he didn't try anything with you, did he?" Seth looked over at the history teacher with a bit of a growl.
Adam's eyes went wide. "Oh god no! No, not at all. I promise. No... it's Dean. We... we... kissed. I'm... I... love him... or at least I could... if only..." Adam stuttered out his words. How did Seth always manage to make him talk?
Seth had to put his hands tightly over his mouth to keep is squeal of excitement contained. He managed to keep his voice to a barely there whisper. "I knew it! I knew it! Oh honey, you and Dean belong together. He's had feelings for a long, long time. So when are you telling Viper? You'll finally be free! You're gonna make such a cute couple! Prom kings for sure! Oh, Adam..." Seth leaned forward and wrapped Adam in his arms.
Adam did not hug Seth in return. If possible, he became sadder than ever. "No, Seth. I'm not leaving Randy, you know why. I told Dean, it's never gonna happen. He needs to find someone else. Seth, face it, I'm with Randy. I will be with Randy until I die." He gently pushed Seth away. Seth didn't notice the slight wince of pain on Adam's face.
Seth grabbed Adam's chin in his hands. Anger sparked in his dark eyes. "Oh Adam, please don't say that! I'm half tempted to call Jason myself and tell him what you're doing for him. He'd be furious with you. Adam, you deserve to be happy and not be Randy's punching bag. I also have a good notion to tell about the drugs! Wake up, Adam. Fight for your happiness." Seth was firm, so firm he spoke through tightly gritted teeth.
Adam pushed Seth away hard. "Stop it, Seth. You promised me you wouldn't say anything. Go ahead, Seth, betray me too. I thought you were my friend. Just... get away from me... I mean it. Go away! If you open your mouth and Jason gets hurt, I will kill you..." Adam buried his head in his hands. He held in the tears, but only just.
Seth looked at Adam. He decided he'd better give Adam some space. He picked up his books and stuffed them into his backpack. He got up and took a seat on the front row. He slumped in his seat. Seth's only slight joy was seeing Roman on stage. Large tears rolled down his cheeks. He just didn't know what to do.
Dolph was anxious as he drove. He and Dean were on their way back to WWE High. They had been to In and Out, ordered the huge amount of food, all without a word to one another. Dean gave Dolph looks, but remained silent. Dean played mind games with Dolph and he loved that the platinum blond seemed anxious.
Ziggler finally cracked as they waited at a stop light. "If you've got something to say, just say it. But, if you go too far, Adam will pay for it." Dolph glanced from the traffic light to Dean and back again.
Dean snickered. "I've got nothin' to say to a worthless fish like you. If you think watching someone sacrifice his life and soul for another is fun, then you're sick in the head. That's your problem." He leaned back in his seat as the light changed. Dean hated to even think it, but the Audi was comfortable.
Dolph swallowed hard. "That's Adam's choice. Maybe he likes being Randy's little bitch." Dolph realized what he'd said. He cursed when the train signal went off. Now, he'd be stuck with Dean, the Lunatic, for at least five minutes as a train clacked down the spar rail to the shipyards.
Dean sneered. "You know, I would kill you, but, I really don't want to go to jail..." He unbuckled his seat belt and before Dolph could blink, Dean's hand was around his throat. Dean's face was in Dolph's. Gone was the boyish, impish, charming Dean. The Lunatic, the boy who for twelve years fought for every scrap, every morsel was in his place. Dean's eyes were wild.
"... but if it gets that snake away from Adam, then I will go to jail for life. Now, you tell that fuckin' shit of a snake, if he doesn't let Adam go, I will tell my dad and the cops about your little drug habit. If that fuckin' snake keeps threatening Jay Reso, I'll take it out on you! Message delivered." Dean let go of Dolph, slid back into his seat and buckled up.
The car behind the red Audi honked, the train had passed. Dolph shifted the gear into drive with a shaky hand. "Just... lemme talk... to Randy... you... think I wanna... share him..." Dolph stopped his words. He was afraid of Dean, but more so, afraid of losing Randy. Dolph loved Randy with all his heart. He shared Randy with Adam, because it was the only way he could have even a part of Randy. He also knew, Randy would hurt him like he did Adam, if he said anything.
Dean took a deep breath. "One week, fish-boy. I'll give you one week to put reason into that snake's head. But if I see one more sign of any kind of abuse on Adam, then I am telling my dad, your wrestling coach, all about what you and Randy are doing. Randy can kiss Iowa goodbye... or really, any hope of college goodbye, you too. So you'd better think fast Porpoise." Dean was calm but deathly serious.
Neither teen spoke again. Dolph pulled into the parking lot. A couple of the cast members saw them and came to help carry in the the bags of food and drink carriers. It was a huge amount of food that would be devoured in minutes.
It took a bit, but with Chris and AJ supervising, everyone soon had their food. Roman, Seth and Dean sat on the floor, several feet away from Adam, who was surprisingly by himself. Randy, Dolph, Curtis and Alberto sat together on the stage. Randy never even looked at Adam.
Adam sipped his milkshake, but didn't touch his burger. He looked at Randy up on the stage. It worried him when Randy ignored him. It usually meant trouble, at least lately. He wished Randy would just go off with Dolph, but he couldn't be that lucky.
Seth looked at Adam, then leaned into Roman. "I can't just leave him. I have to go talk to him, get him to eat. I'm not gonna abandon him just because he's being stupid right now. He needs us. It's like Dean told Adam, we're his shield." Seth kissed Roman's cheek. He took the rest of his food and sat on the floor in front of Adam.
Adam didn't look at Seth, but he spoke. "I'm sorry, Sethie. I took it out on you, and I'm really sorry. I'm stretched so many directions, I am ready to snap. Keeping Jason safe matters most, above my happiness or Dean's I guess. Seth, think about it like this. What if someone threatened to hurt or kill Roman if you don't do X. Well, one day you get fed up, and forget all about X, even if you didn't mean to. A few hours later you get a phone call, Roman is in the hospital or worse, dead. How would you feel, Seth? Guilty or innocent? Can you understand? Don't you think I'd rather be with... " He looked over at Dean, his eyes filled with tears.
Seth sighed. "I'd feel so guilty. I'd probably just... die. Okay, I'll try to explain it to Dean. You have to understand his side though, too. He sees the person he cares about... loves... being hurt and there isn't anything he can do to stop it. Imagine how torn up he's feeling too, Ads. That's why he's pulling at you so hard, even though he knows about the threat to Jason. See, to Dean, you're more important than Jason. Can you, understand that? It's not that he doesn't care about Jason, he just cares about you more." Seth looked at Adam with a small curve of a smile.
Adam rubbed his eyes with the palms of his hands. "I guess... just... don't be mad at me, Sethie. I gotta have someone... you're the only good friend I have left." He dropped his hands and looked at Seth with sad, tear filled eyes.
Seth leaned in and hugged Adam. "I'm not mad at you, honey. I knew you just wanted and needed some space. I'm not ever gonna stop being your friend. I love ya, buddy. Now, please... eat your burger, it's gooood." Seth waved the paper wrapped burger in front of Adam and spoke in a sing-song voice.
Adam laughed, really laughed. "Ok... ay..." He giggled like a little boy on Christmas morning. He took the burger from Seth. After he partially unwrapped it, Adam took a rather big bite.
Adam chewed and swallowed. "You're the best, Sethie. How about we go talk to Chris." He actually took a second bite.
Seth paused his french fry filled fingers. "Oh, I forgot. Yes, please. You sure you don't mind drilling be on weekends?" Seth stuffed the fries in his mouth and chewed them down.
Adam wrapped his burger back up. He put it with the rest of his milkshake and books. Adam stood, as did Seth. They went up the four steps to the stage. The two teens went to where Chris and AJ sat and finished their food.
Adam spoke. "Sorry to bother you, Sir. I need to ask you a huge favor. See, at the time, Seth didn't realize what the rehearsal schedule would be like. Because of the drought, he needs to be at home after school to help his dad. If I promise to drill him on weekends, can he be excused from the daily rehearsals?" Adam looked at Chris with hope.
Before Chris could answer, Seth added his thoughts. "I'll quit if you'd be happier. I don't want to ruin the play or make it hard for you. It's just... my dad needs me. I'm sorry, Sir. If only it would rain, even a day or two..." Seth sighed sadly. He shifted on his feet.
Chris smiled. "It's not a problem, Seth. Could you be here on Mondays? As long as Adam rehearses you, I don't see a problem. However, on performance week, you'll have to be here, but rehearsals will start at seven instead of after school. If you're willing to do that, you can miss the rest of the rehearsals. You are perfect for the role, I don't want to lose you. I hope things get better for your dad at the farm, Seth." Chris gave Seth a sincere smile and pat on the upper arm.
"Thank you, Sir. I promise, I'll learn every word and what blocking Adam shows me. I hope so too, Sir. My dad is reading a lot about vineyards up north. I really don't want to have to move. Again, thank you." Seth beamed happily.
Adam smiled too. "I promise to get him ready. He'll come stay with me as many weekends as possible after the market closes at noon on Saturday. By the way, if you ever need the best fruits and veggies, oh and flowers, go to the Farmer's Market on the pier on Saturdays. Seth's dad has the best." Adam promoted Seth's dad in earnest. He didn't want Seth to move away. Jason being gone was bad enough.
Chris and AJ watched as the two teens went back down to where they had been sitting. "Chrissy, I want you to get Adam to help after rehearsals. That way we can walk him to his car. I don't want him alone, or alone with Orton. Trust me, please?" AJ spoke in soft earnest. His crystal blue eyes sparkled with worry.
Chris looked at his boyfriend, with understanding. "Were you right?" His brow arched, the small lines on his forehead arched as well.
AJ nodded. "Right in the gut. You'd better talk to your nephew sometime..." AJ's eyes lit up like blue fire. "... Ask him to stay after, too. Watch him and Adam, see if you see what I see. If something... Shawn could convince him, I didn't get very far... As much as I hate to say this, the only way we can help, is to catch him hitting Adam. We have to have concrete proof. Randy could say I heard Bo hit Adam outside the classroom. I only heard, not saw." AJ began to gather the trash from their meal.
Chris frowned. "Yes, we do, but if we get it, Randy Orton will be in real trouble. I'll do that, sweetheart. Okay, get back to grading, I've got to get this scene flowing." He gave AJ a wink. No kissing, not in front of students; sadly.
AJ winked back and returned to his seat in the audience. Chris blew his whistle. "Okay, fifteen minutes and we will start. Same scene. Tomorrow, be ready for scenes two and three." He gave his hands a clap to emphasize his words.
Randy, who was up on the stage, went to the apron. He threw his and Dolph's dinner trash right at Adam. "Take care of that, babe." Randy called out, then disappeared behind the wall to the backstage area. Dolph was on Randy's heels.
Orton's actions caused everyone to look at Adam. Adam flushed, but picked up the trash and took it to the trash can at the back of the Auditorium. When he came back down the aisle, everyone was back to doing their own thing. Adam went up the four steps and across the hall to the bathroom. He felt utterly humiliated. Randy had finally done it, embarrassed him in public.
Adam went into the sixth and last stall of the dark girls restroom. He nobody would think to look for him there. He let the silent tears fall. Adam couldn't face the others. To Adam, Randy had just told everyone he was no better than trash. At least that's the way Adam felt.
Dean looked as Adam left the Auditorium. "I'm going after him. Fuck Orton, just fuck him." Dean spat through his teeth.
Seth held Dean down, by placing his hand on Dean's knee as they sat on the floor. "Wait, just a minute. Dean, just... don't push him to do anything right now. He's stretched tighter than a rubber band, and you're the one stretching it. He loves you, or wants to love you, but you have to understand, he loves Jason more right now. Once the threat to Jay is gone, then you can pull all you want. Understand?" Seth gave Dean a hard glare, not of anger but almost parental, to protect Adam.
Dean sighed. "You're right, Seth. I wasn't being fair, to pull on Adam. I was being selfish, to a point. I mean, yes, I want Adam, but I also want him safe. I swear, I am just going to make sure he's alright. Comfort, no pulling." He stood and gave Seth a smile of assurance. Seth nodded with a smile. He knew Dean would not pull at Adam.
Adam saw a flash of light when the door opened. He prayed it wasn't Randy. He heard the light footsteps as the room went dark again. Adam held his breath.
"Adam, baby?" Dean called out in a soft whisper. He left the light off on purpose, that way, perhaps no one would know the restroom was occupied, after all, there weren't any girls around yet, so a light in the girls restroom would be like the Bat Signal.
Adam trembled, but this time it was in relief. "Last stall, Dean." Adam replied in his own soft whisper.
Dean's eyes adjusted to the darkness and he easily found the last stall. Adam sat on the lid of the toilet. Dean entered the stall and closed the door.
"Wow, girls get more room. Oh, come here baby." Dean pulled Adam up into his arms. As it was the last stall, Dean leaned against the concrete wall. He held Adam gently by the hips. He waited for Adam to settle against him.
Adam leaned into Dean. His arms went around Dean's waist, his head on Dean's shoulder. He nuzzled into Dean's neck and inhaled deeply. Already, Dean's scent meant gentleness and comfort. He sighed when Dean's arms moved from his hips and encircled his waist and pulled him in even closer. Adam felt better and safe, at least for a while.
"I've got you, baby. You're safe with me. I can't believe that fucking asshole did that to you. You're nobody's maid service." Dean gently rubbed Adam's back. He could feel the tension in Adam's body, he was like a stretched rubber band.
Adam nuzzled tighter against Dean. "It was bad enough in private, but to... in... everyone looked at me. I've never been so humiliated. Well I didn't want to be Student Body President anyway." Adam softly kissed Dean's neck. He couldn't help it, Dean just tasted so fucking good. The taste was love, care and safety, the most delicious combinations of flavor he could imagine.
Dean stood still and let Adam do whatever he needed to do to feel better. Hell, if Adam had wanted to hit him, Dean would have let him. Dean wasn't going to do anything to stretch Adam further.
Dean murmured with warm breath in Adam's ear. "It won't make a difference. Everyone loves you, Adam. You're the friendliest guy in this entire shit hole. I wouldn't worry about it." He kissed Adam's head, just above his ear.
If possible, Adam melted even more into Dean. Adam felt how perfectly his body fit against Dean's. He'd never fit this well against Randy. It was if he and Dean had been made for each other.
Adam kissed Dean's neck again. "Doesn't matter, would be one less thing for me to worry about. I wish we could be together, but, you have to understand, I've known Jason all my life. He's closer than a brother, not a lover, never a lover. He was my, well still is, my very best friend. I'm... not... making any sense." Adam sighed and tightened his embrace around Dean.
"Oh baby, my sweet baby, I understand. He's the friend that is a soul mate. I understand that. Maybe Randy is threatening Jason because he's jealous of friendship like you and Jay share. I know, I wouldn't be jealous of it." Dean again spoke in a comforting whisper.
Adam gave a soft smile. "At least you understand. Better get back to the Auditorium, luck is bound to run out and I don't want you hurt because of me. I don't wanna get punched again either." Adam kissed Dean's flesh once more, he needed a last taste to hold on to.
Dean nodded. He was lost in Adam's intoxicating fragrance. It brought him an internal calm like no other. "Yeah. Keep your chin up, baby." Dean moved a hand to Adam's chin, and lifted it.
He gave Adam a sweet, undemanding kiss, and Dean kept his tongue to himself. Adam whimpered softly. He held onto Dean like he was a life preserver, as Adam tried not to drown in hurricane Orton.
The yearning couple broke apart. This time Adam left the bathroom first. Seth was about to go into the men's bathroom. "Where is Dean? They are ready for Romeo." Seth asked in a rather frantic tone.
Adam opened the door he'd just exited from. "Dean, you go now, they need Romeo, hurry." Adam spoke over the sound of a toilet flush. Dean came out of the stall. With the light from the door Adam held open, the auburn haired teen quickly washed his hands.
"Thanks." Dean whispered to Seth as he opened the side door. Instead of going down the steps, Dean went right to the stage along the apron. He slid around the wall to the backstage area to await his cue to go on stage. No one the wiser to where Dean had been minutes earlier.
Adam waited for Seth to go into the boys bathroom. He leaned against the wall and closed his eyes. For a moment, Adam relished in the feeling of having been in Dean's arms. For the same moment, he wished with all his heart and soul he belonged to Dean and not Randy.
Seth smiled when he came out of the bathroom. Adam looked more peaceful than he'd seen since the first day of school, almost four weeks ago. If that was Dean's doing, then Seth vowed to do whatever he could to get them together.
Seth thought that maybe when he and Roman got married, Dean and Adam would marry. They could live next door to each other. He and Adam could have babies at the same time and just be two, happy young couples. He could stay with Adam while Roman was away playing football. Adam could stay with him and Roman when Dean was off doing what ever. Their children would marry and then there would be grandchildren to love. Yeah, that would be ideal and Seth vowed to make it happen.
"Seth... um... Sethie? Hey, Architect! Are you alright?" Adam looked at Seth with a bit of worried curiosity. The teen stood in the middle of the hallway, eyes closed and a huge smile on his face.
Seth shook himself when he realized Adam was addressing him. "Sorry, just thinking about... the future." He still had a smile and there was a faraway sound to his voice.
Adam chuckled just a bit. "Must have been a nice thought. Care to share with the class?" He crossed his arms over his chest and smirk at Seth. Adam was still basking in the glow of Ambrose.
Seth's grin remained as he spoke. "Roman and I, you and Dean get married. We live next door to each other. You and I have babies about the same time. They group together, get married, and we have lots of grand-babies to play with." He spoke with such confidence, Adam could almost dare to believe him; almost.
"Yeah, our kids would marry each other. Oh, can you imagine our grand-babies? A girl with Roman's island coloring, and Dean's auburn hair. But... it will never be, Sethie. I'm sorry." Adam had to go back to the Auditorium.
Adam sat down in his spot. At least he'd managed to finish all the homework, because for once there wasn't a lot of it. Adam began to finish making copies of the answers to the history questions. He was careful not to let AJ see what he was up to. Now was not the time to get caught.
Seth followed after Adam. He quietly settled down by Adam and worked his last bit of math. "Sorry if my dream upset you." He glanced over at Adam.
Adam let out a breath. "I'm not mad at you, honey. It's a beautiful dream... at least the part about me and Dean. Oh Seth,... I feel so... we fit so... no, no... I can't... I'll make myself crazy. But you gave me a nice dream to have tonight..." Adam stopped his words, Chris had blown the whistle.
"Okay, that's all. We made some great progress. Same time tomorrow everyone. Football players, come as soon as you can after practice. I'm very, very pleased. Thank you all. Things will go much faster once all the blocking is done. Adam and um... Dean, please stay and help me shut down, please. Thank you again, cast dismissed." Chris clapped his hands.
Adam packed up his books as did Seth. Randy came over to where Adam sat. "Hey, where is it?" He leered down at Adam, voice filled with boredom.
Adam pulled out the copies of the homework he'd done for Randy and Dolph. He smiled at Randy. "You did good with your acting, Ran." Adam tried to be friendly and encouraging like a good boyfriend should.
Randy snatched the papers from Adam. "Of course, you idiot. I'm the best at anything I do. Now get your fat ass up." Randy scanned the papers before he put them in his backpack.
Adam stood and found himself pulled into Randy's arms. He noticed, Randy's body didn't lock in place against him like Dean's did. Randy growled low in his chest.
"You got lucky, but don't worry. I'll pound into you tomorrow, while the others are busy. God, you're so pathetic." He roughly kissed Adam. His lips pressed against Adam's so hard, Adam could taste salty copper.
Dean, Seth and AJ growled. There was nothing any of them could do. Dean saw that Dolph was by himself and gathered up his stuff. Dean walked over to the platinum blond.
"Remember Fish-boy, one week. You have one week. If I don't get what I want, you will be sorry. And remember, if Adam or Reso are hurt, it will be the worst day of your life... Mommy dearest." Dean sneered as he made reference to Dolph playing his mother on stage.
Dolph trembled. At the moment, Dean scared him more than Randy ever could. "Okay, okay. Just... give me the week." He knew in one week, Dean would beat him up. Dolph was a wrestler, not a dirty street fighter like Dean probably was. Dolph also knew, nothing he said would make Randy break up with Adam.
Randy pushed Adam away. "Remember, stay away from Shitbrose. Jason will appreciate it very much..."
"Adam can you come help me with these chairs, please?" AJ called from the stage. He really just wanted Adam away from Randy.
Adam started to go help AJ, but Randy kept a hold of Adam with a bruising grip on his upper arm. Randy turned to the history teacher. "He'll be there in a moment, Sir." Randy flashed a smile, but there was a challenge in his eyes. AJ backed off, for Adam's sake.
"I also heard you made a lot of trips to the bathroom, and not all of them alone. I have no proof you did anything, but tomorrow, you stay put. You will go to the bathroom when I say. Now fucking behave, you worthless bitch. You need a good fucking to remind you just who you belong to. Soon, my bitch, soon." Randy pulled Adam in for another rough kiss, all the while he kept the crushing grip on Adam's arm, so hard, Adam feared it would snap.
When the kiss broke. "I am behaving, Randy. I know you'll hurt Jason if I don't. I'm... not... worthless, Ran." Adam hung his head when he finished.
Randy snarled. "True, you are good for two things... fucking and homework. Now go. I love you." He was so sarcastic in the way he said those last three words, it made Adam sick to his stomach. When Randy finally let go, Adam rubbed his arm.
Both Adam and Dean watched Randy leave with Dolph. The two wrestlers laughed and joked like nothing had happened. It made Dean sick, and Adam sad. Adam looked over at Dean. His soul was overwhelmed. He wanted Dean, he wanted Jason safe. It was just too much. Adam could not take anymore.
Adam suddenly began to shake, and he let out the most pitiful cry of anguish. Adam them went limp and fell to the ground in a heap.
Dean, AJ and Chris rushed to Adam. When he fell, Adam's tee shirt rose up enough, that the bruise on his stomach showed, as well as the one on his upper arm. Dean growled like a rabid, feral wolf.
"I am going to kill that fucking bastard." Dean started for the side exit. He had the look of a lunatic killer in his eye.