Doctor William Regal stared at Adam's lab results. The expression on the Doctor's face was filled with shock and Dean thought perhaps also a bit of awe. It made Dean nervous. Was there something seriously wrong with Adam? The first thought and word that came to Dean's mouth struck fear in his heart.
With Adam's hand in his, Dean turned to Doctor Regal. "What's wrong, Doc? Is... it... does Adam have some kind of... cancer?" Dean almost hated to say the horrible word.
"Uh? What? Cancer? No... No, Dean. It's nothing like that. Son, can I talk to you... seriously? Will you be totally honest with me? Break the code if you have to? Just remember, anything you tell me is confidential. I am the same as a lawyer or pastor. I took a sworn oath of patient-physician confidentiality. You are my patient, I haven't discharged you." Doctor Regal gave Dean his most serious look yet.
Dean cocked his head and gave Doctor Regal a curious look. "Yes, I'll talk to you, about anything, especially if it's for Adam. I'll answer any questions you have. I trust you, you saved Adam's life." His looked changed from a curious pup to a serious man.
The Doctor sighed. "Dean, I've heard you talk to Adam. I assume, he has feelings for you that run very deep. I've seen him respond to you. I also gathered that Adam is with Randy Orton, but not happily. Not after I saw Adam flat-line when Randy spoke to him..." He paused and uncharacteristically bit his lip. Dean, Adam and Randy might be teenagers, but they certainly had adult problems.
"Doc? What is it? You're starting to worry me. If it's not cancer what is it?" Dean felt both frustration and fear. It had to be bad if the Doctor had such a hard time asking a simple question.
The Doctor continued. "Listen, son. I know how things can get. Have you and Adam... had relations?" He arched his brow at Dean. He hoped to get the truth.
Dean's mouth fell open. "No, we haven't, ever. I'll swear on a Bible. All we've ever done is kiss. Why would you ask me that?" Dean was back to being curious.
Doctor Regal put a hand back on Dean's shoulder. "Son, Adam is..." He was interrupted when a crew of two orderlies and two nurses blew into the trauma room like pushy soldiers.
"Excuse me. Mister McMahon's room is ready. If you're Dean Ambrose, your bed is also ready. You're being allowed to stay to with Mister McMahon. I will warn you. You are there to help Mister McMahon, not for monkey business. This isn't a hotel you know. Now, let's get going. We are very busy upstairs." The nurse's name tag read: Vickie Guerrero, R.N., Head Nurse. She was extremely terse.
Dean Ambrose-Hart wasn't afraid of much, things or people, but, Nurse Guerrero scared the fucking hell out of him. "Yes, ma'am. I just want Adam well." He felt like he was back in the orphanage with the terrible lady who'd been in charge.
The Doctor was highly annoyed. He had not finished talking about Adam, but now it would have to wait. "Dean, you go with Adam. I'll be up to finish this conversation shortly. It's very important..." He leaned in and whispered in Dean's ear. "Miss Vickie is a wonderful nurse, but don't cross her." He gave the auburn haired boy a wink.
The two orderlies very gently covered Adam and made sure he was secure on the narrow bed. They would move him to a much bigger, comfortable bed in the private room Vince had arranged. The room that had been assigned to the two teens was on the sixth floor. All the rooms on the floor were private and security was high.
Adam had one of the best rooms, on a corner. Instead of small windows, there was one, big plate glass window to the south, with an ocean view. The room had two large, double sized beds, side by side with enough room between them for a nurse to move around. Under the smaller eastern window, was a sitting area. A leather sofa of sea-foam green was under the window and two matching reading chairs faced the sofa. There was a small table with a lamp on either end of the sofa. A coffee table sat between the two leather chairs and the sofa, and the last piece of furniture was a small, stand alone wardrobe in the southeastern corner. All the wood was clear pine painted to look like driftwood. It was a calm and peaceful atmosphere.
The door to the en-suite bathroom was a few feet from the main door. The bathroom was full sized with a sit down shower. All the walls were a soft ecru and an automatic atomizer occasionally let out the scent of an ocean breeze.
A large flat screen television was anchored to the wall and could be watched from nearly anywhere in the room. It really was more like a deluxe hotel room instead of a room in a dank, cold hospital. It cost Vince a pretty penny, but he didn't care. Adam's comfort and safety were all that mattered.
Dean walked beside Adam's gurney. "It's okay, baby. I'm still here. We're just moving to a nice room." He caressed Adam's brow as they went into the elevator and rode up to the sixth floor.
Nurse Guerrero smiled. "Now, I understand. I wasn't sure why the Doctor wanted you to stay. That's just what he needs, love and support." She gave Dean a light pat on the shoulder.
Dean couldn't keep his mind on anything. He kept wondering what Doctor Regal was going to tell him about Adam. Why the question about sex? Oh, God, maybe Randy had given Adam some kind of STD. If that was the case, Dean didn't care, Randy was a dead man.
When they got to the room, Nurse Vickie handed Dean a pair of surgical scrubs, slippers and two large towels. "Now, you go shower and change. It will take us a bit to get Adam settled. This is the perfect chance for you to freshen up. There's all you need in one of the shower kits on the counter. Now go. He will be alright, I promise." Vickie was much kinder now that she understood why Dean was really there.
Dean bit his lip. A shower sounded really good, but what about Adam? He decided the nurses could handle any emergency that might come up. He went to Adam's side.
"I'm going to shower, baby. I'll be right back. You hang on for me, I love you." Dean bent down and sweetly kissed Adam's cheek.
Adam made a tiny sound that sounded like contentment, not pain. It was if his unconscious mind understood, and was aware Dean would not leave him. With confidence, Dean hurried off to take a much needed shower.
After a while, Dean came out of the bathroom. He was dressed in navy blue hospital scrubs and matching slippers. He toweled his hair dry as he looked over at Adam. The nurses were hooking up the last monitor. They still wanted to monitor Adam's heart rate and pulse. At least he didn't need the oxygen any more. Adam did have an IV that kept him nourished and hydrated.
Nurse Guerrero noticed Dean. "Feel better, hon? We're gonna change his bandages now. Why don't you snuggle down in your bed. Your breakfast will be here shortly." She pulled down the covers on Dean's bed.
Dean decided not to cross the nurse, she was being very nice. But, first, Adam needed to know he was there. Dean leaned over and kissed Adam's cheek. "I'm back, baby. I'm right next to you. You're safe, my prince." He gave Adam's cheek another kiss. Dean then climbed into his bed. It was extremely comfortable and relaxing.
Dean watched with an eagle eye as they changed Adam's bandages. Dean winced. There sixty stitches in Adam's left wrist and arm and forty in his right. The cut on the left was the deepest as well, because it had been the first cut. Even though the stitches were neat and tiny, the wounds looked red and angry.
The younger nurse, who's name tag read: Rosa Mendes, R.N., held Adam's right arm as Nurse Vickie worked on the bandages.
Dean's brow furrowed. "Ma'am are they alright? The wounds I mean. They look so... bad. My poor, baby." He looked on with now anxious eyes.
Rosa spoke up. "They look good. No infection, but it's early yet. Doctor Regal is a fine surgeon. They look so red now because the surgery is fresh, it irritates the area. He's going to be in a lot of pain when he wakes up. You are going to have to make sure he doesn't try to scratch when the stitches itch. That will cause infections to set in." She was friendly as she spoke. As Vickie worked, she explained each step to Dean.
When the bandages were done, navy blue stretch tape covered up the three, thick layers of gauze. Nurse Guerrero had done a good job. The bandages were neat and perfect. Vickie pulled the covers up to the middle of Adam's chest. His heart beat steady.
Dean reached over, but couldn't quite reach Adam's hand. "Ma'am, could you push my bed just a bit closer, please? I need to hold his hand." Dean flashed his best sad, puppy dog eyed look with a pout.
Rosa chuckled. "You're a wonderful boyfriend to him." She stated as she pushed Dean's bed over enough for him easily reach Adam's hand.
Dean sighed. "I wish I was. He's with someone else, but I intend to make him my prince. The reason he's like this is probably because of him. Adam's boyfriend is a real... sorry, I won't say it, but everybody has one, if you get me." He gave a bit of a growl and held Adam's hand tightly.
Rosa frowned. "That's sad. It's obvious he should be with you. I hope it works out." She gave Dean's foot a pat and followed Vickie out of the door. Dean let out another deep sigh.
Dean was in the middle of eating his breakfast of pancakes, sausage, syrup, butter, orange juice and milk. He had turned on the television, but the volume was very low. The door to the room opened, it was Doctor Regal.
"Well, that looks good. I have to say, the food for the private rooms is much better. Can we finish our talk? I asked that we not be interrupted." Doctor Regal's asked, brow arched.
Dean finished his sip of milk. He wiped his lips with the back of his hand, wouldn't do to have a milkstache. "Yes, I've been waiting for you. Orton better not have given him some horrible STD." He pushed the wheeled bed tray away, and once again held Adam's hand.
The Doctor sat on the edge of Adam's bed. "I don't know how you are going to take this, son. I don't want Adam to lose you." He gave Dean a hard look, but there was something behind it. Was it perhaps, sympathy?
"Doc, please... just spit it out. Nothing is going to make me change my feelings about Adam." Dean was adamant, he couldn't stand it any longer.
Doctor Regal sighed. "It's not that easy, Dean. Adam's mental state is fragile, that's obvious. This may change everything, no, it will change everything. I know you love Adam, but, he's not your boyfriend, right? He's with Bob Orton's boy... I don't fully know the situation, and I don't really need to know. All I care about it is Adam's physical and mental wellbeing. He's going to need someone who cares, someone who loves him, no matter what. Son... Adam is pregnant, about five weeks. We can tell sooner in men than in women. Dean? Can you handle another man's baby... if you and Adam do get together?" He let out Adam's secret with a most stern tone and stoned faced expression.
Dean's eyes went wide. He looked over at his sleeping prince. Had he heard the doctor right? Adam was pregnant? "Did... did you say... Adam is pregnant?" He looked at Doctor Regal with doubt in his eyes.
Doctor Regal laid a strong hand on Dean's shoulder. "Yes son, I did. You, myself and the lab tech are the only ones that know. I will have to tell his parents, legally, he is underage. So, what does this mean to you or more importantly, your feelings towards him?" He gave Dean a question filled look, his face had softened.
Dean smiled. "Means I will have a beautiful daughter or handsome son. I was raised in an orphanage, Doc. When I was twelve, and my adoption went through, I finally found out what a parent's love is. I'm not of their blood, but I am of their hearts. The baby is a part of Adam, that means it's part of me." He didn't have once second of hesitation in his voice.
"That's really good, but, Dean, there is another factor; Randy. I assume he's the father..." Doctor Regal was abruptly cut off by an upset Dean Ambrose.
"Of course Orton is the father. Adam isn't a … he's just not! Don't you dare think that. As a matter of fact, he felt guilty for kissing me, even though we have feelings for each other. Fuck Orton!" Dean growled and spoke sharply. There was a fierce fire in his eyes.
Doctor Regal patted Dean's shoulder. "Easy, son. I didn't mean to imply that at all. I just... the rough sex... Dean, is Randy Orton responsible? Remember, you can tell me anything." He gave Dean a smile of encouragement.
"Fuck, yeah, he's responsible... he's... bad, Doc... really bad. He doesn't deserve Adam. Adam said Randy had changed, and not for the better. Doc, he threatened to kill Adam's best friend, to keep Adam under his thumb. The problem is, there is no actual proof, unless Adam opens his mouth, anyone could have done it. Know what I mean? Doc... that bruise on his abdomen... the baby? I don't think it's the first time either." Dean's look turned to one of extreme worry. He already felt like the baby was his.
"The baby is alright. The womb in a carrier male is set differently, it's further back so the baby can angle down to come out when the perineum opens for birth. Still, getting abused is not good, baby or not. I'm glad you're going to stand by Adam. The way he crashed when Orton spoke to him, tells me a lot. Adam is going to have to have a Psychiatrist interview him. That's required, because of the suicide attempt. Maybe he will open up then. I'll recommend Doctor Page; Dallas is a good man and relates well to teens. He went through a lot of the same things at your age." Doctor Regal smiled at Dean. This was not going to be easy, especially on Adam.
Dean frowned. "I doubt Adam will talk to him. He barely told Seth, his other best friend. Hell, I had to pull it out of him. My dad tried, and he's known Adam since he was two or three years old. Randy has Adam latched down with the threat to Jason. See, it's like this..." Dean opened his mouth and told Doctor Regal everything Adam had told him and what he himself had seen and heard in the Walgreen's parking lot. Maybe he shouldn't have but...
"...So... Seth took a picture. Adam had drawn a heart, with D.A. plus A.M. in the middle, in his own blood. Probably managed it, just before he passed out." Dean finished with a sniff, as a lone tear tracked down his cheek. He felt relieved that he'd told everything, without having to hide it in code, like he had with Bret.
Even the stoic Physician had moisture in his eyes. "My God, no wonder the poor boy did what he did. Don't feel guilty, Dean. You wanted him to know how your felt, that he has someone who loves him. I hope Adam will realize, especially now, that he has to get away from Orton. It's clearly obvious he has feelings for you that run deep. Maybe even deeper than he realizes." The Doctor stood. He needed to go home, he was exhausted. He'd been talking to Dean for an hour and a half.
Dean looked over at Adam. "I hope so. I really hope so. Should I tell him if he wakes up?" He looked at the older man with a brow wrinkled and furrowed with worry.
Doctor Regal nodded. "Hum. Yes, I think you can tell him, but, only if he seems strong enough to take the news. Either he or I will have to tell his parents. The nurses will be told, of course, but I will leave strict instructions not to say anything, unless Adam mentions it. Remember, if he wakes up, call the nurse. Take care, Dean. I'll come back tonight when my shift starts again. Try not to worry, just be there for him. You're a good lad, Dean." The Doctor gave Dean's back a pat, then got up and left the room, quite ready for a good sleep.
Dean got out of his bed and went over to Adam's. As it was a much bigger bed, he slipped in next to Adam. He curled up, on his left side, against Adam and laid his head on Adam's chest. Dean simply wanted to listen to Adam's beating heart and know Adam was alive. Dean's right hand absentmindedly rested on Adam's abdomen. Dean drifted off to sleep with a smile on his face, a beautiful curly headed blond baby on his mind.
Seth and Roman sat in the waiting area for passengers at LAX. Jason had texted Seth to pick him up instead of the McMahon's. He wanted to know what was going on and Seth would know better than anyone. Jason knew after he'd left, Adam would grow closer to Seth's friendship and he was glad for it. Adam needed friends aside from Orton.
Jason knew Adam loved Randy, and Randy had always treated Adam very well. However, Jason didn't trust Orton. There was just something in Randy's eyes. Jason never pushed the the issue with Adam, because Jason knew love was deaf, blind and sometimes stupid. He would never do anything that would hurt Adam. Attacking your best friend's boyfriend was never a good idea, especially with Adam's hot temper.
When Stephanie had called and left the message about Adam, Jason had immediately began to pack. There was nothing more important than making sure his "brother from another mother" would be alright.
Jason could keep up with his classes via computer. He'd packed all his books into one bag. The bag was so heavy, he had to pay extra but it didn't matter. He'd stay as long as Adam needed him. Jason had six weeks before the first exams of the semester. He could arrange with Harvard and Vince McMahon to take them in California if he had to. That was one advantage to having a high ranking educator as a family friend.
Jason was glad he could stay with Adam's parents. With his folks gone, their big house was too lonely. Both his parents were lawyers, well now, his mom was a family court judge. His dad had his own extremely successful practice as an entertainment lawyer. Jason clerked for him every summer and now couldn't wait to have his own practice in a few years.
Seth let out a laugh as he sipped on a much needed cup of coffee. Seth's dad had told him to worry about Adam, not the farm. He'd even given Seth permission to stay with Roman, after a talk with Roman's mom. Mr. Rollins held the Bible while Roman laid his hand on it and swore Seth would sleep in a guest room. Seth wanted to curl up with Roman in his bed, but Roman put Seth in the promised guest room. Roman knew exactly where Mr. Rollins kept his shotgun.
Roman cocked his head at Seth. "What's so funny, babe?" He too sipped a strong cup of coffee.
Seth swallowed his own coffee. "The expression on your face last night when you said you knew where my dad kept his shotgun. You were right though, we took the pledge and I should not have tempted you..." Seth stopped laughing and turned serious. He then continued.
"Randy must be shitting bricks. I hope once Adam tells Jay about Randy's threat, Adam will drop Orton like shit on a shoe. It was nice of Mister Calaway to give us time off. I just hope Adam will be able to come back. I'm his understudy for Juliet and I don't think I can do it. We also have to make sure he doesn't fall behind in his classes." Seth sighed. All he and Roman knew was that Adam was holding his own. Dean had sent a text that briefly told he would stay with Adam and that he would explain later.
Roman gave a snort. "I'd love to see Jason beat the shit outta Orton. I'm sure Adam will be back, but if not, you will make a wonderful Juliet. Mister Jericho wouldn't have chosen you to understudy the part if he didn't think you could do it. Dean will help you. Shouldn't be long now, his plane should be on approach." Roman looked at the arrivals board. He and Seth got up to go wait by the baggage claim exit.
At the hospital, Vince, Eric, Shawn and Bret stood at the nurses desk on the private floor, where Adam and Dean were located. Vince wrote a list of approved visitors.
"Okay, the four of us, Shane, Steph, Bayley, Jason, Seth and Roman... can you think of anyone else?" Vince looked at Eric as he read out the list of approved visitors.
Eric shrugged. Shawn spoke up. "I think you should add Dolph Ziggler to the list. If he can visit, but Randy can't, Dean might be able to get some information out of him. If he does visit and upsets Adam, you can remove him from the list. It's... just a feeling." Shawn looked at Eric.
Eric nodded. "My friend, I've learned to trust your judgment over the years. Add him Vince, like Shawn said we can always remove him. Oh and by all means, make darn sure Dean is on the list. In case he wants to go home, he needs to be able to return."
Vince gave a slight chuckle. "Okay. Do you honestly think Randy is the reason our boy is here? What about that Barrett kid? Say... speaking of the Barrett kid, has Dusty said anything about leaving?" His brow arched at Eric.
Eric nodded "Dusty has gone to Florida. Cody and Wade Barrett are with the DiBiase's. It worked out for everyone. We won't be having any exchange students. I'm glad now, Adam needs to recover quietly. With Jason here, Adam will be fine. Let's go see our boys." Eric tugged on his husband's blazer sleeve.
Nurse Guerrero took the list from Vince. "Just, before you go in, don't be shocked. Adam still has an IV, and he's hooked to a couple of monitors. Oh, and don't be surprised if Dean is sleeping on the bed with Adam. They both sleep better that way. Don't forget, Dean's body went through a lot as well. Tiredness is perfectly normal for losing most of your blood." She didn't notice when Eric flinched. Nurse Guerrero was certainly not the most friendly, but as long as she took good care of Adam, it didn't matter.
Nurse Vickie gave the four men visitors tags on lanyards to wear around their necks. It gave them permission to be on the private floor and access to visit Dean and Adam. Security on the floor was extremely tight which made both Eric and Shawn feel much better. Nurse Vickie pointed down the hall to where the teens room was located.
When they opened the door to the hospital room opened, Shawn, Eric and Bret smiled. Dean and Adam were curled up together like two little kittens. They were both in a very deep, restful sleep.
Vince wasn't exactly sure how he felt about seeing his son with the former orphan. He'd set so much store on Adam's future with Randal Orton. However, the events of last night, had Vince reevaluating everything. He'd been too hard on his family, he realized that. He could only ask for their best, he had demanded it; a huge mistake.
Vince continued to look at the two sleeping teens. Maybe that's why Adam had sunk to this. Maybe Orton was abusing Adam, but Adam was to terrified to break up with Randy, because of what he'd say. Vince wondered what he would have said. He probably would have been angry with Adam. He and Bob Orton had worked everything out. Even that Adam and Randy's first child would be a boy, a grandson, to pass their legacies too. Vince shook his head, how could they have even begun to think they could chose what sex their grandchild would be? It too, was wrong. Vince had forced Adam into a continuing relationship that was clearly unhealthy. Randy had changed, but he'd been too caught up in having the perfect family... he'd ignored it.
Vince watched as Eric and Shawn gently caressed the brows of their sleeping children. Bret went over and closed the blinds to darken the room so the kids could sleep without the sun blinding them.
Vince wondered why he disliked Dean so much. No, he knew why... because Dean wasn't perfect. He'd been abandoned to an orphanage, that made Dean dirty and tainted in Vince's mind of perfection.
Vince knew that was wrong. Dean was always polite and he treated Shawn and Bret like gold. Dean was unpretentious unlike Randy, who was vain and ego driven. Dean was content with wrangler jeans. Which way of life was better to have? Was it better to teach your child, designer jeans were important or was it more important to work hard to earn what you have and appreciate it?
As he looked at Dean, he realized something. Dean would work his fingers to the bone to provide for Adam, while Randy would just pull out a credit card. Vince knew all too well, one day the bill would be presented, what would happen to Adam if Randy couldn't pay?
Eric looked at Vince. He could see that his husband was in very deep thought. Vince had not slept either, and it wasn't just worry for Adam. Vince was thinking about his life and the way he went about things. Eric loved Vince dearly, and always took Vince's search for perfection in stride. Erick knew if he was steadfast and patience, something would happen to make Vince take stock. He just hadn't realized Adam's near death would be that thing.
Eric also didn't expect Vince to change over night, but he'd made some enormous first strides. Apologizing to Shane had been huge, Vince never apologized, for anything. He laid a hand on Vince's shoulder.
"Darling, what's on your mind? You look like you have the weight of the world on your shoulders. Just remember one thing, Vinnie, Adam loves you and so do I, so very much. You're a good man, Vince." Eric spoke softly into Vince's ear. When he finished, he kissed Vince on the cheek and gave his husband a bright, love filled smile.
"What if I kept pushing him into a relationship with Orton and he was being abused? What if Adam was too afraid to tell us. That Adam figured he had to put up with Randy because of the arrangements between Bob and myself. Randy won't leave Adam because he wants my help to get into Iowa State..." Vince was interrupted by Bret.
"Excuse me for barging in, Vince. I've made up my mind, Randy is not going to Iowa State, and I hope you won't override my decision. I was going to speak to you about it, but then the crime by Hunter and now... this, I haven't had the chance. Randy is off. I don't know why, but he is. I'll be evoking the new statute about random drug testing, Mark Calaway gave me the nod. I also have reason to believe he deliberately injured Bo Dallas. Orton thinks I believe him about it being an accident, but I don't and never did. I've had to stop him, four times, from applying an illegal double wrist lock on Wade Barrett. Luckily, Wade knew a counter and I stopped him before Orton broke Barrett's wrist. I caught Dolph Ziggler about to do the same to Sheamus Farrelly in the other weight class. That alone would be enough to throw them both off the team, but I won't. I want to keep an eye on them." Bret explained in a quiet voice. The four adults had gone to sitting area so they could visit and not disturb their boys.
Eric balled up his fists. "That does it. Adam is done with Randy. If Randy is willing to injure a teammate, no telling what he's done to my poor baby. I never trusted him, nice as he could be, there was always a look in his eyes. Vince, as much as I love you, that is my baby! I will not sell him off into a marriage because you think it's perfect and socially... good." He wasn't angry, but he was determined. Vince was going to listen this time, and hopefully agree with him.
Vince got up and went to the ocean view window. He opened the blinds to look lout. Had he been so wrong all these years? Was it bad to want the best for your family? Vincent McMahon sighed as he pulled the blinds closed.
"I'll speak to Bob. He's still in Asia for a while. If Adam wants to break up with Randy, I won't stop him. It will be Adam's decision and I will not argue with him. Also if things are the way they look, I won't stand in the way if he chooses Dean. Dean is a fine young man and I should have noticed sooner, after all, he is your son." Vince gave a smile and nod to the Hart's.
Eric stood and rushed over to his husband. He threw his arms around Vince and hugged him tight. "Thank you, Vinnie. I love you so much. Adam's choice. That's all I ever wanted. I'm so proud of you. You've been a wonderful father to him, I couldn't have wished for anyone better. I'm happy you've finally realized there is no such thing as perfect. Happy and content are so much better. Still, there is nothing wrong with wanting your children to do their best, or to encourage that, but that's different from perfection." He gave Vince a sound kiss on the lips.
Shawn smiled. "It is good to hear you say these things, Vince. Dean is a good boy. If he and Adam do get together, he will do everything he can to make Adam happy. Bret has taught him how to be a gentleman. But, all any of us want is for Adam to get well."
Eric led Vince back to the sitting area. "Dean is a very fine young man. I would be proud for Adam to be with him. All that matters is that my baby gets better. Boyfriends and love life aren't important right now." He echoed Shawn and looked over at the bed where Adam and Dean slept. Eric was very worried about Adam, and why he had done this horrible thing to himself.
At the airport, Roman pushed Jason Reso's luggage cart while Seth and Jason talked. "So Seth, how is he? What drove him to be so desperate?" Jason asked as they headed outside.
"Randy probably. He's changed. I told you he admitted, well almost admitted to Dean that he's juicing and snorting. He's ..." Seth hesitated. He'd promised Adam he wouldn't tell, but then, Adam said he could tell Dean and Roman. Adam never said he could tell Jason. Oh Seth felt so confused and helpless. Seth didn't want to break Adam's trust, especially now.
Jason stopped, he put a hand on Seth's shoulder. "I understand, Seth. Don't, if he asked you not to. I'll find out what I need to know. Trust is the most important thing to our boy, okay? Can we go to the McMahon's first? Miss Ellen is going to let me in. I want a quick shower, and I am sure Adam will want Peanut. " He spoke to Seth with a knowing smile. Jason was glad Seth wanted to keep Adam's trust. He'd left Adam in good hands.
Roman replied. "You bet. Good Lord, I won't have to go the gym for a while. You carry these around all day?" He chuckled. The cart was heavy because of Jason's pre-law text and work books.
Jason laughed. "I have reference books in there as well. College is a bit different. Lectures are all about taking excellent notes. Textbooks are for reading on our own. We have turn in completed questions from the workbooks at the end of the semester. It will get even worse after pre-law. I have to pass the LSAT, first." He lifted his bags into the back of Roman's truck.
Roman nodded. "I'm... humbled, Jason. Makes a career in football seem like..." He didn't exactly know how to say what he meant.
"Roman, don't feel like that, man. Not everyone can be a doctor or lawyer. A football player can be such an inspiration to young men and women who want to be athletes. That, Roman, is no small thing." Jason gave Roman a hardy pat on the back.
Roman got behind the wheel of his truck, ready to drive Jason to the McMahon's. "Thanks, Jason. Gosh it's good to have you back. I just wish the reason why was different. You are the inspiration."
Jason scoffed a bit. "I'm just me, Roman. Say, how is The Parrot? Adam hasn't talked to me. I know what he thinks, that it's an interruption. Poor guy, Adam needs more self confidence." He gave a sigh.
Seth smiled. "Yeah, I tried to get him to text you, but he said he didn't want to bother you. He's Editor of The Parrot, but I'm running the Ink and Press to help him out. He got elected Student Body President, but... he doesn't know yet. He's Juliet in the fall play with Dean as Romeo. I'm the nurse and Adam's understudy. Roman is Benvolio, Randy is Lord Montague, Dolphin Zigglewiggle is Lady Montague." He babbled more than anything because Seth was too worried about Adam.
"Wow, I've missed a lot. That is a lot on Adam's plate, but nothing he can't handle. Why would he crack up? Wha the hell did Orton do to him? That's rhetorical, Seth. I just want to..." Jason was interrupted when his cell phone rang.
"Hey my Petal... just fine... on the way to drop off my stuff, take a quick shower, then to see Adam... Don't know yet, baby... okay... okay... I love you too, baby. I'll call you later... bye, Heath." Jason ended his call.
Seth looked back at Jason, who rode in the club cab. "Soooo, who is Heath?" His brow arched, his dark eyes full of curiosity.
Jason's face softened, his smile glowed. "The greatest mistake that ever happened. He was in my dorm room by mistake. His name is Heath Miller. It was love at first sight. I was going to bring him along, but he wanted me to concentrate on Adam. He is so wonderful." He sounded like a gushing school boy.
"Will he come for Christmas? Sounds like a great story. Got a picture? You know, this will make Adam so happy. He hoped you would find someone and not be alone." Seth smiled brightly at Jason.
Jason flipped through some pictures on his cell phone. When he found the one he looked for, he gave the phone to Seth. "He is in pre-law as well. You wouldn't know it to look at him or listen to him, but he is in MENSA. Heath is brilliant. He's twenty, and from Pineville, Georgia. He's my gingersnap petal. Gonna marry him. Don't know when, but I am."
Seth looked at the picture. Heath had a pretty shade of strawberry blond hair with more red than blond, and it fell softly to his shoulders. He had pretty eyes and a cute smile. Heath's skin was a bit pale, like most red-heads.
"He's adorable, Jay. Congratulations. Hey, Ro, wait till you can look, he's a cutie." Seth winked at Jason as he handed the phone back.
No much more was said as Roman navigated through the traffic. As it was a bit after noon, on a Tuesday, the freeway was fairly clear.
Randy Orton sat in his red Dodge Viper. Since Randy had permission to miss school, he'd convinced Dolph to ditch, which was okay with Dolph, no way could he concentrate on school work. The only thing they cared about at the moment was how to save their necks... well mostly Randy's neck.
Dolph was worried. Randy was getting twitchy. They hadn't juiced or sniffed and coke for a while. Going without the steroids was okay, because they cycled off every two weeks, problem was, the cocaine usually helped them get through it. Dolph felt the packet of cocaine in his coat pocket. Did they dare risk a snort or two?
The platinum blond looked over at Randy, his Viper. "Randy, I've got enough for a couple of lines each. Do you want it?" Dolph's voice was unsure. Was it the right thing to do? He hated when he couldn't read Randy, and right now, the Book of Viper was not only closed, it was sealed.
Dean had woken up to find his and Adam's parents dozing in the sitting area of their hospital room. He didn't care that they had seen him curled up with Adam. It had been his best sleep in days. With a bit of reluctance, he slipped out of the bed, after all, mother nature's call could be strong.
Adam whimpered. Eric rushed to son's bedside, instantly awake. Adam's heart rate had increased and he saw Adam paw at the empty pillow where Dean had slept. Since the bathroom door was closed, Eric could only assume Dean occupied the room. Eric reached out and caressed Adam's brow.
"It's daddy, baby. Dean will be back. Relax my baby, daddy's here." Eric spoke softly and continued to stroke Adam's brow. Vince woke up and went to stand next to Eric.
"He's so sweet and innocent. How could we have not known what was happening to him? I can't help but feel guilty... pushing for..." Vince stopped talking when Eric's fingers brushed against his lips.
"Darling, those days are over now. If my son wants to hide something, Colombo wouldn't be able to find out. You can make it up to him. Accept Dean, if that's Adam's choice. He whimpered when Dean went to the bathroom. There is a connection there. If Dean is the key to Adam's recovery, Dean can move in with us. Adam is so fragile, always has been. He just takes everything to heart." Eric stopped talking when he heard the toilet flush.
Dean came out of the bathroom. He saw the McMahon's by Adam's side. He went to get into his own bed. "Dean, it's okay, he needs you. We don't mind. We're glad for your help to him." Vince spoke softly, and waved Dean over with a smile.
Dean grinned boyishly. Vince was the last person he expected that from. Without hesitation, he climbed back into the bed with Adam. Adam immediately curled back up against Dean. His breathing and heart rate calmed to normal.
Eric and Vince smiled. Eric tousled Dean's hair. "You do what Adam wants. We have no objections." He gave Dean an even bigger smile.
Shawn and Bret woke up at the same time. When they saw the McMahon's by Adam's bed, the both had concern on their faces. Had Adam taken a turn? They got up and went around to Dean's side of the bed.
"Is he alright?" Shawn asked as he stroked Dean's hair. His boy had already fallen back into his deep, restful sleep.
Eric nodded. "He got upset when Dean went to the bathroom. He's fine now. I think our boys have a very deep connection." He gave Shawn a knowing look. Eric had always told Shawn, Dean was better than Randy.
All the adults looked when they heard a soft knock on the door. Jason poked his head into the room. He smiled at Eric and Vince, whom considered as his second parents. Eric waved him in. He smiled when he saw Jason had Peanut in his hand. Both sets of parents hugged the returning college student.
Eric, Vince, Shawn and Bret, went to sit back down, to give Jason time with Adam. Seth and Roman would visit later, after they had eaten some food.
Jason caressed Adam's cheek and frowned at the thick blue wrapped wrists and arms of his best friend in the world. He then smiled at how peaceful Adam looked, curled up with Dean. Jason approved. Dean was ten times the man Randy Orton could ever hope to be. He put Peanut next to Adam.
"Hey, Addy, it's Jaybird. I'm here buddy. I wish you'd wake up and show me that beautiful smile." Jason spoke softly in Adam's ear and hoped his friend heard him.
Adam stirred but his eyes remained closed. His lips began to move. "Jay... are you in heaven too? Randy did... have you... killed." He nuzzled against Dean.
Jason stared at Adam. Had he heard Adam right?