On Sunday, at the Verizon Arena, in North Little Rock, Arkansas, something wonderful happened. Usually only about ten people came to Shawn's Bible Study. They were a tight, and dedicated group. However, this time, nearly every roster, staff and crew member were there, because of Kelly Judith Brown, and her memorial. Even Roman and Dean were there by face time. They wanted to record a message for the Brown's DVD.
Shawn had asked Tom Steward, the head cameraman for WWE television, to professionally record the memorial service and the private words from the roster and others.
Later, Tom would record the footage onto a DVD. They would also use Adam's portrait for the cover, and James Johnston was writing special music. It would be a wonderful gift and Shawn hoped, a blessing to the family of little Kelly, who had so firmly stolen their hearts.
On Monday another perfect RAW was in the books. Adam was pleased to see that several fans now wore hats or tee shirts from the Heart Foundation. These were the ones that were sold at the merch stands, and all the profits went to the Foundation, per orders of Vince McMahon.
Adam and Shawn went from Little Rock to Memphis. Their routine was the same. A few days at the Memphis KOA, then on to the Fed-Ex Forum arena for RAW.
Mitch Brown had sent an email to Adam and Shawn. He'd told them the DVD was the best gift they could have received. He also told them they were going to show parts of during Kelly's funeral. Shawn, Adam, Roman and Hunter were pleased. They had achieved what they'd hoped for, to be a blessing to the Brown family.
Monday morning found Adam in the catering area of the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville. It was the location for the next Monday Night RAW. It was also where Shawn had given him some news that Adam had not been to happy about. Shawn had told him that both Jeff Hardy and Wade Barrett had been released from their WWE contracts by Hunter and Vince.
After a quick kiss and a see you later, Shawn had gone to a meeting with the rest of the creative team. As he waited for Shawn to return, Adam sipped a third cup of coffee. He tried to concentrate on his red file folder for that evenings RAW. He closed the folder with a slap of his hand. Adam had started to get a thought, and it was not a pleasant one. Adam had begun to think that Shawn didn't trust him.
Jason entered the catering room, and spied his childhood friend. Jay grabbed a cup of coffee and two sausage biscuits. He went over and sat next to Adam.
"So, what's up your ass?" Jason asked his brother. One look had told him Adam was pissed, and that was never, ever a good thing. Jason knew that better than anyone.
Adam looked up and glared at Jay with eyes of fire. "Jeff and Wade have been released. Okay, I knew Jeff's fate was up in the air, but Wade? It makes me..." Adam huffed and crossed his arms over his chest.
Jason cocked his head.. "Makes you what, Addy? Are you reacting before you know the reasons?" He knew Adam, and Adam tended to react, then think.
If possible, Adam glared even harder at Jason. He was in full blown, angry Edge mode. That was even more dangerous than angry Adam. "No. I know what it means. It means, the man that is supposed to love me, doesn't trust me. Both Jeff and Wade... well you know. So, Shawn got rid of them." If Adam had been a dragon, smoke and flames would have gushed from his nostrils.
Jason frowned. This was worse than he thought. "Adam, you know Shawn is not like that. He loves you, so fucking much. Have you asked him about it?" Jason spoke in a calm, even voice. He knew Adam could turn his wrath in a split second.
Adam made a sound not unlike a snarl. He stood up so fast, his chair scooted several feet away from the table. "No! I know that's why! Fuck off, Reso!" Adam grabbed his red file, messenger bag and stormed out of catering.
Jason shook his head. The only good thing, there wasn't anyone else in the room. Jason got up, went around and pushed Adam's chair back into place, along with his own. Jason knew he had to find Shawn; fast.
Adam ducked into the first empty room he found. He fumbled for the light switch, but to no avail. Adam sat down on the floor of the dark room, and began to cry. The thought of Shawn not trusting him broke his heart.
Jason looked for Shawn, but couldn't find him anywhere. Jason found his husband down at the ring, looking a pictures of child actors. Heath was going to have new story line, including having seven children he had to provide for.
Jason found the storyline hilarious. Heath even had a "wife". The redhead nearly threw up every time he had to kiss her. Heath couldn't stand girls in a sexual way, boobs scared him.
Heath waved his husband over to where he sat on the edge of the ring. Heath could tell immediately that Jason was upset. Jay went to Heath and laid his head in Heath's lap.
"What's wrong, daddy? I thought you were having coffee with Ads." Heath gently stroked Jason's hair.
Jason stood, then jumped up on the ring apron to sit next to Heath. "I did, sort of. I had coffee with Edge; angry Edge. Told me to fuck off. Oh Petal, it's bad, and Shawn is gonna get caught off guard. He must be in a meeting. I wanted to warn him about Adam." He let out a long, sad sigh.
Heath put down the thick stack of photo cards. "Geeze, Jay, what the hell happened? Angry Edge can be a dangerous bastard." He knew full well what an angry Edge was capable of, he still had the scar to prove it.
When Heath and Jason had first started seeing each other, Heath had inadvertently said something that hurt Jason's feelings, rather badly. Angry Edge found Heath and slapped his face so hard, his fingernail scratched Heath. It had left a small scar on the redhead's cheek. Funny thing now was, nobody even remembered what he'd said. Adam felt so bad after, he sent Jason and Heath to Disney World for week, all expenses paid.
Jason looked at Heath. "You have to keep quiet, I mean it. I'm not sure the info is public yet. Jeff Hardy and Wade Barrett have been released. Adam thinks it's because Shawn doesn't trust him. He's being Adam, and reacted before he knew the facts. He is really upset. Angry Edge upset."
Heath nodded. "I know that's not why they were released, but I can understand why Adam would think that." Heath laid his head on Jays' shoulder.
Jason gave Heath a look of utter and complete confusion. "You can? Explain it to me then, because I don't get it."
"Adam thinks Shawn is jealous and has used his stroke with Vince and Hunter to get rid of Jeff and Wade. See, before Shawn and Adam realized they loved each other, Jeff and Wade tried to romance Adam. Jeff hoped to win back Adam's heart. If that failed, Wade wanted a chance to woo Adam. So, now Adam thinks Shawn thinks if they were around, that Adam might go behind his back and sleep with Jeff or Wade. So, Shawn had Jeff and Wade released, so it couldn't happen..." Heath paused and looked into Jason's eyes. He wanted to make sure his husband understood.
Heath continued. Now, You and I both know that isn't the truth. Shawn would never damage someone's career like that, and we both know Shawn loves Adam. Shawn knows Adam would never, ever cheat on him. Do you understand now?" Heath's brow arched as he looked harder at Jason.
Jason's entire face was etched with unmitigated confusion. "Thats... what... the way women think... Adam knows better than that."
Heath rolled his eyes. "It's what people do, especially when they are under mind cracking stress. Jay, stop thinking with your penis head and think with your brain head. Jay, another thing, I know Adam might as well be your brother, and I love him too, as does Shawn. But, Jason, stay out of it." He flashed his husband a look of warning as he spoke.
"What do you mean by mind cracking stress? What is Adam so stressed about? How can I stay out of it, Adam is my brother." Jason's expression hadn't changed he was s till confused.
This time, with another eye roll, he smacked the back of Jason's head. "Well, lets see, in no particular order. Adam was paralyzed, had four major surgeries, six if you count his hips. Lost his husband, became a drunk, fell in love, got engaged, encountered Jeff, who once beat the shit out of him. Then he was nearly raped by Drew, nearly killed by his sister-in-law, threatened by said sister-in-law. Just suffered the loss of Kelly Brown, plus his wedding is only a few weeks away. Oh, and not counting all the rehab and pain, and worst of all, no sex. Did I leave anything out? Probably but could you handle all that. And, it's all happened within the last nine months. Now, he thinks Shawn doesn't trust him. Open your eyes, Daddy." Heath finished his recount of Adam's woes with a hug to his husband.
Jason smacked his own head. "I... guess... why hasn't he done himself in? Poor Addy, and I am supposed to keep out of it?" He looked at Heath, hopelessness had replaced confusion in his eyes.
"Because of Shawn, and their incredible love for each other. Shawn has grounded Adam in a way not even Bret could. Yes, Jay, please, stay out of it. Adam has to work this out for himself. Once he realizes now stupid all this is, it will be alright." Heath spoke with more confidence than actually he had. He kissed Jason's cheek.
Jason nodded. "Alright, baby. At least I will try. You're right, Adam will work out how silly this is. So, show me your kids. He indicated to the stack of photos. Heath grinned and picked up the pictures. Oh how he loved his Jaybird.
Shawn whistled as he walked down the hall to catering. The meeting had gone really well for once. Vince had given his approval for the private jet to take himself and Adam to their honeymoon destination. Shawn hoped Adam would be surprised, he'd pulled in a lot of favors and markers to arrange it.
When Shawn got to catering it was full of people eating lunch. He looked for Adam, but didn't see his blond anywhere. He went over to Enzo and Cass who sat at Adam's usual table.
"Hi guys. Have you seen Adam? He was sitting here when I left for my meeting a couple of hours ago." Shawn asked with a happy smile. The honeymoon was still on his mind.
Cass shrugged. "Sorry Heartbreaker, haven't seen him. We've been here for a while too. You look happy."
Shawn beamed. "I am, had a good meeting. Well thanks, maybe he went to do that new promo for the Foundation he worked on. Catch you later." Shawn shook hands with the tag team and left to go to the promo filming area.
Shawn didn't find Adam at the promo area. The produce told Shawn he hadn't seen Adam all day. He was a bit salty about it too, as a producer, he didn't like it when people didn't show up. Adam should have been there five minutes ago to film his promo.
Shawn frowned. "Well, I can only say, if Adam didn't show up, he had a good reason. When I find him, I'll scold him for ya. Thanks" Shawn shook the man's hand and left the area.
Shawn's happiness drained more and more as he failed to find his beloved. Shawn began to worry that Adam had gotten ill, or had somehow hurt his back or hips. Maybe all the swimming they had done during their KOA stays hadn't been as wonderful as Adam said it was.
Shawn decided to go to the coach, especially since Adam wasn't responding to text messages, nor did Adam answer his cell phone. Shawn called Hunter's cell phone as he walked to the far end of the parking lot. It was a good quarter mile.
"Hey, Hunt. I'm out of the arena for a bit. I can't find Adam... in catering, before our creative meeting... everywhere... he didn't show up to film it... no, nor has he answered his phone... yeah, I'm headed there now... not that I know of, he felt and looked fine when I left him... okay Hunt... tell your husband to tell the boys to keep an eye out... okay... thanks, tie him down if you have to, you have my permission... No, I didn't talk to Jason, he was busy in the ring, he was working on Heath's match... I'll try Hunt... yeah, I am, very worried... yes... okay... call me if you or Seth find him... I love you too, Hunt... bye." Shawn ended the call just as he got to the coach.
As Shawn rounded the front of the coach, Jim came out with the dogs. Jim always came at noon, three, six and on RAW nights, he also came around nine or ten to let the dogs out and feed them. Adam paid Jim a bonus out of his own pocket, over Jim's regular salary for all the help Jim gave him with the kids.
"Well, hey there Shawn. Surprised to see you here." Jim locked the gate to the run after Shawn greeted the dogs.
"Is Adam inside by any chance?" Shawn asked with a nod to the coach. He tried not to sound as frantic as he felt, and he hoped his worry wasn't etched on his face.
James gave Shawn an odd look. "Not that I am aware of, but of course, I don't know about the bedroom. Oh um, I'm gonna have to get dry food for the dogs. Should I pay or what?" He felt kind of funny about asking for money directly.
Shawn pulled out his wallet. "Sorry, Jim, next time they get low on food, tell us and we'll either pick it up or leave you the money. That's the only draw back to the coach, no car. It's really great of Seth to take you or let you borrow their rental. Adam wants his bike, but that wouldn't be too handy for carrying a hundred pounds of dry dog food." He handed Jim a hundred dollar bill. He then went in to the coach to check the bedroom,
Shawn sat down on the empty bed with a sigh. "Where are you, darlin'? Please answer, please." Shawn muttered as he tried Adam's number once again.
Adam growled. "Leave me alone." He pulled his cell phone out of his pocket. Before he finally turned it off, he saw Shawn had called eighteen times and he had nine unread text messages.
"Good, he doesn't trust me, let him think I am off fucking around, literally. I loved you, trusted you, why can't you do the same? Why would you ruin their careers like that? Bastard, Shawn fucking Michaels is a bastard." Adam burst of anger quickly turned to tears. His heart was shattered. He loved his Shawnnie bear. Adam lay down on the cold floor of the pitch dark room.
Shawn walked back to the arena. Every person from janitor to producer was asked the same question. "Have you seen Adam" or "Have you seen Edge?" Every time the reply was the same. "Sorry, no."
Shawn sat in Hunter's office. He didn't know what else to do. Everyone now talked about Adam's disappearance. Shawn didn't exactly cry, but his eyes were moist and red rimmed.
"Bret, where is Adam? Help me, Bret, please. You brought us together, help us now. Why? Where? Bret!" Shawn mentally cried out to his friend as he buried his face in his hands.
Back in their hotel room, Jason sighed. "I really should tell Shawn what Adam thinks." He held his cell phone in his hand and looked at it.
Heath took the phone from Jason and turned it off. Heath put the phone in his backpack, where his phone was also turned off. Heath then unplugged the hotel phone from it's connection The DO NOT DISTURB sign hung on the outside of the door.
Jason watched his little redhead. Heath looked at his husband. "I'm sure, by now, Shawn and Adam are in some dark corner kissing their lips off. Adam feeling silly for being so stupid. Now, I don't have to be back at the arena until tomorrow and as my trainer, neither do you. So, I say we have little kissing session of our own. Hum?" Heath had removed his clothes as he spoke, Now, totally naked, he straddled Jason's lap. His lips brushed Jason's, his breath was warm, soft and sweet.
Jason ran his hands over Heath's soft skin and muscular thighs. "Yeah, you're right. Why should Adam have all the fun?" He kissed Heath with passion. All thoughts of Adam went right out of his head.
Shawn looked up when he heard the door of Hunter's office open. He prayed it was Adam, Shawn sighed when Hunter and Seth entered the office, without Adam.
"Adam?" Shawn wailed. Something Hunter had never heard Shawn do before.
Hunter and Seth glanced at each other. Hunter shook his head. "Sorry, Shawn. I'd hoped he was in the coach. You sure you didn't have a fight?" He looked at his former husband, brow arched. Hunter knew better than anyone, at times, Shawn had a very hot, very quick temper.
"No! Everything was fine. We had coffee in catering. I kissed him and went to my meeting. Hunter, no one has seen him. I've done everything. I am about ready to go start looking in every damn room in this arena. How... Why? What if he fell down a flight of stairs? Oh fuck... I never... kidnapped. Adam has been fucking kidnapped. Hunter call the... wait." Shawn pulled out his wallet. He pulled out the card Inspector Grieves from the RCMP had given him.
"Shawn, I really don't think anyone kidnapped Adam" Hunter nearly laughed at the wild thought. Then, he saw how deadly serious the expression was on Shawn's face.
Shawn glared at Hunter. "You forget? That bitch Diana tried to have us killed. Why couldn't she have... I'm calling the Inspector right this fucking second." He pulled out his phone and called the the Inspector. Shawn put the phone on speaker.
"Inspector Steven Grieves please. This is Shawn Michaels, from America. My call is regarding the Adam Hart, Shawn Michaels, Diana Hart-Smith case." Shawn was sharp, but he managed to hold in his full rage.
A woman's voice replied. "One moment, sir." She immediately put the call through. Only three notes of canned music played before the Inspector answered.
"Mister Michaels, funny, I was just going to call you. I want you and Mister Hart to relax. We have Miss Diana Hart-Smith in protective custody. She hasn't broken yet with the name we want, but she will soon." The Inspector sounded quite pleased with himself.
Shawn scoffed. "How sure are you that we can relax? What if she or her siblings decide to strike at us again. Maybe try to kidnap Adam or something?" He decided to fish first, before creating more of a situation.
The Inspector chuckled. "He family ratted her out faster than oil through a pipeline. They have accepted that their brother Bret's will is unbreakable. They want nothing to do with Miss Diana. None of them are willing to go to jail over a lost cause. The lawyers have warned them if anything happens to you or Mister Hart, they will join their sister in custody. Mister Michaels, Diana Hart-Smith can't sneeze, piss or shit.. um.. pardon me... without us knowing. Her phones are tapped, she is under guard, she can't even leave the house to get her newspaper. So, Mister Michaels, yours and Mister Harts part in this is over. Now, you must have called for a reason, may I help you with something."
Shawn sighed. "That is wonderful news. I was just calling for a progress report. Make sure our wedding could go on as planned without fear she would pull something. I appreciate your hard work, as does Adam. I am just relieved that Adam will be safe."
"You certainly can get married with no fears. Congratulations. I will send a written report of what I just told you. If there is nothing else, I will be going. I'm glad you called. My very best to you both." The Inspector sounded very pleased and happy.
Shawn barely contained his emotions. "No, nothing else. Thank you again, so much. Have a blessed day." Shawn pressed the button to end the call.
Hunter laid a hand on Shawn's shoulder. "I'm sorry. I had forgotten she had still been a threat. At least you know now, he wasn't kidnapped."
Seth had stood back out of the way. He had a thought.. "You know, maybe he had a headache or just wanted a quiet place to work. He could have lost all track of time or even fallen asleep. Maybe your idea to from room to room isn't such a crazy idea. Doesn't Edge suffer from migraines, from his first neck injury?" Seth hoped he didn't sound like an interfering kid. Sometimes he felt a bit insecure because of what had happened between himself, Hunter and Shawn.
Hunter pulled his new husband against him. He kissed Seth softly. Hunter was proud of his little one.
Shawn smiled just a bit. He was glad Hunter was happy. "Yeah, he does and they can hit fast. He hasn't had one since before his surgery. Maybe he is due to get one. He could have been working on the promo and fallen asleep. He was up really late last night working on it. Then with the Kelly memorial... Help me? Look from room to room?"
"You know we will. This is more important than anything else right now. We'd better get a few others to help. We've only got a couple of hours till Raw." Hunter took over like a police detective.
Hunter looked at Seth. "Get some help and start down this hall. I'll take Shawn and a couple of others and down the other side. I need to help him, baby." Hunter was afraid Seth would be upset about him going with Shawn.
Seth looked into Hunter's amber eyes. "I know, babe. I want you to be with him. Meet you back here in an hour." He give his husband a kiss. The kiss told Hunter that Seth trusted him.
"Come on, Shawn. We're gonna find Adam." Hunter held his hand out to his ex-husband.
Shawn stood and looked at Hunter. "Bret won't tell me where Adam is." He muttered under his breath.
Hunter looked at Shawn and shrugged. They left Hunter's office. Seth went to the left, Shawn and Hunter to the right. Seth ran into AJ Styles and Chris Jericho. Seth knew Adam and Chris were good friends.
"Hey guys, help me. Adam has gone missing. Shawn has looked nearly everywhere. Now we are going from room to room. I need help." Seth looked at the couple with desperate eyes.
Chris perked up right away. "Sure. You take that side, we'll do this side. I bet he got one of his migraines and went to sleep it off in a dark room. It wouldn't be the first time." He took AJ and started opening closed doors as did Seth.
The search for Adam had been going on for nearly an hour. Seth suddenly remembered something. "Chris, AJ, go to Hunter's office. I just remembered, there was kind of a hidden hallway by catering. That's the last place Adam was seen, in catering. Maybe he went down that hallway. Tell Hunter I'll check, then come to the office. I hope they found him." Seth gave his instructions, then took off at a run.
Seth ran down to catering. There was a hallway that could easily be missed. The angle of the entry was kind of optical illusion. He turned down the hallway and opened the first door.
Seth let out a cry of relief as he turned on the light. Adam looked like he'd just woken up. "Adam! Oh Adam! We've been looking for you for hours! Shawn is frantic. Are you alright? Some of us thought maybe you got a migraine and went to sleep it off." He went to help Adam stand.
Adam was still angry. "On, I just wanted to get away. Good, I hope Shawn is fucking miserable, the bastard. Now, leave me the fuck alone. Don't worry, I'll be where I'm supposed to be, when I am supposed to be. Fuck off, Seth." Adam glared at the younger man with pure anger in his eyes.
Seth felt like he'd been smacked in the face by a ice cold wash cloth. "Adam? What the hell is wrong with you? Shawn has been worried to death. He even called some cop in Canada because he thought you might have been kidnapped by Bret's sister."
Adam rolled his eyes. "He probably hoped I had been. He thinks I'm a fucking slut any way. Now, go away."
Seth was angry now, this just wasn't right. "Adam, he would never think that. That man is over the moon, head over heels in love with you. Something has gotten turned around in your head. I suggest you talk to Shawn, before this becomes something you regret. Please, Adam. The show is about to start." Seth was nearly beside himself with worry and frustration.
Adam stood with a grunt. His body ached from his nap on the cold floor, "Well, that man can go to hell. If you won't leave, I will. I'm going to work." Adam gathered his things and left Seth standing there, mouth open.
Adam went around to the far side of the arena. He ran into one of the sound crew. "Edge is going to enter through the crowd. Tell them to play my music like normal. If anyone asks, just tell them I will be there." His tone meant he didn't want to be questioned or disobeyed.
"Will do. I always thought that was a cool way to enter. The fans will love the nostalgia. Better to enter from there, no fans allowed, it's the crew entrance." The man pointed to the arena entrance that was marked: WWE PERSONNEL ONLY!
Adam nodded. He went to the nearly empty entrance. He sat down in a folding chair to wait. "Well, so Shawn is worried, like he thought I was out fucking around. Good. I hope he suffers." Adam kept his anger well fed.
Seth dashed back to Hunter's office. In airy, breath filled pants, he recounted his entire conversation with Adam. "... I have no clue why, but he is on fire with anger, at you." Seth finished with a glance toward Shawn.
Shawn looked and felt like he'd been super kicked in the heart. "What... we were fine at catering. I'm going to Gorilla, get this fixed. He did say he'd be at the show?" Shawn asked, his hand on the door knob.
Seth nodded. "He said so. I wish I knew more, but he was just so fucking unreasonable."
Shawn hurried off after a nod of thanks to Seth. Shawn went right to the stage entrance area, known as the Gorilla Position. It was called that, because Gorilla Monsoon, always stood there to watch the show. Someone called it Gorilla's position, and over the years, the name stuck, but was now just called the Gorilla. It was also where Vince, Hunter and the producers sat to watch and monitor the show.
Shawn looked around for Adam. Vince wasn't there yet, and apparently neither was Adam. Kevin Dunn looked at Shawn. "Time to go, Heartbreaker." He spoke into his headset. Shawn's 'Just a Sexy Boy' theme began to play. Shawn had no choice, he had to go.
Shawn swallowed hard and made his entrance. To the fans, he was their beloved, HBK. They couldn't tell that Shawn was heartbroken and full of worry.
Shawn got down to the announce table. As he geared up and settled in, Michael Cole made his entrance. Cole had no idea what Shawn was going through, he'd been at the hotel all day, recovering from a bad cold.
"Do You Think You Know Me" echoed through the arena as the fans cheered. Shawn's eyes were pinned on the entrance ramp. He was confused, the spotlight swung around the arena.
Shawn finally saw Adam come in through the crowd. He was in full blow character. Shawn also noticed Adam carried his messenger bag. The meant he hadn't been anywhere near the staff locker room.
As Adam sat down and geared up, he didn't even try to look at Shawn. Shawn couldn't ask anything personal as the were wired for voice. Shawn leaned forward when Adam did, but his boy didn't look at him.
Michael Cole looked from Shawn to Adam. He knew something was terribly wrong. Usually they gave each other cow eyes. Now, Adam wouldn't even look at Shawn. It was going to make for a very interesting night.
When RAW officially started, the camera first focused on the announce team. Cole talked about the nights matches, Shawn added his support and talked up the "good" guys and Edge did the same only for the "heels".
Cole also noticed, when they weren't on camera, Adam kept his eyes down. Usually when HBK and Edge did their banter, they laughed and joked about it. There was none of that. Adam only said things pertaining to the matches. While RAW was good, it lacked Edge's usual humor and HBK's witty responses.
When RAW ended, Cole left first. Shawn hoped Adam would talk to him. Shawn was once again kicked in the heart.
Adam stood. He pulled the beautiful engagement ring off his finger. "Give it to someone you trust, not someone you pretend to trust." Adam left the ring laying on the announce table and with messenger bag in hand, left the show area of the arena.
Shawn was paralyzed. What the fuck just happened. He just sat there and stared at the abandoned engagement ring. The Heartbreak Kid never noticed the tears that streamed down his face. He was too numb to care.
Adam walked out of the arena, without stopping, even when Hunter called out to him. Hunter was torn, follow Adam or find Shawn. He could see on the monitor that Shawn was still ringside. Hunter went to talk to Shawn. Angry Edge was impossible to deal with.
Adam went to the coach. Jim had left a note that he'd let the dogs out, just an hour ago. Adam went right to the bedroom, locked the door and fell on the bed. Adam began to cry as if the whole world had blown up, and in a way, it had.
Hunter sat down in Cole's announce chair. "Shawn?" He reached over and brushed the tears from Shawn's cheek.
"He... he... took off my ring... said... give it... to someone you trust... not someone... I pretended to... trust... then... he left... my... baby left..." Shawn's tears fell once again.
After Jason and Heath had made love, Jason had the uncontrollable urge to return to the arena. He left a note for Heath. Jay told his husband he had to go back to the arena, and check how Heath's promos came out. Jason knew that was a valid reason. That way if they were any problems, they could be fixed before SmackDown went on the air.
When Jason got to the arena, it was a buzz with after show activity. He felt the sudden urge to go the Gorilla, where Jay ran into Seth. Seth watched Hunter and Shawn, not out of jealousy, but out of concern for Shawn.
When Jason asked Seth how he was, Seth immediately launched into what had been going on with Adam. Seth hoped as Adam's best friend, Jason Reso held the key to unlock angry Edge.
Jason looked at Seth. "Unbelievable. I think I'd better go talk to Shawn. It's worse than I thought." Jason looked at Seth, then went to where Shawn and Hunter sat.
Jason approached the announce desk. Shawn held the engagement ring in the palm of his hand and stared at it. Jason was shocked. "Oh Shawn, he... you..." He didn't even know what to say.
Shawn spun in his chair. "Jason Reso, if you know something, for fucks sake tell me. Adam is furious with me. He took of his engagement ring. Why? When I left him this morning he was as happy as a clam. Jason, my heart is dying without him, please!"
Hunter laid a hand on Shawn's shoulder. In the the twenty odd years together, he'd seen Shawn cry two or three times. He'd never seen Shawn this torn up about anything.
Jason sighed. "I might have an idea, but he told me to fuck off. Heath told me to keep out of it. We thought by now you'd be kissing each others lips off. Heath will kill me, but you gotta know..." Jason started from when He and Heath had seen Adam at catering that morning. He even added what Heath and said about Jeff and Wade wooing Adam and Shawn getting rid of them.
"... Then Heath reminded me how much had been through in the last nine months..." Jason listed everything Heath had said Adam had endured.
"... On top of that, Adam thinks you don't trust him. After Heath explained it, I don't know why he didn't blow up before this. Heath said it was you that kept Adam grounded. I guess somehow, the two of you got unplugged. Shawn, he won't talk to you tonight. He is probably at the crying himself to sleep stage. Shawn, he loves you, more than he loved Bret, something I didn't think was possible. Don't give up on him. Until Bret came into his life, Adam was just used, abused and thrown away. Don't... please..." Jason's own tears fell. His brother was hurting and he could do nothing to help. He prayed Shawn wouldn't give up and stop loving Adam.
"Oh my poor baby. Jason the last thing I would do is abandon him. He got the whole thing wrong. Vince let Jeff go because Matt called and wanted to bring Jeff back to TNA, for a Broken Hardy storyline. Vince asked Jeff what he wanted to do, Jeff was thrilled that Matthew wanted him back. Jeff is utterly happy and content. Wade asked Vince to be released. He's fed up with wrestling, and wants to take a job that he really likes. He was offered a great job in a marine biology lab. It was his major at University. Vince was upset, but said an unhappy man in the ring is dangerous. He was right to let Wade go. Oh Adam, my beautiful darlin'. I've got to go. Jason, if Heath gets mad, you can come stay with us, but thank you for telling me." Shawn stood. He actually kissed both Jason and Hunter. He ran, full tilt out of the arena.
Shawn grabbed his messenger bag out of his locker in the staff locker room. Then he pulled his cowboy hat down low and bolted for the coach. Shawn knew Adam would never leave his dogs. He ran as fast as his bad knees and bow legs could carry him. If Hunter hadn't been aware of Shawn's upset, he would have laughed at Shawn's little bow legged run.
Hunter and Jason went up the ramp. Jason stopped when he saw Heath standing at Gorilla, deep in conversation with Seth. When the younger husbands spotted their men, they smiled.
Heath ran up to Jason. "I'm glad you came here to tell Shawn. I had no idea how bad it was. Seth explained it. It's my fault, I should have let you tell Shawn earlier and this would have never happened. Oh Jason..." Heath clung to his spouse.
Jason held Heath tightly. "Oh Petal, it's not your fault. Adam wouldn't have listened, it could have been even worse. Shawn won't give up. Come on, I really do need to check your promos. Hunter, let's keep each other posted." He shook Hunter's hand. Heath and Seth hugged. The Reso's left with Adam and Shawn on their minds.
Seth went to Hunter. "I'm glad you were there for Shawn. He needed you. I love you, babe. Hunt, will they be okay? Shawn and Adam love each other so much." He hugged Hunter with wet eyes.
Hunter rested his chin on top of Seth's head. "I hope so my little one. Thank you for being so understanding, that I just can't abandon Shawn. I love you, boy. You're the best thing that ever happened to me. I'm tired, let's go." He took Seth's hand and led him away, with Shawn and Adam on their minds.
When Shawn got to their coach, he was only slightly winded, his early morning runs paid off. He unlocked the door and entered the coach. For a moment, Shawn's breath froze, no dogs came to greet him.
Shawn looked down toward the bedroom The dogs were curled up in front of the door. That could only mean one thing, Adam was in the bedroom. Shawn patted his leg, but the dogs remained in front of the door. It was if they too, were mad at him. He then saw the note Jim had left, telling he'd let dogs out and they had run for a couple of hours. They had also been fed.
The Heartbroken Kid knew Jason was right. He decided to just leave Adam alone; for now. Shawn took off his blazer, dress shirt and cowboy hat and hung them on the coat rack by the door.
In the cockpit, Shawn secured the coach for the night. The blinds covered the windows without a sound. He adjusted the air conditioner and went to sit in his lounger.
Shawn removed his cowboy boots. He searched the drawer of his shelf. Shawn found a notepad and pen. He put his feet up and began to write Adam a note.
At first, Shawn thought about explaining about Jeff and Wade. However, Shawn decided against it. When or if Adam spoke to him, Shawn wanted Adam to see the truth in his eyes.
But, Shawn did want Adam to know he was there, and still loved him oh so much. He chewed on the cap of the pen and thought. He put pen to paper and poured his heart out. When he finished, Shawn reread it. The note wasn't the longest or the best, but he'd meant every word.
Shawn put the letter in an envelope and kissed it for luck. He got up and went to the bedroom. The dogs moved just a bit, so Shawn could slip the note under the door. He looked toward Heaven. He asked God and Bret to help.
Shawn was exhausted. He took off his trousers and socks. He hung his pants on the back of the couch and stuck his socks in his boots. The Hall of Famer took a light blanket from the drawer under the couch. Shawn, in his boxers, curled up his lounger and uttered a prayer for Adam to listen to him. He turned out the lamp and closed his eyes. His last thoughts before sleep were, "I love you, Adam."
Adam woke up slowly. His eyes burned from hours of crying. He was so broken that Shawn didn't trust him. Adam eased his way to sit up. He'd fallen asleep in his clothes. His shirt was open. He'd briefly woken up at some point, taken off his brace and tossed it on the floor. He needed his brace. His back muscles ached from all the crying.
The blond stood. The brace had landed over by the door. Adam took off his shirt, picked up the brace and put it on, tightly. A flash of white caught his eye. He looked closer, it was an envelope, with his name written on it, in Shawn's handwriting.
His mind told him to just leave it. Shawn had nothing to say. However, his heart said to read it. Adam was suddenly hit with an overwhelming feeling to read the letter. With a sigh, he picked up the envelope. Adam sat on the bed. His fingers trembled as he opened the envelope, pulled out the letter and began to read.
"My darlin' Adam, First of all, I am glad you're safe. I was frantic as I tried to find you. Secondly, darlin', don't leave me, not like this. We can't possibly be done and over. Please tell me I am still in your heart, your soul, because you are still in mine.
It might be hard for you to believe, but I really love you, like I have never loved no other. In the last nine months, we have become so much of each others lives, I could not begin to imagine a life without you. Our good times, so out number our bad. We've never even had a fight.
I want a chance to explain, it is not at all what you think. I want a chance to look into your eyes so you know I am telling you the truth. Please, give me five minutes to talk, while you listen. I can't lose you, darlin'. You are life and breath to me. I. Love. You. Adam. With all my heart, soul and love, your Shawnnie Bear."
Adam read the note again. He still didn't know what Shawn could possibly have to say. He looked at the clock, it was eight-thirty in the morning. They were supposed to leave for Atlanta at three. He guessed he had a few minutes. He had a lot to do though.
Adam had to pack, rent a truck and load up the dogs to drive them to Asheville. He would fly to Atlanta on Sunday. He would miss the dogs and their beautiful coach... no, Shawn's coach.
Adam sighed. He went to the door and opened it. Shawn had to be up, there was a pot of coffee and no dogs.
With a sigh, Adam went to the living room. Shawn was in his lounger, reading a book. Shawn looked up when he heard Adam then saw him. Adam stood in front of him, arms over his chest. His hazel eyes bore into Shawn like fire.
"You have exactly five minutes. I have some major packing to do."