Seth Rollins-Reigns grinned when Adam parked next to him at work. He waited for his friend to get out the car. Seth couldn't wait to find out how the day with Dean had gone.
Adam smiled and gave Seth a little hug. He also rubbed Seth's still flat tummy. "Hello, baby Reigns. Hey Seth, you feeling alright?"
Seth nodded. "Yes, I feel fine and so does baby Reigns. Roman waited on me hand and foot all day yesterday. It was wonderful. So, how was the day with Doctor Dean?" He asked as they walked to the employee entrance of the hospital.
Adam's smile grew. "It was very nice, Seth. Dean is very sweet. I also understand a lot more about him. I will tell you about it later." The had entered the building. Adam never liked to gossip, but especially not in the hallways.
Seth understood. "Yeah, walls have ears. Oh watch out. Stephanie was a bit miffed when you and Dean left without speaking to her on Saturday."
They punched their time cards, then moved toward the nurse's station.
"Jade is more important. I still can't believe she ate two pints of blueberries. Oh Seth, Dean was so good with her. I am going to let Dean be their pediatrician. Doctor Ross is good and I trust him, but, he is going to retire soon. Shawn is going to go to Dean as well." Adam stopped talking. It was time to get the shift reports from the night staff. Seth went to supervise the nurses and aides as they did baths, then served breakfast to the children on the ward.
Adam quickly read the charts and carefully made out the medication list. He went to the medication room and began his day.
An hour later, Doctor Dean Ambrose arrived. He'd been at his private practice. That was partly why he kept his private patients to thirty. The hospital needed him and he needed the hospital.
Adam came out of Billy Henderson's room as Dean entered. "Can you stay? I may need some help. He has to have the surgery after all. I need to tell him." Dean looked at Adam, brow arched. Dean was in full physician mode.
"Of course, Doctor. Well, he will be much better after the surgery. Let's convince him of that." Adam smiled. He and Dean went into Billy's room.
Billy stopped reading his comic book when the door to his room opened. He grinned, Nurse Adam was back and Doctor A was with him. Billy liked Doctor A, the man made him laugh.
"Hey, Billy. Oh, a Spider-Man fan! He is my favorite." Dean grinned as he sat on the edge of Billy's bed.
Adam sat on the other side of the bed. "Mine too! I used to dress up as Spider-Man for Halloween. I still do actually! He is the best!"
Dean laughed. "I did too. Maybe we should both dress up like Spider-Man and Billy could tell us who makes the better Spider-Man."
Billy laughed happily. "I would be the bestest Spider-Man! I'm Spider-Man for Halloween."
Both Dean and Adam laughed. Dean then put his hand on Billy's knee. "Well, Billy, I am sure you would be the best Spider-Man. I have to tell you something and you need to be brave, like Spider-Man, okay?" Dean still smiled, but his tone had grown more serious.
Billy looked at the Doctor. "You have to do it, don't you?" He knew the surgery was probably going to have to happen.
Dean nodded. "Yes, I do. It's not that bad, Billy. I just have to clean out your sinus cavity, so you can breathe normally again. I have done it many times. And you can even go home the next day. So, will you be brave, like Spider-Man?"
Billy sighed. "I'll try. Mommy will be here?" He tried not to look as scared as he felt.
Adam spoke up. "Yes, Billy. Your mom promised she would be here. That's why she is working now. So she could be here, if you needed the surgery. Have I told you a story yet?"
Billy shook his head. "Nope, nurse. You've been nice to me and Doctor A is funny. I believe you that mommy will be here. Okay Doctor A, I will be brave." He gave an honest smile.
"Good boy. Let's read a bit. Thanks, Adam. You call his mom, tell her tomorrow morning." Dean took the comic book and prepared to read a bit to Billy.
"Will do. Let me know what happens. I don't have that issue yet." Adam gave a wink then went to call Billy's mom.
Adam went to the nurse's station. He looked up the number for Mrs. Henderson's cell phone. He punched in the number. When Billy's mom answered the phone, Adam quickly explained the reason for the call. "Yes ma'am, I will tell him. Glad you can be here for him… he is fine, just worried you wouldn't be here… yes ma'am I will… it is my pleasure Missus Henderson… see you in the morning… goodbye." Adam ended the call with a sigh as Seth sat down.
Seth saw the frown on Adam's face. "Problem?"
Adam looked at Seth. "Yes and no. That was Billy's mom. She can be here in the morning for his operation, but, to do that, she has to work the second shift. It means she can't come see Billy today." He knew Billy would be upset.
"But, she's a secretary. Doesn't the office close at five?" Seth was a bit confused.
"It's a logistics company. They never really close. Someone has to be there if drivers or customers need help or service. It's what we parents have to do sometimes. You will learn." Adam gave his dear friend a wink and rub to the belly.
Seth leaned in closer. "Can I ask you something really personal?"
"You know you can ask me anything, Seth. After all, I trusted you and only you about..." Adam gave Seth a very pointed look.
Seth nodded. He knew Adam meant Hunter. "Did Randy… the baby belly… turn him off? I need to know, I will have the bump soon."
Adam let out a little sigh of relief. "I thought it was going to be a hard question. Not at all, actually. He thought it made me special. To know our babies were right in there. I had more problems with it than he did. You know, feeling fat and ugly. Randy went out of his way to make me feel beautiful. Roman will too. That man loves you." He rubbed Seth's belly again.
"Thanks, Adam. I feel better about it now. You can tell me all about yesterday at lunch. I've got to go to the playroom." Seth got up and hurried off.
Adam went back to Billy's room. He chuckled, Dean was reading the end of the comic book story. Adam sat on the opposite side of the bed to wait to speak.
"… And Spider-Man lived to save another day!" Dean spoke with great enthusiasm.
"Thanks, Doctor A! That was great!" Billy hugged Dean around the neck.
Adam observed the expression on Dean's face. It was pure adoration for the child. He knew if nothing else, Dean would be there for his own kids.
"Billy, I talked to your mom. She will be here in the morning. She has to work tonight though. She won't be here after work today. She told me to tell you she loves you very much, and to hug Henry tight. She said to be her big, brave boy." Adam held Billy's hand as he spoke. Dean made sure Billy had Henry Bear in his other hand.
Billy frowned. "But, she will be here tomorrow?"
Adam ruffled Billy's hair. "Yes, she will."
"Okay, I will be alright. Thanks, Doctor A, and you too Nurse Ad… hey, I can call you Nurse A. That's funny!" Billy laughed at his own little joke.
Adam laughed. "Yes, you can."
"Not every patient can say there were looked after by the A Team! I'll see you later, I have more people to see." Dean left with a smile and a wink.
Adam helped Billy settle in with another comic book and Henry Bear. He promised to return later. Adam also knew Dean was now very behind in his work.
Adam grinned, Stephanie McMahon had Dean trapped at the station. Saying how behind he was.
"I know I am behind, but I will get my rounds done. Billy Henderson was very upset about having surgery tomorrow. His mom can't come today so she can be here for him tomorrow. I would do that for any patient. They are scared children, not adults. And, by the way, don't be upset with Adam about leaving on Saturday. He was called home, because one of his children was extremely ill. I am a Doctor, So I could help her. Stephanie, you are wonderful and the best at what you do, but, let me and the nurses do what we do best. Now, as you said, I am behind, so I am going to my next patient." Dean was very polite, but was also extremely firm. He left before Stephanie could respond.
Adam entered the nurse's station. "Yes, Stephanie, I am sorry about Saturday. Shawn called, Jade was throwing up. I was extremely worried as my kids never get sick. When you are a parent, away from your kids, and their pseudo grandfather calls in a panic, you don't think about etiquette. I am very sorry if you and your father were offended. You did get Randy's check for the fundraiser, didn't you? If not, I will remind him." He too was polite but firm.
Seth bit back a snicker when Adam mentioned the check from Randy as he returned to the station.
Stephanie was speechless for a moment. "Um… yes, he did. A very generous check. I hope Jade is feeling better. I guess I can understand. Well, we all have work to do." She picked up a stack of papers and quickly left.
"Adam, that was priceless. She actually couldn't think of any to say. By the way, 'Shane will be doing bingo after they finish lunch. I need the key to the prize closet, please." Seth filled Adam in on Shane.
Adam took a ring of keys from his pocket. He found the one Seth had requested. He popped it off the ring and handed it to Seth. "You know, I have to say this, make sure I get that back." Sometimes he hated being Seth's direct boss, but it was what it was.
Seth scoffed. "Adam, I know you have to say certain things as the charge nurse. It never, ever offends me. And yes, I will get it back to you. I just hope there are some good prizes. Donations were…" Seth was halted when Shane McMahon rather soundly, laid down a huge, heavy box on the counter.
"Whew, that is heavy. Hi Nurse Copeland, Nurse Reigns. Sorry to bang this on the desk, but I was about to drop it." Shane spoke with an exhale and shake of his arms.
"It's Adam and Seth, Shane. What is that?" Adam was curious at he looked at the box.
Shane grinned. "Okay then, Adam and Seth. Prizes for bingo later. I have a friend at a comic shop. I got her to donate a box of things. I hope that was alright. Maybe I should have asked you first."
Adam got up and looked inside when Shane opened the box. "No, Shane, this is wonderful. They love those Pop figure things. Oh, comic books, sticker books, action figures. Shane this is incredible. The prize closet was looking a bit thin, mostly play dough and crayons. Thank you, and thank your wonderful friend too. Be sure to tell your sister. She can send a formal thank you note."
Shane closed the box "Well, maybe not. See um… my friend… she used to date Stephanie and it didn't end well. She is my friend now, and sis isn't understanding. I'll go set up for the bingo game. The isolation kids can play too, right?"
Seth stood "Yes, they can. I'll let them know in the audio/visual center. They will put up a chyron announcing the game. You'll know when one of them gets a bingo. Either a parent or aide will come with a camera and face time with the child so they can see and pick a prize. Oh and… we do have to remind the parents, one prize and one prize per bingo session. That gives everyone who hasn't won a chance. You can't imagine how… grabby and frankly rude some parents can be. The kids are always more adult. I will pop in from time to time." Seth walked Shane down to the playroom. Shane carried the box, he had refused Seth's help to carry it, knowing Seth was pregnant.
"She gone?" Dean asked as he peeked around the corner.
Adam chuckled at Dean. "Yes, it's safe to come out, Doctor A." He liked that Dean projected a positive feeling when he came into his space.
Dean sat down next to Adam. He pulled a few patient charts from the rack. Dean then pulled a small notebook out of his coat pocket. He began to make notes on the charts.
"How about an old fashioned dinner and a movie on Saturday? I know you're on the seven to three shift. We could stay in at your place. I'm open." Dean spoke softly as he wrote on Billy's chart.
"It's Randy's weekend with the kids, so I am open too. I'm off on Sunday, so either is fine with me." Adam wasn't sure if he wanted to go out or stay home where the couple could talk.
Dean twirled the pen in the fingers of his right hand. "How about dinner in? I'll bring a pizza if you want. We can watch TV or just talk. Can't really talk in a movie theater."
"Make it a double cheese, double pepperoni and you can win my heart." Adam spoke with a twinkle in his eyes.
Dean gave the pen a final twirl with a flourish. "Okay, that is scary. Double, double is my favorite. Maybe we are the A Team. I am going to lunch when I finish this. When is your break?" He made more notes on another chart.
Adam noticed Dean had neat handwriting for a doctor. One more little thing about the man he'd never realized before. "One thirty, when the bingo starts. Most of the kids will be there so, it's a good time for my break."
"Oh well, I will see you in the trenches. Thanks for the help with Billy. He is a good kid. Wish you were a surgical nurse, it would help. Well, you can be there after he comes back from recovery. See you later, cutie." Dean chucked Adam's chin, replaced the charts and went back to work.
Adam smiled at Dean as the auburn haired man walked away. There was just something about the man that made Adam feel good. He was still wary about the affect on his quads.
At one thirty, Adam entered the break room. Seth was at their usual table in the far corner. A few other nurses and aides were in the room.
Adam grabbed his lunch bag from the fridge and sat down with Seth. Adam had some potato salad, tomatoes and a fried chicken breast left over from the picnic. There were also two slices of the chocolate cake.
Adam put one of the pieces of cake in front of Seth. "Ida sent this for you. She said it will bring a sweet baby." He gave a laugh when Seth nearly attacked the cake with his fork.
Seth grinned as the cake washed over his taste buds. "She makes the best cake. Now, tell me all about yesterday, with Dean." He took another bite of cake.
Adam swallowed his bite of food. "He's a very nice guy and so far the kids love him. He is great with them and doesn't put up with their tricks. But, that is nothing to go by… yet. What if we date a while, the kids get attached but Dean is gone. He said he'd stay in their lives. He probably would, for a while, but then suppose he finds someone else. They won't want him hanging around another man and his kids. So Dean is gone, my kids are heartbroken. They went through that with Randy… the break up, I mean. Oh Sethie, I simply don't know what to do." He sighed deeply.
Seth turned to his friend, a serious expression on his face. "Adam, honey, don't plan for failure or you will be alone for the rest of your life. I've known Dean for a long time, he is like Roman's brother from another mother. If he says he will be there, he will. Honey, don't let the bust up with… cloud you. That was never going anywhere. Look, I don't mean to be harsh, but, you and… did the right thing. It's time to put that to the past. I think you should give a relationship with Dean a real chance. Adam, I saw his bust up with Drake, it nearly tore him to pieces. But, he isn't giving up, and you shouldn't either. It may not work out, but don't start with failure on your mind. You never know either,you could be Nurse Ambrose one day. Look, my best advice, just enjoy yourself. Nothing wrong with that. You've always said, you don't want to live just for the kids. Well, now is your chance." Seth gave Adam a pat on the back, then wolfed down the last bite of cake.
Adam chewed his own bite of food, again swallowed and gave Seth a nod. "I know you're right. You're also right about… it was never going to lead to anything. Still he will always have a tiny bit of my heart with Randy. Again, you are also right, I can't go into something ready to fail. I'll tell you, Dean is coming over on Saturday for pizza and movies or talk. It will be a good chance to get to know him, without the kids. Maybe this isn't… but… is there something Dean really likes? I mean no harm in doing something nice for him is there? Or does it make me look like a desperate slut?" Adam was confused. It had been too long since he'd actually dated someone.
Seth chuckled a bit. "No, honey. It does not make you sound like a desperate anything. Dean absolutely loves vanilla ice cream with caramel sauce. He nearly uses an entire bottle on one bowl. Funny thing is, he doesn't like caramel candies, just caramel sauce. Go figure. Look, just give it a fair chance. You never know till you try."
Adam laughed. "Jade made herself sick on blueberries, but she hates things with blueberries, like jelly or juice. She doesn't like blueberry syrup on her pancakes..." He then turned serious and continued. "You're right, yet again. I won't know if I don't try. I just have to be careful with the kids. It's good they will be with Randy over the weekend. We can get to know each other without a distraction. I never realized dating would be so… complicated." He gave a sigh and took his last bite of food.
"It's not complicated, you just want to protect your children from any heartbreak. But honey, they also have to learn that things can and do happen. They will learn to never give up." Seth gave Adam a friendly, reassuring pat on the shoulder.
"You sound like Doctor Cena, never give up. Say, he comes back from his vacation next week right? I know some of the long term kids have missed him." Adam cleaned up his lunch remains and threw them away as he spoke.
Seth did the same, after a last lick of the fork he'd eaten his cake with. Seth flushed. "There was still some chocolate on it. Yes, he comes back next Monday. We're really lucky. Dean and Doctor John really love kids. They don't mind if it takes a few extra minutes to give a kid a smile. I'd better go check on the bingo. Missus Wilson is there, you know how she can get." He rolled his eyes. Mrs. Wilson was one of the most demanding parents on the children's ward.
"Yes I do. Thank goodness Molly Wilson is nothing like her mother. I will come with you, just in case." Adam washed his hands along with Seth. Together the headed to the playroom to check on Shane and the bingo game.
Seth and Adam exchanged an eye roll. Mrs. Wilson was giving the nurses aide at the prize table a hard time. Adam and Seth went to help the flustered aide.
"… it's a set! Why can't Molly have both?" She had two pop figures in her hand. One Snoopy and one Woodstock.
Adam intervened. "Hello Missus Wilson. You can only win one prize, you know the rules. The are not really a set, they are in separate boxes. Please, ma'am, it is hard enough to get donations, don't make it harder. Please?" He was polite but firm.
Mrs. Wilson bristled. She knew she couldn't push too far or the staff might take it out on Molly; which would never happen. "Oh, alright. I will take this then! Good day!" She grabbed the largest stuffed animal, a Snoopy on the table and left. Molly was a cancer patient in the isolation ward.
The aide gave Adam a look of thanks. "Thank you, Nurse Adam. Why is she always like that?"
Seth answered. "She is a very scared parent. She knows Molly is terminal She wants to give her daughter as much as she can. I know it isn't pleasant, but, wouldn't you do as much, if your child was dying? Just do the best you can, and it will be alright."
Adam nodded. "Seth is right. She also thinks if she pushes too hard, we'd ignore Molly. That would never, ever happen. Do you need a break? I can stay for a bit." He smiled at the Aide, who was a student nurse from UMKC.
"I… do you mind? Just a fast coffee, I promise. She was worse than usual today." The Aide felt bad, but could use a few minutes.
"I don't mind, honestly. Twenty minutes. Relax and breathe." Adam went to stand behind the prize table with a smile and gentle nudge to the Aide.
With a thanks, the aide hurried off. Seth spoke softly. "I'll go do a round. Page if you need me." Seth hurried off to see to the patients not in the playroom.
"You don't normally do this." Dean gave Adam a smirk as he came into the room through a side door.
Adam quietly explained what had happened with Mrs. Wilson Dean frowned with a sigh. "I can understand. I got Molly's latest path reports this morning. Chemo failed, and she is rejecting it. Molly will be an angel… soon, too fucking soon. It has to stop, Adam. No one should suffer, but especially not children." He spoke extremely softly, but he was sad and angry at the same time.
Adam laid a hand on Dean's shoulder. "I didn't know about Molly's report. As you know, I don't cover isolation. Dean, I understand your anger, especially as a parent myself. You do help, more than you realize. You put smiles on their faces. I mean look how you made Jade forget her tummy ache. You made Billy Henderson's day, reading him that comic book. You can't stop the illnesses, but you do cure their aches, pains and calm them when they are scared or nervous. That is something no medicine can do. Medicine can't make a child laugh or smile. So, don't get down on yourself so hard. You are Doctor A, we need you." Adam spoke honestly and with a warm smile.
Dean ducked his head in his adorable, boyish way. "I… wow… um… thanks, Adam. I needed to hear that, today especially. Molly was just one of three bad reports I got today. I guess a laugh or smile is good medicine. I do wish I could do more. I thought of going into research, but, I wanted to be hands on with my patients. I could only do that as a practicing physician..." He was halted by a call of "BINGO!"
Soon the winning child, Billy Henderson came over to the prize table as Shane began the next and last bingo game.
"Well, hey! Looks like Spider-Man won! Nurse A will help you pick out a prize." Dean exclaimed as he picked Billy up and settled him on his hip The boy was almost too big, but Dean didn't care.
Adam lit up. "I've got something you will love..." he reached down into the prize box Shane had brought and pulled out a top of the line, Spider-Man action figure. "Here, maybe you'd like to have this." He held the box out to the child.
Billy let out a squeal of delight. "Yes please, Nurse A!" He carefully and gently took the box from Adam. He held it like it was made of solid gold.
The nurse's aide returned. "Thank you. I needed that. That is a nice prize, Billy. I was hoping you'd win. I knew you would love it. I've got it now. Thank you again, Nurse Copeland." The aide looked much more relaxed.
"No problem. Now, I think Doctor A, someone should be back in their bed." Adam looked at Billy. He could tell the pain in the boys sinus was starting to get worse. It was time for afternoon medications.
Dean could seen the concern on Adam's face. He looked at Billy. "Face hurting, son?" Dean could now see why Adam looked so worried. Billy looked pale.
Billy nodded. "Noses hurts, Doc A." He sounded a lot more childish because of the pain.
"We'd better get Spider-Man to bed, Nurse A. Bring his meds ASAP, please. Don't worry, Billy. You will feel better after tomorrow." Dean looked at Adam, then carried Billy to his room.
"I will be right there." Adam hurried off to the medicine room. He quickly prepared his cart. Luckily, there were only a handful of patients who got afternoon meds. Most were in the evening.
Fifteen minutes later, Adam watched Billy drink his dose of medicine. Dean wasn't there, which surprised Adam a bit.
"Doctor A's beeper thing went off. He was fast." Billy stated as Adam threw his empty medicine cup away.
Adam smiled at Billy. "Probably got a call for a member of the A Team. Now, here is Henry. You get some rest. You call me if you need me. Nurse A will be here." He tucked Billy into his bed with Henry Bear. Adam kissed Billy on the head.
Billy gave Adam a sleepy smile. "Kay." He was asleep before Adam could push the cart out of the room.
Adam went to the rest of his patients then locked his cart in the medicine room. He went to the nurse's station to chart the meds he'd just dispensed.
Seth was at the station. "Dean got called to the ER. Some kind of terrible accident on the Timber Wolf at Worlds of Fun. Six badly injured, one of them was a six year old. They wanted Dean to handle it."
"That sounds bad. I love Worlds of Fun as do the kids. They have a good safety record. Wonder if it was the actual ride or just around it?" Adam hoped it wasn't as bad as it sounded.
Seth shrugged. "We go there a lot too. They have a good first aid station with an LPN on duty. Oh, Annie wanted me to thank you again for the help after Molly's mom." Seth was the supervisor for the nursing student aides. A job he enjoyed with his regular RN nursing duties.
"I didn't mind. Annie was really flustered. Dean told me…" Adam went on to explain about Molly and why Mrs. Wilson had been worse than normal. "… so, she just took it out on Annie. But, they have to learn not to take it personally. It is the hardest part of the job." Adam spoke as he charted the medications.
"Yes, it is. Annie is tough, but, yes, they have to learn. Oh, I'll go." Seth looked as a buzzer rang. A patient needed a nurse.
"Thanks, Seth." Adam continued to chart. He also made his list for the evening round for the shift change.
An hour later, Dean stepped off the elevator. Adam and Seth immediately knew something was wrong. Dean went right to the break room, and there was no smile, no boyish, impish gleam in his eyes.
Seth looked at Adam. "You go. I'll cover for for you, it looks bad." He knew Dean and he knew something terrible had happened.
"Fucking hell!" Dean cried out as he dropped his full cup of coffee. The mug shattered and coffee splattered over the floor.
"Hey, it's alright. Not the first dropped cup. Go sit." Adam spoke softly. He threw a thick towel over the broken mug and spilled coffee. He'd clean it up later. Adam poured two mugs of coffee. He put one in front of Dean, than sat down with his own mug.
Adam was never one to push. He'd wait for Dean to speak. He did want Dean to know he was there.
Before Dean could speak, Stephanie McMahon walked into the break room. "Doctor Ambrose. I thought you should know, Doctor Prichard said you did a wonderful job, and did all you possibly could have done. He is worried about you." Stephanie spoke with an unusually soft voice and demeanor.
Dean nodded. "Thank you, Miss McMahon. It wasn't enough though was it? I'll be alright, I just need this and a break. I will speak to Bruce on my way out." Dean looked up, he managed a small smile.
"Sure, Doctor Ambrose. Take your time. Adam, you too. I will see that you are covered for a while. Doctor Ambrose, we can only do our best… and you did" Stephanie left the break room with a nod of respect to Dean.
Adam laid a hand on Dean's shoulder. "Talk when you are ready." He took a sip of coffee.
Dean's hand trembled ever so slightly as he raised his mug to his lips. A single tear tracked down his cheek. "She was only six, at the park, having a wonderful time. Now, she is going back to Arkansas in a fucking casket!" Dean put his head in hands and sobbed. It had been one bad thing after another. The bad path reports, now a child's accidental death. Dean had to let it out.
Adam gently rubbed Dean's back. "It's terrible. I'm not like Shawn, I don't have any great words to say. I'm sure you did all you could. I know that it doesn't help. Just… I'm here." Adam honestly didn't know what to say. It had not been a good day for Doctor Dean Ambrose.
Dean wiped his eyes and blew his nose on a few napkins that were on the table. "I'll be alright. Sometimes, I just have to let it out. There is no shame in crying. She was just… peaceful. They were on the Timber Wolf. She was six, but she was forty eight and half inches tall. She fit the safety requirement. She was in the back car with her dads. Her three brothers were in the first car of the incoming train. Something failed, and the incoming car the brothers were in, crashed full speed into the waiting train. So the back car, the girl and her dads were in, were impacted at full speed. I don't get it, those rides are inspected. It broke her neck... in just… there was nothing I could have done… she was gone, just gone. Two broken arms, and three broken legs. But the littlest one, the only girl… well… she will never know pain or illness. Her last memory was fun… so… life goes on." Dean sighed. This time his hand was steady as he sipped his coffee.
"Makes me think twice about riding the rides. Dean, if you don't want to be alone, you can come have dinner with us." Adam still spoke softly.
Dean shook his head. "Thank you, but no. I am meeting Roman at the gym. I'll take it out on the punching bag. Gotta be ready for Billy's surgery in the morning. Thanks for being here. You don't have to use wise words… being here was enough." He looked at Adam. Before he could stop himself, he leaned over and gave Adam a soft kiss on the lips.
Adam's lips tingled pleasantly, and he flushed just a bit. "Glad I could be here. Call me any time if you need a friend who understands work. Well, I have to get my shift change reports ready." He quickly cleaned up the broken mug with Dean's help.
The rest of the shift went by quickly, and smoothly for the staff of the children's ward of Saint Luke's hospital.
It had been a normal day.