Somewhere, in his sleep addled mind, Adam heard the old grandfather chime nine o'clock. He hadn't slept that late in over seven years. Adam smiled when he felt Dean stir, and the physician's arms tightened around him.
"Me need coffee." Dean growled out in a deep, sleep filled voice. He stretched his body, but kept Adam locked in his arms.
Adam snuggled deeper under the covers "Call one eight hundred make it yourself." He growled right back and made absolutely no move to get up.
"But, I am the guest. You should be a good host." Dean stretched again.
Adam grumbled. "Don't wanna."
"Trust me to find a boyfriend that isn't a morning person. Okay, let me up then." Dean made a move to get out of the bed.
Adam raised his head. "No, you silly boy. I will go do it, but can I shower first?"
Dean kissed the top of Adam's head. "Go shower. I can wait that long. But really, I can make the coffee."
Adam sat up and rubbed his eyes. "No, babe. Won't take me fifteen minutes" He gave Dean a kiss on the cheek, and got out of bed. He gave his naked butt a wiggle as he bent over to pick up his sleeping pants and tee shirt.
Dean gave the butt wiggle a wolf whistle. "How is the toe, baby?" He suddenly remembered that Adam had stubbed his toe on the chest at the foot of the bed.
"I actually forgot about that. It's fine. Okay, won't be long. Oh, and thanks for the whistle." Adam gave his butt another wiggle as he closed the bathroom door.
Dean decided to surprise Adam. He threw on his sleeping pants and went down the backstairs. After a quick search, he put on a pot of coffee to brew. He found a can of croissant rolls in the fridge. Dean quickly worked to make Adam a special breakfast treat. He just hoped Adam took a little longer than fifteen minutes in the shower.
Upstairs, Adam decided not to wash his hair, so he piled his braid on top of his head and put on his shower cap. He also opted for a shower. Usually on his child free Sunday's, he indulged in a long, hot bubble bath. Getting coffee for Dean was now more important.
As he washed, Adam's mind went over last nights events. He was glad now that they had only sucked each other off. It was a wonderful, yet satisfying way to have their first sexual encounter. Making love fully would come later, not in the heat of the moment. It would also be more relaxed because the now knew each others bodies.
Adam finished washing and rinsed off. He turned off the shower and stepped out, and quickly dried off. He removed his shower cap.
Adam took his braid apart. It had started to pull on his head and neck. He brushed out his hair. He did like the waves the braid created. Adam decided to leave his hair down, but put an elastic band around his wrist, in case he needed to pull it back.
Adam put on his sleeping pants and tee shirt. He brushed his teeth and gave himself a final glance in the mirror. He was satisfied. Adam hurried, he'd taken much longer than the fifteen minutes he'd said.
Dean had just settled back into the bed when the door of the bathroom opened. Adam stopped in his tracks. Dean had made coffee and croissants.
"Sorry, I snooped in your kitchen to find all this. Come on, breakfast is ready." Dean patted the bed. He'd found a wicker tray and a thermal carafe for the coffee. He'd made his special rolls to enjoy with their coffee. Dean hoped Adam would like them, because Drake had hated them.
Adam climbed into the bed and quickly made his pillow nest. "Those croissants look delicious. The kids love them wrapped around hot dogs." He settled in as Dean held the tray steady.
Dean settled in as Adam held the tray. The physician poured two mugs of coffee. Dean placed a roll on a small plate and handed it to Adam.
"By the way, I don't mean to be nosy, but why do you have Imitrex self injection pens in the butter storage?" Dean had a bit of a doctor's tone to his voice.
Adam sipped his coffee. "I suffer from migraines three or four times a year. When I was five or six, I was playing Spider-Man. I jumped off the kitchen counter and landed wrong. I nearly broke my neck. I've had issues ever since. There isn't anything the doctor can do. So, I keep them on hand. I don't get them often, as I said, but when I do, it is bad. I'm glad you saw them. Ida, Shawn, Hunter and Seth know what to do, so now you will too." He took a bite of his roll.
Dean grinned when Adam smiled at the taste. "My special cinnamon sugar croissants. Yes, I am glad to know about the Imitrex, but sorry you need it. I've seen the suffering of a migraine, but I've never had one" Dean bit into his own croissant.
"This is so damn good. You have to make these for the kids, and show Ida how to do it. You are going to spoil me. Mind if I flip to the soft rock channel? They play music from the sixties and seventies on Sunday morning." Adam asked, then took another bite of his breakfast.
Dean laughed. "I listen to that too. I'd love to make these for the kids. So, what do you usually do on your Sunday's alone?" Dean sipped his coffee. He wanted to learn about Adam and his life, with and without the children.
Adam clicked to the favored music channel. "Well, if I'm not working, I take a very long bubble bath. If the weather is good, I go read by the pool, sometimes I will take a swim, but not often. I just eat what I find, usually a sandwich or soup. Not very exciting, but it relaxes me for the week. If I have to work, when I come home, I shower, then wait for the kids and Ida to return. What do you do?" He took another bite of food and a sip of coffee.
Dean swallowed his bite. "A lot the same actually. It's my workout free day. I sit and read. Sometimes Ro and I play a bit of basketball, then I'll hang with him and Seth for dinner. Then back home to my book. Like you, it relaxes me. Of course, I'm sometimes called out on an emergency. I refuse to give up house calls. Sick children don't need to be rushed to the hospital every time." Dean spoke firmly. He believed in house calls and that was that.
Adam smiled at Dean. "I admire that, Dean. If you ever need me, just call. I can't promise if Ida is gone, but I will do my best. Um… are you leaving after breakfast?" He tried not to pout or look sad. He really wanted Dean to stay, but wasn't going to cling.
Dean looked at his boyfriend. "I will stay if you want me to. I'd really love to see the little lions, but, I don't want to be in the way of your reunion time with them. Never be afraid to say, Dean go home or Dean stay. We have to communicate without fear of hurting one another. You're my boyfriend, not my property. You know what I mean. Don't change your life for me, because I won't change mine for you Well, I put that badly..." He let his words fade to try to think of a better way of saying what he meant.
Adam took Dean's hand in his." Dean, I get it. I mean yes, we are in each others lives, but we are still independent people. We will work things out as we progress as a couple. You know, we both think too much. You're not Randy or the other two and I am not Drake. We can't let our past relationships dictate our relationship. So, I will start. Dean, please stay. We should be together when we tell the children." Adam spoke with confidence.
Dean smiled and kissed Adam's hand. "I will be happy to stay. We should tell them. I just hope it won't upset the little lions. If possible, I would also like to see Megan Helmsley."
Adam nodded as he chewed. He swallowed then spoke. "Shouldn't be a problem. Hunter might be on the golf course, but Shawn and Meg are usually home. Sometimes though, the spend Sunday at the stables. Oh, I don't think our news will upset the children. They would be more upset if I had said no to you. Um… while I find it very sexy, you should take a shower. You know what I mean." He glanced at Dean's crotch with a smirk.
"You are a naughty little nymph. But yes, I planned on a shower. I'll do that while you clean up the kitchen." Dean wiggled his brows.
Adam groaned. "You made the mess, you clean it up!" He crossed his arms over his chest with a huge pout.
Dean just shook his head. "Such a big baby. I cooked, it's only fair you know. Oh lord, what kind of man have I fallen for?"
Adam laughed. "I was teasing. Of course I will clean up I will call Shawn as well. Dean, I… I… thank you for so quietly tiptoeing into my heart. I love belonging to someone and having someone belong to me." He leaned over and gave Dean an emotion filled kiss.
Dean smiled brightly when Adam broke the kiss. He caressed Adam's cheek. "I am the privileged one, to have you in my life. I haven't felt this calm in a long time, that comes from you. It's like my heart is home." Dean kissed Adam with equal emotion. He wanted Adam to feel his growing affection.
They kissed a few more times, but not enough to raise lust. It was more like sealing their deeper feelings for one another.
Dean went to take a quick shower. Adam carried the tray downstairs. When he got to the kitchen, Adam laughed. It was spotless. Dean had cleaned up as he worked. All Adam had to do was quickly wash the plates and mugs, along with the carafe. No point in loading the dishwasher. He left the dishes to air dry, so he could call Shawn. He went up to his bedroom, where he'd left his phone.
In the bathroom, Dean dried off. He used the last of the spicy cologne sample. He made a note of the brand, he really liked the product. Dean, still naked, brushed his teeth. He tamed his auburn hair with a comb. Dean put on the clothes he'd worn yesterday, but they were clean so it didn't matter. Dean gave everything a final tug and smooth over with his hands. He looked at his reflection and spoke to himself.
"Okay, Ambrose. You've got this. Adam and the children are worth it. Give me the strength to always be able to protect them, make them feel safe and cared for. Please let me be the man I need to be. I want those children to hold my hands as I pass from this world." Dean, though not overly religious, crossed himself and left the bathroom.
"… let me ask, one second, Shawn..." Adam looked at Dean. "Shawn wants to know if we will have lunch with them, want to?"
Dean nodded. "I would love it." He sat on the heavy oak blanket chest at the foot of the bed.
Adam spoke to Shawn. "We'd be happy to join you… alright, see you shortly… bye poppa Shawn… love you, too..." Adam ended the call.
"How is Miss Megan?" Dean asked as he slipped into his shoes.
Adam got up to put on his favorite leather loafers. "Shawn said she was fine, but tired around the edges. She slept well, so that's good. I told them we would be there shortly."
"Good. I will take my bag. Let's walk, it's a beautiful day." Dean suggested as he opened the bedroom drapes.
Adam clicked the remote to turn the TV off. "I was going to suggest that myself. Let's put the Mustang in the garage. I would feel terrible if something happened to it. By the way, the kids want a rag top on the Kia." He laughed as they went downstairs to the kitchen.
A few minutes later, with the Mustang safe in the garage and the house secured, the new couple walked, hand in hand. Dean carried his doctor's bag, as he felt lost without it. It was a glorious day. Birds sang and insects chirruped. The neighborhood was peaceful and had that Sunday quiet.
"Such a beautiful neighborhood. But, on the edge of one of the worst and most dangerous areas in KC. Comes from the time when the mafia bosses all lived around here. Some of the trouble never left. At least that's what the guide at the museum said." Adam spoke as they walked. He loved history.
Dean nodded. "It's true. Kansas City has a strong Mafia history. Well, history and present. Been a lot of suspected criminal activity lately, related to the Mafia. I dunno, maybe the news likes to glamorize common crimes. We get to clean up their messes."
"True. It really bothers me when children pay the price for what adults do." Adam gave a sigh. He was glad his children were safe and no where near any criminal activity. If Adam only knew the truth, he would be terrified.
When they got to the Helmsley's, Shawn greeted them with hugs and smiles. "So glad you could join us for lunch. Hunt's doing burgers on the grill soon." He lead Dean and Adam through the house to the backyard.
There was a large patio with an awning of blue canvas that extended from the house. All the patio furniture was classic redwood.
The Helmsley's had a kidney shaped pool, much like Adam's only bigger. It was surrounded by a safety fence and a secure gate.
The yard had two huge oak trees. One had a swing attached to it. Megan's swing set and slide had been removed, but she still wanted a swing, so Hunter made sure she had one and Megan loved it.
Flowers grew all around the privacy fence and were Shawn's pride and joy. It was how he relaxed from the stress of being a high power attorney.
Hunter cleaned his barbecue. It was brick and cooked with either wood or charcoal. The barbecue also had a dutch oven to bake or keep things warm. Hunter smiled and waved as Adam, Dean and Shawn came outside. He was glad that Adam looked so happy.
"Meg will be out soon. She is face timing with a friend from her home school group. They have a history project together. Nancy has gone to visit with Ida and her mother. She wanted to show Ida some exercises she can help her mother with in bed." Shawn explained as he indicated for Adam and Dean to sit.
Adam and Dean sat next to each other in well padded redwood chairs. The cushions were made of the same blue canvas as the awning with white piping around the edges. All the furniture had the same cushions. It gave the patio a truly nautical feel.
"It's good that home school has interactive groups. Oh yes, Ida told me about Nancy helping her mom. They are like sister's anyway." Adam spoke as he settled in.
Shawn sighed. "Yes, home school is so much better now, but Megan is missing so much. Like her first school dance or being a cheerleader. Shes such an angel about it. Can I get you boys some iced tea?"
Dean smiled. "Yes, please. I know how you must feel, Shawn. But I would nix cheerleading as her doctor, too much strain on her heart. I would like to give her a quick exam before we leave." He indicated to his medical bag next to his chair.
Hunter joined them as he wiped his hands on a towel. "Of course, Dean..." He paused until Shawn was in the kitchen. "Shawn feels guilty about Megan. He is better than he used to be, but he thinks she's missing a lot. In some ways, she is, but in others, she's not. Megan is happy and that's all that matters. All I can do is be there for Shawn." Hunter stopped when Shawn returned. The lawyer carried a tray with large, blue plastic cups filled with iced tea.
Shawn served Dean and Adam. When he served Hunter, he leaned in and kissed his husband. "I'm sorry, babe. I am trying." He sat down next to Hunter.
Hunter picked up Shawn's hand and kissed it. "I know, honey. It's alright to talk about how you feel. I am here for you." He kissed Shawn's hand again and held it tight.
Megan came out of the house with excitement on her face. She greeted Dean and Adam with hugs and kissed her parents. She sat on the other side of Hunter.
"We finally decided We're doing, what if Henry the eighth had died, and Anne Boleyn had become the ruler of England." Megan explained as she sipped the cup of iced tea she'd brought with her.
Dean spoke up. "That sounds interesting. I like alternative history. People tend to forget Anne Boleyn was the mother of one of England's greatest rulers. I'd love to read your paper when you're finished." He gave the teen a nod.
Megan smiled brightly. "Okay, I'd like that. How the monkeys, Adam?" She took another sip of tea.
"Fine. I will be glad to see them later. Jade and Jordan want to finger paint with you again. Jan and James have written a new song for you too. I work all next week, so I am sure you will be tired of them." Adam replied with a light laugh.
Megan too, laughed. "Never. I love those monkeys. They help me… deal with life. Doctor Dean, thank you for last night. That story about the puppy was so funny. Doctor Wilson just grunts at me. I am glad you're going to be my new doctor. Just don't let my dads drive you nuts. This one can be too protective sometimes and that one frets and fusses too much." Megan pointed first to Hunter, then Shawn.
Dean chuckled. "Not to worry, Miss Megan. I am used to dealing with silly parents. When ever I am having a moment of struggle, I think about that puppy. He never let his ears get in his way. He's a lot like you, no matter what, you don't let it get in your way. Stay like that, and you will be just fine. Any time you just want to talk, about anything, I am there." He reached over and gently caressed the top of Megan's head.
"I like you, Doctor Dean. Adam, please keep him around." Megan looked over at Adam.
Adam winked at Megan. "I think that's a given, Meggie Pops. We are an official couple. We decided last night." He waited for her reaction.
Megan clapped her hands. "Yes! I am so happy for you! Wait till the monkeys find out! All I heard about was Doctor Dean this and Doctor Dean that. Besides, you make a cute couple."
"Megan!" Hunter tried to chastise, but the smile on his face erased that. "I am going to fire up the barbecue. Dean, I could use some help Why don't you three go make the burgers." Hunter stood with a pat to Megan's head.
Dean gladly got up to help Hunter as Adam followed Shawn and Megan. It felt nice to be doing things like this as a couple, with another couple. It was something Dean had missed a lot.
By one o'clock, the group of friends were enjoyed delicious burgers, baked beans, potato salad and a salad of tomatoes, cucumbers and red onions, thinly sliced in a mix of vinegar, water, salt and pepper. It was scrumptious.
"Hunter, this burger is the perfect medium rare. I can never get it right." Dean complimented as he took another bite of his burger.
Hunter ducked his head. "Thanks, Dean. I used to be on a barbecue team at the station. However, our guy with the smoker was transferred so that ended the team." He gave a bit of a sigh, he missed the fun of competing.
"At the hospital I was at before Saint Luke's, we had a team. I was the spice guy. But, it never failed, we'd get to a competition and someone would be called back to an emergency at the hospital. We finally gave up. The competition in KC is so strong, you have to have a fully concentrated team." Dean understood Hunter's frustrations.
Adam chuckled. "I wouldn't even know how to light a grill. Well, okay, I do now, but not till Hunter finally taught me. I can at least burn the kids hot dogs outside now."
Megan made a sound like a gag. "I remember! Worst hot dog I ever ate. It was a charcoal dog. Sorry, Uncle Adam, I love you, but you can not cook."
Adam laughed harder. "You are so right, Meggie Pops. I keep saying I will take a class, but finding the time on shift work is hard. Oh that reminds me, Shawn, my two weeks of three to eleven are coming soon Are you and Megan up to it? If not, I will get Ida's niece to help." He took his last bite of food.
"Well, it will depend." Shawn gave a glance to Dean. He wondered about the pump surgery.
"Oh what, daddy? I am fine with helping Adam out." Megan gave her father a look of confusion.
Dean spoke up. "It depends on me, actually. You are coming to see me at my office on Wednesday. There is a chance you will be busy for a month, recovering. Megan, you are fifteen years old, I will not treat or talk to you like a toddler..." Dean went on to tell Megan about the insulin pump and he also told her the advantages and the slight risks. Dean also explained about the month of recovery in bed.
"… but, once that month is over, you will be able to do everything you do now. You just won't have the daily shots or reactions to too much or too little insulin. Will you be a brave girl for me?" Dean finished talking. He noticed the look of relief on the faces of Shawn and Hunter. They had feared telling Megan.
Megan had listened to Dean like an adult. "Thank you for not treating me like a child who doesn't know what is going on. I am also glad to have the pump. I've done research on it, but I know how against it Doctor Wilson is. I didn't push because daddy was so torn about it. I will hate the month in bed, but, if that's what… thirty days of my life? An eye blink. Dad, father, thank for bringing Doctor Dean into this. Sometimes I think you both forget, I am fifteen, not five. But, I love you both more than anything." She spoke like a young lady, and gave her parents lots of hugs and kisses.
Shawn hugged his daughter tight. "When did you become the adult in this family? Will you please stop growing up so fast." His eyes were filled with tears. Hunter did let a few tears fall, as he took a turn to hug his precious daughter.
Adam leaned over and laid his head on Dean's shoulder He was so proud of Megan and of Dean. Dean smiled softly and kissed the top of Adam's head.
"Dean, thank you for being open and honest with Meg. Like she said, sometimes we do forget she isn't our baby any more..." Hunter paused, then turned to Megan. "Daddy and I decided, while you recover, we will get you that new tablet you want. We will do all we can to help you get through those thirty days."
"And I am sure the little monkeys will entertain you after the first two weeks." Adam added. He knew Meg would need two weeks of home isolation at first.
Megan laughed. "Can we do it tomorrow, Doctor Dean?" It all sounded alright to her.
"Slow down, miss. We have to do a few tests so we can get the exact right pump, just for you. It will calibrated to you. It will only take a few days. So on Wednesday we will get started. You will be in the hospital for a few days, then home isolation for two weeks. Then two more weeks for total recovery, mainly to let the entry port heal and settle." Dean explained a bit more about the procedure.
"I understand, Doctor Dean. I am just ready to get rid of the daily shots. I will put up with whatever to change that. I mean Miss Nancy gives good shots, but, I am tired of them." Megan spoke firmly.
"You are a very brave girl, Miss Megan. Don't worry, it will be fine." Dean smiled at Megan.
Shawn stood. "Well, miss, you and Adam help me clean up. Nancy made a cake for our dessert."
Hunter and Dean pitched in to help. The all laughed and talked as they worked. Megan and Dean got along like a brother and sister Adam's feelings for Dean grew a bit deeper as he watched them.
When Hunter followed Adam out to get the last of their lunch dishes, Hunter spoke " Are you happy, Adam? Do I need to worry?" He still felt a lover's protection of Adam. He simply could not help it.
Adam smiled softly at the older man "Yes, Hunt, I am. No, you don't need to worry. It is nice not to be looking over my shoulder all the time. I will never forget our time together, but..." He quickly hushed, Dean had come out to help.
Hunter caught Adam's eye. He gave the blond a wink, it told Adam that he understood. Adam returned the wink with a firm nod.
Shawn made coffee and watched as Megan sliced cake and plated it. "Oh, her spice cake." The teen remarked with a grin.
Shawn laughed. "Yes, angel. Just for you. Now, pay attention to that knife."
Megan tried not to roll her eyes and carefully finished slicing the cake. She put the knife down safely. Shawn kissed the top of his daughter's head.
Everyone took their own cake and coffee to the patio. Megan had a glass of milk. The friendly chat continued and Dean was more accepted.
"This is delicious." Dean stated as both he and Hunter ate a second piece of cake.
"Nancy bakes to relive stress." Megan spoke casually as she sipped her milk.
Hunter shook his head. "Princess, please stop growing up. Your old man feels even older now."
Megan laughed. "She told me that. Nancy said beating dough is better than banging your head against a wall. I know she stresses when I have an incident. I stress too. Maybe with the pump, we will all be stress free!"
"Okay, that's it. Come be my kid now, Megan. You can help your new dad and be an ambassador of hope at the hospital. Come, we will go pack your bags right now. You are going to love your new home." Dean stood and held his hand out to Megan. Dean's expression was so serious, both Shawn and Hunter had a slight moment of panic. Only Adam saw the mischievous glint in Dean's eyes.
Mean laughed like Shawn and Hunter hadn't heard in a long, long time. Shawn then knew what was what. He shrugged.
"Finally, Hunter. We can have our house back. No loud teenager stuff. Oh and we don't have to buy that new tablet or her first car. Whew, money saved." Shawn waved his hand to Megan as if to dismiss her.
Everyone laughed. Then Megan turned a bit serious. "Doctor Dean, is that a real job someone could do? Spread hope in the children's ward at the hospital?" All eyes turned to Megan.
It was Adam who spoke. "Yes, Megan. There are social workers that specialize in children's health care. It's in the way you approach the job. You would be good at that kind of work, because you understand what it's like to be in a hospital, scared and wondering what is going on." He spoke to Megan as an equal, adult and with a serious tone.
Megan nodded. "I think that might be something I would like to do. I can't be a cop because of my heart, and right now, law doesn't interest me. Helping children does. Oh well, I have a couple of years to think about it."
"Megan Helmsley, I am so damn proud of you. You keep amazing me every time I blink. We couldn't have been blessed with a more perfect child. I love you, Meggie Pops." Hunter leaned over and pulled his daughter into his arms. Shawn joined the embrace.
Adam was startled when his cell phone rang with Randy's ring tone. Adam quickly answered. "Randy?… Oh okay… Shawn and Hunter's… well, I'll explain… yes, we will be right there… yes, we… no… I'll explain… yes, bye." He ended the call.
Adam stood. "Sorry guys, we have to go. He's never brought the kids back this early. Something is up, I could hear it in his voice. I'll call you later. Thanks for the lovely day."
Dean stood and picked up his doctor's bag. "She's fine, no need to check. Thank you for everything." He took Adam's hand in his. He could feel the tremble in Adam's body.
Hunter let the couple out of the back gate, after quick hugs and handshakes were exchanged.
As they walked toward Adam's house, Adam spoke. "He asked about your car in the garage. The children would have told him it was yours. I didn't hear the children in the background. Dean, something isn't right." Adam picked the pace up to a jog.
"Maybe the kids didn't see the car. They are probably up in their rooms. Don't assume, baby. No matter what, I am with you." Dean held tight to Adam's hand and jogged along with him.
When they got to Adam's house, Randy paced in the driveway and smoked a cigarette, something he hadn't seen in years. Two men were with Randy, and they seemed to be protecting his ex-husband.
Randy tossed his cigarette away. "Adam, we have to talk..."