It was the calmest Monday morning Adam had had in a long time. While he took his shower, Dean got the children up and oversaw them get ready for school. Dean didn't fuss over them as much as Adam did. After all, seven years old was old enough to get dressed without help. Dean did make sure ties were straight and hair pulled back. He also made sure all their school bags were properly packed and schoolwork not forgotten.
"Alright, perfect little lions. Go down to Miss Ida for breakfast. Daddy will join you soon." Dean hugged each child as he directed them down the backstairs to the kitchen.
Dean smiled when he went into the master bedroom. Adam sat on the bed and tied his white shoes. "You look nice, Nurse Adam." He gave Adam a soft kiss.
Adam blushed a bit. "Thank you, Doctor Ambrose. You look handsome too..." His voice faded. Dean packed his dirty clothes and other things into his duffel bag. It meant Dean was packing to leave.
Dean gave a sigh as he zipped his bag. "The little lions are downstairs. I told them you would join them soon. I've got to meet Roman at the gym for our morning workout. I'll be at my practice till eleven. I'll be in at noon. Cena is back today." There was a tone of melancholy in his voice.
Adam nodded, there was no smile on his face. "Okay. I'll see you later at work. Dean, this has been one of the best weekends I've had in a long time. Thank you. We're going to miss you. I am not going to be a clinging vine boyfriend, I know you have your own life, but..." Adam stopped talking before he started to cry.
Dean pulled Adam into his arms. "Yes, I do. But, you know what? I am starting not to care about that life. You and those children downstairs mean more to me. Give me a kiss or I will be late." Dean pulled Adam in for a tongue tangling, emotion filled kiss.
Adam smiled. "You mean a lot to us too, Dean. Say goodbye to the children." He kissed Dean softly.
In the kitchen, the children happily ate and talked. Ida kept a close eye on them. They stopped talking when their daddy and Uncle Dean came down the stairs. Uncle Dean had his duffel bag.
Dean saw four sad faces. "Hey, where are my smiling lions? I've got to meet Roman at the gym, so I can get big and strong, like Tarzan." He beat his chest and did a silly Tarzan type yell.
Dean's antics made everyone laugh, even Miss Ida. "That's better. I am not leaving you. I will be around. Be good and know that I care very much about you. Jor, ask your teacher. If she says yes, let daddy know and you can borrow my abacus for show and tell. I've got to go." He gave each child a kiss on top of their head, then gave Ida a kiss on the cheek.
Adam released the security system and pushed the button to open the garage door. Dean opened the drivers door of his Mustang and tossed his duffel bag into the backseat. He pulled Adam into his arms and kissed him.
"We are not breaking up, you know. Be a good boy. I will see you at work." Dean slipped into the driver's seat. He started the car and backed out of the garage. Adam hurried back into the house.
Adam put a smile on his face when he saw his children. "Uncle Dean will be back, kids. It's not like we split up. Now, daddy has to work until six, Miss Ida will pick you up after school. Be good. Come on, time to get you to school." Adam spoke in that way only a parent could, with love and authority.
It wasn't long before Adam pulled away from the drop off in front of St. Luke's Academy. He headed for St. Luke's Hospital. It always made Adam laugh. Both were named St. Luke's but one had nothing to do with the other. He just figured the people of Kansas City had an affinity for Saint Luke. He knew Saint Luke was the patron saint of Physicians and students, but did everything have to be named after him? It was confusing when he got mail from two places called St. Luke's.
At eight am, Adam parked his Kia in his spot at the hospital. Seth's car was there, but he was already inside. Adam hurried, he was a tad late. Adam quickly punched his time card and headed for the nurse's station.
"Hey, Adam. You'd better hurry. The night shift nurse has started on the medicine cart. She isn't too happy with you. Oh, and Stephanie noticed too." Seth spoke quickly as to not hold Adam up.
Adam shook his head. "Five minutes late isn't the crime of the century." He hurried off to the medication room.
"True!" Seth called after his friend as he continued to read the charts on his patients.
Adam got to the medicine room. "Sorry, I am five minutes late. The parent in front of me at the drop off at school was being a real Karen. You come in late tonight so I can make it up to you."
The night shift nurse, Lita, smiled. "Thanks. I'll come in at six fifteen then. Sorry if I sound snappy. It isn't you. Stephanie is upset about something, but not about you. Let's finish this then we can do the report. Doctor Cena is back, boy is he in a good mood. He hasn't said anything, but Doctor Lesnar may have finally proposed."
Adam chuckled. "About time. Thanks for the warning about Stephanie. She does a wonderful job, but..." He stopped talking. Adam was not a gossip, but he realized how easy it was to do. So better to stop it before it started.
Lita nodded. "Yeah, got it. Oh, new patient in one oh five." She went on to explain the new patient.
An hour later, Adam was headed back to the med room with the now empty cart. He gave an internal groan when he heard the "clack-clack" of high heels as they came down the hallway. Only one person could "clack" like that; Miss Stephanie Marie McMahon.
"Adam!" Stephanie called out as she drew closer. Adam steeled himself and put a smile on his face.
Adam turned. "Good morning, Stephanie. How are you on this lovely Monday?" He was polite, not sarcastic.
Stephanie was thrown for a moment. "Uh… I'm fine, thank you. Listen, why were you so late today? That's not a good example for the charge nurse to set for the others now, is it?" She arched her brow at Adam.
"I know I was five minutes late. The parent in front of me at the drop off at the Academy caused a problem. I had to wait because it is one lane, one way. I told Lita to come in late tonight to make it up to her. I am really sorry, Stephanie. Can I make it up to you?" Adam remained polite and calm. Maybe he could avoid trouble with kindness.
"I guess you can't help what someone else does. That is kind of you to make it up to Lita. Yes, actually you can do something for me. My brother has some idea to do a puppet show with paper bags. Would you please keep an eye on things so we don't have glue and glitter everywhere. " Stephanie spoke with a bit of a put out attitude.
Adam nodded with a smile. "Of course. It sounds like a fun thing for the kids, especially the long stay patients. Having something to look forward to, helps keep them motivated to stay strong. Shane is great with the kids You should stay and watch. He had them laughing so much at bingo. And the prizes he had gotten donated were wonderful." He wished this was over, he had work to do.
"If I have time. Well, I am sure you have a lot to catch up with." Stephanie gave a nod, then headed back to her office with a "clack-clack" of her high heels.
Adam rolled his eyes and hurried to drop the cart off in the medication room. He had to make a note of all the medications he'd just handed out. He made quick work of it and the cart was soon safely locked in the room.
Seth chuckled when Adam finally sat down and let out a breath with a deep exhale. "How was it?" He'd seen Stephanie talk to Adam in the hallway, but couldn't hear their conversation.
"I killed her with kindness. She wants me to supervise Shane later during play time So, how is baby Reigns?" Adam asked as he opened the first chart.
Seth grinned. "Doing fine. Morning sickness is much better. Have fun with Shane. The kids love him. By the way, do you have something to tell me?" He arched a brow at Adam. Roman had told him Adam would have something to tell him at work.
"Oh, guess you mean the news that Dean and I are an official couple? Nah, not gonna tell you." Adam teased.
Seth hugged his friend with a laugh of delight. "I knew you two would wind up together. What did the kids say?" He was so happy for Adam and Dean.
"They were elated. Dean even did Jade's hair without a fit. Kind of sad though..." Adam went on to tell Seth about Dean and the kids. He kept the scare at Randy's out of it.
"… it was hard this morning. The frowns were like rain. I hope we can actually build a relationship. It was nice having him around." Adam finished, then wrote more notes in a chart.
Seth gave Adam a pat on the shoulder. "I am sure you can. I've said it before, Dean is a stand up guy. Roman almost trusts him more than me." He chuckled.
A tall, stocky, muscular Doctor with short, brown hair walked up to the nurse's station. "Ah, my sunshine and rainbow! Good to see you again. I've been in isolation, am I needed here?" He wore a naturally happy smile.
Adam grinned. "Hello, Doctor Cena, welcome back. Not, at the moment. I just finished morning meds. Did you have a good vacation?" Adam liked Doctor John Cena. He was very good with the children and enjoyed his job.
"Yes I did, Nurse Sunshine. Thank you. I'm going to grab a quick break, down on second. Page me if you need me." Dr. Cena gave a wave and hurried to the elevators.
Seth leaned over to speak softly "And guess who is on the second floor. A Cardiologist, Doctor Brock Lesnar. Who also happens to be back after a two week vacation. If Brock didn't propose, he will soon."
Adam made the last note in a chart. Before he could respond, Dean walked down the hall. He wore a grim faced look. Adam knew something was wrong.
Dean got to the nurse's station. He was all doctor. "Megan Helmsley will be here in an hour. She had another incident this morning. We've got to get the pump going. She needs the regulation. Get a private room ready for her, please. Shawn wants her in your wing. Is John here?"
"I can page him, Doctor Ambrose. He went on a short break." Seth stated as he started to page Dr. Cena.
Dean stopped him. "It can wait. Not an emergency. I wanted to put him up to date on Megan. Adam, I stupidly left my spare bag at your place. I will come pick it up after dinner."
Adam groaned. "I'm sorry. I didn't even think about it. I should be home around seven, maybe a bit before. I'll get a room ready for Megan. Are Shawn and Hunter alright?"
"Yes, but Shawn has to be in court. The judge wouldn't delay the case or something. Hunter is bringing Meg in. Don't worry about the bag, I should have remembered. I will be there." Dean gave Adam a nod. He went to his office, which happened to be across the hall from the nurse's station.
Adam stood and looked at a chart that showed all the rooms on the floor. "I will put Megan in one fifty one. It's on the corner and it's private. I'll go make sure it's in order. Start a chart please, Seth." He was in full nurse mode.
"Will do, Adam. Don't worry, Meggie will be alright. I'll have everything ready." Seth too was all professional nurse.
"Thanks, Seth. Just… it's…. Meg. Hunter can get… tetchy, so don't take it personally. Be right back." Adam hurried off to see to room 151.
Seth took the label printer and printed out "MEGAN HELMSLEY". He put the label on a metal chart. Hunter would bring the admittance papers after Meg was checked in. Seth put all the standard forms in the chart, ready for Dean and Adam.
When the elevator dinged on the floor of the children's ward, Seth looked up. Dr. John Cena stepped off. If possible, his smile was even brighter.
"Doctor Cena, Doctor Ambrose was looking for you. He is in his office." Seth nodded to Dean's office door.
John nodded. "Thank you." He went to Dean's door and knocked. He went in when Dean called out to "come in."
Adam returned to the station. "The aide is making up the bed. I hope Meg is alright. She was so forthright on Sunday. But a second incident on the heels of the other one. Her heart… is it wrong to be so thankful mine are so fit and healthy?" Sometimes he did feel guilty when Megan was so ill.
"No, Adam it's not. I hope ours is just as healthy, but if not, we'll deal..." Seth was cut off when their station inter-hospital phone rang. Seth spoke, hung up and turned to Adam. "She's here."
"I'll go." Adam got a wheelchair and went to the elevator. He went down to bring Megan up from the admittance desk down on the first floor.
A few minutes later, Adam returned with Megan and an extremely pensive Hunter. Hunter also carried a pink suitcase and a colorful backpack.
"Hi Meg. You look pretty today. We have a nice room for you. I will come see you later." Seth smiled. He knew Megan and always liked her very much.
Megan smiled. "Hi Seth. How is the baby?"
"Can we get her to her room? You can chat later." Hunter was more aggressive than he meant to be.
Megan looked up at her father. "Dad, I am alright. Please don't bark." She smiled at Hunter.
Hunter sighed. "I'm sorry, baby. You're right. Seth, I am sorry. Is the baby alright?"
Seth smiled. "Just fine, thanks. It's alright Mister Helmsley. You're a worried parent, it's allowed. You let Adam get you settled. I will come later."
"Thanks, Seth. Adam?" Hunter looked at his one time lover. He simply wanted his daughter safe in bed.
"You've got the corner room, all to yourself." Adam explained as he wheeled Megan to room 151.
Hunter smiled. The room was cheerful. It had a blue theme. The walls were painted in a soft shade of blue. In contrast, the drapes over the windows were dark blue, as were the bed covers. There was a sitting area with a small couch and two chairs. The cushions and sofa were of the same dark blue material. The walls also had cute puppy and kitten prints in dark blue frames. It was really more like a home bedroom than a hospital room.
"I like it, Adam. Blue is my favorite color Do I have to wear one of those butt show gowns?" Megan asked as she got out of the wheelchair and sat on the double sized hospital bed.
Adam shrugged. "You will have to wait to see what Doctor Dean says. Sorry. I will leave you to settle in and I will tell the Doctor you are here." He then turned to Hunter. "Relax, Hunt. We will take good care of her." He gave the worried man a gentle pat on the shoulder.
Hunter gave a little nod. "I'm… I need Shawn. He is better at this. Damn judge wouldn't even listen. I am glad you are here. Go on, we will unpack."
Adam gave Hunter another pat. He left, mainly to give Megan time to calm her father down. He chuckled to himself, Hunter was truly lost without Shawn. Adam knew he could have never been the one Hunter really needed. It would always be Shawn.
Just as Adam got back to the nurse's station, Dean and John came out of Dean's office. Seth wasn't at the station, he'd probably gone to answer a patient call.
"Doctor Ambrose, Megan Helmsley is here. They are in room one fifty one. Can I have a moment?" Adam nodded to Dean's office.
"I will be in isolation. We will talk later, Dean." Dr. John Cena stated as he let the couple alone.
"I'm… well, Hunter is excitable. Don't let his bark bother you. They are settling in." Adam reported.
Dean chuckled. "Yeah, he is really upset that Shawn had to go to court. Let's give them a bit of time to settle. John agrees. The pump is really the only option. He also agrees her heart can't take many more insulin incidents. So, that's it."
"She wants it and is ready for it. Oh, Meg wanted to know if she has to wear a butt show gown. I told her it was up to you. Also, remember I have to help Shane around one thirty." Adam looked at his watch. Meg came first, but he hoped to have time for lunch.
"Butt show gown, gotta remember that one. She can wear her own gown for now. We have to monitor her insulin to avoid another incident. Tomorrow I will do the tests so the pump can be calibrated to her needs. We will probably put the pump in on Thursday. It goes around, the pump will come from Orton Pharmaceutical."
Adam shook his head with a wry chuckle. "No problem there. Why do I want to kiss you right now?"
"Probably for the same reason I want to kiss you." Dean had a glint in his eyes. He pulled Adam into his office. The couple smashed their lips together like they would never kiss again.
When Dean and Adam came out of the office, Seth actually laughed. "Adam?" He held up a little mirror that was on the desk.
Adam looked at his reflection. His ponytail was half down and his hospital ID tag was askew. Adam's face flushed as he hurried to the men's room to fix himself.
"Not one word, Seth Reigns or I will tell Roman to spank you. And not in the way I know you like it." Dean smirked his most impish smirk.
Seth turned beet red. "Roman Reigns is a dead man. I can't believe he told you that!"
The laughter stopped when the panic alarm buzzer to room 151 sounded. Dean and Seth took off. Adam came out and followed them down the hall.
Hunter looked up when Dean, Seth and Adam burst into the room like charging bulls. "Hey, where's the fire?" Hunter sat on the edge of Megan's bed. Megan read her history book. Both were fine and totally calm.
Seth looked at Hunter. "The panic buzzer to this room went off." He was confused.
Adam rolled his eyes. "Hunter, stand up." He went over to the bed. Hunter had sat on the remote that called the nurse's station. It also had the panic button, and controlled the bed and television. "You sat on this, and I guess, butt pushed the panic button. We thought… well never mind. Just… keep this up by Meggie's head." Adam clipped the remote to the pillow.
Megan laughed. "Oh, dad. You are so silly. I am sorry guys." She laughed again.
Hunter looked sheepish. "Sorry, I really am. Won't happen again. I feel so stupid."
Adam patted Hunter like an errant puppy. "Not the first time it's happened, Hunter. Still, we have to respond." He adjusted Megan's pillow a bit to help her sit up better.
"While we are here, Miss Megan, you do not have to wear a butt show gown. You will later, but not for a couple of days. So, change into your own nightie. We will be back later." Dean checked Megan and gave her a wink.
"Thanks, Doctor Dean. Sorry again about dad's butt push." Megan smiled happily. While not thrilled about being in the hospital again, she was more than ready to have the insulin pump.
"Why don't you two have lunch. I'll watch the desk. If you don't go now, Adam you won't have time." Seth pointed Adam and Dean to the break room.
Adam thanked Seth and led Dean to the break room. He went to the fridge and pulled out his lunch bag. "You know, you are lucky. Ida figured that out. She made you a sandwich. But, you know, I am hungry enough to eat two sandwiches." Adam pulled two huge sandwiches, two small bags of potato chips, two apples and two cookies out of the bag.
Dean gave a pout. "Even though I am starving, you can be a pig and eat it all. I will just have a cup of coffee and the last two day old doughnut nobody wants." He got up and poured two mugs of coffee. The mugs bore the hospital logo.
Adam chuckled and gave Dean his half of the lunch. "Not a pig. You do like tuna salad, I hope." He unwrapped his sandwich and took a bite.
"I love tuna. I must remember to thank Ida. I use to make my lunch the night before. I quit and went to the cafeteria, but in here with you, is much better. Gotta start making lunches again." Dean stopped talking and bit into his sandwich.
Adam smirked. "It's nice to have lunch with you. I am sorry I didn't notice your medical bag and bring it." He sipped his coffee.
"I left it on the foyer table. No big deal. Now I have a reason to come over tonight." Dean smirked back at Adam.
Dean and Adam talked casually as they ate. They learned more about each other. They discussed things from favorite authors to music, to color, to everything but religion and politics. By the time they finished, the couple felt one step closer to one another. The shared likes of somethings, dislikes of others. Both Adam and Dean were pleased at how easily they could simply visit with each other.
Adam washed their mugs and Dean threw away their trash. "That was nice, Dean. I mean Seth and I talk, but not like this. You and I have enough in common, but also enough differences to not be boring." Adam dried his hands and folded his cloth lunch bag.
Dean put his arms around Adam. "I enjoyed it too, baby. I still think Koontz is better than King. Okay, I have to do rounds with Seth. Have fun with Shane." He pulled Adam in for a kiss, but this time, kept his hands out of Adam's hair.
Adam pressed his forehead to Dean's. "See you, babe." He kissed Dean then left the room.
At the nurse's station, Hunter spoke with Seth. He still had a few papers to fill out. "Gah! I know this has to be done. Shawn has all this stuff in his head." Hunter rifled through his wallet to find the information he needed for the forms.
"It can wait till he gets here, Hunter. Don't stress the small stuff. Why don't you go grab a bite to eat. Meg is a big girl." Adam spoke softly to Hunter as he sat in his chair.
"Adam is right, this can wait. He is also right. get something to eat and catch your breath." Seth stated as he watched Hunter fumble the papers in his wallet.
Hunter sighed. "Alright. I'll go down to the cafeteria I swear Meg is so relaxed. She is doing her schoolwork like nothing happened. I will be back soon. I will tell Meg, then go." He left the station, and headed to Megan's room.
Seth looked around, then leaned into Adam. "Are you alright? He treat you okay? You know what I mean." He gave Adam a pointed look.
Adam too looked around. "It's fine, and he treats me fine. It's almost like there was nothing between us for two years. It's weird in some ways, and a relief in others. Seth… do you think, I'm using… to get over…? What if that's what I'm doing but don't realize it. I know… is honest about his feelings for me and the children… am I… oh Seth, I am confused now." Adam did fear it, suddenly realizing he was using Dean to replace Hunter and it scared him.
Seth frowned. "Oh honey, no you're not using… as a rebound. Look, I will call Roman, tell him I will be late. We have to talk, where we can talk."
Adam nodded. "Yeah, okay. Thanks, Seth." He was halted when the "clack-clack" of high heels came down the hallway. The sound stopped at the nurse's station.
"The thing with Shane is postponed. He got tied up with something for his law school. Shane said it would be next week. So, normal play time. Oh, and tell them not to be so loud when playing their video games. It goes right into my office." Stephanie spoke, then "clacked" back to her office. She was clearly unhappy, but it had nothing to do with the hospital. It had to do with her role as her father's main lieutenant in the "other" family business.
"She is mad about something. I'd better keep a sharp eye on play time. Too bad her office wall is common with the playroom. Oh well, at least the kids didn't know Shane was supposed to come." Seth spoke as he filled out some paperwork.
"I am kind of relieved. Want me to take playroom duty?" Adam prepared his sheet for the afternoon meds.
Seth shook his head. "No, honey, I will do it. I kind of look forward to it. Tom and Monica will be there as well. That Tom has real nursing skills, I hope he goes on to get his RN." He finished his paperwork.
"I agree. Thanks, Seth. I have a feeling Hunter will need me." Adam still made careful notes.
Dean and John came down the hall, the two physician's spoke quietly and went right into Dean's office. Both were grim faced.
"Molly Wilson was moved to isolation last night. I don't think..." Seth was halted by the phone.
"Adam Copeland… yes… yes… yes, we will. Five minutes." Adam hung up the phone.
Adam looked at Seth. "Clear and shut. The morgue is coming up. Molly passed ten minutes ago. It's your wing, but I will do it if you want."
Seth sighed. "No, I'll do it. It was afraid of that. I will get Monica to help me, Missus Wilson likes her." He hurried off. Seth would make sure the hallway to isolation was clear and all the room doors shut. The patients and their parents didn't need to see the morgue pick up a lost patient.
Dr. John Cena came out of Dean's office, just as the team from the morgue arrived. The Doctor escorted the two men as they pushed an empty gurney.
Dean came out of his office. It was obvious Molly's passing was on his heart. He looked for Adam, but didn't see him. Dean went to the medicine room. He smiled when he saw Adam work on the after lunch medications.
"You okay, babe? It's hard." Adam knew Dean relived Cathy's death every time a patient passed
Dean nodded. "It is hard, but I have to keep in mind, she isn't suffering any more. Maybe Cathy is the little angel that greets them. Crazy, I know, but it is how I deal." He looked as sad as a lost puppy.
Adam went to Dean and hugged him. "You aren't crazy. It is a nice thought. Dean, could you do me a huge favor? Seth and I need to talk alone, after work tonight. Could you go pick up your bag, and hang with the kids for half an hour or so? You don't have to."
Dean gave Adam a quick kiss. "Of course I will. It will cheer me up. I'd better let you do the meds."
"Thanks, babe. I'll tell Ida to expect you." Adam kissed Dean. He went back to work as Dean left.
The afternoon passed quickly. The kids were quieter than usual in the playroom. Somehow, they always knew when a fellow patient passed.
At three forty five, Mrs. Wilson stopped at the nurse's station. She carried a suitcase in one hand, in the other, she clutched the stuffed Snoopy Molly had won at bingo. Mrs. Wilson looked exhausted and drained.
"I just wanted to say thank you for all that you did for Molly. I am sorry I was such a bitch at times. I appreciate how you just… took it… with a smile. Well, I have to meet my husband at the funeral home. Oh, Molly said to let someone else love Snoopy. So, can you take it?" Mrs. Wilson was sad, but strong.
Seth took the stuffed toy. "Yes, we can. There is a new patient from the orphanage. This will give him a lot of comfort. Thank you. We are so very sorry about Molly. She was a very brave girl, and always smiled. Can you drive? We can offer you a free ride." He was worried about Mrs. Wilson.
Mrs. Wilson managed a small smile. "I am glad the toy can help the boy. No, I am really alright. We knew it was coming. Thank you again."
Adam went and gave Mrs. Wilson a hug. "You are welcome. Please, call if you need anything, or just want to talk. Our care about you doesn't just stop now."
"Thank you. We are taking Molly home to Springfield. My husband got his job back. We have a lot of friends and a strong church there. Goodbye and please know, I appreciate you all." Mrs. Wilson gave a final nod and left St. Luke's for the last time.
"Life goes on." Seth said simply with a sigh.
Adam nodded. "Yeah, it does. We can talk after work. Dean will help Ida for a while. Ah, Shawn's here." He smiled as his pseudo father stepped off the elevator.
Shawn was dressed in a very expensive pin striped suit. He wore a red power tie and carried his leather briefcase. Shawn Michaels-Helmsley oozed power.
"Hello, Shawn. Someone will be happy to see you, and I don't mean Meg. She is fine. She's been keeping Hunter calm. Come on, I will take you down." Adam gave Shawn a hug. He saw the stress on the older man's face.
Shawn nodded. "Poor Hunt. He doesn't handle it well alone. But, I won the case, so no court tomorrow. Seth, your Roman is a wonder. I wouldn't have won this case without him. You'll have a nice bonus out of this. That house is one step closer." He smiled at Seth.
"I am glad Roman is a help. Congratulations on your win. I know it was a very difficult case." Seth smiled at Shawn.
Adam led Shawn down to Megan's room. He grinned when Hunter's face lost all its stress as soon as Shawn walked into the room.
The day continued. Dean promised to keep the kids company, and for Adam to take his time. Adam then went and said goodnight to the Helmsley's. Hunter was going to get their dinner and bring back his and Shawn's casual clothes. Megan was alright. Her insulin was carefully watched and her heart monitored. Adam then went to meet Seth in the parking lot.
Seth joined Adam in the Kia. It had a generator so they could have the air conditioning run without fuel waste.
"Okay, tell me exactly what is on your mind." Seth asked.
Adam sighed. "When I saw Hunter, it made me wonder. Did I move to fast with Dean because of Hunter? Is Dean a rebound? What if… I change my mind about Dean when I realize that. I not only hurt Dean, I hurt my children. The one thing I swore to never do."
Seth nodded "I guess I can understand that thought, but, be honest. When was the last time you and Hunter had sex?" He arched brow and was blunt.
Adam liked the fact that Seth was always honest and blunt. "Before the quads birthdays. I didn't mean a rebound for the sex I meant in the emotions. Not being alone, not having someone in my life. That's what Dean does, he fills those emotions."
"Adam, you lunkhead. Think about it. Was Hunter able to be there anytime you felt lonely? Was Hunter truly in your life? I know you said you loved Hunter and Hunter loved you, but, be totally honest. Was it love or affection? I mean be really honest with yourself. Don't rush to answer." Seth gave Adam a very hard look. Adam could be so damn stubborn.
Adam leaned back in his seat. "No, Hunter wasn't on call, so to speak. Often I wish he could have just come to the house and slept in my bed, just for the company. It was hotel sex. I did love him, but not like I once loved Randy. He loved me, but not ever like he loves Shawn. So, I guess, if I really sat down and thought about it, it was just deep affection. So, if I am not rebounding, why did I say yes to Dean so fast. You know me, Seth. I take an hour to decide between chocolate and vanilla ice cream. How could I decide to be Dean's partner in one conversation on a Saturday night?" He looked at Seth with utter confusion deeply etched on his handsome face.
Seth thought for a moment. "Maybe your heart and soul knew before your brain. You had what you had with Hunter. It was nice, but it was never going to be anything but a dirty secret. Sorry, but you know I am brutally honest. You can't put perfume on a pig. It's over..." Seth paused to turn in the passenger seat. He looked Adam directly in the eyes.
"Adam, I know Dean Jonathan Ambrose. He means anything he said to you. He's not trying to get into your pants, he wants to get into your heart. And, I know if you think about it, you want him in yours. Am I right? You do have deep feelings for him? The heart knows what the heart wants. Why does it have to take months to decide? Besides, look at your kids They are innocent to all the adult crap and they adore Dean. Do you think Jade would trust just anyone, or James? I promise, Adam. You have made the best possible decision." Seth finished with a firm nod.
Adam smiled at his best friend. "Okay, I heard you. You are right about the dirty secret part. At least I can look Shawn in the eye, honestly again. Seth… oh… fuck… should I tell Dean about Hunter? Is it wrong if I don't? Or should I be totally truthful and honest?" Adam's face wrinkled in confusion again.
Seth scratched his bearded chin. "That is a difficult one. This is my advice. If you think you should, then by all means tell him. But, not out of the blue. Wait to see how it goes. If you are meant to tell him, the opportunity will present itself. I'm not saying that Dean will be angry, he will listen and understand. I am saying you want to protect Shawn. So, I know that isn't much help, but for now, let sleeping dogs lie. As I said, you will know if it is meant to be told. Now, have I helped or made it worse? Cause I need to get home."
Adam chuckled. "No, honey. You said what needed to be said. I know Dean isn't a rebound. And, you're right about Hunter. There is enough on that plate with Megan. Go home to your wild Samoan. I hope you can buy that house soon. I want you next door. I love you, Sethie. Now, get outta my car. I do appreciate this, Seth. You always kick my butt when I need it. Now, go. I love you and I love you Baby Reigns." He gave Seth's belly a rub.
The two friends hugged and kissed. Seth got out of the Kia. "I love you, Adam. Kiss the kids for me." Seth closed the door and then got into his own car.
Adam started his car and buckled up. He waited for Seth's car to start. The friends gave each other a thumbs up, and pulled out of the hospital parking lot.
Adam smiled as he headed home. Dean would be there. His smile grew brighter.
Adam never noticed the black car that followed behind him.