When Adam parked next to him at the hospital, Seth smirked. "Somebody got lucky last night." Seth spoke in his sing-song tone that teased.
Adam turned beet red. "Yes, I did, Seth. And, it was wonderful. No apologies. I did start the day with a migraine, but Dean took good care of me." They got to the door of the hospital.
Seth nodded. "Yes, Doctor Cena said Dean called in. Adam, you need to be prepared. Drake Younger is the acting Head of the Advocacy Department. Hazel is on a two month leave. She will be back, but she needs a break. Do not let this affect your relationship with Dean. Dean is head over heels for you. And before you even ask, no, Dean doesn't know yet. It happened just at the end of our shift yesterday. So don't think he knew and didn't tell you." He spoke firmly as they walked to the nurse's station.
Adam paused and pulled Seth to a stop. "Thanks for telling me, Seth. I trust Dean. I wonder how he will react?" They continued to the nurses station.
"Not good, I'm sure. He will need to know you don't feel threatened by it. Adam, pull your big boy pants up and be strong. Dean is more fragile than he lets on." Seth stopped talking as they got to the desk, Lita was there.
An hour later, Adam was in the medicine room. A key turned in the lock. Dean stepped into the room. His face held a mixture of anger… and fear.
Adam went to his lover. "I know, babe. Seth told me. It isn't going to affect us one damn bit, I swear it." He gave Dean a kiss to seal his words.
Dean couldn't help but deepen the kiss. When it broke, he spoke. "I am glad to hear that, very glad. It worried me that you would get worried about it. No matter what, Adam, I am yours and only yours. I wouldn't put it past him to try something, just to get to me. So be prepared. Trust me, I don't care about anything but you and the children." He gave Adam another kiss.
Adam pressed his forehead to Dean's. "I know, babe. Trust me after your… talent show last night, nobody but me is getting their hands on you. Now, let me work. I do love you." He gave Dean another kiss.
"I love you, sweetheart. I'll love you even more tomorrow, and more the day after that. Okay, see you. I'll meet you in Megan's room." Dean gave Adam a wink and left the med room.
Thirty minutes later, Dean smiled when Adam joined him in Megan Helmsley's room. Shawn greeted them as did Megan.
"The advocate was here earlier. He said he would get Megan's pump at the top of his list. I wish it had been Hazel, this guy… was… well, more interested in me, I guess. I mean, in my law office. I don't know, Hazel would have cared about Megan, not my name, so to speak." Shawn had had an instant dislike for Drake Younger.
"Drake Younger is… an ex of mine. I know exactly what you are saying. He was the same at Truman. He had a penchant for helping, big names. Shawn, please, I never said that. I trust you because of Adam. Don't worry. I'm working on getting a pump from a fellow Doctor in Saint Louis. That too, is just between us. Adam, oral meds today. Megan your levels look good." While Dean had spoken, he'd looked at Megan's monitor.
Adam gave Megan her dose of medication. "Shawn, if Dean says he'll get the pump, he will get it." He smiled at his father figure.
Shawn gave a nod. "I'm going back to the office tomorrow. Megan is making me. She's right. I can be here in ten minutes if I'm needed. We know she needs to be here."
Dean nodded. "Yes, it is better. I'm also glad you are going back to work. She will be just fine, Shawn. Okay, I have others to see. I leave you in good hands." He gave Shawn a nod and Megan a pat on the head. Also, he gave Adam a kiss, after all, Shawn and Megan were family.
Adam smiled after Dean. "I had one of my stupid migraines yesterday. Dean stayed home and took such good care of me. It was one of my quickest recoveries ever. I guess having a doctor for a partner is a good thing." He helped Megan adjust better in the bed as he spoke.
"Seth told us. I was so pleased that Dean was with you. That is one job I am happy to turn over to him. Hunter and I are so pleased for you, Adam. Dean is a fine man. You look so happy." Shawn walked over and gave Adam a hug.
Adam hugged Shawn in return. "I am happy, Shawn. I love him, at least, the start of love. He cares so much about the children, too. I've let him make some parent decisions, just to see, and he is wonderful. Oh guess what! Jan lost her first tooth! The first of many to come. I think the tooth fairy will need to take out a bank loan. Poor Jordan thought that Rock guy was coming to the house."
Megan laughed. "He loved that movie, so it makes sense. Oh, dad said, because daddy is going back to work, I can have my new tablet tomorrow. He's getting it after work tonight." She was excited. It meant she could play her online games.
Shawn shook his head. "But remember, school work before games. Adam will tell me the truth you know." He spoke firmly, but he gave his daughter a wink.
"Don't worry, daddy. I will. I love my school work. Nancy gives great video lessons." Megan also spoke firmly with a wink.
Adam took hold of his cart. "I've got to go. I am getting behind. I'll see you later." He kissed Megan's cheek. He gave a wave and pushed his cart back to the med room.
At the nurse's station, Adam joined Seth. He grabbed his charts and started his work." "Sorry, I talked too long with Shawn." Adam apologized to his friend.
"No worries, Adam. Dean is in his office, went to call his friend in Saint Louis." Seth informed Adam as he charted his notes.
Adam paused his writing. "Yeah, Shawn told me..." He went on to explain about Drake. "… Dean said he'd make sure to take care of it."
"He is probably talking to Tommy Dreamer. He went to college with Dean and Roman. He specializes in Juvenile Diabetes at the Shriner's Hospital for Children in Saint Louis." Seth spoke as he wrote.
"Impressive. Shriner's is one of the best hospitals for children. Doctor Dreamer… I think I've read his name in a journal." Adam too wrote as he spoke.
The "clack-clack" of Stephanie McMahon approached the nurse's station. "Adam, you're going to be off this weekend, aren't you?"
Adam nodded. "Yes, it is my weekend with my kids. Why?" He was not going to give up his weekend off. He would be working night shift for the next two weeks, this was his last chance to spend quality time with his quads for a while.
Stephanie smiled. "I wasn't sure I remembered correctly. Stupid me lost the schedule sheet. Then two weeks of nights to fill in for Lita and Beth?"
"Yes, Seth and I both. So this weekend means a lot to me." Adam replied, but thought it was a strange question.
"Oh, that's right. I don't know, this contract mess has me in dithers. Everything is confused, then I lost a few papers, or I left them at home. By the way, Mister Younger is working on getting that insulin pump for Megan Helmsley. He thinks he can have it as quick as two weeks. Isn't that wonderful. Hazel will be missed, but her work won't suffer. Father may try to find a way for him and Hazel to co-head the department. Two strong advocates are better than one. We are also trying to get the Advocacy offices on this floor. Closer and better access to the children. Well, back to work." Stephanie "click-clacked" back to her office.
Dean came out of his office. "Take lunch at eleven thirty. I want to talk to you. Gotta go to isolation. John needs a second opinion on something." He hurried off to the isolation ward.
Adam looked at Seth. "It will take me a while to learn his expressions. Do I need to worry?"
Seth shook his head. "He seemed fine to me. He probably has news about the pump. Now, was Stephanie acting… strange to you?"
"Sort of, but, I guess she really does have a lot on her mind with the contract mess. I hope what she said about Drake coming here full time does not work out. Hazel does well on her own. She wouldn't take two weeks to do something either." Adam rolled his eyes at the thought.
The morning passed as normal. Adam and Seth answered patient calls, and spoke with worried parents. At eleven thirty, they went to the break room Dean was already there.
"Sandwiches out of the left over chicken from last night, banana pudding and an apple." Dean had unpacked his and Adam's lunch bag.
Adam poured three cups of coffee. Seth sat with his lunch and put his feet up. He had a delicious looking roast beef sandwich.
"So, you're off this weekend and the kids are at home too, right?" Dean asked, then bit into his own sandwich.
Adam smiled. "Yep. On Monday, Seth and I will do nights for two weeks. I want to do something fun with the children this weekend." Adam stated with a smile.
Dean grinned. "Well, how about a weekend in Saint Louis? Stay at the Drury, go to the Arch, the Zoo or Grant's Farm. All my treat. Tommy has a pump, but I need to pick it up. Might as well make it an adventure."
Adam's face lit up. "That would be wonderful. The kids will enjoy it.." He went on to tell Dean about what Stephanie had told him.
"… so, when you show up with the pump on Monday… I hope he faints." Adam laughed.
Dean grinned. "Let's not say anything to anyone, about the pump. Seth?"
"Say anything about what? I didn't hear you." Seth gave the couple a wink.
Adam laughed. "We could leave tomorrow after work?" He looked at Dean with hope.
"Of course. I've already made the reservation for tomorrow night. We have a two room suite on the eighth floor with a view of the Arch. It will be fun for the kids." Dean smirked, he knew Adam would say yes.
Adam was nearly giddy. "Oh, Dean! You are simply wonderful!" He leaned over and kissed Dean with all the excitement he felt.
The door to the break room opened. "Well, not exactly an appetizing thing to walk in on." Drake Younger entered the room with a tray of food from the hospital cafeteria.
Adam broke the kiss, but Dean pulled him close with his arm around Adam's shoulder. "Nothing wrong with kissing the man you love, is there?" Dean tried to keep the growl out of his voice, but failed.
Drake pulled on the empty chair at the table. Seth slowly removed his feet. "Sorry, Drake. Have a seat." Seth too growled his words.
Drake sat. "Yeah, gotta rest those feet. So Dean, we haven't been properly introduced."
"Adam Orton, meet Drake Younger." Dean spoke flatly. He kept a light hold on Adam.
Adam smiled. "Nice to meet you, officially. I understand you're an advocate for children." He took a bite of his sandwich, he was hungry.
"Yes, I am. Best in the city. I'm replacing Hazel Forest. Poor dear needed to take a leave." Drake's voice held a condescending tone.
Adam nodded. "Yes. She's been wanting to take some time off to help her sister, who has breast cancer. I'm glad Stephanie was finally able to work it out for her. Hazel works very hard for the children who need help, regardless of their situation." Adam was friendly, but Seth had to bite his lip to keep from laughing. Adam was being a sarcastic bastard, and he loved it.
Drake chewed the bite of food he'd taken. "Yes, she does, and very well. Oh, you will pleased to know, I may have found a insulin pump for Shawn Helmsley's daughter… um… Mary. May have it as soon as two weeks."
"Her name is Megan, not Mary. Two weeks? Why so long if you've found one?" Dean asked as he took a bite of his sandwich, one handed. He still held Adam close.
Drake scoffed. "You know how it is, D. Paper work, red tape. It's not like I can just drive over to Jefferson City and pick it up."
Seth laughed so hard internally, he nearly choked on his sip of coffee. Adam reached over and rubbed Seth's back.
"Hey, don't choke baby Reigns. You okay, Seth?" Adam asked, worry on his face.
Seth nodded and caught his breath. "Yeah, I'm fine. Wrong pipe. Baby Reigns is just fine, Uncle Adam."
Drake didn't like the attention taken away from him. "So D, you and Adam been dating long?" He took another bite of food.
"For a little while. What about you? And my name is Dean not D." Dean glared at his former lover. He wondered what he ever saw in him.
"Sorry, Dean. I forgot, you hate nicknames. Only a little while? And you're talking love? Well, you always were a fast worker. Took you ten whole minutes to invite me home for the night when we first met." Drake spoke casually, but he had a sneer on his face.
Dean growled low. "Drake, I have told Adam all about you. Yes, you and I were lovers, we had a deep relationship, we were in love. Now, that is over and has been for a long time. I love Adam and he loves me. If you have come here with any thought of us getting back together, forget it. Adam knows, you will always have a corner of my heart, and I share one with his ex-husband. But, that is as far as it goes. So, drop the look and the sarcastic tone of voice. Get it in your head now. I love Adam and his children and they love me. End of." He spoke firmly to Drake, then turned and gave Adam a soft smile.
Drake slumped back in his chair. He held up his hands. "I've got it, Dean. I'm sorry you thought I had ulterior motives. I wish you both happiness. I'll just finish my lunch and get back to work." He took a bite of food.
Dean gave Drake a nod. "Thank you, Drake. As I said, you will always be in my heart, but Adam has my heart and soul. Let's just work together for the ill children. That's why we're all here." He took another bite of food.
There was no more talk. Drake finished his lunch. He got up with a nod and left the room.
Seth growled. "He could have taken this tray back to the kitchen." He put his feet back up in the chair Drake had once occupied.
Adam looked at Dean. "You… just… annihilated him. I mean that in the best way. I couldn't have done that so eloquently. Can you stop being so wonderful… no, wait… on second thought, don't ever stop. You're incredible, simply incredible." He leaned over and gave Dean a kiss to rival the one Drake had interrupted.
Dean opened and closed his mouth. Seth laughed. "Adam, you've done something I didn't think possible. You've rendered Dean Ambrose speechless. Roman won't believe it."
"Don't you dare, Seth Reigns. Adam, I only spoke the truth. Nothing earth shattering about that. Now, don't we have patients to see to?" Dean found his voice and then returned Adam's kiss.
In Stephanie McMahon's office, Drake Younger paced the floor like a caged tiger. "He just made a fucking ass outta me. In front of a lousy nurse to boot. I don't think we're going to get to Adam through Dean. So now what?" Drake turned and looked at Stephanie, his boss here, and there.
Stephanie leaned on her elbows on her desk. She tapped her fingers together. "You've got to be a hero in their eyes. Get that pump for Megan Helmsley. Adam loves that girl. If you get that pump you will be his hero. Monday morning, I will arrange for a limousine to drive you over to Jefferson City. It's only a two and half hour ride. I'll make sure our contact at Capitol Hospital has the pump. Orton Pharmaceuticals holds their contract, it will be a double win. We outsmart Orton and make you Adam's hero. By Tuesday, people will be wondering why you haven't been working here before. The best thing to do now is lay low. Leave Ambrose alone. Soon, Adam won't even remember his name, and he will be in our clutches." Stephanie laid out the plan with confidence.
Drake stopped his pacing. "You, ma'am are a genius. That's a brilliant plan. That insulin pump will be the key to the kingdom. Well then, I will leave you to it. Brilliant, simply brilliant." With a nod of respect to Stephanie, he left for his own office. It was all Drake Younger could do not to dance.
Stephanie grinned. Her plan was coming together. The goal was to get to Randy through Adam. The McMahon faction knew Randy Orton would do anything to keep Adam safe, because with Adam came the children. She couldn't stop the evil laugh or the sneer on her face.
Adam had just finished charting the few after lunch medications as had Seth. The laughed when they both closed their last charts at the same time. Adam looked at his watch.
"Just enough time for a quick coffee break." Adam stood with a stretch of his long, lean body.
Seth stood and rubbed his slight baby bump. "Tea for me. I've decided to limit my caffeine intake. Green tea is good."
Just as they left the station, the panic alarm rang for room 151, Megan Helmsley's room.
"Get Doctor Ambrose." Adam called over his shoulder as he hurried down the hall.
Adam went into the room. Megan clutched at her chest. Shawn held his daughter. "She was fine, and then suddenly she started reacting."
Adam quickly looked at the levels on Megan's monitor. "She needs sugar." He went to the in room refrigerator and pulled out a small bottle of orange juice.
Dean flew into the room and went to Megan. "Come on, honey. Let's have some juice." He took the cup Adam had filled and held it up to Megan's lips. She dribbled more than she drank.
Dean held the cup steady. "That's it, honey. Relax. Think of beautiful horses, running in a green field, Champion at the lead." Dean spoke in a soft, calm voice.
Megan managed to relax enough to drink from the cup of juice. She stopped clutching her heart, but she still trembled. The cup was empty.
"More, please." Dean held the cup as Adam deftly filled it.
Shawn looked at his daughter. "Come on, baby. Drink some more." He watched as Dean gently coaxed Megan to drink more juice. Even though medicine could be used, Dean felt the gentle approach with juice was better for Megan's heart.
Megan's trembles stopped and the blank look vanished from her eyes. She looked around. Doctor Dean, Adam and her daddy looked at her with worried faces.
"Sorry, daddy. It happened so fast. I was fine, then..." Megan shrugged and her voice was weak.
Shawn caressed Megan's head gently. "Don't be sorry, baby. You can't help when it happens. Feeling better now?" His hand ran from the top of head, down her back, then up again.
Adam filled the cup half way. It was a fine balance between too much and not enough. "Here you go, Meggie Pops. Sip it slowly. I meant to tell you, you look so pretty with your hair in a braid." Shawn had plaited Megan's hair that morning.
Megan opened her eyes and smiled at Adam. "Thanks, Adam. It's easier. Doctor Dean, am I going to die?" Megan rarely thought about it, now, she did.
Dean took Megan's hand in his. "No, not for a long, long time. I know it's scary, especially when your heart hurts so bad. I will never, ever lie to you, honey. It is serious, but with all of us looking out for you, it won't happen. I promise, when you get your pump, these silly incidents will hardly ever happen. Your heart will like that. Megan, your heart will never be as strong as a normal persons, but, it will be better when it can rest from these incidents. Okay?"
Megan nodded. "I'm not afraid to die, but, I would prefer not to. I hope that man can get my pump. I am more than ready."
Dean leaned over to whisper in Megan's ear. He held his hand up so no one could read his lips. "Don't say anything, or react. Promise?" Dean smiled as Megan nodded.
"You will have your operation on Tuesday. I am going to Saint Louis to get a pump over the weekend. You can not tell anyone, Megan. Not even your parents. They will know on Monday. Now promise me, pinkie swear." Dean leaned back and extended his left pinkie finger to Megan. Megan twisted her right pinkie finger around Dean's.
"I swear." Megan stated with a laugh.
Shawn was obviously curious. "So, can I know the big secret?" He arched a brow at his daughter.
Megan grinned. "Nope. Doctor, patient information. You're a lawyer, daddy. You shouldn't have even asked me now, should you?" She smirked at Shawn.
Shawn held his hands up. "You're right, Judge Megan. I stand corrected. I do apologize to the court." He spoke like he was actually in court.
Megan laughed. "You are forgiven, Esquire Helmsley, and do not ask again." She took a sip of juice.
"No, ma'am, I wouldn't dream of it." Shawn's face was more relaxed. Megan was back to normal.
Adam put the rest of the orange juice back in the fridge, after he'd written the date and time it was opened on the lid. He smiled. Megan had recovered quickly and that was very good.
"Well, I will get back to work, Miss Megan. I will come check on you later." Dean gave Megan a wink.
"Thanks, Doctor Dean. You're the best. Please marry Adam and be my uncle." Megan laughed when Adam flushed.
"Meggie Pops, I can still spank you. Call me if you need me. Shawn, no more juice after that's gone. Too much is just as bad. Love you, Meggie." Adam kissed the top of Megan's head.
Dean and Adam left the room together. "I take it you told her?" Adam asked quietly as they walked down the hall to the nurse's station.
"Yep. I felt it would do her good. Remind me to get that horse game I promised her. She's earned it. Adam, is she afraid?" Dean asked as they stopped walking.
Adam shook his head. "To die? No, not really. Shawn doesn't talk about it much, but he has extreme faith in God. He's talked to her about it. He knows down deep she understands it's nothing to fear and everyone faces it. Megan also has a strong faith. I too believe, but I don't shout it. What about you?"
"I do believe there is something or someone looking out for us. I know I will one day see Cathy again, and she will be happy and healthy." Dean spoke with a smile.
They started to walk again. Stephanie was at the nurse's station. "Ah, there you are. How is Miss Helmsley?" Stephanie asked with a tone of worry, but there was a shine in her eyes.
"Recovered. Quickly, thank goodness." Dean replied as Adam went around to his chair.
Stephanie gave a nod. "Very good. We may hear something about her pump, very soon. Mister Younger has some contacts in Jefferson City. He certainly is quick off the mark." She spoke with a smile.
Seth spoke up. "Then I am sure he his getting that electric wheelchair for Martin Miller. His folks can't afford to buy one and their insurance will only pay rental for two weeks." He spoke firmly.
"Oh, I thought his leg had been saved." Stephanie looked at Seth with confusion.
Seth nodded. "Yes, it has, thanks to Doctors Cena and Ambrose. However, he will not be able to walk for six months. He needs major rehab. Hazel Forest was working on getting one donated. But, I am sure Mister Younger will finish what she started. He needs it next week." He was very sweet, but both Dean and Adam knew Seth was being snarky about Drake.
Stephanie stammered. "Oh… well… I will be sure he knows about it. It will take him some time to settle in. I'll go see him now, as a matter of fact." She turned and clacked her way to the elevator. When she was gone, Dean and Adam laughed.
"That was just precious, Seth. She was almost speechless." Adam patted his friend on the back.
"Yes, it was. Martin is exactly the kind of patient Drake barely helps. Poor parents and no name. It's a shame, because those are the ones Hazel works hardest for. I mean, if Megan needed a wheelchair, Hazel knows her parents could buy one. She would still find the best place to get one, but she wouldn't waste time trying to get one donated. Drake isn't going to win this one." Dean muttered his last few words under his breath.
Luckily neither Adam nor Seth heard his muttered words. "Well, Martin needs it and his parents need help getting it. I know Hazel's sister needs her and I am glad she finally got the time off, but, I wish she'd gotten that wheelchair first. Oh well." Seth sighed. He got up to answer a patient call.
"I really didn't realize how… disgusting Drake really is until now. You helped me realize that, Adam. He is nothing to compared to you. I can't wait for the weekend." Dean smiled at Adam. He then began his rounds to see his patients.
Adam smiled. He knew Drake Younger would not be an issue between them. He pulled out his cell phone. He had to tell Randy that the kids would be going out of town for the weekend.
"Randy, just letting you know Dean is taking us all to St. Louis for the weekend. Should we take the kids to see your parents? Always, Adam." Adam sent the text and went on about his work.
Adam prepared the shift change report for Lita. He looked when his cell phone vibrated. It was a text from Randy.
"Sounds like fun. Just call dad. Maybe he and mom will meet you at the zoo. Don't knock yourself out to see them. Have fun, you deserve it. Love to our babies. Ran."
Adam grinned, it made him happy that Randy had no objections to Dean. He was also glad not to go to the Orton mansion. It always made Adam squirm.
Adam smiled when Lita sat down next to him. Adam gave her the shift change reports. Seth did the same with Beth.
An hour later, Adam sat at the table in his kitchen. Dean and the kids did homework, Ida finished their dinner.
"I don't suppose anyone would like to go to Saint Louis with daddy and I tomorrow night?" Dean asked as he looked at Jan's math homework.
"I would! Me too! Me! Yes!" Four voices answered with excitement.
Dean pointed out an error to Jan. "Try that one more time, honey."
Jan erased the answer she'd written down and reworked the problem. When she finished she showed it to Dean. She waited as he looked at it.
"Perfect. You subtracted instead of adding the first time. So I guess you four will have to come with us tomorrow." Dean stated with a laugh.
"You have to promise me something. You can watch a movie in the car, but please, not Toy Story." Adam used his parental voice.
"I love Toy Story. Why can't they watch it in the car?" Dean was curious.
"We drove to Chicago two years ago. That was all they watched. No Toy Story in the car." Again Adam spoke firmly.
"Okay then, no Toy Story in the car." Dean backed up Adam's decree.
What would happen in Saint Louis? On two sides of Kansas City, two rivals made plans. The Orton faction and the McMahon faction.