When Adam woke up at five, Dean was gone. He found his usual note, but Dean hadn't gone to the gym.
"Hey baby, No gym today. I am going to the hospital to transfer the readings to the pump. I want to take my time and be prepared. See you after Megan's surgery. I love you, baby. Love, Dean."
Adam kissed the note like a schoolboy in love. He put it in the drawer with the others. Adam went to take a shower. He grinned when his ass felt a little sore. Dean had nearly fucked him raw. Adam didn't mind one single bit.
Adam, ready for work, helped his children get ready for school. Ida served a breakfast of eggs, bacon and toast.
"Dean said not to worry about lunch. He's buying. Wants to celebrate the event today." Ida spoke in a kind of code. Adam didn't want the quads to worry about Megan having an operation.
"What event?" Jade picked up quickly on what Miss Ida had said, per usual.
Adam frowned at Jade. "Something at work. Jade, not everything is your business. If you needed to know, I would tell you."
"But, I didn't drop eaves. Miss Ida said it. I was just… um… curlious." Jade sighed.
"It's eavesdrop and curious. Honey, I am not mad at you, but, you need to learn, not everything is about you or for you. You will learn that as you get older. I love you, now eat." Adam gave his daughter a pat on the arm. Jade worried Adam the most. He feared her ears might one day get her in real trouble.
"Sorry, daddy. I love you." Jade smiled at Adam.
By nine, Adam was charting his meds. He was down to just ten patients and Megan would be in isolation for twenty four hours. Even though he hated the why, fewer children on the ward meant better care and time with each child still there.
Set too sat and charted. "Shawn and Hunter are wearing a hole in the floor of the isolation waiting room. I guess her weakened heart is a worry under anesthetics." He gave Adam a worried look.
Adam nodded. "I would guess Dean is going to use a heavy local and light general. I wish now I had taken on surgical nursing. I'd love to help Dean in the operating room."
Seth looked at his friend. "You're only twenty eight. Your kids are older. You could go back to school. You are also smart enough, you were the valedictorian of our class. You could take night classes at UMKC." He gave Adam a hard look.
Adam's entire face wrinkled up in thought. "Do you really think I could? Maybe I will think about it. Oh, what does he want?" Adam looked up when Drake Younger stepped off the elevator.
Seth spoke in a softer voice. "Yes, I don't think you can, I know you can." He wanted Adam to know going back to school was a good thing.
Drake stopped at the nurse's station. "I am going to talk to Doctor Cena. If that child in isolation needs a pump, I'll see to it."
"What about the wheelchair for Martin Miller? His need is very real and very great." Seth arched his brow at Drake. He simply did not like the man.
Drake looked at Seth. "I will do what I can, Seth. Look, I know you don't approve of me, but give me a chance. I became someone I don't like. I am trying to change. I will speak to Martin's parents. The bad thing is, so much is tied up in the contract dispute. Orton is causing all kinds of… oh, sorry, Adam. I forgot. It's nothing to do with you. I didn't mean to imply anything." Drake hung his head like a kicked pup. He needed Adam to feel sorry for him.
Adam smiled. "I know, Drake. I don't know much about Orton Pharmaceuticals. Even when we were married, I wasn't involved. Just do your best, and prove you want to change. It's the families with financial problems that need you the most. Do it for them, not your own glory. I will give you a chance, but don't blow it." He gave Drake a deadly serious look.
Drake knew, to win Adam, he'd have to prove himself. He'd buy the damn wheelchair if it meant Adam would be on his side.
"I will, Adam. I promise. Now, I have to go meet Doctor Cena. Good morning, gentlemen." Drake gave Adam a bit of a flirtatious grin as he left.
Seth looked at Adam. "He is up to something. Remember, I know him. Honestly, if I didn't know better, he was flirting with you. It would be a way to get back at Dean."
Adam shook his head. "Will never happen. I ain't giving up my sex god for Drake Younger." Adam flushed. He hadn't meant to say what he said.
"I knew it! So… I take it Dean is good? I um… saw his package a few times at the gym. He's not my Roman, but close." Seth had leaned into whisper to his best friend.
"Seth Colby Rollins-Reigns, your mouth! And why were you looking at Dean? Sure a glance by accident in a gym shower, but..." Adam arched his brow at Seth.
Seth let out a sigh. "Okay, one night after the gym, Roman and Dean got into an argument about who's abs were more defined. They made Drake and I judge. Roman and Dean oiled up and posed naked. So, I got a really good look. A week later, Dean and Drake broke up." He flushed a bit as he recounted the story.
Adam chuckled. "Sounds like a fun contest. So, who won?" He didn't care about Drake, he was part of Dean's past.
"I did, of course." Dean spoke as he stood at the nurse's station. He wore his surgical scrubs and still wore his hair cover.
Both Adam and Seth spun their chairs to look at Dean. "Um… hi. How is Megan?" Adam asked as he flushed even more.
Dean smiled. "Perfect. She is in post op isolation. I must say, it went even better than I had hoped. I honestly worried about her heart, but it was fine." He was proud, but humble. He was happy Megan had taken the surgery so well. Now her life would be much easier. That is what mattered.
Adam beamed at his lover. "I'm so proud of you. Thank you, Doctor Ambrose." His eyes beamed with not only with pride, but love.
Dean ducked his head with his boyish grin. "All for Megan. Shawn and Hunter have finally relaxed. They will feel better when they can actually see and speak to her in isolation. Installing those intercoms were the best thing Hazel has ever done."
Hazel Forest had gotten a company to donate a video intercom system so parents could speak with and see their children in isolation. It had been a wonderful addition.
Seth nodded like a head banger at a rock concert. "Yes, it was. Doctor Cena has said it has helped speed up recoveries as well. I've seen it myself. Great news about Megan. She is such a sweetheart."
The two nurses and doctor stopped talking when Drake Younger came back from his meeting with Doctor John Cena.
"Ah, you're out of surgery. How did it go?" Drake asked as he stopped at the station.
"Very well. She is going to be fine. In a month, she will be back to riding." Dean answered with a professional tone of voice.
Drake smiled. "Good. Dean, despite… I have always admired your skills as a surgeon and as a doctor. Congratulations." He had true admiration in his voice and on his face.
"Thanks, Drake. I do appreciate that. What did John say?" Dean arched his brow at Drake. Maybe, just maybe, Drake could change.
"He wasn't sure yet. I don't fully understand all the deep medical stuff. But, he thinks the port for a pump wouldn't heal properly and the risk of a bacterial infection is too high right now. So, I guess it's not necessary to chase down another insulin pump. Now I can fully concentrate on getting an electric wheelchair for Martin Miller. Think your connection in Saint Louis could get one?" Drake looked at Dean. Maybe Dean would slip up and name his contact.
"I doubt it. A wheelchair is different to getting a pump. But, maybe my contact would know of a place, but, I am sure you will manage. Plenty of medical supply businesses here in KC. Maybe even the Lions, Elks or Kiwanis Clubs could help. But, you don't need me to tell you how to do your job. Drake, when you do it right, you do it very well. I want to see that Drake Younger again." Dean looked at his ex-lover with honesty.
Drake nodded. "Thanks, Dean. I am trying. I just hope you believe that. Well, back to work. Congratulations again on Megan Helmsley." Drake turned and left. He hoped Adam would notice he was trying.
Inside it was killing Drake. He hated the taste of humble pie. However, it was what he'd been ordered to do and Drake didn't dare cross an order directly from the McMahon's, especially Stephanie.
Dean looked at his watch. "You and Seth go to the break room. I'll join you shortly." Dean gave Adam a handsome smile.
"Yes, Doctor Ambrose." Adam spoke with flirtation in his voice. He stood as did Seth. The two nurses headed to the staff break room.
Seth sat down and put his feet up. "Wonder what Dean is up to. He sent Roman a text to cancel the gym this morning. He also told me not to bring lunch today." He shrugged.
"He told Ida the same. He told her he wanted to celebrate Megan's pump surgery." Adam sat next to Seth. He'd poured cups of coffee for himself and Seth. They turned when Dean came into the room.
Dean carried a large Styrofoam cooler, that was wrapped in foil to hold in heat. He sat the cooler on the counter and opened it. He pulled out two foil covered plates that were more like china than paper. He set one in front of Adam, then Seth. Dean pulled out a third plate and sat down at the table.
"Enjoy. I thought we needed to celebrate a bit." Dean uncovered his plate. Adam and Seth did the same, both gasped.
Their plates had a large sirloin steak, loaded baked potato and buttery peas. It looked and smelled wonderful.
"The driver forgot the salads, but it doesn't matter. Oh.." Dean jumped up. He got knives and forks from one of the drawers and napkins from another.
"No, salads don't matter. Oh thanks, Dean. I have been craving a baked potato!" Seth grinned, grabbed a fork and took a bite.
Adam leaned over and gave Dean a kiss. "Thank you, babe. This looks wonderful."
Dean grinned like a schoolboy. "You're welcome, baby." He cut into his steak and took a bite.
Seth grinned. "This is so good. I have had unnatural cravings for baked potato. Roman said if I made baked potatoes again, he'd revolt. He doesn't have to eat them, the big baby."
Adam and Dean both laughed. "My unnatural craving was fried liver and onions. Ida hasn't cooked it for years. I didn't even like liver, still don't." He gave a shrug and continued to eat.
"Your system was needing iron. So you get a craving. It's one of the great mysteries of being pregnant. Mom said Cathy was ice cream and cheddar cheese and I was pickled onions and beets." Dean gave his own shrug and ate another bite of steak.
"Adam, my best friend… I will trade you the rest of my steak for the other half of your potato." Seth gave Adam his most handsome grin.
Adam chuckled. "Eat your protein. Here, enjoy it." He put the rest of his potato on Seth's plate. Seth gave Adam a kiss on the cheek.
"Oh, that reminds me..." Seth took a sip of coffee, then spoke again. "What would you think of Adam going to night school for a degree in surgical nursing?" Seth asked with a huge bite of baked potato.
Dean grinned. "I think it would be very good. It would be nice to have you next to me in the operating room. We'd make a wonderful team. I would support you one hundred percent, but only if it is something you truly want to do. It is very hard, demanding and very exacting. I can also get… testy at times. You'd have to learn not to take it to heart personally." Dean turned serious and looked Adam in the eye.
"Well, I wasn't going to say anything, but it has always interested me. Dean, I've always heard most surgeons get testy. It's a lot of pressure, opening the human body to fix it. I am going to think about it. If I did go to night school, it would put the care of the children on your shoulders. Would you be prepared to do that?` I've never considered it because it would be too much for just Ida to deal with several nights a week." Adam spoke truthfully as he looked at Dean.
"Of course I would. Again, one hundred percent. You have the patience for it too..." Dean paused, his pager had gone off. He got up and went to the inter-hospital phone.
"...Yes, I will be right there. It's no problem… thank you, Beth." He hung up the phone. Dean looked at Seth and Adam.
"The Helmsley's want to see me. You can finish my lunch." Dean quickly left the room.
Adam's face contorted with worry. "I hope it's not Megan." Adam spoke slowly.
Seth laid a hand on Adam's arm. "Go, I will take care of this."
Adam stood. "Thanks, Seth." He quickly left the room. Worry raced though his veins.
Adam found Dean, Shawn and Hunter at the main nurse's station. Dean was surprised to see the worry on Adam's face.
"Is Megan alright?" Adam asked Dean.
"She is just fine, Adam. We wanted to thank Dean again. We're going back to work. Megan is sleeping, we can't go in to see her, so we can go work till visiting time." Shawn explained in a calm, relaxed tone of voice.
Adam's knees nearly buckled. "Thank God. I thought something had gone wrong. I am glad you feel like going back to work. It will keep your minds occupied. Don't worry, the staff in isolation is excellent." Adam smiled with the relief he felt. He was so happy for Megan.
Shawn gave Adam a hug. "Honey, you worry too much. Thanks to you too, Adam. We couldn't have gotten through all this without you. Coming at three in the morning to help Megan without regard for yourself. How many times you left your babies to take care of mine. You are a blessing to us, Adam. I don't say that enough." Shawn's eyes filled with emotion.
Adam ducked his head. "No more than you've done for me. Coming in the middle of the night last year when we were all down with the flu. I mean it when I say I look on you as a father, not to insult you, but out of love and respect."
"I never felt insulted by that, Adam. I love you, kiddo." Shawn again hugged Adam.
"Hey, he is my kid too!" Hunter laughed and joined in the hug. It felt good to be able to hug Adam and not feel guilty about it.
Shawn smiled. "Okay, enough or I will cry. Come on Hunter, we have work to do. We'll be back later. Dean, thank you again and please, thank our Saint Louis angel. Call if Megan needs us." Hugs and handshakes were exchanged. Shawn and Hunter left hand in hand.
Dean quickly led Adam into his office and closed the door. He pulled Adam in for a very deep, emotion filled kiss. He was careful not to muss Adam's hair.
When the kiss broke, Adam was a bit breathless. His hands rested on Dean's shoulders. "Not that I mind, but why?" Adam's hazel eyes glittered.
Dean let out a low chested chuckle. "Just because. Seriously, you're just… so… special. The love you have for others is so… incredible. I simply had to kiss you."
"I am just me. I think what you do for others is just as incredible. You didn't have to get that pump. Not many would have gone to the effort. Now, kiss me again, I need to get back to work." Adam smirked at Dean.
Dean gave Adam another tongue tangling, spine chilling kiss. With a swat to Adam's ass, the physician sent the nurse back to work.
Seth was at the nurse's station. I take it Megan is alright?" His brow arched at Adam.
"Yeah, I panicked. Shawn and Hunter only wanted to thank Dean before they went to work. No point in them hanging around, unable to see Megan. It will keep their minds off it. Oh… what the hell is he doing here?" Adam's mouth fell open when a tawny haired man, dressed in three piece pinstriped suit stepped off the elevator. He carried a briefcase in his hand.
The man approached the nurse's station. "I'm Chris Jericho, to see Stephanie. Wait…. I know you… Adam Orton. Well, it is a small world." Jericho smirked like an evil imp. It was nothing like the charming impish look Dean had.
"Hello, Mister Jericho. Nice to see you again. Is there something we can help you with?" Adam was polite. He had no reason to dislike Jericho, but he was Randy's biggest competition in the business. Jericho did tend to act stuck up, but that wasn't really a reason to dislike him.
"Actually, I am here to see Stephanie McMahon. Seems to be a problem with… Oh, I guess I shouldn't speak about it, especially with you." Jericho again smirked at Adam.
Seth stood. "She has an office on this floor and one upstairs. One moment…." He picked up the inter-hospital phone. "Stephanie McMahon, please..." He spoke to the switchboard operator. Somethings, didn't need to be replaced with technology.
"Ma'am, this is Seth Reigns. There is a Mister Jericho here to see you… yes ma'am I will. Thank you, ma'am." Seth hung up the phone and looked at Chris.
Seth spoke to the man. "She will be right here, sir. Please, have a seat if you wish." He nodded to an area with a two seat bench and a couple of chairs around a small coffee style table.
"Thank you, I'll wait here..." Chris looked when a handsome physician stepped out of an office and came over to the station.
Adam looked at Dean. "Doctor Dean Ambrose, meet Mister Christopher Jericho."
"Ah, I have heard of you Doctor Ambrose. You have quite the reputation as a pediatric surgeon and physician. It is an honor to meet you." Chris held out his hand for Dean to shake.
Dean shook the offered hand. "Thank you. I just do my best." He couldn't say more if he wanted to, Stephanie McMahon had arrived.
"Hello, Christopher. So good to see you again. Let's go to my office. Maybe we can get this mess figured out. I called, but Mister Orton refused to meet." Stephanie gave Adam a sideways glance. She then led Chris down the hall to her office.
"Bitch." Seth muttered under his breath, when he saw the brief look of hurt cross Adam's face.
Adam gave a shrug. "Maybe, but I have nothing to do with Randy's business I just want the kids to get the medications they need, and to open up to new patients."
Dean grinned at his lover. "That's all any of us wants, and is all that matters. Well, I am going to check on Megan." He gave Adam a wink and headed off to the isolation ward.
Seth looked confused. "What can Jericho do? The contract is with Randy. That was a Board decision. What is going on around here?"
Adam again shrugged. "You know, I am to the point where I don't care. Let Administration work it out." He went on about his business.
And hour later, Adam, Seth and Dean got a chance to finish their interrupted lunch. They made sandwiches out of the left over steak. Seth microwaved the left over baked potatoes, Adam laughed.
"Potatoes and a sandwich? I guess we'd better name the baby Carbohydrate Reigns."
"Hey, that actually rings in rhyme." Dean also laughed.
Seth gave a pout. "Not naming our baby Carbohydrate. Just… Potato. Say, how is Megan?"
Dean chewed his bite then spoke. "Oh yeah, you were gone when I came back. She is doing great. Sleeping peacefully. The pump works perfectly." He took another bite.
"Thin she will be able to go home sooner than you thought? Nancy will need to prepare her room at home." Adam asked, brow arched.
Dean nodded as he chewed. "I think so. Probably by the weekend, especially with Nancy there. Randy has the kids, so we can help with Megan."
Adam smiled. "Good idea. It will keep me from missing the kids. I just hope they have a better weekend than last time. I mean with Randy, not Saint Louis." He took another bite of his steak sandwich.
Seth gave Adam a pat on the shoulder. "I am sure they will be fine. It must be hard to have them away like that."much
"It is, but, I know Randy loves them as much as I do, and he protects them as fiercely as I do." Adam smiled. They finished their late lunch.
Adam grinned when Shawn stopped at the nurse's station, when he stepped off the elevator.
"Hi boys. Seth, I owe Roman big time. His hard work means I can come see Megan. I am telling you, I would be lost without him. That house is getting closer, Seth. How is Megan?" Shawn had changed into comfy jeans and a tee shirt. He looked happy and relaxed.
Seth sat up, pride glowed on his face. "I am glad Roman has been able to help. Megan is doing very well. Doctor Ambrose went to see her a few minutes ago. He should be back soon. You can wait here or in the isolation waiting area." Seth grinned at Roman's boss.
Shawn nodded. "I'll wait here. Adam we're looking forward to having you and Dean help us this weekend..." He was halted when Drake Younger came to the station.
"Adam, I will make this quick. I would like to invite you and Dean to go out to dinner with me on Saturday evening. I'd like to… I want to… make up for things." Drake gave a shrug as he spoke. He also had a contrite expression on his face.
Adam bit his lip in thought. "I'd have to ask Dean. I understand what you're trying to say. We do have a commitment, but I will speak to Dean. Come back later and we'll let you know." He wasn't sure how he felt about Drake's invitation, but, maybe Drake did want to try to make things at least more comfortable.
Drake gave a nod. "I will be back. Oh say, Nurse Reigns, I have a good lead on a wheelchair for Martin Miller. I will find out more later in the week." He gave Seth a nod, then headed back up to his office.
"Okay, that was odd..." Adam stopped when Dean arrived back from isolation.
"How is Megan?" Shawn quickly asked as he shook hands with Dean.
Dean grinned. "Sleeping like an angel. The port looks good and works properly. Be sure to have Nancy come tomorrow so she can learn how to load the insulin and how to care for the port."
Shawn gave a smile loaded nod. "I will. When do you think she can come home? It's so… lonely without Meg." He gave Dean an expectant filled look.
Dean grinned. "Friday, if she continues to do so well. Why keep her here. It would be different if you didn't have Nancy. I've consulted with my friend in Saint Louis. He agrees, Megan will do much better in her home environment. He also sends his best." He gave Shawn a pat on the back.
Shawn was actually giddy. "Oh, that is wonderful, Dean. Thank you, so much. I hope we can meet your friend one day."
"I am sure, one day, it can be arranged. You'd better find a book to read. You can't visit with Megan for three more hours. Sorry, but rules you know." Dean explained to Shawn with a grin.
Shawn chuckled. "Not to worry. I've got a book down in Meg's room. I can wait there?"
"Of course, Shawn. I'll send the Pink Lady." Adam gave his father figure a pat on the shoulder.
Shawn smiled. "Thanks, Adam. I guess it's one advantage to a private room." He gave Adam a hug and went to room 151 to wait for the visiting time in isolation.
"Adam, catch the desk for a few, please. Baby needs to pee." Seth spoke with a laugh.
Adam and Dean both laughed. Adam responded. "Go." He shooed Seth toward the men's room.
Adam turned toward Dean. "Um… Drake wants us to go to dinner with him on Saturday. I told him I would have to speak to you first."
Dean let out a cross between of a sigh and a growl. "We will be busy on Saturday. We promised to help with Megan."
Adam looked at his boyfriend. "Yes, I know. But Drake… said he wanted to try to be friends. I know how you feel about him, but, if he is going to be here...maybe… it would be better to be friendly, wouldn't it?" He gave Dean a look of hope. It would make working with Drake a lot better.
Dean put his hands on Adam's shoulders. "Baby, I wish I could trust him, but I don't. I love you and part of why I love you is your soft heart. But, don't waste it on Drake." Dean spoke softly, but his tone was firm.
Adam gave Dean a soft smile. "I just thought it would make working with him better. He even has a strong lead on the wheelchair for Martin Miller. He didn't brag about it either. I will do what you want, Dean."
Dean sighed. "I'll think about it, baby. He doesn't need to know right this minute. Maybe you're right, it would make… I… just… don't trust him. But, as I said, I will seriously think about it."
"Thanks, Doctor. I will be happy with which ever you chose. I will add, Shawn and Hunter won't mind if we decide to go. Now, get to work." Adam turned Dean around and nudged him out of the nurse's station.
Dean left with a laugh as Seth returned. "Feel better in there, Baby Reigns?" Adam asked as he and Seth sat down at the desk.
Seth chuckled. "Yes, Baby feels much better. Not looking forward to a foot kicking my kidneys later." He worked on some forms.
Adam groaned. "I will remember. At least you don't have eight feet and eight hands in there. I nearly lived in the bathroom before the quads were born." He too began to do some paper work.
Before Seth could speak, Drake stepped off the elevator. He came right to the nurse's station.
"Let me guess, dear Dean said, he'd think about it. Right?" Drake came right out and asked Adam. His expression was unreadable.
Adam looked at Drake. "Right. You have to understand him. I will try, Drake, but I make no promises. I know it would be better if we all got along, but I can't and won't force him. I will let you know what he says." Adam spoke firmly.
Drake nodded. "Okay, Adam. I do want to prove to Dean I am trying to change. And no, Adam, I am not trying to win him back. I know the two of you are together and I deeply respect that. I just…want my friend back and have you as a friend too. Sorry, I am not good at things like this." He did his best to put on a sad face. He had to make Adam feel sorry for him.
Adam gave Drake a soft smile. "Thank you for that, Drake. I'll talk to Dean. It's the best I can do. You made big points by telling me about the wheelchair for Martin. Dean will see it too, when you deliver." Adam didn't shrug but he wanted to.
Drake nodded. "I'll deliver, I promise. I let bad things happen when I was at Truman. I did change, and I can't blame Dean for busting up with me. Well, I have work to do. Just let me know when Dean decides." Drake gave Adam a nod and headed back to his office.
"Adam, I say this as your best friend. Don not, under any circumstances, ever trust that man. You weren't there. You didn't see what he became and how it nearly destroyed Dean. I didn't even see as much as Roman, but I saw enough. I am not saying not to...well, maybe he can change, but still I would never fully trust him. That's just my opinion., but remember, it is me saying it." Seth was frank, honest and deadly serious.
Adam listened to Seth, took it in, then responded. "I heard you, and I trust you. I think Dean and I need to have a serious talk…about Drake Younger."
"Tonight, after the kids are in bed." Dean spoke quietly. He'd heard everything. He'd listened since Drake had stepped off the elevator.
It was time Adam knew the entire story about his relationship with Drake Younger.