On Sunday, Adam and Dean walked to the Helmsley's. Megan proudly showed off the computer version of Champion. After Dean gave his patient a thorough exam, he declared her to be in excellent condition.
By the time they returned to Adam's house, Ida was home. The three sat down and worked out seeing to the children while Adam worked the night shift. Ida would get them to school and Dean would arrange to pick them up after school The quads would be in the after school program all week. Adam knew the kids would love it.
Dean would look after them in the evenings while Adam got ready for work. Adam also knew, if Dean was called out on an emergency, Ida would be there.
Randy brought the kids home at eleven. They were sound asleep as Randy, Ida, Dean and Adam carried them into the house. Randy had a quick cup of coffee with Dean and Adam. He happily told them about the wonderful evening at the Muny. He was as excited as the children.
Dean skipped the gym on Monday morning. He'd rather have breakfast with Jan, James, Jade and Jordan.
"… then we all got their autographs. Oh daddy, Uncle Dean it was wonderful." James finished telling about their fun at the musical.
Adam beamed. "I'm so glad you enjoyed it. Your dad said he is having the autographed pictures framed for you. Did you remember to thank grandpa and grandma?" He asked with a bit of his breakfast.
James spoke again. "Yes, daddy. I think grandpa liked it even more than we did. Grandma stayed home. She said she had a headache. Grandma, she… wasn't happy."
"She probably didn't feel good. Remember, you will be in the after school program every day this week. I'll be working nights. I will still be here to tuck you in." Adam spoke to his children with that parental tone. Love mixed with authority.
Dean spoke next. "I'll pick you up, so don't worry." He sipped his orange juice.
Jade laughed. "Oh yeah, that means daddy will be sleeping. We have to be Elmer Fudd when we get home."
Adam arched his brow. "Elmer Fudd? Jade, what are you talking about?"
"Shhh, be vewy, vewy quiet, I'm hunting wabbits." Dean spoke in a perfect imitation of the cartoon character. It made the quads laugh.
Adam laughed too. "Oh, I forgot. Yes, please try to be quiet. It's only for a week. If you're good, maybe we can go to Worlds of Fun on Saturday. I am not promising, but we will see. But, if you misbehave for Miss Ida or Uncle Dean, I won't even think about it. Understand?" He had that tone again.
"We understand, daddy. Even I will try to be quiet." Jade spoke firmly.
Adam smiled. "I appreciate that, sweetheart. Now, finish up or you will be late for school." It felt strange not to be leaving for school and work.
"Remember, you're driving my car this week. I will drive the Kia. It will just be easier." Dean gave Adam a pointed look.
Adam nodded. "I remember. I'm looking forward to it. Don't worry, I will be careful of her." He finished his juice.
Dean chuckled. "I trust you, honey. It's easier to have the Kia with the kids."
All of a sudden, Adam was alone. Ida had take the kids to school and was also going to run some errands. Dean had driven the Kia to the hospital.
He cleaned up the kitchen. Adam knew he needed to sleep, but he wasn't tired enough yet. Adam decided to swim laps, then soak in a hot lavender bath.
By one o'clock, Adam was sound asleep. He'd set his alarm for six thirty. That would give him time to eat with his children, get ready for work, then tuck the kids in before going to the hospital.
Adam never heard the children when they came home. Dean kept them quiet with homework in the kitchen. When the alarm went off, Adam slowly woke up.
Adam, still in his sleeping attire, went down to have dinner with Dean and his children.
Jade laughed. "Daddy is still asleep!"
Adam did stumble a bit as he moved to sit at the table. Dean helped Adam sit with a kiss, that made the quads giggle.
"I'm awake you monkey lions. Thank you for being quiet. You were very good." Adam smiled at his babies.
At ten pm, Adam parked Dean's Mustang in his spot at the hospital. It was strange not to see Seth's Kia parked next to him. Adam also hated walking across the parking lot at night. At least it was well secured and very well lit.
Adam got to the door safely. He entered the hospital and punched his time card. He noticed a new card for the new nurse. At least the guy knew to be on time.
A handsome young man was at the nurse's station. He spoke to the evening charge nurse, Maria.
"Hi, Maria. Hello, I am Adam Copeland, you must be Justin Gabriel." Adam held his hand out to Justin.
The new nurse shook Adam's hand warmly. "Yes, I'm Justin. Oh, I thought Miss McMahon said your name was Orton." Justin gave Adam a look of confusion.
Adam laughed a bit. "Technically I am Orton, but since the divorce, I use Copeland. It really doesn't matter. Okay, ready to start?"
"Yes. I assume the first thing is the shift change report from Miss Maria?" Justin wasn't the least bit cocky, he just knew what he was supposed to do.
Adam grinned. "Yes. I'm gad you know your way around. Okay, have a seat. Maria, let's get you out of here."
An hour later, Adam showed Justin the medicine room. "Now, on our shift, we don't give meds. If we have a patient with pain or other issues, we check their chart. We follow the Doctor's instructions for extra medication. Pain is usually the biggest issue. After we give the medication, we chart it. Tell me if I am treating you like a newbie. It's just all hospitals have different systems." Adam didn't want Justin to think he thought he was stupid or incompetent.
Justin nodded. "You're fine, Adam. I am aware of most of this, but yes, it is a bit different. So teach away, and don't worry about it." They left the med room, and went back to the nurse's station.
Adam showed Justin how to chart and where all the forms were kept. They were on their feet when a patient rang for help.
Adam and Justin went into the room. The patient, a six year old girl, sat up in her bed and cried. Justin got to her bedside quickly.
Justin hugged the little girl close. "What's wrong, little one? Are you hurting?" Adam smiled, Justin seemed to like children.
"Monther under bed." The little girl clung to Justin and hiccuped her words.
Adam made a show of looking under the bed. "Go away and leave Mary alone." He "shooed" the "monster" away.
Justin grinned, Adam was good. "See, Nurse Adam made the bad monster leave. It won't ever come back. You are very safe now. That's a cute rabbit. You know what, rabbits are very good at chasing monsters because they are so fast and can hide very well." He noticed the stuffed rabbit on the little girl's bed.
"Dat's Charlie. Mommy and mom got it for me." Mary grabbed the rabbit by the ear.
Adam sat on the other side of the bed. "You hold on to Charlie. If you get scared again, he will protect you. Now, lay back down with Charlie."
As Adam and Justin tucked her back into bed, Just told Mary a wonderful story. It was about the beautiful animals in South Africa. The hero of the story was a rabbit. Mary was fast asleep before the story ended. The two nurses quietly left the room.
Adam and Justin sat back down at the nurse's station. Adam spoke. "You were fantastic with her. But, I have to know! What happened to the rabbit? That lion was chasing him!"
Justin grinned with a little laugh. "The rabbit got away and the lion vowed to never mess with a rabbit again. My grandmother told me that story. I love kids, Adam. I hope to have some one day. I understand you have quadruplets? They must be wonderful."
"They are my world. They are seven..." Adam went on to briefly explain about his four children. "...so that's my world. They are my angels." Adam pulled out his wallet and showed Justin a picture of his children.
Justin looked at the pictures. "They are so adorable. Maybe one day I can meet them. So, is there anyone special in your life?"
Adam smiled softly. "Well, yes. I am in a relationship with Doctor Dean Ambrose. What about you?" Adam turned the conversation, he barely knew Justin, some things were personal.
Justin knew he had to befriend Adam. He couldn't push anything. He smiled at his new co-worker. "I haven't had time to meet anyone yet. I was too busy with nursing school and then work. I knew I'd have better work opportunities here, so my father sent me. I'm lucky. He bought me a condo and arranged for me to meet with Stephanie McMahon. My father met her father last year. My father runs a pharmaceutical company in South Africa." Justin mostly told the truth. His father did run a drug company...that sold very illegal drugs.
"That's cool. Maybe, once you settle in, you will have time to meet someone. I hope you like Kansas City, it is a nice place. Big enough to be entertaining, but not so big you don't get lost. Know what I mean?" Adam looked at Justin with a smile.
Justin nodded with his own smile. "Yeah, I do… hum...elevator?" He looked when the elevator dinged and stopped on their floor.
Adam saw Drake Younger and he pushed a brand new electric wheelchair. It still had its plastic coverings on. Drake approached the nurse's station.
"I know this is an odd time to do this but, I wanted it to get here safely. My contact from the Elks had to go to Jefferson Cit to pick it up. His delivery was late, so that's why I'm so late. Think Martin will like it? It is all his, free and clear." Drake explained with a huge grin. He could tell, he'd just become a hero in Adam's eyes.
Adam got up and went to take a closer look at the wheelchair. "Wow, Drake. This is fantastic. Martin will love it. His parents will be so grateful as well. Thank you, Drake. You did a very good thing. From now on, we are friends, at least here at work. You came through as promised. But, more importantly, Martin got what he needed." Adam beamed at Drake.
Drake managed to humbly hang his head. "It does feel good. I can't wait to see Martin's face. Adam, you will tell Dean it worked out? If nothing else, I do miss his friendship. Just, his friendship, Adam, nothing else. The other is well and truly done and over. I don't want to come between you. I want to be friends, with both of you." Drake ate more humble pie as he looked at Adam.
Adam smiled at Drake. "Yes, I will tell Dean. I will also tell him you worked until an ungodly hour to get the chair. I know you support our relationship, and so does Dean. I can't speak for Dean, but, you are okay with me. Now, go home and sleep, you've done your job. You are Martin Miller's hero." He actually gave Drake Younger a hug.
Drake gave Justin a sly wink over Adam's shoulder. Justin returned the wink, with a sly smirk. Step one of Plan B was complete.
Drake pulled out of the hug and smiled at Adam. "I just remembered the kids who really need help. And that's why I became an advocate. Yeah, I need sleep. Guess I'll see Dean in the morning. Maybe Seth will at least tolerate me." He gave a little chuckle.
Adam too chuckled. "Maybe. Seth can be very protective. Now go and sleep. And Drake, thank you. A job well done."
Drake left with a nod. He would take the wheelchair to his office first. It had cost him a fortune and he wanted it safe.
Adam settled back in at the nurse's station. "He actually did it. I'm truly impressed. I hope Dean will be too. All that matters is, Martin finally has his wheelchair."
"I know it is none of my business, but it sounds like there was some issues. Who was that anyway?" Just knew everything, but of course, Adam couldn't know that.
Adam gave a little shrug. "Yeah, long story that I don't want to get in to, nothing personal. That was Drake Younger. He is the temporary head of child advocacy. He is filling in for our regular head advocate, Hazel Forest. It's taken him a while to learn that Saint Luke's isn't Truman Hospital. He just made a huge step forward." He wasn't about to tell a stranger everything regarding Drake Younger and Dean Ambrose.
Justin held up his hand. "None of my business. No problem. Advocates are so important. Seems like he does a great job."
"He is starting too. He is no Hazel, but if he keeps going like this, he can get close. Now, we need to do a round. We make sure the patients are well covered and sleeping. If anyone is awake, gently try to get them back to sleep. Sometimes, the poor little things are too scared to sleep, but they don't call us. Treat them as if they were your own. You know what to do. You take the left side, I'll take the right." Adam stood as did Justin. They left to make their round.
An hour later, Adam and Justin were in the break room. "So, any problems?" Adam asked as he unwrapped a small sandwich.
Justin gave a little laugh. "Little Mary was awake. I had to tell her what happened to the rabbit and the lion. She went right back to sleep at the end." He took a bite of his own sandwich.
"Good. All mine were sound asleep, but boy, Raymond had his covers everywhere, but over himself. Rough sleeper, I guess. Reminds me of James." Adam spoke with a smile.
"The saxophone playing son, right?" Justin wanted Adam to know he had paid attention about his children. Justin knew that's what a friend would do, right?
Adam nodded. "Yes. You were listening. Sometimes I tend to go on too much about my quads. So, after our break, we chart our round. You will see there are boxes to check, like sleeping, awake, needed water, things like that. The doctors look at them. They can see if patterns change and such. I don't understand some of the really deep medical information they get, but, it's the way they want it. I know changes in sleep patterns can indicate a medical problem." Adam gave a shrug.
"Yes it can, and so can other changes. Like a peaceful sleeper suddenly being rough and vice verse. I started out in medical school. I was three years in, when I decided being a nurse was better. We can be more help to the patients." Justin told a partial truth. Stephanie had told him Adam's history, of having one year of med school. If Justin's story was like Adam's it would hopefully make Adam trust him a bit more.
"Really? I was the exact same. But, I only had one year of medical school. I too, decided nursing would give me more contact with the children. I will tell you though, Dean is wonderful. He won't hesitate to take time with a child if something needs to be handled. He tells stories and…well, he's great." Adam glowed as he spoke of his lover.
Justin gave Adam a soft smile. "Sounds like a good doctor. I have heard his reputation as a pediatric surgeon, best in the city. Didn't he get an insulin pump for a patient recently?" Justin had also been told to try to find out how Dean got the pump, but Stephanie had also warned him not to push it.
"Miss McMahon really filled you in. Yes, he did. The patient not only has Juvenile Diabetes with severe needle angst, but a very weak heart. It's related to her diabetes." Adam finished his sandwich and balled up the foil wrapper.
Justin too, finished his food. "Ah yes, Megan Helmsley. Yes, Miss McMahon told me a lot. I suppose she was trying to make sure I knew Saint Luke's was a good place to work. Sounds like it was a good thing Doctor Ambrose got that pump." He too wadded up his foil wrapper.
Adam stood. "I forgot how slow nights are compared to my day shift. To be honest, this is a nice change…for a week. I'd miss my kids too much to work nights full time." He tossed his trash, and went to the door.
Justin tossed his trash. "That's why I chose nights. I have no need to be at home. Miss McMahon said she might move me to days when Seth Reigns goes on pregnancy leave. Guess that would put us together again." Justin spoke as they returned to the nurse's station.
"That would be good. Okay, this is the chart rack..." Adam went on to explain how to chart their round.
It didn't take long. "I hope we open to new patients again soon. Ten patients in a fifty bed wing is bad." Adam sighed. Maybe Dean would have an update on the contract dispute.
Justin nodded. "It is bad. Miss McMahon said there was an issue with the medical supply company. Oh well, I never get involved in hospital politics. I also hate gossip." He wanted Adam to know he could be trusted.
"That is good to know. I don't tolerate gossip on my shift. My nurses and aides are very good. They may talk, one on one, but it never spreads. Okay, around six, we'll make the shift change report. I'll also prepare the medication list for the charge nurse. I don't have to, but, she does it for me and it really helps me out. So, I will do it as well. That will be up to you when you are in charge." Adam put their charts back into the rack.
Justin wrote in a small notebook. He wanted to note all the instructions Adam gave him. "Then, I will do it too. It would save a lot of time, especially with a full patient load. I also take it, you lock yourself in the med room when you're preparing the trays?"
"Yes, I do. Especially now, that meds are running short. No that anyone would ever steal from sick kids, but, better safe than sorry." Adam smiled when Justin wrote it down.
Justin sighed. "In South Africa, our meds were stolen more than once. Some less than ethical...workers...I won't dishonor our profession by calling them nurses, stole and sold on the streets. I finally convinced the Administrator to lock the med rooms. He also made the charge nurses responsible if things went missing." This time, Justin spoke the absolute truth.
Adam frowned. "That is terrible. Justin, I'm glad you spoke to the Administrator. You did a very good thing. Shows you're not willing to…let others cause problems for the good guys, so to speak. Now, we have to do another round and chart it. This time, I'll take the left. I like to rotate, keeps us alert."
"Funny, I was going to suggest that. We have the same style." Justin smiled at Adam. He was slowly winning the man over.
Together they went to check their patients. Adam and Justin finished at the same time, and they settled in to chart.
Justin chuckled as he charted. "Raymond's covers were on the floor again. But, he was sound asleep. I covered him up again." He made the note in the chart.
Adam sighed. "He does suffer from leg tremors. Doctors Cena and Ambrose are worried about an early on set of Parkinson's or one of the derivatives of it. There is Juvenile Parkinson's, but it is extremely rare. They are hoping it it just ordinary leg tremors." Adam filled Justin in on the patient's history, it would be important for Raymond to be carefully watched.
"Makes sense. I haven't had time to sit down a really read the charts in detail, but I will. We had a fourteen year old with full blown Parkinson's. It's sad, he faces a lifetime of Dopamine and suffering. I have to say, I am not really a celebrity watcher, but Michael J. Fox has done so much for fundraising for Parkinson's research. Speaking of, does Saint Luke's do any fundraising? I used to be good at arranging things like that." Justin spoke as he too made notes in charts.
Adam finished his charting. "Yes, we do. Usually it is a formal dinner-dance. I've been kicking around doing something...for the more… ordinary folk. Know what I mean? Bake sale, car wash. Something we nurses can do. Maybe with something that those of us with kids, could get them involved in. My kids are picking names from the angel tree at Christmas. It was their idea and they want to use their own money they earn for doing chores. I would be open to any ideas you might have."
Justin gave Adam an honest smile. "I do have an idea. Something like an old fashioned carnival. Maybe an amusement company would donate some rides and games. Would something like that work?"
Adam beamed. "Justin that would be incredible. Let's kick it out at the monthly staff meeting...well...I mean you. You'd be in charge of it. I am not a thunder stealer. Justin, you are going to be a real asset here. I'm looking forward to getting to know you better." He truly liked Justin and saw a potential new friend in the man.
"Thanks, Adam. I appreciate that. I'd love to put the fundraiser together. Maybe you and I could have coffee or breakfast later in the week? I need to start…living, I guess. You understand." Justin gave Adam a bit of a sad look. He'd just laid the first steps that would lead to Adam's sudden disappearance. He hoped Adam would fall for it.
Adam smiled. "I'll speak to Dean, I am sure he wouldn't mind. See, we are always open and honest with each other. I would love to have breakfast with you. I hope you can meet Seth soon. He's my very best friend and has been for a long time. He is off the next two days. Maybe on Wednesday. Okay, we can start to write our shift change reports." Adam showed Justin where the report forms were. He then taught Justin how to do the work.
The rest of their shift was quiet. When Lita arrived in the morning, Adam introduced her to Justin. They seemed to like each other.
"This is backwards. Usually Lita gives me the report." Adam chuckled as he sat down. He supervised as Justin gave Lita the report and the medication list.
As Adam and Justin prepared to leave, Lita spoke. "Adam, thanks again for doing this. I really had things to take care of that I couldn't do because I had to sleep."
"It's no problem, Lita. I owed you, but I would have done it anyway. Say, um, could you discretely give this to Doctor Ambrose?" Adam handed Lita sealed envelope with Dean's name written on it.
Lita took the envelope and slid it into her pocket. "You know I will. Thanks again. I'll see you tomorrow morning." Lita and Adam hugged. Adam then signed out and headed for the Mustang.
Adam beamed. Dean leaned against his car. The Doctor had an impish smirk on his lips. His arms were crossed over his chest and his ankles were also crossed. Dean looked so handsome and...delicious.
"Wow, I never knew a doctor could look so damn fine and sexy." Adam whistled low after he spoke. Dean did look as hot as fuck.
Dean stood erect and pulled Adam into his arms. "You're not bad yourself, Nurse. I wanted to see you before I went to my private practice for a couple of hours. It was lonely in that big bed without you How did it go? You okay, baby?" Dean spoke softly then gave Adam a soft, gentle kiss.
Adam wrapped his arms around Dean. "I'm good. Slow in there with only ten. Justin is very good. I am just tired. How are my babies?"
"Fine. They missed you at breakfast, but they know they will see you at dinner. Sorry baby, but I have to go. I love you. Sleep well. See you later." Dean sighed as he looked at his watch.
Adam smiled. "Go see your patients. I love you, Dean. Oh, I left something for you with Lita. See you." He leaned in and kissed Dean.
The couple parted ways. Dean went to his private pactice, five minutes away. Adam headed home, twenty minutes away.
When Adam got home, he found three notes. One from Ida, she was out running errands. One from Dean that simply said "I love you." The last note was from his children. It said, "Love you, daddy. We will be quiet." with all their signatures. He took the notes from Dean and the kids up to his room He would keep them with his other love notes.
After a quick breakfast of cereal, Adam went up to take a hot bath. When he stepped into the bathroom, Adam nearly wept.
Dean had filled the room with fresh wild flowers and six new lavender candles to be lit. There was also a new bottle of lavender bubble bath and a basket of bath things. There was a body sponge, a fluffy wash cloth and inflatable bath pillow. Dean had also laid out Adam's clean sleeping pants and tee shirt. He'd set a single, deep red rose on top of the sleeping clothes. Lastly, Dean had set out a large, extra soft, extra fluffy bath sheet towel.
Adam simply couldn't comprehend how wonderful Dean was to him. Never in a million years would have thought of something like this. Adam also fully intended to enjoy every minute of it.
As Adam was up to his neck in bubbles, and surrounded by the scent of lavender candles. Justin Gabriel sat in a small coffee shop, at a table in the corner, with Stephanie McMahon.
"...of course, he has to speak to Dean first. I am sure I can get him to agree to breakfast on Friday morning." Justin finished giving Stephanie a detailed report on Adam.
Stephanie grinned. "Very good, Justin. I want you to try to keep on about how he got that pump, but carefully. Maybe he will let at least a clue slip. How did Mister Younger do?" She took a sip of her latte.
Justin grinned. "He was perfection. He is in very good graces with our pretty blond. He even convinced Adam to talk to Ambrose. Mister Younger, in simple terms, was a superstar." Justin looked Stephanie in the eye. So she could see the truth in them.
Stephanie's smile grew. "Excellent. After all, Dean will need a friend to comfort him on Friday. Go home and sleep. You've done very well."
"Thank you, ma'am. I am here to learn, so I can go back and make my father proud." Justin gave Stephanie a nod of respect.
Stephanie returned the nod. "He will be. He already speaks so highly of you. Thank you, Justin. You did in one night what Drake had two weeks to do. Remember, slow and steady. Sleep well, my friend." She finished her coffee and stood.
Justin also stood. "Yes, ma'am. Low and slow. Don't worry, a certain person will be on their knees, crawling to you like the dog he is...a dog named Randy."