Adam and Dean were up in Adam's bedroom. They were having their first real fight. Ida had sent them out of the kitchen so the children wouldn't hear them argue.
"I said no, Dean. You promised to support the decisions I make regarding the children. I want you to back me on this." Adam's arms were crossed over his chest. Anger sparked in his hazel eyes.
Dean was just as angry, his stance matched Adam's. "Baby, normally I would. Even Randy said they could go. They will be safe. It is a private party, no strangers will be allowed in. Do you think their father would put them in danger? Honey, let them go to the party. They have been looking forward to it all week." He glared at Adam.
The problem was, Adam didn't want the quads to go to the birthday party. Randy had assured Adam it would be safe and gave them permission to go last night. Dean fully agreed with Randy. Now they fought about it.
Adam growled. "Randy can say that. He doesn't know the word no, when it comes to the children. Do you not recall yesterday? That Jordan was missing for over three hours because some weirdo grabbed him! What if he'd taken Jordan out of the park? My baby could be dead or sold on some black market. Now, I am just supposed to let him go to a birthday party? Where is your brain, Dean Ambrose?" Adam glared back at Dean.
"My brain is in my head. Adam, you can't reinforce the fear about yesterday. Trust me, I know all to well what could have happened. I've treated kidnapped children. But, it did not happen. You can't let what happened make them afraid. That is what you are doing. If you keep it up, they will eventually be too afraid to go play in their own backyard. There is a reason you get back on the horse if it throws you..." Dean paused, relaxed his stance, and pulled Adam into his arms and continued.
"Baby. You know I am right. Put your scared parent back in the closet. Let them go, have fun, it will help Jordan too, get his mind off it. You want another night with him in our bed? Sweetheart, I understand your fear. It worries me too, but we have to trust that they will be safe. Besides, we have to go see Megan and they can't go. Adam, trust me, trust Randy, trust yourself. I tell you what, as a compromise, we can take them and pick them up instead of riding the party pick up bus. Even though there will be six adults on the bus." Dean dropped his anger and spoke with a soft voice.
Adam looked at Dean. The anger left his eyes. "Is that what I am doing? Reinforcing their fear? No, I don't want another night like that. He had one nightmare after another. Maybe if Jordan goes to the party, it would help. I know Randy nor you would send him in to danger. No, if I am going to let them go, they can ride the party bus. I know they will be safe. Alright, I give, you win. We'd better tell them, the bus will be here in half an hour. I'm sorry I yelled at you. I was being so stupid again. I let my fear control me." He gave Dean an apologetic look.
Dean gave Adam a kiss. "I'm sorry I yelled too. I understand the why, but, you've made the right decision. You weren't being stupid, you were being a worried daddy. Go tell them, I'll bring down their gifts to take to the party." He gave Adam another kiss.
Adam went downstairs. The kids were in the kitchen with Ida. They looked at their daddy as he sat down with them at the table. Adam looked at his quadruplets.
"Okay. You can go to the party and have a wonderful time. I'm sorry if daddy upset you. I let what happened cloud my judgment." Adam spoke honestly. He never treated them like babies.
James spoke, as the leader. "Thank you, daddy. We understand. We will stay together and I promise, no one will wander off. We will scream if anyone...it won't happen, daddy."
Adam shook his head. "No, it won't. You just have a good time."
Dean came downstairs with the wrapped gifts for the party. "You guys have fun. I am sorry daddy and I argued. It happens sometimes. I still love daddy, and I love you little lions." He laid the four gifts on the table.
"We love you both too. Thanks for letting us go. I can't wait to see Chucky!" Jordan spoke with excitement.
Ida smiled. "You kids have fun. I told you you'd be going." She winked at the kids. It made everyone laugh, and relaxed the atmosphere.
Two hours later, Shawn and Hunter listened as Adam told them what had happened yesterday, at Worlds of Fun.
"...then after three hours, Mike and security brought him back. I swear I have a million new gray hairs." Adam finished the story.
Hunter gave a low whistle. "You're damn lucky Adam. It could have been worse. I wish Jordan could describe him. I'd hunt him down like a dog." He gave a growl.
Adam nodded. "Me too. I was never so scared in my life. I almost didn't want to let them go to the party. Dean reminded me not to reinforce the fear. We had an argument about it. We survived it and the kids are having fun. All I could think of though were the what ifs."
Hunter's police mind churned as Adam and Shawn continued to talk. It didn't sound like a normal kidnapping. The behavior didn't fit. It sounded more like they wanted to scare someone, and he had a fair idea who; Randal Orton. It was one more thing that confirmed some things that he'd been hearing around the station. Hunter would have to dig a little deeper.
Dean came downstairs. "Madame Megan is fine. No more isolation. Her port his healed, the monitor is perfect. You and Nancy are doing a fantastic job of maintaining the pump. The color is back in her cheeks. She can come out of her room, but, she has to stay inside for two more weeks. She can go out on the patio, I mean no leaving the house to come in contact with strangers." Dean gave his check up report to Megan's parents.
"Thank you, Dean! You too, Adam. She does look so much better. She has a lot more energy too. She will be thrilled to be able to go outside again. Dean, you and Adam have been a blessing to us and Megan. I can't begin to thank you enough." Shawn was near tears as he spoke. He was so happy Megan was her old self.
"I can only echo Shawn's words. Thank you Dean. Adam you as well. I never thought I would ever see roses on her cheeks. It's almost like she doesn't have diabetes." Hunter too had emotion in his voice as he spoke.
Dean ducked his head. "I just did the best I could for her. Her delightful attitude has helped her so much. She stayed positive in difficult circumstances. Just remember, she still has a weakened heart. She looks better and feels better, but she still has to be careful with physical activities." He spoke as a physician. He didn't want Shawn and Hunter to think their daughter was cured and had normal health.
Shawn nodded. "We do understand that. It's just, she looks so good, we forget about her heart. Now, what time will the kids be home?" Shawn smiled at their friends.
"The party bus will drop off starting at seven. They were brave parents to host such a long party. They said they wanted the kids to have plenty of time to play and eat." Adam explained as he looked at his watch.
"Wow, a party from one until seven? They are brave parents. Would you like to stay for dinner? Hunter is grilling burgers. Megan can join us." Shawn asked with another smile. He couldn't stop smiling.
Adam looked at Dean. Dean responded. "We'd love to, Shawn. Ida was going to see her mom. I didn't fancy burned boiled water for supper." Dean laughed then ducked when Adam took a playful swat at him.
Hunter laughed. "I'll fire up the grill. Dean, join me?" He stood and looked at Dean.
"Sure thing, Hunter." Dean stood and went outside with the older man.
Shawn and Adam went into the kitchen. The went to work making the patties and would also make a salad. Nancy had made a pan of sugar free brownies for dessert. Shawn explained as he and Adam worked, that Nancy was enjoying a bridge game with friends across the street.
Hunter spoke as they waited for the charcoal to absorb the lighter fluid. "Sounds like yesterday was hell. Is Adam really alright? He is kind of bad at hiding his feelings."
Dean sighed. "He will be. I can tell he is still shaken, but, he's a strong man. Hunter, can I ask you something? And not say anything to Shawn?" He arched his brow at Hunter.
Hunter closed the French door to the kitchen. He lit the charcoal. He then led Dean to the far end of the patio.
"Now they can't hear us. Sure Dean, is there a problem?" Hunter was a bit worried. Adam had been through hell and he hadn't been there.
Dean looked at Hunter with a smile. "No Hunter, nothing like that. How would it go over with you and Shawn if I proposed to Adam? Not right away, but soon, when the time is right. I asked Randy yesterday, before all hell broke loose. He gave his blessing, but, to be honest, I think yours and Shawn's approval would mean more. So, I'm asking."
Hunter's eyes went through a range of emotions and jealousy was one of them, but it passed quickly. He gave Dean a hearty pat on the back.
"I'd say Adam was a very lucky man. Seriously, Dean. I fully support it and I know Shawn will too. We have both seen the love you have for Adam and the kids. Dean, it would be an honor to have you in the family. Adam is a son to us. We promised his dear mother we would look after him. I am sure Judy would have simply loved you. So, in short, you have our blessings." Hunter ended with a one armed hug to the physician.
Dean returned the gesture. "Thanks, Hunter. That means a lot to me. I wish I could have met Miss Judy. She sounds like a wonderful woman, or was. As I said, I don't know when, but when the time is right, I'll do it. Now, we'd better open the door before they get suspicious."
Hunter laughed. "Good point..." He opened the doors to the kitchen. Shawn and Adam were busily chopped veggies for a salad. Hunter went to check the charcoal. He spoke again.
"Can I ask you something about yesterday? Did Randy just show up? He's not usually random like that." Hunter was curious. Every bit of information could lead to something.
"No, Adam invited him, with my encouragement. Randy needed some time with his family. It was fun. The kids really enjoyed having both their parents there. Mike is a laugh too. Shane McMahon was with us for a while too. He's a good kid." Dean sat in a lounge chair as he spoke.
"Yes, he is. He is going to make a fine lawyer. I am going to offer him a place at the firm when he graduates law school." Shawn stated firmly as he brought iced tea for Dean and his husband.
As Shawn, Hunter, Dean and Adam spoke, a meeting took place at the McMahon mansion.
Stephanie McMahon was worried. "Justin, how is Drew? Do you know what happened?"
Justin looked at Stephanie. "I'm waiting for the blood tests to finish processing. He's doing a lot better. I finally got his nausea under control. He still has a slight fever. I think he was hit with something. There is a small, round bruise on his upper thigh. I am guessing it what is known as a virus pellet. If it was, that makes Orton even more dangerous. They can also be loaded to kill with poison. I will know more when the tests are done." He spoke in a serious tone of voice.
Sheamus spoke up. "Shouldn't a doctor see to Drew? No disrespect to you, Justin, but you're a nurse, not a doctor." He was worried about Drew. It was scary to think Orton could attack so...viciously.
Justin looked at Stephanie. She gave him a nod with a smirk. Stephanie spoke. "Sheamus, I am about to say something that can not, and I mean can not leave this room. Justin is a doctor. One of the best actually. He worked as head physician in an extremely private, exclusive hospital in South Africa. He is posing as a nurse because as such, he can have more freedom at the hospital. He can get information that way. So relax, Drew is in very good hands."
"Okay...wow..." Sheamus couldn't think of anything to say. The news had been rather shocking.
Drake Younger looked at Justin. "Wow. I never would have guessed. Why would you give that up to come here an be a nurse?"
Justin looked at Drake. "Because my father asked me to. He owes Mister Vince. Besides, I wanted the change. Sorry I couldn't tell you, I was asked not to. Don't worry, this won't change our plans for next week. I'm just Nurse Justin. Please, don't let it slip." He gave Drake a pointed look.
Drake nodded. "I won't. I promise. It's just...I'm impressed." He sat back in his chair.
Stephanie spoke. "Let's get back to business. If that is what happened to Drew, we have a very serious problem. Did any of you see Orton's men?" She looked at her lieutenants.
Finn Bálor spoke up. "We saw a couple of his guys. DiBiase and Rhodes. They aren't smart enough to have anything like a virus pellet. His other guys aren't that clever either." He scoffed at the very thought.
Stephanie glared hard at Finn. "Finn, you are very good at what you do, but, you have a major ego problem. Randal Orton has one of the best weapons experts in the world behind him. His son, John Morrison is one of Randy's most loyal men. Do not ever and I mean ever underestimate Randal Orton's men. That's been our problem. Am I understood? Answer me!" She was furious. Her men had been way to slack as of late.
"Yes, ma'am." The men around the table spoke in chorus.
"Good. I am glad father wasn't here. He'd be disappointed." Stephanie was still highly agitated.
In his bedroom, Shane McMahon listened to the conversation. Yesterday, he'd accidentally been sent a text about what had been planned at Worlds of Fun. He'd turned his car around and went to a shop that sold spy equipment. He bought a device that would deactivate a scrambler. He could now hear everything that was said clearly.
Shane had been shocked to learn about Drew and even more so about Justin. He started to put things together and he hated what he learned. He just didn't know what to do with the information. Maybe Mister Shawn's husband, Hunter would know what to do.
At Randy Orton's mansion, another meeting took place. The atmosphere was much lighter than the meeting across town.
"Boys, you did good yesterday. Ted, is Brett getting some rest?" Randy looked at Ted.
Ted nodded. "Yeah. One of his best associates is watching Chucky Cheese. Brett will be back at Adam's by the time the kids are home. He said thanks for the bonus. He also said to tell you JoMo, the pellet was a beauty. He wants a full range of pellets."
Randy beamed. "He earned it. John, you take care of whatever Brett needs. But, tell him to ask first, unless it is an extreme emergency. I am proud of all of you."
"Is Jordan alright?" Dolph Ziggler asked with a look of concern on his face.
"Adam told me this morning when I called, that yes, he was okay, but had a bad night. He slept with Dean and Adam and had a few nightmares. I hope the birthday party will help him relax. Jordan scares the easiest, I don't know why. He's safe, that's all that matters." Randy frowned a bit when he spoke.
AJ Styles spoke up. "I am monitoring the police computers. Not much going on that concerns any of us. The have backed off Del Rio's murder. They haven't put it in their cold case file yet, but it's not active. I'll keep watching." He gave a nod to Randy.
"Thanks AJ. I know Adam and Dean are at the Helmsley's today. I am sure Adam will tell them what happened. Hunter will probably do some nosing around. So keep an eye out for that." Randy gave AJ a knowing look.
AJ gave his boss a nod. "Will do. Have you considered more about what we discussed before? We may have to take care of Detective Helmsley if he gets too nosy. I know it's personal for you, but..." AJ let his voice trail off.
Randy turned grime faced. "We will do what we have to do. We can't afford to let Hunter get too nosy. He is too good and would easily put two and two together. That can not happen. It would be devastating, but, it is what it is. Just, if it has to be done, I will do it." Randy spoke firmly, but his expression held a sadness. He hated the possible thought.
Cody looked at Randy. "Why you, boss? Brett could and would do it. To keep your hands clean. If you killed Helmsley, that blood would never wash off." He was worried about the situation.
Randy sighed. "It is my duty. Codes, my hands are already stained, what is more blood? I know Brett could do it, but it would be more...humane from me. I can't explain it, but it is my order. If Hunter has to be taken down, I will do it. Am I understood?" He looked each man around the table directly in the eye, with absolute authority.
"Yes, boss." The men around the table echoed in a deadly chorus.
Randy nodded. "Thank you. We have to make sure it won't come to that. One thing we can be sure of, nobody by the name of McMahon will ever speak to the police. Speaking of, we need to send them another very strong message. Any ideas? You boys were the ones trailing them in the park."
Zack Ryder was the one to speak first. "That fuckin', stuck up Irish bastard, Bálor. He thinks he's God's gift to the underworld." He growled his words. He absolutely hated Finn Bálor.
"I agree, Zack. Heath and I heard him talking to that English prick, Barrett. He said we were too stupid and incompetent to ever get one of them. Of course that was before McIntyre was hit, but he still said it." Dolph Ziggler stated with a growl of his own.
Randy rolled his neck, leaned back in his chair and laughed from his belly. "That Irish bastard couldn't find his dick in broad daylight. You know, he could use a good dose of what McIntyre got. John, can you take care of that? Take anyone you need with you." Randy looked at their weapons expert with amusement.
John Morrison grinned. "Of course I can. Be glad to do it. I have just the thing for that little fucker. How about we send him on a good, old fashioned acid trip? He won't know what hit him. AJ, you up to assisting me?" JoMo looked at AJ with a very wicked smirk.
AJ gave JoMo a grin. "Damn straight, I'll help. When do you want it done, boss?"
Randy's finger tips were pressed together. "You have free reign. At the first opportunity you have. Send him on a trip so high, he will think he is at Woodstock. Just Bálor. I want him to suffer for what he helped do to Jordan and for his disrespectful words about us. John, just don't kill him." Randy chuckled as he finished.
JoMo shook his head in humor. "Naw, it won't kill him, but it will scare him and the rest of McMahon's goons. AJ, we'll talk later and make our plan. Zack, Heath be on stand by, just in case. No reason why you can't join in the fun." He gave the other two a wink with a laugh.
Heath smirked. "Glad to help. That bastard deserves what he gets." Zack nodded in agreement.
Shane McMahon sat on his bed. He disconnected the listening device and hid it in the safe in his room. He couldn't believe all he'd heard. Shane realized his father and sister were the leaders of a major crime family. He scoffed at the word "family." That's not what a family was. A family was warmth, safety and love; most of all, love. It was something Shane had never felt from his father or his sister.
Shane knew they blamed him for his mother, Linda's death. He also knew that the doctors had told Vince it wasn't because of him his mother died. Shane had researched his mother's death, it was actually sad.
Shane had discovered Linda had cancer. She refused to have chemo, because it would cause her to miscarry the baby; himself. Shane also found out, that, even though the chemo would slow the cancer, it would not stop it. Linda would have died no matter what. The only thing Shane could be blamed for was that Linda chose him over a few more months of life. Months that would have been filled with pain and sickness. Instead, she chose to bring Shane into the world.
Shane looked at his watch. If he left now, he'd have time to do what he needed to do. He got up and left his bedroom.
Stephanie had just come up the stairs. She saw her brother. Shane looked troubled. She was curious, not out of care, but out of plain nosiness.
"Where are you going?" Stephanie asked her little brother. There was no sisterly affection in her tone. It was the same tone she used to address the servants in the house.
Shane looked at his sister with a shrug. "What do you care?..." He sighed and spoke again. "Sorry, Stephanie. I am going to buy some roses and visit mom's crypt. Um…do you want to go with me?" He knew what the answer would be, but he always held out a little hope.
Stephanie glared at Shane. "No thank you..." She started to walk away. As she passed her brother, she looked at him. Something suddenly tugged at her heart and soul. She stopped.
Shane was halfway down the stairs when Stephanie stopped him. "Shane, I'll come with you, if you really want me to."
Shane smiled at his sister. "I wouldn't have asked if I didn't want you to come with me. You know, mom would like to see us together...for a change. Hey, I'll even take you to Sonic after...if you want." He gave Stephanie a hope filled look. Despite what he'd learned about her, Steph was still his sister.
"Sounds good. Come on, little bro. I could use a chocolate milkshake." Stephanie gave Shane a real smile. Together they went down the stairs. Maybe, just maybe, it would be okay...but, it was a huge maybe. The journey of a thousand miles always began with the first step.
Megan Helmsley laughed when she watched the video of Jade dancing on the stage with Snoopy and Charlie Brown. When the video ended, she handed Adam his phone. Dean had sent a copy of the video to both Adam and Randy earlier.
"She did a great job. I can't wait to go back to Worlds of Fun. Snoopy is one of my favorites. Did you have fun?" Megan asked as she took her last bite of hamburger.
They had decided not to mention the Jordan incident to Megan. It would serve no purpose and would only upset her. Something Megan didn't need during her recovery.
Adam grinned and pocketed his phone. "Yes, we did. The monkeys really loved having both Randy and I with them, along with Mike and Dean. But I swear, I think Mike was the biggest kid in the group." He chuckled. It was the truth, Mike was like a big kid at times.
Megan laughed. "I've only met Mizzie a couple of times, but the monkeys like him a lot. I think he is good for Uncle Randy. Keeps him from being so serious all the time. Just like Uncle Dean makes you smile all the time."
Adam kissed Dean on the cheek. "That he does, Meggie Pops."
Megan, Shawn and Hunter all laughed. Megan pointed to Dean. "He...your cheek...ketchup kiss." She tossed Dean a clean paper towel.
With a laugh, Adam wet the paper towel with a bit of spit and cleaned the ketchup off Dean's cheek. Adam then wiped his own mouth and kissed Dean's cheek again.
"There, all clean." Adam wadded up the paper towel.
Dean rolled his eyes. "Yeah, but did you have to use mom spit? I am not five you know."
Shawn laughed. "Mom spit is the best cleaner. Now, are we ready for brownies and ice cream?" He stood and began to clear the dishes.
"Sit, daddy. We will clean up, and serve dessert." Megan stood an gently pushed Shawn to sit again.
Shawn sat with a smile. Dean told Adam to stay seated. He, Hunter and Megan cleared the table and got ready to serve dessert.
Shawn looked at Adam. "Is my other baby happy?" He did consider Adam his other child.
Adam grinned. "More than, Shawn. I'll tell you, yesterday, Dean was the one that held me together. Even when we argued today, it was out of love. There was no hatred behind it. Shawn, I know Dean and I haven't been together that long, and we still have a lot to learn about each other. However, I believe I would marry him tomorrow and be happy for the rest of my life. I loved Randy, I did, but nothing like the love I feel for Dean. I couldn't ask for a better step-father for the children. Would you and Hunter approve and give your blessings? I couldn't marry him without it. You are ma's voice, would she approve?" He spoke softly, even though music played on the radio in the kitchen.
Shawn reached over and laid a hand on Adam's arm. "Nothing would make me happier than seeing you and Dean marry. Ever since he came into your lives, you have been so happy. The children have even been more settled. But, more than that, you have a peace on your face that I haven't seen in a long time. Your dear mother would love Dean, and would give you her blessing. You have our blessings as well, with our love. Do you think he will ask?" Shawn beamed with happiness.
Adam glanced toward the kitchen. Dean poured four cups of coffee. He turned looked back at Shawn. "I don't know, but I hope so. Hush, they are coming." He nodded to the kitchen door with a wink.
Dean carried a tray of coffee, Hunter had a tray with bowls of brownies and vanilla ice cream. Megan carried spoons and a glass of milk.
"Did you two settle the problems of the world?" Hunter asked as he put a bowl of dessert in front of his husband.
Shawn chuckled. "Some of them."
Adam nodded in agreement. "Oh by the way, Megan. The kids want to have a little party with you, when your month is up. Are you up for it? You know that means Candy Land."
Megan grinned. "I can't wait! I have missed those little monkeys. I will play a million games of Candy Land with them." She took a bite of her dessert. Nancy always made desserts with sugar alternatives, and bought sugar free ice cream. No one ever noticed the difference.
Later, Dean and Adam walked home. Just as they got to Adam's house. The party bus dropped the quadruplets off. They were tired but happy.
Adam and Dean took them upstairs. They played in Adam's huge tub and had their hair washed. They told Dean and Adam all about the wonderful party and how much their gifts were liked.
Hair was dried and a bit of television watched as the little family curled up on Adam's bed. Later, Dean read the next chapter of the book they were reading. They felt safe in their daddy's arms.
It was good when Jordan fell asleep in his own bed, a smile on his face. All the children slept like little angels.
In the master bedroom, Dean made slow, passionate love to Adam. It was the perfect end to a chaotic weekend.
High up in the oak tree in the backyard, Brett DiBiase kept an eagle eye on Adam's mansion.
For now, all was calm and peaceful. It usually was before a war broke out.