At six thirty pm, Thursday night, three alarms went off at the same time. Two were alarm clocks that woke two doctors from sound sleeps, the third rang at Station 51. The "sunshine" period was over. There was a two alarm fire at a self storage unit.
Adam slapped at his clock, he wanted to just roll over and go back to sleep. He took a deep breath, it smelled like barbecue and for a moment, he couldn't figure out why. He then remembered, he was having Wade Barrett over for dinner. He climbed out of bed and went to the bathroom. Adam brushed his teeth then shaved. He liked to leave a light stubble, so he trimmed more than he actually shaved. Though he didn't know why he bothered, he kept up with his below the belt 'manscaping'. The doctor also had an aversion to body hair, he'd done a full removal during his earlier shower. Lastly, he blew out and styled his long hair. As he would be cooking, he pulled his locks into a neat pony tail. He dressed in a royal blue polo shirt and dark blue 'skinny' jeans, he left his feet stocking covered. Unless he had to wear them, he hated shoes.
Adam went to his kitchen. The window over his sink looked over at the Helmsley's house. He noticed the couple were gone. He was glad they went out and made time together. He wished he could find someone to share his life with and have it be as good as Shawn and Hunter.
The doctor shook his thoughts and got on with dinner. He made a fresh garden salad, he used tomatoes and cucumbers from Shawn's little garden. After the salad was dressed and tossed, he buttered the tops of the rolls, ready to bake. He wished he had time to make bread from scratch, but he hardly had the time.
Wade had spent an hour in the bathroom, preparing for his evening. He wore a nice, tight black t-shirt and a pair of well-fitting black jeans. He wore black socks and black loafers. His hair was slicked down and parted on the side. He looked extremely handsome and he knew it.
When he stopped at the grocery store, Doctor Wade Barrett turned the heads of both sexes. He bought a nice bottle of wine, a triple layer, triple chocolate cake and a beautiful bouquet of flowers. He also picked a cute stuffed animal, he'd do anything to get in Adam's head.
Meanwhile, at a self storage unit, the fire raged. Apparently a local drug dealer had cooked crystal meth and the "lab" exploded. It was enough of an explosion that it blew holes into the neighboring storage units. The storage area was where a lot of people kept classic cars, motorcycles, snow mobiles and other highly combustible items. The good thing was, only a couple of people were at the storage facility and they had been far enough away to avoid injury.
Station 51 was the first on the scene, that meant Bret was in charge. He used his SUV as a command center and began to direct the trucks and men. Water wasn't a problem as a fire hydrant was near the section that was on fire.
"Make sure you suit up in HAS-MAT gear We're not sure what kind of chemicals they used. Cops said they were on the verge of making arrests, so it could have been intentionally set. You've dealt with these labs before, watch for booby traps," Bret first ordered his men, then explained the situation to Chief Ross. Station 40 had been the second station to respond.
At first it was strange, there were all of Davy' co-workers, but no Davy. It would have been his shift in all probability. Stations 51 and 40 weren't often called out together, but both had the best for fighting chemical based fires.
Suddenly there was another explosion, another car had been destroyed. "Better send another alarm before this gets out of hand," Bret shouted to the Chief over the noise. None of the firefighters had been near the latest explosion.
The Chief agreed and called for Station 30, it was the next closest. He also decided to have an ambulance on stand by, better to be prepared. That was a project Bret was working on. An ambulance should automatically be dispatched to every fire call. It could easily be canceled if it wasn't needed. Maybe he could get Adam to help him somehow. For now, Captain Hart focused on the fire.
Adam had turned on the TV while he was setting the table. There was a live report on Channel nine. He stopped, plate in mid-air as Bret appeared on the screen. He looked tense, and was dirty with sweat and soot. Something stirred in the doctor, he thought the Captain looked heroic and handsome.
Adam nearly dropped the plate when a loud knock sounded on his door. He smiled when he saw the large bouquet. "Hi Wade, come in please. Dinner is almost ready. I was watching a live report, awful fire at a storage unit place," Adam spoke rapidly, he was nervous for some reason.
"That explains the smoke I saw. Here these are for you. You look pretty by the way," Wade said as he handed Adam the flowers. He held a grocery bag in his other hand
Adam blushed a bit as he took the flowers, "thank you, they are beautiful. You look handsome, black looks nice on you," he took the flowers to the sink and took out a large, glass Art Deco style vase. He'd bought it the day he'd gone shopping with Bret and was glad for a chance to use it.
"Here's dessert, and I got a Zinfandel, it goes well with most anything. Oh, this is for you too, I thought it was cute, reminded me of you," Wade pulled a cute stuffed kitten out of the bag and held it out to Adam.
For a split second, Adam was taken aback, of all the things Wade could have brought him. Chris had called him "Kitten" and often gave him stuffed ones like this. He had to fight the tears that threatened to form and fall. He pulled himself together, after all, Wade couldn't have possibly known what "Kitten" had meant in his life.
"Thanks, it's really cute. Have a seat and I'll dish up dinner, I made barbecued buffalo, I hope you'll like it," Adam said as put the stuffed Kitten on his bed.
Wade sat down at the dining table while Adam bustled about the kitchen dishing up their dinner. Barrett smiled to himself, his research had paid off. He'd found a picture of Chris and Adam on-line that was captioned, The Lionheart and his Kitten fiancé. It had been taken at a red carpet fund-raiser for the music program at the community center. Wade had seen a brief flash of emotion cross Adam's face, the head games had begun.
"This is delicious, you're quite a good cook," Wade said as he took a second helping of everything. He was honest, the food was wonderful.
"Thanks. I like to cook, but I hardly do it for one. I was the cook and my brother was the house cleaner, he was obsessive about it," Adam's reply was simple. His mind had been thrown by the stuffed kitten. It made him think of times like this with Chris in their early days together.
"Are you alright, Sunshine? You seem... distracted," Wade asked as he forced a concerned tone.
Adam didn't want to let Wade know he'd hurt his feeling, or more like brought up bad memories. "Sorry, I was thinking of that fire. I just hope Bret is alright. I worry about my friends," he gave the best answer he could think of. After all, it wasn't a lie, he was worried about Bret and the fire.
Wade knew by Adam's answer he'd gotten into his head, "I'm sure he's fine. After all he is a Captain, probably runs a command post, while the grunts run the hoses and such." Barrett spoke in an almost scoffing tone.
Adam took a sip of wine, "I'm always worried about my friends. I'd be worried about you if you were in danger. And, I am sure Bret does his part, he's a good firefighter," his tone was more snappy than he intended.
"Sorry, Sunshine, I didn't mean to offend you or Captain Hart. I'm sure he's a fine firefighter. Now, let's eat cake!" Wade said with a smile. He wanted to push Adam's buttons, but he had to do it carefully or he would have the man's guard up.
Adam smiled, "Tea or coffee?" he asked as he got up to get the dessert.
"Tea please. I'll help," Wade also stood. Together he and Adam cleaned up after their meal while waiting for the kettle to boil.
Thirty minutes later, the two doctors were sitting on Adam's couch enjoying the delicious cake and cups of Earl Gray tea. They chatted casually about work.
"So, enough about work. Tell me about you. I mean you told me about your parents. I want to know why you became a doctor?" Adam asked in a curious tone. He wanted to know what made Wade tick.
"I could be noble and say I wanted to help people, which of course, I do. However, it was just expected of me, either a Barrister or a Doctor. I hated the politics father always talked about and played games with. Mother made medicine seem so; exciting. How it felt to bring a new life into the world, or saving a tiny life if something went wrong. So, I chose to follow in her footsteps. During medical school, I fell in love with emergency services," Wade explained. For the first time, he actually spoke with a tone of passion in his voice.
"Is London really as violent as these travel channel shows say? Are the youth really that out of control?" Adam asked as he sipped his tea, he was honestly curious.
"Yes, in places. The youth lack direction. Drugs, drink, smoking are out of control. Parents try, but they just get so tired and worn down, they give up. 999 calls are at an all time high and the majority are suicide calls. Some areas have improved though. There are good youth programs being tested and some are working really well. You also have to deal with terrorist attacks," Wade spoke of his homeland with a bit of a sad tone. He felt himself lucky he had the upbringing his parents had given him.
"When I started at the University, there was a guy from England. He always felt nervous, sitting by the potted plants at the student union. He was afraid a bomb could be planted in them. At least that fear is less isn't it?" Adam asked. They were now cleaning their dessert plates and tea cups.
Wade dried as Adam washed and rinsed, "From the IRA, the threat is much, much less. It's the other groups you worry about now. That London Transport attack was horrible, three underground trains and a double-decker bus. It killed fifty-two people and over seven hundred were injured. I was in med school and even we were taken to help. We couldn't treat, but we could help with the triage," he shuddered as he relived that terrible day.
Adam saw real emotion on Wade's face. He felt bad for bringing up the subject. He put down the dish he held and wrapped his arms around the Englishman, and hugged him. "I'm sorry I brought it up. I was just curious about what your life was like," his voice was soft and gentle as he held the raven-haired man.
For the first time in his adult life, Wade Barrett cried, the memories of all the blood, confusion and people's screams of pain flooded his mind. For a moment all his plans of destroying Adam and his career were gone... but only for a moment.
Wade held tightly to his fellow doctor, "I... never cry. I guess I held it in all these years," his words came in halted sobs as he fought to bring himself under control.
Adam laughed softly, "I cry a lot, nothing wrong with a good cry. Whoever said men don't cry was heartless. We have feelings and emotions just like women do. What's wrong with letting them show, just because we are men? Men are humans too, we aren't emotionless robots," Adam spoke firmly, it was a real issue with him.
Adam always felt it was wrong for others to make the assumption that men couldn't show their emotions. His sainted mother had told him, "real men do cry, and they eat Quiche".
Wade's sobbed ebbed, "Thanks. I guess I needed that," he pulled back a bit, his arms remained around Adam's waist as he continued. "You really are as cute as a kitten. Maybe that's what I'll call you, Kitten," Wade said as he tried to sound sensual. His crying outburst forgotten as he brought his plan right back to the forefront.
A thousand emotions seemed to cross Adam's face at once, hurt and anger were the most obvious. He had to speak up. "Wade, please, don't call me that okay? Sunshine is fine, but not... not the other," he could bear to even say the word, "kitten". It had been a special name from Chris and to hear it especially from another man was just too much.
Wade kept Adam in his embrace, "Aww, but kitten fits you so well," he said as he gave Adam a light peck on the tip of his nose.
"Look, just... bad memories, please?" Adam asked again. He tried to pull back out of Wade's embrace.
"Hey, hey, easy there Sunshine. Okay, I'll drop it. Let's not spoil our nice evening together. Come on, let's go sit on the couch," Wade said as he released Adam from his arms and took his hand. He led his fellow doctor to the sofa.
Adam followed Wade willingly, after all, Chris' behavior wasn't the Englishman's fault. Maybe he should explain it to the man.
They sat down on the couch, "Listen, you remember the barbecue, when you first came here? You know I broke it off with my fiancé, Chris Jericho. Well, he used to call me Kitten. It just brings up very painful memories. I feel you had a right to know," Adam's tone was sincere as he explained about the pet name.
Wade did a good job of acting surprised, "Oh well, see, I couldn't have know that could I? I'm sorry. I'm sorry your relationship didn't work out. Love is a tricky business, it isn't for everyone," Wade said unknowingly contradicting what Bret had told Adam.
Adam's brow knit, "I don't think that's true. I think there is someone out there, for everyone. Sometimes it takes a while, but eventually you'll find that special someone," he spoke sincerely. He'd taken the hope Bret had given him seriously.
Wade shrugged, "You really think that's true? You told me a bit about that prisoner, then Chris. To be honest, that doesn't... I'm going to be brutal I suppose, but it doesn't make you very lucky in love either does it? Is it worth all that emotional investment?"
Adam's brow knit even deeper, "That is brutal, honest though. Yes, I believe it is. When Chris and I first broke up, I decided to give up on love. Then someone told me that there was someone for everyone and that it was worth the wait. I just think, at least for now, my work is my relationship. When I meet that special person, I'll know it. Why do you feel so bitter, Wade? Did someone hurt you?" he asked as he gently placed his hand on Wade's shoulder.
Wade sighed deeply, somehow this conversation had lost its intended direction, but something about Adam just made him want to open up. "Are you sure you're not a psychologist?" he asked with a wry laugh. He turned on the sofa to face Adam directly, then continued.
"I wouldn't exactly say someone hurt me, more like used me. During my resident training at the hospital in London, one of the older doctors showed an interest in me. We went out a few times, he treated me nicely. Then he said if I'd go to bed with him, he'd make sure I got good ratings. I threatened to tell the Board about it and he backed off, but it affected my view of relationships. I enjoy dating, but nothing deeper," Wade's tone was honest. He looked at Adam, the blond appeared to be very concerned.
"Wade, that wasn't a nice thing that he did to you, but you have to keep an open mind. Not everyone is like that. With all that Randal did to me, I still decided to give Chris a chance. Yes, I know, I know, but what I'm trying to say is, I still gave relationships a chance. Despite my doubts, I would probably try again, if the right man came along," Adam sighed, he leaned over to his remote and turned on the CD player, soft music filled the air.
Adam then continued, "I'm the kind of person that, how pathetic will this sound? I need companionship, I hate sleeping alone every night. I guess despite all my saying my career is my relationship, I want to find that special someone. I think you do too, but you can't be afraid to try," Adam hoped he'd translated Bret's advice correctly. The more he spoke, the more he knew what Bret had told him was true. Damn that Bret Hart, being sensible, even when he wasn't around.
"Maybe you're right. Look, I don't really like being alone either, not many people do. Would you like to go out with me, like a date?" Wade's plans changed tact again. His steel trap mind had suddenly come up with another plan, he'd be Adam's "boyfriend". It would give him even deeper access to the blond's personal and professional life.
Wade's question nearly knocked the breath out of Adam, his eyes opened wide, "Wade, I like you, I really do. But I'm not ready for a steady relationship, but we could go out on a real date. I'd be open to that," Adam said thoughtfully.
While it wasn't the enthusiastic answer Wade had hoped for, it wasn't exactly a no. "Okay, we can do that. Maybe see where it goes, how about that?" he asked, his brow raised.
"That sounds good. So how about taking me to Adventure Golf and Raceway. It's about thirty minutes from here, up in Westminster. It's a really fun place. Mini golf, go karts, bumper cars, and a target gallery. I'll immerse you in a real American style first date. Better than dinner and a movie, because we can talk," Adam suggested brightly. He and Jason went there a couple of times and he'd really enjoyed it.
Wade grimaced inside, he hated places like that, but that's what it took to get to Adam, he could do anything. He kept the vision of being the assistant head of the Emergency Department in his head.
"If we were really in Westminster, I would take you to the Houses of Parliament! Sounds like fun, though. How about tomorrow, around one?" Wade suggested as he took Adam's hand in his. It was a start.
Adam laughed a bit a Wade's joke about Westminster, "Looking forward to it. My brother and I have been there a couple of times. Can I get you anything?" he asked politely. He liked the feeling of just holding hands with someone, however, it didn't ignite any feelings for the Englishman.
"No, I'd better not, it's getting late. I want us to be rested for tomorrow. I'll be going. This has been really nice, the dinner was delicious," Wade said as he stood, pulling his fellow doctor to his feet. He walked with Adam towards the door.
"I'm glad you liked it. Thanks again for the flowers and gift. I'll see you tomorrow. I'm really looking forward to it," Adam said with a soft, warm smile.
"Good night, Sunshine," Wade said as he bent down to give Adam a kiss. The blond allowed it and returned the kiss.
They kept their tongues to themselves as they kissed a bit longer. When the kiss broke, Wade left. He watched the Brit go down the stairs, get in his car and drive away. Just as Wade drove down the road, headlights turned in and pulled up the drive way.
Adam smiled as Hunter got out of the car and walked around and opened the passenger door for Shawn. Arm in arm the couple walked to their back door.
"Have a nice night?" Adam called down to the people he loved most of all.
"Yes we did, thanks. Finally saw that movie and had a nice dinner. Was that Wade?" Shawn asked as he and Hunter stopped to talk to Adam.
"Good. Yes, I invited him for dinner. We're going to Adventure Golf and Raceway tomorrow. I'm looking forward to it." Adam replied with a smile.
Hunter smiled, "Have fun. Wade is a good man," he approved of the Englishman. He thought the two made a nice couple.
Shawn however, wasn't so sure. There was just something about Wade he didn't like. "Well, have a good time. Good night, son," the nurse smiled and blew Adam a kiss.
Adam went into his apartment and the Helmsley's went into their home. Adam felt a pang of heartache as he looked at the stuffed, toy kitten on his bed. He'd changed into his sleeping pants and comfy tee.
"You are cute, but sorry," Adam said to the kitten as he opened his closet. He put the toy in a box in the back. It was full of things from Chris, he just hadn't been able to get rid of it; yet. He went over and grabbed the remote. The eleven o'clock news had just started as he climbed into his bed to watch TV.
"... one firefighter was injured, but the blaze was under control within two hours. Men from Station 40 will stay on site to make sure no hot spots flare up and reignite the fire. The injured man was from Denver Fire Station 51. We have no further details at this time..." Adam's heart began to pound, his breathing be came rapid. His thoughts flew to Bret.
Adam picked up his cell phone, he had Bret's private number programmed in. He debated on calling, just as he'd made up his mind to finally do it, his phone buzzed. The caller ID read BEAR!
"Hi Bear, are you alright? I just heard on the news about the firefighter injured. I had just picked up the phone to call you?" Adam's tone was anxious and full of concern.
"I'm fine, Sugar. Something just told me you'd be worried. Jay Uso got the wind knocked out of him, when a car blew up. He went to the hospital, but he's fine and fast asleep. So calm down," Bret spoke gently, he could hear the worry in Adam's voice and he wanted the calm the physician.
"I'm glad he's okay. I'm happy you weren't hurt. I saw the live report, but I stopped watching when Wade got here. I spent the evening wondering about you," Adam said as he got comfortable under the covers. He turned off the television as well.
Bret growled inside when Barrett was mentioned. Then again, Adam's personal life wasn't his business. "Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't know you had company. I'll let you go,"
"Oh no, I'm alone. Wade left earlier. I only invited him for dinner. We are going to play mini golf tomorrow. Showing him things we do for fun in America," Adam said. He suddenly felt horribly guilty and he didn't know why.
"Sounds like fun. I was going to invite you to that firehouse dinner tomorrow. I should have called sooner," Bret said with an inaudible sigh. He'd even asked Seth to do steaks. He chided himself, but he'd been busy with the fire and calling Adam had been pushed from his mind.
"I'd like that, Bear. I won't be tied up all day. When should I come," Adam's voice suddenly filled with excited happiness.
"Great! I can't wait to show you around. I'll even let you slide down the pole. Come as early as you want. We eat around seven, unless we're out on a call. If we're gone when you get here, just wait. Someone will be here," Bret's voice was equally as excited.
"Okay. I'm looking forward to it. I've always wanted to slide down the pole. Can I bring anything?" Adam asked happily. He was more relaxed, talking to Bret than he had been all evening with Wade.
"Just your wonderful self. If you're a good boy, we might let you play with a siren or two. Like we do with the little school kids. I'd better let you go. You need your beauty sleep, Sugar. I look forward to seeing you. Have fun with Wade tomorrow," Bret's voice trailed off towards the end. It wouldn't have been polite for him to wish Adam a terrible time with Barrett tomorrow.
They chatted a bit longer, then the doctor and fireman bid each other goodnight. They lingered a bit longer, neither wanted to say a last good-bye.
Adam curled up in his bed with a content smile on his face. At Station 51, Bret informed a few of his men that were in the lounge, that a guest was coming tomorrow. He then excused himself and went to his own sleeping quarters. Bret too, fell asleep with a smile on his handsome face. He couldn't wait to see his friend.
When Wade Barrett arrived at his apartment, he was a confused man. He changed into his pajamas and slipped into his bed. He was conflicted, and it was a feeling he didn't like. Part of him wanted to forget the whole idea of destroying Adam and his career. Maybe Adam had been right about relationships. Part of him wanted to pursue Adam as a real boyfriend and potential deeper relationship. Perhaps marriage.
The other part of him thought all of that was a ridiculous idea. He'd come here to make a name for himself. To come to America, show them how things should be done. He wanted to take Adam's place as Hunter's second. Then if he could figure out a way to even overthrow Hunter and be the Head of Emergency, he would do that too. If he could do that, he could return to England proud. He'd show him, he'd show that bastard, Doctor William S. Regal. He'd show that he didn't have to whore himself to anyone to get ahead in his career.
Wade Barrett wanted to annihilate Regal. As he lay in bed, he put his conflicted thoughts to rest. He was at least a bit sorry for Adam, but too bad. Adam Copeland was in the way of his plan. He would do what ever it took to get Adam's job. What. Ever. It. Took.
With his mind finally made up, Wade curled up under his covers. He drifted off to sleep and hazy ideas floated around in his head. A smile crossed his face, it would start tomorrow. He couldn't wait.
In the Helmsley house, Hunter and Shawn were lying in their bed. They had ended their "date" night with an exhausting round of "shower sex".
Hunter held Shawn in his arms, a very satisfied smirk rested on his lips. He stroked Shawn's long, coppery-blond locks, as his husband's head rested on his chest.
Shawn's fingers softly caressed Hunter's torso, a matching smirk on his lips. He was so happy in his marriage, and had been so since the moment Hunter had walked into his life. He just wished Adam could find such happiness.
Shawn wanted that for Jason as well, but Jason was stronger than Adam in many ways. It didn't worry him as much. Adam was an excellent doctor, Shawn didn't worry about Adam's career. He knew when the time came, Hunter could retire with confidence. It was just Adam's love life that worried him.
"Honey, Adam will be fine. I think Wade will be good for him. They make a nice looking couple, they work well together, he's just what Adam needs," Hunter said softly. He always knew what Shawn was thinking, they were that deeply connected.
Shawn craned his neck to look at his spouse, somehow Hunter always knew his thoughts, he was the same. "I'm not so sure about that. Something about Wade just doesn't sit right with me. He's after something. I don't know what exactly, but I just don't trust his motives with Adam. Don't try to push them together, please Trips?" the nurse finally let his feelings about Wade be known. He hoped Hunter would listen to him. His judgment of people was usually right, but sometimes Hunter was slow on the uptake.
"I know your judgment of people is usually right, Heartbreaker, but this time, I think you're wrong. Wade is just, serious. He doesn't have a great bedside manner, bu he's a very good doctor. I think his serious nature makes him seem more standoffish than he is. I won't encourage, but I won't discourage either," Hunter spoke firmly but softly.
"You know me, Trips. I don't take these things lightly. Wade Barrett is up to something, just wait. I just don't want Adam hurt again. I honestly don't think he could take another bad relationship. Do me a favor, which you know I never ask of you. Put Wade on shift tomorrow night, please?" Shawn asked, his turquoise eyes looked pleadingly at his husband.
Hunter sighed, he knew when Shawn was like this, there was no choice but to do as asked. It was better to comply than wind up on the couch, with no sex for up to a month.
"Shawn, I hate doing that. If it will make you happy, I'll put him on third shift, but you owe me. You drive me crazy sometimes man. You know that don't you?" Hunter said with a deep sigh.
"Thank you. You won't regret it, I promise," Shawn said with a kiss to Hunter's chest.
All of Hunter's frustrations flew out of the window as Shawn's mouth went from his chest to his cock. If Shawn kept rewarding him like this, he'd give his beautiful husband anything he wanted.
A/N: The story of the college student from England being afraid to sit close to the potted plants was taken from a real life incident. A dear friend of mine was visiting me from Wales, in 1992. I was still living in Arkansas at the time. We drove to the mall in Springfield, Missouri one Saturday. It was very crowded that day. When we went to the food court to eat, the only table available was next to a planter filled with "fake" plants. My friend was very nervous. When I asked her why, she explained it was the perfect place to hide a bomb. She and her mother, while visiting London, had just missed the bomb the IRA had placed at Harrods, by minutes. I just thought you should know that at one point fear like that was deeply ingrained into the majority of UK citizens. Thank you once again for reading and reviewing, and I hope you are all enjoying the story! All the best, Lady Dragonsblood.