Bret Hart climbed into his bed at the fire station. He'd written John a note that explained about his hospital visit. He told Cena to tell the boys he was fine, but he needed a few hours sleep. Bret knew he had some thinking to do about Adam, but now he could barely keep his eyes open. For once he hoped for a "cloudless" day. He drifted off into a deep, dreamless sleep.
Adam pulled into his parking space at the hospital. He'd almost changed his mind about returning, but then figured it was best to get it done, while the events were fresh on his mind. It was just about time for the shift change. Well, he'd be out-of-the-way in his office. Wade usually did the charts in the break room over a cup of tea.
As he walked into the building, his mind was racing. He had feelings for Bret, that was for sure. Then there was Wade. Adam liked the Englishman, yes, he could be "snobbish" but that was because he was new and probably afraid of being so far from his friends and family. Of course, Wade would never admit that.
Adam entered the Emergency Room. The Ward Clerk was busy with a patient as he took the staff key card that hung by the door and swiped it through the lock. The door to the Emergency Department opened. Things were in a bustle, the shift change was always the most chaotic time of the day.
"Oh, you're back. Wait, you're not on duty till tomorrow morning," Shawn said in a confused but friendly tone. He'd been on his way to the reception area with the charts.
"Yeah, I know, but I wanted to finish up my paper work from last night. Um... Shawn with Jason gone... I need... advice," Adam spoke in a hesitant tone. He needed a better head to speak to rather than his own confused one.
"Okay. Sure son, I drove myself last night. I'll get Hunter off home, then come by your office? or would you rather talk at home?" Shawn asked the confused looking young man.
"Home, walls have ears. Coffee, my place? Around ten?" Adam asked, his brow raised hopefully.
Shawn laughed, "Okay. I'll see you later. Mrs. Williams is in the ICU, she's fine, but Hunter wanted her watched closely today. Mr. Williams went with the others earlier. They promised to take care of him and make sure he gets here for visiting hours. That must be one tightly knit group," Shawn said with a smile. The residents of the apartment complex had come to get Mr. Williams an hour ago.
Adam smiled, Good, I'll get to work. See you later. And Shawn? Thank you," Adam said with a hug to the Head Nurse. They parted company. Shawn went to Hunter's office, Adam to his. Adam unlocked his office. He entered the room, turned on the light and locked the door behind him. He would work faster undisturbed.
Shawn had put the field charts on his desk earlier. He had to hand it to the nurse, Shawn was the most organized person he knew. Adam began with the file on the little boy All he had to do was neatly recopy the reports. While Hunter was a stickler for neatness, the Administrator of the hospital was even more so.
Paul Heyman was the ultimate authority at the University of Colorado Hospital. He had earned a Doctor's degree and was also a lawyer. He was a nice enough man, but he could be a monster for neatness and details. Nobody ever wanted to draw his attention. He was always fair but could be deadly if crossed. Even Hunter was careful around him.
Adam made a mental note as he worked. He wanted to go buy some toys, clothes and other things for the apartment residents. Maybe Wade or Bret would go with him.
He'd saved Mrs. Williams for last. He looked through her chart. The field report was missing. A bit of panic set in. He flipped through the chart again, maybe it had gotten mixed up with the hospital treatment records.
"Oh you stupid blond! You put it in your coat pocket!" Adam laughed as he spoke to himself. He always hated "dumb blond" jokes, but he did suffer from what Jason teasingly called "blond moments". This was one of them. He pulled his spare medical coat off the back of his chair. He felt in the pockets. Now, real panic set in, he couldn't find the paper!
Wade Barrett finished up his paper work and drained his cup of tea. He left the break room and hung his charts in the rack. He needed to stop by the office and pick up his brief case.
Barrett unlocked the door. He was surprised to see Adam on his hands and knees looking under the desk. He smirked, he knew exactly what his fellow physician was looking for. "Lose something, Sunshine?" Wade asked as he watched Adam curiously. The man's cute ass was up in the air as he went further under the desk.
Adam nearly banged his head on the desk, as he came out from under it. Wade had given him a fright. "Yes! Mrs. Williams field report. I put in my coat pocket, now its gone!" his voice was in a near panic.
"First of all, calm down. You were going to rewrite it any way, does the old one really matter?" Wade asked in a calm tone. He knew Adam needed the exact numbers like pulse and heart rates. He had to prove each up-charge of power on the defibrillator.
"I can remember everything, but I'm not sure of the rate numbers. Oh fucking hell, why do my papers keep vanishing?" Adam sat back on his heels, he was nearly in a position of submission. He looked up at Wade with panic in his eyes.
"I saw Hunter give you the paper. Oh, I think you put it in your coat pocket," Wade said in a helpful tone. He knew full well it wasn't there.
"Yeah, I know. I already looked, it's not there! I thought maybe somehow it fell out and was under here," Adam explained why he'd been under the desk.
"Oh. Well, can I help you look?" Wade asked his brow raised. He wanted to appear helpful.
"No, I'm sure you're tired. I'll just do the best I can. It will turn up, or maybe Zack has her numbers. He was working the defib. Just go home and rest," Adam said absentmindedly. He just hoped Ryder had the information he needed or maybe Nikki Bella would have field notes.
"I am tired, but I'll buy you breakfast. I'm sure he'll have what you need, so don't worry. Come on, Sunshine, Cracker Barrel? Your favorite?" Wade asked in a hopeful tone. The other side of him still found Adam an attractive companion.
"I'm sorry, Wade. Normally, I'd love to, but I'm meeting Shawn for coffee. How about Thursday? Friday? I'll even treat," Adam spoke in an apologetic tone. He was in a mess, not only another missing paper, but Bret and Wade. He liked them both. He just needed Shawn's advice.
"I'll hold you to that. Good luck with the paper. You are a pretty thing," Wade said softly. He'd helped Adam up to his feet and pulled him into his embrace. He drew Adam in for a gentle kiss. Adam moaned softly into the kiss, his hands on the Englishman's hips. Wade's kiss was nice, but lacked the fire and passion of Bret's. He wasn't confused about that in the least.
Wade broke the kiss, "I'll see you later, Sunshine. Just don't fret too much about the paper. You're prettier when you smile," he gave Adam's chin a gentle "chuck" with his fingers. He pecked the soft lips again. They said goodbye. Wade left and Adam went back to his desk.
Adam worked as hard as he could on the new field report. He tried to call both Zack and Nikki but they weren't available and he didn't want to wake them up.
Like the firemen, the ambulance crews worked three days, then were off for two. It was a test program from the Colorado Civil Defense. The University hospital had been one of six in the State chosen for the year-long test. It was meant to see if a more consistent team made a better team. So far, it was proving to be a very successful program. The ambulance crew lived in a dorm over the ambulance bay. It was very much like a firehouse, only there was no pole for them to slide down.
Adam debated about telling Hunter, but decided he'd wait until he'd talked to Ryder and Bella. He finished off the papers. He took one last look in his spare coat pockets, then hung it back in his tiny closet. Another search both under and on his desk and found nothing.
Adam gave another frantic look from the door. His eyes scanned everywhere, they landed on his sheepskin on the wall. He only regretted his dear mother never got to see him graduate. Next to the diploma was a picture of Judy, Jason and himself. It was taken a week before Judy died. Adam swiped away a tear. He missed his ma.
With a sigh, Adam left his office and locked the door. He remembered as he got into his car a few minutes later, that he needed to stop at the grocery store, he was nearly out of coffee. Perhaps they would also have some of his favorite cinnamon rolls, Shawn loved them too.
Adam got to his apartment in time to take a shower and wash his hair. He realized he stank of smoke and soot from the fire. It had only happened a few hours ago, but with all that had occurred, it seemed like days. The doctor dressed in his sleeping pants and loose t-shirt. His feet were stocking covered as he fussed around in the kitchen. The coffee finished as Shawn knocked on the door.
Adam told him to come in. They poured their coffee and took a warm cinnamon roll each. Luckily the store bakery had some and Adam kept them warm in the oven. Adam directed Shawn to the couch. They were chatting about the nights events. While Adam wanted to talk about Bret and Wade, he wasn't in any hurry, it made him nervous.
"So, Adam, what's going on? Between you and Bret, my pastor skills are being stretched," he said with a bit of a laugh. What he really wanted to do was knock Bret and Adam's heads together and show them they belonged together. However, he could not do that, at least not physically.
"Shawn? What do you mean? I'll admit I wanted to talk about Bret, but what's that got to do with you being a preacher?" Adam asked his brow raised. Had Bret said something?
"He was having some problems remembering a promise he made. I had to remind him with a bit of tough love. As a pastor, I have to do that sometimes; as you well know," Shawn said with a wink and smile. More than once he'd had to use tough love with both Jason and Adam.
Adam sighed deeply, "Shawn, I've got a real problem. Chris, it still hurts you know. I really loved him, or at least I thought I did. I'm so confused why would he do that to me? Especially when Chris knew about... Randy," Adam paused, he hadn't realized how much Chris was still in his thoughts. A few tears rolled down his cheeks, the memories burned his heart. How could he even think of a new relationship with either Wade or Bret?
"Oh sweetie, you've held it in for too long. I wish I had an answer for you. I honestly don't think Chris thought about Randy or the affect his actions would have on you. He loved you son, but he just; didn't handle it well. It is better that you found out before the wedding. You know all that though. All I can tell you is, don't let Chris' actions stop you from finding love. There is someone out there; just for you," Shawn's tone was soft and full of fatherly love. He only hoped it soaked into Adam's brain, the boy could be stubborn at times.
"I know, I know. At first I was just going to marry my work, but, I... enjoy being with someone. It's just, how can I trust again? I mean trust enough to fall in love," Adam said with a heavy sigh.
"You have to listen to this, not with this," Shawn pointed to Adam's heart, then his head. He finished by playfully ruffling Adam's hair.
Adam laughed as he smoothed his hair down. "So, you're saying my heart knows more than my head? If that were true, how do you explain Randy and Chris?" he turned serious as he spoke. He'd had two serious relationships and both had failed, badly.
Shawn sighed internally, this was going to be much harder than he thought. He realized Adam's problems ran deep, and were serious.
"Bad luck? No, no, I'm sorry, I don't mean to make light. Life lessons? You learned something from Randy. That no matter what happens in your life, you can pull through. Even with all that he did to you, you still managed to keep your grades and graduated at the top of your class. That alone proved how strong you really are. With Chris, it was along the same lines. You were able to keep working and didn't let it drag you down. You are one of the strongest men I know. We are all proud of you, as Judy would have been," Shawn said sincerely and honestly. He had moisture in his eyes. He caressed Adam's cheek gently with a soft smile.
Adam leaned into Shawn's parental caress, "I thought about her today. I miss her so much. We would have been lost without you and Hunter. I know Jay and I don't say it often, but we love you both so much..." Adam paused and wiped the tear from not only his eye, but Shawn's as well, then continued. "Back to my problem; let me explain..." Adam said with a sigh. He then launched into what had happened that morning with Bret and later with Wade. He told Shawn everything, starting with the night of Davy's death.
It took the physician nearly an hour to tell everything. Shawn listened intently, Adam was finally pouring out his feelings, he wasn't about to stop him. Finally ending with Wade's visit in the office that morning, Adam finished. He even told about the missing field report.
Shawn took it all in, the paper was the least and easiest to deal with. "Don't worry about the field report. If Ryder or Bella don't have the numbers, you can estimate with an explanation, it's been done plenty of times before. I'll tell Trips, don't fret about that anymore," Shawn said with a sip of coffee. Now he had to discuss the hard part. He decided to be totally honest.
"Okay. I just got panicked mainly because of that other form that went missing," Adam smiled and sipped his coffee. He needed Shawn's honest advice.
"Now, listen to me, and don't interrupt till I'm done, okay?" Shawn asked, his brow raised. Adam had a tendency to only hear what he wanted to hear, in certain circumstances.
Adam nodded. He knew sometimes he jumped before everything was said. He looked at Shawn intently, he was desperate for advice.
"I don't trust Wade, no, that's harsh. He's a fine doctor and all, but that man is after something. I just can't put my finger on it. He may be wonderful outside of work, but Adam, I'd be careful of investing in a relationship with him. Consider this too; he's only here for a few years. Then he'll go back, to his home, family and work in England. If you did become involved, would you be happy in England, or trying a really long distance relationship? He won't stay here; he can't, because of the terms of the exchange program," Shawn made his point clear and concise. He truly wanted Adam to think seriously. He took another sip of coffee; Adam had refilled their cups as Shawn spoke.
"I never thought of that; I mean him going back to England. What could he be after though? He is a good doctor. His bedside manner is a little, lacking sometimes but otherwise he's alright. He was real fun at the mini golf course yesterday. There was that incident, early on, at his apartment, but we worked that out," Adam said in a thoughtful tone. He really hadn't thought about Wade eventually going back to England.
Shawn continued, "yes, he needs to improve his bedside manner. Well, I don't know what he's after, maybe nothing, but as I said, something about him just bothers me," he took another sip of coffee. Shawn kicked off his shoes and curled his legs under him to get more comfortable.
"Now, about Bret. I don't have to tell you what a good man he is. I have to be honest, when I see the two of you together, both of you light up like Christmas trees. You remember what I said earlier about a promise?" Shawn paused, Adam nodded, he did remember.
"It was something between him and Davy. About finding someone and falling in love again. They promised each other they would not become bitter and live alone. Bret may have realized this morning that keeping that promise is important. I think the two of you care more about each other than you realize. Tell me honestly, how did you feel during that kiss and when you're around Bret. Then how you feel when you're around Wade. Really think about it this time," Shawn asked point-blank. He'd asked the question before, but now maybe Adam would clearly think about it.
Adam sighed deeply, he knew he had to make a choice. He couldn't string Wade and Bret along. He closed his eyes for a moment. "Wade is nice. I have to admit it. As I said, a real gentleman..." Adam was interrupted by Shawn.
"But, how do you feel about him. About when you're alone with him. How it feels when you kiss him," Shawn said more firmly this time. He could tell Adam was trying to avoid the question.
Adam banged his head with the pillow he was holding in his lap, "It's just a man kissing me. I like kissing, but when I'm with him, it's like being with a colleague from work. We had fun yesterday but, it was just a date," Adam said with a shrug of his shoulders. He didn't know how else to answer.
"Better answer. Now, when you're with Bret, how do you feel? Did that kiss make you feel?" Shawn asked again. Now, he was getting somewhere.
Adam rested his chin in his hand," It wasn't like before. It wasn't a kiss of friendship, but a kiss of passion. When we were up against the wall, and he was pressed up against me, it felt so good, so safe, so right. He just makes me smile. He looked so; handsome and heroic last night. Oh Shawn, he's so warm and caring. We're having breakfast on Monday," Adam's face lit up as he spoke of Bret, his eyes sparkled.
Shawn smiled softly, he had his answer. Now he just had to get Adam to see it. Apparently Bret was already "thinking".
"Son, did you hear the difference in the way you spoke? With Wade you just shrugged, with Bret, you practically glowed. Honey, Bret is the one for you," Shawn said softly. He hoped none of this would come back and bite him in the ass or that Hunter would take the belt to said ass either. Well, okay that part might not be too bad. He had to bite back a blush.
"Bret? Wade? I have a lot of thinking to do. I do feel more natural with Bret. Wade has points, maybe living in England..." Adam's words trailed off. Why was this so damn fucking hard.
Shawn frowned, he'd thought Adam had understood his point. The boy could be so damn stubborn! He just wanted to throttle the kid, but he couldn't, not really. Shawn knew Adam had to chew and stew, it was just his way.
"Okay son, I'll let you get some sleep. Besides, I need to give grumpy butt his lunch. Just take it all in and think. If you need anything, just come on over, the doors open. I love you, kid. Just don't be so stubborn!" Shawn said with a laugh as he stood, then took his cup and plate to the sink.
Adam followed the head nurse to the kitchen then to the door, "I am not stubborn, just careful, well... okay stubborn. I love you too and love to Hunter. Same here, always open, has to be; you're the landlord. Oh! Shawn, wait!" Adam followed Shawn out on to the deck.
He explained about the Heritage Heights residents and his idea to buy new toys, clothes and other things. Shawn said of course and that both he and Hunter would give funds. Shawn said to let him know when. They hugged and went their separate ways.
Adam was so tired all of a sudden. His adrenaline just drained. It had been a long twenty-four hours. He could sleep till the next morning when he would go back to work. He fell onto his bed and was instantly asleep.
Wade Barrett was at his desk in his apartment. He had put Mrs. Williams field report in the file with the parental consent form. He was conflicted; at one time his plan had been so clear. He wanted to destroy Adam in Hunter's eyes so he could be second in command and how he could throw it in that bastard Regal's face when he returned to England. What he hadn't counted on was actually falling for Adam romantically.
Wade also knew he had competition for Copeland's affection, even if Adam didn't realize it. Hell, he wasn't even sure Bret Hart knew he had feelings for Adam. He didn't want them to realize it either. There was also another problem, Barrett knew Shawn Helmsley didn't trust him, on a personal level. Their working relationship was excellent, but that was as far as it went. Wade also knew that Shawn was very important to Adam, as was Hunter. He picked up the phone; he'd made up his mind.
"Hello Shawn, Wade Barrett here... I'm fine thank you and yourselves?... good, glad to hear it. Listen, the reason I called is, we haven't really had much of a chance to talk socially. I'd like to remedy that. I'd like to take you and Hunter to dinner tonight, nothing fancy, just my local pub. They have great food. Would that be possible, around seven?... okay you do that, I'll be here... yes, same to you... ciao," he hung up the phone. He hoped when Shawn called back he'd say yes. All he could do no was wait. Shawn had to ask Hunter, like an obedient husband.
While the Englishman waited, he got ready for bed. He put on his black silk pajama bottoms, leaving the top in the drawer. Wade was muscular and well-built, he enjoyed a few hours in the gym each week and it showed. He slipped into his bed, which also had black silk sheets. He enjoyed luxury and comfort and made no apologies for it. Wade picked up the book he was reading. He was a closet Tolkien fan and was enjoying the Lord of the Rings for the hundredth time, at least. He sipped his tea as he read. He loved getting lost in the world of Hobbits and elves.
Barrett nearly jumped when the phone rang, "Doctor Barrett here... oh, hello Shawn, nice of you to get back to me so soon... that's wonderful... yes, that is the place... seven is perfect... I'm looking forward to it... yes, till then... bye," he ended the call with a smile. He hoped he could use the opportunity to win Shawn over. He had to be on the man's good side to make headway with Adam.
Wade put down his book and set the alarm for five thirty. He just hoped it went well. He pulled the covers up and closed his eyes. The Englishman drifted off to sleep, his thoughts on a certain blond doctor.
Shawn wasn't happy as he lay in bed. He didn't want to spend the evening with Wade Barrett. He sighed as the snores erupted from the other side of the bed. Hunter had insisted it would be best for business. Well, Shawn would put up with it because that's what love was, and he loved Hunter more than life its self.
By seven-thirty their dinner had arrived. Shawn, Hunter and Wade were sitting in a more private corner of the English Pub that Wade liked so well.
"This is delicious, Wade. Thank you again for inviting us. We haven't had much of a chance to just be social," Hunter said as he took a bite of his food.
"You're welcome. I also haven't properly thanked you for bringing me here. Doctor Regal wasn't too sure about it you know. I just want to do the best job, share ideas, go back and prove it wasn't a mistake," Wade started out warmly and ended with a slightly bitter tone. A fact that didn't escape Shawn's notice.
"So Wade, have you ever thought about the future? Maybe staying here after your agreement?" Shawn asked curiously as he took a bite of his bangers and mash.
Wade put down his pint, his gaze turned thoughtful, "Well, to be honest, no. I do like it here, don't get me wrong. England is home. When father passes, I'll have to take over the Estate. At least I won't have to take over his bench in the House. No more automatic inherited benches," Wade explained in a thoughtful tone. Technically, Wade's father was a Lord in the House of Commons, but he only ever attended once a year, and never used the "Lord" title. Wade hated all that. He liked being "posh", but was not the least bit into titles and politics.
"I see. Wade, I want to be blunt. You like Adam right? Have you thought about this? Say you do start a relationship, then it's time for you to return to England and he doesn't want to go?" Shawn's tone was serious. He had to know what Wade would say.
Hunter gave Shawn a hard glare, but he kept quiet. The only way he could get Shawn to accept Wade's invitation was to agree to let his husband ask the Englishman questions, including his intentions with Adam. To him; Wade was the perfect choice for Adam. He just hoped after this Shaw would agree.
Wade carefully chewed his bite of Shepherd's Pie. He honestly hadn't thought about it. "I don't know, Shawn. I haven't really gotten that far. We've really only had our first real date. I like Adam, he's an excellent doctor and as a man; well, he's beautiful," there he'd said it, to the two men that mattered most in Adam's life.
"Wade, Adam has been badly treated in relationships. I won't go into details, but trust me. It would tear him apart if the two you got involved, then you just up and left him. You'd better think about it, then talk to him. I won't take seeing him hurt, yet again," Shawn said honestly. He wasn't mean, but he was firm.
"I have to agree with Shawn on that, son. I think though, if you talk about it and really discuss it, the two of you can work it out," Hunter added his opinion. He did think Wade was right for Adam, but he didn't want Adam hurt either.
"All I can do is talk to Adam. I won't hurt him. I promise. Now, I'd like to know something else. How am I doing? Work wise I mean. I sure have a lot to live up to. Adam is formidable as a colleague," the Englishman asked, his brow raised. He had to know how he stood professionally in the Helmsley's eyes. They ran the Emergency Department, absolutely.
"You're doing a fine job. That report on how to prepare for a brawl was excellent. Doctor Heyman was also impressed. Just keep your nose to the grind stone. I'm not one bit sorry I chose you for the program," Hunter said honestly. Wade was doing very well.
Before Wade could respond, Shawn spoke. "I agree with Hunter. You are a great doctor. There is just one thing you need to work on. Don't take this other than the way I say it. As a nurse, the patient is who matters most. You need to; soften your bedside manner. Sometimes you come over a bit... gruff and uncaring. I don't think you realize it. Just work on that. Oh and one other thing. Remember, without nurses, you doctors are as helpless as infants," Shawn's words were carefully chosen, but necessary.
"I'll try to do better. I have to admit, our training left the bedside care to the nurses. Adam is so good with them, I'll try to follow his example. I'm sorry if I've done anything to offend your staff. Shawn, you have a crack team. I never have to look for anything. Our nurses could take lessons. Say, maybe you could do a report for me to take back, tips for being a better nurse or something?" Wade asked hopefully. Maybe this would help get Shawn on side.
"Yes, Adam is a fantastic example to follow. I'd be happy to do that Wade. Anything I can do to improve nursing would be worth it. You haven't offended us, but sometimes like with the patients you can be a bit gruff. You'll improve I'm sure. Now, husband, dance with me?" Shawn asked Hunter with a friendly wink and smile to Wade.
Wade watched as the doctor and nurse danced slowly around the table. One look showed how much they loved each other. Wade hoped he could have that some day, maybe even with Adam.