Adam just stood there, stunned. Bret jumped up, "Come on, we'll go in my car. I can use the lights and siren," his words were gentle as he took Adam by the hand and started out of the store.
Shawn started to follow, he turned to Wade, "Pay for the books, then come to the hospital. You'll be needed." He turned and ran to catch up with Bret and Adam.
Wade did as Shawn asked. He too was in a bit of shock. He was sure Adam was about to choose him, then once again like a hero, Hart had saved the day. Well, he'd make sure Adam chose him over the fireman for damn sure.
Bret sped through the traffic like the pro he was. He glanced over at Adam, he placed his right hand on Adam's leg gently. "I'm sure he'll be alright. Things often look worse than they actually are. I know all the guys at the airport station, they are the best. Just be the strong doctor I know you are," his words were firm and confident. He'd meant what he said, he'd be there for Adam; no matter what.
"Bret's right, son. As you full well know, it's often not as bad as it sounds. Jason is fine. He and the others not on the plane are at the hospital. Hunter's there too. He'll be okay Adam, I'm sure," Shawn said as he leaned over the blond from the backseat. He hoped he wasn't lying and that Chris would really be alright. At least Jason was safe, he thanked God for that.
Adam absentmindedly took Bret's hand and held it, his eyes stared ahead. "Jason's alright? Yes, that's right he was on the bus. I... why do I; after what he did to me. Chris, please be alright," his words sounded more like a robot.
"Just because you broke up with him, doesn't mean you don't still care. It's only natural, Sugar. Nothing wrong with that either, it's just another example of how loving and caring you are," Bret said softly as he deftly steered the blaring vehicle into the hospital parking lot.
"I'll be in the waiting room if you need me. Be strong, Adam. I... I... just go see Chris," Bret said with a kiss to the back of Adam's hand.
"Thank you, Bret. You are a good friend," Adam said as he got out of the SUV and headed towards the building.
"Yes, friend, thanks. Listen, about earlier, I'm sorry I snapped. Adam has had a hard time. He likes you both, but honestly, I want him to choose you. Just don't make me regret that. Park and come in, he may need you," Shawn shut the car door and ran into the building as well.
As Bret went to park, he saw Wade getting out of his car. The doctor was pulling on his white coat as he ran toward the building. He parked and followed the others.
Adam got to the Emergency Room. He saw his brother, sitting with his arm around a red-headed young man. The young man was crying. Jason looked as he heard his brother.
"Adam!" Jason called out to his brother, without letting go of the young man. He looked like a scared rabbit as Adam approached.
Adam hugged his brother as he sat next to Jason, "Thank god you're alright. What happened? Have they said how Chris is?" his voice was frantic as he hugged his older brother again.
"They were landing. The gear malfunctioned as it came down. The plane skidded on its belly. It fell off the edge of the tarmac, the wing caught; the plane just... went like a cart-wheel, oh Adam, it burst into flames. Thank God the fire department was so fast. They got the fire out immediately. They were all tossed around like tumbleweeds. The flight attendant was killed, as was the co-pilot. Chris, Mike and Alex were on the plane. Heath, and Kofi were on the bus with me and the roadies. Oh Adam, they looked so... bad," Jason told his brother the story. Jay was just bewildered, his eyes were wild and full of confusion.
"Where was... Evan?" Adam asked quietly. He wondered where the drummer was. He didn't see him in the waiting room with Kofi and the roadies.
"He was on the plane. He wasn't badly hurt, a few bumps and bruises, maybe a broken leg," Jason almost seemed to spit bile as he spoke of Chris' lover.
"Jason, it wasn't Evan's fault about Chris. Adam, it just happened," Heath said softly. He'd been trying for weeks to get Jason to forgive Evan. He hadn't had much success.
"Heath is right, brother. It's okay, I'm getting past it, honestly. I'm going back to see what I can find out. Oh, Bret, you remember my brother, Jason? Please, stay with him, Bret," Adam said as he stood.
"You know I will. Glad you're alright Jason. Would you all like some coffee?" Bret asked warmly as he sat in the place where Adam had sat.
Adam left the waiting room, knowing his brother was in good hands. He stopped by his office and grabbed his spare coat. Adam took a deep breath and headed out to see what was happening.
Shawn threw a pair of surgical scrubs on over his street clothes and went in search of Hunter. He found his husband in his office, looking over some X-rays. "So, how is he?" the nurse asked as he too looked at the X-rays on the wall mounted viewer.
"This is Bourne's. Broken tibia, clean. A cast, a bit of rehab and he'll be up and about. Jericho is in bad shape. Busted and arm and leg, ribs, cracked collar-bone, collapsed lung, and a lot of contusions and cuts. Shawn, it's bad, he could also have a major concussion, bleeding in the brain. I'm waiting for the CAT Scan. He's been calling out for Adam, he here?" Hunter's tone was one doctor's used when even they weren't sure of a patients fate.
"Will you do it?" Shawn asked his husband with his brow raised. He knew Hunter was not happy with Chris. Would he be father figure or surgeon first?
"Michael Shawn Helmsley, how can you seriously ask me that? You know I'll do it. I am a Doctor first, and foremost, regardless of my personal feelings. I thought you knew me better than that," Hunter was actually shocked and honestly, a bit hurt that Shawn had asked in such a doubtful tone.
Shawn saw the hurt in his husband's amber eyes, "I'm sorry, babe. I know you're professional. I was wrong to ask. I had a hard time today. I'll tell you later, well, we'd better see to our boys," Shawn said with a soft kiss of apology. He hadn't meant to hurt the man he loved more than anything.
Adam walked into the trauma room. Chris was lying on a bed, tubes everywhere. His right leg and right arm were stabilized with inflatable "field" casts. Cuts and bruises covered his body. He was naked except for his boxers. Adam inhaled sharply, he'd once loved the man, all those feelings came rushing back. He jumped a bit when the broken man spoke.
"Adam? I want Adam. Please," his words were rough and airy, he could hardy get them past his lips.
Adam went to Chris' bedside, "I'm here, Chris. I'm here, just relax now," he spoke softly and gently caressed his former lover's brow.
"Sorry, so sorry." Chris whined as he felt Adam's presence. He tried to move but his body ached so badly.
"Lay still, Chris. It's okay, I've forgiven you. It's alright," Adam again spoke softly and kept caressing Chris' brow.
"Love you, still love you," Chris said in a halting, semi-conscious whisper.
In the bed beyond Chris', tears tracked down Evan's cheeks as he heard his lover confess his love for his former fiancé. He felt so lost and hurt.
"Just rest, Chris. I'm here and we'll get you back on your feet in no time. I'm going to talk to Hunter, I'll be back," Adam said softly and bent down and kissed Chris' cheek. He left the room.
Adam nearly crashed into Hunter and Shawn as he exited the trauma room. "Oh, sorry. I was just looking for you. So what are the details about Chris?" the younger doctor asked the two older men. His face full of concern.
Hunter opened the chart he was holding and filled Adam in on the details of Chris' case, "... so, I'm just waiting for the CAT Scan. Then we'll know about the brain surgery," Hunter said in a serious tone.
"I would like to assist if surgery is required," Wade Barrett said from behind Adam. He'd come up to the threesome just as Hunter had started filling Adam in.
"Me too, Hunter, Please?" Adam asked in a pleading tone. He wanted to help Chris in any way he could.
"Wade, you can, but Adam, I don't think it's a good idea for you. You're emotionally attached, you know this. It can get in the way if something happens. No arguments, please Doctor," Hunter said in a serious tone, with a look to match. Shawn agreed with his husband and his face too, showed it. Adam knew better than to argue. He didn't like the decision, but he knew better than to argue with Hunter when he used that tone.
"DOCTOR HELMSLEY TO CSCAN! DOCTOR HELMSLEY TO CSCAN!" a voice called out over the inter-com.
"Wade, come with me, Shawn you and Adam see to the others. I'll let you know as soon as possible," Hunter said as he and Wade walked away.
"I'd have been alright. Chris and I aren't... he told me he still loved me. Shawn, I can't, I'd never be able to trust him again. I'm afraid if I tell him that, he'll give up, you know what I mean," Adam said with a sigh as he leaned against the wall.
"It's different if they flat line, you know that, you could 'lose' it. I'm glad to hear that, Adam. You're right though, just avoid talking about it for now. Say, you said you made up your mind between Bret and Wade, care to tell me?" Shawn asked as he looked at Adam. He was curious about whom Adam had picked.
"Yes, I know. No, Shawn, I can't deal with that now. I'm going to check the others," Adam said as he pushed himself from the wall. He could have told Shawn his decision, but he was a little mad a the nurse for backing Hunter in keeping him out of Chris' possible surgery. Shawn shook his head and smiled, he knew exactly what Adam was doing. Well, he'd find out eventually. He was glad to know Chris was a closed subject.
Adam took another look at Chris. His ex was quiet and seemed to finally be resting. With a deep breath, he went to the next bed. It held Evan Bourne, and the young man was crying silent tears.
"Are you in any pain?" Adam asked as he pushed his emotional side away and pulled up his doctor's side.
"No, not really. They gave me something," Evan said with a sniff and swipe of his eyes.
Adam carefully sat on the side of the bed, he looked at the man who had ruined his life with Chris. It wasn't really anyone's fault. For the first time since he and Chris had broken up, Adam realized it probably would have happened anyway, it was just Chris' way.
"Listen Evan, don't worry. Everything that can be done for Chris, will be done. He will be okay. It will be rocky, but..." Adam was interrupted by the young man.
"He only wanted you. He said he loved you, I heard him. I... I love him. I'm sorry it happened. It started out innocent, but then... I'm sorry... I'm sorry," Evan wailed. He loved Chris, hated what they'd done to Adam and was torn about Chris being so injured and then calling for Adam instead of him.
Adam felt bad for Evan, he really did. He could tell the boy really loved Chris. He hugged the young man and rubbed his back gently.
"It's alright, Evan. Trust me. It just wasn't meant to be between Chris and I. I'm not in love with him anymore. I'll always care for him, but I'll never love him. Just give him time. He's hurting, he could be having some memory issues, and I'm the one he remembers being with. Let's just wait and see what happens, okay?" Adam's voice was a soft, gentle whisper. He didn't want to be loud enough for Chris to hear; just in case there were some problems.
Evan pulled back a bit from Adam's embrace. "Thank you. It's easy to see why he loved you. Will he really be okay? And the others? It was horrible; one minute we were laughing, the next we were tossed around like water over a falls," Evan said with another deep sniff. He needed to talk and the doctor was so nice.
"I'm hoping so, Evan. I haven't been to check on Mike and Alex yet, but when I do, I promise to tell you. Now, just rest. It's all okay," Adam said with a final pat to Evan's shoulder. He left the young man's bedside.
Adam took another look at Chris' machines and made the notes on his chart. He looked at his former lover. His heart pulled a bit, it hurt him to see Chris in so much pain and agony. He prayed the man would really be alright. He left to go check on the other two band members.
Mike and Alex were more lucky. Their injuries were minor. A sprained ankle for Mike and Alex had a broken finger. They were alert and waiting for rooms upstairs. They had to stay, at least over night for observation. Sometimes a concussion or other injuries took several hours to present themselves.
"Hows Chris? He looked so bad. Evan pulled him out from under a broken seat. Chris would have been dead if he hadn't," Mike spoke to Adam. Nobody had spoken about Evan's heroic actions till then.
"Evan didn't mention that. Chris is in bad shape, but he has a good chance. He may need brain surgery..." Adam paused, he pulled the privacy curtain, closing them off from Alex and anyone else in the room. He sat on the edge of Mike's bed. Adam knew that Mike was the level head of The Lionhearts. He often kept them together and was the peacemaker.
"Mike, we've been friends for a while. Tell me something, and I need you to be honest. This thing with Chris and Evan, were they together before Chris and I got engaged?" Adam asked with hesitation. He knew Mike would tell him the truth. Mike had been in Jay's Frat at college and was a friend to both of the Copeland brothers.
Mike sighed, "No, Adam. Chris really, really loved you. The thing with Evan just happened. It was an innocent celebration kiss at first, hell we all kissed Chris. It was just after we completed the first song on the new CD. We were excited as fuck over our first really professional recording session. I guess they just connected. I honestly don't think Chris is the marrying kind. Adam, to be brutally honest, I think you would have been divorced within a year. Even love can't tame a Lion."
"Thanks, Mike. I needed to hear from someone who wasn't going to sugar coat it with a bunch of excuses and reasons. I'll keep you posted on how Chris is doing. And be quiet, Alex is sleeping," Adam said with a wink. He left the two men to rest.
Adam went back out to the waiting room. He knew Jason and the others would want to know how things were going. He smiled when he got to the waiting area. Bret was making sure everyone had coffee, soda, food or anything else they needed to make their waiting easier.
Jason jumped up when he saw his brother enter the room. Adam asked his brother to sit. He sat down as well and filled the uninjured members of the band in on what he knew so far.
"Why did this have to happen? The deal? What if the record label sues us?" Jay suddenly broke down. He worried about Chris and the others and possibly losing the deal, it was too much.
"I'm sure they can't sue you, Jason. It was their plane, and their pilot. Fault will more than likely rest with them. I've worked a lot of plane crash reports, never once have the passengers ever been the cause." Bret spoke in a reassuring tone as he sat next to Adam and his brother.
Jason looked at the Captain, a look of relief washed over his face, "Really? The Lionhearts can't be blamed?"
"I don't see how. They offered you the plane. They didn't twist your arm," Bret added firmly.
"That makes me feel better. Thanks, Captain Hart," Jason said with a warm smile. He also liked that the man next to him was so nice to his baby brother.
"It's Bret, and glad to help. As for the why? That's a good question. Why my Davy? Why do bad things happen? All I can figure out is, there is a balance in nature, good and bad. If we never had any bad in our lives, we'd never appreciate the good. Sounds kind of stupid, but it's what makes sense to me," Bret said in a thoughtful tone. It was how he really felt.
Adam looked at Bret, "That's a perfect way to put it. If we don't appreciate the good that we have, we'd wind up being even more cold and miserable."
"You two are in the wrong professions. You sound more like Shawn. Thanks guys. What we need to do now is be thankful Chris and the others are alive and pray for them," Jason replied with a soft smile of his own. He really did feel better.
"Jason, why were you, Heath and Kofi on the bus? I would have thought all of you would have taken the opportunity to be on a fancy, private jet," Adam asked his brother. He was glad Jason was safe, but he was curious about it. He certainly would have gone on a private jet if the opportunity arose.
"I hate flying. My parents were killed in a plane crash when I was sixteen. I've hated them ever since. The bus was coming back anyway, so I asked to ride. Kofi and Jason offered to keep me company," Heath explained to Adam. He was a bit embarrassed.
"I'm sorry, Heath. I didn't know. What will you do if you have to go on tour in Europe?" Adam asked, his brow raised. He didn't know of a way to drive to Europe.
"I'll take pills or something. I'll just have to learn to deal for the sake of the band. I don't think I'll have to worry about it for a while, now," Heath replied with a sad sigh. He reached over and took Jason's hand. It was then that Adam noticed something.
As Heath took Jason's hand in his, there was a flash of gold on their left fingers. "Jason? Heath? Do you have something to tell me?" Adam asked with a confused look at the couple.
"Yeah. I said I had something to tell you. Heath and I got married in New York City," Jason answered with a soft smile as he pulled Heath close.
Adam's mouth moved, but for a moment, no words came out. Finally, he was able to speak, "wow, I'm shocked. What am I saying! Congratulations! I'm happy for you! Wow! Wait! You got married?! Without me? That's horrible!" Adam's tone was full of happiness. He was truly happy for his brother, and the cute red-head.
"Thanks, bro. It just happened. I proposed after the show one night and we said, why wait. I thought about you, but it happened so fast. I knew you'd understand. I love you, Adam Joseph," Jay said with a hug to his brother. He knew Adam would be pleased.
"I am happy for you. Heath, guess we're brothers now, welcome to the family. Shawn and Hunter will be surprised too. Listen, when things are settled, we'll celebrate, Copeland style..." Adam's happiness was interrupted as his hospital pager went off. He was needed back in the Emergency Room. He hugged the newlyweds and got up to leave. He motioned for Bret to follow him.
The doctor and firefighter stopped at the door to the Emergency Room, "Bret, thanks for helping Jason and the others. By the way, I chose... you," Adam said with a smile and wink. He went through the doors, leaving Bret in shock.
Adam knew Bret was the one he wanted to try a relationship with. When Bret had explained to Jason about the way bad things happen, he knew. He knew Bret truly cared about him and the people that mattered to him. He would deal with Wade later, but now he was needed elsewhere.
Bret just stood there, in shock as Adam vanished into the Emergency room. A smile broke out on his face. He hoped he knew what Adam had meant. But for now, he just prayed Chris and the others would be okay. There was a time and place for everything. He went back to sit with the others and wait.
Adam's face was serious as he went to Hunter's office. He figured the CATSCAN report had been examined. Would Chris need delicate brain surgery?
"Well?" Adam asked as he entered the office of the Head of Emergency Services. Hunter, Shawn and Wade were looking at several images were on the lighted box on the wall.
"Look for yourself and you tell me," Hunter said in a serious tone. He was testing Adam's skills as a doctor and meant to do it.
Adam pulled out a pair of glasses. He only wore them when he had to look at CATSCANS or MRI results. They helped him get a clearer picture.
"This looks like bleeding. I'd say you're going to have to go in and use the laser to cauterize it. At least that's what I would do," Adam said with confidence as he put his glasses back in his pocket.
"Excellent work, Doctor Copeland. I'm sorry you can't assist, but I still think your too attached. Shawn go prep Chris for surgery. Wade, you and I have some delicate operating to do," Hunter said to the Englishman as he gave him a pat on the shoulder. Without a word, Barrett left the office and went to get ready for the operation. Shawn followed, he also had a lot to do to get ready.
"Wade missed it. I don't think he's too pleased with himself. If I had my choice, he'd be watching, not assisting," Hunter said in an unreadable tone.
"It would be easy to miss. I have missed things before. I'll tell Evan, he's really worried about Chris. Hunter, take care of him," Adam said softly as he left the office. He knew Hunter liked to be alone before a major surgery.
As Adam left, Hunter called out to him, "I will, Adam," his voice was confident. Adam smiled at the older man and left.
Adam wanted to go to his office first. He needed to gather his thoughts for a moment before he saw Evan. He was surprised to find Wade in their shared office. Barrett should have been in the scrub room, prepping for the surgery. Wade was standing as he stared out of the window. He looked over as Adam came into the small room. "I can't believe I missed that. It was so obvious," his tone showed his upset and self anger.
Adam went over to Wade and put a hand on his shoulder, "Don't worry about that now. I've missed things before, so has Hunter. What you need to do now is go in there and prove to Hunter what a great doctor you are. You can do it, I know you can. Now, you'd better hurry to pre-op. Hunter won't like it if you aren't ready," Adam said softly to his friend. He hoped to build Wade's confidence. Hunter could be formidable during surgery. Even Shawn stayed on his toes.
"Thanks. I needed to hear that. You're a great doctor and a friend. Don't worry, I'm sure Chris will be fine. Thanks," Wade said with a kiss to Adam's lips. He left the office with a confident air.
Adam watched as Wade left. Adam knew he'd made the right choice between the two. The kiss from Wade was nice, but even the smallest peck from Bret felt like electricity. Well, now, none of that mattered. Only Chris mattered now.
Across the hall from Adam's office, the nurses were getting Chris ready for brain surgery. They had to shave off his tawny hair. It would grow back, but it made him look even more ill. Evan was watching, tears in his eyes as tawny hair was thrown in a trash can. A team from the surgical department carefully transferred the injured man on to another bed so he cold be wheeled to the operating room. Even Adam was shocked to see Chris. A few tears came to his eyes, he knew how vain Chris could be about his hair. For a while, Adam had been the only one who could run his fingers through it.
Adam stopped the orderlies as they wheeled Chris out of the room, "you'll be alright, Chris. Just be the Lion I know you are. I'll be there when you wake up. I'll look after Evan, I promise," Adam said softly to his former lover. He stroked Chris' bare head gently and kissed his cheek. Adam nodded, telling the men to go ahead.
"Evan... love him..." Chris muttered just as the wheeled Chris away. The words tore at Adam, but only a bit; he had other things to worry about.
"Love you, Chrissy," Evan cried out as Chris was taken away. He sobbed into his pillow.
Adam smiled softly at the young man. Even though Bourne tore his life apart, it was just as much Chris' fault if not more. He held no ill will as he went to the sobbing man.
"Hey now, he's in the hands of the best surgeon in the state. I saw the CATSCAN. Chris has a small bleeder in his brain. They need to stop it before it clots," Adam explained to the young man. He was gentle in tone, but firm. He never "mollycoddled" patients from the situation at hand.
With a pained wince, Evan turned on to his back and looked at the doctor standing next to his bed. "Well; is it dangerous?" Evan asked with a voice that matched his tear filled eyes.
Adam sighed and sat on the side of Evan's bed. He took one of the young man's hands in his. "Evan, as a doctor, I'll never lie to my patients. Yes, it's dangerous. Anytime you go inside the human brain, it's risky. However, though it is a delicate operation, it's not an uncommon one. I think for Christopher, the worst part will be losing his hair," Adam said with a laugh and a wink. He hoped to cheer the worried drummer a bit.
Evan too, laughed just a little, "yeah. I'm not even allowed to run my fingers through it when we fu... er, never mind. I'm sorry, I'm sorry..." he began to sob again. He hadn't meant to say anything to further hurt Adam. Despite everything the man was kind to him.
Adam frowned a bit, "Hey, it's alright, Evan. I'm not stupid, I know you and Chris... it's alright. I've forgiven you both. Yes, it hurt, yes, I was angry, but that was then. I'm fine and moving on with my life. Let's both just put our thoughts into Chris getting well, okay?" the doctor's words were heartfelt and honest.
Before either man could say another words, a nurse came into the room. "Mister Bourne, we have a room ready for you. You'll be with your friends," She said as she prepared to move Evan to a hospital room upstairs.
"Thanks. It will be good to be with Mike and Alex. You will let us know how Chris is? Won't you? Can Jay and the others come see us?" Evan asked Adam. He sounded scared and lost.
"You'll be the first to know, I promise. Evan are you scared about something, other than Chris?" Adam asked as the nurse worked in the background.
"I'm afraid of being alone. I hate being alone, especially at night, in the dark," Evan replied with a bit of a blush. He felt like a stupid fool.
Adam felt bad for the young man. As much as he wanted to dislike the kid for destroying his relationship with Chris, he just couldn't. He squeezed Evan's hand gently. "We all have times when we feel scared and alone. You'll be with Mike and Alex. Trust me, in here it won't ever be too dark, and a nurse is just a button press away. Now, I'll go tell Jay and my new brother-in-law they can come up and see you in a couple of hours," Adam said warmly with a smile. Another set of orderlies came to take Evan to his new room.
"Sorry I didn't say anything, but Jason said he wanted to tell you. They are so happy. Adam, thanks for being so nice to me. I don't deserve it," Evan said humbly as he toyed with his fingers to avoid making eye contact with Adam.
Adam gently lifted Evan's chin with his fingers, he looked in to the young man's eyes, "Yes, you do Evan. I hope you and Chris are just as happy. I really do. Now go up and settled. Everything is fine. You're a nice guy," Adam said honestly. He smiled as he left the room, he'd said all he could.
Adam decided there was nothing more he could but wait like everyone else. He wasn't officially on duty anyway. He went to be with the others in the waiting room. At least he could tell them about Chris going in for brain surgery.
"Where did Bret go?" Adam asked as he joined his brother and the others in the waiting room.
"He went to help the security guards. I guess news of the crash got out. The place filled up with fans and paparazzi from the trash rags. I told them I'd make a statement when I knew something. Instead of leaving, they kept on pressing and taking pictures. Security came, the fans were okay. They went outside to wait quietly, but the fucking press wouldn't leave. Bret helped security remove them. The fans can stay right outside as long as they are quiet, but the press has to stay five hundred yards away from the building. That guy is a good man. He saw how upset Heath and Kofi were and just stepped in," Jason said in a town of awe. He looked over at his new husband. Heath and Kofi were sitting together talking quietly.
"Yes, he is. A really good man. Okay, here's what's up with Chris..." Adam said quietly to his brother. His eyes shone with affection from what Jason had said about Bret. "... so, all we can do now is wait," Adam finished explaining about the surgery.
"Poor Chris," was all Jason said. The waiting game had begun. The fate of Chris Jericho and The Lionhearts depended on one thing; the surgical skills of Doctor Hunter Hearst Helmsley.