It was now late afternoon, Bret and Adam had dozed off and on since their engagement over lunch. The nice thing was, in the private rooms, the hospital beds were almost queen sized. If Bret was careful of Adam's IV, he could curl up with him in the bed.
The couple had woken up when the charge nurse came to change Adam's IV. He was still getting a small dose of adrenaline along with a massive amount of antibiotics, and another medication that would help with the drainage of the wound. She'd given him a shot for pain, when Adam's bandaged hand had begun to throb and ache. The last thing she changed was the drainage bag. Noxious fluid was still coming out of the wound and the more the better.
The couple was curled up on the bed, watching a hockey match replay from the previous season. They were having fun, it was a match between the Calgary Flames and the Colorado Avalanche, the team based in Denver.
"Are you going to make me eat hospital food?" Adam asked with big, puppy dog eyes. The food in the hospital was actually quite good, as long as it wasn't from a hot box, served on a school lunchroom type tray.
Bret laughed, then looked at the window, it was pouring rain, "you really want me to go out; in that?" he too, used his eyes to his advantage as he pouted.
"Well, no, not really, but the menu says; icky, served with gross gravy and a side of disgusting," Adam said as he looked at the "normal" diet dinner menu. It really read meat loaf, mashed potatoes with gravy, corn and salad, with applesauce for dessert.
Bret laughed again, he was so happy. Adam was feeling better, things looked good for his hand and there was the little matter of Adam accepting his marriage proposal. He smiled again as the ring flashed on Adam's right hand.
"Well, I guess I can't have my fiancé eating..." Bret was interrupted when the Helmsley's, and the Reso's came into the room. Hunter was carrying two huge pizza boxes.
"We thought we'd rescue you from meat loaf night. We were just leaving to come here, when Jason and Heath came down the stairs. So we came together. How's the hand? Any pain?" Hunter asked as he put the pizza boxes on the table under the window. The private room, aside from the larger bed, had a couch, easy chair and a small dining table with three chairs, four large windows and a flat screen TV on the wall. This happened to be a corner room, that's why Adam had the two extra windows.
Hunter moved to read Adam's chart that hung at the foot of the bed, while Jason and Heath came to hug Adam. Shawn unpacked the basket he was carrying. He took out six cans of soda, paper plates, a roll of paper towels and some apples, bananas and oranges for Adam to have later. He started to put slices of pizza on the paper plates.
"They gave me a shot earlier, my hand was hurting. It's bothering me a little, but I can wait for my night shot. The antibiotics sure wipe me out," Adam explained with a smile on his face. Bret who still sat next to Adam was also beaming brightly.
Shawn put two plates of pizza on the over-the-bed table, "okay you two, both of you look like Cheshire cats. What's going on?" his brow was raised, his arms crossed over his chest, his booted left foot tapped on the floor.
Bret and Adam looked at each other and broke out in a laugh. Bret carefully picked up Adam's right hand and held it up, the simple ring with the pink diamond sparkled, as Adam wiggled his fingers. It took a few brief seconds for everyone to realize what was happening. Jason was the first to speak, "I am happy for you brother!" he hugged Adam then Bret. He was truly happy for Adam and for Bret.
Heath joined in by hugging the couple, "I wonder what Bret would have done if Jay would have said no?" the red-head said with another hug to his brother-in-law.
Adam looked at Bret, "you... you asked Jason for permission to marry me?" he was a bit stunned. He hadn't thought Bret would have done that.
Bret blushed a bit, "yes, last night, when you were so ill. I asked him while we were in the waiting room. It just seemed like the right thing to do," Captain Hart admitted with a kiss to Adam's cheek.
Shawn finally spoke, "Well, he didn't ask us," his tone was serious, his face stern. He stood next to Hunter, his hands wrapped around his husband's upper arm.
Hunter looked just as stern and extremely imposing, "No, he didn't. What do you think we should do about it Shawn?"
"I don't know Hunter. Maybe we should... congratulate them!" Shawn's tone and expression changed to one of utter joy and happiness as he moved to hug the newly engaged couple. Hunter laughed and joined in the happy celebration.
"What I want to know is, when did you buy the ring? Today or what?" Adam asked curiously. Every one had pulled a chair around the bed. Bret still sat on the bed with his fiancé. They were eating and talking. They wanted to hear the answer to Adam's question.
"About a week before the camping trip. I was downtown at a meeting about the children's camp. I was walking by the jewelery store. I saw it in the window and I just knew it was the right one, so I went in and bought it," Bret explained with a soft smile to Adam.
"It's just perfect. I couldn't have picked out a better one, thank you, Bret. I love it and you," Adam said with his own soft smile. His lips were greasy from the pizza but Bret didn't care, he kissed those greasy, glossy, pouty lips tenderly.
Everyone smiled as they watched the happy couple. Shawn spoke, "No wonder you were so evasive, when I asked you about all this while camping. You're very tight-lipped sometimes, Buddy," he said with a laughing wink.
The group continued to chat, then it was time for visiting hours to end. Bret spoke, "It is alright for me to stay isn't it?" he asked Hunter, his brow raised.
"Yes, they know you will be staying. I'll have the nurse bring you some scrubs to sleep in. Just promise me, you will let Adam rest. No sex for a week or so, for his health," Hunter said in his annoying, bossy doctor's tone.
Both Adam and Bret flushed a bit, "Don't worry. We'll be good, besides I know how nurses pop in and out too much. Thanks Hunter, I know we'll both rest better. Tomorrow I'll take a cab home, pick up a few things and my SUV. Jericho stopped in earlier," Bret said as he took a bite of pizza.
Adam filled the others in on Chris' visit. They were glad to hear that things between the former lovers was good. Especially Jason, it would make working with Chris much easier.
"Bret, come with me, I'll make sure you get something to sleep in. The staff up here gets kind of busy. I promise to bring him right back, Adam," Shawn said with a tug to Bret's shirt sleeve. While he didn't lie, Shawn also wanted a minute alone with his friend.
A few minutes later, Shawn and Bret were in the supply room of the Orthopedic floor. Shawn found a patient kit that contained a toothbrush, tooth paste, mouth wash, dental floss, comb, razor and a bar of soap. Next he gave Bret a couple of towels and a wash cloth. Lastly he handed his friend a pair of maroon scrubs.
"Heartbreaker, I do appreciate this, but I know you. So, talk to me," Bret said with his brow raised. He'd thrown the scrubs over his shoulder, draped the bath linens over his arm and held the kit bag in his left hand.
Shawn let out a chuckle, then a slight sigh, "I'm happy for you and Adam, I really am. It's just... it's only been a few months since Davy died. I'm not questioning your love for Adam, at all, please understand that. I just worry that maybe you're reacting so quickly because Adam nearly died. Marriage is big, if you're not sure about this, end it now, before Adam gets hurt even worse. I love you, my friend, but Adam is as good as my son, I'll do anything to keep him from being hurt; yet again," the nurse's tone was serious, his face set in stone.
Bret couldn't help but smile. He knew Shawn was talking like this because he cared, "Shawn, I'll tell you what I told Adam..." Bret went on to tell his friend about his feelings between Davy and Adam. "... so, while I loved Davy, I know in my heart of hearts Adam is my truest love. I'd die before I let anyone hurt him, including myself. I promise you, I've been thinking about this, seriously. I. Love. Him.," Bret ended his explanation with a firm tone, but a warm smile. He gave Shawn a tight one-armed hug. Shawn knew Bret was sure. Arm in arm they returned to Adam's private room.
Jason and Heath were saying good night to Adam, Bret went over to join them. Hunter was putting the trash from their dinner into the basket Shawn had brought. He'd put the fruit on a paper plate and left it on the table. Shawn joined his husband.
"So, is it really alright? Bret's thought about it?" Hunter asked quietly . He knew exactly why Shawn had left with Bret.
"Yes, it's fine. It looks like our boy finally got it right this time. I'll tell you the details later. Looks like we have a wedding on our hands. Adam is not cheating me out of it like Jason did. I know Adam wants the full, formal affair. Bret won't deny him either. Let's go home, I'm exhausted," Shawn said with a yawn. He couldn't wait to start planning a wedding.
Final good byes were said and finally Adam and Bret were alone, for about a minute anyway. The nurse came in to get Adam settled for the night. While she did her work, Bret went into the bathroom. He was able to take a hot shower, the first in days. The firefighter washed his hair twice, he finally felt more like his old self. He shaved and brushed his teeth. It took a bit with the small comb, but he finally got his damp curls tamed. He put on the scrubs and his socks, and left the bathroom.
The nurse had finished. She'd changed the IV and drainage bags. She's also given Adam another pain injection mixed with something to help him sleep.
"Bear, looks pwetty. Ring pwetty. Sweepy time," Adam's words were slurred as the drugs took effect. He yawned and smiled like a man who'd drank one to many.
Bret climbed carefully into the bed. He had to watch our for the IV hooked into the back of Adam's right hand. He pushed a button and the upper half of the bed lowered. He left it a little higher, it was better for Adam that way.
Adam curled up to Bret and was asleep in seconds. Bret kissed the top of Adam's head. He too was asleep in a few minutes. During the night neither man stirred when the nurse came in to check her patient. She smiled, even in sleep, she could see the love between the two men.
It was hard to sleep in, the buzz of the hospital started at six am. Staff hurried to get everything ready for the shift change. Bret was awake and fully dressed by six-fifteen. Adam, however, was still sound asleep. Bret was glad, rest was the best medicine his boy could get.
Bret went out to the patient day/sitting room. There he was able to get a cup of coffee and a copy of the morning edition of the Denver Post. He realized too, had they still been camping, this would have been the last day. He also wondered if they would have been rained out. The Platte probably would have flooded them out. In a way the snake had probably saved them. Mother Nature could be a strange Mistress sometimes. With a shrug he went back to Adam.
When he got back, he had to laugh a bit, Adam was being forced to use a bed pan, then be subjected to a bed bath. The physician hated it. "Bret, tell them I am a big boy! I can take a shower and pee in the toilet!" he sounded like a spoiled brat; not the second in command of the Emergency Department, just down stairs from where they were now.
"What was it you said? It would help doctors to learn to be nicer if they had to be patients? Look on it as being pampered. I sure wouldn't mind getting a bath from two lovely ladies," Bret said in a teasing tone and wink to the nurses.
"Thanks, Bear," Adam said sarcastically with a roll of his eyes. Bret sat on the couch with his coffee and newspaper. Sure enough, there was an article on the recent flooding storms. The Platte and Big Thompson Rivers had both over flowed their banks in some places. More storms and even tornadoes were expected over the next few days. As if to prove what he'd just read, thunder boomed and rattled the windows a bit.
When the nurses finished, Adam was clean and in a fresh hospital gown with clean sheets on the bed. An orderly brought in two breakfast trays, the food smelled wonderful. Bret joined Adam on the bed. For breakfast they had scrambled eggs, bacon, wheat toast with butter and jelly, milk, coffee and orange juice. While the couple ate they chatted.
"... so, in a weird way, the snake probably saved us all," Bret finished. He'd shown Adam the article about the flooding and said they probably would have been in danger.
"Yeah, I guess so," Adam replied with a sad sigh. He felt so damn helpless and useless.
"Sugar? You hurting? You're not eating," Bret asked in a worried tone. Adam had gone from stuffing his mouth to just picking at and pushing his food on the tray.
"I should be downstairs. If there are tornadoes, they'll need me and I'm stuck up here, useless," Adam said as he pushed his tray back, he wasn't hungry anymore.
Bret could understand, he would feel the same way. "Yes, I would feel the same. There isn't anything you can do about it. Just be glad that you are alive, your hand will be alright, and you will eventually be back at work. I'm sorry that it's so hard on you," Bret said softly with a kiss to Adam's cheek.
Adam smiled, a bit, "Thanks, Bret. It helps to know you understand. I love you so much," he leaned over the table and kissed his fiancé.
Bret lifted Adam's right hand, as always careful of the IV needle. He kissed the physicians finger tips. The ring glittered on Adam's finger, "you know in many countries they wear their wedding rings on their right hand, like in Germany or Austria. I do understand, when I was out with my busted leg, there was a big fire. I felt so useless lying in bed, watching on TV. I mean people like us have dedicated our lives to helping others. When we can't do that, we feel useless and to a degree, helpless. I love you, my sweet Sugar," his tone was soft and understanding.
"That's why we get along so well. I mean, I know, probably we will fight and argue, but you understand what my work means to me. Just like I understand the same about you. I won't have to explain and beg for understanding when I am called in on a day off or have to work a double or triple shift, and you won't either. It makes what time we do have together even more precious and special," Adam said thoughtfully as he gazed into Bret's eyes. Oh how he loved his Bear. He couldn't wait to marry him.
Hunter, while still on vacation, came to change Adam's bandage. He was Adam's doctor, no matter what and Doctor Heyman had cleared it. Shawn came along as well, he wanted to see how Adam's hand was doing.
Adam had told Bret to go home. Bret wanted a few clothes and things. Adam wanted his own pajamas, robe, shower kit, book and crossword puzzles. Bret had been gone an hour when the Helmsley's arrived. Hugs were exchanged. Hunter then went right for his patient's chart. Adam explained why Bret wasn't there.
Hunter made those annoying um hums and other sounds that doctor's made when they looked at patient charts, test results or X-rays and scans. You could never tell if they were good sounds or bad ones. They were so involved in what they were doing, the three men never heard the door to the room open.
"Oh... um... I'm sorry. I'll just... go," Chris said as he wheeled into the room. He quickly turned to leave. The Helmsley's were the last people he wanted to see.
"No, Chris, at least say hello, or better yet, distract me while Hunter makes me suffer large amounts of pain, Please? Bret's not here to stop him," Adam said in a happy, teasing tone. Nothing was going to dampen his fantastic mood.
Jericho looked doubtfully at the older couple. Hunter was shooting deadly lasers from his eyes. Shawn was... smiling at him? No, he must be seeing things.
"Chris, come on in. Adam could use the support. He's right, it probably will hurt and a friend being here would help now," Shawn said in a friendly tone. Adam had forgiven Chris, and that was good enough for him.
"Well, if you're sure? My physical therapist is running late. I just thought I'd say hello, then go to the lounge and wait," Jericho explained as he pushed up on a small joystick and moved towards Adam's bed.
"Hold my hand? This really hurts," Adam asked his former lover. Hunter was unwrapping Adam's injured hand. He was gentle, but it still hurt.
Chris took Adam's right hand. Shawn had temporarily disconnected the IV, while Hunter worked on Adam's other hand. Jericho smiled softly, then he noticed the glittering, pink ring on Adam's right ring finger. It was obviously an engagement ring. Hundreds of emotions went through his mind and showed on his face.
"Bret?" Chris asked simply. He still held Adam's hand. He could tell every time Adam was in pain by the way he squeezed his hand.
"Yes, yesterday he proposed to me. I love him, Chris. He's the one for me. Take my advice, Chris. If you feel Evan is your one, marry him, be happy," Adam said honestly. He then whimpered as Hunter unwrapped the last bandage.
"Easy, Kitty. It will be over soon..." Chris cooed softly. Chris then reached into his coat pocket with his free hand. He pulled out a black velvet box. He worked it open with one hand and showed Adam.
"That is beautiful, Chris. You do have great taste in jewelery. Evan will love it. Just do it, Chris. You can't be afraid," Adam said honestly. The ring was beautiful and very unique. It was a round, black diamond, surrounded by tiny white diamonds on a white gold band.
"You're right. I will do it. Thanks, Ada... Kitten, you'll always be a kitten to me, I can't help it..." Chris was halted when Adam let out a yelp of pain and squeezed his hand hard.
Chris pocketed the box. He held Adam's hand as tightly as he dared with the needle port embedded in his vein. He then caressed his former lover's sweaty brow. He spoke soft words of encouragement. That was how Bret found the former engaged couple when he walked in with two duffel bags.
"Hurts, oh fuck it hurts. Why did I tell Bret to leave," Adam sobbed out. He wasn't aware Bret had come into the room it hurt so bad.
"Sorry, Adam. But I have to squeeze a bit. I want to get that poison out of your system. Hang in there, it won't be long now," Hunter spoke with an apologetic tone as he kept working on Adam's hand.
"Bret! I want my Bear!" Adam whimpered again as Chris kept doing what he could, but he wasn't Bret.
"I'm here, Sugar. Your Bret is here," Bret said softly as he moved to the bed. Chris placed Adam's hand in Bret's with a worried look. Adam was in so much pain.
"I'll go now, time for my rehab. He doesn't need me, he needs you. Just... love him, he deserves it. Please, don't hurt him like I did. Be happy, Bret," Chris said with a bit of a sad tone. Before anyone could stop him, Jericho was gone. Bret never even got to say thanks for helping Adam. He hoped to have a chance later.
"Oh please, no more, no more!" Adam cried out his voice full of pain and anguish. He nearly broke Bret's hand he squeezed so hard.
"Hunter, please. Enough for now," Bret asked in an anxious tone. He couldn't stand seeing his precious boy in so much pain, it ripped at his very soul.
"Alright, alright. Just remember, I am fighting to save his hand. Adam, can you stand two more squeezes? Just two more, then I'll quit, I promise," Hunter knew he was asking a lot, but another core had started to form, he could feel it. If he could break it up now, he wouldn't have to reopen the hand, at least he hoped so.
"Okay, but you owe me. You pay for the wedding, a big one," Adam said half seriously, half-joking as he braced himself. Bret wrapped his arms around his lover. He was so proud of his strong-willed bit of Sugar.
"Your damn right I will, the biggest wedding you could want, I promise. On three, when you're ready," Hunter said in a concentrated tone. Shawn wiped Hunter's brow. He also had the new bandages and a drainage bag at the ready. Adam took several deep breaths and nodded. Hunter went to work. More and more pus oozed out, Adam was in tears. With one more hard squeeze, Hunter felt the core turn to liquid, the gunk drained out. It was over.
"You did really good, son. I am so sorry. I'll increase the meds that will keep another core from forming. From now on, all I should have to do is change the bandage. And we meant it, about the wedding," Hunter said with conviction. Shawn had pretty much said they were going to pay, so Hunter just made it official, besides, there were some things Adam didn't know.
Adam was still crying a bit. He'd experienced a lot of pain in his life, both physical and mental, but nothing had hurt so bad as what he'd just gone through. He prayed he never felt anything like that again; ever. "It's okay Hunter, you had to do it. I was kidding about the wedding. Ma wouldn't mind me using some of her insurance money on our wedding," Adam spoke through hiccups as he gained his self-control again. He blew his nose on a tissue Bret had handed him.
Hunter worked to redo the bandage on Adam's hand. "No, Adam. Shawn and I want to do this for you. You're not to touch your savings, or your mother's insurance inheritance. You won't let us help with your student loans, so this is what we want to do," he finished the new bandage. He made sure Adam's hand was comfortable on the pillow
Shawn reconnected the IV. As he wasn't officially on duty, he rang for the for the nurse, to add the extra pain med and anticoagulant to the IV.
"But, Hunter..." Adam started to object to what Hunter had said about the wedding. He really didn't want the couple to spend money on him. They had done enough over the years, taking no rent and other help at times.
"Not another word young man! Jason cheated me out of one wedding, it's not going to happen again. You are going to have the biggest and best wedding Denver..." Shawn paused, he went to stand next to the bed. He placed his hand on Adam's right shoulder and continued. "It's for your mother. We promised her, when it came time for either of you to get married, you would get whatever you wanted. You don't know this, but she left money in a special account, just for your weddings. We weren't going to tell this yet, but we're sending Jay and Heath on a Christmas cruise for their honeymoon. It will be paid from that account. What's left will go towards your wedding and if we have to we'll add to it. Understand now?" Shawn finished his lengthy explanation, his brow raised as he looked at Adam.
Adam looked from Shawn to Hunter and finally at Bret. The Captain just shrugged, "The wedding is up to you, Sugar. You can do whatever makes you happy. Small or grand matters not; I just want to marry you. I'll do what I am told to do. Just promise me, you won't turn into Adamzilla," Bret said with a laugh. He'd learned during his first wedding to shut up and only say, "Yes, dear. What ever you say, dear," it was much easier that way.
"Ma really did that? For us?" Adam asked with emotion in his voice and tears in his eyes. They tears weren't from the pain in his hand, these tears were for the love in his mother's dear heart. God, how he missed her, especially now. She would have adored Bret.
This time Hunter spoke up, "Yes son, she did. Now that's settled. When you set a date, we'll be there for you. Shawn wasn't supposed to mention the cruise. Please don't spoil the surprise for Jason and Heath," he asked with a smile then turned serious. He didn't want their special surprise for the newlyweds spoiled.
"No, won't say a word. They will love it though. Jay always wanted to take a cruise. By the way, I want to thank all of you. I really appreciate you being nice to Chris. He's going to propose to Evan, he showed me the ring. I hold nothing against him, we made our peace, so anyway, thanks again," Adam said with a yawn. All the medications coursing through his body was making him very sleepy.
"Alright, that's it. Adam needs to sleep. We're going home. We go back on shift in the morning. When do you go back, Buddy?" Hunter spoke in his doctor's tone. His patient needed all the rest he could get.
"I'm supposed to go back on Monday. I'm thinking about trading a couple of days with Neidheart though," Bret said in a thoughtful tone. He hated to ask for more time off, but Adam still needed him. He wanted to be there for his boy.
Adam's eyelids blinked heavily, "No, Bear. Work. We'll need off... for... weddymoon," his words slurred as his eyes finally closed. He was sound asleep in seconds. He looked so peaceful and content as he slept.
The other three laughed softly at Adam's term of "weddymoon". Hunter motioned for Bret to follow him and Shawn out into the hall. Bret carefully got up off the bed without waking Adam up. He followed his friends out of the room.
"Don't argue with him about going back to work, Buddy. He feels bad enough that he can't work. It would upset him to know he was the reason you're missing more work. He'll be okay. I'll probably dismiss him on Tuesday or Wednesday, as long as his hand keeps draining and another pus pod doesn't form," Hunter spoke as Adam's doctor. He knew what he'd said was true and being upset would slow down Adam's progress.
"Okay, Doctor Helmsley. You're right, we spoke about that earlier. He's worried about not being able to work if the tornadoes come. To be honest, I wasn't looking forward to missing more work. I want us both have at least a month for our 'weddymoon', I have a plan," Bret said seriously, then ended with a smirking wink. He wanted to take Adam to Canada for their honeymoon and he wanted time for them to enjoy it.
"Good. Well, when you set a date, just let me know. I can hire in a traveling doctor. Heyman won't fuss about Adam if I do it that way," Hunter said thoughtfully as they walked down the hall, towards the bank of elevators.
"Good. Traveling doctors? Oh, the ones that go around the world working where needed. I read something about it once. A good way to see the world, learn about different medical practices and help people. Great idea. I want to take him to Calgary, then Banff maybe, but please, don't tell him," Bret said as they reached the bank of six elevators. Bret said good-bye to his friends. He decided to grab a cup of coffee and stroll around a bit. It would give Adam a chance to get some good rest, and he could use the exercise.
Bret went into the patient waiting lounge. He fixed a cup of coffee and turned to take a look around the room. Bret frowned, Chris Jericho was staring out of the window; he appeared to be crying. He sighed, why did he have to be so kind-hearted; Bret realized it was Adam's influence on him.
Bret walked up to the man in the wheel chair; Chris was crying. "Chris? Everything alright? Want to talk?" Hart's tone was kind and caring.
Chris started a bit when he heard he voice and who it belonged to. "Um.. yeah I'm okay. You of all people don't want to hear my problems," Jericho said with a sniff.
"Chris, talk to me. You know, sometimes talking to a stranger helps," Bret said honestly. He handed his cup of coffee to Chris. He then made another cup for himself and sat down on the chair next to where Chris' wheelchair was parked.
Chris sighed, the ring box was in his other hand, he'd been looking at it, "Captain Hart, I'm scared. No, I'm beyond that point, I'm terrified and I don't know what to do."
"Of what, and please, call me Bret," Hart said with a sip of his coffee. He watched as Chris put a small black velvet box in his pocket.
Chris scoffed a bit, "Because of Adam. No, let me phrase it truthfully. Because of what I did to Adam. I loved Adam, I was crazy in love with him. I wanted to marry him, I really did. Then something happened, I fell in love with Evan. God, there is something just so sexy about him. When he's behind his drums, he's like a spitfire. Those muscles rippling, his hair flying, then when he's finished with a set, he's as excited as puppy with a new squeaky toy. He understands my music, he's not afraid of the dark places some of it comes from. Music and lyrics are my release. Adam bless him, tried to understand, but he couldn't. Just like I couldn't understand his total devotion to medicine or your decision to walk into a burning building. I wasn't looking to cheat on Adam, it just... happened. My mistake was in hiding it from Adam, for so long; no, in hiding it at all. I should have just grown a set and told Adam the truth. I will live with the pain I caused him for the rest of my life, especially after what that fucking Orton did to him," Chris finished. He'd said more in the last five minutes that's he'd said since the plane crash; at least, about his feelings.
Bret chewed on Jericho's words, he could understand what Chris was saying. Only another musician could truly understand another, and like Adam had said, only two people who dedicated their lives to the service of others could understand each other. He could also tell that Jericho was truly sorry for the way he had treated Adam and had so badly dealt with the situation. But one thing still puzzled the Captain.
"But, what are you afraid of, Chris?" Bret asked in a curious tone.
"Of doing the same thing to Evan. What if it happens again? What if I really am just a sex slut? What if a shiny new boy toy comes along and I can't stop myself? What if I break Evan like I did Adam?" Jericho said with a deep sniff. He was truly afraid of himself.
Bret nodded, he could understand the fear, "I can understand that. However, I don't think it will happen. I think you have let your guilt put these ideas in your head. From what Adam has told me, Evan is a pretty smart guy. I think you should have this conversation with him, open up, all cards on the table. That's what a real man would do. I think you'll find that Evan will love you even more for it. You'll find yourself happily engaged. Try it Chris, if you don't, you may have even more regrets," Bret's words were honest and sincere.
Chris smiled, "Thanks, Bret. You're absolutely right. I guess I just needed to hear it from someone not vested in the situation, well you know what I mean. I'll be a man, for once. You're right about another thing, Evan don't take my shit. I appreciate you're talking to me, I really do. I am going to go talk to Evan, right now. Listen, congratulations to you and Adam, I mean it," he shook hands with Bret, then pushed a button and almost sped out of the room.
Bret sighed, he'd forgotten to thank Chris for helping with Adam earlier, then he smiled. Somehow, he just knew Chris and Evan would have a very happy marriage. Evan could handle Chris in ways Adam would have never been able to. He got up and finished his coffee, picked up the cup Jericho had left and threw them in the trash. He picked up a news magazine and started back towards Adam's room.
As he went out into the hallway, he saw something he didn't like. Doctor Wade Barrett was going into Adam's room, he was carrying a brief case. For some reason it sent warning bells off in his head, the firefighter hurried to his fiancé's hospital room.
Adam stirred when he heard a light thud on his hospital tray table. He flicked his eyes open. He had expected to see Bret, instead it was Wade. The Englishman had a stern expression on his face as he opened his brief case. It was the brief case that had made the thud that woke him.
"Wade? What's wrong? You look so, serious" Adam said with a yawn. He still felt tired, but wasn't feeling as "drunk" as he had right after the medicine had been added to the IV.
Wade pulled out a medium thick file folder. He closed his brief case and put it on the floor. He placed the file folder on the tray table and pulled it over the bed.
"This is what's wrong. I think you and I have much to discuss," Wade's tone matched his expression; deadly serious.
Adam picked up the folder. His eyes grew wide when he read the neat handwriting in bold, red ink. It said: ADAM J. COPELAND = BLACKMAIL