By the end of August, Bret and Adam were back at work. The only evidence of their extended vacation was two small scars. One on the back of Adam's left hand and one just above Bret's wrist on the underside of his right arm. Both had fully recovered thanks to Hunter's skills, Shawn's care and God's mercy.
A week after Doctor William Regal had arrived, something shocking happened. Doctor Paul Heyman had been so impressed with Regal, he asked him to join the staff for the six weeks Hunter was busy teaching. The Techniques of Emergency Surgery was six weeks of intensive teaching and work, it would take up a lot of Hunter's time, so having an extra physician on staff was a great help.
Regal had told Heyman he was impressed with Hunter's Emergency Alert staging system. He said he wished he could learn more about it, as there was nothing like it in England or Europe, at least not a program that was so detailed. Heyman, also being a lawyer, pulled some strings, got Regal a work visa and told him the best way to learn would be to work at the U of C Hospital and perhaps see the system at work. Even if the system wasn't used in the six weeks, Regal could study and learn from the files of previous alerts, starting with the recent tornado.
Hunter was glad to know there was another experienced doctor would be on staff while he was teaching. Other than that, no one was happy about it, but Heyman wanted it, so it was done. A few suspected that Heyman had a "crush" on Regal, but there was never any proof of that.
Regal had been on staff for two weeks. He proved himself to be beyond excellent at Emergency Services. However, the nurses hated him, he treated them like second class citizens. Shawn was away a lot, helping Hunter with the class. Beth Phoenix was in charge when Shawn was gone. She made reports to the Head Nurse, but there wasn't much Shawn could do. Regal had Heyman eating out of the palm of his hand. Times in the ER were trying.
It was just after midnight on a Friday/Saturday. Adam, Wade and Regal were the doctors on duty. Regal hated the third shift, but he played along with the policy that everyone works every shift. Heyman had told Wade to share his office with Regal, because he figured the two doctors were friends and would like sharing. Wade hated it, but he had no choice.
There were no patients at the moment, Adam was in his office. Any free moment had been spent with his wedding binder. He had to finally decide about the cake, something clever or follow the rest of the wedding and go traditional.
Wade was in his own office, he frowned when Regal opened the door. "Ah, there you are, love, " William said with his usual sneer as he entered the room.
"Look, I may have to share my office with you, but let's get one thing clear. I am not your "love" or anything else, that is over. You can't threaten me, especially here," Wade answered back. Adam and Shawn had given Wade the courage to stand up to Regal if he tried his nonsense again. So far it had worked.
"Oh well, about that. I'm telling you this, stay away from the Bunny. He's mine in all ways. I don't want you sniffing around him any more, got it?" Regal stood over his fellow Englishman. His eyes blazed with anger.
"I'm only helping him with his studies. There is nothing between us, nothing at all. There is no need for you to threaten either of us. Please William, don't hurt Bunny. He just wanted help and I had the time. We were in the library, no place else. I'll stop helping him, I promise," Wade spoke in a worried and earnest tone.
Adam Rose, who earned the nickname of Bunny, had asked Wade to help him study. Wade had agreed to help him prepare for the first exam in a weeks time. They met at the University library for a least an hour every day, and had done so for the last two weeks. At first it truly was mentor and student, then after one particularly intense study session, Wade took Adam for a cup of tea at the student center. As they talked, feelings started to develop, they were falling in love.
One night, while they were walking back to the apartment, Rose shared with Regal, which happened to be the same apartment Wade had previously lived, the couple shared their first kiss. It also sealed the growing affection between them. When the kiss broke, so did Adam Rose. Adam broke down in Wade's arms and told him that Regal was holding his future career over his head for sexual favors. Wade told Rose that William had done or at least tried to do the same thing to him. He told Adam to stand up to Regal, tell him to bugger off.
That only made Doctor Rose break down even more. He told Wade that he couldn't do that, he needed his career. His family in South Africa needed him. He told Wade that unlike him, his parents were dirt poor and in very bad health. Adam had four younger sisters who were counting on him, and his future career as a surgeon. He explained that since his mother was black, they were outcasts in the white South African community. If he didn't make it as a doctor, his sisters would probably be forced to become prostitutes. He sobbed in Wade's arms.
Barrett vowed to do what he could, but Adam said to just leave it. He had to do what he had to do. He'd sold himself to keep his little sisters safe. Rose told Wade he was sorry and he wished it could be otherwise, because he was falling in love with him. Wade tried to tell Adam that he could help, he had the money and could get his family out of South Africa to England where they would be taken care of, he promised he could do it. Adam Rose told Wade he appreciated the offer, but that it was too late, he was in too deep with Regal. He knew the man could kill his future with a single stroke of the pen. With tears in his eyes he walked away from Wade. They hadn't been together since.
Wade didn't give up and had finally managed to convince Adam to meet him, once again, at the library. That was yesterday afternoon. What Barrett didn't know was that Regal had followed Adam. While William couldn't hear their whispered conversation, he could tell that Wade was pleading with Adam about something. They were holding hands and Wade kissed Adam. After the kiss, Adam ran away from the library in tears. Regal knew he had to get his little whore away from Barrett. That had all led to Regal now being in Wade's office, making a threat.
"He doesn't need your help, love. Stay away from him, unless you want him hurt. Am I understood? And don't even think about telling anyone here. They won't believe you, especially Paul Heyman. I have him eating from my had, he thinks I'm "adorable". So stay away from Bunny," Regal ended his threat with a very evil smirk.
Wade stood up, "alright, William, you win. Please, don't hurt him to make your point. I'll stay away, I swear it. I have to take this report to Doctor Copeland. Just please, William, leave it here and leave Bunny alone," Wade said with a pained and defeated tone. There was nothing he could do and it broke his heart. He had fallen hard for young Rose, but like Bunny had told him, it was too late.
Regal watched Barrett leave. He'd finally won, he'd gotten his revenge for Barrett rising up against him back in London and he had a tasty little treat in his bed. Oh, life was good, wasn't it? Regal laughed a laugh that made Satan cringe.
Adam Copeland nearly jumped out of his chair when Wade came bursting into his office and slammed the door. He'd been lost in the world of wedding cakes. "Good lord, Wade, you scared me to... what's wrong? Wade? Are you... are you crying?" Adam got up and went to his fellow physician. Wade was standing by the small window, staring at the vast parking lot. Tears slid down his cheeks.
Wade shook himself, "oh, sorry. I didn't mean to scare you. No, no it's my allergies, Regal and that damned aftershave of his. Here's the file on that patient from this afternoon, the one Dolph admitted. I concur with both of you. He may be fifty, but those tonsils have to come out. I'm wondering, do you think it could be arranged for Bunny to do it?" Barrett asked as he pulled himself together and handed Adam the file.
Adam was sure Wade was lying about the allergies, but he dropped it. If Wade wanted to tell him what was wrong, he'd do it in his own time. He took the file with a laugh, "You never told me, how did everyone come up with the nickname of Bunny for Adam Rose?" Adam asked as he sat back down at his desk.
"Oh, from William actually. He told me that Adam has a thing for rabbits, he even dressed up as one for the hospital Halloween party last year. William said everyone started calling him Bunny. With two Adam's around, it's just easier and apparently he doesn't mind, so Bunny it is. So what do you think? About him doing the surgery?" Wade asked with a bit of a smile. Adam Rose did remind him of a rabbit, especially the way he wrinkled his nose when in deep thought.
"Good thing he doesn't mind. I even heard Hunter call him Bunny the other day. I don't know, Ask Hunter. As far as I'm concerned he can do it, but he might not be able to. I'm not sure if a foreign student can operate by law. Just ask," Adam said honestly. He let out a sigh of his own as he leaned back in his chair.
Wade sat down and looked at his friend worriedly, "What's wrong with you, Sunshine? Anything I can help with?" He put his own worries aside. If he couldn't help one Adam, maybe he could at least help the other.
"Wedding cake! I'm read to just ready to give up. I can't make up my mind, traditional or something cute and clever," Adam threw up his hands in frustration. He was feeling very bridezilla at the moment.
"You mean a four tiered traditional compared to something like a fireman rescuing a doctor from a cake shaped like a burning building?" Wade asked as he picked up the cake catalog from Mrs. Wilson's bakery.
"Exactly! It's the only wedding cake I will ever have! Do I go for the traditional I've always dreamed about? Or go for something that will be cute and memorable? Bret is no help, he said whatever I pick is fine! He's been so good with everything else. I'm guessing he's just as torn about it the decision as I am," Adam said with another sigh. The bad thing was, in order to make the deadline, he had to decide tonight, and order the cake on his way home in the morning.
"Both, just have both. Make your main cake, the one you cut and share with each other, your traditional four tier. Then have two side cakes, like for instance, Bret's groom's cake could be a fireman's helmet and your cake could be a medical bag, open and filled with things like a stethoscope hung over the side, thermometer, bottles of pills and so on. It's just an idea," Wade said thoughtfully. He'd seen that once at a wedding in London and it had worked well.
"Wade, it's a brilliant idea. It really is, but it's so expensive, three cakes. Even at Mrs. Wilson's it's costly. Maybe just one groom's cake?" Adam looked at Wade with a helpless expression.
Wade had an idea, but he was sure Adam would object, he could but try," Adam, hear me out before you explode on me. Please?" he asked, his brow raised. He'd heard both Shawn and Bret take this tact with Adam and now he hoped it worked for him.
Adam rolled his eyes, "you've paid too much attention to Shawn and Bret. Okay, I'll listen?" he spoke with a wry laugh. Wade was getting smart.
"I want to buy your wedding cake. A beautiful four tier, however you want it done. Then you can afford your two side cakes. Now, let me explain why. You've been nothing but a friend to me, even when I tried to destroy you. I know you forgave me, but please, let me do this for you and Bret. It would make me happy and it would make me feel better. Adam, as my friend, please? Let me buy your wedding cake?" Wade's words were honest and heartfelt. He really wanted to do this for Adam and for Bret.
Adam's mouth moved and when the words caught up he was stunned, "Wade... I'm... I... what do I say, but thank you. Thank you so much. It is very generous of you and I can see that you really want to do this. So, yes, thank you again. It takes so much pressure off me. I just could not justify buying three cakes. I insist on one thing, come with me to the bakery? I have an appointment on the way home in the morning. After, we'll get some donuts, you'll come to the house for coffee. Other wise I will say no," Adam said in a half serious, half teasing tone.
Wade laughed, "alright, donuts and coffee after cake. Oh yes, have you decided on the cummerbunds and ties yet?" Wade asked. While he talked and laughed on the outside, inside Regal's words burned into his brain. He hoped to find some way of helping the Bunny. Bunny, he hated that nickname, at that moment Wade thought of one he liked much better; Rosebud, he hoped he could use it someday.
"Yes! I forgot to tell you, I'm sorry. I decided on that material I found. I'm having ties, vests and cummerbunds made of it. I found some silk fabric that looks like flames. The man at the tux shop is making them. He's using your measurements from the shirt you ordered. I promise, it doesn't look as cheesy at it sounds," Adam said with excitement. He'd been so excited when he'd found the silk material. Bret loved it too, so they bought several yards. The tailor loved it as well.
"Sounds interesting. That's what I like about you, Sunshine. You're not afraid of being your own person with your style. I..." Wade was interrupted by Beth's voice over the pager.
"DOCTOR TO TRAUMA ONE, STAT! DOCTOR TO TRAUMA TWO, STAT! DOCTOR TO TRAUMA ONE, STAT! DOCTOR TO TRAUMA TWO, STAT!" the nurse's voice echoed through the department.
Adam and Wade rushed out of the office. They saw Doctor Regal go into trauma room two, as it was closer to his shared office. Adam and Wade went to trauma one.
When they entered Beth was already working on a seventeen year old boy, he had several deep cuts on his arms and a deep one across his left wrist. Wade took over from Beth so she could gather the supplies they would need. A police officer, Scott Levy was standing next to the bed.
Adam began to examine the boy vitals. He flicked a small optical light in the boy's eyes as he gently lifted his eye lids.
"Attempted suicide, his girlfriend is in the other room. She tried to slit her throat," Scott said in a rather, tired and sad tone. He almost sounded like a robot.
"Type and cross, then get a number two and a number four suture kit, please Beth," Wade said as he kept pressure on the wrist wound.
"Yes, Doctor Barrett. Here is the pressure bandage," Beth said with a nod as she handed him a bandage of heavy elastic.
As he applied the bandage, Adam made notes in the boy's chart, "Parents been notified?" Adam asked the Officer.
"Oh yeah, he's my son," Scott Levy said in a near tear filled voice. Everyone in the room turned to the Officer, they were shocked. They had no idea the man had a son.
"I see, adopted?" Adam asked curiously. He knew Scott was married to fellow Officer Ken Shamrock. He was the Policeman he and Hunter had operated on earlier in the summer.
"No, long story short. High school prom night. Tried to prove I wasn't gay, she got pregnant. I didn't know for a couple of years. He only recently came to live with Ken and I. His mother is a... drunk. Anyway, he and Katie... I don't know... I came home from work and found them in Tim's bed. His name is Tim, my little Timmy..." Scott's voice trailed off, he tried not to cry.
"Scott maybe you'd better go to the waiting room, but I need you to sign this first please. It's a surgical procedure consent form, for the stitches," Adam said as he gently placed his hand on the Policeman's shoulder.
With a nod, Scott signed the paper. Another nurse, Eva, led Levy to the waiting room. Scott was relieved, Ken was there, waiting for him. Ken took his husband into his arms as they sat down to wait. Two more people were there, Katie's parents. It was going to be a long, long night.
"That's rough. Imagine coming home and finding your child like this. I'm going to go check on the girl, unless you need me," Adam said to Wade as he did another check of Tim's vitals.
"No, Beth and I have this. Go see to her," Wade said with a confident tone. He and Beth were already preparing to stitch the wounds, as an IV rapidly dripped blood back into the teens body.
Adam made the notes in the chart, then hung it on the hook a the foot of the gurney. He left the room and went down the hall. Regal hated that "a pup" like Adam was in charge when Helmsley wasn't there, but he had no choice if he wanted to be close enough to watch his Bunny.
"No girlie, I said a number six suture kit, clean your blond ears out!" Regal barked to nurse Kelly, who was almost in tears.
"But Doctor, a number six is..." Kelly was cut off by Adam, who'd just entered the room.
"Kelly is right Doctor Regal. A number six is too big. It will leave a horrible scar. We never use a number six unless it is absolutely necessary. Use a number four. I can do it if your uncomfortable with it," Adam said in a tone of authority. He was in charge and things would be done correctly, older doctor or not. Hell, he would have told Hunter the same.
Doctor Regal glared at Adam, "Where I come from, pups respect their elders. Go ahead then, try to sew this mess up with a number four, it can't be done," the Englishman sneered. Let the pup make a mess of things, it wouldn't be his fault. Besides it was too much work for this time of night.
Neither Adam nor Kelly could believe what had just happened. Adam shook his head, "Kelly a number four please. Was she prepped?" Adam asked as he looked at Katie's neck. She had sliced from ear to ear, but thankfully it wasn't all that deep and she had not cut any vital arteries.
"Yes, Doctor Copeland. Novocaine, here, here and here," Kelly explained as she pointed out where Regal had numbed Katie's skin.
Regal pulled up a stool to watch, he wanted to observe, then he could tell Paul how lacking in skills his staff was. That was his job in London, to weed out the inept students to make room for only the best.
Adam pulled the light closer, and with his graceful, nimble fingers began to very neatly sew the cut. The stitches were tiny and even. When he was nearly half way done, Katie began to wake up. She was scared. "Easy sweetie, you're in the hospital. I'm Doctor Adam, this is Nurse Kelly. We're here to help you. You need to be very still while I finish stitching you up," Adam said gently as he calmly stroked her cheek.
"Timmy?" Katie asked in a hoarse whisper. A few tears fell down the sides of her face. She was so scared.
Adam went back to work as he spoke, "he's doing alright, my friend, Doctor Wade is stitching him up," as Adam explained, Kelly held the girl's head gently to keep it still and Katie calm.
Adam was able to finish the stitches. He then put an antibiotic gel over the wound, then with Kelley's help they placed a bandage over the stitches. "Honey, why would you do this?" Adam asked as Kelly handed him a tetanus syringe.
Katie winced as the needle pierced her skin, "I'm... I'm pregnant. We got scared, I dunno. We figured out parents would kill us anyway. It just seemed so easy. Timmy went first, so much blood, I... I... just did it. What are we going to do now!" Katie began to cry in earnest.
"I'm going to call the tenth floor, these kids need a lot of help. There is more to this, but I'm not qualified," Adam said privately to the nurse as they stepped to the corner of the room. Regal had left when Katie started telling her story.
Wade had finished stitching Tim Levy's wounds. He was going to confer with Adam about what to do. He thought the boy should go to the tenth floor, the Psychiatric Ward. He frowned when he saw Regal in the hall.
William approached his former victim, "You tell Hunter's pup that if he says anything about what happened, the little Bunny will get hurt; badly. But, don't tell him about the Bunny. You figure it out, understand?" Regal had a hold of Wade's coat collar. He growled his words in Barrett's ear.
"Yes, I understand. Please, William, just don't hurt him. I'll make sure Adam doesn't say a word," Wade said in earnest as fear shone in his eyes.
Regal let go of Wade and went towards their office. He was angry with himself, he had not meant to snap at Doctor Copeland like that. He was still so angry about seeing his bitch with Wade. He had to figure it out, apologize or something.
Wade went to Katie's room. Adam was on the phone talking to the admittance nurse on the tenth floor. He tapped Adam on the shoulder. He indicated that Tim should be admitted as well. Adam nodded and said two rooms would be needed. He quickly finished the call.
Before Wade could say anything else, Regal came back into the room. "Doctor Copeland, Miss Kelly, I need to apologize. I'm sorry I went off like that. I had a bad day and I took it out on you. You did a fantastic job with the stitches. I hope we can just let it go, no need to say anything to Doctor Helmsley. I promise, I won't let it happen again. Haven't you ever had a bad day?" Regal made his voice sound humble and apologetic. He flashed Wade a warning glance.
"I'm sure Adam and Kelly understand. I know I've had bad days, we all have, right, Adam?" Wade looked at his blond colleague with his brow raised.
Adam sighed and nodded, Yes, we've all had bad days. Okay, I won't say anything, this time, but do not let it happen again, especially in front of a patient. I mean it, next time, I will tell Hunter," Adam said in his tone of authority, but with a smile. Bad days did happen, but not in front of patients; ever.
"Thank you. It won't happen again. I'm really impressed with the way you and Miss Kelly handled the patient. Doctor Copeland, you have magic fingers. Now what are you going to do?" William Regal spoke with flattery and kindness. He was relieved that Adam agreed not to say anything to Hunter.
"They are both going to the tenth floor. You, Beth and Kelly stay here and see to it. They are on their way down to pick them up. Wade and I are going out to speak to their parents," Adam said to the other Englishman and Kelly.
It was a difficult conversation between Katie's parents and the Levy-Shamrock's. Adam told them that they could all get help on the tenth floor. He advised them to work together for the sake of their children. He gave the parents papers that would allow them admittance on to the tenth floor.
"Thanks, Wade. I needed this," Adam said as he took the cup of steaming hot, peppermint tea from the Brit. They were back in Adam's office.
"Yeah, it's a cuppa kind of night. Listen, thanks for letting Regal off. You know how it is, I mean I know his bedside manner is crap, like mine was, but he is a very good doctor," Wade said as he sipped his tea. He hoped Adam would do as he said and not say anything to Hunter.
"I wasn't going to tell Hunter anything anyway. He has a lot on his plate with the class. I have to learn to deal with things, be more of an administrator. If I can't handle issues that come up and run to Hunter with every little problem, that makes me look bad," Adam said with a sip of his own tea. He knew Hunter wanted him to start being more of a boss and handle things himself.
For the rest of the shift, everything went smoothly. Regal went out of his way to be friendly to Adam and the nurses. It killed Wade to know the truth about Regal and know there was nothing he could do about it. He wanted to grab his Rosebud and run, just run.
At nine am, Wade was with Adam, sitting at a small table in Mrs. Wilson's bakery, ordering his and Bret's wedding cakes.
"So, a four tier, square, red velvet cake, flowers and scroll work piping. Flowers in sky blue and purple with silver accents, right?" Mrs. Wilson went over the order carefully.
"Perfect. It's going to be beautiful. Okay, that's all then. The two side cakes we talked about and the main cake. I'll go ahead and pay in full. Do you need a map to the Ritchie Center, where the Gottesfeld room is?" Adam asked as he pulled his wallet out of his pocket.
"Oh no, dear boy, we have been there many times. This cake is going to be beautiful in that room. December sixth at four pm, your cakes will be ready and in place. Give me a minute, please," Mrs Wilson said as she worked up the bill.
As she slid the order slip to Adam, Wade grabbed it, "I'm paying, Mrs. Wilson. It's my wedding gift to them," he said as he handed a gold-colored credit card to the baker.
"But just the wedding cake, not the side cakes," Adam said he held out the debit card from the special account his mother had left for her son's weddings.
"No, I'm paying for all three cakes. Surprise!" Wade said with a happy laugh. He had intended this all along, but he knew Adam would object. So he "tricked" Adam into agreeing to let him buy the main wedding cake.
"Wade Alexander Barrett, you tricked me. I do appreciate it though. Thank you so very much. It truly means a lot to us both. Darn you!" Adam said with a hug to the Englishman. He was truly touched.
Mrs. Wilson smiled, she just loved doing weddings, especially for people she knew. "You boys are so cute. Captain Hart is going to love this groom's cake. Thank you, Doctor Barrett, I appreciate it. Now, Adam, how about a bag of fresh, hot donuts?" Mrs. Wilson said as she gave the credit card back to Wade. They were now standing at the cash register. Wade signed the slip with a smile.
"Ooo, yes please and two cinnamon rolls. Oh and a loaf of French bread, please," Adam placed the order while Wade flipped through the wedding cake catalog on the counter.
Wade sighed inside, while he was glad to see this Adam so happy, he wondered if he would ever be able to find the same happiness with his Adam Rosebud. There had to be something he could do. He was afraid if he went to anyone for help, his Rosebud would pay. Regal would find out, he always did. Wade still couldn't believe the man had managed to get on the staff of U of C. No, he knew how William Regal could be; very charming and persuasive. He could talk you into doing something and you wouldn't realize what he'd done until you were already deeply committed. He sighed again.
"Wade! Hey Wade!" Adam said loudly. He'd been trying to get the Brit's attention for five minutes.
Wade came back to reality, "Oh sorry. I was day dreaming I guess. Ready to go? I'll have to follow you, I've never been to your house," Wade said distractedly. His mind was still on Adam Rose.
Adam was concerned, Wade had been "day dreaming" a lot over the last couple of weeks. "Sure, come on. I'll drive slow," Adam said with a laugh, he was carrying the box with the donuts and cinnamon rolls, a loaf of French bread balanced on top.
"I'll take those. I'd like to have some too!" Wade teased. He knew Adam had a passion for fresh, hot donuts. He took the box from Adam. Adam stood there with his mouth open as Wade took the box and left the bakery. Well, he wasn't going to eat the whole box, maybe just one or two, okay maybe three. With a wave to Mrs. Wilson, he followed his friend out of he door.
Thirty minutes later they were sitting in Adam's kitchen drinking coffee and eating donuts. The cinnamon rolls were for Bret, the Captain would be home tomorrow morning.
"Beautiful house, Adam. I'm pleased for you. The art studio is nice too," Wade spoke as he looked out of the large picture window.
"Thanks. I was scared when I first moved in. Bret was at work. I was so used to my small place. Now, I can't imagine living in a small place. So what's gong on Wade? You seem so... distracted," Adam asked in a worried tone. He hoped Wade would open up, that was part of the reason he wanted the Englishman to come for breakfast.
Before Wade could respond, Adam heard Bret's SUV pull into the garage. He panicked slightly, was something wrong? Bret wasn't off till tomorrow. He got up and went to greet his fiancé at the door.
"Bear? Everything alright?" Adam asked with an anxious tone as Bret approached.
Bret stepped inside the kitchen, "Everything is fine, Sugar. Jim wanted to trade days, so I said of course. I didn't think you'd mind too much," Bret said as he sat his brief case down and took Adam into his arms.
Unaware of the visitor sitting at their kitchen table, he pulled the physician in for a deep, "come to bed" kiss. Adam responded with a soft moan as their arms wrapped around each other and hands caressed.
Wade watched the engaged couple. The love they had for each other radiated out into the room like rays of warm sunshine. How could he have tried to destroy that love. Barrett realized, as the kiss deepened, nothing he tried would have broken it.
The kiss between Bret and Adam also reminded him of the one, sweet kiss he'd shared with his Rosebud. Now he understood what Adam and Bret felt for each other. Wade knew he had to do something, but what? He never felt the tears that rolled down his cheeks and splashed onto the table. He didn't even hear the whimper that escaped over his lips.
Adam broke the kiss when he heard a whimper from the direction of the kitchen table. Bret was startled to see Doctor Barrett sitting there and, even more so because he was... crying?
Adam briefly explained about why Wade was there. No one was more surprised than Bret that Wade had paid for their wedding cake. Adam left out the part about the groom's cake as he wanted to surprise Bret with the cake. The couple joined Wade at the table.
Adam placed his hand on Wade's shoulder, "hey Wade, what's wrong? You can tell us, we're your friends. Please, Wade. You haven't been yourself for a while now. Maybe we can help you, just... trust us Wade, please," his voice was soft and caring.
Bret added his own thoughts, "Thank you so much for your generosity about the cake. It was so kind of you. Look, you and I may not be the best of friends, but Adam is right. You can tell us anything. If we can help, we will. Take this first step in rebuilding trust between us," his tone was just as caring as Adam's.
Wade looked at the two men, tears still fell from his dark eyes. He never cried, ever. He wiped them away with his napkin. Maybe, just maybe they could help, or at least give him an idea of what to do. He took a deep breath and began to speak.
Wade told them everything that had happened since first seeing Doctors Regal and Rose at The Three Lion's Pub with Adam. He ended with what had happened that night at the hospital. When he finished, the tears had started again.
"... so, I don't know what to do. I want to just grab my Rosebud and run," Wade ended with a deep sniff and a blow of his nose.
Bret pulled out his cell phone, as Adam gave Wade a comforting hug. There was only one thing they could do. Bret placed the phone next to his ear, "Hello, Hunter?"