‘I can’t believe this is happening. This was suppose to be the safest guy in the company. This was suppose to be a simple little date.’ Adam Copeland thought to himself as the pain ripped through his body. Rob Van Dam was pressed against Adam’s back thrusting into him at a mind blowing pace. No prep, no lube, nothing. Just sex, unwanted sex. Adam tried desperately to put his mind someplace other than where his body was. That was difficult with the words that Rob was hissing in his ear.

“You wanted this, didn’t you?” Rob hissed, continuing his brutal pace. “You fucking little tease.”

Adam had learned a few minutes ago that talking or fighting just made it worse, so he just laid there until the ordeal was over. After what seemed like hours, Rob finally pulled out of Adam, roughly. Adam could do nothing but lay there and curl himself into the tightest ball he could get into. Rob stood there dressing himself. After he was dressed, he had the audacity to kiss Adam on the cheek. “Thanks for the great time, babe.” Rob said, and headed for the door. As he took the handle in his hand he turned his attention back to Adam. “By the way. If I was you, I wouldn’t tell anyone about this. Let’s face it, I’m the king of Zen. Who’d believe you?” With that said, Rob walked out the door, and out of Adams life.

That was four years ago, today. Ironically, it was that, the worst day of Adam’s life, that brought him the greatest joy of his life. Branson Joseph Copeland was born eight and half months after that incident. A blonde haired, green eyed, very calm and flexible boy. Every time Adam looked at his son, he was reminded of his rape. It took him years to come to terms with that word alone, not to mention the child that was the result of it.

When Adam first found out he was pregnant, he thought about all his alternatives. Abortion just seemed like murder, adoption was out of the question. He couldn’t live with the fact that he would know he had a child out there. Keeping it. That’s what he was left with. After he made that decision, he was also left with depression. A deep depression that no one or nothing could pull him out of.

He didn’t tell anyone about his rape or the pregnancy that followed. He took time off work, and just disappeared. Six months of total isolation can take it’s toll on the human mind. Adam found that out the hard way. The only human contact that he had was the doctor that came to his new house every month to check on him. He wouldn’t even leave his house. He ordered groceries and had them delivered, paid his bills on line, and even ordered everything for the nursery from the internet.

A year after he’d disappeared, Adam showed up at work one night, baby and all. To say that his coworkers were astonished, would have been laughable. Luckily, they all believed the story that Adam told them about how he’d gotten a girl pregnant and she didn’t want the baby. Everything was going fine until he ran into Rob.

“He’s mine. Isn’t he?” Rob said, finding Adam and Branson alone in a locker room one night. Adam didn’t say anything. He’d already given Rob enough power over him, he wasn’t giving him this. True to form, Rob kept his cool. “You know, I could take him from you.”

Adam stood up after hearing that, and found the fight that he’d lost a little over a year ago. “If you so much as try to pick him up, I’ll tell everyone what you did. I’ll get a paternity test and prove he’s yours and you’ll spend the rest of your life rotting in some jail.” Adam said, discovering what other parents meant when they said they’d fight to the death for their children. That was the night that Adam Copeland became a father. That was the night that he fell in love with his son for the first time. His life changed the second that Rob gave up and walked out the door.

Now, four years later, everything has changed. Single parenthood was the toughest match Adam had ever been in. Juggling work, family, home, and everything else was exhausting, but he was determined that the hell he’d went through was not going to happen to his son. He used the fact that Branson’s dad was Rob Van Dam to his advantage. At the age of four, Branson had already earned his yellow belt in Karate, and was well on his way to his green. Adam was making sure that Branson could defend himself, even at four, if he needed to.

Adam was on cruise control. Living life with his son and no one else. That all changed the night that Dave Batista asked him out. Dave had gotten to know Branson, just from hanging out in the backstage area, and to Adam’s shock, Dave invited Branson too. Adam had gone for about the last five years without even thinking about dating. His decision was not an easy one. That’s why Branson made it for him. “Yup, we go.” Branson said, after Dave’s third attempt to get Adam to go out with him.

“Well, I guess that settles that.” Dave said, smiling at Adam. “Pick you two up at five.” With that said, Dave left the two of them. He had a feeling Adam wanted to have a few words with his son.

Adam stood there for the longest time just holding Branson’s hand. Finally he looked down at him. “Why did you do that?” Adam said, looking into the green eyes of his son.

“I like Dave.” Branson said wiggling his hand free of his father’s grip and running off to play.

Adam stood there, pondering how to handle this situation. “Maybe I don’t like him.” He finally said.

Branson didn’t even look up from the toy he was playing with. “So.”

Adam gave up. He knew there was no arguing with Branson. “Fine, but we’re not going to Chuck E. Cheese. We’re picking a restaurant I like.” Adam said, and walked into the shower area, and started the process of getting ready for his first date in almost five years.

Three hours later Adam was sitting across from Dave, watching Branson in the ball crawl at guess where? Yup Chuck E. Cheese. “He’s adorable.” Dave said, watching Branson dive into the balls, executing almost a perfect frog splash. “He did that almost as good and Eddie or Rob.”

“I think he did it more like Eddie.” Adam said a little too quickly for even his taste. Adam realized that it sounded like he was on the offensive so he quickly covered. “Sorry, I just don’t want him to become a wrestler.” Knowing that was a lie. Adam didn’t care if his son became a wrestler, as long as he was happy.

“I can understand that.” Dave said, taking his attention off of Branson for a while. “This is a hard life. Traveling all the time, not being able to spend time with your family. If I was a father, I probably wouldn’t want my kid in this business either.” Dave took a drink, and asked a burning question that had been on his mind for a while now. “So, is he okay with the fact that his dad is into guys?”

Adam wasn’t expecting that one. After thinking about it for a minute he answered honestly. “I’m not even sure he knows. I haven’t been out on a date since before he was born, so I’m sure he don’t know.” He sat there for a few minutes and thought about how he was going to explain this to Branson, when Dave caught him off guard.

“What were you doing with a woman then?” Dave said, trying not to sound like some investigator with the police department. “I mean, were you just trying it?” Dave said, covering, hoping it sounded a little nicer than his previous comment.

Adam almost started to sweat. He calmed himself quickly, though. “Yeah. Thought I’d try it once with a woman, you know try to make my mom happy, and I have a son to show for it.” Adam said, sounding a lot cooler than he was actually feeling.

Branson walked up to them about that time, sweaty from playing so hard. “Can I have some money?” Branson said, holding out his hand. “I wanna play some games.”

Adam reached into his pocket, but was quickly stopped by Dave. “I’ve got this.” Dave said, getting up, taking Branson’s hand and leading him to the change machine. Adam wasn’t sure how many tokens Dave got Branson, but Dave came back with a whole cup full. He sat the cup down and smiled at Adam. “I’m gonna go play some games with him. Make sure he wins lots of tickets. I’ll be back.”

Adam watched Dave walk around with Branson for about half an hour, coming back every once in a while to drop off tickets and get more tokens. From the pile of tickets already on the table, Adam knew that the stuffed animal his son was walking out there with would require it’s own seat in the car. He could tell by the shrieks he was hearing from Branson, though, that he was having the best time of his young life. That made all the nerves that Adam was feeling seem worth it.

An hour later, the four of them were in the car. Dave, Adam, Branson, and the stuffed rat, Branson lovingly called Chuckydave. “So where to now?” Dave said, starting the car.

“Toys Us.” Branson said, from his booster seat in the back.

Dave looked at Adam confused. “Oh Lord. He wants to go to Toys R Us.” Adam said, rolling his eyes.

Dave put the car in gear and pulled out of the parking space. “Well then, to Toys R Us we go.” Dave said, glancing over at Adam and noticing that ‘you don’t know what you’ve just gotten yourself into’ look.

Adam hated toy stores. Branson seemed to want everything in site, and while Adam was not hurting for money, you would have to have the financial recourses of Donald Trump to keep up with this kid and his toy addiction. He stood there and watched in horror as the cart got fuller and fuller. He knew that his Discover card would never be the same again. It wasn’t until Dave took Branson into the electronics section that Adam wanted to sit down and cry, though. This was going to be a thousand dollar trip to Toys R Us.

After getting three new playstation portables and about four games, plus the other toys that were in the cart they finally made their way to the check out. Adam wasn’t too far off the mark when he figured a thousand dollars. The bill came to 983.78. Adam reached for his wallet, and could have been knocked over with a feather, when Dave grabbed his arm. “My treat.” Dave said, taking his credit card out of his own wallet. Adam stood there in shock. “What’s wrong? You look worried.” Dave said, noticing Adams expression.

“Nothing.” Adam said. “You didn’t have to do this, though.”

Dave signed the receipt, and put the toys in the cart. “I know I didn’t have to. I wanted to.” Dave said, walking out of the store, with Branson in the cart. “I just have this feeling that someone needs to take care of you two for a while. Let’s face it, you’ve been doing this all by yourself for four years now. Let someone spoil you.” Dave opened the trunk and put the bags in it, ignoring the protests of Branson. “By the way, one of those PSP’s is yours.”

Adam was silent the entire way back to the hotel. He didn’t have to speak, Branson was doing enough of that for everyone. “I want my toys.” Was repeated like a chant from the backseat. Adam was getting a splitting headache, but it didn’t seem to phase Dave. He just drove them back to the hotel, and walked them up to their room, carrying chuckydave, and all the bags. Adam opened the door and let Dave in to set the bags down. “Sorry the room is so destroyed.” Adam said, feeling uneasy about Dave being in his room, in the first place.

Dave sat the bags down and looked around. “It just looks like a four year old’s been here. Don’t worry about it. Hey, do you mind if I open one of these for him?” Dave said, fishing a PSP out of one of the bags. “I think he’s gonna have a fit if I don’t.”

“Sure.” Adam said, watching a big man like Dave Batista wrestle with the package. It was actually quite funny, until he got it out and showed Branson how to use it.

“Now, we can talk for a while.” Dave said, sitting down on one of the beds. “I think he’s occupied.”

Adam tensed up, especially when Dave patted the bed next to him. Adam walked over and sat down across from Dave on the other bed. “So what do you want to talk about?” Adam said, trying to hide the fear in his voice.

Dave looked around and made sure that Branson was still engrossed in his video game. “Well, for starters, what’s wrong? You’ve been acting jumpy and scared ever since the toy store. Are you alright?” Dave said, the concern showing in his voice.

Adam sat there and fidgeted with the hem of his shirt. “What do you want from me?” Adam said, letting a little of the fear show in his words.

“What do you mean?” Dave said, sounding more confused than he had all evening.

Adam made sure that Branson couldn’t hear him. “You took us to dinner and spent God only knows how much on tokens and pizza. Then you spent a thousand dollars at a toy store.” Adam said, getting more nervous as he continued. “I know I haven't been on a date in a long time, but I know that a guy doesn’t spend that kind of money unless he expects something in return.”

Dave looked at Adam with an expression that Adam could only read as hurt. “I’m not that kind of guy.” Dave said, getting up and walking over to sit down next to Adam. “I just wanted to get to know you. Both of you. And what I said at Toy’s R Us was the truth. I’ve seen the way you are with Branson in the locker rooms. You’re getting more and more frustrated as the days go by. You need a break. That’s why I’ve asked you out so many times. I wanted to take care of you, if just for one night. I don’t expect anything, other than the thank you that you’ve already given me, in return.”

“I’m sorry.” Adam said, feeling a little more at ease with the close proximity of Dave. “I’ve just been hurt in the past. I find it really hard to trust people now.” Adam knew it sounded like a flimsy excuse, but it was as much of the truth as he was willing to offer.

Dave placed his hand on top of Adam’s and noticed the little jump that it caused. “It’s okay.” Dave said, taking his hand away. “I understand. I don’t know who hurt you, but they must have done a number on you. I just want to get to know you, and maybe even start dating seriously. I’ve liked you for a while now.”

Adam blushed. He’d spent so many years protecting his son and his heart, that he’d forgotten there were decent people in the world. “Dam it! Jump!” Adam and Dave both looked in the direction of the words. Branson was sitting on the floor, playing a game, a look of anger on his face.

“What did you just say?” Adam said.

“He won’t jump.” Branson said, not taking his eyes off the game.

Adam walked over and took the game away from his son. “You don’t say those words. Ever.” Adam said. “Now where did you hear it.”

Branson sat there, his little arms crossed in front of him, a look of defiance on his face. “I want my game.” Branson said, very determined to get it back.

“Not until you tell me where you heard that word.” Adam said, being just as determined. Adam waited a few minutes for Branson to respond. When he didn’t Adam pulled out the big guns. “Well, we can just put this back in the box and take it back to the store.” Adam walked over to the bed and picked up the box.

“Uncle Jay and Uncle Greg say it all the time.” Branson said. “Why can’t I?”

Adam walked over to his son and kneeled on the floor beside him. “Becasue you’re only four.” Adam said, trying to explain this to his son. “Those words are for grown up use only. Understand?” Branson shook his head and Adam handed him his game back. “I’ll take it away for good, if I hear you say that again.” Adam warned as he walked across the room and sat down next to Dave again.

“Very nicely handled.” Dave said, smiling at Adam.

“Yeah, now I just get to have a talk with Jay and Greg.” Adam said, forgetting about all the strange feelings that were running through him for a moment. He remembered about them all to soon, though.

Dave stood up, and took Adam’s hand. “I’m gonna go. Walk me to the door?”

Adam allowed Dave to gently pull him to his feet. He even allowed Dave to hold his hand on the way to the door. But when they got to the door and Dave placed a soft peck on Adam’s lips, he wasn’t sure about that. He expected the worst, but that’s not what he got. Dave pulled away from the little kiss and simply said, “How about we do this again tomorrow? Just me and you?”

Adam thought about it for all of about a second and a half. “Sure.” Adam said, unable to form a coherent sentence. It had been so long since he had thought about the romantic and passionate side of his life, that all it took was a slight brush to the lips by Dave to wake it up.

“Alright, I’ll call you tomorrow to set it up.” Dave said, and simply walked out the door. No attempt at another kiss, no touching, nothing.

Adam practically floated over to the bed where he’d just been sitting. When he fell to sleep that night, visions of Dave slipped through his mind. He dreamed that Him, Dave and Branson were all at the park one day, when Rob approached them, trying to grab Branson out of his arms. Dave stepped in and took care of Rob once and for all. Then he turned to Adam and Branson and said, ‘Are you two okay?’ They shook there heads yes and Dave continued. ‘You don’t have to worry about him ever again. I’m here to protect you.’

“Fucker.” Adam was sure he was dreaming. “Basard. Cock Sucker!” Adam woke up and saw his four year old sitting right beside him on the bed, playing that game again. He looked at the clock and it read 5:15 am. He lay there still for a few minutes, waiting to see what other colorful language would come from his son. He didn’t have to wait long. “Faggot.”

“Branson Joseph Copeland!” Adam yelled, getting up out of bed, and snatching the game from Branson. He didn’t say another word as he grabbed his son by the arm and started to give him the first spanking of his life. “I told you that you don’t ever say words like that again.” Adam said, after the spanking was over. He grabbed the game and put it in his suitcase. “You’re grounded from this thing for a week.” Branson was screaming like someone had just cut off his hands. “Stop the tears. This is your own fault.”

Adam was still a little angry that night when Dave came to pick him up. Branson had been crying off and on all day, and generally just driving Adam up the wall. Dave knocked on the door and Adam opened it. “Give me just a minute.” Adam said, picking Branson up. “I have to go drop him off.”

Dave picked up the over night bag Adam had packed for Branson, and followed him out the door. Dave went one way, and Adam went the other. It only took about four steps for Dave to realize that Adam wasn’t behind him. “Hey, did Jay and Greg change rooms?” Dave said, turning around to catch up with Adam and Branson.

“Nope.” Adam said. “They’re being punished. And so is Branson. He’s staying with Val tonight.”

After dropping the boy off, Dave and Adam drove to a very nice restaurant. On the way Adam explained why Branson was being punished. “I’m sorry.” Dave said, feeling that in some way this was his fault. “I didn’t know the game would cause this much grief.”

“It’s alright.” Adam said. “This is actually the first bit of trouble I’ve ever had out of him. So I guess I can’t complain.”

When they got to the restaurant Dave told Adam to stay in the car. Adam thought it was a little strange, until he saw Dave walking around the front of the car. His heart about melted when Dave opened his door and extended his hand. Adam took his hand and was helped out of the car, and escorted into the restaurant with Dave’s hand on the small of his back.

Once they were inside, Dave pulled out Adam’s chair for him. Dave asked Adam what he wanted, and when the waiter came, even ordered for him. Adam was very rapidly falling in love with Dave. They had a lovely dinner and when they left, Dave actually asked Adam what he wanted to do. Adam really wasn’t used to this type of treatment. For so many years now, his life had centered around his son. He really wasn’t sure what he wanted to do. “I don’t know. As long as it doesn’t include anything G rated I’m fine with it.” Adam said.

Dave chuckled, and pulled out of the parking lot. They drove for a few minutes and pulled up in front of what was unmistakingly a night club. Adam could hear the thump of the bass from the car. He looked over at Dave and Dave thought he’d messed this one up. “We don’t have to go in if you don’t want to.” Dave said, trying to save the moment.

“I’d love to go in, but I’m not sure I remember how to dance.” Adam said, chuckling at himself.

Dave got out of the car and repeated the scene at the restaurant, by opening Adam’s door and extending his hand. “Good, then I won’t look like such an idiot.” Dave said, paying the cover charge and opening the door for Adam.

The music was so loud that they couldn’t hear each other. Dave pointed to the bar with a questioning look on his face. Adam shook his head no and dragged Dave to the middle of the dance floor. Forgot how to dance huh? Apparently not, according to Dave. Dave tried to keep up, but it was no use. Adam, however, forgot himself for the first time in a long time. He began to dance with Dave, rubbing his body against the larger man’s. This went on for about four songs. Finally Dave couldn’t take anymore. He knew that Adam had been hurt by someone, and he was trying to remain a gentleman, but the feel of Adams body was making that increasingly more difficult. Dave got as close to Adam’s ear as he could and told him he was going to get a drink.

Dave hadn’t been gone for five minutes when Adam was reminded of his past. He felt hands on his waist, and he was being turned around. To his horror it was not Dave’s face he saw, when he spun around. There was a face that Adam had never seen before. The stranger’s hands were all over him, and all he said was, “Hey gorgeous.” Adam went into full panic mode. The entire ordeal with Rob five years earlier played through his head as if it had only happened yesterday. He began to try and pull away from the stranger, but his grip got tighter. Adam was frantic when the stranger’s hands went up the back of his shirt. The heat from the strangers body was making Adam ill, his cologne was repulsive and Adam was just about to have a full blown fit, when all of a sudden he felt a breeze.

That breeze was Dave Batista, ripping this guy off of Adam and punching him in the face, breaking his nose. Dave, having been a bouncer before, knew that they were as sure as kicked out, wrapped his arm around Adam’s waist and walked him outside. “Are you okay?” Dave said, inspecting Adam’s body for so much as one mark. “If he hurt you, I’m goin’ back in there and kill him.”

“No, I’m fine.” Adam said, calming down with every passing second. “I’m not hurt. He just scared me.”

Dave wrapped his arms around Adam and pulled him into the tightest hug Adam had ever felt. A feeling of complete safety washed over Adam right then, and he didn’t want to let go. Dave however broke the hug and put Adam in the car. By the time Adam’s emotions were back in check, he saw that they were pulling up at the hotel again. It was only 11:30 pm. Adam’s heart sank into the pit of his stomach. He knew he’d fucked things up good this time. He went for the door handle. “Hey, don’t.” Dave said, and got out of the car, again opening the door for Adam.

They walked up to Adam’s room and Dave stayed for a while, hoping Adam might open up about what or who had hurt him in the past. When they got there Dave sat down with Adam and held him for a while. “I wish you’d tell me what happened.” Dave said, kissing the top of Adams head. “I want to help you, but I don’t know what I’m up against.”

Adam sat up and looked Dave in the face. He couldn’t lie to him any more. “Dave, you’ve been so honest and loving with me, I have to be honest with you. You’re gonna hate me, and probably never want to see me again, but please keep an open mind when I tell you this.” Adam said, hoping he was making the right decision. “About five years ago, I went out on a date. It was suppose to be a casual date, just dinner and maybe a movie or something. We went to dinner and to a club, and then came back to my hotel room to talk for a little bit. We talked and then started making out. I didn’t want have sex with the guy, because I considered him a friend. He wasn’t.” Adam almost broke down at that point. He took a break for a few minutes.

“If you don’t want to go on it’s okay.” Dave said, placing his hand on Adam’s and giving it a little squeeze. “I’ll understand.”

“No, I need to do this.” Adam said, knowing he had walked around with this for far to long as it was. “I told him I thought he should go, and that’s when it happened. He got me down on the bed, and he was so strong and flexible that he was able to hold me there, while he.... he.... he raped me.” Adam broke down after having actually said the word rape.

Dave wrapped Adam in his arms and rocked him gently, waiting for Adam to calm down, and getting his own anger in check. “How could anyone do that to an angel like you?” Dave said, more to himself than to Adam. “And what made you think that I would hate you for that?”

Adam straightened up again, and dried his eyes. “It’s not that, that you’re gonna hate me for. There’s something else.” Adam said, not sure he should continue, but knowing he had to. “Branson’s mine.”

Dave looked at him, confusion written all over his face. “I know he is.” Dave said.

“No you don’t understand.” Adam said, knowing there was only one way Dave would believe him. He pulled the front of his pants down about an inch or so and showed Dave the scar from his c-section. “I mean he’s really mine. He came out of me.” Adam waited for the horror to cross Dave’s face. It never did.

“You mean, you can have babies?” Dave said, actually not believing it.

Adam saw the look on Dave’s face and figured he’d have to show him another way. He walked over to his bag and got out one of Branson’s favorite videos. He put it in the DVD player and turned to Dave. “You’ll have to believe me after this. Are you squeamish?” Adam said. Dave shook his head no and Adam pushed play. The scene played out in front of Dave. Adam was laid on a table completely naked with a team of doctors and nurses around him. After watching the incision, Dave watched in stunned silence as a baby was pulled out of Adam’s abdomen. “Do you believe me now?” Adam said.

Dave was to stunned to speak. He just shook his head yes.

Adam didn’t know how to take Dave’s reaction. All he could think was that Dave did, indeed, hate him for it. “I understand.” Adam said, hanging his head. “I won’t bother you anymore, and I’ll keep Branson away from you too.”

Dave snapped out of his trance quickly. “NO!” Dave said, almost sounding desperate. “Adam, you’re amazing. You went through that whole ordeal, didn’t tell a soul, kept the baby, and did one hell of job raising him to this point. You’re amazing. I would have broke by now. You’re stronger than I’ll ever hope to be.”

Adam blushed again, and didn’t protest in the slightest when Dave gently pulled him onto his lap. “You really think I’m amazing?” Adam said, with a childlike quality to his voice.

Dave placed his hand on Adam’s cheek. “I think you’re more than amazing.” Dave said. “And I’m gonna kill whoever the hell hurt you.”

“It’s in the past.” Adam said, taking Dave’s hand in his and kissing his fingers. “I want to concentrate on the future.”

“Let me spend the night.” Dave said, feeling Adam pull back just a little. “Nothing has to happen, I just want to be close to you. I promise. What you say goes.”

Adam thought about it for a little bit. “Alright. But you understand that I’m not used to this right?” Adam said, feeling a little apprehensive. “I can’t promise you anything.”

Dave looked into Adam’s blue eyes. “The only promise I want from you, baby doll, is that you’ll let me help you through this, and that you’ll let me love you.” Dave said, watching Adam melt, right there on his lap. “That’s the only promise I need from you.”

Adam began to cry again. This time for entirely different reasons. “I promise.” Adam said, relaxing against Dave, and feeling safe and content for the first time in ages.

SIX YEARS LATER

Adam handed the envelope to Dave, a huge smile on his face. Dave took it with shaking hands and carefully started to open it. He read the letter over and over again, tears spilling from his eyes. Their family was complete. Branson was his. He dropped the letter and grabbed his husband in a bear hug that would have crushed most men. Adam, however, had gotten used to it over the years. “I can’t believe it.” Dave said. “We’re an actual family now.”

Adam looked into Dave’s eyes. “We’ve always been a family, Dave.” Adam said, picking up the paper off the floor. “We didn’t need some piece of paper telling us that.”

“Adam you know why we did it.” Dave said, gently taking the paper out of Adam’s hand.

“I know.” Adam said. “And even though we didn’t need it.” Adam leapt into Dave’s arms after saying that and showered his face with kisses. “It is cool.”

“Give me the game dam it!” Ethan, their middle child said, following Branson into the room.

“Am it!” Hayden, their youngest and only girl, echoed from behind her brother.

Branson turned around, looking at his younger siblings. “It’s my game leave me alone.” Branson said, flopping down on the couch.

“You, don’t flop on the furniture, and get your feet off that coffee table.” Dave said, releasing his grip on Adam and allowing him to slide down his body. “And you two, how would you like your mouths washed out with soap?” He added, turning his attention to the two younger children.

“But he’s had the game forever.” Ethan said, with that distinctive five year old whine to his voice. “Make him give it to me, it’s my turn.”

Dave was having such a good day, that he couldn’t help but cave into his son. “Go get mine. You know where it’s at.” Dave said, feeling nothing but breeze as the boy rushed past him. “You’re welcome.” He added, more to himself than Ethan. Dave turned to Branson, who still had his head buried in the game. “Branson, we need to talk.”

“What’s up dad?” Branson said, putting the game down. He’d learned many years earlier that when one of his fathers said, we need to talk, that he was to put the game down.

Dave walked over and sat down next to Branson, putting his arm around him. “I got a letter today.” Dave said.

“It was just a little peck!” Branson said, going on the defensive immediately. “It wasn’t anything like I’ve seen you and dad do! What’s the big deal?”

Dave sat there confused for a minute or two. “What are you talking about?” Dave said, not really caring at the moment. “I just wanted to tell you that we have to go to the school and change your name. You’re Branson Joseph Batista now. The papers came in the mail today.”

Branson jumped on Dave and hugged him so hard, it almost hurt. “So I can, really, call you dad now?” Branson's said, taking a breather from the hugging.

“Yup.” Dave said. That’s all he could get out before the hugging started up again. “Now, what’s this about a little peck?” Dave added, when Branson let go of him.

“I got my first kiss.” Branson said, and went on to explain the story about him and girl, at school, kissing for the first time. It was just a little kiss, but to Branson, it counted.

Dave looked at him, not really knowing how to handle this situation. “Well, I’d say, that calls for a celebration.” Dave said, knowing he’d just cemented himself as a cool dad. “Why don’t we go out to eat? The whole family.”

“Sounds good to me.” Branson said, getting up and grabbing his game to put up. He walked towards the stairs and suddenly stopped, turning around. “But do we have to take Ethan?”

Dave laughed, getting up off the couch and chasing his son up the stairs.