RPS, Jensen Ackles/Jared Padalecki, #40-new developments, 28-disheveled

[my_sam_dean]

Title: Surprises Come in All Sizes
Author/Artist: my_sam_dean
Pairing: Jensen Ackles/Jared Padalecki
Fandom: Real Person
Theme: 40 - new developments
Disclaimer: I own nobody. This never happened. It's all fiction.
Warnings: slash, mpreg


Jensen and Jared had a connection. It was shown in the way they played off each other as Sam and Dean, but it went deeper than that. They were best friends. Still, the cast and crew caught onto their blossoming romance before they, themselves, did.

When Jensen needed to find a new apartment, it was just natural for Jared to offer him a place to stay. After all, the house was big, way too big for just one man, even with the energetic dogs. Jared was a social guy. He talked non-stop to the folks at work when he wasn't doing a scene. Truth was, when he got home, he was a little lonely. Besides, what could be better than having your best friend living with you?

With a slight hesitation, Jensen agreed and Jared gladly moved him into the guestroom. They redecorated it and the en-suite to Jensen's tastes. When they stood in the middle of the bedroom and looked at the job they'd done on the walls, they were mighty proud. They didn't know that it was only the first step to making it their home instead of Jared's.

"Feel like going out with Mike and Tommy tonight?" Jensen asked Jared. "He called when you were on set. They're quitting a little early since it's Friday and they worked late yesterday to get ahead."

"Slackers. I don't think they do as much as we do," Jared joked.

"Considering that they have an ensemble cast and not just two guys running around doing everything, they do have it easier. But, really, do you think it's cool to be characters based on a comic? I'd much rather be the Winchesters. We're badass and cool as hell."

"You were on their comic-based show not so long ago."

"I didn't stay there, did I? I moved on to greener pastures. So, did you want to go?"

"Sure. When and where?"

***

"This place has to be Mike's idea," Jared commented as they exited a cab at a club that was well-known for the not so subtle rooms in the back for the patrons to use to get to know each other better.

"Probably. I don't know why Tom lets him choose."

"Who says Tom lets him choose? He probably doesn't have any say in the matter once Mike hears 'going out' the wheels start turning and he's in full-blown party mode before Tom can even finish the invite."

Jensen nodded. "Well, at least tonight will be interesting."

"That's for sure."

***

They leaned on each other as they walked the path to their door. The taxi driver was paid a good tip for putting up with them.

Jared fumbled with the keys. Jensen put his hands around Jared's and took the key from him. He unlocked the door and grabbed Jared's elbow when he stumbled over threshold.

"How far gone are you?" Jensen asked.

"Not enough to want to hang out with anyone from that freak show that Tom and Mike call a party."

"Does that include Tom and Mike?"

"I don't want to see them right now."

"Yeah. I'm not picking them up later, either. They can take a damn cab like we did."

They fell into a heap on the coach. Their laces kept getting knotted up. Once they both had their shoes and jackets off, neither of them wanted to go upstairs.

"Let's just sleep here," Jared suggested. "I've slept on this before. It's not too bad."

"I'm not going to make it if I try the stairs."

"Better just get comfortable." Jared slid the button on his jeans and eased them off as he grabbed the blankets on the back of the couch for covers. He saw Jensen staring at him. "I hate sleeping in jeans. Is that okay?"

"Yeah," Jensen replied. "I don't sleep in them, either."

"Good. Now get your butt over here so can settle in and we can get some sleep," Jared griped as he waited to feel Jensen's weight on the cushions.

Jensen curled up at the other end of the couch. It was a comfy sofa and the plush covers made it like a cocoon. He meant to mumble, "Goodnight," to Jared but the words didn't cross his lips before his eyes slid shut.

***

Jared reached consciousness first. He registered that he was not alone. A warm body was lying beside him. He shifted a little and the firmness of the person told him it was a guy. He eased his eyes open to find Jensen's head leaning against his arm. Jensen's arm was slung low around Jared's waist. Their legs wee intertwined and their place under the blankets was so warm and comfortable. Jared decided that nothing was amiss and went back to sleep.

Jensen woke trying to flip his pillow. He understood why it was impossible when he noticed it was Jared's bicep he was resting on. He tried to work out how he and Jared were sprawled together, but it was just too comfortable and didn't feel unnatural for them.

They got some well-earned rest without an awkward morning after.

***

It was after an intense fight scene that they had to act out a couple times to get it right. They were sweaty under all their layers and Jensen's hair stuck to his forehead while Jared's hair just plain stuck to him.

"Cut! Let's break for lunch."

Jared was the fist to get to his feet, and he gave Jensen a hand up. "Good job, man."

"You, too. But, I heard your stomach growl on the last two takes."

"I'm a growing boy."

"Whatever. Going to get lunch?"

"Yep. Let's eat in my trailer so we can go over lines."

Jensen nodded. "Sure. That means we'll spent less time running them at home."

"Yeah, because you would so rather lose to me on video games instead."

"Hey, I haven't had the practice you've had.. One of these days I am going to cream you and you'll be stunned speechless."

"Bring it on, Jensen."

They dished up various delicious foods that were offered that day. Jensen had one Styrofoam container and Jared had two.

"I don't understand how you can eat all that," Jensen shook his head.

"High metabolism. Family curse."

"You inherit great metabolism and I get bad eyesight. How is that fair?"

"Never said it was."

When the door to the trailer closed behind them, Jared set his food down and began stripping off his shirts. The one that had been right next to his skin was soaked. He threw it aside. It felt better to just get it off.

"You can't be comfortable dressed like that," Jared commented. "I'll grab us t-shirts and you can get rid of the stinky one."

After Jared left to get said clothes, Jensen removed layer after layer. He was just pulling the last one off when Jared returned. Glancing at Jensen, even with his arms still stuck in the shirt over head, Jared felt his heart beat faster as the glistening muscles of his chest and stomach made his mouth go dry.

Once Jensen had the shirt off, he saw Jared standing right there, grabbed a shirt and put it on without Jared ever saying a word. Jensen was none the wiser about Jared's recent discovery.

***

For Jensen, the revelation in his feelings toward Jared came upon gradually. Sure, they sometimes changed in wardrobe and ran into each other in the hallway or kitchen in their boxers. It was just something Jensen saw as ordinary until he happened to watch a Supernatural rerun because nothing else was on. He didn't like to watch himself act but he figured it would be kind of cool so see the show like the fans did.

Just his luck, the episode was 'Heart'. Jensen had been roaming around the set when Sam and Madison had their bedroom scene. He'd even paused when he heard Jared's laughter. Between takes, Jared was joking around to make their guest actress feel more at ease. He remembered thinking of what a nice guy Jared was. But, seeing it onscreen with all the details of the cameras and editing, his breath was taken away. He saw Jared's muscles as they shifted and moved underneath his skin. The way that Sam was kissing Madison--powerful, possessive and demanding-caused a stir in Jensen's stomach. He finished watching the episode and tried to deny what he was feeling. Jensen succeeded until he sat in silence after turning the television off. With nothing else to distract him, he was forced to at least acknowledge the awkward emotion.

Jared came home a couple hours later, bursting to tell Jensen about something amusing that happened on location after Jensen had left. He didn't notice that Jensen was slightly off as he told his story and waved his hands around for emphasis. Jensen tried to concentrate on what Jared was saying, smiling at all the appropriate times but got distracted by Jared's gestures.

After Jared had gone to shower, Jensen slouched on the couch with his head in his hands, wondering why he couldn't get the picture of those hands on his skin out of his mind. That night, he dreamed about how it would feel to have Jared caressing him, warm fingers on his skin. He awoke with a throbbing erection, groaned, rolled over and thought about how he was supposed to forget the unexpected nocturnal performance he and Jared had starred in. Placing a pillow on top of his head to block out the rest of the world, he finally fell back to sleep.

***

They'd always shared expenses, even though Jared protested that he didn't need Jensen to pay rent because he'd be paying the mortgage whether or not Jensen was there. When they went out, sometimes it was easier to have one of them pay the bill instead of splitting it in two or sorting it out. Jensen noticed when Jared started to pay for more and tried to insist that Jared take some cash from him. Jared just brushed it off in that easy way of his and Jensen decided not to push the issue.

***

Jared found that he just couldn't help it. He tried to make subtle gestures but knew that he failed because subtlety wasn't one of his strong points. In reality, he wanted to date Jensen, wanted to tell him that he was attracted to him and how important he was to him. He settled for small details that might convey his feelings without making Jensen uncomfortable.

He made coffee before Jensen awoke so he could caffeinate immediately upon shuffling downstairs. When he did his laundry, he threw some of Jensen's in, too, and told him that he needed the extra clothes to make a full load. He did all he could to take care of Jensen without making it too obvious. Unfortunately, Jensen wasn't as in-the-dark as Jared had hoped.

"Any particular reason my dirty laundry wandered downstairs and washed itself before I could even get my eyelids unglued?" Jensen asked with his hair sticking out in every direction.

"Just being nice," Jared cleared his throat and changed the topic. "What did you have planned for today?"

"I was going to do laundry and maybe go to lunch. I thought that little diner down the road would be a good spot. What about you?"

"Exercise the dogs. Thought we could have a barbeque before the weather turns cold. How's that sound to you?"

"I could go for some good old Texas grilling. We'll need to go to the store to get groceries. The fridge is in a pretty sorry state."

"Yeah. I'll make a list."

Jensen finished his cup of coffee and put it in the sink. "Give me twenty minutes to get ready. Then, we can grab some grub at the diner before going to the store. It's supposed to be a bad idea to shop while hungry anyway."

"Sure. Wouldn't want to chance a mishap in the meat aisle." Jared smiled as he watched Jensen walk away.

***

Filled to the gills, they sat on the steps to the deck and threw toys for the dogs to fetch.

"I don't think I can move." Jensen tossed the squeaky toy and rested back with his elbows on the step a few places behind. "I'm not sure if this was a good idea. There's going to have to be extra reps when I exercise tomorrow. Can't have Dean getting flabby."

Jared chuckled. "You've got to be joking!" He laid his hand on Jensen's stomach and was about to make a comment when his eyes caught Jensen's and he froze. He couldn't identify the look in Jensen's eyes, but he knew that his were giving off the same vibes. His hand lingered long enough for Jensen to crack a joke or protest in some way but he didn't. Jared slowly leaned forward and placed a kiss on Jensen's lips.

Jensen was taken off guard by the want flowing through his veins. Stunned, he could neither push Jared away or make a move of his own. When Jared leaned over him, Jensen found that he was able to kiss back. He couldn't reach for Jared because of how he was sitting. In the next instant, he was absorbed in Jared and didn't even notice how uncomfortable he'd become.

When Jensen responded to him, Jared's heart soared. He'd half expected Jensen to punch him. The other half only hoped that Jensen would at least try to understand what he was trying to say but didn't dare dream that Jensen would respond in kind.

Sadie and Harley waited patiently. Then, even with how well they were trained, they started whine, trying to get their master's attention. They had to get louder before Jared heard them through the haze he was in.

"The dogs think we're slacking," Jensen joked when Jared began to sit back up.

Jared let out one of his belly laughs as he tossed the playthings across the yard and both dogs sprinted away. "I sometimes think it would be worth it to buy a contraption with a track and stuffed rabbit. That way, they could chase the mechanical bunny in circles until the cows come home."

"You'd miss the dog slobber games you play with them. Besides, how long do you think they'd run after something that they couldn't catch up to?"

"You're right. Harley would tire out pretty quickly but Sadie might hang in there." Jared paused. "I'm not sorry I kissed you."

"Good. Neither am I."

***

"I've never . . ." Jared was too embarrassed to finish his sentence.

"Me neither," Jensen admitted. "But I came across a video or two. We'll be fine."

Jensen's smile eased Jared's nerves as they sank into the covers and got to know each other better. Hands wandered over hard planes as gasps filled the room. Sweat-slicked bodies slid together and they found out how exquisite the other felt.

***

Jensen stared at the little stick. It wasn't fair that an object was going to determine his future. He'd always planned it out so well. From what roles he took to who he dated and what his next move would be. This wasn't in the plans. Well, it was in the plans for years down the road, just not right now when he had Supernatural and would need to act quick to build on that success. He didn't have any time to slow down..

Being sick had taken it's toll. He hadn't missed work but he felt that his performance wasn't up to his standards and he collapsed on his bed in the trailer every chance he got. Just this morning, Jared had asked him how long he'd had the flu when he knelt down beside Jensen and his post at the toilet.

Jared. How was he going to react? Jensen knew he couldn't bring it up now. Not with one crazy month of filming to go before Christmas. Well, he was an actor. He'd just have to do a damn good job at pretending everything was normal.

"Jensen?" Jared knocked on the bathroom door. "Are you in there?"

"Just a minute!" Jensen threw the stick in the garbage and covered it with bunches of kleenex. Felling safe that Jared wouldn't find his secret, he left the room and his new piece of news behind him.

"They need us on set in ten. How's your stomach feeling? I passed the kraft tent and they have a couple bland foods for lunch."

"I'll probably stick to those," Jensen smiled. "I'm not feeling too bad but I'd better careful just in case."

Jared slid an arm around Jensen's waist and began to talk about the upcoming scene and how they should play it. Jensen was thankful for the distraction and easily slid into Dean Winchester's skin.

***

"I'm beat." Jensen set his bag down as soon as they got in the door.

"Don't feel like going out? It is Friday."

"A quiet night in is about all I'm up for."

"That's cool too. It's your chance to pick the movie."

"Can I get in the shower first and change into sweats?"

"Shower--Is that an invitation?" Jared smirked.

"Sure." Jensen let the way down the hall and Jared playfully slapped his perky ass.

***

The days passed as Jensen gagged through them. It was like he always had something stuck in the back of his throat and it would trigger gagging and nausea. There was no getting rid of it and it was always just there.

Eventually, they broke for the holidays. Jensen and Jared flew home, staying at the Padalecki's house for the first part of their vacation. The rest of the Ackles clan was there waiting to welcome them. If anyone thought it was strange that Jared and Jensen shared a room, they never voice their concerns.

The kitchen filled the house with aroma, much to Jensen's dismay. His touchy stomach wasn't going away. It was actually getting worse as Jensen realized his time was running out to tell Jared about the baby before he found out on his own.

The midnight Christmas Ever service was beautiful. They enjoyed singing carols and hearing the Christmas story again. All of them were in good spirits when they arrived back at the Padalecki's and said goodnight.

"So your family opens gifts on Christmas instead of Christmas Eve?" Jensen's mind stuttered over how to start the difficult conversation.

"Of course! Santa doesn't come until we're asleep anyway. It wouldn't make any sense to open presents sooner." Jared was stripping down to his boxers.

Nodding, Jensen had no clue how to continue or even where he was going in that line of conversation. He silently got ready for bed and climbed in beside Jared, who then shut off the lamp.

Lying there in the dark, Jensen found his voice. "Family is real important to you, isn't it?"

"You know it is," Jared mumbled into Jensen's hair as he pulled Jensen closer and tossed his arm over him. "Why do you ask?"

Jensen bit his lip. "How important is it to you?"

"What? Did you hear something? Is someone sick?" Jared clicked the lamp back on and stared wide-eyed at Jensen who was trying to readjust to the light.

He felt awful for the panic he heard in Jared's voice. "No, no, I'm sure everyone is fine." Jensen did his best to calm his boyfriend.

"Why'd you ask me a question like that?"

"Did you ever think of having kids?"

"Sure, one day."

"Soon?" Jensen asked hopefully.

"I think I'm a little young. I'd like to get some good roles under my belt first, before I think about starting a family."

Jensen shifted uncomfortably.

"Are you okay, Jensen? Why all the strange questions?"

"I have something for you," Jensen spoke slowly.

"A present?"

"It's a surprise."

"It's technically already Christmas Day at 1:30AM." Jared happily informed him. "We can exchange gifts now. I've got yours in my bag but it isn't wrapped yet."

"Neither is yours," Jensen mumbled.

"Huh?"

Unable to put it off any longer, Jensen forged ahead. He took both Jared's hands in his and gazed into his eyes. "I love you. I want you to remember that no matter what else I say, okay?"

Jared nodded.

"I have wonderful news for you."

"Supernatural's been renewed already?"

"No, although I'm pretty sure it will be. What I have for you will change your life."

"Have you been watching infomercials again? That has to be where you got that line from."

Realizing how cheesy he'd sounded, he apologized. "I just want you to listen to me before your react."

"Okay."

"I'm pregnant."

"Ha ha, very funny."

"We're having a baby."

Jared stopped with the humor and said sternly, "This isn't funny anymore."

"I'm not joking. I'm pregnant. We're going to be fathers." Jensen watched Jared's mouth move ineffectively. "It's earlier than you wanted but I hope you're still happy," he couldn't help the tears that sprang to his eyes.

"You're expecting?"

Jensen nodded.

"It hasn't been the flu?" Jared processed the information he'd been given.

When a slow smile spread across Jared's face, Jensen let go of the breath he'd been holding.

"That's wonderful!"

Shocked, Jensen's face was blank. Had Jared been pushed over the edge?

"Don't cry," Jared got a hand loose and wiped at Jensen's eyes. "This makes your gift pale in comparison, I'm a little embossed about that. But, a baby? I couldn't have asked Santa for anything more precious."

"Really?"

Jared kissed Jensen's forehead as he fought to get his sniffles under control. "Now I wish I had gone first. I want you to remember that I bought your gift months ago, okay?"

Jared took a small box out of his bag and handed it over.

With shaking hands, Jensen opened it. He stared at what was inside for a moment before Jared asked, "Will you marry me?"

"You're asking me this when we're in our underwear? Couldn't you have thought of anything romantic?"

"You told me about the baby while we were lying here in our undies. So, what do you say?"

Jensen didn't realize that he hadn't given Jared his answer yet even though he'd decided long before than night.

"Of course I'll marry you," the tears started again.

"Great. I've made you miserable."

Laughing, Jensen replied, "You've just made me the happiest I've ever been."

"Strangely enough, you did the same." Jared's brain dissolved all thought and embraced the love of his life. The father of his baby.

Unsuspecting family members were sound asleep and would hear the great news in the morning. Now they had even more reason to celebrate.

Title: The Knight Across the Street
Author/Artist: my_sam_dean
Pairing: Jared Padalecki/OMC, Jared Padalecki/Jensen Ackles
Fandom: Real Person
Theme: 28 - discheveled
Disclaimer: I own no one. This is pure fiction. I made it all up.
Warnings: slash, domestic abuse, cancer


All the money in the world couldn't make Jared feel better. He laid in bed, sick, unable to eat, and in pain. Every now and then his husband, Paul, popped his head in to see if he needed anything. He sounded so insincere. Jared almost tested him by asking for something once but he didn't want to press his luck.

Stuck in one room, he had more than ample time to think. He thought back to college and the optimistic view he had on life back then. Little did he know that he'd be stuck, bedridden with cancer, before he hit thirty.

He’d been so happy at college. He was a good student and had many friends. When he met Paul, it wasn’t planned. He wasn’t looking for anyone at the moment and Paul had struck up a conversation with him in the library. They had to ignore the stern looks from the librarian but their relationship was fun.

Then, when he was a senior, his life was shattered by a phone call.

***

Back then . . .

“Hello.”

“May I speak to Jared Padalecki?”

“Speaking.”

“This is the Texas State Patrol calling. I’m afraid I have some bad news for you. You might want to sit down.“

Jared was thankful he was at home on the couch when he answered. He had no doubt that he would have probably ended up on the floor otherwise. It took a minute for the words to sink in. His parents were killed by a drunk driver. He’d just spoken with them a couple days before. They were making plans for the next break, thinking about having a barbeque and inviting some of the extended family over.

He was in such shock over their deaths that he handed over the insurance checks to Paul since he had graduated the year before and had a knack for finance. His degree got him in the door for his job but his personal ability is what made him so successful. Jared didn’t want to deal with something as trivial as money where there was Justine, his little sister to think about.

Luckily, she hadn’t been in the car when it was struck. She felt guilty that she wasn’t dead, too, and Jared did his best to try to get her to see that it wasn’t her fault. He was so grateful that she was alive. It was just the two of them left in their immediate family. Each parent was an only child, so there were no aunts or uncles. They had relation that they just called their cousins for the sake of simplicity.

Jared took a semester off. Paul told him that he’d be fine and he would forward any legal papers that came to their apartment to Texas. Jared was his sister’s guardian and had to provide for her education. She wanted to stay in town with her friends and graduate from their high school. Jared couldn’t blame her. She’d had so much yanked away from her. Having the last few years of school with the people you’d grown up with, going to prom and homecoming and walking across the stage with them to get your diplomas wasn’t something he wanted to take away from her.

The Padalecki’s had money. They’d never had to struggle but they didn’t live in an extravagant style either. Everyone had what they needed. Jared’s college had been paid for so he could concentrate on his studies. He was sure his sister had a college fund for when she graduated.

Justine was popular at school and parents loved her for her well manners and good influence. She could get a little wild sometimes, but it was never something that parents found out about. Her best friend was Tia. She spent her time at Tia’s house after her folks were killed. That’s where Jared had picked her up from.

They went back to their childhood home and were almost choked by the emptiness they felt without the aroma of mom’s cooking floating through the house or dad’s constant griping about the computer. That machine always ate up his reports. Jared had tried to explain the action of saving documents before shutting the computer off but his dad didn’t have time for that. He’d just go back later and expect the figures to be there.

There was a double funeral. Some of Jared’s friends came home for a few days to help out. Paul was there for the service but had to return home the next day. Jared was just happy that he’d attended the service with him. Justine had been clinging to Jared and if he wouldn’t have had Paul’s arm around him, he could have crumbled and brought them both to the ground.

Even though Jared looked, there is no book to tell you what to do when your folks are gone. He took time going through papers and laid a big stack aside for Paul to look at later. He found their birth certificates and report cards. It was clearly stated in their Will that Jared was to get custody of Justine. That led him to brainstorming a way to keep her safe and happy.

Tia’s mother offered to have Justine stay at their house. She said it wouldn’t be a problem because Justine and Tia were so close and Justine was over there quite a bit anyway. Although he hated depending on the kindness of others, he allowed Justine to live with Tia’s family. He helped her choose the items to take to Tia’s with her.

Then, they basically closed the house up. The electricity and water was shut off and the phone disconnected. Jared left a key for Justine in case she needed to go home. She couldn’t live there, but she could get possessions that she’d forgotten and have a place to be alone with her memories.

She had squeezed him so tight before he left to go back to college. He promised her that he’d be home every break and whenever she needed him.

They had phone conversations at least twice a week. He knew when she had tests coming up and made it down to see her in the school play. He clapped the loudest in the audience and gave her roses. He was trying to do what his parents would have done. Their absence was always felt but Jared didn’t want Justine to miss out on anything their folks had provided for him. When he’d had his ball games, they came when they could but they always made it to the big ones. Then, they’d go out for steak and make a big deal of it. He wanted his sister to feel the same kind of pride that he did in high school.

When Jared graduated college, Justine came to visit the week before, went to the ceremony and returned to Texas with him. They had the area maid service open up their family home. The barbeque that he’d been planning with his parents right before their death morphed into a graduation party.

Jared stayed at home until the end of the summer. Justine moved back into the house with him. He was struggling with the idea of moving back home and finding a job there, but Paul was already working and loved his job. So, he stayed as long as he could. When the school year rolled around, Justine was a junior and Tia’s family was still thrilled to have her as a part of their clan.

Jared left to go back to Paul with a broken heart. He missed his sister terribly but realized that after graduation she’d probably not live back home, either. He was determined to not feel pressured to live anyone’s life but his own. His parents wouldn’t have wanted him to feel chained to a house that they’d chosen.

Paul loved his career and asked Jared to marry him. Jared had been with Paul for a couple years and he’d depended on him when he’d had to go to Texas for Justine. He couldn’t picture loving anyone else. Ecstatic, he replied, “Yes.”

Justine was beautiful in a long gown that matched Jared and Paul’s ascots and vests. Many photos were taken of all the smiling faces. Justine was so happy that Jared had found someone to share his life with. She worried about him. Now, she wouldn’t have to wonder if he’d be okay when she broke the news to him about the acceptance letter she’d received.

He took a week off to pack her up and move her to college. Jared took her security very seriously. She had an apartment with underground parking, a doorman, cameras scanning the halls inside and lot outside with round the clock surveillance.

Their phone chats continued until Jared got sick. He tried to hide his illness from her but she knew him too well. She flew to his side when he had surgery and was determined to stay through his chemo and radiation treatments. He talked her into returning by promising that he’d call her if anything changed and he would tell her to come if he needed her to.

***

Now . . .

His thoughts brought him back to the present. He really wished Justine was taking care of him. She had some of her mom’s ways about her and Jared couldn’t help but remember how his mom could make him feel better when he was sick. She’d sit at his bedside and read to him when he was too ill to go into the living room to watch television. Justine was probably just as patient. Paul wasn’t a nurturing kind of person. As Jared got sick, he’d actually begun to wonder if he even knew the man he’d married. Instead of feeling loved, he was a nuisance.

One day, when he was thinking of leaving, he had looked into his banking to see what he had for resources if he left Paul. He’d have to get a personal care attendant to help him until he was stronger. That’s when he discovered that when Paul had taken care of his finances for him when his parents died but he’d put it all in his own name. Jared had no claim to it. Without Paul, he’d have no money, no place to live and no one to take care of him. He was stuck. His only option was to stay with Paul.

Stress piled on at work, or at least that was what Paul claimed. He got so short with Jared that he was downright mean. There were no more empty offers of help. Grocery lists that Jared made remained untouched. Paul got take out instead. Sometimes there was some left for Jared, but it wasn’t easy to stomach while going through treatment.

He was sweating. His hair stuck to his forehead and obscured his vision. He’d just emptied his whole stomach and wanted to weep because the food had been so hard to get down in the first place. He’d tried calling Paul, but the secretary told him that Paul was in a very important meeting and not to be disturbed under any circumstances. So, she took a message. That had been hours before.

Leaving the bathroom, he tripped on the threshold and fell in the hall. He plainly heard his arm snap as the pain shot through his arm. Somehow, he reached the nearest phone and called for help.

***

Jensen was a cop. He enjoyed his job and he was good at it. When he got home in the evenings or mornings, depending on his shift, he’d glance at the house across the street. There was a man in a suit who kept hellish hours. Then, one day, he saw a stunning man get out of a taxi and go inside. Jensen’s jaw had dropped open when he saw the man. He was tall, tanned and laid back if his clothing was anything to go by.

Over time, Jensen found himself watching for the tanned man. Suddenly, he quit coming outside. There was a car with tinted windows that entered and exited through the garage but Jensen couldn’t see who was coming and going. The man never sat outside in the sun or even opened the living room drapes. He thought the situation was odd, but he didn’t have a legal reason to go over there. No one had been reported missing and maybe the man had just been visiting. Still, Jensen couldn’t get the picture of his dream man out of his mind.

He was home when the call came through. He recognized the address and dashed across the way. He knocked on the door and rang the bell. There was no answer. So, he broke in.

The house was dreary and dark. The living room was nothing but shadows.

“Hello?” Jensen called. “Do you need help?”

He scanned the area until he heard a whimpered, “Over here.”

There was a man in terrible pain. He was huddled against the wall and had a puddle of vomit nearby.

“My name is Officer Ackles. What happened?” He ignored the stench and waited for a reply.

“I think I broke my arm.” He looked up at Officer Jensen and he was shocked that it was the man of his dreams sitting injured before him.

“Help is on the way,” he assured the man. “Is there anyone I should call for you?”

The greasy head shook.

“I’ll sit with you until they get here, okay?” Jensen’s concern was making him mad. He’d seen the other man come and go from the house. How could he have left someone this sick alone?

“I’m doing chemo. I don’t feel too well.”

The look on Jared’s face shot Jensen into action. While keeping his hurt arm against his body, Jensen helped Jared lean to the side to be sick.

“That’s it,” he brushed the long hair back. “Have you been vomiting much today?”

Jared nodded. “I can’t keep anything down. You can call me Jared.”

“Okay, Jared. Here’s the plan. When the paramedics get here, I’ll grab you some clean clothes so you can take them with you to the hospital.”

“Thank you,” Jared whispered as he closed his eyes. He was leaning against Jensen, too weak to sit on his own.

As he predicted, the medics were busy with Jared and he took the time to grab some clothes for him. Seeing as Jared had been getting chemo, Jensen also grabbed a few items to make him feel a little more at home during his stay. Just a broken arm wouldn’t keep him in the hospital but the fact that he was battling cancer and so ill just might.

Some slippers, a picture from the nightstand of Jared and a girl, a robe and a book that laid open on the bed made it into the bag Jensen packed. He sent the belongings with the ambulance and told them that he’d lock the house up behind them.

Something was wrong, very wrong, and Jensen couldn’t put his finger on it. The man in the suit always looked so put together. Was he taking care of Jared like he should?

The fridge held a container of orange juice and margarine spread. The bread on the counter was starting to mold. The house smelled of sweat and sickness. How could he leave Jared here?

He was on his way down the hall when something caught his eye. It was a door that seemed to go to the attic. It was one that could be locked with a padlock from the outside. The lock was currently open, so Jensen decided to investigate.

The open door allowed the ripe air to assault his senses. There were stairs and then just one big room. There was a bare light bulb in the middle. A blanket laid on the floor. The room was empty other than that and a bucket. Closer inspection proved that it was indeed a makeshift toilet. Never emptied.

Pissed off, he stomped out of the house. He was headed to the hospital to see Jared but he took a quit detour to the precinct first. He wanted to go into Jared’s room armed with whatever knowledge he could have about Paul. If he knew their background, maybe he could understand their story better. As it was, he was stumped.

***

Jared felt better than he had in a long time. They’d set his arm and casted it. He was getting fluids and medication for his nausea. The pain killers had kicked in and he felt nothing. After so long of living in constant pain, it was pure heaven.

“Jared?” a familiar face popped in the door. “Are you up to visitors?”

“Sure,” Jared was happy to see the policeman that had been the first to arrive. “Thanks for grabbing stuff for me. It looks like I’m going to be here for a few days at least.”

“I figured that after you mentioned chemo.” Jensen walked over to the window and looked out. He had a question he wanted to ask and he wasn’t sure how to put it. “I saw something at your house that concerns me.”

Warning bells went off in Jared’s head. What could he have seen?

“Why do you have a lock on your attic?” he went for the direct approach.

“I didn’t know we had one.”

“Really? What do you keep in your attic?”

“Just some old junk. Paul’s been storing stuff up there. Paul’s my husband.”

That last part really hurt Jensen. Not only was the guy a shitty boyfriend, he was a shitty husband. That made it a whole lot trickier.

“Paul works outside the home?”

“Yes.”

“Does he provide for you?”

“Yes.”

“Does he take care of you?”

“What is this about?” Jared demanded. “I called to get help because I fell. I told you I didn’t know about the lock on the attic. What more do you want?”

Jensen captured Jared’s gaze and held it. Seething with anger and trying not to let it sound in his voice he asked, “Who gets locked in the attic and uses the bucket for a bathroom?”

Shocked, Jared’s face went white. “I think you need to leave.”

“Okay,” he acquiesced. “I’ll leave my card here in case you want to talk.” With that, he walked out the door.

Jared turned the card over in his hand a couple times. He’d tried so hard to keep it all under wraps. Paul was just going through tough times and then it would all be back to normal. Why did the nice cop have to go putting his nose where it didn’t belong?

***

“Hi, I’m Officer Ackles.” Jensen flashed a badge at the nurses’ station. “Can you tell me what injuries Jared came in with?”

“I can give you the report,” a harried nurse handed over a sheet. “Put that back in the chart when you’re done.”

“Thanks.” He flashed her a smile, walked around a corner and leaned up against the wall to read the details about Jared.

Bruising in various stages of healing. Bedsores not infected yet. Broken right arm. Previous injuries minimal upon patient’s recollection but numerous upon reviewing chart. Undergoing chemotherapy with radiology to follow. Severe dehydration. Bruising prevalent on torso with handprints on extremities. Patient claims he just bruises easily. These are clear handprints and fingerprints. Patient is in denial.

Jensen folded the paper up and put it in his pocket. He knew the nurses had another copy or could get one from the computer.

He walked to a diner down the street from the hospital. He wanted to stay close in case Jared phoned. There was a tickle on the back of his neck that just told him to kill time in the area. Until that feeling went away, that was exactly what he’d do.

Halfway through eating, he paused to take a call. “Officer Ackles.”

“Hi, um, this is Jared?”

“Jared, how are you feeling?”

“Been better.”

“To what do I owe this call?” Jensen felt that Jared was beating around the bush about something and he didn’t like it.

“Um, Paul came to visit.”

Jensen stayed silent, knowing there was more.

“He thought I was being selfish.”

“Selfish, how?”

Jared sounded so small. “He’s right, you know. My world doesn’t really include him. I’m either asleep, sick or at the doctor’s office.”

“How is getting medical treatment selfish?”

“I don’t pay enough attention to him. He gets upset with me when I can’t participate in activities he enjoys.”

In an instant, Jensen put his finger on what was making the hair on the back of his neck stand up. “These activities Paul wants you to participate in are intimate or sexual in nature?”

“I want to be active, too. I just can’t be.”

“How mad does Paul get when activities are out of the question?”

“I think you know.” Jared whispered, “You found my room.”

***

It wasn’t easy by any means. Jensen had to let Jared go home with Paul because the patient had insisted. He was embarrassed that Jensen knew his secret but he wasn’t ready to leave. Jensen grit his teeth as he saw the car pull into the garage across the street and knew that Jared was inside. Jared was going to get out of that house. Jensen would get him out or Paul would kill him.

The windows stayed covered. Jensen had binoculars next to his chair when he sat by his picture window. He made a habit of looking outside to see any sign of Jared. When he saw the light shine through the thin curtain in the attic in the middle of the night, he grabbed his binoculars for a closer look.

Jared peeked through the window at Jensen’s house. From the look on his face, he was pleading for help. Jensen was determined to get Jared out of there. The only question was how.

***

“I’m familiar with Paul,” Dr. Misha told him. “He makes sure Jared keeps all his appointments.”

“Does he accompany Jared on these appointments?”

“He was with Jared for a couple of them. I wasn’t fond of the man.”

“What do you mean?”

The doctor sighed. “I’ve seen many family members over the years. It is true that they don’t all act the same when their loved one is sick. However, he seemed to always keep himself separate from Jared. He never once held his hand or offered any comfort that I saw. It could be that he’s just a private man, but it seemed odd.”

Jensen jotted down some notes. “How does he get to his treatments?”

“He has a driver that brings him. It’s the same man every time.”

“Do you know who he is?”

“His name was Jeff, I think. He’s older than Jared, a little shorter and sports a dark beard.”

“How does he treat Jared?”

“Are you inquiring what their relationship is?” the doctor asked. “I’m not privy to that information but he treats Jared like a friend.”

“Is there anything else you can tell me about Paul?” Jensen tried one last time to pick the doctors memory.

Dr. Misha shook his head.

“I’ll leave my card with you in case anything else comes to mind.” Jensen turned to leave and then stopped. “Doctor, how sick is Jared?”

“His cancer is treatable.”

“When’s his next appointment?”

Dr. Misha typed on the computer. “Tomorrow. Tomorrow at two o’clock.”

“Thank you for your time, doctor.” Jensen had all the information he needed to cement his opinion about Paul. Now, he just had to work on Jared to get him to see the light.

***

Jensen made sure that Jared was already taken back for treatment before approaching Jeff in the waiting room.

“Mr. Jeffrey Morgan? I’m Officer Ackles. I’d like to talk to you about Jared Padalecki and his husband, Paul.”

“I don’t know Paul. I only met him once, when he hired me. Why do you need to talk to me?”

“I’m concerned about Mr. Padalecki’s well-being and thought you might have some insight.” Jensen was poised with his pen above his pad of paper. “Is there anything you can tell me about their home or their relationship?”

“Like I said, I don’t know Paul. Jared is a wonderful guy. It’s a pity that he’s sick.”

“Yes, it is. Have you noticed anything, anything at all, that struck you as being odd or just not right?”

Jeff thought for a minute. “Whenever I talk to Paul, he never asks how Jared is doing. I don’t know that he even keeps track of Jared’s treatments or progress. I get Jared’s appointments from the nurse and make sure he gets to them. Paul just signs the checks.”

“What condition is Jared in when you arrive to pick him up?”

“Condition? He’s usually sick.”

“Does he appear to have everything he needs? Is he neglected?”

“He’s had a rough time of it. I’ve never dealt with someone with such a serious illness until Jared. He’s coping as best he can.”

Jensen nodded as he scribbled his thoughts down.

“Did you want to talk to Jared? He should be done in a few minutes.”

“No, I don’t want to bother him unnecessarily. I’m going to look further into this before I trouble him.”

“Trouble who?” Jared interrupted them. “What are you doing here, Officer Ackles? Jeff? What’s going on?”

“I was just inquiring about your welfare.”

Silent, Jeff wasn’t going to say anything.

“Why weren’t you talking to me then?” Jared crossed his arms over his chest.

“You were busy. So, how have you been?”

“Besides nauseated and tired? Fine.”

“There’s nothing you need to tell me?”

“You really do have in inflated sense of self-importance. You gave me your card the first time we met, remember?”

“Actually, that was the second time we met. The first time, you were in too much pain to even know I was there.”

“So it was the second time. What are you trying to find or get me to admit?”

“Nothing that isn’t true,” Jensen replied. “I’m just here to listen.”

“I’m not talking.” Jared turned to Jeff. “Can we go now?

“Sure,” Jeff picked up Jared’s coat and helped him get it over his cast. “Car’s just outside.”

Jensen watched them walk out, wishing that Jeff was the one living with Jared. He really wanted to be the one residing with Jared but Jeff would be a huge improvement over Paul.

***

Another visit with Dr. Misha made Jensen feel like he was getting somewhere. The doctor listened to Jensen’s concerns and admitted that when he’d visited with Jared during their last appointment, he’d been shocked at the mere number of bruises on Jared’s body. Being in treatment could cause problems with bleeding but Jared was well-educated about the risks and what he needed to avoid. He didn’t think Jared would take the warnings lightly.

“He’s too responsible to be careless.”

“Did he say how he got the bruises?”

“Said they were from being clumsy or absent-minded.”

“Could they have been?”

“Some of them, sure. I doubt the ones that look like they were inflicted on him could be explained away.”

“If he says anything that could incriminate Paul, give me some evidence of his abusive behavior, will you call me?”

Dr. Misha nodded. “Of course. I’d do anything to ensure the safety of my patients.”

***

Frustrated, Jensen still kept his post at his front window, spying on the house across the street. A light went on in the attic, and Jensen shut his lamp off so he could see better.

The ragged curtains shuddered like someone was pulling on them. Then, the curtains, rod and all, fell.

“Shit!” Jensen jumped to his feet. He scrambled for his phone and dialed the number he had listed for Jeff. “This is Officer Ackles. Do you have a key for Padalecki’s? I need you to go to their house immediately. I’ll meet you outside.”

Minutes ticked away while Jensen waited for Jeff to arrive. He kept an eye on the bare window but didn’t see anything past the pane. Finally, Jeff pulled up to the curb.

“Did something happen?” Jeff was still wearing his pajamas under his coat.

Jensen‘s gut told him that it wasn‘t a possibility, but he had to be sure. “You really don’t know what’s going on?”

“No, I don’t. Do you?”

“I have my suspicions and they’re all bad.”

Jeff was still in the doorway with the key in his hand when Jensen pushed past. He didn’t waste any time. He went directly to the attic door and picked the padlock. When he opened the door, he heard a whimper. He didn’t want Jared to think that he was Paul, so he said quietly, “It’s just me, Jensen. I’m here to help.”

It wasn’t hard to find Jared with the trail of smeared blood. Jared laid in a ball, curled up underneath the window, curtains still clutched in his hand.

“Jared?” Jensen skidded to his knees and turned the poor man’s face until he cold press the material of the curtain against his broken nose. He flipped open his cell and called for help. When he heard footsteps, he whirled around to see Jeff standing there in shock.

“Oh my god,” Jeff swore. “Is he alive?”

“Yes, and I’ve called 9-1-1. Make sure Paul doesn’t come up here, okay? Let the paramedics in.”

“Paul left,” Jared choked out.

“Don’t worry about Paul,” Jensen corrected himself. “Just make sure emergency services finds us.”

Jeff nodded and went back downstairs.

“Hang in there, Jared.” Jensen rattled on to the man in an attempt to keep him calm. “You’re safe now. I’m not going to let anyone hurt you.”

***

Not only had Paul left the house, he’d actually left Jared for good. He had the money transferred to new investments that bore no inkling to money that Jared had inherited. His belongings were packed in his luxury car and he was headed over the border. Another country, a new alias and no past to catch up with him. He’d found that he couldn’t outright kill Jared like he’d planned. Still, knowing about Jared’s bleeding issues meant that he was probably already unconscious and well on his way to death.

He was stopped at Customs but wasn’t worried. It was just a routine check and he had all his papers in order. He was surprised when the police handcuffed him. They had to taser him because he fought so much. The one with the taser gave him an extra jolt just for being an asshole in general.

***

Jensen sat by Jared’s bedside. The younger man was asleep and staying by him was the only way Jensen could assure himself that Jared was alright. Well, not alright, exactly, but he would be.

Dr. Misha had run extra tests on Jared’s blood work. Considering that his husband had just fled the country, he wanted to make sure that he didn’t miss anything and there would be enough evidence to put the jerk away.

A hand on his shoulder woke Jensen from his light slumber. It was the doctor.

“I have good news,” his smile was wide. “I have evidence that Paul was trying to poison Jared. The poisoning caused the cancer-like symptoms. Jared is cancer-free.”

“He doesn’t have cancer? Did he ever?”

“Not as far as I can tell. The way his body responded to the poisoning mimicked cancer. The man was put through horrendous treatment for new reason whatsoever.”

“That bastard’s going to pay,” Jensen didn’t realize he’d said his threat out loud.

“He’s in custody already. He was stopped trying to cross the border. They should be able to keep him until you have your case ready.”

“What happens to Jared?” Jensen whispered.

“He’ll be in the hospital for awhile. It will take time to get the poison out of his system and get his body back to normal function. It’s not going to be easy but I have faith that he’ll be fine. He’s a strong man. He’s lucky to be alive.”

Silence filled the room as Jensen settled back into the uncomfortable chair and continued to watch over the man he’d fallen for. He wasn’t sure when it had happened, but he knew there was no use trying to deny it. Maybe, when Jared was healthy again, he would return the feelings. Jensen could only hope.

***

“You’ll be able to go home tomorrow,” Dr. Misha told Jared. “Do you have someone who an pick you up and stay with you? You’re going to be weak for awhile.”

“No, I don’t.”

The doctor nodded. “Well, we have until tomorrow to think of something. Don’t worry about it.”

How could Jared not worry about it? Paul had isolated him from everyone. He had no friends to speak of and his only family was his sister in Texas. He’d just have to bluff his way. He could get a taxi to pick him up. Once home, he could take care of himself. He always did.

***

He changed into his clothes and sat on the bed, waiting to be discharged.

“You look ready to go,” Dr. Misha entered the room with a wheelchair. “Have a seat and I’ll bust you out of this joint.”

“I haven’t called anyone--” Jared started.

“It’s all arranged,” the doctor assured him. “All you have to concentrate on is getting better.”

Jared nodded and wondered what he was in store for.

“He was by your bed the whole time when it was touch and go. He even removed himself from your case so that the defense couldn’t claim that he’d tainted the investigation. Give him a chance,” Dr. Misha whispered in his ear.

Jensen shifted from side to side nervously. “Jared okay to go, Doc?”

“He sure is. Just have him take it easy for a few days. Call me if anything seems suspicious.”

“Will do.” Jensen opened the car door. “Your chariot awaits.” He helped Jared into the passenger seat.

“You really don’t have to do this. I haven’t been that nice to you.”

“I wanted to. Besides, you weren’t feeling good. I didn’t expect you to be your most social.”

“But you saw me at my worst.”

“I see lots of folks at their worst. I didn’t think anything of it. You were just someone who needed my help that impressed the hell out of me, by the way.”

“How? By puking?”

“With your determination.”

“I was wrong.”

“Yeah, you were, but you were going all out in the wrong direction. You don’t do anything halfway.”

They pulled into the drive.

“Thanks for the ride.” Jared tried to get out of the truck.

“I’ll walk you in.”

“You don’t have to.”

“I got you here, didn’t I? I’m bringing you in.”

Jared quit arguing. He moved slowly, stiff from being in bed for so long.

“Jared!” a lady flew at him as soon as he walked in the door. He hugged his sister and then looked over at Jensen, who just shrugged.

“How are you doing? I came as soon as Jensen called. Why didn’t you tell me about Paul? Never mind. I’m here now and you’re on the mend.”

Together, Jensen and Justine had removed blatant reminders of Paul and what he’d done. The attic was freshly scrubbed and painted with colorful curtains that were tied back to let in the sunlight.

“It’s beautiful,” Jared had tears in his eyes. “You put so much work into it, but I can’t stay here.”

Justine gave Jensen a confused glance. “We can always go home, Jared. I can have someone open it up for us.”

“There’re so many bad memories.”

“Let’s leave,” Jensen put his arm around Jared’s shoulders. “We’ll get you headed home.”

Jared and his sister spent the night at Jensen’s. He drove them cross-country the next day. Once he made sure their house was well-stocked, he returned home again.

***

It started out with phone calls just to check in. When Jensen was due some vacation time, he went down for a visit.

The new Jared looked tan, healthy and confident. During one of his visits, Jared admitted that he returned Jensen’s romantic feelings. He had a real-life knight in shining armor.

They took it slow. After several visits to Texas staying with the Padalecki’s, Jensen asked for and received a transfer.

Paul was found guilty and sentence to the maximum. After his conviction, it didn’t take long to return Jared’s money to him.

Justine decided to go to college in town. She chose to have her own apartment but came home quite often.

Jensen and Jared lived in and loved the house Jared and Justine had grown up in. It held so many good memories and they’d make more of their own over the years.