Fic - Jensen/Jared - When Things Come Crashing Down - chapter 8/14
Title : When Things Come Crashing Down chapter 8/14
Author : angels3 aka Angela
Beta : munimula - I played with it after, she sent it back so any mistakes are mine mine mine.
Word Count : 5971
Pairing : Jensen/Jared (very soon)
Supporting Characters : Eric, Kim, Sera, Mike, Tom, Chris, Steve, Chad
Disclaimers : They don't belong to me because if they did.............................
Warnings : RPS M/M sex (soon). A sadly awful knowledge of geography. This chapter is R other chapters will carry a NC17 for sex.
Summary : The guys are back off Christmas hiatues and on their way to a location shoot when things go horribly wrong.
OKAY so you all love me again right?
Chapters - 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
PDF for When Things Come Crashing Down
Day 4
*Jensen and Jared*
Jensen woke up several times during the night. The first time was to move the melted snow bags that were eaking, the rest were a combination of nightmares, and the storm raging outside. The wind had died down during the afternoon but had returned with a vengeance right after the sun set. Each time he had surfaced, Jared had been wrapped around him, it was a feeling Jensen was already addicted to, damn withdrawal was going to be a bitch. He should know better than to even think Jared did it on purpose, much less hope for it. Jared was only seeking warmth. It was a normal response in sleep, but God, Jensen wished it were more. He finally gave in to exhaustion, relishing the feel of Jared's body against his.
Jared got up right before the sun came up, throwing several more logs on the fire. Jensen was floating in between sleep and waking. Jensen felt Jared settle back under the covers right before a strong arm snaked around his waist, and pulled him snug against Jared's body. Jared buried his nose in the back of Jensen's neck, breathing deep, and letting out a contented sigh as he relaxed back into sleep.
Huh, Jensen's brain was struggling to catch up, whereas his body was already yelling, hell yea. He'd still been mostly asleep when Jared pulled their bodies together, but when his friend snuggled in, breathing softly against the back of his neck, his eyes popped open. Jensen was laying perfectly still afraid of moving, and breaking the moment ..... well..... whatever this was until he decided a scientific experiment was in order.
Jensen shifted away a few inches, only to be dragged back in, every time he moved Jared pulled him back. After the fifth wiggle, Jensen was grinning ear to ear, it was all could do not to let out the giggles threatening to explode. On the seventh try, Jared pulled him back and proceeded to wrap his leg around Jensen's, before muttering, no, in his sleep.
Jensen was sure Jared thought it was either Sandy or one of the dogs that he was cuddling, of course Jensen didn't even want to know why Jared would be snuggling with his dogs. Jared had done a great job of immobilizing him, so unless Jensen wanted to end this by waking up his friend, he just had to lay here and suffer through, yea your really suffering, his mind supplied.
"Well I am, damn, hard on," Jensen mumbled to himself.
Jared's arm around his waist tightened a fraction, and then relaxed, while Jared's hand slid across Jensen's chest, and settled low on his abdomen. Jensen swallowed at the feel of Jared's large hand splayed across his stomach, the heat burning through his shirt and soaking into his body. Jensen was about to turn around and wake Jared up when his friends lips brushed the back of his neck and he heard his name breathed on an exhale.
Jensen was glad, he wasn't able to see his face right then, he was fairly sure it wasn't attractive, his mouth hanging open, eyes wide as saucers, and a dumbfounded expression gracing his face, but really what the fuck? Since when did Jared say his name in his sleep? Well sure he'd probably dreamed about Jensen before, they're together 24/7 and Jensen's had his fair share of Jared dreams, and not all of them were pornographic, thank you very much. Only the way Jared had said his name all breathy, and soft, again, what the fuck? When had he traded in his balls for boobs? Jensen rolled his eyes at the girlie inner monologue.It didn't however stop him from replaying that sound wrapped around his name making a shiver run up his spine.
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Jared woke up to the feel of a warm body pressed against him. There were hard, lean muscles under his hand, something both foreign and exciting. Jared knew his friend was awake, he spent enough time with Jensen to know his breathing patterns as well as when the other was trying to be quiet. Jared felt Jensen shiver, so he pulled him tighter against his body, not ready to let this new feeling go just yet.
Jared could practically hear the gears in Jensen's head whirring. His friend was a thinker, whereas Jared was a doer. While he did think things through, he tended to do it quickly, and without the angst. Sometimes it worked out, other times not so much, but once he made a decision, he approached the task with unbridled determination and exuberance.
He knew Jensen would mull things over for days, examining things from every angle, running through every possible scenario in his head. Jared sometimes got the mental image of the cartoon with the two dogs, the older dog standing there complacently while the younger dog bounced around and yipped like it was on crack, not that, that particular picture placed him in a very favorable light, but still.
Jared had come to a decision and, as life altering as it was, he had no second thoughts. Matter of fact, he was looking forward to where this new direction was leading. He had no illusions that his choice wouldn't be difficult, and while he knew his family would support him, the biggest wild card was Jensen. Jared knew Jensen's preferences ran to guys within a week of filming, His friend had never told him, and he had never questioned Jensen, Jared hadn't said anything because at the time they hadn't really known each other, by the time they did it wasn't really worth mentioning in the first place.
Jensen didn't run around waving the gay flag, nor did he try to hide it. Jensen was just a private person, and while he was able to keep his personal life pretty much out of the rags, what they did print was what Jensen allowed them to see or the network set up. People who knew his friend, and Jared meant really knew him, could tell you what Jensen was feeling by reading the other man's eyes. Jensen could shut his body language and facial expressions down so fast it would have made a poker player proud, but Jared was sure his friend had no idea all you needed to do was watch his eyes, because if he did Jared was positive Jensen would wear his sunglasses permanently.
Jared had caught Jensen watching him, and while at the time he hadn't thought anything of it, now that's all he was doing. Let it not be said that Jared didn't have self-confidence in spades. All the times that Jensen had bitched about him doing certain stunts, calling for breaks when he knew Jared was having problems with a scene, especially the overly emotional ones. Jensen bringing him his favorite candy or ordering pizza the way he liked it even though Jensen didn't like half the shit that was on it, and taking the dogs for a walk when Jared just needed to deal with whatever by himself. While Jared did the same things for Jensen, he recognized an undercurrent he hadn't paid any attention to.
Unfortunately Jared also knew that, for whatever reason, Jensen didn't believe he deserved someone that cared about him the same way, Jared hadn't figured out why yet, even going so far as to ask Steve, because no way in hell was he asking Chris, nope he liked his balls where they were, thank you very much. Either Steve didn't know, not likely, or he refused to say, and Jared was betting on that one. It was still about to drive Jared crazy, but he hadn't found a devious enough way to discover the truth without Jensen finding out.
Jared was definitely going to be a hard sell, especially since Jared hadn't told Jensen about the break up with Sandy. He knew Jensen would consider this another thing that Jared needed him for, and what scared Jared the most was not the possibility that he would fail, not that didn't scare the shit out of him mind you, it was actually the chance that Jensen thought so little of himself that he would give Jared what Jensen thought he needed at the expense of hurting himself. Jared had the deep abiding fear that no matter what or how he handled it, Jensen would conclude that Jared was confused, and hurt by his breakup, or that it was a rebound fuck. All those things were so far from the truth he just didn't know how he was going to get his friend to see it. He finally decided just to go with his gut, and of course, his heart.
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Jensen was also very familiar with Jared's patterns and knew his friend had finally woke up. He kept waiting for the Jared to pull away and start freaking, since well, that was definitely not a gun pressed against his ass, oh shit, Jensen's mind whimpered. What he got was a kiss to the back of his neck before Jared stood up and made his way to the facilities. Jensen was so shocked, he didn't move not even when he heard Jared come back into the sleeping area and pull his jeans on.
Jensen couldn't figure out what the hell was going on. He had gone to sleep knowing where he stood in the grand scheme of things, and now he felt like he had been dropped into the Twilight Zone. He really must have hit his head harder than he thought, or maybe it was the combination of hits to the head. There had to be a logical explanation, or even a demonic one. Had there been any flickering lights? Jensen was pulled out of his mini freak out by a Jared's next question.
"What's your preference for breakfast? We have cereal, without the milk of course, granola bars, trailmix, or some packaged meals of dubious origin with even more dubious content?" Jared asked, as he poked at afore mentioned packaged meal.
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*Rescue Team*
Tom woke up early, throwing a few more logs on the fire. Mike was still asleep nothing showing from under the covers but his nose. Chad was awake, staring at the cobwebs on the ceiling, but he had the look of a man not happy to be awake that early. Steve was still asleep, something Tom attributed to Chris carding his free hand through Steve's hair, while he scribbled furiously in the notebook from last night with his free one.
Tom grabbed a pot and headed for the door, so they could have some water, with whatever they decided to eat for breakfast. When he came back in, Chad was sitting on the edge of the cot, his head in his hands, his hair stuck up in wild spikes from tossing, and turning all night. He looked like he had lost his best friend. Tom shook his head, giving himself a mental slap, that's because he has, dumb ass, his brain supplied so graciously.
Chad took the pot form Tom setting it over the fire while Tom pulled off his outerwear and headed for the food.
"It still coming down out there?" Chad asked.
"Yea, I can't even see the other cabin," Tom replied.
"Great, means loads of fun tomorrow, provided this shit moves out tonight." Chad's face showed his dislike for the fun he was envisioning.
"I hate snow shoes, I feel like I'm walking on tennis rackets," Tom moaned.
Chad snorted. "Yes they are a lovely accessory to all the latest fall fashions," he said as he mimicked a commercial narrator.
"What's a lovely accessory?" Mike asked as he struggled to sit up from under a mound of blankets.
"Snow shoes," Tom and Chad answered as one.
Mike groaned and fell backwards covering his head as he went. They heard a mumbled, "I hate snow shoes," emanate from the lump on the cot.
Tom and Chad grinned at each other as Chad pulled the pot off the stove, and grabbed a couple of cups. Tom opened the trail mix, throwing a few granola bars at Mike's head as it
reemerged form the blankets.
"Hey, not the head. You know women around the world watch the show just to see my beautiful head." Mike whined.
"Oh please, they watch the show to see Tommy's ass." Steve said as he rolled over to look at the other man.
"I don't know Steve, maybe they like that new kid. What's his name, Ashmore? He has a certain appeal. Oh and I forgot he's a twin so there's two of them." Chris waggled his eyebrows and grinned as Mike's lip poked further and further out.
"You guys suck!" Mike pouted.
"Not lately, y'all are cramping out style just a little," Steve couldn't resist the implication.
Chad just rolled his eyes, Tom was too busy laughing at Mike to even worry about the mental picture that Chad was obviously trying to shake out of his head. Mike finally pulled his lip in with a thoughtful expression on his face.
"Hey man, I'm not stopping you. We'd at least have something to watch besides snow and cobwebs," Mike leered.
"Speak for yourself. I'm still trying recover from walking in on them at Tom's birthday party," Chad complained.
"Well what were you coming back there for anyway?" Chris asked, knowing full well Chad had been dragging some little red head behind him.
"Same thing as you, asshole but at least I lock doors." Chad said with an affronted look.
"What's the fun in that? Don't you know the possibility of getting caught gets the blood pumping? So to speak," Steve said with a lascivious grin.
"Oh God, shut up," Chad groaned covering his ears.
"Leave poor Chad alone. We know he's way to delicate for such talk," Tom said laughing when Chad gave him the middle finger.
They ate their choice of breakfasts and settled down for more long hours of waiting and trying to keep their sanity. By the time lunch rolled around they were all about to go stir crazy. Chris had finally put down his notebook, grumbling because he could hear the melody in his head but didn't have his guitar to work the words in. Steve was pacing in front of the window while Mike and Tom talked over the episode they had been filming. Chad had brought an iPod with him, and he was squeezing the last little bit of juice out of it, he could.
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Gideon braved the walk between the two cabins when the snow let up enough to see from one to the other. He needed to check that they didn't need anything as well as fill them in on the latest news. He stomped in shaking snow off his boots, wondering why in the hell he had chosen this particular profession. Oh, that's right, he was good at it and his guidance counselor sucked. He knew once he cleared the door, he was going to be deluged with questions, and they didn't disappoint. He did manage to get out of his outerwear before it started, though.
"Have you heard anything?" Chad asked.
"Nice to see you too," Gideon replied, patting Chad on the shoulder when Chad blushed and stepped back so he could get two steps into the room.
Gideon dropped down onto the floor by the fireplace and the others following suit. "As far as the guys, no, we've had no news. We did get confirmation that the storm should clear out by the end of tonight. We should be able to get started mid morning."
"But?" Chris asked, feeling dread pool in his stomach.
Gideon looked over at Chris, a quick look of respect shooting through before he inclined his head, and looked at them all. "The helicopter won't be back up until the next day."
"What the fuck?" Steve growled, leaning forward in his frustration.
"Let the man talk," Chris said as he placed a hand on Steve's arm pulling him back to settle in beside him.
"They called in a few minutes ago. They're waiting on a part for the rotor to be flown in. They can't get it there until tomorrow late afternoon, and then they have to put it on."
"What about another helicopter?" Mike asked.
"Tied up on other search and rescue. A lot of people couldn't make it back in with the storm coming in faster than forecast," Gideon explained.
"The other team?" Chad asked the next question.
"Heading out the same time we are, maybe a little later since the storm's going to clear us first, but maybe not." Gideon waited for the question everyone always asked.
Chris just looked at him for couple of minutes, finally shaking his head. "We're not going to ask it."
Tom had been watching their interaction, realization slowly dawning. "We don't need to know the chances. If anyone can beat the percentages it's them."
Gideon nodded his head smiling a little as he moved to stand up. "Anything else you need to know before I get lost?
Chad shook his head seemingly answering for them all.
"Alright unless you need something I'll see you in the morning. I want to do a meet about nine go over the safety protocol with new powder," Gideon told them as he pulled his parka and gloves on.
Chris pulled his coat on and walked out with Gideon.
He waited for the door to shut, " You think we're in denial don't you?"
"Nope, I think you have faith in your friends. Ain't nothing wrong with that." Gideon said. "I don't usually let myself get involved in the game of hoping things will go my way. Can't do the job if I did."
"I get that, I don't know how you do it anyway," Chris replied.
"Hmmm, I ask myself the same question every time we head out. I guess cause I'm good at it." Gideon smiled.
"Yea, you are, but I think it's more than that. I think you might have just a little bit of a hero complex going on there too."
"Shhhh, don't tell anybody. I'll never hear the end of it." Gideon laughed. He turned to head down the steps.
Chris arched his eyebrow when Gideon turned back around, and waited for the team leader to speak.
"I'm looking forward to meeting your friends, they have to be something else."
"Yea, they are," Chris said as Gideon turned around, and made his way back to the other cabin.
Chris stood watching for a few minutes before heading back in.
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*Jensen and Jared*
Jensen sat on one of the cots eating a granola bar while Jared sat on the other eating his cereal. Jensen had watched his friend while tryng to be as inconspicuous as possible. He was really starting to think he was losing his mind. Jared had acted the same as he always did, joking around, just doing Jared things. There was nothing to be worried about. It had all been a hallucination. It was really the only explanation, and if Jensen kept telling himself that he might believe it.
"So what're we going to do all day?" Jared asked, hiding a grin behind his cup.
"Nothing much to do," Jensen quirked a brow at his friend trying to determine were this was headed.
"Come on, you know I can't sit here all day and do nothing," Jared whined.
"Well I've got cards in my duffle, other than that unless you want to play tic tac toe you're out of luck," Jensen said as he reached down to grab his crutch.
"Where do you think your going?" Jared asked.
"To throw the trash in the bag and get some more water. You mind?" Jensen looked at Jared like he was missing the obvious.
"Yes," Jared stated.
"Yes, what?" Jensen asked confused.
"Yes, I mind," Jared said as he stood up and took the trash and cup out of Jensen's hand and walked over to the fireplace where the pot was sitting.
Jensen couldn't decide if Jared's show of control pissed him off, or turned him on. His head was hollering , what the hell, but his body was screaming, hell yea. He kept watching as Jared filled up the cup and threw the trash away, trying to come up with what was different. Jared brought the cup back grabbing the first aid kit on the way. Jensen took the cup, giving the first aid kit a pointed look.
"I want to check that place on your head again, and I need to see if the swelling's gone down on that ankle," Jared said by way of explanation.
"My head's fine and I can wrap my own ankle, although I need to probably rewrap your wrist," Jensen replied, trying not to show the uneasiness that came with thoughts of Jared touching him.
Jared waited for Jensen to look at him before repeating himself. "Let's try this again, I'm going to check your head, and then your ankle. When I'm finished you can look at my wrist, but it barely twinges anymore."
Jensen held Jared's eyes, hoping he would give in. Jensen had forgotten just how stubborn Jared could be sometimes. He finally dropped his eyes, setting the cup on the floor and heaving a put upon sigh, "Fine, but don't take all day, I have things to do and places to be."
Jared just grinned at him as he dragged the cot closer to Jensen until their knees were bumping together. "Yea, I just bet you do, now lean down here so I can look at that gash."
Jensen leaned his head down and angled it to the side to make it easier for Jared to reach, hoping the more he cooperated, the quicker it would be over with. However he had underestimated Jared's desire to be thorough. Jensen held back a moan as Jared ran his fingers through his hair, feeling along the raised surface of the bump, kneading around the sore tissue until Jensen relaxed.
Jared ran his fingers through Jensen's hair a few more times before he dabbed the gash with more alcohol, and antibiotic cream as well. He took the opportunity of Jensen not realizing he was done to slide his hands through the silky, soft strands a couple more times before pulling away. Jensen slid back on the cot bringing his foot up for inspection, Jared figured that Jensen had finally decided fighting wasn't going to get him anywhere. He pulled Jensen's foot into his lap, the angle easier in which to unwind the bandage and get a better look at the swelling.
Jensen sat as still as he could while Jared unwound his ankle. It was all he could do not to snatch his foot back when Jared started running long fingers across the top of his foot. Jensen gritted his teeth as Jared ran the pads of his fingers around his ankle bone and down under the arch of his foot. He watched as big hands shifted his foot from side to side pushing gently at the swollen areas and double-checking for breaks. Jared finally grabbed the bandage and rewrapped the ankle before settling it gentle back on the cot.
"It's still a little swollen, so I think you need to ice it a few more times today, and then it should be all good. The gash on your head probably needed stitches, but since I don't have Sam's sewing skills, and no Jack Daniels we're going to have to keep it cleaned and medicated," Jared said as he watched Jensen fidget around. Jared had noticed how Jensen seemed frozen to the spot while he was taking care of the head and ankle injury, but kept the grin off his face, not wanting his friend to question him just yet.
"Yea, now that you've played Florence Nightengale let me look at your wrist. You're the one that keeps using what's hurt instead of letting it heal," Jensen griped, taking Jared's arm and pulling it towards him to get to the bandage.
Jensen used the same care as he had the first time, as he checked over the wrist and fragile bones just above. He made Jared move all his fingers, checking for range of motion and watching his face closely to see when it was painful. When he finished his examination, he wrapped it, and sent Jared out to get more snow. When Jared came back in with both packs filled, Jensen moved back to the floor in front of the fireplace. Jared also noticed that Jensen had thrown some more logs on the fire before he had gotten comfortable.
"Here put that on your ankle. Once it melts, we'll wait until after lunch to do the next pack, then one after supper. Hopefully you want have to have any more if you'll keep your weight off it," Jared said as he handed Jensen the pack.
"Alrigh,t but your wrist is going to take more time, if you don't stop using it, I'm going to make a sling, and you're not going to take your arm out of it, if I have to duct tape it to keep it there," Jensen growled, watching Jared move around, getting comfortable, and setting the pack on his wrist.
"Nag, nag, nag, I swear it's like having a wife," Jared ribbed back.
They sat in companionable silence, watching the fire shift and dance. Jensen kept sliding down until he finally gave up and just snuggled back under the covers, the last few days having taken their toll. Jared was content to sit for a while longer. He watched as Jensen's eyes closed after giving up the battle to sleep. Jensen's face had regained some of its color, but he was still too pale for Jared's liking. He reached over, running his fingers back through Jensen's hair, wondering what in the hell he was going to do if he couldn't get this thing to work out.
It didn't take long for Jared to curl up around Jensen, exhaustion, and warmth from the fire as well as Jensen's body lulling him to sleep.
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*Rescue Team*
The storm had started tapering off not long after the sun went down. Tom came back in from grabbing more logs reporting that only a light dusting was falling. They were all on edge, and ready to get underway. Mike was sitting on the cot, Chad across from him. They were debating the pros and cons of the newest gaming units. Steve and Chris were laid out on the floor talking quietly.
" I wonder how their families are doing?" Tom asked, to no one in particular.
"Jensen's mom is probably trying to get Alan to stop pacing," Steve said.
"Probably, and Mac is more than likely about to drive Josh insane. You know she can't sit still more than ten minutes," Chris contributed.
"Josh, is more than likely considering drugs at this point," Steve agreed. "I've been on the receiving end of a bored Mackenzie. She can be dangerous."
"Jeff is probably at the hospital scoping out their trauma unit, making sure it's adequate," Chad sighed. "God knows he's not going to leave anything to chance."
"How do you think his parents are holding up?" Mike asked.
"They're strong folks, I'm more worried about Megan. " Chad grimaced. "She and Jared are close, it has to be tough just sitting there waiting. At least we can attempt to do something not just wait around for word."
"What about Sandy, you think she's with Jared's parents?" Tom had been wondering how his wife would take it if he had been missing.
"I doubt it," Chad scowled.
"Why the hell not? Steve asked. "I thought she got along with his family."
"Oh, it's got nothing to do with that, as far as I know she did. Apparently they broke up over a week ago." Chad clarified.
"Do what? How the hell did they keep that out of the papers?" Mike's confusion was clear on his face.
"Fuck if I know man, I didn't even know, " Chad bitched. "So when I get my hands on gumby we're going to be have a serious conversation about keeping his friends in the dark."
"So how did you find out if he didn't tell you?" Chris waded back into the conversation.
"I got a call from this girl I know. She had overheard Sandy talking to one of her friends about how they weren't together anymore. This chick wanted to know if it was true. Guess she smelt fresh meat. I told her it wasn't any of her business one way or the other." Chad grinned. "I don't think she took it too well. She used some of my more colorful names before she hung up."
"Do you think Jensen knows?" Tom wondered out loud.
"I talked to him right before he left LA, and he didn't say anything about it." Chris answered, giving Steve a knowing look.
"What?" Chad asked, catching the look out the corner of his eye.
"What, what?" Mike asked, completely confused again.
Chad just sat there looking at Steve and Chris waiting for them to answer the question, knowing they knew exactly what Tom was talking about.
"Nothing, man really. If Jensen had known, he would have said something is all," Steve said.
Chad knew there was more to it than what he was getting, but decided to let it ride for the time being. He was fairly confident pushing those two would only result in a closing of ranks and quite possibly an ass whooping. Frankly, Chad didn't want anything getting in the way of him smacking Jared for scaring the shit out of him, so why take chances of being too beaten up to do it. He'd figure it out sooner or later. It was all a matter of keeping your eyes and ears open.
They called it a night not long after, bedding down in their respective places. The next day was going to come soon enough, and while they looked forward to being able to do something to find their friends, there was an underlying tension of what they would actually find.
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*Jensen and Jared*
Jared woke up with Jensen curled up behind him, an arm slung across his waist, breath warm against his neck. Jared lay there contemplating the way he was feeling. He dated plenty over the years, been in relationships, some short, some not so short, but none of them had ever made him feel the way he did with Jensen . Jensen had a way of making him feel safe, and cared for. Jared was used to being the one to make people feel safe, he wasn't used to this feeling, but he knew he liked it.
Jensen started stirring behind him, and Jared wasn't ready to relinquish this new discovery. He reached up, threading his fingers through Jensen's, holding his breath when his friend mumbled in his sleep. He had to be careful, and not push too much, but he knew he was going to have to push some. Jared had watched Jensen shut people out on more than one occasion when they got too close, or pushed to hard. Most of the time, they never even knew it was happening. Jensen could make it seem like he was letting you in on his deepest darkest secret, but in reality you were just barely scratching the surface.
Jared relaxed when Jensen shifted closer, enjoying the warmth coming off of Jensen's body pressed close to his. No, he was definitely not going to lose this. He didn't give a damn what it took. He drifted back to sleep, contemplating how to accomplish his goal. When he woke up several hours later, the cabin was dark again except for the light coming from the fireplace, and Jensen wasn't beside him. When Jared looked around, and didn't see him, he jumped up, panic setting in. Jared was sure his heart had stopped, only resuming a stuttering rhythm when the door opened and Jensen hobbled in dragging a blanket of firewood.
Jensen looked like a kid that was caught with his dad's porn stash. If Jared hadn't been so scared it might have been funny. Unfortunately for Jensen, Jared didn't stay scared long, scared had morphed to pissed. Jeff had always told him he was happy that Jared was such an easy going person, because it would have been mighty embarrassing to get his ass stomped by his younger brother.
Jared never really got angry that often, but when he did it was a sight to behold, or so his brother had said. Not having witnessed it himself, Jared wasn't sure just what that meant. However, going by the flush running up Jensen's neck and into his checks, added to the way he shifted from foot to crutch and refused to meet Jared's eyes, he was getting a pretty good picture.
Well good, damn it, Jensen had no business being out in the cold, without his heavy coat none the less, on crutches, loading firewood and then pulling said firewood while keeping his balance. If Jared hadn't been so angry he may have been impressed with that feat, but again, unfortunately for Jensen, Jared was that pissed.
Jensen had seen his friend upset, frustrated, and angry, but he had never seen him furious before. He wasn't sure if he should try to explain or just keep his mouth, shut and let Jared start. He had a feeling it really wouldn't matter. He was fucked either way. Jensen was even more sure of that conclusion when Jared stalked up to him, reached around him to slam the door, before focusing his attention back on the object of his displeasure namely him. Jensen gulped audibly, opening his mouth to start explaining.
"Don't even try it. There is absolutely nothing you can say to explain why you went out into freezing temperatures, with no heavy coat, no gloves, on a crutch. I won't even go into what would have happened if you had lost your balance and fell while loading the wood, or trying to pull it in here. What the fuck do you think would have happened if you had knocked yourself out and I hadn't woken up in time?" Jared was livid, the more he thought about what could have happened the more scared he got, which only fueled his anger.
Jensen knew he risked Jared waking up while he was gone, even debated if it was worth the fallout, but he didn't want Jared loading firewood because of the shape his wrist was in. He had noticed the firewood was getting low and was going to have to be stocked back up, so in the end he had decided to brave it, hoping he would be finished before Jared woke up. The last several days should have told him his luck was sucking, but Jensen could be optimistic when it suited him. He let Jared vent until he had to slow down to take a deep breath in order to keep going, then jumped in.
"I'm not helpless you know, I do have some sense. I wasn't going to be out there long. We needed more wood, and you were asleep, not to mention the fact that you have about as much business out there loading firewood with a bad wrist as I did, so I didn't see the difference." Jensen growled back.
Jared stood looking at him, face still set in angry lines. Jensen was completely unprepared for Jared to reach out and grab his head with both hands holding him in place as Jared's lips descended on his.
Author : angels3 aka Angela
Beta : munimula - I played with it after, she sent it back so any mistakes are mine mine mine.
Word Count : 5971
Pairing : Jensen/Jared (very soon)
Supporting Characters : Eric, Kim, Sera, Mike, Tom, Chris, Steve, Chad
Disclaimers : They don't belong to me because if they did.............................
Warnings : RPS M/M sex (soon). A sadly awful knowledge of geography. This chapter is R other chapters will carry a NC17 for sex.
Summary : The guys are back off Christmas hiatues and on their way to a location shoot when things go horribly wrong.
OKAY so you all love me again right?
Chapters - 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
PDF for When Things Come Crashing Down
Day 4
*Jensen and Jared*
Jensen woke up several times during the night. The first time was to move the melted snow bags that were eaking, the rest were a combination of nightmares, and the storm raging outside. The wind had died down during the afternoon but had returned with a vengeance right after the sun set. Each time he had surfaced, Jared had been wrapped around him, it was a feeling Jensen was already addicted to, damn withdrawal was going to be a bitch. He should know better than to even think Jared did it on purpose, much less hope for it. Jared was only seeking warmth. It was a normal response in sleep, but God, Jensen wished it were more. He finally gave in to exhaustion, relishing the feel of Jared's body against his.
Jared got up right before the sun came up, throwing several more logs on the fire. Jensen was floating in between sleep and waking. Jensen felt Jared settle back under the covers right before a strong arm snaked around his waist, and pulled him snug against Jared's body. Jared buried his nose in the back of Jensen's neck, breathing deep, and letting out a contented sigh as he relaxed back into sleep.
Huh, Jensen's brain was struggling to catch up, whereas his body was already yelling, hell yea. He'd still been mostly asleep when Jared pulled their bodies together, but when his friend snuggled in, breathing softly against the back of his neck, his eyes popped open. Jensen was laying perfectly still afraid of moving, and breaking the moment ..... well..... whatever this was until he decided a scientific experiment was in order.
Jensen shifted away a few inches, only to be dragged back in, every time he moved Jared pulled him back. After the fifth wiggle, Jensen was grinning ear to ear, it was all could do not to let out the giggles threatening to explode. On the seventh try, Jared pulled him back and proceeded to wrap his leg around Jensen's, before muttering, no, in his sleep.
Jensen was sure Jared thought it was either Sandy or one of the dogs that he was cuddling, of course Jensen didn't even want to know why Jared would be snuggling with his dogs. Jared had done a great job of immobilizing him, so unless Jensen wanted to end this by waking up his friend, he just had to lay here and suffer through, yea your really suffering, his mind supplied.
"Well I am, damn, hard on," Jensen mumbled to himself.
Jared's arm around his waist tightened a fraction, and then relaxed, while Jared's hand slid across Jensen's chest, and settled low on his abdomen. Jensen swallowed at the feel of Jared's large hand splayed across his stomach, the heat burning through his shirt and soaking into his body. Jensen was about to turn around and wake Jared up when his friends lips brushed the back of his neck and he heard his name breathed on an exhale.
Jensen was glad, he wasn't able to see his face right then, he was fairly sure it wasn't attractive, his mouth hanging open, eyes wide as saucers, and a dumbfounded expression gracing his face, but really what the fuck? Since when did Jared say his name in his sleep? Well sure he'd probably dreamed about Jensen before, they're together 24/7 and Jensen's had his fair share of Jared dreams, and not all of them were pornographic, thank you very much. Only the way Jared had said his name all breathy, and soft, again, what the fuck? When had he traded in his balls for boobs? Jensen rolled his eyes at the girlie inner monologue.It didn't however stop him from replaying that sound wrapped around his name making a shiver run up his spine.
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Jared woke up to the feel of a warm body pressed against him. There were hard, lean muscles under his hand, something both foreign and exciting. Jared knew his friend was awake, he spent enough time with Jensen to know his breathing patterns as well as when the other was trying to be quiet. Jared felt Jensen shiver, so he pulled him tighter against his body, not ready to let this new feeling go just yet.
Jared could practically hear the gears in Jensen's head whirring. His friend was a thinker, whereas Jared was a doer. While he did think things through, he tended to do it quickly, and without the angst. Sometimes it worked out, other times not so much, but once he made a decision, he approached the task with unbridled determination and exuberance.
He knew Jensen would mull things over for days, examining things from every angle, running through every possible scenario in his head. Jared sometimes got the mental image of the cartoon with the two dogs, the older dog standing there complacently while the younger dog bounced around and yipped like it was on crack, not that, that particular picture placed him in a very favorable light, but still.
Jared had come to a decision and, as life altering as it was, he had no second thoughts. Matter of fact, he was looking forward to where this new direction was leading. He had no illusions that his choice wouldn't be difficult, and while he knew his family would support him, the biggest wild card was Jensen. Jared knew Jensen's preferences ran to guys within a week of filming, His friend had never told him, and he had never questioned Jensen, Jared hadn't said anything because at the time they hadn't really known each other, by the time they did it wasn't really worth mentioning in the first place.
Jensen didn't run around waving the gay flag, nor did he try to hide it. Jensen was just a private person, and while he was able to keep his personal life pretty much out of the rags, what they did print was what Jensen allowed them to see or the network set up. People who knew his friend, and Jared meant really knew him, could tell you what Jensen was feeling by reading the other man's eyes. Jensen could shut his body language and facial expressions down so fast it would have made a poker player proud, but Jared was sure his friend had no idea all you needed to do was watch his eyes, because if he did Jared was positive Jensen would wear his sunglasses permanently.
Jared had caught Jensen watching him, and while at the time he hadn't thought anything of it, now that's all he was doing. Let it not be said that Jared didn't have self-confidence in spades. All the times that Jensen had bitched about him doing certain stunts, calling for breaks when he knew Jared was having problems with a scene, especially the overly emotional ones. Jensen bringing him his favorite candy or ordering pizza the way he liked it even though Jensen didn't like half the shit that was on it, and taking the dogs for a walk when Jared just needed to deal with whatever by himself. While Jared did the same things for Jensen, he recognized an undercurrent he hadn't paid any attention to.
Unfortunately Jared also knew that, for whatever reason, Jensen didn't believe he deserved someone that cared about him the same way, Jared hadn't figured out why yet, even going so far as to ask Steve, because no way in hell was he asking Chris, nope he liked his balls where they were, thank you very much. Either Steve didn't know, not likely, or he refused to say, and Jared was betting on that one. It was still about to drive Jared crazy, but he hadn't found a devious enough way to discover the truth without Jensen finding out.
Jared was definitely going to be a hard sell, especially since Jared hadn't told Jensen about the break up with Sandy. He knew Jensen would consider this another thing that Jared needed him for, and what scared Jared the most was not the possibility that he would fail, not that didn't scare the shit out of him mind you, it was actually the chance that Jensen thought so little of himself that he would give Jared what Jensen thought he needed at the expense of hurting himself. Jared had the deep abiding fear that no matter what or how he handled it, Jensen would conclude that Jared was confused, and hurt by his breakup, or that it was a rebound fuck. All those things were so far from the truth he just didn't know how he was going to get his friend to see it. He finally decided just to go with his gut, and of course, his heart.
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Jensen was also very familiar with Jared's patterns and knew his friend had finally woke up. He kept waiting for the Jared to pull away and start freaking, since well, that was definitely not a gun pressed against his ass, oh shit, Jensen's mind whimpered. What he got was a kiss to the back of his neck before Jared stood up and made his way to the facilities. Jensen was so shocked, he didn't move not even when he heard Jared come back into the sleeping area and pull his jeans on.
Jensen couldn't figure out what the hell was going on. He had gone to sleep knowing where he stood in the grand scheme of things, and now he felt like he had been dropped into the Twilight Zone. He really must have hit his head harder than he thought, or maybe it was the combination of hits to the head. There had to be a logical explanation, or even a demonic one. Had there been any flickering lights? Jensen was pulled out of his mini freak out by a Jared's next question.
"What's your preference for breakfast? We have cereal, without the milk of course, granola bars, trailmix, or some packaged meals of dubious origin with even more dubious content?" Jared asked, as he poked at afore mentioned packaged meal.
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*Rescue Team*
Tom woke up early, throwing a few more logs on the fire. Mike was still asleep nothing showing from under the covers but his nose. Chad was awake, staring at the cobwebs on the ceiling, but he had the look of a man not happy to be awake that early. Steve was still asleep, something Tom attributed to Chris carding his free hand through Steve's hair, while he scribbled furiously in the notebook from last night with his free one.
Tom grabbed a pot and headed for the door, so they could have some water, with whatever they decided to eat for breakfast. When he came back in, Chad was sitting on the edge of the cot, his head in his hands, his hair stuck up in wild spikes from tossing, and turning all night. He looked like he had lost his best friend. Tom shook his head, giving himself a mental slap, that's because he has, dumb ass, his brain supplied so graciously.
Chad took the pot form Tom setting it over the fire while Tom pulled off his outerwear and headed for the food.
"It still coming down out there?" Chad asked.
"Yea, I can't even see the other cabin," Tom replied.
"Great, means loads of fun tomorrow, provided this shit moves out tonight." Chad's face showed his dislike for the fun he was envisioning.
"I hate snow shoes, I feel like I'm walking on tennis rackets," Tom moaned.
Chad snorted. "Yes they are a lovely accessory to all the latest fall fashions," he said as he mimicked a commercial narrator.
"What's a lovely accessory?" Mike asked as he struggled to sit up from under a mound of blankets.
"Snow shoes," Tom and Chad answered as one.
Mike groaned and fell backwards covering his head as he went. They heard a mumbled, "I hate snow shoes," emanate from the lump on the cot.
Tom and Chad grinned at each other as Chad pulled the pot off the stove, and grabbed a couple of cups. Tom opened the trail mix, throwing a few granola bars at Mike's head as it
reemerged form the blankets.
"Hey, not the head. You know women around the world watch the show just to see my beautiful head." Mike whined.
"Oh please, they watch the show to see Tommy's ass." Steve said as he rolled over to look at the other man.
"I don't know Steve, maybe they like that new kid. What's his name, Ashmore? He has a certain appeal. Oh and I forgot he's a twin so there's two of them." Chris waggled his eyebrows and grinned as Mike's lip poked further and further out.
"You guys suck!" Mike pouted.
"Not lately, y'all are cramping out style just a little," Steve couldn't resist the implication.
Chad just rolled his eyes, Tom was too busy laughing at Mike to even worry about the mental picture that Chad was obviously trying to shake out of his head. Mike finally pulled his lip in with a thoughtful expression on his face.
"Hey man, I'm not stopping you. We'd at least have something to watch besides snow and cobwebs," Mike leered.
"Speak for yourself. I'm still trying recover from walking in on them at Tom's birthday party," Chad complained.
"Well what were you coming back there for anyway?" Chris asked, knowing full well Chad had been dragging some little red head behind him.
"Same thing as you, asshole but at least I lock doors." Chad said with an affronted look.
"What's the fun in that? Don't you know the possibility of getting caught gets the blood pumping? So to speak," Steve said with a lascivious grin.
"Oh God, shut up," Chad groaned covering his ears.
"Leave poor Chad alone. We know he's way to delicate for such talk," Tom said laughing when Chad gave him the middle finger.
They ate their choice of breakfasts and settled down for more long hours of waiting and trying to keep their sanity. By the time lunch rolled around they were all about to go stir crazy. Chris had finally put down his notebook, grumbling because he could hear the melody in his head but didn't have his guitar to work the words in. Steve was pacing in front of the window while Mike and Tom talked over the episode they had been filming. Chad had brought an iPod with him, and he was squeezing the last little bit of juice out of it, he could.
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Gideon braved the walk between the two cabins when the snow let up enough to see from one to the other. He needed to check that they didn't need anything as well as fill them in on the latest news. He stomped in shaking snow off his boots, wondering why in the hell he had chosen this particular profession. Oh, that's right, he was good at it and his guidance counselor sucked. He knew once he cleared the door, he was going to be deluged with questions, and they didn't disappoint. He did manage to get out of his outerwear before it started, though.
"Have you heard anything?" Chad asked.
"Nice to see you too," Gideon replied, patting Chad on the shoulder when Chad blushed and stepped back so he could get two steps into the room.
Gideon dropped down onto the floor by the fireplace and the others following suit. "As far as the guys, no, we've had no news. We did get confirmation that the storm should clear out by the end of tonight. We should be able to get started mid morning."
"But?" Chris asked, feeling dread pool in his stomach.
Gideon looked over at Chris, a quick look of respect shooting through before he inclined his head, and looked at them all. "The helicopter won't be back up until the next day."
"What the fuck?" Steve growled, leaning forward in his frustration.
"Let the man talk," Chris said as he placed a hand on Steve's arm pulling him back to settle in beside him.
"They called in a few minutes ago. They're waiting on a part for the rotor to be flown in. They can't get it there until tomorrow late afternoon, and then they have to put it on."
"What about another helicopter?" Mike asked.
"Tied up on other search and rescue. A lot of people couldn't make it back in with the storm coming in faster than forecast," Gideon explained.
"The other team?" Chad asked the next question.
"Heading out the same time we are, maybe a little later since the storm's going to clear us first, but maybe not." Gideon waited for the question everyone always asked.
Chris just looked at him for couple of minutes, finally shaking his head. "We're not going to ask it."
Tom had been watching their interaction, realization slowly dawning. "We don't need to know the chances. If anyone can beat the percentages it's them."
Gideon nodded his head smiling a little as he moved to stand up. "Anything else you need to know before I get lost?
Chad shook his head seemingly answering for them all.
"Alright unless you need something I'll see you in the morning. I want to do a meet about nine go over the safety protocol with new powder," Gideon told them as he pulled his parka and gloves on.
Chris pulled his coat on and walked out with Gideon.
He waited for the door to shut, " You think we're in denial don't you?"
"Nope, I think you have faith in your friends. Ain't nothing wrong with that." Gideon said. "I don't usually let myself get involved in the game of hoping things will go my way. Can't do the job if I did."
"I get that, I don't know how you do it anyway," Chris replied.
"Hmmm, I ask myself the same question every time we head out. I guess cause I'm good at it." Gideon smiled.
"Yea, you are, but I think it's more than that. I think you might have just a little bit of a hero complex going on there too."
"Shhhh, don't tell anybody. I'll never hear the end of it." Gideon laughed. He turned to head down the steps.
Chris arched his eyebrow when Gideon turned back around, and waited for the team leader to speak.
"I'm looking forward to meeting your friends, they have to be something else."
"Yea, they are," Chris said as Gideon turned around, and made his way back to the other cabin.
Chris stood watching for a few minutes before heading back in.
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*Jensen and Jared*
Jensen sat on one of the cots eating a granola bar while Jared sat on the other eating his cereal. Jensen had watched his friend while tryng to be as inconspicuous as possible. He was really starting to think he was losing his mind. Jared had acted the same as he always did, joking around, just doing Jared things. There was nothing to be worried about. It had all been a hallucination. It was really the only explanation, and if Jensen kept telling himself that he might believe it.
"So what're we going to do all day?" Jared asked, hiding a grin behind his cup.
"Nothing much to do," Jensen quirked a brow at his friend trying to determine were this was headed.
"Come on, you know I can't sit here all day and do nothing," Jared whined.
"Well I've got cards in my duffle, other than that unless you want to play tic tac toe you're out of luck," Jensen said as he reached down to grab his crutch.
"Where do you think your going?" Jared asked.
"To throw the trash in the bag and get some more water. You mind?" Jensen looked at Jared like he was missing the obvious.
"Yes," Jared stated.
"Yes, what?" Jensen asked confused.
"Yes, I mind," Jared said as he stood up and took the trash and cup out of Jensen's hand and walked over to the fireplace where the pot was sitting.
Jensen couldn't decide if Jared's show of control pissed him off, or turned him on. His head was hollering , what the hell, but his body was screaming, hell yea. He kept watching as Jared filled up the cup and threw the trash away, trying to come up with what was different. Jared brought the cup back grabbing the first aid kit on the way. Jensen took the cup, giving the first aid kit a pointed look.
"I want to check that place on your head again, and I need to see if the swelling's gone down on that ankle," Jared said by way of explanation.
"My head's fine and I can wrap my own ankle, although I need to probably rewrap your wrist," Jensen replied, trying not to show the uneasiness that came with thoughts of Jared touching him.
Jared waited for Jensen to look at him before repeating himself. "Let's try this again, I'm going to check your head, and then your ankle. When I'm finished you can look at my wrist, but it barely twinges anymore."
Jensen held Jared's eyes, hoping he would give in. Jensen had forgotten just how stubborn Jared could be sometimes. He finally dropped his eyes, setting the cup on the floor and heaving a put upon sigh, "Fine, but don't take all day, I have things to do and places to be."
Jared just grinned at him as he dragged the cot closer to Jensen until their knees were bumping together. "Yea, I just bet you do, now lean down here so I can look at that gash."
Jensen leaned his head down and angled it to the side to make it easier for Jared to reach, hoping the more he cooperated, the quicker it would be over with. However he had underestimated Jared's desire to be thorough. Jensen held back a moan as Jared ran his fingers through his hair, feeling along the raised surface of the bump, kneading around the sore tissue until Jensen relaxed.
Jared ran his fingers through Jensen's hair a few more times before he dabbed the gash with more alcohol, and antibiotic cream as well. He took the opportunity of Jensen not realizing he was done to slide his hands through the silky, soft strands a couple more times before pulling away. Jensen slid back on the cot bringing his foot up for inspection, Jared figured that Jensen had finally decided fighting wasn't going to get him anywhere. He pulled Jensen's foot into his lap, the angle easier in which to unwind the bandage and get a better look at the swelling.
Jensen sat as still as he could while Jared unwound his ankle. It was all he could do not to snatch his foot back when Jared started running long fingers across the top of his foot. Jensen gritted his teeth as Jared ran the pads of his fingers around his ankle bone and down under the arch of his foot. He watched as big hands shifted his foot from side to side pushing gently at the swollen areas and double-checking for breaks. Jared finally grabbed the bandage and rewrapped the ankle before settling it gentle back on the cot.
"It's still a little swollen, so I think you need to ice it a few more times today, and then it should be all good. The gash on your head probably needed stitches, but since I don't have Sam's sewing skills, and no Jack Daniels we're going to have to keep it cleaned and medicated," Jared said as he watched Jensen fidget around. Jared had noticed how Jensen seemed frozen to the spot while he was taking care of the head and ankle injury, but kept the grin off his face, not wanting his friend to question him just yet.
"Yea, now that you've played Florence Nightengale let me look at your wrist. You're the one that keeps using what's hurt instead of letting it heal," Jensen griped, taking Jared's arm and pulling it towards him to get to the bandage.
Jensen used the same care as he had the first time, as he checked over the wrist and fragile bones just above. He made Jared move all his fingers, checking for range of motion and watching his face closely to see when it was painful. When he finished his examination, he wrapped it, and sent Jared out to get more snow. When Jared came back in with both packs filled, Jensen moved back to the floor in front of the fireplace. Jared also noticed that Jensen had thrown some more logs on the fire before he had gotten comfortable.
"Here put that on your ankle. Once it melts, we'll wait until after lunch to do the next pack, then one after supper. Hopefully you want have to have any more if you'll keep your weight off it," Jared said as he handed Jensen the pack.
"Alrigh,t but your wrist is going to take more time, if you don't stop using it, I'm going to make a sling, and you're not going to take your arm out of it, if I have to duct tape it to keep it there," Jensen growled, watching Jared move around, getting comfortable, and setting the pack on his wrist.
"Nag, nag, nag, I swear it's like having a wife," Jared ribbed back.
They sat in companionable silence, watching the fire shift and dance. Jensen kept sliding down until he finally gave up and just snuggled back under the covers, the last few days having taken their toll. Jared was content to sit for a while longer. He watched as Jensen's eyes closed after giving up the battle to sleep. Jensen's face had regained some of its color, but he was still too pale for Jared's liking. He reached over, running his fingers back through Jensen's hair, wondering what in the hell he was going to do if he couldn't get this thing to work out.
It didn't take long for Jared to curl up around Jensen, exhaustion, and warmth from the fire as well as Jensen's body lulling him to sleep.
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*Rescue Team*
The storm had started tapering off not long after the sun went down. Tom came back in from grabbing more logs reporting that only a light dusting was falling. They were all on edge, and ready to get underway. Mike was sitting on the cot, Chad across from him. They were debating the pros and cons of the newest gaming units. Steve and Chris were laid out on the floor talking quietly.
" I wonder how their families are doing?" Tom asked, to no one in particular.
"Jensen's mom is probably trying to get Alan to stop pacing," Steve said.
"Probably, and Mac is more than likely about to drive Josh insane. You know she can't sit still more than ten minutes," Chris contributed.
"Josh, is more than likely considering drugs at this point," Steve agreed. "I've been on the receiving end of a bored Mackenzie. She can be dangerous."
"Jeff is probably at the hospital scoping out their trauma unit, making sure it's adequate," Chad sighed. "God knows he's not going to leave anything to chance."
"How do you think his parents are holding up?" Mike asked.
"They're strong folks, I'm more worried about Megan. " Chad grimaced. "She and Jared are close, it has to be tough just sitting there waiting. At least we can attempt to do something not just wait around for word."
"What about Sandy, you think she's with Jared's parents?" Tom had been wondering how his wife would take it if he had been missing.
"I doubt it," Chad scowled.
"Why the hell not? Steve asked. "I thought she got along with his family."
"Oh, it's got nothing to do with that, as far as I know she did. Apparently they broke up over a week ago." Chad clarified.
"Do what? How the hell did they keep that out of the papers?" Mike's confusion was clear on his face.
"Fuck if I know man, I didn't even know, " Chad bitched. "So when I get my hands on gumby we're going to be have a serious conversation about keeping his friends in the dark."
"So how did you find out if he didn't tell you?" Chris waded back into the conversation.
"I got a call from this girl I know. She had overheard Sandy talking to one of her friends about how they weren't together anymore. This chick wanted to know if it was true. Guess she smelt fresh meat. I told her it wasn't any of her business one way or the other." Chad grinned. "I don't think she took it too well. She used some of my more colorful names before she hung up."
"Do you think Jensen knows?" Tom wondered out loud.
"I talked to him right before he left LA, and he didn't say anything about it." Chris answered, giving Steve a knowing look.
"What?" Chad asked, catching the look out the corner of his eye.
"What, what?" Mike asked, completely confused again.
Chad just sat there looking at Steve and Chris waiting for them to answer the question, knowing they knew exactly what Tom was talking about.
"Nothing, man really. If Jensen had known, he would have said something is all," Steve said.
Chad knew there was more to it than what he was getting, but decided to let it ride for the time being. He was fairly confident pushing those two would only result in a closing of ranks and quite possibly an ass whooping. Frankly, Chad didn't want anything getting in the way of him smacking Jared for scaring the shit out of him, so why take chances of being too beaten up to do it. He'd figure it out sooner or later. It was all a matter of keeping your eyes and ears open.
They called it a night not long after, bedding down in their respective places. The next day was going to come soon enough, and while they looked forward to being able to do something to find their friends, there was an underlying tension of what they would actually find.
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*Jensen and Jared*
Jared woke up with Jensen curled up behind him, an arm slung across his waist, breath warm against his neck. Jared lay there contemplating the way he was feeling. He dated plenty over the years, been in relationships, some short, some not so short, but none of them had ever made him feel the way he did with Jensen . Jensen had a way of making him feel safe, and cared for. Jared was used to being the one to make people feel safe, he wasn't used to this feeling, but he knew he liked it.
Jensen started stirring behind him, and Jared wasn't ready to relinquish this new discovery. He reached up, threading his fingers through Jensen's, holding his breath when his friend mumbled in his sleep. He had to be careful, and not push too much, but he knew he was going to have to push some. Jared had watched Jensen shut people out on more than one occasion when they got too close, or pushed to hard. Most of the time, they never even knew it was happening. Jensen could make it seem like he was letting you in on his deepest darkest secret, but in reality you were just barely scratching the surface.
Jared relaxed when Jensen shifted closer, enjoying the warmth coming off of Jensen's body pressed close to his. No, he was definitely not going to lose this. He didn't give a damn what it took. He drifted back to sleep, contemplating how to accomplish his goal. When he woke up several hours later, the cabin was dark again except for the light coming from the fireplace, and Jensen wasn't beside him. When Jared looked around, and didn't see him, he jumped up, panic setting in. Jared was sure his heart had stopped, only resuming a stuttering rhythm when the door opened and Jensen hobbled in dragging a blanket of firewood.
Jensen looked like a kid that was caught with his dad's porn stash. If Jared hadn't been so scared it might have been funny. Unfortunately for Jensen, Jared didn't stay scared long, scared had morphed to pissed. Jeff had always told him he was happy that Jared was such an easy going person, because it would have been mighty embarrassing to get his ass stomped by his younger brother.
Jared never really got angry that often, but when he did it was a sight to behold, or so his brother had said. Not having witnessed it himself, Jared wasn't sure just what that meant. However, going by the flush running up Jensen's neck and into his checks, added to the way he shifted from foot to crutch and refused to meet Jared's eyes, he was getting a pretty good picture.
Well good, damn it, Jensen had no business being out in the cold, without his heavy coat none the less, on crutches, loading firewood and then pulling said firewood while keeping his balance. If Jared hadn't been so angry he may have been impressed with that feat, but again, unfortunately for Jensen, Jared was that pissed.
Jensen had seen his friend upset, frustrated, and angry, but he had never seen him furious before. He wasn't sure if he should try to explain or just keep his mouth, shut and let Jared start. He had a feeling it really wouldn't matter. He was fucked either way. Jensen was even more sure of that conclusion when Jared stalked up to him, reached around him to slam the door, before focusing his attention back on the object of his displeasure namely him. Jensen gulped audibly, opening his mouth to start explaining.
"Don't even try it. There is absolutely nothing you can say to explain why you went out into freezing temperatures, with no heavy coat, no gloves, on a crutch. I won't even go into what would have happened if you had lost your balance and fell while loading the wood, or trying to pull it in here. What the fuck do you think would have happened if you had knocked yourself out and I hadn't woken up in time?" Jared was livid, the more he thought about what could have happened the more scared he got, which only fueled his anger.
Jensen knew he risked Jared waking up while he was gone, even debated if it was worth the fallout, but he didn't want Jared loading firewood because of the shape his wrist was in. He had noticed the firewood was getting low and was going to have to be stocked back up, so in the end he had decided to brave it, hoping he would be finished before Jared woke up. The last several days should have told him his luck was sucking, but Jensen could be optimistic when it suited him. He let Jared vent until he had to slow down to take a deep breath in order to keep going, then jumped in.
"I'm not helpless you know, I do have some sense. I wasn't going to be out there long. We needed more wood, and you were asleep, not to mention the fact that you have about as much business out there loading firewood with a bad wrist as I did, so I didn't see the difference." Jensen growled back.
Jared stood looking at him, face still set in angry lines. Jensen was completely unprepared for Jared to reach out and grab his head with both hands holding him in place as Jared's lips descended on his.