Smoke & Lightning: Whatever Comes Our Way (22/?)
Title: Smoke & Lightning : Whatever Comes Our Way (22/?)
Authors: eviltwin and bloody_adorable
Fandoms: Supernatural RPS AU
Pairing: Jensen Ackles / Jared Padalecki.
Wordcount: 2,545
Rating: Adult.
Summary: The boys have a new family and face a whole new set of challenges and possibilities. But they can handle it.
Disclaimer: None of the following is true in any way, and no profit is made from this work of fiction.
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
( master post)
At his desk, Jensen flipped through the chart, looking at the nurse's notes. He made some of his own, lips pursed as he worked. After he heard a gentle knock on the door, he pushed his glasses up on his nose. “Yes,” he called, without looking up from the chart.
“Doc A,” Naomi, one of the clinic nurses, said in a cheerful voice.
Jensen looked at her, over the top of his glasses. She usually teased him when he did that, telling him he was becoming an old man before his time.
“You have the Zehrs' in room three,” she told him.
He had a blank look on his face. “The Zehr's?”
“From that big Angus farm out past-”
“Past the Super Walmart,” he nodded, back on track. “I gotchya.”
“Looks like just a run-of-the-mill strep case. Want me to get the results?”
He opened his mouth to tell her something, but was cut short by the ringing of his cell phone. He smiled and sighed. “Would you?” he said to her. “Thank you.” He waited until she was gone before he answered the phone. “Hello?”
“Jensen?”
He raised his head, recognizing the voice. “Andy,” he said, more than a hint of apprehension in his voice.
“Do you have a minute?”
“Um,” he thought for a moment. Then, he realized he really had no excuse to leave. Naomi was taking care of the boy in room three. “Sure.”
“I was just calling to thank you for your participation in the fundraiser,” Andy said, almost smiling audibly. “We made a killing.”
“Oh, good,” Jensen returned, feeling a little embarrassed about how the bidding for him went. “I'm sorry things got a little out of hand.”
“Are you kidding?” Andy laughed. “You were the highest grossing date we had. I'm not going to argue.”
“Well, I'm glad that I at least brought in some money for the cause,” he admitted. “Though, I think fifty thousand was a ridiculous price to pay for me.”
“Fifty?” Andy said, sounding confused. “Didn't anyone tell you?”
“Tell me what?”
“Court paid a hundred for you.”
Jensen's eyes widened. “She gave you the other fifty thousand?” he asked, almost yelling.
“She did,” he agreed, his smile still audibly present. “She said she had a fabulous time. Which makes me wonder what happened on that date of yours.”
“Nothing,” Jensen told him. “Which is why I'm so stunned.”
“Well, something must have.”
“Yeah, she kept trying to get her hand down my pants, and I kept reminding her how very very gay I am.”
That made Andy laugh louder. “Well, job well done,” he told him. “And speaking of how very, very gay you are.”
“Uh-oh,” Jensen smiled. “What now?”
“Nothing as degrading as dating Court, trust me,” he said. “I'm going to be heading to the big house here soon for a debate on Gay Rights. I wanted to know if you would come along and give a speech.”
“A speech?” Jensen repeated. “Really? Me?”
“Well, I admit,” Andy said, suddenly rather stoic. “I thought of my brother first. But he's not doing well.”
At the charity dinner, Andy had told him and Jared about Mark, who was living in Houston and currently in the hospital. He was HIV positive and not long for the world anymore. He'd had a good run for quite a long while, Andy admitted. But the disease was starting to take its toll.
“Well, I'm still touched that you thought of me,” Jensen admitted. “I don't know. I'm not great being in front of crowds.”
Andy laughed loudly. “After the display at the fundraiser, Jen, I'm sorry, but I have to disagree.”
Amidst a smile, Jensen talked to Andy for a few more minutes and agreed to do the speech. When he was done, and turned off his phone. That's when it really hit. Him? Talking? In front of a roomful of congressmen? What the hell was he thinking?
The rest of the day was kind of a blur, to be honest. Jensen kept thinking about the damn speech, what he was going to say, what he was going to do if he choked (and he probably would), and what Jared would say. He didn't know if he was ready to be packed off to Washington DC for a few days to do this. It was insane. Wasn't it?
* * *
“No, I think it's a great idea,” Jared said. Sat at the table with Jensen, they both listened to the sounds of the television in the other room. Both kids had gotten what homework done that needed to be completed, and had earned the reward of the television for the evening.
Jensen had to admit that he was a little disappointed with Jared's declaration. He wanted him to laugh, and say Jensen was crazy. Then, Jensen could call Andy and say that Jared didn't approve, that he couldn't do the speech. “You think it's a good idea?”
“Yeah,” Jared said. He picked up his glass of beer and took a swig. The kids had put their plates in the sink, but Jared and Jensen were still nursing their dinners so they could talk.
“I think it's insane,” Jensen added.
Jared chuckled. “Then, why did you tell him you'd do it?”
He shrugged. “I don't know,” he admitted. “Caught up in the moment? I thought it was nice that he asked me. But now, I'm not so sure.”
“Please,” Jared said, with a wave of his hand. “You'll do fine. You're a great public speaker.”
“The only reason he asked me was because his brother can't do it,” he said, picking at his dinner.
“No,” Jared corrected. “The reason he asked you second is because his brother is sick. He didn't ask you because he had nowhere else to go. He thinks you can add to the debate.”
“But, why not you?” he asked. “You're successful. You own two shops.”
“That's right,” he nodded. “I'm doing my part. I own two businesses, I employ straight, bisexual, and gay men and women. I'm out and proud.”
“I'm out,” Jensen said, sounding almost hurt. “I'm proud.”
He chuckled, nodding his head. “Yes, you are,” he agreed. “You've had a harder time with that though. Maybe this would be a good thing. Have you ever been to a rally like this?”
“Been to the Pride parades.”
“And how did you feel then?”
“Damn proud,” he admitted.
Jared nodded. “This is the same thing, only...tenfold,” he told him with a shake of his head. “You, my friend, will be speaking for all gay couples in the United States.”
That reminded Jensen of the speech he'd have to write. His shoulders sagged and he slouched in his chair. “Don't remind me.”
Reaching across the table, Jared clasped Jensen's hand in his and smiled, looking directly into the other man's eyes. “You,” he began, squeezing at Jensen's hand, “are an awesome public speaker. You're smart. You're successful. You're hot. And you're amazing in bed.”
That made Jensen laugh. “Shut up,” he said, blushing.
“You're going to steal their hearts,” Jared assured him.
“Well, your heart is the only one I care about,” he replied.
“And you've got it,” Jared nodded. “Trust me.”
* * *
Jensen sighed. “Hannah, those aren't exactly the best boots to go to a sleepover in,” he told her, eying her shiny, black riding boots that Alan had gotten her.
“But, Daddy,” the little girl complained. “Wimb'ry and me gonna go riding.”
Jensen looked at Jared, clearly wishing for some help on the matter. Jared just shrugged and put on his leather jacket. “Alright,” Jensen gave in. “You got your own thing going on. Everything in here?” He shook her backpack until she looked at him and nodded. “No tent,” he reminded her. “You gonna be okay with that?”
She nodded again. “Wimb'ry and me make forts in her room,” she told him.
“Okay,” he agreed. “Let's go.”
“We'll meet you at the rally,” Jared said. “Come back here and get your bike. You have to pass this way again anyway.”
“Okay,” Jensen agreed. He leaned his head back enough for Jared to give him a quick kiss. “Be careful with my son, please.”
“Of course, Mother,” he teased. He slapped Jensen's backside as the man walked away, receiving only mild protests from him.
Matty came down the stairs, dressed in his own leather jacket and biker boots they'd bought him. “Dad,” he said, as he went. “Why can't we take Angel?”
Jared smiled at the mention of the bike that Jeff had given the boy. “Because Angel hasn't had a tune-up in awhile,” he admitted. “Get on Papa Jeff's butt about that, would you? He should be showing you all that shit.”
“Okay,” he agreed. “Maybe next time?”
“Hell, yeah,” Jared agreed. He ruffled Matty's hair and handed the boy a backpack. “Maybe next year Angel can have her own booth. People can come and drool all over her.”
“Ew,” Matty laughed. “She's mine, though. They can't have her.”
“And that's the best part,” Jared grinned. “Come on, big man, let's hit the road.”
Jensen was still star-struck every time he went over to the senator's house. The housekeeper answered the door, smiling brightly at them. Hannah immediately took off, knowing exactly where to find Wimberly, and leaving Jensen to stand at the front door with her pink backpack in his hands. Wimberly's Mom, Adele, rescued him. All dressed in fine English riding gear, she held out her hand as she neared him, greeting him warmly with a laugh and a quick hug. “So glad Hannah could come stay with us for the night,” she said. “Would you like to come in? We're going to go for a ride in a few minutes, would you like to go? Hannah tells us that you're quite the horseman.”
“Oh, thank you, but I really do have to get going,” he admitted. “But...are you sure it's okay that she stays the whole night?”
“Oh, absolutely,” Adele beamed. “We're excited to have her here. Wimberly has the entire night planned. And, just like her father, she has a whole agenda written out.”
Jensen chuckled and nodded. “Okay,” he agreed. “She usually calls during the night to have us come get her. If she does...”
“We'll make sure to call if something comes up,” she agreed. “I really think they'll be just fine. We're going to go for a quick ride, and then we're going to watch movies and eat ice cream.”
“Sounds great,” he agreed.
“Hey, Jensen,” came another voice.
Jensen turned to see Andy nearing them, holding out his hand for a manly shake. “Hey, Andy,” he greeted.
“Good to see you,” Andy smiled. “Hey, I'm glad you are going to do that speech.”
“Ugh,” Jensen sighed. “Don't remind me.”
“You'll do great,” he assured him. “And hey, if you want, just give me what you come up with, and I'll run it past my speech writer. He can tweak it, if needs be.”
“Oh, that'd be great, thank you,” he agreed. “Right now I have to get out to the bike rally. Lord only knows what Jared and Matty are up to.”
“Oh, excellent,” Andy nodded. “Tell Jared that he's gotta get my cars done. I want to show them off when the car show rolls through town.”
“I will,” Jensen chuckled. “Thanks again. And please, get after her if she gets sassy.”
“She'll be the perfect princess, I'm sure,” Adele laughed lightly.
“Well, I don't know about that,” Jensen returned. “Thanks again. Give me or Jared a ring if you need anything.”
“Will do,” Andy nodded.
After about another half-hour, Jensen was pulling into the gated rally parking lot. He couldn't get a space next to Jared's bike, so he parked where he could. He left his helmet and gloves at his bike and moved to where the huge tents had been set up. There was music thundering from huge speakers, and the smells of food - steak and chicken - being barbecued somewhere. Jensen's stomach twisted in hunger, reminding him that he hadn't eaten in awhile. He decided to find Jared and Matty, and then they'd tackle a food vendor. He got sidetracked along the way, and stopped to talk to a few other vendors there. One sold leather dog leashes that were gorgeous. Jensen was thinking of getting one each for Maya, and Shelby.
“Daddy!”
Turning, Jensen saw Matty flying at him. He laughed and scooped the boy up in his arms. “Well, hey there, biker man,” he teased, setting him back down on the ground. “How are you enjoying the rally?”
“It's awesome,” he returned. He pointed behind him to where Jared was just catching up. Jensen had to take a breath when he saw him. Just in his usual garb, Jared was walking toward them. His jacket was open and his faded T-shirt tight to his chest. His long legs were clad in dark jeans, sunglasses shielding his eyes. He looked incredible, and reminded Jensen of when they'd first met. “Papa Jeff is here too.”
Brought back to reality by the mention of Jeff, Jensen cleared his throat. “He is?” he returned. “Wow, that's awesome. We'll have to meet up with them later. What have you guys done so far?”
“We just left Erik's booth,” Jared told him.
“Get any new ink in the few minutes I've been gone?” he teased.
“Not me,” Jared smiled.
Jensen met his grin, his own fading slightly. “What are you talking about?”
Jared shrugged. “I figure he has the bike, why not the ink?”
Jensen smile was gone completely now. He looked over at Matty, watching the boy take off his leather jacket and hike up the short sleeve of his T-shirt. There was a blackish-blue tattoo there, intricate in design, and really quite beautiful. There were wings, and the name “ANGEL” scrawled in fancy letters.
Looking back up at Jared, Jensen felt like he couldn't breathe. “You got him a fucking tattoo?” He was pissed, and didn't care to watch his language at the moment.
Regardless of the fact that Jensen was clearly seething, Jared laughed. “Come on, Jen,” he said. “It's all in fun.”
“All in fun?” Jensen snapped. “A tattoo is permanen--” He paused and looked down at the art again. He peered closer, then straightened, a look of annoyance on his face. “It's Henna, isn't it?”
Jared and Matty laughed, quite pleased with themselves. Both nearly had tears in their eyes, they were laughing so hard. Jensen just nodded, albeit with a smile, listening to the two boys have their fun.
“Okay, you got me,” he agreed. “But, now I'm not going to get either of you some dinner.” He started to walk away, the dog leashes forgotten about for now, and Matty quickly followed, putting his jacket back on.
“But, Daddy, I'm hungry!”
“Yeah, me too,” Jared chimed in, catching up to them.
“Well, I don't know,” Jensen said. “Do you two deserve to eat?”
“Yes,” Matty nodded.
“Yes,” Jared returned.
Jensen thought for a moment before chuckling and putting his arms around both boys, one at either side of him. “Okay,” he agreed. “Matty gets to pick where we get some grub.”
***
tbc
Authors: eviltwin and bloody_adorable
Fandoms: Supernatural RPS AU
Pairing: Jensen Ackles / Jared Padalecki.
Wordcount: 2,545
Rating: Adult.
Summary: The boys have a new family and face a whole new set of challenges and possibilities. But they can handle it.
Disclaimer: None of the following is true in any way, and no profit is made from this work of fiction.
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
( master post)
At his desk, Jensen flipped through the chart, looking at the nurse's notes. He made some of his own, lips pursed as he worked. After he heard a gentle knock on the door, he pushed his glasses up on his nose. “Yes,” he called, without looking up from the chart.
“Doc A,” Naomi, one of the clinic nurses, said in a cheerful voice.
Jensen looked at her, over the top of his glasses. She usually teased him when he did that, telling him he was becoming an old man before his time.
“You have the Zehrs' in room three,” she told him.
He had a blank look on his face. “The Zehr's?”
“From that big Angus farm out past-”
“Past the Super Walmart,” he nodded, back on track. “I gotchya.”
“Looks like just a run-of-the-mill strep case. Want me to get the results?”
He opened his mouth to tell her something, but was cut short by the ringing of his cell phone. He smiled and sighed. “Would you?” he said to her. “Thank you.” He waited until she was gone before he answered the phone. “Hello?”
“Jensen?”
He raised his head, recognizing the voice. “Andy,” he said, more than a hint of apprehension in his voice.
“Do you have a minute?”
“Um,” he thought for a moment. Then, he realized he really had no excuse to leave. Naomi was taking care of the boy in room three. “Sure.”
“I was just calling to thank you for your participation in the fundraiser,” Andy said, almost smiling audibly. “We made a killing.”
“Oh, good,” Jensen returned, feeling a little embarrassed about how the bidding for him went. “I'm sorry things got a little out of hand.”
“Are you kidding?” Andy laughed. “You were the highest grossing date we had. I'm not going to argue.”
“Well, I'm glad that I at least brought in some money for the cause,” he admitted. “Though, I think fifty thousand was a ridiculous price to pay for me.”
“Fifty?” Andy said, sounding confused. “Didn't anyone tell you?”
“Tell me what?”
“Court paid a hundred for you.”
Jensen's eyes widened. “She gave you the other fifty thousand?” he asked, almost yelling.
“She did,” he agreed, his smile still audibly present. “She said she had a fabulous time. Which makes me wonder what happened on that date of yours.”
“Nothing,” Jensen told him. “Which is why I'm so stunned.”
“Well, something must have.”
“Yeah, she kept trying to get her hand down my pants, and I kept reminding her how very very gay I am.”
That made Andy laugh louder. “Well, job well done,” he told him. “And speaking of how very, very gay you are.”
“Uh-oh,” Jensen smiled. “What now?”
“Nothing as degrading as dating Court, trust me,” he said. “I'm going to be heading to the big house here soon for a debate on Gay Rights. I wanted to know if you would come along and give a speech.”
“A speech?” Jensen repeated. “Really? Me?”
“Well, I admit,” Andy said, suddenly rather stoic. “I thought of my brother first. But he's not doing well.”
At the charity dinner, Andy had told him and Jared about Mark, who was living in Houston and currently in the hospital. He was HIV positive and not long for the world anymore. He'd had a good run for quite a long while, Andy admitted. But the disease was starting to take its toll.
“Well, I'm still touched that you thought of me,” Jensen admitted. “I don't know. I'm not great being in front of crowds.”
Andy laughed loudly. “After the display at the fundraiser, Jen, I'm sorry, but I have to disagree.”
Amidst a smile, Jensen talked to Andy for a few more minutes and agreed to do the speech. When he was done, and turned off his phone. That's when it really hit. Him? Talking? In front of a roomful of congressmen? What the hell was he thinking?
The rest of the day was kind of a blur, to be honest. Jensen kept thinking about the damn speech, what he was going to say, what he was going to do if he choked (and he probably would), and what Jared would say. He didn't know if he was ready to be packed off to Washington DC for a few days to do this. It was insane. Wasn't it?
* * *
“No, I think it's a great idea,” Jared said. Sat at the table with Jensen, they both listened to the sounds of the television in the other room. Both kids had gotten what homework done that needed to be completed, and had earned the reward of the television for the evening.
Jensen had to admit that he was a little disappointed with Jared's declaration. He wanted him to laugh, and say Jensen was crazy. Then, Jensen could call Andy and say that Jared didn't approve, that he couldn't do the speech. “You think it's a good idea?”
“Yeah,” Jared said. He picked up his glass of beer and took a swig. The kids had put their plates in the sink, but Jared and Jensen were still nursing their dinners so they could talk.
“I think it's insane,” Jensen added.
Jared chuckled. “Then, why did you tell him you'd do it?”
He shrugged. “I don't know,” he admitted. “Caught up in the moment? I thought it was nice that he asked me. But now, I'm not so sure.”
“Please,” Jared said, with a wave of his hand. “You'll do fine. You're a great public speaker.”
“The only reason he asked me was because his brother can't do it,” he said, picking at his dinner.
“No,” Jared corrected. “The reason he asked you second is because his brother is sick. He didn't ask you because he had nowhere else to go. He thinks you can add to the debate.”
“But, why not you?” he asked. “You're successful. You own two shops.”
“That's right,” he nodded. “I'm doing my part. I own two businesses, I employ straight, bisexual, and gay men and women. I'm out and proud.”
“I'm out,” Jensen said, sounding almost hurt. “I'm proud.”
He chuckled, nodding his head. “Yes, you are,” he agreed. “You've had a harder time with that though. Maybe this would be a good thing. Have you ever been to a rally like this?”
“Been to the Pride parades.”
“And how did you feel then?”
“Damn proud,” he admitted.
Jared nodded. “This is the same thing, only...tenfold,” he told him with a shake of his head. “You, my friend, will be speaking for all gay couples in the United States.”
That reminded Jensen of the speech he'd have to write. His shoulders sagged and he slouched in his chair. “Don't remind me.”
Reaching across the table, Jared clasped Jensen's hand in his and smiled, looking directly into the other man's eyes. “You,” he began, squeezing at Jensen's hand, “are an awesome public speaker. You're smart. You're successful. You're hot. And you're amazing in bed.”
That made Jensen laugh. “Shut up,” he said, blushing.
“You're going to steal their hearts,” Jared assured him.
“Well, your heart is the only one I care about,” he replied.
“And you've got it,” Jared nodded. “Trust me.”
* * *
Jensen sighed. “Hannah, those aren't exactly the best boots to go to a sleepover in,” he told her, eying her shiny, black riding boots that Alan had gotten her.
“But, Daddy,” the little girl complained. “Wimb'ry and me gonna go riding.”
Jensen looked at Jared, clearly wishing for some help on the matter. Jared just shrugged and put on his leather jacket. “Alright,” Jensen gave in. “You got your own thing going on. Everything in here?” He shook her backpack until she looked at him and nodded. “No tent,” he reminded her. “You gonna be okay with that?”
She nodded again. “Wimb'ry and me make forts in her room,” she told him.
“Okay,” he agreed. “Let's go.”
“We'll meet you at the rally,” Jared said. “Come back here and get your bike. You have to pass this way again anyway.”
“Okay,” Jensen agreed. He leaned his head back enough for Jared to give him a quick kiss. “Be careful with my son, please.”
“Of course, Mother,” he teased. He slapped Jensen's backside as the man walked away, receiving only mild protests from him.
Matty came down the stairs, dressed in his own leather jacket and biker boots they'd bought him. “Dad,” he said, as he went. “Why can't we take Angel?”
Jared smiled at the mention of the bike that Jeff had given the boy. “Because Angel hasn't had a tune-up in awhile,” he admitted. “Get on Papa Jeff's butt about that, would you? He should be showing you all that shit.”
“Okay,” he agreed. “Maybe next time?”
“Hell, yeah,” Jared agreed. He ruffled Matty's hair and handed the boy a backpack. “Maybe next year Angel can have her own booth. People can come and drool all over her.”
“Ew,” Matty laughed. “She's mine, though. They can't have her.”
“And that's the best part,” Jared grinned. “Come on, big man, let's hit the road.”
Jensen was still star-struck every time he went over to the senator's house. The housekeeper answered the door, smiling brightly at them. Hannah immediately took off, knowing exactly where to find Wimberly, and leaving Jensen to stand at the front door with her pink backpack in his hands. Wimberly's Mom, Adele, rescued him. All dressed in fine English riding gear, she held out her hand as she neared him, greeting him warmly with a laugh and a quick hug. “So glad Hannah could come stay with us for the night,” she said. “Would you like to come in? We're going to go for a ride in a few minutes, would you like to go? Hannah tells us that you're quite the horseman.”
“Oh, thank you, but I really do have to get going,” he admitted. “But...are you sure it's okay that she stays the whole night?”
“Oh, absolutely,” Adele beamed. “We're excited to have her here. Wimberly has the entire night planned. And, just like her father, she has a whole agenda written out.”
Jensen chuckled and nodded. “Okay,” he agreed. “She usually calls during the night to have us come get her. If she does...”
“We'll make sure to call if something comes up,” she agreed. “I really think they'll be just fine. We're going to go for a quick ride, and then we're going to watch movies and eat ice cream.”
“Sounds great,” he agreed.
“Hey, Jensen,” came another voice.
Jensen turned to see Andy nearing them, holding out his hand for a manly shake. “Hey, Andy,” he greeted.
“Good to see you,” Andy smiled. “Hey, I'm glad you are going to do that speech.”
“Ugh,” Jensen sighed. “Don't remind me.”
“You'll do great,” he assured him. “And hey, if you want, just give me what you come up with, and I'll run it past my speech writer. He can tweak it, if needs be.”
“Oh, that'd be great, thank you,” he agreed. “Right now I have to get out to the bike rally. Lord only knows what Jared and Matty are up to.”
“Oh, excellent,” Andy nodded. “Tell Jared that he's gotta get my cars done. I want to show them off when the car show rolls through town.”
“I will,” Jensen chuckled. “Thanks again. And please, get after her if she gets sassy.”
“She'll be the perfect princess, I'm sure,” Adele laughed lightly.
“Well, I don't know about that,” Jensen returned. “Thanks again. Give me or Jared a ring if you need anything.”
“Will do,” Andy nodded.
After about another half-hour, Jensen was pulling into the gated rally parking lot. He couldn't get a space next to Jared's bike, so he parked where he could. He left his helmet and gloves at his bike and moved to where the huge tents had been set up. There was music thundering from huge speakers, and the smells of food - steak and chicken - being barbecued somewhere. Jensen's stomach twisted in hunger, reminding him that he hadn't eaten in awhile. He decided to find Jared and Matty, and then they'd tackle a food vendor. He got sidetracked along the way, and stopped to talk to a few other vendors there. One sold leather dog leashes that were gorgeous. Jensen was thinking of getting one each for Maya, and Shelby.
“Daddy!”
Turning, Jensen saw Matty flying at him. He laughed and scooped the boy up in his arms. “Well, hey there, biker man,” he teased, setting him back down on the ground. “How are you enjoying the rally?”
“It's awesome,” he returned. He pointed behind him to where Jared was just catching up. Jensen had to take a breath when he saw him. Just in his usual garb, Jared was walking toward them. His jacket was open and his faded T-shirt tight to his chest. His long legs were clad in dark jeans, sunglasses shielding his eyes. He looked incredible, and reminded Jensen of when they'd first met. “Papa Jeff is here too.”
Brought back to reality by the mention of Jeff, Jensen cleared his throat. “He is?” he returned. “Wow, that's awesome. We'll have to meet up with them later. What have you guys done so far?”
“We just left Erik's booth,” Jared told him.
“Get any new ink in the few minutes I've been gone?” he teased.
“Not me,” Jared smiled.
Jensen met his grin, his own fading slightly. “What are you talking about?”
Jared shrugged. “I figure he has the bike, why not the ink?”
Jensen smile was gone completely now. He looked over at Matty, watching the boy take off his leather jacket and hike up the short sleeve of his T-shirt. There was a blackish-blue tattoo there, intricate in design, and really quite beautiful. There were wings, and the name “ANGEL” scrawled in fancy letters.
Looking back up at Jared, Jensen felt like he couldn't breathe. “You got him a fucking tattoo?” He was pissed, and didn't care to watch his language at the moment.
Regardless of the fact that Jensen was clearly seething, Jared laughed. “Come on, Jen,” he said. “It's all in fun.”
“All in fun?” Jensen snapped. “A tattoo is permanen--” He paused and looked down at the art again. He peered closer, then straightened, a look of annoyance on his face. “It's Henna, isn't it?”
Jared and Matty laughed, quite pleased with themselves. Both nearly had tears in their eyes, they were laughing so hard. Jensen just nodded, albeit with a smile, listening to the two boys have their fun.
“Okay, you got me,” he agreed. “But, now I'm not going to get either of you some dinner.” He started to walk away, the dog leashes forgotten about for now, and Matty quickly followed, putting his jacket back on.
“But, Daddy, I'm hungry!”
“Yeah, me too,” Jared chimed in, catching up to them.
“Well, I don't know,” Jensen said. “Do you two deserve to eat?”
“Yes,” Matty nodded.
“Yes,” Jared returned.
Jensen thought for a moment before chuckling and putting his arms around both boys, one at either side of him. “Okay,” he agreed. “Matty gets to pick where we get some grub.”
***
tbc