Damaged Not Broken 6/7 + Epilogue
Title: Damaged Not Broken
Author: ariafree (Moria)
Rating: R
Characters: Jensen Ackles, Jared Padalecki, OFCs, Tom Welling, Chad Michael Murray, Michael Rosenbaum, Adrianne Palicki and Christian Kane
Pairings: Jared/Jensen; Jensen/Tom
Disclaimer: I do not claim to own any of the individuals mentioned above (with the exception of my 2 OFCs), I'm merely a writer wanting to tell a story.
Warnings/Spoilers: AU; MPREG; FEMSLASH
Summary: Jared Padalecki was a real player in high school. When 15 year old Aly knocks on his door claiming to be his daughter he soon realizes he has to confront his past head on. At the top of that list? Jensen Ackles. Aly's other father.
AN: I've made Jensen and Jared roughly the same age in this fic just so you're aware.
It was past time I started posting this 'verse to my LJ. Also, this 'verse is incredibly special to me. It's one of my absolute favorites that I've written and I just love living in this world. :)
Chapter 6:
Maryvale, Texas
Spring 2010
Throwing his duffle on the floor near his bed, Jared ran a hand through his hair, wondering if he should change before picking up the girls. He ultimately decided against it, but did set aside an outfit for dinner with Jensen later.
“Hey, man. Mike and I need to talk to you,” Chad said, slapping the doorjamb as he went passed Jared’s room. Jared groaned inwardly. Talk? More like grill. He thought in annoyance. He cautiously entered the living room, sitting on a recliner across from the couch where both of his best friends sat.
“All right, guys, can we make this quick? I need to be somewhere,” Jared muttered, squirming under his friends’ scrutiny.
“See? What’d I tell you, Mikey? Aside from the obvious discomfort of being here with us right now it’s pretty transparent. Right?” Chad insisted, his expression nearly gleeful.
“Yep, I can definitely see it now that you’ve pointed it out, man. He definitely looks different,” Mike observed, smirking knowingly in a way that unnerved Jared.
“What the hell are you talking about!?” he finally shouted, his chest heaving in anger. Glaring at the two of them, Jared, for the millionth time since he’d first had the rental agreement drawn up, found himself wondering what in the hell had possessed him when he suggested the idea of Chad and Mike moving in with him.
“You got laid last night. Didn’t you, Jay?” Chad leered at him, a hint of pride cutting across his features.
“None of your damn business,” Jared muttered, feeling the tips of his ears reddening. This was humiliating.
“Not only that but you’re in love with Jensen, aren’t you?” Mike asked.
“Of course I am. What the hell, Mike? You guys already know that. It’s not like it’s some giant newsflash,” Jared insisted with a huff.
“No, it’s not. But things have changed because now you know without a doubt Jensen is in love with you too,” Mike continued, a small smile on his face.
It took him a few minutes, but as Jared leaned back into the recliner his smile grew exponentially.
“It’s really that obvious?” he asked reluctantly.
“Only to the people that know you, Jared,” Chad said, patting his friend’s knee as he got to his feet.
“So, we done here? Because I really do need to be somewhere,” Jared insisted as he stood up, looking first at Chad then Mike.
“Yeah, we’re done. Now go be with your boy,” Chad said, his smirk returning as he pushed Jared toward the door. Jared laughed as he left the apartment. He really did want to be with Jensen that night, but before he could he had to take care of something first.
~*~
Maryvale, Texas
Spring 2010
Jared stood outside the unfamiliar house hoping she’d come to the door, but also slightly terrified that she would. He swallowed thickly as the door flew open and Adrianne stood there, glaring at him.
“What the hell do you want?”
You’re doing this for Jensen. Jared reminded himself, drawing in a deep breath.
“I came here to apologize, Adrianne. My behavior the other morning was out of line. Inexcusable really. You’re Jensen’s best friend. And if…if I have any hope of being with him I need to make sure you and I are okay first. I’m sorry, Adrianne. I don’t really think you’re a bitch. I just said that because I was frustrated with Jensen for thinking that we couldn’t have more than we did that night sixteen years ago.”
Adrianne suddenly pulled him to her, wrapping her arms around his neck.
“I’m sorry too, Jared. I’ve just been extremely protective of Jensen ever since he found out that he was pregnant back then that it’s kind of hard for me to remember that we were just stupid kids, you know? And hopefully we’ve all matured since then. Are you okay though? I didn’t hit you too hard, did I?” she asked worriedly, sitting down on her porch swing.
Jared chuckled, shaking his head. “No, I’ll be fine. I actually came here with another goal in mind other than to apologize,” he admitted, sitting next to Adrianne.
Adrianne raised an eyebrow in Jared’s direction, a curious smile dancing on her lips. “Okay. Feel free to elaborate. I’m all ears.”
Clearing his throat, Jared flashed her a nervous smile. “So, like I said you’re Jensen’s best friend. You know him better than anyone else. And I just wanted to let you know that although we’ve jumped into a relationship really quickly, I do love him. More than I’ve loved anyone before. Except maybe Aly of course. But the minute I found out she was my daughter I ended up falling in love with Jensen all over again if that makes any sense. I guess what I’m trying to say is that if I had to go back to living a life without either of them in my life I’m sure I could, but I know without a doubt I’d hate every single minute of it.” His eyes had begun welling with tears, his voice choked with so much emotion as he conveyed his feelings to Adrianne. Quickly realizing that Adrianne had her own emotions to contend with, Jared instinctively pulled the woman into a hug, rubbing her back in slow circles. “Crap. I didn’t mean to make you cry too, Adrianne.”
“No, it’s okay. They’re happy tears. It’s a good thing, I promise,” Adrianne insisted, wiping at her eyes.
“All right, if you’re sure. I’m gonna take off. But I hope this means we can consider each other friends?”
“Duh! You pretty much won me over by apologizing to me, but telling me how you feel about Jensen? You just made my day, Jared. So, thanks for that.”
“Sure. I’ll see you soon, okay?” Jared promised, pulling Adrianne into a quick hug.
“Okay, sounds good. Have fun with Aly and Ashley.”
“Jensen tell you about that?” Jared asked.
“Of course. I’m his best friend. He tells me everything!” Adrianne exclaimed in mock anger, winking at Jared to let him know she was teasing. “Seriously though, honey, I’m kidding. Sure, he tells me a lot, but the secrets you have with him? They’re still safe.”
“Never had any doubt. But thanks for reassuring me anyway. It means a lot,” Jared said, smiling softly.
“Anytime. Now go be with your daughter and her girlfriend already!” Adrianne demanded, pushing Jared toward his truck.
Jared laughed, shaking his head as he climbed behind the wheel of his truck. He waved goodbye to Adrianne a final time as he headed down her gravel driveway and onto the streets of Maryvale.
~*~
Maryvale, Texas
Spring 2010
Later that night Jensen stood in his kitchen pacing back and forth, twisting a towel up into a ball in his clammy hands. Christ. He couldn’t believe he was nervous about fixing Jared a simple dinner, one he’d fixed for himself and Aly hundreds of times before. But this was different, and he knew it.
Aly came bounding into the kitchen, smiling at her father. She walked over to the stove, checking on the green beans before making her way over to the microwave, quickly checking the temperature of the baked potatoes Jensen had made. The freshly grilled steaks sat on a plate on the counter. Making her way back over to her father, flashing him another reassuring smile, Aly took ahold of Jensen’s hands in her own, waiting until he met her eyes.
“Daddy, relax. Jared’s gonna love your cooking,” she insisted, squeezing his hand briefly.
“What makes you think I’m worried about what Jared thinks of my cooking?” Jensen asked her, struggling to keep his voice level. Aly shook her head, chuckling softly.
“Maybe because I know you? I saw the way you were abusing that hand towel a few minutes ago. And well, it’s pretty obvious you’re in love with him. But he’s crazy about you too. Both Ashley and I could tell that right away this afternoon. Jared just completely lights up when he talks about you. I’m the same way with Ash, completely animated, dimples and everything. Trust me on this, okay?”
Jensen nodded, pulling plates out of the cupboard above their dishwasher, and silverware out of a drawer, putting it all on the kitchen table.
“So, is it too much to ask if you’ll be joining us for dinner?” he finally asked, raising a questioning eyebrow in his daughter’s direction.
Aly chewed on her lower lip, her stomach rumbling right on cue. “Um, I’d love to, Dad, really. But I promised Ashley I’d take her out to a movie tonight. She needs to get away from her parents…I mean, she needs to get out of the house for a while, ya know?”
Jensen smiled softly at his daughter, pulling Aly close. “All right, baby girl. Have fun. And keep your phone on,” he murmured, kissing the top of her head.
After watching Aly leave with a final wave goodbye Jensen returned to his pacing, knotting up the hand towel in his hands even worse than before.
When the doorbell rang he jumped a foot in the air, dropping the towel at his feet. Closing his eyes briefly, Jensen took a deep breath in an attempt to steady himself before picking up the towel and putting it on the counter before heading towards his front door. Wiping his still clammy hands on his jeans, he finally opened the door. Jared stood there in the doorway, a six-pack of beer in his hand.
“I’m not too early, am I?” he asked, looking at Jensen with a hopeful smile on his face.
Jensen’s face relaxed, all of the nervous energy he’d been feeling evaporating as he easily returned a smile of his own.
“No, you’re fine. Come on in, Jay,” he murmured, moving aside to let Jared in.
Once they’d entered the kitchen, Jared put the six-pack on the counter, quickly turning toward Jensen again. He gently yet swiftly pulled Jensen toward him, leaning forward, cupping his large hands around Jensen’s face, kissing the other man breathless.
“Dammit. I’ve been wanting to do that since I dropped you off earlier this morning. You can’t imagine how tempted I was just to turn my truck back around and take you back to that motel room, Jen,” Jared whispered huskily, his thumbs caressing the sides of Jensen’s face. Jensen felt his body temperature spike at Jared’s words.
“Really?” he asked with a lazy smile, his fingers running over the soft material of Jared’s blue long-sleeved shirt. He found himself never wanting to leave the warm, comforting embrace of Jared’s arms.
“Hell, yes,” Jared readily agreed, burying his face in Jensen’s shoulder, inhaling deeply, leaving a trail of warm kisses along the exposed skin of Jensen’s neck. Jensen’s head was spinning from the sensation of Jared’s lips lighting a fire deep in his belly along with the heady smell of Jared’s cologne.
Reluctantly, Jensen finally pulled away from Jared’s hold when all he really wanted to do was fall to his knees and unfasten Jared’s jeans until they, along with the boxer briefs Jared wore, were pooled at his boyfriend’s ankles. He could almost feel the heavy yet soft muskiness of Jared’s cock in his mouth. Swallowing thickly, Jensen struggled to pull himself out of his vivid fantasy.
“Dammit,” he growled softly to himself. Clearing his throat, he ran a hand over his face before slowly turning his attention toward Jared again. “You hungry, Jared?”
“Starved,” Jared murmured, his gaze smoldering the longer he watched Jensen.
Jensen smiled crookedly at him, his tongue darting out of his mouth, handing Jared a plate. “Good. Let’s eat,” he replied, grabbing his own plate.
After they’d piled their plates with food and each of them grabbed a beer from the six-pack they settled down at the kitchen table once Jensen put the rest of the beer in the refrigerator.
“Oh, wow, Jensen. This steak is amazing,” Jared said in between mouthfuls, his eyes fluttering closed so he could fully enjoy all of the tastes flooding his mouth. Jensen felt heat rise up his neck and ears at the praise. Aly had been right. There really was no reason for his freak-out earlier.
“Yeah? I’m glad you think so. Did you have fun with the girls this afternoon?” Jensen asked while taking a drink, watching contentedly as his boyfriend ate the meal he’d prepared for them. He thought back briefly on the conversation he and Jared had had about what it would feel like to be married to one another. He knew without a doubt that meals like this would be a natural, comforting routine for them.
“Yeah, I really did. Aly’s a gorgeous girl, Jen. You’ve done a hell of a job raising her all by yourself,” Jared replied with a soft smile.
“Thanks, but if I hadn’t been so stubborn and naïve maybe we both could’ve…” Jensen began, stopping mid-sentence when Jared held up a hand gazing at him with a mixture of heartache and determination.
“Shut up, Jensen. Just shut up. I’m trying to give you a compliment here. No more drowning yourself in doubt, indecision and regret, okay? What’s done is done. You and I are moving forward together, right here and right now. I don’t care how long it takes for you to believe me on this, honey, but you, me and Aly are family. And we’re gonna get through the shit as a family so we’ll really be able to enjoy the good times, all right?”
Jensen nodded, unable to form a coherent sentence to respond to that statement. Moving his chair away from the table, he got to his feet, taking a hold of Jared’s hand in his own, pulling the taller man to his feet. And before he could let the fear of the past consume him again, like it had so many times already whenever he thought of a lasting future with his boyfriend, he melted into Jared’s arms, the tears sliding silent and warm down his face.
Neither of them said anything for a while, Jared just held onto Jensen as he cried. Once Jensen had pulled himself together enough to speak he reached up, effortlessly guiding Jared’s head closer to his own until their lips were coming together in another silent show of love.
“I love you, Jared,” he murmured into Jared’s open mouth. Smiling into the kiss, Jared nodded slowly in agreement.
“I know, baby. I love you too, Jen. So fucking much.”
“So, am I correct in assuming that you’re ready for dessert?” Jensen asked with a lascivious grin, his fingers running along the arm of Jared’s blue shirt sleeve. He watched in delight as Jared swallowed hard at his words. Without any more encouragement he took Jared’s hand in his own, leading his boyfriend toward his bedroom.
“Jen, whoa, slow down a minute,” Jared said, putting a hand softly against his boyfriend’s chest to prevent him from walking any further.
Jensen’s brow furrowed in confusion. “But I thought…?”
Jared ran a hand through his hair, chuckling quietly. “Believe me, I want it, Jensen. I want you desperately. But I have a surprise for you first. It’s another destination adventure. Do you think you’re up for it?” he asked, winking at Jensen.
“Jared, honey, I’d follow you anywhere. Trust me when I say that,” Jensen replied earnestly and sincerely.
“Oh, I do, darlin’. Come on,” Jared coaxed gently, taking a hold of Jensen’s hand in his own once again.
TBC...
Author: ariafree (Moria)
Rating: R
Characters: Jensen Ackles, Jared Padalecki, OFCs, Tom Welling, Chad Michael Murray, Michael Rosenbaum, Adrianne Palicki and Christian Kane
Pairings: Jared/Jensen; Jensen/Tom
Disclaimer: I do not claim to own any of the individuals mentioned above (with the exception of my 2 OFCs), I'm merely a writer wanting to tell a story.
Warnings/Spoilers: AU; MPREG; FEMSLASH
Summary: Jared Padalecki was a real player in high school. When 15 year old Aly knocks on his door claiming to be his daughter he soon realizes he has to confront his past head on. At the top of that list? Jensen Ackles. Aly's other father.
AN: I've made Jensen and Jared roughly the same age in this fic just so you're aware.
It was past time I started posting this 'verse to my LJ. Also, this 'verse is incredibly special to me. It's one of my absolute favorites that I've written and I just love living in this world. :)
Chapter 6:
Maryvale, Texas
Spring 2010
Throwing his duffle on the floor near his bed, Jared ran a hand through his hair, wondering if he should change before picking up the girls. He ultimately decided against it, but did set aside an outfit for dinner with Jensen later.
“Hey, man. Mike and I need to talk to you,” Chad said, slapping the doorjamb as he went passed Jared’s room. Jared groaned inwardly. Talk? More like grill. He thought in annoyance. He cautiously entered the living room, sitting on a recliner across from the couch where both of his best friends sat.
“All right, guys, can we make this quick? I need to be somewhere,” Jared muttered, squirming under his friends’ scrutiny.
“See? What’d I tell you, Mikey? Aside from the obvious discomfort of being here with us right now it’s pretty transparent. Right?” Chad insisted, his expression nearly gleeful.
“Yep, I can definitely see it now that you’ve pointed it out, man. He definitely looks different,” Mike observed, smirking knowingly in a way that unnerved Jared.
“What the hell are you talking about!?” he finally shouted, his chest heaving in anger. Glaring at the two of them, Jared, for the millionth time since he’d first had the rental agreement drawn up, found himself wondering what in the hell had possessed him when he suggested the idea of Chad and Mike moving in with him.
“You got laid last night. Didn’t you, Jay?” Chad leered at him, a hint of pride cutting across his features.
“None of your damn business,” Jared muttered, feeling the tips of his ears reddening. This was humiliating.
“Not only that but you’re in love with Jensen, aren’t you?” Mike asked.
“Of course I am. What the hell, Mike? You guys already know that. It’s not like it’s some giant newsflash,” Jared insisted with a huff.
“No, it’s not. But things have changed because now you know without a doubt Jensen is in love with you too,” Mike continued, a small smile on his face.
It took him a few minutes, but as Jared leaned back into the recliner his smile grew exponentially.
“It’s really that obvious?” he asked reluctantly.
“Only to the people that know you, Jared,” Chad said, patting his friend’s knee as he got to his feet.
“So, we done here? Because I really do need to be somewhere,” Jared insisted as he stood up, looking first at Chad then Mike.
“Yeah, we’re done. Now go be with your boy,” Chad said, his smirk returning as he pushed Jared toward the door. Jared laughed as he left the apartment. He really did want to be with Jensen that night, but before he could he had to take care of something first.
~*~
Maryvale, Texas
Spring 2010
Jared stood outside the unfamiliar house hoping she’d come to the door, but also slightly terrified that she would. He swallowed thickly as the door flew open and Adrianne stood there, glaring at him.
“What the hell do you want?”
You’re doing this for Jensen. Jared reminded himself, drawing in a deep breath.
“I came here to apologize, Adrianne. My behavior the other morning was out of line. Inexcusable really. You’re Jensen’s best friend. And if…if I have any hope of being with him I need to make sure you and I are okay first. I’m sorry, Adrianne. I don’t really think you’re a bitch. I just said that because I was frustrated with Jensen for thinking that we couldn’t have more than we did that night sixteen years ago.”
Adrianne suddenly pulled him to her, wrapping her arms around his neck.
“I’m sorry too, Jared. I’ve just been extremely protective of Jensen ever since he found out that he was pregnant back then that it’s kind of hard for me to remember that we were just stupid kids, you know? And hopefully we’ve all matured since then. Are you okay though? I didn’t hit you too hard, did I?” she asked worriedly, sitting down on her porch swing.
Jared chuckled, shaking his head. “No, I’ll be fine. I actually came here with another goal in mind other than to apologize,” he admitted, sitting next to Adrianne.
Adrianne raised an eyebrow in Jared’s direction, a curious smile dancing on her lips. “Okay. Feel free to elaborate. I’m all ears.”
Clearing his throat, Jared flashed her a nervous smile. “So, like I said you’re Jensen’s best friend. You know him better than anyone else. And I just wanted to let you know that although we’ve jumped into a relationship really quickly, I do love him. More than I’ve loved anyone before. Except maybe Aly of course. But the minute I found out she was my daughter I ended up falling in love with Jensen all over again if that makes any sense. I guess what I’m trying to say is that if I had to go back to living a life without either of them in my life I’m sure I could, but I know without a doubt I’d hate every single minute of it.” His eyes had begun welling with tears, his voice choked with so much emotion as he conveyed his feelings to Adrianne. Quickly realizing that Adrianne had her own emotions to contend with, Jared instinctively pulled the woman into a hug, rubbing her back in slow circles. “Crap. I didn’t mean to make you cry too, Adrianne.”
“No, it’s okay. They’re happy tears. It’s a good thing, I promise,” Adrianne insisted, wiping at her eyes.
“All right, if you’re sure. I’m gonna take off. But I hope this means we can consider each other friends?”
“Duh! You pretty much won me over by apologizing to me, but telling me how you feel about Jensen? You just made my day, Jared. So, thanks for that.”
“Sure. I’ll see you soon, okay?” Jared promised, pulling Adrianne into a quick hug.
“Okay, sounds good. Have fun with Aly and Ashley.”
“Jensen tell you about that?” Jared asked.
“Of course. I’m his best friend. He tells me everything!” Adrianne exclaimed in mock anger, winking at Jared to let him know she was teasing. “Seriously though, honey, I’m kidding. Sure, he tells me a lot, but the secrets you have with him? They’re still safe.”
“Never had any doubt. But thanks for reassuring me anyway. It means a lot,” Jared said, smiling softly.
“Anytime. Now go be with your daughter and her girlfriend already!” Adrianne demanded, pushing Jared toward his truck.
Jared laughed, shaking his head as he climbed behind the wheel of his truck. He waved goodbye to Adrianne a final time as he headed down her gravel driveway and onto the streets of Maryvale.
~*~
Maryvale, Texas
Spring 2010
Later that night Jensen stood in his kitchen pacing back and forth, twisting a towel up into a ball in his clammy hands. Christ. He couldn’t believe he was nervous about fixing Jared a simple dinner, one he’d fixed for himself and Aly hundreds of times before. But this was different, and he knew it.
Aly came bounding into the kitchen, smiling at her father. She walked over to the stove, checking on the green beans before making her way over to the microwave, quickly checking the temperature of the baked potatoes Jensen had made. The freshly grilled steaks sat on a plate on the counter. Making her way back over to her father, flashing him another reassuring smile, Aly took ahold of Jensen’s hands in her own, waiting until he met her eyes.
“Daddy, relax. Jared’s gonna love your cooking,” she insisted, squeezing his hand briefly.
“What makes you think I’m worried about what Jared thinks of my cooking?” Jensen asked her, struggling to keep his voice level. Aly shook her head, chuckling softly.
“Maybe because I know you? I saw the way you were abusing that hand towel a few minutes ago. And well, it’s pretty obvious you’re in love with him. But he’s crazy about you too. Both Ashley and I could tell that right away this afternoon. Jared just completely lights up when he talks about you. I’m the same way with Ash, completely animated, dimples and everything. Trust me on this, okay?”
Jensen nodded, pulling plates out of the cupboard above their dishwasher, and silverware out of a drawer, putting it all on the kitchen table.
“So, is it too much to ask if you’ll be joining us for dinner?” he finally asked, raising a questioning eyebrow in his daughter’s direction.
Aly chewed on her lower lip, her stomach rumbling right on cue. “Um, I’d love to, Dad, really. But I promised Ashley I’d take her out to a movie tonight. She needs to get away from her parents…I mean, she needs to get out of the house for a while, ya know?”
Jensen smiled softly at his daughter, pulling Aly close. “All right, baby girl. Have fun. And keep your phone on,” he murmured, kissing the top of her head.
After watching Aly leave with a final wave goodbye Jensen returned to his pacing, knotting up the hand towel in his hands even worse than before.
When the doorbell rang he jumped a foot in the air, dropping the towel at his feet. Closing his eyes briefly, Jensen took a deep breath in an attempt to steady himself before picking up the towel and putting it on the counter before heading towards his front door. Wiping his still clammy hands on his jeans, he finally opened the door. Jared stood there in the doorway, a six-pack of beer in his hand.
“I’m not too early, am I?” he asked, looking at Jensen with a hopeful smile on his face.
Jensen’s face relaxed, all of the nervous energy he’d been feeling evaporating as he easily returned a smile of his own.
“No, you’re fine. Come on in, Jay,” he murmured, moving aside to let Jared in.
Once they’d entered the kitchen, Jared put the six-pack on the counter, quickly turning toward Jensen again. He gently yet swiftly pulled Jensen toward him, leaning forward, cupping his large hands around Jensen’s face, kissing the other man breathless.
“Dammit. I’ve been wanting to do that since I dropped you off earlier this morning. You can’t imagine how tempted I was just to turn my truck back around and take you back to that motel room, Jen,” Jared whispered huskily, his thumbs caressing the sides of Jensen’s face. Jensen felt his body temperature spike at Jared’s words.
“Really?” he asked with a lazy smile, his fingers running over the soft material of Jared’s blue long-sleeved shirt. He found himself never wanting to leave the warm, comforting embrace of Jared’s arms.
“Hell, yes,” Jared readily agreed, burying his face in Jensen’s shoulder, inhaling deeply, leaving a trail of warm kisses along the exposed skin of Jensen’s neck. Jensen’s head was spinning from the sensation of Jared’s lips lighting a fire deep in his belly along with the heady smell of Jared’s cologne.
Reluctantly, Jensen finally pulled away from Jared’s hold when all he really wanted to do was fall to his knees and unfasten Jared’s jeans until they, along with the boxer briefs Jared wore, were pooled at his boyfriend’s ankles. He could almost feel the heavy yet soft muskiness of Jared’s cock in his mouth. Swallowing thickly, Jensen struggled to pull himself out of his vivid fantasy.
“Dammit,” he growled softly to himself. Clearing his throat, he ran a hand over his face before slowly turning his attention toward Jared again. “You hungry, Jared?”
“Starved,” Jared murmured, his gaze smoldering the longer he watched Jensen.
Jensen smiled crookedly at him, his tongue darting out of his mouth, handing Jared a plate. “Good. Let’s eat,” he replied, grabbing his own plate.
After they’d piled their plates with food and each of them grabbed a beer from the six-pack they settled down at the kitchen table once Jensen put the rest of the beer in the refrigerator.
“Oh, wow, Jensen. This steak is amazing,” Jared said in between mouthfuls, his eyes fluttering closed so he could fully enjoy all of the tastes flooding his mouth. Jensen felt heat rise up his neck and ears at the praise. Aly had been right. There really was no reason for his freak-out earlier.
“Yeah? I’m glad you think so. Did you have fun with the girls this afternoon?” Jensen asked while taking a drink, watching contentedly as his boyfriend ate the meal he’d prepared for them. He thought back briefly on the conversation he and Jared had had about what it would feel like to be married to one another. He knew without a doubt that meals like this would be a natural, comforting routine for them.
“Yeah, I really did. Aly’s a gorgeous girl, Jen. You’ve done a hell of a job raising her all by yourself,” Jared replied with a soft smile.
“Thanks, but if I hadn’t been so stubborn and naïve maybe we both could’ve…” Jensen began, stopping mid-sentence when Jared held up a hand gazing at him with a mixture of heartache and determination.
“Shut up, Jensen. Just shut up. I’m trying to give you a compliment here. No more drowning yourself in doubt, indecision and regret, okay? What’s done is done. You and I are moving forward together, right here and right now. I don’t care how long it takes for you to believe me on this, honey, but you, me and Aly are family. And we’re gonna get through the shit as a family so we’ll really be able to enjoy the good times, all right?”
Jensen nodded, unable to form a coherent sentence to respond to that statement. Moving his chair away from the table, he got to his feet, taking a hold of Jared’s hand in his own, pulling the taller man to his feet. And before he could let the fear of the past consume him again, like it had so many times already whenever he thought of a lasting future with his boyfriend, he melted into Jared’s arms, the tears sliding silent and warm down his face.
Neither of them said anything for a while, Jared just held onto Jensen as he cried. Once Jensen had pulled himself together enough to speak he reached up, effortlessly guiding Jared’s head closer to his own until their lips were coming together in another silent show of love.
“I love you, Jared,” he murmured into Jared’s open mouth. Smiling into the kiss, Jared nodded slowly in agreement.
“I know, baby. I love you too, Jen. So fucking much.”
“So, am I correct in assuming that you’re ready for dessert?” Jensen asked with a lascivious grin, his fingers running along the arm of Jared’s blue shirt sleeve. He watched in delight as Jared swallowed hard at his words. Without any more encouragement he took Jared’s hand in his own, leading his boyfriend toward his bedroom.
“Jen, whoa, slow down a minute,” Jared said, putting a hand softly against his boyfriend’s chest to prevent him from walking any further.
Jensen’s brow furrowed in confusion. “But I thought…?”
Jared ran a hand through his hair, chuckling quietly. “Believe me, I want it, Jensen. I want you desperately. But I have a surprise for you first. It’s another destination adventure. Do you think you’re up for it?” he asked, winking at Jensen.
“Jared, honey, I’d follow you anywhere. Trust me when I say that,” Jensen replied earnestly and sincerely.
“Oh, I do, darlin’. Come on,” Jared coaxed gently, taking a hold of Jensen’s hand in his own once again.
TBC...