J/C Fic - Chaos - (3/3+Epilogue)
Title: Chaos
Characters: Jared/Chris
Rating: PGish
Warnings: Violence, Shooting, Torture (?)
Word count: ~13,000 total, ~3,900 this part (split into two!)
Beta: Billysgirl5
Summary: Chris wakes up with a bad feeling. Jared never realised how bad it really could get.
A/N: This story is complete. The final part will be posted tomorrow in time for Christmas.
Chapter One | Chapter Two
Chapter Three
The following week ends up being more stressful than it is relaxing for not only Jared but for the whole family and their friends. The network and other news reporters were hounding the place, wanting Jared to speak with them, to tell them his side of the story, but Jared was kept away from it all, as was everyone else, leaving Kripke to deal with them. By the end of the week Jared was also nearing the end of his ability to cope with his family. All of them hovering over him, trying to make sure he was okay, when all Jared really wanted was to breathe and have some time to collect himself.
Jared was now allowed to move around by being pushed in a wheelchair, his leg and wrist supported and his stomach padded. He still tired out easily but was glad for the moments when Chris simply helped him into the chair and wheeled him away from the madness surrounding him. They explored the quiet, white halls together. Sometimes talking about plans and other times with silence as their only company; regardless of what it was, it was moments like these that Jared was truly grateful for.
Jared was resting in his small hospital bed when the doctor came around for his daily visits. The young man wore his white coat with pride and walked into the room immediately commanding the attention of everyone present with his attitude alone. “Well, Jared,” he said with a deep voice, “I think tomorrow is the day...” He started while reading over Jared’s charts.
“The day for what?” Jared asked nervously voicing everyone’s question.
“The day we can finally let you out of here! Now, don’t get me wrong, we’ll have to see you again shortly to ensure that everything is healing well and to remove that cast, but since your blood pressure has dropped to a normal level, and there are still no signs of infection at any of the sights, I think it’s safe to say that you will be fine to go!” he declared.
“Really? I can finally go home?” Jared asked not even trying to contain his excitement.
“Yes, yes, we’ll see how you are doing tomorrow morning, but I’m quite certain that everything will still be alright for you to leave, so long as you continue to rest and don’t take part in any strenuous activities,” he winked.
“Right, yeah, sure, you know I won’t! Just please let me go home!” Jared all but begs, causing everyone else to laugh.
“So he really can come home tomorrow?” Chris asked, standing beside Jared.
“I’d let him go home today, but we just want to run some final tests before we let you out. Nothing serious, just precautionary,” the doctor nodded.
“Awesome!” Jensen smiled.
“Well, unless there is anything else you need to ask me, I have other patients to check up on. I’ll be back tomorrow morning, and then, a nurse will be in to discharge you,” he smiled.
The group thanked him, watching him leave the room before all turning back to Jared. They bombarded Jared with questions and opinions, asking him what he was going to do when he got home, and how he’d feel being home again. Their words were circling around him, giving him a headache, enough was enough. He had put up with everyone for the week now, hovering over him and generally never giving him a moment’s peace. He loved them all, but there was only so much he could handle.
“Enough!” he called, causing a coughing fit to start. Everyone in the room immediately fell silent, curiously watching Jared. “Enough, please!” he coughed, “seriously guys, I love you all, but I need a break! I really am okay. I’m going to heal and then, get back to work, and everything will be back to normal,” Jared said clearly frustrated.
“Jared? Baby, I’m sorry! We’ve just been so worried about you. We want to make sure you’re okay,” Sharron said caressing her son’s cheek.
“I know, Momma, and of course, you’re going to be worried. But really, I am okay, and I think it’s about time that you guys get back to your own lives. Don’t you and Dad have to get back to work? And Megan, don’t you have school to get to?” Jared asked.
“Jared, we can take as much time off as needed for you, Baby,” Sharron started.
“I know, Mom, but I think, now that I’m going to be back at home, that maybe it’s time you guys went back home...”Jared hesitated.
“If that is what you want, son,” Jared’s father interrupted, stopping his wife from continuing, “Sherrie, he’s old enough to be without his parent’s. Chris and Jensen will still be here, and he knows he can call if he needs us for anything,” he placated.
“Chris? Will you be staying with Jared still?” she asked.
“For as long as I can. There was only a few episodes left to film, and they’ve rewritten it so there’s barely any need for me, just some voice over stuff that can be done later. I promise I’ll look after Jared, if that’s what you’re worried about, for as long as he’ll let me,” Chris promised.
“Okay, then Jared, as soon as you’re settled at home, we will be out of your hair,” Sharron agreed.
“Mom...” Jared tried.
“It’s okay, honey, we understand,” Sherrie smiled.
“Thanks, Momma,” Jared said trying to hide his sigh of relief.
b.d
“All you need to do is sign here, and then, you’re free to go,” the small nurse explained, pointing at where Jared’s signature was needed.
“Done and done!” Jared smiled, finalising his release papers.
“Okay, well you just need to make sure you keep your wounds clean and dry and try not to over exert yourself, and use the wheelchair if you need to get around anywhere and just take it easy okay?” she ensured.
“Yeah, no problem! You know I will,” Jared nodded, eager to get out of the hospital.
“Let’s go, man,” Chris nodded, wheeling the chair closer to the hospital bed Jared was still laying on.
Together they slowly lowered Jared down onto the chair where they carefully wheeled him out through the halls to the car park. There his whole family was waiting for him, including Jensen, by the car, ready to take the young man home. They all carefully tried to get Jared into the large truck, helping him by raising him up into the seat. Chris folded up the wheelchair and threw it into the truck bed before rushing around and getting into the driver’s side. The rest of the group would be following them back home in Jensen’s car.
The trip home was practically silent, a country rock station playing in the background as they drove. “I know you hate this question, Jay, but I’m going to ask it anyway,” Chris started smiling when Jared sighed. “Are you okay? And I mean really, it’s just us two now, and I want the truth,” Chris asked.
Jared sighed, knowing that Chris was going to immediately pick up on when Jared started lying. “Okay, you’re right. You know you are. I’m not fine, but I will be; I have to be. Eventually, I’ll be able to go back to normal. I’ll be able to go somewhere and not have to look over my shoulder ever few minutes, eventually, and I have to believe this, Chris, so I need you to believe it, too. Eventually, I’m not going to be scared anymore,” Jared said in hushed tones. “So you’re right. I’m not really okay, but I know I will be,” Jared nodded, rubbing his fists into his eyes trying to rid them of the pooling tears.
“I’m sorry, Jay. I know you don’t like having to admit all of that, and I know you don’t want anyone to say sorry or to pity you, but I am. I hate that this happened to you. I hate that girl for doing all this to you,” Chris said keeping his eyes trained on the road. “It will get better Jay; we’ll make it better,” Chris finished, nodding in finality.
“Thanks,” Jared said simply. They kept driving in silence, Jared slowly curled his hand around one of Chris’, the older man comfortably steering with one hand. This was all they needed, each other.
Upon arriving at Jared’s home, Chris settled Jared back into his chair, seeing Jensen’s car already parked in the driveway, and pushed Jared into the house, their hands still clasped together. They made it through the entrance, but Jared froze in the hallway from the sight that greeted him. Littering the floors and every other available surface were flowers, stuffed toys and other random gifts as well as cards and letters; there wasn’t one piece of furniture that wasn’t covered.
“Wha-what is all this?” Jared asked dumbfounded.
“Gifts from all your fans and other friends, well at least the stuff the network thought appropriate to give you,” Chris answered squeezing Jared’s hand.
“Wow... I just... wow, I don’t even know what to say...” Jared breathed.
“Yeah, the network’s been going crazy. Practically all the mail they have been receiving has been for either you or Jensen, but mainly you. I think giving an interview and saying thank you will be required now,” Jensen said smiling.
“They really do all care about you,” Sharron nodded, “now, come on. You should be lying down, and I know, I know, you don’t want me ‘mother henning’ you, but I have to. We leave tomorrow, so just give me today to make sure you are alright,” Sherrie smiled.
“Its okay, Mom, I get it. I’d like to read some of the cards and letters, if that’s okay?” Jared asked, wearily rubbing his eyes.
“Maybe you should rest first, then we can go through them together?” Chris suggested seeing how tired his lover was.
“Yeah, you’re probably right,” Jared yawned.
“Come on, you,” Chris smiled.
“We’ll get you up again for some lunch in a little while,” Sharron said, watching the boys leave.
Chris pushed Jared into his bedroom and helped the younger man change and then into his large king sized bed. Jared snuggled into the pillows before grabbing at Chris’ arm and pulling the other man down toward him. Jared curled his arm around Chris’ waist and kept the older man pinned down with him.
“Stay with me?” Jared asked, already on his way to being asleep.
“Sure, Babe, whatever you want,” Chris yawned, not having realised how tired he really was as well. His entire week had been spent at the hospital, running errands for both Jared and his family. He had barely slept or eaten anything, and it was only now, with Jared safely back at home, that Chris realised how tired he was. It only took a few minutes before both men were fast asleep.
v.v
The following days were long for Jared, Jensen and Chris. Jared’s family members had left the very next day; however, many friends and other co-workers started showing up the same day. Jared was mainly kept in bed, venturing to the bathroom and, on rare occasions, the kitchen via wheelchair. During the long days, Jared had his laptop as company. Jensen was getting ready to return to work while Chris had already been making numerous trips back and forth between Portland and Vancouver for his own filming obligations.
Jared had searched the web, looking up not only on fansites to see what people were saying about the incident, but finding various articles about it, too. He had found out more about the girl that attacked him. Her name was Alice, and supposedly, she had been off some meds, at least, that’s what the public was being told. He also managed to find out that she had been sent to a psychiatric hospital until she was deemed sane enough to stand for trial.
She was only 20. She had the rest of her life ahead of her, but now, she had nothing. And no matter what she did to Jared, he still felt sorry for her. She was still so young, and from the looks of things, actually promising. He checked a few more sites and finally had all the information he needed. There was one last thing Jared had to do before he could lay the whole incident to rest and move on with his life. He slammed the laptop shut and picked up his cell phone, immediately making the necessary calls to get his plan into action.
Later that night, two weeks after Jared was finally released from the hospital, Jared and Chris were sitting at the table eating a home cooked meal together when Jared finally brought up his idea. “Uh, Chris? Can I talk to you for a sec?” he started, putting his fork down and focusing on his boyfriend.
“What’s up, Jay?” he asked, copying Jared’s actions and staring directly at the other man.
“I’ve been doing some research and looking around, and I think there is something I need to do, whether or not you are going to support me...” he continued.
“Jay? Jared, what are you thinking?” Chris asked becoming nervous.
“I want to visit her...”
“Who?”
“Her name was Alice. She’s... she’s the girl that attacked me and Jensen... and... she... and... yeah...” Jared finished lamely.
“Jared, what? Are you serious? You can’t!” Chris tried to object.
“Chris, I need closure. I need to see her just one last time to put all this behind me, to move on and get back to filming. I need to see for myself that she is locked away and that she can’t get to anyone else, that she can’t hurt anyone else... do you understand, Chris?” Jared explained.
“I do,” Chris sighed, “doesn’t mean I have to like it, though. I wish you’d just let us help you instead, but I guess, we can go see her. Would you let me come with you? I don’t think I’d be able to let you go on your own...” Chris said trying to make a compromise.
“Yeah... I think I’d like that. I’ve been looking around. I found out where she is, and I think if we made a few calls, we might be able to see her, even if just for a small amount of time,” Jared said.
“I get ya, Jared. I’ll make the calls first thing tomorrow and see what we can do. Would you let me ask if extra security can be brought along?” Chris tried.
“I’m sure we can get Clif to come along, but I don’t really want too many people. We don’t want too many people finding out about this either, Chris; we have to keep it under wraps,” Jared rebuked.
“Fair enough. Now, come on, finish eating...” Chris said ending the discussion.
“Yes, Mom,” Jared laughed, picking up his fork and shovelling more food into his mouth.
That night the two of them curled around one another, sharing each other’s body heat and keeping the cool Vancouver night’s air out. Chris still paid particular care to Jared’s injuries, but both his thigh and abdomen was healing nicely and his wrist was protected by the large, bulky cast. They talked to each other in hushed tones, talking about everything and nothing at all, carefully avoiding the topic of Alice in favour of talking about Chris’ music or Jared’s acting, the simple things. Eventually, the two men drifted off into a fitful sleep, still locked in each other’s embrace.
The next morning saw both men waking bright and early. They showered together and dressed quickly before they started in on the calls. It took what felt like ages, but by calling in numerous favours and jumping through even more hoops, Jared had finally gotten his request, to see Alice. It didn’t seem possible, but in two days, Jared was going to face his attacker once and for all.
“Well, Jared, there you go; you have your appointment. Do you know what you are going to do tomorrow?” Chris asked, sitting next to the man in question.
“To be honest, I’m not too sure. I just want to see her, then go from there, I guess,” Jared answered.
“I’ll be there with you the whole time, and the doctors and Clif will be right outside. You don’t have anything to worry about, okay? We get in there, and then, we get out. No one has to know about it, and then, we can get back to our lives,” Chris reassured.
“Yeah, we’ll be right,” Jared nodded.
Now, all he had to do was believe it.
+.+
Continued Here
Characters: Jared/Chris
Rating: PGish
Warnings: Violence, Shooting, Torture (?)
Word count: ~13,000 total, ~3,900 this part (split into two!)
Beta: Billysgirl5
Summary: Chris wakes up with a bad feeling. Jared never realised how bad it really could get.
A/N: This story is complete. The final part will be posted tomorrow in time for Christmas.
Chapter One | Chapter Two
Chapter Three
The following week ends up being more stressful than it is relaxing for not only Jared but for the whole family and their friends. The network and other news reporters were hounding the place, wanting Jared to speak with them, to tell them his side of the story, but Jared was kept away from it all, as was everyone else, leaving Kripke to deal with them. By the end of the week Jared was also nearing the end of his ability to cope with his family. All of them hovering over him, trying to make sure he was okay, when all Jared really wanted was to breathe and have some time to collect himself.
Jared was now allowed to move around by being pushed in a wheelchair, his leg and wrist supported and his stomach padded. He still tired out easily but was glad for the moments when Chris simply helped him into the chair and wheeled him away from the madness surrounding him. They explored the quiet, white halls together. Sometimes talking about plans and other times with silence as their only company; regardless of what it was, it was moments like these that Jared was truly grateful for.
Jared was resting in his small hospital bed when the doctor came around for his daily visits. The young man wore his white coat with pride and walked into the room immediately commanding the attention of everyone present with his attitude alone. “Well, Jared,” he said with a deep voice, “I think tomorrow is the day...” He started while reading over Jared’s charts.
“The day for what?” Jared asked nervously voicing everyone’s question.
“The day we can finally let you out of here! Now, don’t get me wrong, we’ll have to see you again shortly to ensure that everything is healing well and to remove that cast, but since your blood pressure has dropped to a normal level, and there are still no signs of infection at any of the sights, I think it’s safe to say that you will be fine to go!” he declared.
“Really? I can finally go home?” Jared asked not even trying to contain his excitement.
“Yes, yes, we’ll see how you are doing tomorrow morning, but I’m quite certain that everything will still be alright for you to leave, so long as you continue to rest and don’t take part in any strenuous activities,” he winked.
“Right, yeah, sure, you know I won’t! Just please let me go home!” Jared all but begs, causing everyone else to laugh.
“So he really can come home tomorrow?” Chris asked, standing beside Jared.
“I’d let him go home today, but we just want to run some final tests before we let you out. Nothing serious, just precautionary,” the doctor nodded.
“Awesome!” Jensen smiled.
“Well, unless there is anything else you need to ask me, I have other patients to check up on. I’ll be back tomorrow morning, and then, a nurse will be in to discharge you,” he smiled.
The group thanked him, watching him leave the room before all turning back to Jared. They bombarded Jared with questions and opinions, asking him what he was going to do when he got home, and how he’d feel being home again. Their words were circling around him, giving him a headache, enough was enough. He had put up with everyone for the week now, hovering over him and generally never giving him a moment’s peace. He loved them all, but there was only so much he could handle.
“Enough!” he called, causing a coughing fit to start. Everyone in the room immediately fell silent, curiously watching Jared. “Enough, please!” he coughed, “seriously guys, I love you all, but I need a break! I really am okay. I’m going to heal and then, get back to work, and everything will be back to normal,” Jared said clearly frustrated.
“Jared? Baby, I’m sorry! We’ve just been so worried about you. We want to make sure you’re okay,” Sharron said caressing her son’s cheek.
“I know, Momma, and of course, you’re going to be worried. But really, I am okay, and I think it’s about time that you guys get back to your own lives. Don’t you and Dad have to get back to work? And Megan, don’t you have school to get to?” Jared asked.
“Jared, we can take as much time off as needed for you, Baby,” Sharron started.
“I know, Mom, but I think, now that I’m going to be back at home, that maybe it’s time you guys went back home...”Jared hesitated.
“If that is what you want, son,” Jared’s father interrupted, stopping his wife from continuing, “Sherrie, he’s old enough to be without his parent’s. Chris and Jensen will still be here, and he knows he can call if he needs us for anything,” he placated.
“Chris? Will you be staying with Jared still?” she asked.
“For as long as I can. There was only a few episodes left to film, and they’ve rewritten it so there’s barely any need for me, just some voice over stuff that can be done later. I promise I’ll look after Jared, if that’s what you’re worried about, for as long as he’ll let me,” Chris promised.
“Okay, then Jared, as soon as you’re settled at home, we will be out of your hair,” Sharron agreed.
“Mom...” Jared tried.
“It’s okay, honey, we understand,” Sherrie smiled.
“Thanks, Momma,” Jared said trying to hide his sigh of relief.
b.d
“All you need to do is sign here, and then, you’re free to go,” the small nurse explained, pointing at where Jared’s signature was needed.
“Done and done!” Jared smiled, finalising his release papers.
“Okay, well you just need to make sure you keep your wounds clean and dry and try not to over exert yourself, and use the wheelchair if you need to get around anywhere and just take it easy okay?” she ensured.
“Yeah, no problem! You know I will,” Jared nodded, eager to get out of the hospital.
“Let’s go, man,” Chris nodded, wheeling the chair closer to the hospital bed Jared was still laying on.
Together they slowly lowered Jared down onto the chair where they carefully wheeled him out through the halls to the car park. There his whole family was waiting for him, including Jensen, by the car, ready to take the young man home. They all carefully tried to get Jared into the large truck, helping him by raising him up into the seat. Chris folded up the wheelchair and threw it into the truck bed before rushing around and getting into the driver’s side. The rest of the group would be following them back home in Jensen’s car.
The trip home was practically silent, a country rock station playing in the background as they drove. “I know you hate this question, Jay, but I’m going to ask it anyway,” Chris started smiling when Jared sighed. “Are you okay? And I mean really, it’s just us two now, and I want the truth,” Chris asked.
Jared sighed, knowing that Chris was going to immediately pick up on when Jared started lying. “Okay, you’re right. You know you are. I’m not fine, but I will be; I have to be. Eventually, I’ll be able to go back to normal. I’ll be able to go somewhere and not have to look over my shoulder ever few minutes, eventually, and I have to believe this, Chris, so I need you to believe it, too. Eventually, I’m not going to be scared anymore,” Jared said in hushed tones. “So you’re right. I’m not really okay, but I know I will be,” Jared nodded, rubbing his fists into his eyes trying to rid them of the pooling tears.
“I’m sorry, Jay. I know you don’t like having to admit all of that, and I know you don’t want anyone to say sorry or to pity you, but I am. I hate that this happened to you. I hate that girl for doing all this to you,” Chris said keeping his eyes trained on the road. “It will get better Jay; we’ll make it better,” Chris finished, nodding in finality.
“Thanks,” Jared said simply. They kept driving in silence, Jared slowly curled his hand around one of Chris’, the older man comfortably steering with one hand. This was all they needed, each other.
Upon arriving at Jared’s home, Chris settled Jared back into his chair, seeing Jensen’s car already parked in the driveway, and pushed Jared into the house, their hands still clasped together. They made it through the entrance, but Jared froze in the hallway from the sight that greeted him. Littering the floors and every other available surface were flowers, stuffed toys and other random gifts as well as cards and letters; there wasn’t one piece of furniture that wasn’t covered.
“Wha-what is all this?” Jared asked dumbfounded.
“Gifts from all your fans and other friends, well at least the stuff the network thought appropriate to give you,” Chris answered squeezing Jared’s hand.
“Wow... I just... wow, I don’t even know what to say...” Jared breathed.
“Yeah, the network’s been going crazy. Practically all the mail they have been receiving has been for either you or Jensen, but mainly you. I think giving an interview and saying thank you will be required now,” Jensen said smiling.
“They really do all care about you,” Sharron nodded, “now, come on. You should be lying down, and I know, I know, you don’t want me ‘mother henning’ you, but I have to. We leave tomorrow, so just give me today to make sure you are alright,” Sherrie smiled.
“Its okay, Mom, I get it. I’d like to read some of the cards and letters, if that’s okay?” Jared asked, wearily rubbing his eyes.
“Maybe you should rest first, then we can go through them together?” Chris suggested seeing how tired his lover was.
“Yeah, you’re probably right,” Jared yawned.
“Come on, you,” Chris smiled.
“We’ll get you up again for some lunch in a little while,” Sharron said, watching the boys leave.
Chris pushed Jared into his bedroom and helped the younger man change and then into his large king sized bed. Jared snuggled into the pillows before grabbing at Chris’ arm and pulling the other man down toward him. Jared curled his arm around Chris’ waist and kept the older man pinned down with him.
“Stay with me?” Jared asked, already on his way to being asleep.
“Sure, Babe, whatever you want,” Chris yawned, not having realised how tired he really was as well. His entire week had been spent at the hospital, running errands for both Jared and his family. He had barely slept or eaten anything, and it was only now, with Jared safely back at home, that Chris realised how tired he was. It only took a few minutes before both men were fast asleep.
v.v
The following days were long for Jared, Jensen and Chris. Jared’s family members had left the very next day; however, many friends and other co-workers started showing up the same day. Jared was mainly kept in bed, venturing to the bathroom and, on rare occasions, the kitchen via wheelchair. During the long days, Jared had his laptop as company. Jensen was getting ready to return to work while Chris had already been making numerous trips back and forth between Portland and Vancouver for his own filming obligations.
Jared had searched the web, looking up not only on fansites to see what people were saying about the incident, but finding various articles about it, too. He had found out more about the girl that attacked him. Her name was Alice, and supposedly, she had been off some meds, at least, that’s what the public was being told. He also managed to find out that she had been sent to a psychiatric hospital until she was deemed sane enough to stand for trial.
She was only 20. She had the rest of her life ahead of her, but now, she had nothing. And no matter what she did to Jared, he still felt sorry for her. She was still so young, and from the looks of things, actually promising. He checked a few more sites and finally had all the information he needed. There was one last thing Jared had to do before he could lay the whole incident to rest and move on with his life. He slammed the laptop shut and picked up his cell phone, immediately making the necessary calls to get his plan into action.
Later that night, two weeks after Jared was finally released from the hospital, Jared and Chris were sitting at the table eating a home cooked meal together when Jared finally brought up his idea. “Uh, Chris? Can I talk to you for a sec?” he started, putting his fork down and focusing on his boyfriend.
“What’s up, Jay?” he asked, copying Jared’s actions and staring directly at the other man.
“I’ve been doing some research and looking around, and I think there is something I need to do, whether or not you are going to support me...” he continued.
“Jay? Jared, what are you thinking?” Chris asked becoming nervous.
“I want to visit her...”
“Who?”
“Her name was Alice. She’s... she’s the girl that attacked me and Jensen... and... she... and... yeah...” Jared finished lamely.
“Jared, what? Are you serious? You can’t!” Chris tried to object.
“Chris, I need closure. I need to see her just one last time to put all this behind me, to move on and get back to filming. I need to see for myself that she is locked away and that she can’t get to anyone else, that she can’t hurt anyone else... do you understand, Chris?” Jared explained.
“I do,” Chris sighed, “doesn’t mean I have to like it, though. I wish you’d just let us help you instead, but I guess, we can go see her. Would you let me come with you? I don’t think I’d be able to let you go on your own...” Chris said trying to make a compromise.
“Yeah... I think I’d like that. I’ve been looking around. I found out where she is, and I think if we made a few calls, we might be able to see her, even if just for a small amount of time,” Jared said.
“I get ya, Jared. I’ll make the calls first thing tomorrow and see what we can do. Would you let me ask if extra security can be brought along?” Chris tried.
“I’m sure we can get Clif to come along, but I don’t really want too many people. We don’t want too many people finding out about this either, Chris; we have to keep it under wraps,” Jared rebuked.
“Fair enough. Now, come on, finish eating...” Chris said ending the discussion.
“Yes, Mom,” Jared laughed, picking up his fork and shovelling more food into his mouth.
That night the two of them curled around one another, sharing each other’s body heat and keeping the cool Vancouver night’s air out. Chris still paid particular care to Jared’s injuries, but both his thigh and abdomen was healing nicely and his wrist was protected by the large, bulky cast. They talked to each other in hushed tones, talking about everything and nothing at all, carefully avoiding the topic of Alice in favour of talking about Chris’ music or Jared’s acting, the simple things. Eventually, the two men drifted off into a fitful sleep, still locked in each other’s embrace.
The next morning saw both men waking bright and early. They showered together and dressed quickly before they started in on the calls. It took what felt like ages, but by calling in numerous favours and jumping through even more hoops, Jared had finally gotten his request, to see Alice. It didn’t seem possible, but in two days, Jared was going to face his attacker once and for all.
“Well, Jared, there you go; you have your appointment. Do you know what you are going to do tomorrow?” Chris asked, sitting next to the man in question.
“To be honest, I’m not too sure. I just want to see her, then go from there, I guess,” Jared answered.
“I’ll be there with you the whole time, and the doctors and Clif will be right outside. You don’t have anything to worry about, okay? We get in there, and then, we get out. No one has to know about it, and then, we can get back to our lives,” Chris reassured.
“Yeah, we’ll be right,” Jared nodded.
Now, all he had to do was believe it.
+.+
Continued Here