A Lavish Prison
Title: A Lavish Prison
Author: bahama_breeze77
Rating: NC17ish
Pairing: J2, Jared/Josh Duhamel, Chris/Steve
Warning: Violence, Abuse, Sort of non-con, Bad language
Summary: Jared’s life is hell; he has one friend, a horrible boyfriend, and his future being decided for him. But that all starts to change when a gorgeous green eyed photographer moves into the next door apartment.
A/N: I have very little knowledge of medical related things, so forgive my ignorance when it comes to medications and such. Just go with the flow!!
Previous Chapters
Ch. 9
It was Saturday, exactly a week to go before the wedding, and Jared was bored, absolutely bored out of his mind. It had been three days since he last saw Jensen in the hallway. Three days he had been haunted by the look of devastation on Jensen’s face when Josh announced their wedding. Three days of staying inside the apartment with Josh by his side. Josh had decided to work from home till after the honeymoon. Josh told his boss it was because he still had many plans to make for the wedding but Jared knew it was because Josh wanted to keep an eye on him.
Josh had told Jared that day they had gone to sample wedding cake that he was no longer going to be working at the coffee café or anywhere. It was just a waste of time Josh had said. Since Jared couldn’t leave the apartment without Josh, he had spent most of his time watching TV, giving quick calls to Chad, or reading to stay busy; all the while trying his best to avoid Josh.
“If you’re so bored how about you go visit your mother, I could call her to tell her to expect you.” Josh commented from behind his laptop where he was sitting at the table working.
Jared would rather get eaten by a shark than see his mother. “No.” he replied softly from his position of lying on the couch; staring out the glass balcony doors to the sun outside. It looked like a nice day and he really wanted to feel the sun shine on his face but he knew if he tried to go to the balcony, Josh would just follow.
He was so tired even though he had gotten lots of naps being stuck inside all day. He was sad and miserable without Jensen and he could feel himself slip further into depression as each minute passed. He was craving his pills to numb the feeling but he didn’t have any, Josh had made sure of that. The looming wedding and the uncertainty of his future weren’t helping matters either. He wanted to know what Josh expected of him. If he wasn’t to work, would these last two days be a glimpse of what his future was going to be like? Was he just supposed to stay home and play housewife for Josh?
Jared sighed feeling very melancholy. He curled into himself more and grabbed the blanket off the back of the couch to spread over him. Turing away from the sun he buried his face deeper into the pillow and decided a nap was needed.
“Jared baby, wake up.” A voice called to him.
Jared opened his eyes to see Jensen smiling down at him. “Jensen.” He stated with a sleepy smile.
Jensen laughed. “I’m home baby. I missed you so much.” Jensen stated as he lay down on the bed next to Jared and pulled his lover close kissing him passionately.
Jared smiled and wrapped his arms around Jensen’s neck keeping him close. “I missed you too. Three days is too long to be separated. You can’t ever leave me again.”
“Sounds good; next time I will just pack you in my suitcase along with my pictures and take you with me.” Jensen teased back as he laid kisses over Jared’s face.
Jared smiled. “Good. So how was the gallery opening? I wish I could have been there.”
“It was good, great in fact. Lots of my photos sold the first night. And you can come to the next one if your classes are over with by then.” Jensen promised as he brushed Jared’s hair off his forehead.
Jared nodded and smiled at his love. “I love you.”
“I love you more.” Jensen replied sweetly as he gave Jared another kiss. “You know, it’s a good thing Chris and Steve were there with me?”
Jared’s eyebrows rose in question. “Why is that?”
“Apparently I’m hot stuff.” Jensen teased. “All the women and a few men were practically throwing themselves at me. Chris and Steve had to beat them all off. But to the ones that got through I had to say: ‘no thank you, I’m already a happily taken man’.”
Jared gasped in mock outrage. “Well we can’t have that!”
Jensen shook his head and smiled. “Nope, so next time you have to be there and then everyone will see the big shinny ring on our fingers and know we are already taken.”
“What big shiny rings?” Jared asked confused.
“These.” Jensen said simply as he held up his hand, palm open, to display two gold, diamond encrusted rings.
Jared’s eyes widened and he gasped as he saw the rings. He looked up into Jensen’s eyes and asked, “Jensen?”
“Jared, you know I love you more than anything. I want to spend the rest of our lives together. We deserve a happily ever after, don’t you think? So…will you do me the honor of becoming my husband?” Jensen asked his voice full of love and want.
Jared smiled as he felt tears cloud his eyes. “Yes!” He pulled Jensen down to kiss him. “Oh yes I will!”
Jensen smiled and returned the kiss with as much love and desire as he could put into it.
Jared pulled back and happily asked, “When should we get married?”
“Saturday.”
Jared woke up with a quiet gasp. Disoriented from the dream he just had.
“Saturday.” He heard Josh state into the phone. “Yes, I know its short notice but you will be well paid…yes…that’s perfect…”
Jared sighed as he relaxed back into the couch tuning Josh out, he could care less what arrangements he was making. He wanted to escape back into that dream. His stomach became nauseous and his eyes welled up as he realized he would never have that or be that happy. He couldn’t be with Jensen, there was no happily ever after in the future for him.
*******~~~*******
Jensen had spent the last three days switching between depressed, angry, and frustrated. He was sad because he hadn’t seen or heard from Jared; he was angry at Josh for keeping Jared from him and he was frustrated as hell because he didn’t know what to do about the ‘Jared’ situation. Chris and Steve had been a huge support to him. He should probably give them a ‘best friends’ award for putting up with his mood swings and staying with him when they didn’t have to. But Jensen knew that when he was troubled, Chris and Steve wouldn’t be anywhere else but by his side.
Jensen had gone through countless scenarios in his head about how to help Jared. One being to murder Josh, while that one would definitely make him feel better; the outcome for his relationship with Jared wouldn’t be good unless they could do it through a jail cell door. Another one, had been to just outright kidnap Jared and take him far away from Florida. More options involved the police, changing their identities, begging Josh to let him have Jared, and moving abroad. But all those were done in the movies and were not really feasible in real life.
Chris and Steve were hot on the police idea, but Jared had said that Josh had friends in high places and he could guess that some of those were in law enforcement. So Jensen was still stuck on what to do. He knew he didn’t have very long because oh apparently Jared was getting married in a week.
Jensen sighed as he laid back against the couch. He had sent Chris and Steve out to get dinner so he could have some quiet time to himself. He hadn’t been sleeping well, and he knew he looked like hell, his friends had told him so many times over the last three days. They had been trying to drag him out and get fresh air or do anything other than sit in his apartment in misery.
The other night they had persuaded him to get out and go to the bar with them. They thought it would be a great place to go to make him forget about the ‘Jared’ situation for awhile. Jensen had proved them wrong when he had accidentally proceeded to get absolutely wasted within an hour and whined to the bartender about how much people named Josh were assholes; his friends had to practically drag him home.
He had spent the night puking up his guts, with Chris rubbing his back and Steve providing him with cool towels to wipe away the sweat and sickness. Finally about three in the morning he had curled up in his friend’s arms and the three of them had fallen into a restless sleep.
Jensen promised himself that he would get a good night sleep tonight so that tomorrow he could come up with an brilliant plan to get Jared back and safe away from Josh. He would do it, he had to.
*******~~~*******
After Jared woke up the next morning he just laid in bed staring at the morning sun for almost an hour. It’s not like he had anywhere to go or anything to do. It was his full bladder that finally pulled him out of bed and into the bathroom. After looking longingly at the medicine cabinet he wandered over to the sink to wash up. Inspecting his face in the mirror he could see that most of the cuts from the glass bottle had healed up; some were still visible but looked more like paper cuts. The bruising was fading a bit; instead of the blackish blue color it had faded into more of a reddish yellow. Lifting up his shirt he saw that his torso still had multiple bruises on it; all colors.
Sighing, Jared went to the bed room for new clothes. As he was pulling them on he realized that the house was strangely quiet. Usually he could hear Josh on the phone or walking around the place. But he couldn’t hear anything right now. Maybe Josh had left, but Jared didn’t think so, hell would freeze over first.
Jared walked into the living room and immediately scowled as he saw his mother sitting on the couch reading. “Mother.”
Diane looked up from her book. “Good morning. I was wondering how long you were going to sleep.”
“What are you doing here?” Jared asked impatiently.
“Oh, Josh said he had to run into work for half a day, important business meeting or some such thing. So he thought I could come spend the day with you.”
Jared rolled his eyes, “Whatever.” He dismissed and went to get some coffee in the kitchen.
Jared thought for a minute. He knew that he wouldn’t be able to get out of the apartment alone. He was sure Josh had told his mother not to let him leave and he also knew that if he tried, then his mother would most likely call Josh. He didn’t want to get hit again so he knew he couldn’t go out, but he wondered if Josh said anything to his mother about the balcony…
Walking back into the living room he said, “I’m going to go drink this on the balcony.” He held his breath, waiting for a negative reaction but he sighed as his mother smiled at him.
“That’s a good idea. You’re looking so pale dear.” Diane said as she stood up and reached out to touch his face.
Jared jerked back away from her hand. “Like you really care.” He was tired of his mother and her fake concern. He was just plain tired of her period. As he looked at his mother he suddenly realized that he had lost all the love and respect for her that he had previously held. It made him sad but he quickly pushed the feeling away.
Diane looked scandalized. “Of course I care sweetheart, I’m your mother.”
Jared snorted and shook his head. There was just no sense in even trying to talk to his mother. He walked past his mother over to the balcony doors. “I’ll just be out here in the sun then.”
“Great honey; you don’t want to look too washed out in your white tux.” Diane smiled.
“Go to hell.” Jared muttered not looking back to see if his mother heard as he stepped onto the balcony and shut the doors behind him. He took a deep breath of fresh air and tipped his head back so the sunshine fell on his face. God, it felt good to be out here after so long stuck inside.
Jared wandered over to one of the chairs and sat down, relaxing back into it and drinking his coffee. Closing his eyes he tipped his head back and let the sunshine warm him. He had a feeling though that the warm air and hot sun would do nothing to thaw the coldness that had settled within him. He didn’t think anything would again. He wasn’t sure how long he had sat there before he heard a voice say his name softly.
“Jared?”
He startled upright and looked behind him expecting to see Josh standing there furious, but all he saw was his mother inside sitting on the couch reading. He quickly turned his head to the side, toward Jensen’s balcony, and his heart jumped as he saw Jensen standing near the railing.
“Jensen?” Jared asked, not quite sure he actually believed Jensen was really standing there. Could this be another dream?
“Jared! God, are you okay? I’ve been so worried about you.” Jensen gripped the railing with shaking hands and Jared could imagine that was the only thing keeping him from jumping over to him.
“Yeah, I’m okay. I just…I’m…” Jared trailed off not quite sure what to say. So many emotions and thoughts were passing rapidly through his head; but the strongest one was how much he had missed this gorgeous man, missed being in his arms.
Jensen must have been able to interpret the longing in his eyes because he said, “I know.”
Jared looked back inside his apartment quickly to make sure his mother wasn’t watching. She wouldn’t have been able to see Jensen, but she might be suspicious if she saw Jared talking to the side of him. He turned back to face Jensen with a heartbreaking expression. “I’m so sorry Jensen. I’m so sorry. I…I never wanted to hurt you like this…”
Jensen quickly shook his head. “I understand your concerns Jared but they’re misplaced.” He said simply.
Jared sighed and looked back out to the ocean as he continued to talk. There was no sense to chance that his mother wouldn’t look up; especially with his shitty luck. “You don’t understand…”
“But I do and I don’t care!” Jensen almost shouted out loud but quickly lowered his voice before it came out. He could tell by the way that Jared kept looking back behind him that someone was inside Jared’s apartment. “I love you…I never got the chance to tell you but I love you too.”
Jared quickly looked to Jensen with teary eyes. “Jensen…” his voice cracked with emotion.
“Please Jared! Please let’s be together.” Jensen pleaded desperately.
“But…” Jared began.
Jensen knew that Jared was about to bring up Josh or his mother and quickly interrupted. “Forget everyone else. Just think about you and me…together. Don’t you want that?”
Jared choked out a half sob-half laugh sound. “Of course I do, but how? It’s impossible.” He said with another quick glance back at his mother. She hadn’t moved.
Jensen shrugged. “Let’s run away. Let’s just get in the car and leave this place.”
Jared sighed as a few tears leaked out of his eyes. “That will never work. Josh won’t allow it. He…he would…” Jared shook his head looking to the ocean. “It will never work.”
“It has to. Because I don’t know how else we can be together.” Jensen remarked as his own tears began to fall. He could see how much Jared wanted this but he also knew Jared was trying to talk himself out of it.
Jared turned back to Jensen after hearing how much sadness and desperation was in that last sentence. “Jen…” he croaked out wanting Jensen to understand that they couldn’t be together.
“No!” Jensen cut off, not wanting to hear anymore. “I know your scared Jared, so am I. But you get married in less than a week so we have run out of time. Do you really want to be Josh’s punching bag….his sexual toy for the rest of your life? Do you?” Jensen knew that was a low blow, but he was desperate to see Jared safe and far away from Josh.
Jared flinched. “N…No…” he stuttered out.
“Then do something about it! I hate to see this sweet perfect man you are fading a bit more each day. You only get one life, one chance…this is your only chance at life and love; so take it. Your not alone anymore Jared.” Jensen pleaded, hoping his words would have some impact on Jared.
Jared looked at the ground. Jensen was right; this would be the only chance to get away from Josh. It would be hard and they might have to lay low for a while or for a very long time most likely, but at least they would have each other. There wasn’t anything keeping him here but fear. He might get hurt getting away from Josh or even killed, but a lifetime with Josh was a death sentence anyway. Finally he quietly said, “Okay.”
“Please just…what? Okay?” Jensen asked surprised and instantly filled with hope. He had been prepared for another speech to convince Jared to come with him.
“Okay.” Jared said with a small smile at Jensen. “I love you. I want to be with you. So…okay.”
“Okay.” Jensen smiled back at Jared.
Looking back to see his mother still reading he asked, “What are we going to do?”
“We’re going to run.” Jensen answered confidently. “Chris and Steve will help us and I’m sure Chad will too.”
Jared nodded. “Yeah, but Josh never leaves my side. He or my mother is always there. I think he knows I’ve been with you. He hasn’t said it outright…but he knows.”
Jensen ran a hand over his face and back through his hair as he thought. “Pack a bag by tomorrow and hide it somewhere. I’ll do the same and get some stuff together…and tomorrow we’ll meet somewhere and just go.”
“Where? When?” Jared asked with a quick glance back to his mother.
“Tomorrow night at midnight.” Jensen answered. “We can meet around the corner; I’ll head out early and have my car there waiting. Once Josh is asleep, just sneak out and meet me there.”
Jared nodded. “Okay. Do you really think this will work?”
Jensen smiled. “Yeah. We’ll go someplace he won’t ever find us.”
Jared nodded again. He prayed it would work out. “Okay.” Jared glanced back to see his mother looking at him with a raised eyebrow. He looked back at the ocean but addressed Jensen. “Fuck, you got to go. I think she’s coming out.”
Jensen nodded and quickly moved back toward his own balcony doors. “I love you.” He called over his shoulder.
“I love you too.” Jared whispered back. A second later he heard the doors behind him open and he looked back at his mother; face calm and bored looking.
“Mother? Need something?” he asked innocently. He saw his mother glance over to Jensen’s empty balcony and then to the other empty balcony on the other side. He fought a smile.
“Nope, just wondering what you were doing.” Diane replied with a sweet smile as she stepped out into the sun.
“I was just enjoying the view. But it’s so hot out here, I think a shower would be nice.” He said as he stood up and walked back inside away from his mother. He suddenly felt warm inside and he knew it had nothing to do with the hot sun. For the first time in a while he felt hopeful.
*******~~~*******
Chad was chilling on his couch watching basketball. He had a day off from the coffee café and usually he would spend it with Jared, but because asshole Josh wouldn’t let Jared out, he was stuck by himself at home. Chad hoped his friend was okay.
His cell phone buzzed and he quickly reached over to pick it up. It was Jared. “Hey dude, you okay?”
Jared laughed. “You ask me that every time I call you. Yes, I’m fine.”
Chad snorted unhappily. “Yeah, well I think I have a pretty good reason to ask you that every time.” He snapped.
He heard Jared sigh heavily. “I know; sorry. You’re a good friend Chad.”
“Damn straight.” Chad muttered. “What is that noise?” He looked out the window at the sunny sky. “It sounds like its raining.”
“Ummm, the shower. I told my mom I was going to shower; it’s the only way I could get away from her to call you.”
“I see.” Chad said slowly. “So what’s new?”
There was silence for a while before Jared replied, “I talked with Jensen today.”
“What?” Chad asked surprised, “How did you manage that?”
“Doesn’t matter…he asked me to run away with him…I told him yes.”
Chad straightened up quickly and turned off the TV. “What?” Chad asked super surprised. “That’s…that’s great…how…what made you decide this?”
“Jensen.” Jared stated simply. “And I just realized that I love him so much and I want to be with him. I’d rather die than spend my life with Josh.”
“Don’t say that Jared! But, I’m happy for you.” Chad smiled. “When is this happening?”
“Tomorrow night. Look I got to go, my mom’s going to wonder what I’m up to.”
Chad nodded, worried for his friend. “Be careful man and call me as soon as you leave the apartment.”
“Okay.”
“Please be careful.” Chad pleaded again.
“I will.”
Chad hung up and rubbed his hands over his face. This would be great if Jared could make this work. But if it went wrong, Chad honestly feared for his friend’s life. “Please God.” Chad prayed for the first time in his life. “Please watch over my friend.”
TBC next Monday!
Author: bahama_breeze77
Rating: NC17ish
Pairing: J2, Jared/Josh Duhamel, Chris/Steve
Warning: Violence, Abuse, Sort of non-con, Bad language
Summary: Jared’s life is hell; he has one friend, a horrible boyfriend, and his future being decided for him. But that all starts to change when a gorgeous green eyed photographer moves into the next door apartment.
A/N: I have very little knowledge of medical related things, so forgive my ignorance when it comes to medications and such. Just go with the flow!!
Previous Chapters
Ch. 9
It was Saturday, exactly a week to go before the wedding, and Jared was bored, absolutely bored out of his mind. It had been three days since he last saw Jensen in the hallway. Three days he had been haunted by the look of devastation on Jensen’s face when Josh announced their wedding. Three days of staying inside the apartment with Josh by his side. Josh had decided to work from home till after the honeymoon. Josh told his boss it was because he still had many plans to make for the wedding but Jared knew it was because Josh wanted to keep an eye on him.
Josh had told Jared that day they had gone to sample wedding cake that he was no longer going to be working at the coffee café or anywhere. It was just a waste of time Josh had said. Since Jared couldn’t leave the apartment without Josh, he had spent most of his time watching TV, giving quick calls to Chad, or reading to stay busy; all the while trying his best to avoid Josh.
“If you’re so bored how about you go visit your mother, I could call her to tell her to expect you.” Josh commented from behind his laptop where he was sitting at the table working.
Jared would rather get eaten by a shark than see his mother. “No.” he replied softly from his position of lying on the couch; staring out the glass balcony doors to the sun outside. It looked like a nice day and he really wanted to feel the sun shine on his face but he knew if he tried to go to the balcony, Josh would just follow.
He was so tired even though he had gotten lots of naps being stuck inside all day. He was sad and miserable without Jensen and he could feel himself slip further into depression as each minute passed. He was craving his pills to numb the feeling but he didn’t have any, Josh had made sure of that. The looming wedding and the uncertainty of his future weren’t helping matters either. He wanted to know what Josh expected of him. If he wasn’t to work, would these last two days be a glimpse of what his future was going to be like? Was he just supposed to stay home and play housewife for Josh?
Jared sighed feeling very melancholy. He curled into himself more and grabbed the blanket off the back of the couch to spread over him. Turing away from the sun he buried his face deeper into the pillow and decided a nap was needed.
“Jared baby, wake up.” A voice called to him.
Jared opened his eyes to see Jensen smiling down at him. “Jensen.” He stated with a sleepy smile.
Jensen laughed. “I’m home baby. I missed you so much.” Jensen stated as he lay down on the bed next to Jared and pulled his lover close kissing him passionately.
Jared smiled and wrapped his arms around Jensen’s neck keeping him close. “I missed you too. Three days is too long to be separated. You can’t ever leave me again.”
“Sounds good; next time I will just pack you in my suitcase along with my pictures and take you with me.” Jensen teased back as he laid kisses over Jared’s face.
Jared smiled. “Good. So how was the gallery opening? I wish I could have been there.”
“It was good, great in fact. Lots of my photos sold the first night. And you can come to the next one if your classes are over with by then.” Jensen promised as he brushed Jared’s hair off his forehead.
Jared nodded and smiled at his love. “I love you.”
“I love you more.” Jensen replied sweetly as he gave Jared another kiss. “You know, it’s a good thing Chris and Steve were there with me?”
Jared’s eyebrows rose in question. “Why is that?”
“Apparently I’m hot stuff.” Jensen teased. “All the women and a few men were practically throwing themselves at me. Chris and Steve had to beat them all off. But to the ones that got through I had to say: ‘no thank you, I’m already a happily taken man’.”
Jared gasped in mock outrage. “Well we can’t have that!”
Jensen shook his head and smiled. “Nope, so next time you have to be there and then everyone will see the big shinny ring on our fingers and know we are already taken.”
“What big shiny rings?” Jared asked confused.
“These.” Jensen said simply as he held up his hand, palm open, to display two gold, diamond encrusted rings.
Jared’s eyes widened and he gasped as he saw the rings. He looked up into Jensen’s eyes and asked, “Jensen?”
“Jared, you know I love you more than anything. I want to spend the rest of our lives together. We deserve a happily ever after, don’t you think? So…will you do me the honor of becoming my husband?” Jensen asked his voice full of love and want.
Jared smiled as he felt tears cloud his eyes. “Yes!” He pulled Jensen down to kiss him. “Oh yes I will!”
Jensen smiled and returned the kiss with as much love and desire as he could put into it.
Jared pulled back and happily asked, “When should we get married?”
“Saturday.”
Jared woke up with a quiet gasp. Disoriented from the dream he just had.
“Saturday.” He heard Josh state into the phone. “Yes, I know its short notice but you will be well paid…yes…that’s perfect…”
Jared sighed as he relaxed back into the couch tuning Josh out, he could care less what arrangements he was making. He wanted to escape back into that dream. His stomach became nauseous and his eyes welled up as he realized he would never have that or be that happy. He couldn’t be with Jensen, there was no happily ever after in the future for him.
*******~~~*******
Jensen had spent the last three days switching between depressed, angry, and frustrated. He was sad because he hadn’t seen or heard from Jared; he was angry at Josh for keeping Jared from him and he was frustrated as hell because he didn’t know what to do about the ‘Jared’ situation. Chris and Steve had been a huge support to him. He should probably give them a ‘best friends’ award for putting up with his mood swings and staying with him when they didn’t have to. But Jensen knew that when he was troubled, Chris and Steve wouldn’t be anywhere else but by his side.
Jensen had gone through countless scenarios in his head about how to help Jared. One being to murder Josh, while that one would definitely make him feel better; the outcome for his relationship with Jared wouldn’t be good unless they could do it through a jail cell door. Another one, had been to just outright kidnap Jared and take him far away from Florida. More options involved the police, changing their identities, begging Josh to let him have Jared, and moving abroad. But all those were done in the movies and were not really feasible in real life.
Chris and Steve were hot on the police idea, but Jared had said that Josh had friends in high places and he could guess that some of those were in law enforcement. So Jensen was still stuck on what to do. He knew he didn’t have very long because oh apparently Jared was getting married in a week.
Jensen sighed as he laid back against the couch. He had sent Chris and Steve out to get dinner so he could have some quiet time to himself. He hadn’t been sleeping well, and he knew he looked like hell, his friends had told him so many times over the last three days. They had been trying to drag him out and get fresh air or do anything other than sit in his apartment in misery.
The other night they had persuaded him to get out and go to the bar with them. They thought it would be a great place to go to make him forget about the ‘Jared’ situation for awhile. Jensen had proved them wrong when he had accidentally proceeded to get absolutely wasted within an hour and whined to the bartender about how much people named Josh were assholes; his friends had to practically drag him home.
He had spent the night puking up his guts, with Chris rubbing his back and Steve providing him with cool towels to wipe away the sweat and sickness. Finally about three in the morning he had curled up in his friend’s arms and the three of them had fallen into a restless sleep.
Jensen promised himself that he would get a good night sleep tonight so that tomorrow he could come up with an brilliant plan to get Jared back and safe away from Josh. He would do it, he had to.
*******~~~*******
After Jared woke up the next morning he just laid in bed staring at the morning sun for almost an hour. It’s not like he had anywhere to go or anything to do. It was his full bladder that finally pulled him out of bed and into the bathroom. After looking longingly at the medicine cabinet he wandered over to the sink to wash up. Inspecting his face in the mirror he could see that most of the cuts from the glass bottle had healed up; some were still visible but looked more like paper cuts. The bruising was fading a bit; instead of the blackish blue color it had faded into more of a reddish yellow. Lifting up his shirt he saw that his torso still had multiple bruises on it; all colors.
Sighing, Jared went to the bed room for new clothes. As he was pulling them on he realized that the house was strangely quiet. Usually he could hear Josh on the phone or walking around the place. But he couldn’t hear anything right now. Maybe Josh had left, but Jared didn’t think so, hell would freeze over first.
Jared walked into the living room and immediately scowled as he saw his mother sitting on the couch reading. “Mother.”
Diane looked up from her book. “Good morning. I was wondering how long you were going to sleep.”
“What are you doing here?” Jared asked impatiently.
“Oh, Josh said he had to run into work for half a day, important business meeting or some such thing. So he thought I could come spend the day with you.”
Jared rolled his eyes, “Whatever.” He dismissed and went to get some coffee in the kitchen.
Jared thought for a minute. He knew that he wouldn’t be able to get out of the apartment alone. He was sure Josh had told his mother not to let him leave and he also knew that if he tried, then his mother would most likely call Josh. He didn’t want to get hit again so he knew he couldn’t go out, but he wondered if Josh said anything to his mother about the balcony…
Walking back into the living room he said, “I’m going to go drink this on the balcony.” He held his breath, waiting for a negative reaction but he sighed as his mother smiled at him.
“That’s a good idea. You’re looking so pale dear.” Diane said as she stood up and reached out to touch his face.
Jared jerked back away from her hand. “Like you really care.” He was tired of his mother and her fake concern. He was just plain tired of her period. As he looked at his mother he suddenly realized that he had lost all the love and respect for her that he had previously held. It made him sad but he quickly pushed the feeling away.
Diane looked scandalized. “Of course I care sweetheart, I’m your mother.”
Jared snorted and shook his head. There was just no sense in even trying to talk to his mother. He walked past his mother over to the balcony doors. “I’ll just be out here in the sun then.”
“Great honey; you don’t want to look too washed out in your white tux.” Diane smiled.
“Go to hell.” Jared muttered not looking back to see if his mother heard as he stepped onto the balcony and shut the doors behind him. He took a deep breath of fresh air and tipped his head back so the sunshine fell on his face. God, it felt good to be out here after so long stuck inside.
Jared wandered over to one of the chairs and sat down, relaxing back into it and drinking his coffee. Closing his eyes he tipped his head back and let the sunshine warm him. He had a feeling though that the warm air and hot sun would do nothing to thaw the coldness that had settled within him. He didn’t think anything would again. He wasn’t sure how long he had sat there before he heard a voice say his name softly.
“Jared?”
He startled upright and looked behind him expecting to see Josh standing there furious, but all he saw was his mother inside sitting on the couch reading. He quickly turned his head to the side, toward Jensen’s balcony, and his heart jumped as he saw Jensen standing near the railing.
“Jensen?” Jared asked, not quite sure he actually believed Jensen was really standing there. Could this be another dream?
“Jared! God, are you okay? I’ve been so worried about you.” Jensen gripped the railing with shaking hands and Jared could imagine that was the only thing keeping him from jumping over to him.
“Yeah, I’m okay. I just…I’m…” Jared trailed off not quite sure what to say. So many emotions and thoughts were passing rapidly through his head; but the strongest one was how much he had missed this gorgeous man, missed being in his arms.
Jensen must have been able to interpret the longing in his eyes because he said, “I know.”
Jared looked back inside his apartment quickly to make sure his mother wasn’t watching. She wouldn’t have been able to see Jensen, but she might be suspicious if she saw Jared talking to the side of him. He turned back to face Jensen with a heartbreaking expression. “I’m so sorry Jensen. I’m so sorry. I…I never wanted to hurt you like this…”
Jensen quickly shook his head. “I understand your concerns Jared but they’re misplaced.” He said simply.
Jared sighed and looked back out to the ocean as he continued to talk. There was no sense to chance that his mother wouldn’t look up; especially with his shitty luck. “You don’t understand…”
“But I do and I don’t care!” Jensen almost shouted out loud but quickly lowered his voice before it came out. He could tell by the way that Jared kept looking back behind him that someone was inside Jared’s apartment. “I love you…I never got the chance to tell you but I love you too.”
Jared quickly looked to Jensen with teary eyes. “Jensen…” his voice cracked with emotion.
“Please Jared! Please let’s be together.” Jensen pleaded desperately.
“But…” Jared began.
Jensen knew that Jared was about to bring up Josh or his mother and quickly interrupted. “Forget everyone else. Just think about you and me…together. Don’t you want that?”
Jared choked out a half sob-half laugh sound. “Of course I do, but how? It’s impossible.” He said with another quick glance back at his mother. She hadn’t moved.
Jensen shrugged. “Let’s run away. Let’s just get in the car and leave this place.”
Jared sighed as a few tears leaked out of his eyes. “That will never work. Josh won’t allow it. He…he would…” Jared shook his head looking to the ocean. “It will never work.”
“It has to. Because I don’t know how else we can be together.” Jensen remarked as his own tears began to fall. He could see how much Jared wanted this but he also knew Jared was trying to talk himself out of it.
Jared turned back to Jensen after hearing how much sadness and desperation was in that last sentence. “Jen…” he croaked out wanting Jensen to understand that they couldn’t be together.
“No!” Jensen cut off, not wanting to hear anymore. “I know your scared Jared, so am I. But you get married in less than a week so we have run out of time. Do you really want to be Josh’s punching bag….his sexual toy for the rest of your life? Do you?” Jensen knew that was a low blow, but he was desperate to see Jared safe and far away from Josh.
Jared flinched. “N…No…” he stuttered out.
“Then do something about it! I hate to see this sweet perfect man you are fading a bit more each day. You only get one life, one chance…this is your only chance at life and love; so take it. Your not alone anymore Jared.” Jensen pleaded, hoping his words would have some impact on Jared.
Jared looked at the ground. Jensen was right; this would be the only chance to get away from Josh. It would be hard and they might have to lay low for a while or for a very long time most likely, but at least they would have each other. There wasn’t anything keeping him here but fear. He might get hurt getting away from Josh or even killed, but a lifetime with Josh was a death sentence anyway. Finally he quietly said, “Okay.”
“Please just…what? Okay?” Jensen asked surprised and instantly filled with hope. He had been prepared for another speech to convince Jared to come with him.
“Okay.” Jared said with a small smile at Jensen. “I love you. I want to be with you. So…okay.”
“Okay.” Jensen smiled back at Jared.
Looking back to see his mother still reading he asked, “What are we going to do?”
“We’re going to run.” Jensen answered confidently. “Chris and Steve will help us and I’m sure Chad will too.”
Jared nodded. “Yeah, but Josh never leaves my side. He or my mother is always there. I think he knows I’ve been with you. He hasn’t said it outright…but he knows.”
Jensen ran a hand over his face and back through his hair as he thought. “Pack a bag by tomorrow and hide it somewhere. I’ll do the same and get some stuff together…and tomorrow we’ll meet somewhere and just go.”
“Where? When?” Jared asked with a quick glance back to his mother.
“Tomorrow night at midnight.” Jensen answered. “We can meet around the corner; I’ll head out early and have my car there waiting. Once Josh is asleep, just sneak out and meet me there.”
Jared nodded. “Okay. Do you really think this will work?”
Jensen smiled. “Yeah. We’ll go someplace he won’t ever find us.”
Jared nodded again. He prayed it would work out. “Okay.” Jared glanced back to see his mother looking at him with a raised eyebrow. He looked back at the ocean but addressed Jensen. “Fuck, you got to go. I think she’s coming out.”
Jensen nodded and quickly moved back toward his own balcony doors. “I love you.” He called over his shoulder.
“I love you too.” Jared whispered back. A second later he heard the doors behind him open and he looked back at his mother; face calm and bored looking.
“Mother? Need something?” he asked innocently. He saw his mother glance over to Jensen’s empty balcony and then to the other empty balcony on the other side. He fought a smile.
“Nope, just wondering what you were doing.” Diane replied with a sweet smile as she stepped out into the sun.
“I was just enjoying the view. But it’s so hot out here, I think a shower would be nice.” He said as he stood up and walked back inside away from his mother. He suddenly felt warm inside and he knew it had nothing to do with the hot sun. For the first time in a while he felt hopeful.
*******~~~*******
Chad was chilling on his couch watching basketball. He had a day off from the coffee café and usually he would spend it with Jared, but because asshole Josh wouldn’t let Jared out, he was stuck by himself at home. Chad hoped his friend was okay.
His cell phone buzzed and he quickly reached over to pick it up. It was Jared. “Hey dude, you okay?”
Jared laughed. “You ask me that every time I call you. Yes, I’m fine.”
Chad snorted unhappily. “Yeah, well I think I have a pretty good reason to ask you that every time.” He snapped.
He heard Jared sigh heavily. “I know; sorry. You’re a good friend Chad.”
“Damn straight.” Chad muttered. “What is that noise?” He looked out the window at the sunny sky. “It sounds like its raining.”
“Ummm, the shower. I told my mom I was going to shower; it’s the only way I could get away from her to call you.”
“I see.” Chad said slowly. “So what’s new?”
There was silence for a while before Jared replied, “I talked with Jensen today.”
“What?” Chad asked surprised, “How did you manage that?”
“Doesn’t matter…he asked me to run away with him…I told him yes.”
Chad straightened up quickly and turned off the TV. “What?” Chad asked super surprised. “That’s…that’s great…how…what made you decide this?”
“Jensen.” Jared stated simply. “And I just realized that I love him so much and I want to be with him. I’d rather die than spend my life with Josh.”
“Don’t say that Jared! But, I’m happy for you.” Chad smiled. “When is this happening?”
“Tomorrow night. Look I got to go, my mom’s going to wonder what I’m up to.”
Chad nodded, worried for his friend. “Be careful man and call me as soon as you leave the apartment.”
“Okay.”
“Please be careful.” Chad pleaded again.
“I will.”
Chad hung up and rubbed his hands over his face. This would be great if Jared could make this work. But if it went wrong, Chad honestly feared for his friend’s life. “Please God.” Chad prayed for the first time in his life. “Please watch over my friend.”
TBC next Monday!