Silence = Death (Part 2) - Jensen/Jared - NC-17

[benitle_writes]

"Hey," Jensen says, sitting down on the sofa.

Jared looks up from his book, his old, battered copy of The Great Gatsby. It's probably the one-millionth time he's reading it. He smiles quickly at Jensen before he reaches for his bookmark and places it between the thin, yellowed pages. After he closes the book and places it on the coffee table, he bends over to Jensen and presses a short but firm kiss to his lips. Jared's mouth don't linger nearly long enough and when he pulls away, Jensen opens his eyes again, not even aware of having closed them.

The girls are asleep after a day of going to the mall, looking at another place and then searching for flights together with Jared. It's the first time that Jensen gets Jared all by himself to talk about what he said earlier. Jensen didn't want to address the matter in front of Sophie and Audrey, in case Jared had changed his mind, in case Jared had a moment of insecurity that he didn't want the girls to witness.

Not that Jensen seriously believed that Jared would change his mind now, no matter how uncomfortable the whole thing made him. He promised Audrey and if Jensen can say one thing for sure, it's that Jared is a man who keeps his promises.

They don't speak right away and Jensen uses the time to get comfortable on the sofa. He lies down with his back facing the backrest, his head in Jared's lap. Jared's fingers comb through Jensen's hair and it's a feeling way too nice not to make him feel a little sleepy. In return, Jensen draws an invisible pattern onto Jared's thigh, stroking him ever so softly.

"I did the right thing, didn't I? I'm gonna do the right thing?" Jared asks. Jensen doesn't even have to look at him to know that there's an insecure expression on Jared's face. He's known Jared for long enough to know it's there.

Besides, he's gone through the whole coming out phase himself and he knows what it's like, how intimidating it can be.

"Does it feel right to you? Does it feel right to you that you're making Audrey happy because she wants to meet her new grandparents without knowing what this means for you? And does it feel right to you to finally admit to your family who you really are?" Jensen asks in return.

He keeps his voice soft, soothing. Jensen doesn't mention himself and what Jared coming out means to him on purpose. Even though he's got to admit that Jared denying him and what they have hurts him, he also has to admit that he understands Jared and that he would have been willing to lay off Jared after their argument the other day.

The real reason is the girls. It's the girls that made Jensen press the issue in the past. Audrey and Sophie don't understand this whole coming out thing and they don't understand why Audrey can't meet her new grandparents. Even though Jared didn't mean to, he upset Audrey and Sophie.

Jared doesn't answer at first. Instead he simply continues running his fingers through Jensen's hair and drops his other hand on Jensen's side, just keeping it there as a solid weight.

"I'm scared," Jared admits.

This is the moment Jensen turns around to look at Jared. The expression on Jared's face says just that; I'm scared.

Reaching up a hand and cupping Jared's cheek, Jensen says, "I know, Jared. I know. But believe me, it's gonna eat you from the inside if you keep it to yourself for too long. Maybe not right now, but sooner or later. And it won't become easier with each day that passes. I know it's hard, but once you've got it off your chest you'll feel so much better."

"What if they hate me?" Jared blurts out.

Jensen smiles softly at Jared. He's trying not to laugh because he fears that Jared would only interpret it the wrong way. Jensen doesn't think it's funny that Jared is worried or scared or that he thinks that Jared is overreacting, no, Jensen thinks it's funny that he had exactly the same thoughts and fears before his coming out. The real comedy about this situation is how much this feels like a déjà vu to Jensen.

He strokes over Jared's cheek before he says, "Jared, they won't hate you. They might be upset about it at first or they might be shocked by the idea but they won't hate you. You're their son. Parents love their children, no matter what."

Jensen can practically see the wheels turning inside Jared's head, can see how he's thinking and considering. But apparently, Jensen's answer isn't enough to put his mind at ease.

"What do I do? I mean, how do I tell them?"

Jared worries his lower lip with his teeth and all Jensen wants to do is kiss him and make Jared's discomfort go away. Instead Jensen keeps stroking slowly over Jared's cheek because he thinks they actually should talk about this. Making out will have to wait.

"I wouldn't wait until next week when we're down there," Jensen suggests. "Give them some time to get used to the idea before you introduce us."

Jared's face freezes for a split second, a sad expression disappearing just as quickly as it appeared. "And give us time to cancel the flights in case the shit hits the fan."

Jensen hates how defeated Jared sounds, how much he's obviously worried about this and how pessimistic Jared is about it. He doesn't know how Jared's parents are going to react because he doesn't know them at all. And while Jensen has been relatively lucky when he came out, he knows how it went for some of his friends. Sighing, he wishes there was something he could do for Jared, other than trying to reassure him and be the silent power behind Jared's back.

"Jared, that's not going to happen," Jensen tries to encourage. "But you know, it might not be a good idea to fly down and then tell them once we're all there 'By the way, this is my boyfriend Jensen and his daughter Audrey.' Give them time to digest."

All of a sudden, Jared panics. His eyes spring wide open and he stares at Jensen in shock. Jensen notices how Jared tenses underneath him. Jensen's confused; he wants to ask Jared what's wrong, when Jared nearly squeaks, clearly in distress, "Do I have to call them? Like now?"

Jensen's quick to answer Jared. "No, not now, Jared. It's kinda late. Um, call them tomorrow evening. This gives us time to prepare and maybe we can come up with a few things together that you want to say."

He tries to smile encouragingly and from the way Jared exhales audibly and relaxes slightly, it might have worked at least a little bit. Tiredly Jared admits, "I'm still scared."

Jensen feels his heart clench again. It pains him to see Jared so insecure; strong, goofy Jared who's always so positive. It also pains him because he wishes Jared didn't have to go through this.

"And I fear this isn't going away until you tell them," Jensen says eventually.

Jared only sighs and looks at Jensen pleadingly. "I'm not sure I'm ready for this."

Jensen doesn't like the sound of that. For a split second, he fears Jared is going to withdraw his previous offer. For a moment, Jensen worries that Jared is going to want to go to Texas without Jensen and Audrey.

He swallows hard and forces himself to ask the dreaded question. He doesn't want to but somehow Jensen thinks that he should give Jared the opportunity to opt out.

"Do you want to change your mind about Audrey and me going with you to Texas?"

There's an uneasy feeling in the pit of Jensen's stomach as he sits up and takes Jared's hands in his. Jared smiles weakly, somehow forced and then he shakes his head. "No, I couldn't stand Audrey's disappointment. Or Sophie's. Besides you're right. I have to tell them sooner or later."

Softly, Jensen rubs the pads of his thumbs over Jared's palms. They're cold and sweaty.

"Okay, good. Jared, just keep in mind, that whatever happens, I'll be there for you, as girly as it sounds. But it's the truth. We're in this together."

Jensen means every word he says. He might be gay but he's not overly emotional, at least not as openly emotional as Jared. But yes, he'll be there for Jared during whatever might come.

"Yeah, I know," Jared says, smiling. "Thank you for that."

This time, Jared's smile is honest. Jensen lets go of Jared's hands and cups his cheek once more. He strokes gently over the soft skin right underneath Jared's eye, further down over Jared's evening stubble until his hand slides to the back of Jared's neck. Pulling him close, Jensen plants a chaste kiss on Jared's lips.

Jensen's eyes drift shut, the tip of his nose touching Jared's ever so slightly. Without looking, Jensen knows that Jared is breaking into a smile. He can hear the puff of breath Jared always releases when he grins; he can feel how Jared's facial muscles twitch.

Another kiss. This time a little longer, a little wetter, a little more heat. Their lips linger for a short moment and when Jensen swipes out his tongue, letting it slide over Jared's trembling bottom lip, Jared opens up easily. The taste of Jared is stronger than any other taste in Jensen's mouth. The mix of dinner and the beer that Jared had is only faint against a taste that is so essentially Jared.

Their tongues tangle and writhe, soft and slow at first, faster and more intense soon enough. The kiss is getting a little uncoordinated, there's too much spit, but Jensen doesn't care. It's perfect to him.

All of a sudden, Jared pulls away, his lips slick and red from the kissing. "What are you doing? Rewarding me with sex for being such a good boy today?"

There's a sly grin on Jared's face. Mischievous and teasing. The look makes Jensen's belly jump, making those butterflies dance once more. One of Jared's hands falls onto Jensen's thigh, barely ghosting over it. It's enough to spread heat to Jensen's groin.

Immediately, Jensen returns Jared's smile. "Yeah, that's the plan."

Jared's licks his wet lips, out of nervousness or so Jensen thinks. But then he grins again, winking at Jensen, "Hm, I approve."

Jensen's hand moves from Jared's neck to Jared's front, stroking over the strong muscles of his chest. Jared is wearing only a thin t-shirt and his nipples harden almost immediately. Jensen leans in for another kiss and when he bites Jared's lower lip, Jared hisses. Briefly, Jensen wonders whether maybe he bit a little too hard, but Jared doesn't seem to mind.

Jared's strong hands suddenly grope at Jensen's ass and before Jensen can even register properly what's happening, Jared hauls him into his lap as if he weighed nothing. Jared squeezes Jensen's buttocks roughly and urgently before he pulls Jensen down, making him grind against Jared.

"Fuck," Jensen moans.

The fact that Jared can manhandle him so easily turns him on so much. The idea that Jared can dominate him so effortlessly makes Jensen's skin feel hot and tight. The thought that whatever Jared wants to give, he simply can make Jensen take it, makes Jensen's cock twitch happily in his pants.

With another groan, Jensen rubs down against Jared, making him gasp and squeeze Jensen's ass. From the bulge in Jared's pants, Jensen can tell that Jared wants this just as much as he does. Jensen bites his lip when their erections brush against each other, hard and hot.

Jensen keeps writhing, spurred on by Jared panting wetly against his throat. Jared kisses and licks Jensen's sensitive skin, taking little bites. Soon enough he's sucking and biting a little harder, his iron grip on Jensen's ass tightening further. If it does one thing to Jensen, then it's to turn him on even more.

Jensen's dick is hard, painfully hard but the angle is all wrong and Jensen can't get good friction, not enough friction. It's starting to frustrate him, the fact that he's practically riding Jared dry but not getting anywhere near where he wants to be.

Jared doesn't do much to help. His mouth never detaches from Jensen's throat, the curve of his neck. Jared's hands never leave his body. While one hand continues groping Jensen's ass firmly, the other moves between their bodies. Jensen gasps as Jared starts rubbing him through his jeans, just shy of painful.

"Jay, fuck. I-" Jensen moans, his head falling on Jared's shoulder.

"What, Jensen? What do you want?" Jared asks, all too smug.

Jared and he have slept with each other only a handful of times. With having been together for only about a month and Jared asking Jensen to take things slow, they haven't gained that much experience in bed together. There've been handjobs and blowjobs and Jared fucked him a few times, meaning that all this should be a little awkward still and Jared shouldn't be so goddamn confident. It should be Jensen teaching Jared everything about the joys of having sex together while Jared is the good, bashful student and just learns.

But then Jared squeezes his ass again, his palm rubbing even harder over Jensen's erection. Hah, so much for bashful student.

Jensen really doesn't mind, not at all. Not when Jared's touch feels so good, makes him so hot. The last few times they had sex, Jared was pretty unsure about how he should do this, what he should do and how he should touch another man. Jensen has no clue where this dominant side of Jared came from but he hopes it's not going away any time soon because he really, really likes it.

"I, Jared, I need-" Jensen groans against Jared's shoulder. He bites it urgently, trying to release some of the pressure that's building.

But Jared has no mercy on him, instead he keeps rubbing and squeezing Jensen. Stimulating him, just never enough.

"Tell me, come on, tell me what you need," Jared whispers directly against the shell of Jensen's ear. When he licks it, his tongue darting inside, teasing and tickling, it's dirtier than it should be. When Jensen doesn't answer right away, Jared punishes him by biting his earlobe. None too gently.

"Please, I need your hands on me, Jared. And- and your mouth," Jensen pants.

Jared's breath ghosts over the wet shell of Jensen's ear as he puffs.

"Okay," Jared whispers, "Since you asked so nicely."

Before Jensen can ask what Jared plans to do, both of Jared's hands move back to Jensen's ass and then Jared gets up, lifting Jensen as he does. Quickly, Jensen's legs tighten around Jared's waist, his arms around Jared's neck as he's clinging to him. The sudden movement makes their groins rub together again and Jensen groans, tightening his legs around Jared. When he looks at Jared, he sees Jared grin at him.

"Smug bastard," Jensen says before he kisses Jared, firm and demanding. Jared opens up for him immediately and allows Jensen to thrust his tongue inside. While they keep kissing, or rather while Jensen keeps biting and licking Jared's soft bottom lip, pulling at it a little too roughly with his teeth, Jared fucking carries him through his apartment, again as if he weighed nothing.

Jensen nearly comes in his pants like a fucking teenager. He thinks back to how strong Jared is and the things he could do to Jensen, how easily he could hold Jensen down and fuck him real good. At this point, his cock is so hard that it hurts and Jensen's sure that if he looked, he'd see that it's purple and leaking pre-come.

Jared carrying him through the apartment toward the bedroom doesn't really help all that much. Jensen's bulge rubs against Jared's hard stomach and if Jared doesn't lay him down and do something soon, then Jensen really will come in his pants like a teenager.

"Jared," Jensen moans, clinging to Jared as firmly as he can.

"Let me get you there," Jared groans into Jensen's ear and just as Jensen wants to protest, wants to whine, Jared shoves him against the wall, effectively pinning Jensen there. Immediately, Jared attacks Jensen's throat, biting and sucking, clearly marking him.

Jensen feels Jared's body heat through their clothes as a faint scent of sweat impregnates the room. They never make it out of the living room and for a split second Jensen is paralyzed.

"The girls, Jared," he pants against Jared's throat. His cock tells him not to be a fool but his head is convinced Jared and he should take this to the bedroom instead. "Not here."

Jared doesn't answer, instead he only grunts and bites down particularly hard on Jensen's throat. Jensen hisses, his body arching against Jared's.

"It's gonna be okay. They're asleep," Jared whispers. He bites his way up Jensen's throat until he reaches his mouth. Jensen hisses again when Jared bites and sucks his lower lip.

"Besides," Jared whispers, "You're not gonna wake them up if you don't make a sound. Can you be good and not make a sound?"

Jensen's sure that his jaw just dropped. Jared's facial expression is confident, mischievous and full of a thousand dirty promises. Deciding that he really loves this new side of Jared, the cocky, confident one, Jensen nods, keeping his mouth shut.

"Good," Jared purrs against his ear, pushing him against the wall once more with a harsh shove. Jared almost knocks the air out of his lungs. When Jared lets go of him, the arms underneath his ass withdrawing, Jensen has no other option but put his legs down to support himself. The first few seconds on his legs are wobbly. Goddamn Jared, for making his legs feel like jelly.

"You make me go crazy," Jensen admits a little helplessly. He means it in that good way and he hopes that this is also how Jared understands it.

Jared grins at him again and cups him through his jeans, sending a flash of pleasure right through his body. Each and every one of Jensen's nerves tickles and he fears another one of those and he's going to come. He's so fucking turned on.

When Jensen groans, a deep groan from his belly, Jared kisses his temple and says, "Sssh, don't make a sound now."

With that Jared drops to his knees in front of Jensen and lowers his zipper teasingly slow. When he reaches inside Jensen's pants to stroke him through his underwear, Jensen has to bite his lip in order not to moan again.

At first, Jared only strokes him lightly. It's nothing more than the tips of his fingers, not enough stimulation, not enough pressure.

"Jared, please," Jensen whines softly.

But Jared only makes another shushing noise and rubs Jensen with a little more force. He opens Jensen's jeans and pulls them down to mid-thigh, leaving Jensen's boxer briefs where they are.

"Are you gonna be quiet?" Jared asks again.

Being down on his knees with Jensen looking down at him, it shouldn't be Jared who's got the upper hand. It should be Jensen who does and who tells Jared what to do, how to do it, but he isn't. So Jensen only nods quickly. For a quick moment, Jensen tenses. He perks up his ears, listening carefully whether he can hear any noises from the girls' bedroom. When there are no sounds, he just nods again, signalizing Jared that he will be silent.

"Good boy," Jared whispers seductively.

Jared wets his lips and then he moves forward and mouths Jensen's erection through his underwear. Jensen has to bite his lip really hard; he wants to moan and beg for Jared to finally free his dick and blow him properly. But somehow Jensen feels it's not in his current position to ask. His head thuds back against the wall because Jensen fears that if he looks at Jared now, he's going to come.

Jared simply keeps mouthing him through his boxers, simulating him lightly. He nibbles and licks and Jensen feels how his underwear becomes damp, both from Jared's wet breath and Jensen's leaking cock. The only sound in the room is Jensen's harsh breathing, his panting. He can feel Jared moaning against his dick rather than hear him, feel the soft vibrations. But either way, it's an incredibly pleasant stimulation.

And then, he finally gets what he wants. Finally Jared does what Jensen wants him to do.

When Jared pulls his boxers down, only far enough for Jensen's cock to spring free, Jensen groans happily. Jensen looks at Jared and sees that there's a huge grin on his face. Jared licks his palm and when he finally reaches for Jensen's dick, Jensen thinks he's going to come just out of pure relief.

"Fuck, yes," Jensen groans, head falling back again, eyes closing.

Jared squeezes his dick just that little bit too hard and when Jensen looks at him again, Jared grins and says, "No talking, Jensen."

Jensen's eyes open wide and then he squints. He licks his lips and gives Jared a challenging look. But Jared only holds his gaze, tightening his fingers once more and Jensen is absolutely okay with letting Jared have his way, with letting Jared dominate him. So he nods again and waits.

He doesn't have to wait long at all before Jared starts stroking his hand up and down Jensen's shaft. His grip is firm, his fist tight. No traces left of the Jared Jensen slept with last week who asked him with unsure eyes whether he should stroke Jensen a little harder. Jensen bites his lower lip again and simply appreciates Jared being a fast learner.

With his thumb, Jared collects the pre-come from the tip of Jensen's cock and spreads it along the shaft. Whenever Jared's hand slides over the piercing on the underside of Jensen's dick, Jensen has to bite his lip particularly hard in order not to make a sound. Of course Jared must have noticed because he makes sure to wiggle the piercing repeatedly on purpose.

It took Jared a bit of time to get used to the fact that Jensen has an intimate piercing. At first, he was very wary of touching it, always fearing that he'd hurt Jensen. No matter how often Jensen insisted that it's pleasurable to him. Jared explained it with the piercing being a foreign object to Jensen's body, at a very sensitive place no less. He simply couldn't make the paramedic in the back of his head shut up about it.

But right now, he seems to have tied and gagged said conscientious paramedic - and if that thought doesn't give Jensen ideas…

"Does that feel good?" Jared purrs, his thumb tapping against the little metal bead.

Jensen opens his mouth to speak and only when he already nearly did, does he remember that he's not supposed to say anything. So instead he simply nods his head again.

Jared grins at him and squeezes the base of Jensen's dick. He licks his lips once more and then he parts them slightly as he bends in. Jensen can almost see it in slow motion when Jared rubs the head of Jensen's cock against his spit-wet lips and he's grateful for Jared's firm hand around him.

When Jared finally slips out his tongue to lick the head of Jensen's cock, Jensen feels as if he were in heaven. He lets his eyes fall shut again and his head back against the wall, concentrating entirely on the sensation of Jared's mouth. At first, Jared licks the head, circling it with the tip of his tongue before he presses the flat of his tongue against it.

Jensen tries to thrust his hips forward to get more, more of the heat and wetness, more of Jared's sinful mouth. But Jared's strong hands hold him back, pinning him against the wall. He feels Jared snort against his skin, the hot puff of breath.

Jared's mouth wanders from the head along the shaft and just like Jared's hand earlier, he dedicates special attention to the piercing. One of Jared's hands is still squeezing the base of Jensen's cock, keeping him from coming. Jared's tongue nudges and wiggles the metal beads before he laps over it with the flat of his tongue.

And this time Jensen just can't help it. He groans loudly; the sensation is just too good. Jared makes another shushing noise while he keeps tugging at Jensen's dick. Jensen wants to whine that this isn't fair, that he should be allowed to be vocal about this, about his pleasure. But of course, just like Jared, the last thing Jensen wants is wake up the girls. So he nods and goes back to biting his lips.

As Jared continues his ministrations, his mouth wandering over Jensen's hard dick and his hand massaging Jensen's balls, it becomes harder and harder for Jensen to be quiet and to not simply thrust forward and take what he wants.

For a second Jensen fears he's going to pass out when Jared finally closes his lips around the head of Jensen's dick. It's hot, it's wet, it's fantastic. Jared sucks lightly at first while his hand keeps working Jensen, but soon it's not enough and Jensen needs more, more, more.

Jensen opens his eyes again, never having realized that he closed them and lifts his head from the wall. He almost comes just from looking at Jared: Jared with his cock in his mouth, steadily taking him further in.

Jared's eyes are closed as he works his magic and for a moment Jensen simply enjoys the sight in front of him. Jared's lips are stretched tightly around his erection, spit-wet and red. There's a fine trail of spit and pre-come dripping down his face but Jared doesn't even seem to notice, so deeply concentrating on what he's doing.

"Jay-" Jensen's voice sounds harsh and fucked out. He clears his throat and tries again, "Jared. Look at me."

He wants to see Jared's eyes while Jared blows him. He wants to see what this does to Jared, he wants to see how this turns Jared on. When Jared opens his eyes and meets Jensen's gaze, his pupils are dilated, shining and full of lust. Jared takes him in another bit and Jensen feels the head of his cock hit the roof of Jared's mouth.

"Fuck yeah," Jensen moans quietly.

Jared watches Jensen from underneath his lashes, slowly bobbing his head up and down. When he nods at Jensen and removes his hand from Jensen's hip, Jensen takes it as an invitation to fuck Jared's mouth.

Jensen's thrusts are shallow at first. When Jared drops his hands to his own crotch and starts moaning around a mouthful of Jensen's dick, the soft vibrations only add to Jensen's incredible arousal. Jensen hears the sound of Jared's zipper being opened but he's in such a daze that he barely registers it.

With Jared's hand gone, Jensen's sure he's going to come any minute. His hips pick up speed, his movements faster and more forceful. He's tempted to let his eyes fall shut again but the sight of Jared on his knees, Jensen's dick sliding back and forth between his lips is such a turn on that Jensen doesn't allow himself to look away.

The unconditional trust and love in Jared's eyes, the lust and need in them nearly give Jensen the rest. Jared's extremely smug expression has been replaced by something else; want and a hint of insecurity. Jensen feels his orgasm building in the pit of his stomach. It tickles and tingles, a warm fuzzy feeling slowly spreading through his body.

"Jared, I- I'm gonna- gonna," Jensen moans.

One last, particularly forceful thrust and Jared chokes before he pulls off Jensen's dick. Jensen's come splatters over Jared's face, his cheeks, his lips, his hair. Jared coughs and only stops when Jensen actually crouches down in front of him and starts patting his back.

"Sorry, man," Jensen apologizes.

For a moment he totally forgot that Jared hasn't been blowing other men for the last ten years and that Jensen sometimes gets a bit carried away. Softly, he kisses Jared's face, licking away the sticky come.

"I really didn't mean to," Jensen says between kisses and licks, thoroughly cleaning up the mess he made.

Thankfully, Jared stops coughing. He looks at Jensen with big eyes, his expression a mixture of lust, shame and something else that Jensen can't read.

"It's okay," Jared says hoarsely and then he smiles shyly. "Can- can- I, Jensen, I need to-"

Jared doesn't have to tell him. With a gentle, reassuring smile, Jensen drops his hand to Jared's crotch and reaches for Jared's dick. It's hard and hot and it takes Jensen only a few firm strokes before Jared moves forward and buries his head in the crook of Jensen's neck. With a soft cry, Jared comes wetly over Jensen's hand.

"Fuck," Jared pants against Jensen's throat.

"Are you okay?" Jensen asks, bending backward a little so that Jared has to look at him. "I'm really sorry about-"

"It's okay," Jared interrupts him. His eyes are glassy and his expression is satisfied. "Really, I'll live," Jared adds with a wink.

They remain seated on the floor of Jared's living room for another moment, sated and fucked out. Eventually, Jensen groans and untangles himself from Jared to stand up. He holds out a hand and pulls Jared up when he takes it.

"Let's get cleaned up and then go to bed," Jensen suggests, tugging himself back into his pants.

Jared nods and does the same before he follows Jensen toward his bedroom.

They're quick with their evening routine and after Jensen makes sure Audrey and Sophie are still sound asleep, he walks into the bedroom and lies down next to Jared. He kisses Jared's throat and then reaches to switch off the lights. Jensen settles down, his head on Jared's chest while Jared's arms tighten around him, pulling him close. Immediately, a feeling of security and safeness settles within Jensen and he smiles against Jared's naked chest.

He closes his eyes and nearly drifts off to sleep when Jared's question takes him by surprise.

"How was it for you?"

"How was what for me?" Jensen asks, his mind already a little foggy.

Jared takes a few deep breaths and then he whispers, "Coming out to your parents."

Jensen doesn't answer right away. Instead he strokes his fingertips lightly over Jared's skin, ghosting over his nipples. Jared shivers underneath his touch, goose bumps covering his torso.

"It was okay, I guess," Jensen eventually says. "I mean, they weren't beside themselves with joy but they didn't disown me or kick me out of the house either."

He takes a moment to think back to the day he told his family he was gay. Jensen still can picture it clearly in his head. He still remembers what he wore, what his parents wore and how the kitchen smelled of the cherry pie his mother made.

"My mother was upset, she cried," Jensen adds, "And my father was silent. There was no yelling. It was awkward at first but they learned to accept it and they got used to it."

Jared takes Jensen's hand in his, effectively stopping it from drawing even more invisible patterns on his chest. "Were you scared?"

"Shitless," Jensen says and smiles because he simply can't imagine anyone coming out to their parents and not being afraid.

"I'm going to tell them tomorrow," Jared says softly. He sounds scared and Jensen wishes he could take the fear away from Jared.

Jensen turns until he's lying on his side. He can't really see Jared, not without his glasses and so little light but it doesn't take a genius to figure out how Jared must be looking right now. Before he bends over to kiss Jared again, Jensen smiles and nods at him.

"And it's going to be okay."

The next day is Sunday, which means they can sleep in. Well, as much as that's possible with two six year old girls and two dogs. Jensen isn't surprised to see Jared on edge all day, nervous and jittery.

What does surprise Jensen though is when Sophie comes to him around midday and asks whether her daddy is all right. Jensen reassures her as best as he can, saying that there's simply a lot on his mind because he has to organize a lot of things for their trip next week. He feels like an ass for lying to her but he fears that being honest would only unnecessarily complicate matters right now. Sophie seems content with the answer and the rest of the day goes well.

That afternoon, they look at two more possible places to live, neither of them having the charm and the love-at-first-sight effect as the one from the day before. Jared doesn't even pay proper attention but Jensen decides that's okay, because he doesn't like the houses all that much anyway.

As the evening and the moment of Jared having to call his parents, comes closer, the color starts to drain from Jared's face. He's fidgety and unbalanced, restless and probably only short of going completely nuts.

When it's bedtime for the girls, Jensen and Jared tuck them in and let them read a story before they have to sleep. Taking Jared by the hand, Jensen leads him across the hallway and into their own room.

"Okay, we better get this over with," he suggests.

Jared nods slightly and when Jensen leans in to give him a chaste kiss, he even attempts a smile. "You're right. This isn't getting easier."

Jensen grabs the cordless phone and passes it on to Jared. "Do you want to do a test run?"

When Jared looks at him funny, Jensen clarifies, "Do you want to come out to me and pretend that I'm your parents?"

Jared actually snorts at that and grins weakly. Shaking his head, he says, "If I picture you now as my Mom or Dad, I will never ever be able to sleep with you again."

Jensen laughs and shakes his head too despite the seriousness of the situation. His hand circles Jared's arm and when he leads Jared to the bed, Jared goes willingly.

"Good point," Jensen says once Jared sat down. "Is there anything you want to talk about beforehand?"

"No," Jared shakes his head, looking truly miserable. "I just want to get this over. Man, I think I'm gonna puke any minute."

Jensen crouches down in front of Jared, his hands rubbing over Jared's thighs. "You're gonna be fine. We're gonna be fine. And they're gonna be fine. Just- just remember that whatever happens, I'm here for you. And- and,"

Jensen trails off.

"And I love you, Jared. No matter what happens."

Jared doesn't say anything right away. But then he grins, one of those one thousand watt grins that are so typical for Jared and that Jensen loves so much.

Bending forward, Jared captures Jensen's lips in a fierce kiss, his tongue demanding entrance right away. Jensen really doesn't want to but still he breaks the kiss. After all, they're on a mission.

"I- I love you too," Jared says.

After a short pause, he adds, "Okay, let's do this."

Jensen watches Jared dial as he sits down next to Jared. He grabs Jared's free hand and squeezes it, drawing another smile from Jared.

Jared exhales slowly and deeply and then he frowns and says, "Hi, Mom. It's me."

Jared's posture stiffens immediately and Jensen squeezes his hand again to reassure him and to remind Jared that they're in this together. The phone is on the ear close to Jensen, yet Jensen can't make out the words. He hears Jared's mother's voice but doesn't understand what she's saying.

The only way for him to judge the situation will be Jared's reactions and emotions.

Jared is still incredibly tense and for a second, Jensen wishes he'd just blurt it out. He wishes that Jared would stop sugarcoating this for his parents (though this is probably the right thing to do) and just say it and get it done. But Jensen knows that he can't. Instead Jared has to make a bit of small talk first.

"I'm okay, thanks. How're you and Dad?" Jared asks.

Jensen hears the voice of Jared's mother again and if Sharon is anything like his own mother, then she'll ramble about what the family's been doing and how they're all great and then she'll ask about her grandchild.

"Great. No, yes, Sophie's great, too. She can't wait to see you next week," Jared says.

Jensen knew it!

Just as Jared starts to relax, he tenses again and Jensen's immediately worried. He's got a pretty clear idea of what Jared's going to say next. Judging from his facial expression, Jared seems to be determined to get it out. Once and forever.

"Li-," Jared trails off. He looks at Jensen, an expression of panic on his face and only when Jensen squeezes his hand and nods at him, does Jared clear his throat and try again. "Listen, Mom, there's- there's something I gotta tell you. And if I don't do this now, then… is Dad there? Can- can you get him on the phone too, please?"

Jared frowns and Jensen hears how Jared's mother is talking very fast on the other end of the line. It makes Jensen crazy that he can't help Jared more, that he's so helpless and that even though Jensen is right there, Jared is still somewhat going through this alone.

Apparently Sharon is worried that something bad happened to Jared because he's very quick to reassure her that he's okay. "No, no don't worry, Mom. Sophie and I are fine. Better than fine. I- I just… can you get Dad, please?"

Jared removes his hand from underneath Jensen's and runs it over his face. Only now does Jensen register that Jared is as white as a sheet. Jared holds the phone down for a moment and Jensen assumes that Jared's mother is getting his dad.

"This is so hard, Jensen. I- I can't disappoint them. I can't do this," Jared says pleadingly. When he looks at Jensen, his eyes are sad and wide. Jensen wants to take Jared in his arms, kiss him better and forget that this ever happened. But he knows he can't. Jared will have to go through with this now.

"You're doing fine, Jared. You're almost there," Jensen encourages. And then he kisses Jared, soft and quick while he strokes a hand through Jared's hair.

Jared swallows hard and then he puts the phone back to his ear and says, "Yes, Mom. Dad?"

Jared shivers and shakes and just looking at him makes Jensen feel miserable. He wonders whether this would have been easier if Jared had actually had the chance to tell his parents face to face. When Jensen came out to his parents it was a curse and a blessing at the same time.

Jared swallows and then he whispers, "I- I need you to listen to me, okay? And I- I need you to listen to everything I say."

Again, if Jared's parents are anything like Jensen's then they're currently worried sick and ask what's wrong. Maybe they'll ask whether Jared is in financial trouble or whether he or Sophie are sick. Even though Jared already said more than once that they're fine.

"I- okay, this is hard. I- uh," Jared trails off once more. He glances at Jensen with a helpless expression on his face. Jensen feels just like Jared looks. Jared's hand reaches for his this time and Jensen gladly takes it. Jared smiles softly, yet sadly and then he spills first part of his secret. "I met someone. I- I'm in love with someone."

Jensen hears quick and excited talking. From the pitch of the voice, it only can be Jared's mother, probably asking a million questions about who she is, how they met, et cetera.

Somehow this makes Jensen feel incredibly miserable himself.

"We've been together for about a month but we've been friends through our daughters for a while," Jared says. When he does, he looks Jensen directly in the eyes and for the first time all day, there is more determination in them than fear, more pride than naked panic.

Yet, Jared has a hard time getting the words out, "I- I'm- it's- I'm in love with a man."

There's only a very short sound coming from the other line and if Jensen had to guess, he'd say that Jared's mother either squeaked and fainted or that she asked "What?" in a very shrill voice.

This time, Jared sounds more confident, more secure. And above all, relieved. "Mom, Dad, I think I'm bisexual."

Jared releases a deep, exhausted sigh, but he's actually smiling now. Relief is written all over his face and Jared doesn't hesitate for long before he starts rambling. "His name's Jensen. His daughter Audrey is friends with Sophie and- and Jensen and I, we're, we'll be moving in together soon."

After a short pause, Jared adds, "I love him."

Jensen feels incredibly warm and a fuzzy sensation spreads in the pit of his stomach. He brings Jared's hand to his lips and kisses the back of it, his knuckles and the tips of each and every one of Jared's fingers.

Something is being said at the other end of the line again and Jared's smile drops for a split second. He's unbelievably quick to recover it, but not quick enough for Jensen to miss it.

"Well, I said I think because I'm not sure whether I'm bisexual or gay. I- I'm sure about that," Jared insists. His voice shakes a little and when he looks at Jensen again, Jensen sees that some of the worry has come back, replacing Jared's relief and lightness.

There's only silence and Jensen slowly becomes more and more uncomfortable.

"Say something," Jared pleads into the phone, barely audible. "Please."

When he's met with even more silence, Jared asks dejectedly, "Do you hate me? Please, Mom, Dad, don't hate me."

Right now Jensen wants nothing more than to take Jared in his arms and hold him and kiss him better. He wants to show Jared his support: he wants to let Jared know that he meant everything he said earlier. He'll be there for Jared, no matter what.

There are words coming from the other end of the line, there is no yelling and Jensen's not sure whether this is a good sign. The voice is deeper so he assumes that it's Jared's father. This reminds Jensen of his own coming out again. The only difference seems to be that unlike Jared's Dad, Jensen's Dad didn't talk to him. Yet he bets that Jared's mother is crying.

Whatever has been said, it only sets Jared off again. He sounds desperate, desperate to make this right and to take a clear stand.

"I'm begging you, please listen to me. I'm sorry that I'm dropping this on you just before Mom's birthday, Dad, but- but I thought that, if you didn't mind, that- that maybe I could bring Jensen and Audrey and- and you could meet them. I know that they would love to meet you and maybe you would like to meet them too and then you can see yourself that Jensen is a great guy. Sophie totally loves him and Audrey is really sweet and-"

Jensen doesn't let Jared ramble on even further without a blue streak. He thinks that Jared should allow his parents a few moments to process this new information so Jensen silences Jared by pressing a quick and firm kiss to Jared's lips. And indeed, Jensen succeeds in shutting Jared up. At first, Jared looks at him in shock but then he whispers into the phone, "I'm so sorry."

Jensen can hear Jared's parents respond for what feels like ages to him and again, all he can do is read Jared's facial expression. It doesn't seem to go too badly, to Jensen's relief. There's no yelling and Jared doesn't fight with tears, instead he simply listens very closely and nods occasionally. At a certain point Jared even smiles and strokes a hand over Jensen's cheek.

Jensen closes his eyes and leans into Jared's touch for a moment. Even though it has been Jared who was on edge the most throughout the day, this doesn't mean that Jensen wasn't tense and worried himself. Jared is his boyfriend and he knows that their relationship could have become complicated if Jared's coming out had gone the worst way. Besides, Jensen loves Jared and no one wants their loved ones to be upset, right?

"So, it's okay if I bring them?" Jared asks his parents tentatively.

Jensen's eyes spring open again and he studies Jared's face for a moment. Jared bites his bottom lip and when he relaxes, so does Jensen. Smiling, Jared says, "You're gonna love him. And Audrey. I promise."

When Jared starts talking about how they met, giving his parents a quick overview of everything they need to know, Jensen zooms out for a while. Instead of listening, he releases a few deep breaths. Jensen feels as if a huge weight has been taken off his mind; it feels so good.

He's relieved. So incredibly happy that Jared's over the hurdle of coming out to his parents, that they're over it. Jensen's excited for what this means for their relationship, now that one of the things Jensen always considered a threat has been eliminated. Closing his eyes again for a few moments, Jensen lets himself be lulled by Jared's deep and even voice.

Jared seems a lot calmer now and when Jensen looks at him again, he sees that Jared's whole posture is more relaxed - though still not entirely.

"Okay, we're all coming down to Texas next weekend," Jared says.

Apparently someone's asking him another question that Jared answers with, "We're flying in on Friday. Maybe we all could go out for dinner. Just you guys and Meg and Jeff and Jensen and me and the girls. So- so that you can meet and you know, well, get to know him and- and not do that in front of everyone on Saturday during the actual party and oh God, do I even make sense?"

Jared laughs nervously. Jensen strokes his hand and smiles at Jared reassuringly.

"Yes, okay," Jared says, "We'll fly in around 7 p.m. Can someone come get us?"

Jensen watches Jared listen again to what his parents say, watches Jared lick his lips and nod his head. Jared smiles; slightly at first, then more and more brightly.

"Thanks, Mom. Thanks, Dad. I love you," Jared practically beams.

This is exactly the kind of coming out Jensen wanted Jared to have. Heat spreads through Jensen's body again, a sentiment of excitement and contentment. Jensen's overwhelmed by a million feelings and emotions all at once.

"Yes, I'll see you next Friday. I love you guys," Jared says. "Bye, Mom. Bye, Dad. I love you."

Finally he hangs up and drops the phone on the bed.

Jensen and Jared just stare at each other, both totally lacking words. When Jensen pulls Jared close for a tight hug, Jared trembles in his arms. Jensen clings to him and once Jared brings up shaky arms and returns Jensen's embrace, Jensen doesn't even think of ever letting Jared go.

His words fail him. Jensen doesn't know how to express the relief, the love, the pride he feels for Jared right now. Jared, who just came out to his parents. Jared who finally stood up for his family and admitted them officially to his mom and dad.

"I fucking love you," Jensen whispers against Jared's ear, his voice hoarse and raw.

They just keep holding each other, Jared still somewhat paralyzed in Jensen's arms. Jensen assumes that Jared can't believe it himself. Eventually, Jared wiggles out of Jensen's embrace for them to just stare at each other again.

Jensen presses a heated kiss to Jared's lips and then he asks, "How do you feel? How did they react?"

Jared exhales and then he says, "Good. I feel good. Perfect actually. Relieved. Yes, I'm relieved."

He runs a hand over his face before he adds, "I guess it went okay. They- they were just shocked, I suppose. They didn't yell and they didn't cry. They were just quiet and- and yeah, shocked. But- but that's okay, right?"

Jared looks at him, a little unsure.

"Yeah, that's okay, Jared," Jensen confirms quickly. "They're gonna be all right. No screaming and no crying are good signs. It's normal that parents are shocked when their children come out to them, I think. Give them a bit of time to get used to the idea but they're gonna be fine."

Jensen kisses Jared again. It's soft and slow but Jared responds hungrily nonetheless.

"I'm so proud of you," Jensen admits, only for Jared to grin at him broadly.

Jared nods and bends in for another kiss. Jensen thinks Jared deserves plenty of kisses so he goes with it, easily. They lie down and keep making out for a while, tenderly and without any hurry. When they touch, their movements are gentle and teasing.

"They want to meet you and Audrey," Jared then says. "They said they don't want to make up their mind until they met you."

It's been a while since Jensen met anyone's parents. In fact, Tom's mom and dad were the last occasion when he was introduced formally to someone's family. He knows he's going to be nervous about it (and so will be Jared), but they're going to be okay. If Jared's parents are anything like Jared, then they're very loving, welcoming and friendly people who are easy to get along with. He'll manage just fine.

"That's great. I mean, at least they're not going into denial, you know? But they're willing to learn about your new life and they're trying to accept it. This is very good, Jared," Jensen says with a smile.

"Yeah," Jared says. He pauses for a moment and seems to be thinking about something really hard. Eventually, he spills, "They said they don't hate me."

Even though Jensen knows all too well that Jared's fear was legitimate, he just can't refrain from making a comment like his own mother would. "Told you so."

Jared actually laughs at that, probably his most honest and most carefree laugh of the whole day. "Very funny, Mom. But seriously, I don't think they love you yet but they're giving you a chance. That's what this means, right?"

"I think so," Jensen says. And then, with a smirk, he adds, "They're gonna love me, don't worry about that."

Jared's eyes become soft and there's a loving expression in them. Jensen feels as if he might burst any minute.

"Yeah, I know they will," Jared says.

It's been an eventful day and now with all the tension falling from their shoulders, with the adrenaline leaving their bodies, fatigue hits them. The decision to go to sleep is made quickly and without any discussion. After checking up on Sophie and Audrey one last time, they get ready for bed. Lying there, curled up around Jared, Jensen zonks out within minutes.

As expected, the following week passes way too quickly. Jared works a few extra hours on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday so that he can change shifts on Friday and leave before midday in order to catch their flight. Jensen is lucky enough that his theater rehearsal on Friday is scheduled for the morning anyway.

The first time Jared's mother calls after Jared's coming out is on Tuesday. While Jared talks to her for what seems like an age, Jensen tiptoes around Jared to try and get what's going on.

Jared is strangely withdrawn after he hangs up; he seems somewhat upset. After some gentle nudging from Jensen, Jared admits that the atmosphere to the call was weird, that the usually so easy interaction with his mother was not easy at all. He says that talking to his mother was tense and awkward. Jensen tries to reassure Jared as best as he can, telling him that parents usually don't get used to their children coming out right away and that they're going to be okay eventually.

But in a way, this perfectly reflects how things are going in the Padalecki-Ackles household. There's a weird, awkward feeling that's never leaving anymore. It's almost as if the easy interaction was gone. Jensen doesn't like it one bit. But he also doesn't know how to stop it.

During the week, Jensen and Jared run some errands including buying a present for Jared's mother and shopping for new clothes for Audrey because Jared thinks she should not look like the tomboy Jensen makes her look. Jensen and Jared nearly fight over this and even though in the end, it's a stupid issue, they're both more and more on edge and nervous as the week passes.

With Friday approaching and hence the moment where Jensen and Audrey will meet Jared's family, both Jensen and Jared are incredibly stressed out. This is simply too important to them and their relationship so that they've reached a point where even the small things make them jump at each other's throat.

It's Thursday evening and Jared's whole apartment smells heavily of food. Jensen managed to talk him into cooking something healthy, much to Audrey and Sophie's dismay, while Jensen does the laundry. He finishes folding the last few shirts, ready to put them onto the piles that will have to be packed for the trip.

The phone rings and before Jared can even call from the kitchen, "Jen, can you please pick up?" Jensen's already pressing the connect button on Jared's cordless phone.

"Hello?" he says into the receiver. He's a little breathless from jogging from the living room where he was occupied with the laundry to the bedroom where the phone was.

Nothing.

The only thing Jensen hears is shallow breathing on the other end of the line. He frowns and then he asks again, "Hello?"

He made the mistake of not checking the caller ID, worried that if he didn't pick up immediately then the other person would hang up. It's biting him in the ass now. Just when he wants to look, he hears a faint voice on the other end of the line.

"Hello?" a female voice that Jensen doesn't recognize asks. It sounds a little uncertain as if the woman weren't sure she dialed the right number. A little firmer she says, "Who's speaking please?"

Not hesitating, Jensen says, "This is Jensen Ackles-"

This is as far as Jensen gets. Even before he can try to say that he's just answering Jared's phone, the woman interrupts him.

"Oh, Jared's boyfriend Jensen?" she asks somewhat awkwardly. "Hi, this is Sharon, Jared's Mom."

Uh.

And just like this all coherent thoughts leave Jensen. Jared's mother. On the phone. With him. He's got not clue what to tell her and for a long, agonizing moment he's totally thrown off guard.

Thankfully, Sharon seems to be in better condition. "Jensen, say, is Jared around?"

What? Jared?

"Uh, yeah," Jensen stammers, "Of course. I'll pass you on."

Oh God, and if he just didn't make a complete fool of himself. Quickly Jensen walks into the kitchen where he finds Jared putting the finishing touches on the chicken he's making for dinner.

Without a word, Jensen thrusts the phone against Jared's chest. Jared gives him a confused look and when he asks, "For me?" Jensen nods quickly.

He can't believe that he embarrassed himself like this in front of Jared's mother. Jensen wants to hit himself for his reaction that once more reminds him that he doesn't do spontaneously very well and that he's more the type to think everything through. It's Jared who's the impulsive one.

Finally, Jared trades the phone for the mixing spoon. Jared frowns and instead of asking who it is, he checks the display. As soon as he recognizes his family's number, Jared's eyes spring wide open. He probably didn't expect them to call back that soon. Especially not after Jared only talked to his family two days ago.

"Can you please finish this?" Jared whispers to Jensen and when Jensen nods, Jared dedicates his attention to the phone.

Jared clears his throat and when he says, "Hello?" he's already on his way out of the kitchen. Jensen can't hear what Jared is saying in the living room and he tries to concentrate on finishing dinner instead. He really wants to hit himself for reacting so badly.

By the time Jared returns, Jensen already set the table. The girls and he have started without Jared and while the girls are mulishly shoving and prodding their vegetables, Jensen practically keeps beating himself over the kind of first impression Sharon must have of him now.

The feeling has been building all week - that he's in some sort of unspoken competition for Jared. What if his family doesn't accept their relationship? What if they don't like him and he can't pull off a first good impression? If it came down to it would Jared choose Jensen over a good relationship with his family?

Grinning goofily, Jared sits down and starts eating. Between bites of chicken he says, "Now that was smooth, Jensen."

Jensen doesn't know why he reacts so harshly, but when Jared says it Jensen becomes incredibly defensive. He lets his fork drop so that it lands on the plate with a loud clattering sound. Out of the corner of his eye, Jensen sees how the girls both flinch and look at him. But then Jensen's focus switches to Jared who stares at him in disbelief.

"Do you have to be such an ass about this?" Jensen snarls.

There's a nagging thought at the back of Jensen's mind that tells him that Audrey just informed him he used a bad word and that he has to put a dollar in the swear jar. Still staring at Jared, Jensen doesn't grasp it properly.

"What's your problem?" Jared asks, genuinely confused.

What exactly is Jensen's problem? He shakes his head at himself when he finally realizes what he just did.

The thing is… he's on edge. Jared and he are on edge. They have been since last Sunday when Jared came out to his parents and it's getting worse and worse each day.

Jensen knows that Jared was just teasing him but lately it almost seems as if both of them were so tense that they'd flip out because of the smallest things. They're flying to Texas tomorrow and both of them being skittish and jumpy doesn't help.

"Are you angry with Daddy, Jensen?" Sophie asks with big eyes.

"No, baby, I'm not angry with Jared," Jensen reassures her immediately.

When he looks at Jared, Jared still seems mostly confused. Jensen runs a hand over his face and then he turns to Jared once more. He's such an ass.

"I'm sorry," he whispers before he bends in and kisses Jared briefly on the lips.

When they break apart, Jared smiles and shakes his head slightly. "It's okay."

Jensen picks up his fork again and the rest of the dinner is uneventful.

They're in bed later with the girls are already asleep. Jared's reading while Jensen just lies there, thinking. Thinking about tomorrow, thinking about today.

"I'm really sorry," he says again. "About earlier."

When he looks at Jared, he sees Jared peak at him from behind his book. Jared's eyes crinkle, clearly giving away that he's smiling. He puts the book away and says, "It's okay, Jensen, really."

But Jensen shakes his head. He doesn't want to be that kind of person who snaps at others just like that; especially not his boyfriend. Of course Jensen knows what's wrong.

"I guess I'm just really nervous about tomorrow," he admits.

Jared's hand comes up and softly strokes over Jensen's cheek. His palm is big, his touch comforting.

"I know you are. And you know what, so am I, okay? Let's just somehow try to get through this," Jared suggests.

Jensen doesn't answer right away. Instead he simply enjoys Jared's gentle touch.

"What should I expect?" Jensen asks then. "I mean, what's your family like?"

"I dunno," Jared admits, answering only part of the question.

When Jensen turns onto his side so that he can get a better look at Jared, he sees that Jared's face is mostly blank, empty and somewhat haunted.

"I dunno what to expect," Jared says again. "I- I guess they'll be friendly. My parents always insisted that we kids be polite so I assume that's how they'll be."

Jared pauses. He stares at the ceiling, lying flat on his back.

"We're an affectionate family. We hug a lot and stuff," he says, still not looking at Jensen. "I don't know how they'll be. I- I don't even really know what they think about gay people. But yeah, generally they're nice. And friendly."

After a short pause he adds, "Mom's a teacher and does a lot of volunteer work for the community. She's easy to get along with and people love her. Dad's an accountant and he's really into sports, especially basketball. He'll talk about it for hours if you let him. Jeff's a goof and Megan's really sweet. They're good folks."

Jensen leans over and places a soft kiss on Jared's cheek, only for Jared to give him a weak, unsure smile in return. Jensen doesn't really feel that his questions have been answered, not fully at least. He still doesn't know what to expect. Somehow he doubts that Jared can answer the questions in the first place.

"Hey," Jensen soothes. "It's gonna be all right. I guess we'll just have to wait and see what happens tomorrow."

Softly, Jensen strokes over Jared's strong torso. He feels the heat of Jared's body through the thin shirt, he feels him shiver.

Apparently, Jared's not ready to let the subject drop yet. "I guess it always takes them a while to warm up to our partners. Lisa, Jeff's girlfriends or Meg's boyfriends too. But they've always been okay with them sooner or later."

This is all Jensen wanted to hear. He's not delusional or anything. He doesn't really expect Jared's parents to be all over him, maybe because his own parents never were all over his boyfriends when they first met them. But knowing that after a while they're most likely going to be okay with him will have to be enough reassurance for tonight.

"See, that's a good thing," Jensen says. His hand keeps ghosting over Jared's chest. "We're gonna be fine."

"Yeah, we're gonna be fine," Jared answers, voice hoarse.

Jared then continues talking about past experience and how his parents have reacted to his late wife or the boy- and girlfriends of Megan and Jeff. Overall, Gerald and Sharon seem to handle this like any other parent, too.

It doesn't take away the tension and the fear. Yet somehow it puts Jensen's mind a little at ease. It's doable. It's manageable.

Index | Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 & Additional Notes and Thanks