Coping with tragedy, Chapter 4/?
Title: Coping with tragedy
Author: Bubbles759
Pairing: Jensen Ackles, Jared Padalecki
Summary: AU - trauma survivor!jared, PT!Jensen.
Rating: PG-13 (this chapter)
Disclaimer: This story never happened.
A/N: A very Jensen centric chapter.
chapter 1 / chapter 2 / chapter 3
Jensen sagged against the front door as soon as it was closed, closing his eyes and dropping his backpack to the floor beside him. He let his head think against the door as he set his head fall backwards, all his emotions fighting for dominance. He knew Jared would be a hard case from the outset. But Jensen couldn't help but take it. He'd shied away from helping people who had been hurt the same way he had, but he couldn't shy away from Jared's case. Even on paper, he knew he had to help this kid. And seeing him, so raw and vulnerable, Jensen knew he'd made the right decision. He just wished it wasn't so hard on him.
Sudden images and sounds assault Jensen from behind closed eyes. The screeching tires, shattering glass, the yells and screams from himself as well as his friends. The sound of the convertible flying through the air before hitting the ground, and rolling down the embankment. He didn't realized he'd let out a whimper.
Chris Kane heard Jensen enter the apartment, but didn't hear him come any further into the room. After a minute of silence he wiped his hands on the dish towel, turning down the heat on the stove before walking out of the kitchen and into the living room. He heard Jensen whimper just before his legs gave out and the younger man crumpled to the ground.
Chris knelt down beside Jensen, a hand snaking it's way around the younger man's neck. “Jen? Jen look at me, what's going on?”
Jensen opened his eyes, tears shining there, making his eyes liquid green, and Chris gasps at the devastation shown in them.
“Jen, talk to me. Please?”
Jensen shakes his head, pulling his neck from Chris' slack grip and starts to stand. Chris stands too, his gaze watching his friend carefully as Jensen makes his way over to the couch and curls up on it. “Jen, dinner's almost ready. Why don't you have a shower and then come and get something to eat?” Jensen merely nodded his head, rising from the couch, and sluggishly moving back to the door to grab his discarded backpack, and then heading up the stairs. A minute later Chris heard the water from the shower start to run and he sighed, running a hand through his shoulder-length brown hair. His blue eyes were filled with worry as he headed back into the kitchen.
Chris' visit was an impromptu one. He wasn't in town for any other reason than his last tour had finished, and he missed his friend. But Jensen barely even noticed. Obviously something had happened during the day to send Jensen spiraling downward. Chris flinched as Jensen laid a hand on his shoulder before burying his head in his neck. “I'm sorry Chris.” Jensen snaked his arms around the smaller man's waist, and Chris turned in his embrace.
“Come on Jen. Let's eat dinner, then we can talk about it.” Chris slipped out of Jensen's hold and grabbed 2 plates, filled with his famous chili and made his way to the dinning room. He set the plates on the table and sat down as Jensen sat a 6 pack on the table before taking his seat across from Chris.
“It's good to see you Chris.” Jensen said before taking a pull of his beer. '”I've missed you man.”
“I've missed you too.” Chris took a pull of his beer, watching Jensen closely. They'd been friends for a very long time, and Chris could see that something was eating at the younger man. He pushed away his now empty plate, leaning back in his chair. “What's going on Jen? What happened today?”
Jensen continued to push his food around his plate, take a small bite every few rotations. Finally he sighed, pushed his plate away, and drank the remaining liquid in the amber bottle before grabbing a new one. “I met this kid today.”
“Ok...” Chris said, his eyes watching Jensen closely.
“He's not really a kid, I mean... he's 25, but still, he's got this vulnerability about him. Jared. He's, he's so broken.”
“Kinda like you were.” Chris said quietly.
“Yeah,” Jensen sighed. “And for the same reason too.” He raised sad eyes to Chris. “I just... I just don't want him to go through the same things I did you know? Hit the same low points.”
Chris nodded before rising from his chair and standing before Jensen, hand outstretched. “You need to sleep Jen. You look exhausted.” Jensen rose, reaching for his plate but Chris gave his arm a tug. “Leave it. I'll get it later.” Jensen nodded as Chris led him upstairs.
********
Jensen let Chris manhandle him into bed, only protesting slightly as Chris stripped him down to his boxers and pushed him under the covers. As Chris started to walk out of the room Jensen grabbed his hand lightly. “Stay?” he slurred, the pull of sleep already getting to him. “Please.”
Chris sighed and settled down, on top of the covers, next to Jensen, who buried his head in Chris' chest. Chris gently ran his hand through the younger man's hair, hoping this night wouldn't be like the last time.
********
Chris woke suddenly, not knowing why he was pulled from the first restful sleep he'd had in days. It wasn't until he places the fitful jerks, and the distressed sounds he could hear as coming from Jensen, did he realise what was wrong.
********
Jensen laughed as he turned in his seat to see his friends. It was their last time together before they all went their separate ways. Jensen to California, Dani too, Luke to Harvard, and Sam to whatever military base he was sent too. He'd only just received the letter telling him which boot camp location he was being sent to, but too nervous to open it, he'd suggested one last day as kids before they were off in the new chapter of their lives.
Dani was wrapped around Luke, mouths sealed together, reveling in their last day together before Luke was out of there. She and Jensen weren't leaving until the next week, but Luke, ever the go getter, wanted to be there as early as he could be.
Jensen laughed as Luke flipped him the bird, and he twisted back into his seat. He caught Sam's eye and he curled up next to him, Sam's arm coming to fit around his shoulders. “You are the best thing in my life.” Sam told Jensen, a soft kiss to the top of his head. “You are everything wrapped up in one. My best friend, my boyfriend, my everything.” Jensen smiled and snuggled deeper into his embrace, despite the harsh Texas sun beating down on them.
“Just promise me you'll come back. Wherever they send you, for whatever reason... just come back to me.”
“Always Jen. Always.” Sam said softly, pressing another kiss to his hair.
Suddenly a head appeared between Jensen and Sam, and a set of fingers jabbed him between the ribs, setting him into a fit of giggles. “So,” Dani said, eyes wide, and full of life. “Where to?”
Jensen settled himself against the passengers door, watching as Sam smiled. “I was thinking the park. Where we used to all hang out as kids. With this heat, there should be no-one around. We can relive our childhood again.”
Luke laughed as his face came into view next to Dani's. “Yeah, all them broken bones, and black eyes we all had. Hey you remember when...”
That was all he got to say before Sam hit the break suddenly and the car coming the other way slammed straight into the passenger's side. Jensen felt the impact, heard Dani scream, heard Sam yell, then nothing. He felt weightless. Right until he hit the ground, the car rolling around him. He could see Sam still hanging onto the wheel. He tried to reach out to him, but then the car rolled again and Jensen was flung free. Then, there was only darkness.
********
Jensen was cranky the next morning. When eh finally hauled himself out of bed, it was to the welcoming smell of coffee wafting up the stairs. His stomach rumbled as the scent of cooking bacon hit his nose. He reached out to grab the still hot coffee from the stand next to him, and made his way down the stairs.
Chris was humming as he stood at the fry pan, a stack of toast, eggs, tomato, and bacon on a plate next to him. “Are you feeding us, or the US Army?” Jensen said as he snatched a piece of bacon.
Only to have his hand smacked by someone decidedly not Chris. “Steve” Jensen breathed before he was pulled into a hug by Chris' boyfriend.
“Hey boy,” Steve said as he pulled back. “You look like Hell.” He said matter-of-factly.
“Rough night.” Jensen said quietly. Steve let it go. It wasn't often Jensen dreamed of that day. He had very few memories, and what he did have weren't exactly pleasant. So when he did dream of that day, everyone let him have his space, let him deal with it his way. It was common knowledge that Jensen was a stubborn man, and a mean son of a bitch if he had to be. And that mean side came out if you pushed him too hard, or cornered him.
Steve was about to ask him another question when Jensen's cell rang. “Yeah?” he answered, stealing another bit of bacon off the plate. “Yeah, he's one of mine... Yeah... HE WHAT??? Yeah, yeah, I'll be there in 10 minutes.” Jensen shut the phone, racing out of the kitchen like it was on fire. Chris and Steve caught up to him as he changed his clothes.
“Jensen, what's going on?” Steve asked.
“Is this about Jared?” Chris asked from beside his boyfriend.
Jensen checked his pockets for his wallet, and brushed past his friends, racing to the kitchen to grab his wallet and his keys.
“Jensen?” Chris grabbed his arm, halting him from moving. Chris may be smaller than Jensen, but Jensen knew Chris would have no hesitation in knocking him on his ass if he felt he needed it.
“Yes, it's about Jared. He had a rough night, he's been asking for me. Apparently he had some sort of seizure. I have to go.” He reefed is arm out of Chris' grasp and headed for the door.
“Jensen.” He stopped with his hand on the door, door open, chill winter wind coming in. Chris waited until he looked at him. “If this is going to mess you up, give him to someone else.”
“I can't Chris. I'm sorry.” And with that, Jensen was out the door.
Author: Bubbles759
Pairing: Jensen Ackles, Jared Padalecki
Summary: AU - trauma survivor!jared, PT!Jensen.
Rating: PG-13 (this chapter)
Disclaimer: This story never happened.
A/N: A very Jensen centric chapter.
chapter 1 / chapter 2 / chapter 3
Jensen sagged against the front door as soon as it was closed, closing his eyes and dropping his backpack to the floor beside him. He let his head think against the door as he set his head fall backwards, all his emotions fighting for dominance. He knew Jared would be a hard case from the outset. But Jensen couldn't help but take it. He'd shied away from helping people who had been hurt the same way he had, but he couldn't shy away from Jared's case. Even on paper, he knew he had to help this kid. And seeing him, so raw and vulnerable, Jensen knew he'd made the right decision. He just wished it wasn't so hard on him.
Sudden images and sounds assault Jensen from behind closed eyes. The screeching tires, shattering glass, the yells and screams from himself as well as his friends. The sound of the convertible flying through the air before hitting the ground, and rolling down the embankment. He didn't realized he'd let out a whimper.
Chris Kane heard Jensen enter the apartment, but didn't hear him come any further into the room. After a minute of silence he wiped his hands on the dish towel, turning down the heat on the stove before walking out of the kitchen and into the living room. He heard Jensen whimper just before his legs gave out and the younger man crumpled to the ground.
Chris knelt down beside Jensen, a hand snaking it's way around the younger man's neck. “Jen? Jen look at me, what's going on?”
Jensen opened his eyes, tears shining there, making his eyes liquid green, and Chris gasps at the devastation shown in them.
“Jen, talk to me. Please?”
Jensen shakes his head, pulling his neck from Chris' slack grip and starts to stand. Chris stands too, his gaze watching his friend carefully as Jensen makes his way over to the couch and curls up on it. “Jen, dinner's almost ready. Why don't you have a shower and then come and get something to eat?” Jensen merely nodded his head, rising from the couch, and sluggishly moving back to the door to grab his discarded backpack, and then heading up the stairs. A minute later Chris heard the water from the shower start to run and he sighed, running a hand through his shoulder-length brown hair. His blue eyes were filled with worry as he headed back into the kitchen.
Chris' visit was an impromptu one. He wasn't in town for any other reason than his last tour had finished, and he missed his friend. But Jensen barely even noticed. Obviously something had happened during the day to send Jensen spiraling downward. Chris flinched as Jensen laid a hand on his shoulder before burying his head in his neck. “I'm sorry Chris.” Jensen snaked his arms around the smaller man's waist, and Chris turned in his embrace.
“Come on Jen. Let's eat dinner, then we can talk about it.” Chris slipped out of Jensen's hold and grabbed 2 plates, filled with his famous chili and made his way to the dinning room. He set the plates on the table and sat down as Jensen sat a 6 pack on the table before taking his seat across from Chris.
“It's good to see you Chris.” Jensen said before taking a pull of his beer. '”I've missed you man.”
“I've missed you too.” Chris took a pull of his beer, watching Jensen closely. They'd been friends for a very long time, and Chris could see that something was eating at the younger man. He pushed away his now empty plate, leaning back in his chair. “What's going on Jen? What happened today?”
Jensen continued to push his food around his plate, take a small bite every few rotations. Finally he sighed, pushed his plate away, and drank the remaining liquid in the amber bottle before grabbing a new one. “I met this kid today.”
“Ok...” Chris said, his eyes watching Jensen closely.
“He's not really a kid, I mean... he's 25, but still, he's got this vulnerability about him. Jared. He's, he's so broken.”
“Kinda like you were.” Chris said quietly.
“Yeah,” Jensen sighed. “And for the same reason too.” He raised sad eyes to Chris. “I just... I just don't want him to go through the same things I did you know? Hit the same low points.”
Chris nodded before rising from his chair and standing before Jensen, hand outstretched. “You need to sleep Jen. You look exhausted.” Jensen rose, reaching for his plate but Chris gave his arm a tug. “Leave it. I'll get it later.” Jensen nodded as Chris led him upstairs.
********
Jensen let Chris manhandle him into bed, only protesting slightly as Chris stripped him down to his boxers and pushed him under the covers. As Chris started to walk out of the room Jensen grabbed his hand lightly. “Stay?” he slurred, the pull of sleep already getting to him. “Please.”
Chris sighed and settled down, on top of the covers, next to Jensen, who buried his head in Chris' chest. Chris gently ran his hand through the younger man's hair, hoping this night wouldn't be like the last time.
********
Chris woke suddenly, not knowing why he was pulled from the first restful sleep he'd had in days. It wasn't until he places the fitful jerks, and the distressed sounds he could hear as coming from Jensen, did he realise what was wrong.
********
Jensen laughed as he turned in his seat to see his friends. It was their last time together before they all went their separate ways. Jensen to California, Dani too, Luke to Harvard, and Sam to whatever military base he was sent too. He'd only just received the letter telling him which boot camp location he was being sent to, but too nervous to open it, he'd suggested one last day as kids before they were off in the new chapter of their lives.
Dani was wrapped around Luke, mouths sealed together, reveling in their last day together before Luke was out of there. She and Jensen weren't leaving until the next week, but Luke, ever the go getter, wanted to be there as early as he could be.
Jensen laughed as Luke flipped him the bird, and he twisted back into his seat. He caught Sam's eye and he curled up next to him, Sam's arm coming to fit around his shoulders. “You are the best thing in my life.” Sam told Jensen, a soft kiss to the top of his head. “You are everything wrapped up in one. My best friend, my boyfriend, my everything.” Jensen smiled and snuggled deeper into his embrace, despite the harsh Texas sun beating down on them.
“Just promise me you'll come back. Wherever they send you, for whatever reason... just come back to me.”
“Always Jen. Always.” Sam said softly, pressing another kiss to his hair.
Suddenly a head appeared between Jensen and Sam, and a set of fingers jabbed him between the ribs, setting him into a fit of giggles. “So,” Dani said, eyes wide, and full of life. “Where to?”
Jensen settled himself against the passengers door, watching as Sam smiled. “I was thinking the park. Where we used to all hang out as kids. With this heat, there should be no-one around. We can relive our childhood again.”
Luke laughed as his face came into view next to Dani's. “Yeah, all them broken bones, and black eyes we all had. Hey you remember when...”
That was all he got to say before Sam hit the break suddenly and the car coming the other way slammed straight into the passenger's side. Jensen felt the impact, heard Dani scream, heard Sam yell, then nothing. He felt weightless. Right until he hit the ground, the car rolling around him. He could see Sam still hanging onto the wheel. He tried to reach out to him, but then the car rolled again and Jensen was flung free. Then, there was only darkness.
********
Jensen was cranky the next morning. When eh finally hauled himself out of bed, it was to the welcoming smell of coffee wafting up the stairs. His stomach rumbled as the scent of cooking bacon hit his nose. He reached out to grab the still hot coffee from the stand next to him, and made his way down the stairs.
Chris was humming as he stood at the fry pan, a stack of toast, eggs, tomato, and bacon on a plate next to him. “Are you feeding us, or the US Army?” Jensen said as he snatched a piece of bacon.
Only to have his hand smacked by someone decidedly not Chris. “Steve” Jensen breathed before he was pulled into a hug by Chris' boyfriend.
“Hey boy,” Steve said as he pulled back. “You look like Hell.” He said matter-of-factly.
“Rough night.” Jensen said quietly. Steve let it go. It wasn't often Jensen dreamed of that day. He had very few memories, and what he did have weren't exactly pleasant. So when he did dream of that day, everyone let him have his space, let him deal with it his way. It was common knowledge that Jensen was a stubborn man, and a mean son of a bitch if he had to be. And that mean side came out if you pushed him too hard, or cornered him.
Steve was about to ask him another question when Jensen's cell rang. “Yeah?” he answered, stealing another bit of bacon off the plate. “Yeah, he's one of mine... Yeah... HE WHAT??? Yeah, yeah, I'll be there in 10 minutes.” Jensen shut the phone, racing out of the kitchen like it was on fire. Chris and Steve caught up to him as he changed his clothes.
“Jensen, what's going on?” Steve asked.
“Is this about Jared?” Chris asked from beside his boyfriend.
Jensen checked his pockets for his wallet, and brushed past his friends, racing to the kitchen to grab his wallet and his keys.
“Jensen?” Chris grabbed his arm, halting him from moving. Chris may be smaller than Jensen, but Jensen knew Chris would have no hesitation in knocking him on his ass if he felt he needed it.
“Yes, it's about Jared. He had a rough night, he's been asking for me. Apparently he had some sort of seizure. I have to go.” He reefed is arm out of Chris' grasp and headed for the door.
“Jensen.” He stopped with his hand on the door, door open, chill winter wind coming in. Chris waited until he looked at him. “If this is going to mess you up, give him to someone else.”
“I can't Chris. I'm sorry.” And with that, Jensen was out the door.