Waiting for You - Part One
Pairing: J2 - AU
Warnings: PG-13 for boys kissing!
Words: 6267 words
Genre: Romance
Disclaimer: Not mine, just playing!
Summary:
Jared knocked Jensen off his feet and it was love at first sight.
Author’s Notes:
A “before” companion piece to Waiting. I thought I would write how Jared and Jensen met. I don’t think you have to read Waiting to understand this one! But if you want to it’s here.
Enjoy.
Calysta
Posted in two parts because apparently 6000 words is too big for LJ!!!!!!
Waiting For You
By Calysta
Jared was late.
Jared was always late but today he was really really late, and the Head Coach would probably kill him and hide his body. Jared groaned; he picked up speed, his lazy jog morphing into a panicked dash across the impressive and neatly manicured lawn area in front of the University’s grand administration building, his chosen shortcut to the sport’s complex.
Not looking where he was going, Jared was in the middle of trying to decide on today’s excuse for his lateness and had just settled on the most plausible explanation when it happened. Too fast and all at once. The grassed area is empty of people, but somehow Jared managed to steam-roll into an innocent bystander, the only one for miles. Jared vaguely heard the surprised oomfph as he and his hapless victim of the day hit the grass in a tangle of arms and legs.
Jared recovered first and leapt to his feet, offering his hand. “Oh my God… I’m so sorry,” he said looking down at today’s casualty of his clumsiness. The new assistant librarian - Jared had seen him around campus, thought he was cute, but nothing had prepared him for the up-close-and-personal meeting - well collision really! Jared’s mouth snapped shut, and for once in his life was totally speechless as he gazed down at the most beautiful man he had ever laid his eyes on. He swallowed hard and tried desperately, and unsuccessfully, not to stare. He gawked, letting his eyes gaze up and down the man’s form taking in every detail - tallish, well muscled with dirty blonde short hair, a round freckled face, sparkling green eyes and plump sinful lips. Jared’s gaze finally rested on the man’s face again, and he blushed bright red as annoyed green eyes glared back at him.
The man adjusted his glasses pushing them up his freckled nose before dragging himself to his feet and brushing his hands over his jeans knocking off loose specks of grass. “Dude… where’s the fire?” He glared at Jared again before leaning over to retrieve the books knocked from his hands.
The honey-soft drawl jolted Jared out of his stupor and he swallowed again, getting himself and his libido under control. Jared resisted the strong urge, just, to help the man dust off his jeans. “No fire… just late,” Jared defended as he leapt forward to help collect some of the scattered books. He frowned as he glanced down at the titles. “Really?” Jared tilted his head to one side as he handed the books back to the man.
The man rolled his eyes snatching the books from Jared’s hands. “They’re classics… you should try reading one sometime.”
Jared grinned. “Never seem to get the time… and don’t wanna ruin my street cred.” It was then he remembered he was late. “Shit,” he said as he turned away. “The coach is gonna have my ass in a sling… if I don’t go now.”
“Not stopping you.”
“Or kill me… and hide the body… or both,” Jared reluctantly started to move away. He really wanted to stay and talk.
“Bye.”
“I’ll see you around,” Jared said, over his shoulder.
“I’ll try and remember to get outta your road… not sure my ass can take hitting the ground too many times.”
“You have a very nice ass,” Jared blurted out. He shut his eyes briefly cursing his stupid mouth and its tendency to run away with itself without his permission.
“What?” the man spluttered, blushing furiously.
Jared chuckled, embarrassed at his stupidity. “Sorry about that. My mouth tends to run away and blurt out stuff… without my say-so.”
“Yeah,” the man said, with a half-smile.
“See you,” Jared gave a small wave.
The man gave a little smile before turning and walking toward the library building. Jared started to jog across the grass. He stopped in his tracks. Mind made up - he was late anyway - and jogged back toward the man. He circled around him stopping him mid-stride. “Sorry again for knocking you flying,” Jared stuck his hand out, with a grin.
“Kinda,” the man nodded at his hands, full of books.
Jared nodded. “I’m a bit of a klutz,” he admitted, stuffing his hands in his pockets.
“I noticed… but no hard feelings. OK?”
OK,” Jared grinned again. He stared in silence for a moment, uncharacteristically lost for words.
“Aren’t you late? You know coach… ass in sling? Kill… and hide the body kinda thing?” The man nodded across the lawn area.
“Oh shit… yeah,” Jared shook himself. With a final smile, he stepped away and started to head back toward the sports facility. Jared cursed silently and retraced his steps circling around the man again. “Jared Padalecki… by the way,” he offered.
The man smiled shyly at him. “Jensen Ackles.”
Jared nodded. “OK Jensen… and I will see you again… at the faculty barbecue at the beach may be?”
“Don’t really do parties,” Jensen replied, managing to push his glasses up his nose again. Two books clattered to the ground again, despite his unsuccessful attempts to catch them.
Jared grinned again; bending he retrieved the two books and placed them back on top of the pile Jensen was carrying. “Time to live dangerously Jensen… come along,” he said.
“May be,” Jensen bit nervously at his bottom lip.
“See you then,” Jared leaned forward kissing Jensen lightly on the lips - just a brush of lips against lips. Pulling back, Jared smiled broadly.
Jensen frowned as he stepped backward managing, this time, not to drop any books. “Do you always go around kissing people you just met?” he forced the words out, proud that his voice didn’t squeak. His lips were burning from the kiss and his heart was pounding, and he prayed Jared couldn’t hear it.
Jared just grinned again. “Only the cute ones,” he winked mischievously before starting to jog backward across the lawn.
“You think I’m cute?” Jensen couldn’t help asking, immediately feeling stupid. His face burned with embarrassment and he pushed his glasses up his nose again.
“Damn straight,” Jared shouted with another cheeky grin. “And you have really soft lips.”
Jensen’s blush deepened and he scanned the area, hoping that no-one was listening or watching. “Jared,” he shouted a warning.
Jared turned just in time, narrowly missing a trash can and managing to leap over it. “Don’t disappoint me Jensen… and who put the trash can in such a stupid place?” he yelled before turning and racing toward the sports complex.
Jensen rolled his eyes, idly wondering how the young man survived his clumsiness and how he ever made the coaching/sports staff. He was cute though, Jensen thought to himself. Muscles in all the right places, floppy brown hair framing an angular face, dimples and dark eyes that seemed to gleam with mischief. Jensen sighed as he headed toward the library. Why would a member of the coaching faculty be interested in a library geek? Jensen sighed again silencing the little voice in his head that was planning what to wear to the faculty barbecue at the beach on Sunday, and wondering where he had put his shorts. “Stop it,” he chastised himself as he piled the books on the counter resisting the urge to run his fingers along his lips, where Jared had kissed him. Jensen leaned forward and banged his head on the counter a couple of times.
Two days later…. at the beach
Jensen let the small waves roll over his bare feet. He dug his toes into the soft sand enjoying the feel of the cool water flowing over his heated skin. Jensen stared into the distance, marvelling at the different blues and greens of the ocean as the bright sunlight danced across the surface. He was sorely tempted to just sit alone in the shallows, allowing the breakers to drift over him, as he read the book he had brought with him, but decided that was too geeky even for him. And anyway, the book was in his truck and Jensen didn’t feel like fighting his way through the crowd of faculty staff to get it. They’d want to talk. Jensen wasn’t unfriendly - he just hated small talk, never knowing what to say, and usually ended up feeling stupid, which he thought to himself was the reason he usually stayed away from the parties.
Jensen sighed wondering what had possessed him to don his only pair of shorts, eventually found hidden at the back of his closet, a t-shirt and over-shirt to guard against sunburn and flip flops, and get in his truck and drive to the faculty’s annual barbecue on the beach. Who was he kidding? Jensen knew the reason - a tall dark one that had completely hijacked his thoughts since their collision outside the administration building two days ago. Jensen groaned. He was being silly and childish, and was way too old for a teenage crush. He stared back up the beach. The barbecue was in full swing, beer and food was plentiful, and Jensen even recognised some of the faculty. He wasn’t really a party-goer, preferring the solitude his precious books afforded him. He had a few good friends, enjoyed their company when they encouraged him out of his small apartment or his beloved library. But sometimes he craved that one person, the someone he could share his hopes and dreams with, and who just may be wanted to share their hopes and dreams with him. Jensen rolled his eyes at his own sappiness, deciding he had been reading too many old-fashioned romances lately. He silently vowed to take them all back to the library the next day. Stick to a blood thirsty murder mystery, Jensen thought.
Jensen let his gaze roam toward the game of volleyball. Tall dark reason he was here at the barbecue stood in the middle of the sand area enthusiastically hitting the ball over the net, using his height advantage to his team’s gain - they were easily winning. Jensen couldn’t help himself - he stared at Jared. Barefoot, Jared was wearing knee-length brightly coloured shorts and no t-shirt. His well-defined chest was on full display, along with broad shoulders - shiny with sweat and lightly tanned, with muscles rippling every time he hit the ball over the net to loud cheers from his team-mates. His arms and legs looked strong as he bounced up and down like a hyper-active five year old. His loud excited laughter and shouts could be heard well above the other screams as Jared waited impatiently for the ball to come to him.
Jensen turned away with another groan, deciding it was time to leave. The safe haven of his apartment and books were calling to him. He stooped down to retrieve his flip flops. He heard a shout and looked up just in time to dodge the volley ball whizzing past his head. Jensen squawked, dropping his flip flops as he stumbled backward. A wave hit the back of his knees, knocking him off balance, and he dropped inelegantly into the water with a splash. A moment later, Jensen surfaced spluttering, and coughed as he swallowed a mouthful of salt water. He pulled himself up into a sitting position and shook his head slightly in an attempt to get the water out of his ears. The volleyball bobbed in the water nudging him as another wave brought it close. Jensen grabbed for it and sat for a moment; he was completely soaked and could taste salt on his lips.
“Guys,” a familiar voice above him protested. “I said I was done playing. No need to drown Jensen. He’s an innocent bystander.”
Jensen looked up to find Jared offering him a hand. He swallowed hard and could feel his face flush as Jared smiled down at him. Still in shorts, his bare feet in flip flops, Jared was now wearing a brightly coloured, and very loud, Hawaiian shirt. Jensen looked down at the volleyball. “Yours?” he tilted his head to one side with a frown, tossing Jared the volleyball. Jared caught it easily, one-handed.
“Sorry,” Jared laughed softly as he threw the volleyball back toward his team-mates. “Are you OK?” Jared asked, a hint of concern tinting in voice, as he turned back to Jensen. He offered his hand once more. “They didn’t mean any harm.”
“I’m fine,” Jensen replied. “Just kinda damp.” He accepted Jared’s hand allowing himself to be hauled back to his feet. Jared retrieved his floating flip flops and handed them over to Jensen.
“I’m really sorry,” Jared flushed. “I wanted to come and talk to you… and they… jerks that they are,” he waved a hand at his team-mates. “Wanted me to stay and play… and you kinda got caught in the crossfire.”
“It’s OK,” Jensen shook himself and unsuccessfully tried to wring some of the water of his shirt. “No real harm done and I’m sure I’ll dry off.”
“You’re staying… right?” Jared said hopefully.
“I don’t know,” Jensen blushed bright red again. “I was just… just going home.” He started to move along the shore-line.
“You can’t,” Jared protested, bouncing along at Jensen’s side.
“I can’t?”
“No,” Jared shook his head.
“Why? Do you wanna try and drown me again?” Jensen asked, squinting up at Jared. He gave Jared a small smile in an effort to take the sting out of the accusation. “Or knock me on my ass again?”
Jared laughed as he crossed fingers over his heart. “No… promise… I just want to get to know you. Talk to you some more.”
“You do?”
“Yeah,” Jared grinned. “Just that… well… you getting dunked in the ocean wasn’t part of the plan.”
Jensen chuckled softly. “You’re kind of a disaster waiting to happen. Not sure I’d be safe.”
Jared threw his head back and laughed loud. “Yeah… yeah I am,” he admitted looking back to Jensen. Jared waggled his eyebrows. “But I’m cute too… my momma told me so.”
Jensen rolled his eyes. “Cute huh?”
Jared grinned. “Yeah… really really cute… and devilishly handsome too.”
Jensen snorted. “How can I resist?”
They walked along the shoreline side by side in easy companionable silence for a while. “So you’re a librarian?” Jared broke into the silence. He looked Jensen up and down appraisingly. “Not how I remember librarians. The librarian in my home town was a hundred years old… with a permanent scowl… and wore old lady perfume. Said ssshhhhh a lot… And she was a she… and hated children who made a noise... so I was pretty much on her naughty list… well all the time.”
Jensen snorted. “Sorry to disappoint you… on all counts.”
Jared smirked, as he let his gaze roam up and down Jensen’s body again. “Oh you don’t disappoint at all,” he lowered his voice to a husky growl. “I may just join the library.”
Jensen swallowed hard. “So you’re a coach?” he managed to say, quickly changing the subject. “Must be interesting.”
“Yeah it is,” Jared replied smiling. “I love it. Wouldn’t want to do anything else.”
“Me too,” Jensen nodded in agreement.
They descended into an easy silence again, as they walked. “I’m gonna own one of those… one day,” Jared broke into the silence again.
Jensen glanced across at Jared, who was staring up at the row of beach houses. “Yeah?”
“Yeah,” Jared nodded.
“Which bank did you say you were holding up again?” Jensen teased.
Jared smiled before shrugging. “Hey… a boy can dream can’t he?”
Jensen smiled. “Sure he can,” he replied. “It’s a good dream.”
Jared smiled back. “I love the beach… always have and I just know one day, I’ll own one. A little one that looks out over the ocean. And I will probably have no furniture or stuff… and probably no money… but I’ll get my dream.”
Jensen cocked his head to one side studying Jared. “Yeah… yeah I think you will,” he agreed.
Jared grinned happily. “Can I buy you a beer?”
“Is it safe? Or will I get beer tipped all over me?” Jensen couldn’t help teasing.
“It can be arranged,” Jared leaned toward Jensen. “And then I’ll just have to help you out of your,” Jared looked a still damp Jensen up and down. “Even wetter things,” he whispered, his voice husky.
Jensen swallowed hard, trying desperately to ignore the innuendo. “So you’re helpful too?” he said instead, as he tipped his head to one side.
“Yep,” Jared nodded with a grin. “Helpful is my middle name… well it isn’t really… it’s Tristan. Stupid kinda name… but my Momma loved it for some reason… but anyway… where was I? Oh yeah... I’m very helpful… and did I mention cute?” he rambled happily.
“And talkative?” Jensen offered with a smile.
“Yeah… that too,” Jared grinned again. “Sorry. “It can be kinda annoying.”
“No. It’s OK,” Jensen said.
“So gonna live dangerously Jensen?” Jared challenged with a mischievous smirk. “And have a beer with me.”
Jensen shuddered. He managed, just, to keep the squeak out of his voice. “A beer sounds good.”
Jared laughed loudly. “I think I’m gonna like you Jensen Ackles.”
“Might like you back,” Jensen answered with a shy smile.
Jared smirked again. “I might even read a book.”
“Don’t go ruining your street cred with the guys,” Jensen laughed softly.
“I’ll risk it for you,” Jared said.
“I’m flattered,” Jensen teased.
“Might even kiss you again.”
Jensen flushed bright red as he let Jared guide him up the beach, Jared’s huge hand warm against the small of his back. “Might just let you,” he murmured quietly, more to himself than Jared.
Part Two here