The Perfect Pairing chapter 2
At seven a.m. Monday morning, Jensen sat on the corner of Kathryn’s desk, listening to her talk about her weekend. As she chatted, she booted up her computer and took the phone off voicemail. She then pulled up her schedule and made sure her devices synced.
Jensen looked around the empty bullpen. “Are you always here this early or is this something that only happens around the holidays?”
Kathryn nodded, taking a sip from her coffee. “It’s like this twice a year. November and December for the holidays and May and June for weddings and graduations.”
Jensen nodded. “Would you like some help?”
Puzzled, Kathryn’s face wrinkled in confusion. What did he think she needed help with? Before she could ask, Jared arrived and breezed into his office without even saying as much as ‘Hello’. He sat at his desk and took a calming breath to let his brain separate fiction Jensen from the man outside his office. Once he felt under control, he joined them at Kathryn’s desk. “Morning, Kathryn said you wanted to see me.”
Jensen smiled pleasantly. “Both of you actually. Can we use your office?”
Jared stepped aside to allow them to enter and took his seat behind his desk. Jensen didn’t sit. Instead he leaned against Jared’s work table, careful not to disturb the papers covering it.
“Congratulations on another wonderful parade, my aunt can’t stop raving about it.” Kathryn smiled at the praise, but Jared merely nodded. “I know you two are extremely busy so I won’t take up much of your time. You two work so well together it’s like you read each other’s minds, but I don’t understand why your department is so understaffed. I’d like to reassign some staff to help you or even hire a few people to ease the load.”
Kathryn clenched her jaw. Training new people would slow them down. As if Jensen guessed her concern, he added, “You’re too busy to train a sufficient staff, but perhaps you could give them some of the menial tasks like, I don’t know, picking things up at a vendor or the printers.” He looked from Kathryn to Jared. “I want to make your lives easier. If this is a horrible idea, just tell me.”
Jared sighed. Did Jensen have to wear a cashmere sweater that molded to his shoulders and brought out the color of his eyes? How was anyone expected to pay attention to what he said? He looked at Kathryn who seemed to say why not and forced himself to meet Jensen’s eyes. “Sure, I guess a gopher would help. Perhaps someone from accounting to help with receipts, but we reserve the right to fire them if they don’t work out.”
Taken aback Jensen argued, “Not fire them. I mean, you can tell them they’re not working out for your needs or whatever. But I don’t want anyone fired before the holidays.”
Jared nodded. “I meant fired from our department.”
“Okay,” Jensen seemed relieved. “I’ll talk to HR and see who they think would be the best fit. And then on a private note, I have a friend that would like to help out on Thanksgiving.”
Jared sat up straight. “I don’t think so. Reporters often show up to do their Thanksgiving human interest story. I don’t want it to become a Hollywood thing. It should be about the shelter and the people.”
Jensen pursed his lips in thought. “What if we stay out of sight? Maybe work in the kitchen instead of serving? We won’t cause a scene and we’ll still be able to help out.”
“I guess that wouldn’t be too awful. It could work.” Jared relented and got a brilliant smile from Jensen as a reward.
Saint Benedict’s hall was noisy with people celebrating Thanksgiving when Jared arrived. His family celebrated a little later in the day, giving him time to check on the volunteers at the church. Dee was strolling between tables offering refills of coffee or milk. She looked years younger in her casual clothes and her smile was genuine and bright. “Jared!” she called when she saw him. “I’m so glad to see you. Happy Thanksgiving!” She set the carafes on a small table and hugged him.
“Happy Thanksgiving to you, too, Dee. Looks like everything is running smoothly.”
“It is. I had forgotten how enjoyable this event is. I’m so glad Jensen volunteered us.”
Jared glanced at the serving line and didn’t see her nephew. “Are Jensen and his friend in the kitchen?”
“Those two.” Dee shook her head fondly. “They have had the sisters in stitches all afternoon!”
“Really? I don’t think I’ve ever seen Sister Abigail smile.”
Torn between curiosity to see Jensen and his friend and his dislike of the man, Jared took a quick walk around the dining hall gathering dirty dishes in a bin to take to the kitchen. He pushed open the door and heard a falsetto voice say, “Oh Jensen, you’re so big and strong. Can you help me with this?”
“Dude, don’t hate because the sisters love me more, who could blame them? I’m sure they’d be fawning all over you if you hadn’t gone all bleach blonde” Jensen looked up from his post of refilling the potatoes and smiled at Jared. “Hey.”
“Please, I make this look good,” the blonde washing dishes snapped back.
“Dishes?” Jared asked lifting his bin and indicating it was full of things needing washing.
Jensen nodded and turned to the bleach blonde washing dishes. “Colton, tell Jared where you want the next load of dishes.”
Colton turned and he eyes went wide. “Sweet Jesus --”
“Mr. Haynes, don’t make me get my ruler,” Sister Abigail warned as she moved around Jared to get another serving dish filled with vegetables.
Blushing crimson, Colton apologized, “Sorry Sister Abigail. Jesus is sweet though, can’t argue with that.”
The nun raised a disapproving brow at him and left. Jensen shook his head. “And you wonder why they like me more.”
Colton ignored Jensen and, finally addressing Jared, said, “Put that stuff down over here.” He took off his pink dish washing gloves and held out a hand to Jared. “I’m Colton, nice to meet you.”
Jared set the bin down and swallowed dryly at the attractive man before him. “Jared, nice to meet you, too.” He shook Colton’s hand and frowned at the dampness left behind.
“Oh, sorry about that.” Colton tossed him a towel.
“No, problem.” Having the chance to really look at Colton, Jared’s eyes widened. “You’re Colton Haynes. I didn’t know you two were friends,” he blurted out, blushing with embarrassment immediately.
Jensen smirked at Colton and quietly said, “Told you, not a fan.”
Colton chuckled and pulled his glove back on. “Yep, Jensen’s been my bestie for years. Right, Jens?”
“Brother from another mother,” Jensen replied as he hefted the tray of potatoes and headed to the main room.
Jared remained flustered. He remembered reading the gossip site that said the show was cancelled because Jensen and Colton couldn’t get along. If that was true why was Colton spending Thanksgiving with Jensen? A stove timer sounded, preventing Jared from asking questions. He went over to the oven asking, “Should I take whatever it is out?”
“Yeah,” Colton called over his shoulder. “I think it’s sweet potatoes. Oh, don’t use the--”
“Yeowch!” Jared dropped the pan onto the stovetop and flapped his burned hand in the air.
“--green mitt,” Colton said as he turned to rush to Jared’s aid. He held Jared’s hand in his and examined the burned skin. “Shit, that’s gotta hurt. Let’s get ice on that.” He led Jared to a small table and seated him.
Jensen walked in asking if the sweet potatoes were ready and saw Colton and Jared huddled together. An unexpected pang of jealousy hit him until Colton said, “Get some ice.”
Jensen took ice from the freezer, put it in a bag, then slammed it against the counter to crush it. Jensen gently placed it over the burn. “It’s not that bad,” Jared said, wincing at the contact.
“Let me see.” Jensen lifted the ice off the injury and hissed. “Just sit tight and keep the ice on it.” He turned to Colton. “Was it the green --”
Colton nodded.
“I’m throwing that thing out. If Sister Mary Catherine has a problem with that, I was going to hell anyway.” Jensen tossed the green mitt in the trash, scooped the sweet potatoes into another dish, cleaned the ones that spilled and took the dish to the serving room.
Colton watched him leave then turned to Jared. “Don’t believe the internet when it comes to Jensen, or well anything, I guess. But especially not the celebrity gossip sites. They’re all lies. Jensen’s a cool guy.”
Jared nodded. “I never read that stuff.”
Colton’s expression said he didn’t believe him, but he let it go. “You checked out the pictures, though, right?”
Jared thought of the photoshopped pictures of Jensen and Colton having sex and struggled to hide his rising color. “The, uh, do you mean --”
“The brick pants, the cowboy hat... there’s plenty more ridiculous ones, but those are my favorites.”
Jared smiled, “Those are pretty awesome.”
Jensen and Sister Abigail returned to the kitchen and Jensen stamped down another flame of jealousy when he saw Colton was still tending to Jared. “Jared, what happened?” the sister asked.
“Burned my hand on the potatoes,” Jared replied.
The nun scowled. “Colton, Jared’s a big boy, he can take care of himself, get back to the dishes.” She bustled over to them.
“Yes, ma’am.”
The nun took a look at Jared’s burn and said, “Don’t look too bad. Couple more minutes with the ice and you’ll be good as new.” She then turned to Jensen. “Since Jared is out of commission, be a dear and get some of your other volunteers to bus the tables.”
“Of course.” Jensen gave Colton and Jared a small smile and left the kitchen again.
“Are you coming to Aunt Dee’s after this?” Colton asked Jared over his shoulder as he scrubbed a pan.
“No, I’m going to my folks.”
“Oh, that’s too bad. I know Dee is having people over. Maybe you can stop by when you’re done at your parents.” He set the pan in the drying rack and loaded the dishwasher.
“Yeah, maybe.” Jared scowled at his burn. He hadn’t been invited to Dee’s get together. The man he blamed for that little oversight was holding the kitchen door open for two volunteers with arms full of dirty dishes.
Exhausted from being on his feet for hours, Colton crashed onto Jensen’s bed the moment it came into sight. “Volunteering is hard. I’m gonna sleep for hours.”
Jensen sat next to him and tousled his hair. “No you’re not. Dee’s serving dinner in an hour.”
“Fine. Wake me up when it’s ready,” Colton whined, though the pillow muffled his words.
“I thought you were here to hang out with me, not sleep.”
Colton rolled over. “Ugh, I don’t need the guilt.”
Jensen would tease him but he took one look as his friend’s dirty shirt and groaned. “Dude, couldn’t you change your shirt before you laid down on my bed? If you got my bed all gross, I’ll --”
“You wish I got your bed gross.”
Amused, Jensen shook his head. “I seem to remember it was you who wanted me to get dirty in bed.”
Colton smiled and sighed. “Yes, perhaps when I was young and foolish I spent a minute crushing on my costar. But now I have my sights on grown up attractions.”
Jensen chuckled. “Alright. Who is your next victim?”
Colton tore off his dirty shirt as he stood. “Well, I’m definitely putting Jared on my Christmas list.”
Jensen laughed. “You think you were that good this year?”
“I invited him over,” Colton replied nonchalantly.
“You did? What did he say? Is he coming over?”
Colton squinted at Jensen. “He said he’s going to his mom’s but maybe he’d stop by after.”
Jensen looked at his filthy clothes. “I better get out of these clothes and jump in the shower.”
“You gotta make yourself pretty ‘cause Jared’s coming over?” Colton teased.
“I was born pretty. I’m just getting clean.” He tossed his shirt into the hamper. “You should go first. It will take you longer to look as good as me. And if you’re trying to get Jared, you will need all the help you can get.”
When dinner was over, and the clean up was done and the guests had left, Dee kissed Jensen and Colton and left them for the comfort of her bed. Jensen poured Colton and himself another glass of wine and they settled on the couch to watch It’s a Wonderful Life.
Warm and relaxed with wine, Colton turned on the couch and studied his friend. “If you could change your life like this guy, what would you change?”
Jensen shrugged. “I don’t know. Maybe not be gay. That would make my life hella easier.” Colton ‘mmm’ed in agreement and Jensen turned the question on him. “What would you do?”
“I’d make Sean love you back.” He closed his eyes and his head lolled back against the couch.
“Cole.” Jensen’s voice was tinged with regret but Colton waved it off.
“Jen, last year would have been easier. All that bullshit with the network and the hypocrisy of Hollywood.” He sat up and looked at his friend. “No, that’s what I would have changed. They say they’re accepting until they’re asked to accept someone. Then they’re all--”
“Hey,” Jensen put his hand on Colton’s arm to stop his rant. “That’s all over. Hollywood has the attention span of a gnat and your new show kicks ass.”
Colton grinned. “It does. It’s not as much fun without you, though.”
“Duh, but brightside, no more ulcers.”
“True, but what about you? Is being Mr. Businessman really what you want to do?”
Jensen turned the question over in his mind. “Yeah. The people are great and Aunt Dee deserves a good life. She was the only family that supported me. From when I came out to when I wanted to act, Aunt Dee was behind me. My parents? Pfft. But Dee loved me and supported me. She never treated me any differently. Now it’s my turn to pay her back.”
“You don’t want to act anymore?”
“Nope.” He yawned. “Maybe I’ll direct.”
“What about dating? You gonna put yourself out there?”
“I don’t know. Dating is hard.”
Colton awoke with a mischievous sparkle in his eye.
“Jensen, you wanna really bring in the toys for this program you’re running?” he asked, helping himself to the last of the coffee.
Jensen studied him for a minute before answering. “I have a feeling I’m going to regret this.”
Jared nearly drove off the road when he heard the toys for tots live promo on the radio. No one had told him about it and no one had asked for his approval. In order to crush his rising temper, Jared pulled over to call Kathryn. "Did you know anything about this?" he barked into his phone.
"About what? And good morning to you too, Jared." She normally took his snark in good humor but as this was her day to sleep in, she snapped back.
“Jensen and the stunt he’s pulling with the toy drive.”
“Oh my god, Jared, what is he doing?” Kathryn squeezed her eyes shut and pulled her blanket over her head. “Jared, it’s my day off. I’m supposed to sleep until noon.”
“Sorry, but the guy on the radio just said that everyone who donates a toy at the Wallace Entertainment warehouse can get an autograph or picture with Colton Haynes.”
Kathryn’s brain froze. Colton Haynes would be at her work? Of all the days to sleep in, she thought. “Well, that should bring in more toys, right?” Seriously, what was the problem.
“Yeah, but that’s not the point,” Jared huffed. He knew he was being petty, but … fuck it, he was petty. Jensen told him all ideas were to go through him and no one told him about this change. Had they even thought through things like parking or loading the toys into the truck? “Nevermind, Kathryn. Go back to bed.”
As much as she wanted to sleep in, Kathryn also wanted to meet Colton Haynes.
Jared checked on other toy donation locations before stopping at the warehouse. His temper subsided, letting his Christmas spirit return. Even though Black Friday was hectic and stressful, most of the shoppers he saw were pleasant and generous. He soaked up as much Christmas spirit as possible because he was going to need it the next time he saw Jensen Ackles.
Jared delayed his arrival at Wallace Entertainment as long as he could. The parking lot was still full when he arrived but he drove to the employee parking by the warehouse entrance.
A semi truck and trailer were at the loading dock and Jared could see warehouse manager Ty Olsson directing employees carrying donations. Jared grinned at the Santa hat Ty was wearing. “Ty!” Jared waved to get his attention as he approached.
“Hey, Jay, you’re just in time to help with the heavy stuff,” the manager teased, grinning and waving Jared over.
Inside, Jared was surprised to hear Christmas music playing through the an old sound system. He was even more surprised at the number of employees who volunteered to load the truck. “What’s with the hats?” he asked nodding at the green hats many of them wore.
“They’re my elves,” Ty explained. “Matt just arrived with the donations from the mall and the car dealerships.”
Jared nodded. “Good, so we’re on schedule.”
“No,” Ty chuckled. “Not by a long shot.” At Jared’s annoyed expression, Ty smiled and added, “Hey, the Salvation Army is going to be getting a lot more this year. A lot more. I think it will more than make up for the delay.”
Jared surveyed the room filled with toys, food and clothing and accepted more donations in place of keeping to a schedule. Seeing his co-workers looking so cheerful put a smile on Jared’s face. Then he saw Jensen in a well worn sweatshirt and jeans carrying a large box into the back of the truck. “I thought the movie star was signing autographs.”
“He is,” Ty replied. “Though he’s got to be almost done.” He checked his watch. “They had a whole system for when to stop the line so everyone would get one if they were in line. You should go check it out if you have time.”
“Yeah, I will.” Jared glanced at Jensen again. Why wasn’t he signing autographs?
On his way to the lobby, Jared passed Osric and Adam wheeling large carts filled with donations. “Jared! Oh my god, you should have seen it. We had so many people! It was crazy!” Osric’s enthusiasm was impressive this late in the day.
“Yeah,” Adam agreed. “I don’t know how you know Colton Haynes or how you got him to do this, but dude, he’s been amazing.”
“Great idea, Jared,” Osric said as they continued on their way. “You should be super proud of yourself.”
Jared smiled thinly. Not my idea, guys, but thanks.
In the lobby, Jared saw Kathryn and Madison, both in elf hats, helping Colton with the last group of fans. Jared was grateful to be entering from the employee area because it gave him a moment to appreciate Colton’s appearance. He wasn’t in pink gloves and food stained clothes today. The young star looked every bit the GQ model he was in a dark blue sweater that made Jared want to cuddle him -- after doing naughty things with him.
The moment Colton saw him, his eyes lit up and he waved. He signed a picture for a teenage girl and smiled while she took a selfie with him. Then he stood up. “Hold on guys, there’s someone I want you to meet. Jared, come here.” He waved the man over to the table. “Everybody this is my friend, Jared. Without him, none of this would be possible. So let’s give him a nice big round of applause.”
The room of fifty or so fans cheered and Jared blushed. “Colton, I appreciate it, but I’m pretty sure this was just you and Jensen,” he said quietly enough so only Colton heard him.
“Toy drive is all you, my man.” Colton patted Jared’s chest and went back to signing headshots.
Jared scowled at Kathryn and with a tilt of his head called her over. She offered up a weak smile. “Before you call me a traitor, look at him. Seriously, how could I stay home when a man that looks like that is here.”
Jared glared for another second then conceded with a half smile. “If that’s your type…”
Kathryn grabbed his arm and whispered, “He’s your type. You know he’s gay, right? I mean, he’s totally gorgeous but I’m just here to look. Is he with Jensen? ‘Cause if he’s not, you should go for it.”
Flattered by the ego boost, Jared almost smiled, but he understood he wasn’t going to get anywhere with a television star who was only visiting for the weekend. “Stop trying to find me a date and get back to work.”
The warehouse looked like an anthill as the volunteers busily separated donations and then packed crates with toys, food and clothing. Except these ants wore elf hats and sang along to Christmas carols.
“Jared!”
He spun at the sound of his name to see Jensen smiling at him as he approached. “We missed you last night. We needed you in our challenge against my aunt and her friends at trivia. I swear Colton hasn’t cracked a book since grade school.”
Jared smirked unsure why Jensen was acting like they were old friends when they hardly knew each other. “Yeah, well, my family gets everyone together for the holidays so I was expected to be there.”
“I get it. But since you’re here now, I could really use your expertise. I wasn’t expecting such a turn out. I mean, we only announced today that Colton was doing this. I didn’t know we’d need so many volunteers or that we’d be keeping them so long.” Jared stared blankly at him the entire time he spoke making Jensen sense he had done something wrong. “So anyway, I was wondering if I should order pizzas for everybody. Like a thank you? What do you think?”
“So now you want my opinion? You couldn’t ask before changing the toy drive into a Colton Haynes publicity event? You said all creative decisions were to come through me. I don’t give a rat’s --” He bit off his anger and blew out a breath. “I’m sure they’d appreciate pizza if you bought it. Ty knows the place we like to use. Call them now or they will be overwhelmed with the order. Just like all our volunteers are overwhelmed because of the huge change you made last minute.”
Jensen felt like a scolded child. He knew he looked like one, too, since he could feel his face flushing. He lowered his eyes unable to meet Jared’s annoyed glare.“You’re right. I’m sorry. I didn’t even think about it.” He shook his head at himself. “Shit. First time out of the gate and I fuck it up.” He sighed. “I had no way of contacting you when Colton thought up this little stunt. But that’s not really the point is it? I could have called you from here.” He finally looked in Jared’s eye. “I’m really sorry. I promise I’ll try not to let it happen again.”
Jared smirked in disbelief and side-stepped Jensen.
“I know I already broke my first promise, but I’m new at this.” He wanted to argue his defense further, but Jared didn’t seem interested.
“You brought in a lot of donations,” Jared said, turning back to him. “That’s what’s really important.”
“Yeah.” Jensen wondered if he was forgiven. “The staff really knows their stuff. Ty had a plan right away and Osric’s been to cons so he and I set up the crowd control. Kathryn kept everything running smoothly. I’m really proud of them.”
“Then you should thank them with pizza.”
Jensen assumed that meant they’d be okay. “You’re staying, right?”
Jared gave him a patronizing look before saying, “Free pizza,” and walking away.
The truck was finally loaded and the pizzas were being joyfully devoured when Colton cornered Jared. Making sure he wasn’t being watched, he sidled up to Jared. “Hey, can I have a minute?”
Jared looked up from his plate. You can have anything… “Sure, what can I do for you?”
Colton smirked. “Dude, don’t ask stuff like that. You’ll get my imagination workin’ overtime.”
Appearing unimpressed Jared waited for him to continue, but he moved over allowing Colton to sit next to him. “I need you to look out for Jensen over the holidays. Can you do that for me?”
“Why does he need looking after?” Jared figured he might be gone by then, but he listened anyway.
“The holidays are rough on him. He doesn’t really have family besides his aunt and me so I’m worried about him. A couple years ago, he was in a serious relationship that ended, badly, right before Christmas. Then last year he had my mess to deal with and trust me, it wasn’t easy. ” Colton paused, he hadn’t wanted to spill everything.
“I’ll do what I can. But, before you go, why didn’t he sign autographs with you?”
“‘Cause he’s not Mr. Hollywood any more, he’s Mr. Businessman.”
Dee let Jensen run Monday morning’s staff meeting. After thanking everyone who volunteered over the weekend, he apologized for making the last minute addition of the autograph session. “An idea like that should have gone to our company’s creative director, Jared. I should have sought his input before the event. I’m very lucky our staff stepped up and handled the mess I threw them. On the brightside, I was told that we’ve never had so many donations before.”
“Next on the agenda is a staffing change. Briana Buckmaster will be temporarily moving from accounting to Jared’s department to assist with book keeping. Intern Madison will become Kathryn’s assistant. And Colin from the warehouse will be taking her place in the office.”
Jared was pleasantly surprised by Jensen’s public apology. He was even happier when he returned to his office and found that both Briana and Madison were hard at work.
Kathryn followed him into his office and shut the door behind her. She sat back with a raised brow and knowing smile.
Jared grabbed the files Briana was going to need but paused when Kathryn kept looking at him expectantly. “What?”
She deflated a little and said, “He made good on his promise. Briana and Madison are a huge help.”
“Good.”
“Are you still looking for office space?”
“Yeah. I’m keeping my options open.”
Kathryn nodded. “Okay. I’m sending the information now. You’re scheduled to meet with Kim Rhodes this afternoon. She’s got a couple properties to show you this week.”
“Thanks.” When his assistant didn’t say anything more, Jared stopped his receipt gathering. “Why are you looking at me like that?”
“I saw you and Colton whispering together. Anything you’d like to share?” Her sisterly teasing tone made Jared chuckle.
“No.”
“Not gonna kiss and tell, huh.”
Now he laughed. “There’s nothing to tell. It wasn’t like that.”
She stood to leave. “Well there’s still time. I heard him say he wasn’t leaving until this afternoon.”
Jared looked at the schedule on his office wall. “I guess I should pencil him in somewhere.”
“You should. I know you won’t, but you really should.” Before she left she asked, “Do you think he and Jensen ever, you know.”
“No. He said they were like brothers. They’re close but they never dated. Don’t believe everything you read online.”
chapter 3