No Place to Hide
Title: No Place to Hide
Author: Cassie
Total word count of both parts: 6776
Summary: Jared is antisocial and a virgin, Jensen has commitment problems. Why on earth would they be set up on a blind date?
A/N: This is a gift for m_lasha for the spn_j2_xmas. I was given the prompt "A/U. Jared and Jensen are set up on a blind date by Tom/Mike and it is an utter disaster. But because they share the same pool of friends they keep running into each other, however they can't keep that animosity under wraps and eventually it spills over"...and this story is what fell onto the paper. Special thanks to beatlemaniac9 for being my amazing beta. This story is meant to be read in one part, but given LJ word constraints it is broken into two.
There was an obvious flaw with blind dates, one that Jared had argued time and time again to the gay wonder couple that was commonly referred to as Tom and Mike. Jared was a side project, a lost puppy that they had so generously taken under their wing. Once they discovered that Jared’s V-Card was still thoroughly unstamped it became their newest game to find the perfect man to stamp it. The problem was that, quite frankly, Jared was happy alone. He had a wonderful career that consisted of staying home and pounding the keys on his Mac book. His published work was under a commonly known pen name (Sincerely yours, Anonymous), and was known for the fiercely loyal fans that his series Once Upon a Dime had achieved. Although the story followed a dime’s journey through the city and the people whose hands passed him to yet another place, the most common fandom was surrounding the love between a gay couple. Jared had heard that thousands of stories had been written about his characters, yet he still remained modest.
All in all, he was happy alone. He was happy with the life that consisted of writing and spending time with his dogs. Sure, he had moments where he was lonely, even moments where he would allow a tear or two to escape as he considered the lack of love in his life. These moments, however, were few and far between. Mostly, he spent his life filling the moments, exploring the world. It was exploring the world that had led him to Tom and Mike, one of whom had spilled hot coffee on his shirt and insisted on buying him a new one, only to insist that they then take him out to diner. Now said man was insisting that he go on a date with stranger that was supposedly gorgeous and smart. Right.
The walk to the small restaurant was cold, the air blowing right through his jacket and into his bones. By the time he pulled the door open his hands were shaking and his mood was nearly as cold as the temperature. He was not met by a host for another ten minutes and when he was, at long last, shown to his reserved table he found it empty. His date was either a half hour late or simply standing Jared up. Part of him really hoped that the guy just had better places to be, after all Jared didn’t want to spend an evening with a lonely loser who was just happy for an excuse to escape the house. All the same, Jared was becoming angry as the minutes ticked by, torn between wanting to leave and hating the thought of Mike and Tom looking disappointed.
Just as he really began to consider leaving, his coat thrown over his arm as he pulled himself from the chair, a man was led to his table. The man was stunning to say the least, perfectly tinted blond hair, gleaming emeralds for eyes and a perfect stamping of freckles over pale skin. Jared was almost going into shock, right up until he remembered that however gorgeous this man was, he was still forty-five minutes late for a first date. Jared rolled his eyes and sat down once more, his eyes shifting to the table before him.
“How nice of you to join me.” His voice sounded cold, borderline asshole.
“I really am sorry, my sister’s kid needed to be picked up from her art class and she had an emergency, so I was the only one available. I didn’t have your number to call and Mike didn’t answer his phone, Tom’s phone was off, really it was just bad timing.” The man looked sorry enough, his eyes wide as he took a seat across from Jared.
“You know what was bad timing? Me waiting here forever for a date I didn’t even want to go on.” He knew how he sounded, he knew that it was a dick move but he couldn’t bring himself to care. At twenty-one he still had options and staying single was one of them.
“Why bother showing up if you want t be alone that bad?” Jensen’s tone was soft, a small bite of anger clashing with obvious hurt.
“Because, Tom and Mike asked me to. You know them; they are hard to say no to.” Jared pulled his eyes from the table to look into the vivid green abyss of his date’s eyes. “I’m Jared, winner of the asshole of the year award.”
“I’m Jensen and uh I guess I won the worst first date of the year award. I really am sorry for being late.” Jensen’s blush was the closest thing to adorable that Jared could imagine.
“It’s all good. Do you want to order? I’ve had a while to look over the menu and they have some food that sounds really good.” Jared smiled sweetly, his cheeks dimpling perfectly.
“I think I’m going to get steak, what about you?” Jensen smiled, having not bothered to open his menu.
“Same,” Jared laughed as he set the two menus down, catching the eye of a waiter who quickly asked if they were ready to order. “We would both love steaks.”
“I want a baked potato with everything.” Jensen chimed in, “Oh! And a beer please.”
“I’ll have the same.” Jared chuckled before turning back to face his date. The lights in the room were catching Jensen’s eyes in a way that reminded Jared of dew on soft summer leaves.
“So, Tom and Mike said you are a writer? What do you write about?” Jensen’s easy smile was genuine, so unlike the smiles of most people as they asked about Jared’s career.
“I write about this dime and all the people that own it at one point or another.” Jared shrugged casually, his heart pounding rapidly against his ribcage. He was never sure if the person he was talking to would be a fan or hate his work. It was always a rare treat if they had never heard of his work.
“Oh gosh, I’ve heard about those. What are they called um Once upon a dime, right? I’ve been tempted to read them; I’ve heard they are really good. Are you writing another one?” Jensen was smiling again, his smile practically stunning Jared into silence. Eventually, the wheels began to turn in his mind, allowing him to answer after what seemed like a million years.
“Yes, I am. I…it is due in a few weeks and I haven’t a clue what to write. This has never been a problem before but you know…things change as all of the good ideas that have been floating around for years are finally typed and printed.” Jared was blushing slightly, ashamed at his lack of progress. Although, he had heard of authors who waited until the last possible moment to write, he had never quite understood. Writing was easy. Writing was fun. “What do you do?”
“I’m an artist too. Well, actually I just do some painting here and there but I’ve had some pieces sell for some pretty outrageous prices. I’ve managed to live off of that for a long time. I don’t like to feel the pressure of a deadline weighing down on me. I like to paint with leisure, to have the art actually mean something to me. I want it to be as honest as possible.”
Jensen shrugged nonchalantly, his arm moving to pull his water cup to his lips. A perfect train of the condensation trailing down his chin as the glass came into contact with the slight stubble of hair. For a moment, Jared felt an odd flip in his stomach, something breaking inside of him and craving that drop of water. It took all of his will power not to swipe his finger, or better yet his tongue, across the perfect skin before him. Fortunately, the table placed just enough distance between them that he was able to resist.
“I feel the same way about writing; I want everything to be honest so I usually write when I really feel the need. I used to feel that a lot more but recently…I’ve had a different story in mind. Something that does not have to do with a dime; I’m so sick of dimes.” Jared was really just filling the silence, his eyes locked on the perfect face sitting before him. For a moment he wondered if love at first sight were indeed true. The thought was pushed away almost as quickly as it came.
“Then write about that! Do it, just run where the ideas take you and never let a deadline hold you back. I’m at this point you’ve probably made enough of a name for yourself or um your pen name that any publisher would kill to publish something of yours.” Jensen was smiling again, but now it seemed warped, almost condescending.
“That is easier said then done.” Jared could feel himself shifting into defensive mode, slowly shifting back in his chair to create space between the two of them.
“Not really. Just do it.” Jensen’s eyes rolled, as though he found it funny that Jared simply didn’t understand. “If I can do it, you can do it.”
“Well I’m not you. Some people can simply change everything and go out on a limb hoping that everything will work out. I’m not built to change, even coming here was hard for me.” Jared’s voice was lower than usual, a defensive tone changing the meaning of all of his words. The accusations hanging in the air were thick enough to cut with a knife.
“Whatever, stay writing the same old thing until your name looses all value. You’ll be the next Stephen King.” Jensen looked visibly shocked at the words that had left his mouth, his eyes shifting around the room as though he were attempting to find the trail that had lead the conversation to this point.
“Fuck you. I knew this was a bad idea! You’re a dick just like I thought you would be and this date is going no where just like I thought it would.” Jared was standing before he felt his legs pull him from the chair.
“At least my life isn’t stagnant, so stale that people have to set me up on fucking dates. This was a favor and right now I wish I had said no.” Jensen moved to stand across from Jared, glaring up at the younger man with those perfect emerald eyes. “Have a nice life.”
XOXO
The night was cold, a bit too cold for Jared’s tastes, yet he could not remove himself from the open window. Part of him could still feel the craving to kiss Jensen; the rest of him could only feel anger. He knew that it was his own insecurities that had ruined the evening; his own desperate need to control his life. He hadn’t even made it to the meal before everything came crashing down. Distantly he could hear the angry voicemail featuring his favorite gay couple scolding him for ruining his chances with a supposedly nice guy. He was also informed that he was expected to report to their condo promptly at noon for a full run down of the entire evening. Jared could already tell he would be scolded and possibly set up with another gay man. Part of him couldn’t help but feel disappointed that he would never have to look into those stunning eyes again, most of him was happy he would never have to feel scrutinized by the gorgeous man.
Nothing had changed by morning; the circles under his eyes informing him that he had not slept well at all. Those green eyes were haunting his mind, constantly judging him. Even as he sat down at his computer he couldn’t bring his fingers to move, to type the word dime for the millionth time in his short years. Panic began to build as he thought about his looming deadline, of the contract he had signed. Everything was falling apart and it was all because he had decided to go on a stupid blind date with a man who obviously did not even want to be there. Everything felt too broken for the mundane situation.
The walk to Tom and Mike’s house felt like routine, but as his legs brought him closer a fear began to steadily build. Once again, he was afraid of being judged. He couldn’t help it if he liked routine, if he was meant to spend his life alone with his computer. Everything had been fine before Jensen and everything would be fine again just as soon as he learned to forget the splattering of freckles and the eyes that had made his heart flip. He was certain that it would all fade soon enough. Pretty certain. Almost certain.
The walk up the two flights of stairs took more time than usual, his feet dragging slightly as his legs carried him up and up. Each step brought him closer to his disappointed friends; to the looks he knew would be on their faces, the confusion and disappointment he would find there. All too soon the walk was over, his knuckles rapping gently against the door in the hopes that no answer would come. Of course, Mike opened the door and greeted him with a customary hug followed by a glare. His stunning friend led him inside, only to be bombarded by a glare from his friend’s gorgeous lover the moment he entered the living room. It was just as he expected and he hung his head in the shame he knew they wanted him to display.
“Now, I know you had a bad time last night but I really think that it can be worked out, which is why Jensen is currently on his way over.” Tom’s voice was calm; his hands placed reassuringly on Jared’s firm shoulders.
“No. No. No. I messed things up, and that guy was kind of a dick. We are not a good match.” Jared was shaking his head to emphasize the “no”, his eyes slammed close.
“Stop that, Jared. Look at me!” A firm slap snapped Jared from his trance-like objection. “There, I hate to go all gay on you and claim that you needed a bitch slap, but well, you did. Plus, it was Mike that slapped you and he is much gayer than me.”
“Hey, I am not!” Mike peeked out from behind his lover, a wide grin swallowing the expanse of his face.
“Denial is one of the steps to recovering.” Jared couldn’t help but smile at the look on Mike’s face. “Someday you’ll be a real gay boy too!”
“I am a real boy! Tell him I’m a real gay boy, Tom. I do real gay things in bed! I’ll show you!” Mike was already two feet in the direction of the bedroom before Tom grabbed him, only to silence him with a small kiss. Jared couldn’t help but think that they really were the gay wonder couple.
“I think I’ll leave you to that,” Jared began sneaking towards the door, tip toeing his way along the plush carpet until he finally was able to reach out and slowly turn the doorknob. The moment the door opened he regretted it, half tempted to simply shut the door in Jensen’s face. What he was unprepared for was his hand pushing the door closed slowly, his eyes locked with those brilliant jade ones.
“Did you just dramatically shut the door on our friend? You did, didn’t you? Tsk tsk Jared. Now, you go sit on the couch and I’ll do the polite thing and invite him inside.” Mike was laughing as he opened the door to reveal a wide-eyed Jensen, a soft blush making his freckles practically disappear.
“Wow, and I thought he was an asshole last night. What is that guy’s problem? And, what happened to you guys just wanting to hear what happened? I’m not being tricked into going on another date with him.” Jensen was still just outside the threshold, speaking as though Jared could not hear him.
“Well, I’ll have you know I feel just as tricked as you. No one informed me I would have to deal with you until it was too late.” Jared rolled his eyes before settling back into the couch. These were his friends, not Jensen’s.
“They were my friends first, you know.” Jensen pushed Mike aside, moving to sit across from Jared, a glare painted on his beautiful features.
“Sure they were.” Jared as being petty but really, it was Jensen who started it.
“No, they really were. They’ve been dating since high school and I met them in 10th grade. That means…hold your breath…I’ve known them longer.” Jensen was smirking, a small half smile pulling at his lips.
“Then why have I never once heard of you?” Jared’s face was blank, his demeanor calm.
“I was traveling Europe for a few years, completely out of touch.” Jensen shrugged, all confidence and charisma.
“Yeah, pick up any fun diseases while you were away?” Jared’s eyes flicked down dramatically to Jensen’s crotch.
“At least I actually have had sex, unlike some I could name.” Jensen laughed as he looked down at Jared’s crotch, “Although, I pin you as a bottom.”
“Okay then children, how about we try and be civil. There is no need to call names or point fingers.” Mike was shaking his head, Tom simply staring at both of them.
“I wasn’t aware that we knew any children, but it would seem you proved me wrong Mike.” Tom shook his head before taking a seat on the opposite side of the L couch from Jared.
“Apparently, when you stick two grown men in the same room and there is obvious sexual tension they simply return to the elementary school way of flirting. Next thing you know we will be putting one of them in the corner for hitting the other.” Mike’s eyes continued to travel back and forth between Jensen and Jared, his expression that of a concerned parent.
“I’m not acting like a child, besides, he started it.” Jared could feel a pout pulling at his lips.
“That right there was childish, he started it? Yeah. Right. You wish I would have started something, but I didn’t and now you are just pissed that you missed out on all of this.” Jensen’s hands traveled down the length of his chest, his tongue licking at his lips dramatically. Jared simply stared at the man before him, his pulse quickened with either anger or lust; really it could have been either.
“I hate you.” Jared’s words sounded colder than he expected, something inside of him snapping with each syllable. He couldn’t tell if he actually hated the man or simply wanted him to leave him be.
“Yeah, well I hate you more.” Jensen was gritting his teeth, practically spitting the words.
“Oh, look who is being mature now! Really nice, Jensen.” Jared shook his head, pulling himself from the couch in one swift movement. “I think you should leave. They may have been your friends first but they are mine now so back the fuck off.”
“Do you kiss your lover with those lips? Oh! That’s right, you don’t have one!” Jensen was standing, his chin tilted up to stare at his newfound enemy.
“At least I have discretion with who I sleep with.”
“You must be very picky then; I mean, going on blind dates really shows that.” Jensen’s hands came up to push Jared hard on the chest, moving him half an inch before Jared’s hands came up to slam into Jensen’s chest.
“You’re a dick.” Jared practically growled the words, his voice so low he hardly recognized the sound as his own.
“Great comeback, you’re so smooth. Gosh, my little heart is breaking.” Jensen moved to stand closer, his anger boiling over and tumbling off in waves.
Jared could feel things change, the buzz in the air suddenly changing into an electric current. Fury was mixing with the sexual tension, creating a unique blend of need and hate. Jared was slamming into Jensen with all of his weight before his mind could really comprehend the feeling of warmth spreading along the places his body came into contact with the smaller man’s. His fist was pulled back, his eyes locked in on Jensen’s, only seeing red as anger blinded him. The pounding sound of bone and flesh colliding broke through the air. He could feel a return hit against his eye, the flesh already swelling.
Part Two
Author: Cassie
Total word count of both parts: 6776
Summary: Jared is antisocial and a virgin, Jensen has commitment problems. Why on earth would they be set up on a blind date?
A/N: This is a gift for m_lasha for the spn_j2_xmas. I was given the prompt "A/U. Jared and Jensen are set up on a blind date by Tom/Mike and it is an utter disaster. But because they share the same pool of friends they keep running into each other, however they can't keep that animosity under wraps and eventually it spills over"...and this story is what fell onto the paper. Special thanks to beatlemaniac9 for being my amazing beta. This story is meant to be read in one part, but given LJ word constraints it is broken into two.
There was an obvious flaw with blind dates, one that Jared had argued time and time again to the gay wonder couple that was commonly referred to as Tom and Mike. Jared was a side project, a lost puppy that they had so generously taken under their wing. Once they discovered that Jared’s V-Card was still thoroughly unstamped it became their newest game to find the perfect man to stamp it. The problem was that, quite frankly, Jared was happy alone. He had a wonderful career that consisted of staying home and pounding the keys on his Mac book. His published work was under a commonly known pen name (Sincerely yours, Anonymous), and was known for the fiercely loyal fans that his series Once Upon a Dime had achieved. Although the story followed a dime’s journey through the city and the people whose hands passed him to yet another place, the most common fandom was surrounding the love between a gay couple. Jared had heard that thousands of stories had been written about his characters, yet he still remained modest.
All in all, he was happy alone. He was happy with the life that consisted of writing and spending time with his dogs. Sure, he had moments where he was lonely, even moments where he would allow a tear or two to escape as he considered the lack of love in his life. These moments, however, were few and far between. Mostly, he spent his life filling the moments, exploring the world. It was exploring the world that had led him to Tom and Mike, one of whom had spilled hot coffee on his shirt and insisted on buying him a new one, only to insist that they then take him out to diner. Now said man was insisting that he go on a date with stranger that was supposedly gorgeous and smart. Right.
The walk to the small restaurant was cold, the air blowing right through his jacket and into his bones. By the time he pulled the door open his hands were shaking and his mood was nearly as cold as the temperature. He was not met by a host for another ten minutes and when he was, at long last, shown to his reserved table he found it empty. His date was either a half hour late or simply standing Jared up. Part of him really hoped that the guy just had better places to be, after all Jared didn’t want to spend an evening with a lonely loser who was just happy for an excuse to escape the house. All the same, Jared was becoming angry as the minutes ticked by, torn between wanting to leave and hating the thought of Mike and Tom looking disappointed.
Just as he really began to consider leaving, his coat thrown over his arm as he pulled himself from the chair, a man was led to his table. The man was stunning to say the least, perfectly tinted blond hair, gleaming emeralds for eyes and a perfect stamping of freckles over pale skin. Jared was almost going into shock, right up until he remembered that however gorgeous this man was, he was still forty-five minutes late for a first date. Jared rolled his eyes and sat down once more, his eyes shifting to the table before him.
“How nice of you to join me.” His voice sounded cold, borderline asshole.
“I really am sorry, my sister’s kid needed to be picked up from her art class and she had an emergency, so I was the only one available. I didn’t have your number to call and Mike didn’t answer his phone, Tom’s phone was off, really it was just bad timing.” The man looked sorry enough, his eyes wide as he took a seat across from Jared.
“You know what was bad timing? Me waiting here forever for a date I didn’t even want to go on.” He knew how he sounded, he knew that it was a dick move but he couldn’t bring himself to care. At twenty-one he still had options and staying single was one of them.
“Why bother showing up if you want t be alone that bad?” Jensen’s tone was soft, a small bite of anger clashing with obvious hurt.
“Because, Tom and Mike asked me to. You know them; they are hard to say no to.” Jared pulled his eyes from the table to look into the vivid green abyss of his date’s eyes. “I’m Jared, winner of the asshole of the year award.”
“I’m Jensen and uh I guess I won the worst first date of the year award. I really am sorry for being late.” Jensen’s blush was the closest thing to adorable that Jared could imagine.
“It’s all good. Do you want to order? I’ve had a while to look over the menu and they have some food that sounds really good.” Jared smiled sweetly, his cheeks dimpling perfectly.
“I think I’m going to get steak, what about you?” Jensen smiled, having not bothered to open his menu.
“Same,” Jared laughed as he set the two menus down, catching the eye of a waiter who quickly asked if they were ready to order. “We would both love steaks.”
“I want a baked potato with everything.” Jensen chimed in, “Oh! And a beer please.”
“I’ll have the same.” Jared chuckled before turning back to face his date. The lights in the room were catching Jensen’s eyes in a way that reminded Jared of dew on soft summer leaves.
“So, Tom and Mike said you are a writer? What do you write about?” Jensen’s easy smile was genuine, so unlike the smiles of most people as they asked about Jared’s career.
“I write about this dime and all the people that own it at one point or another.” Jared shrugged casually, his heart pounding rapidly against his ribcage. He was never sure if the person he was talking to would be a fan or hate his work. It was always a rare treat if they had never heard of his work.
“Oh gosh, I’ve heard about those. What are they called um Once upon a dime, right? I’ve been tempted to read them; I’ve heard they are really good. Are you writing another one?” Jensen was smiling again, his smile practically stunning Jared into silence. Eventually, the wheels began to turn in his mind, allowing him to answer after what seemed like a million years.
“Yes, I am. I…it is due in a few weeks and I haven’t a clue what to write. This has never been a problem before but you know…things change as all of the good ideas that have been floating around for years are finally typed and printed.” Jared was blushing slightly, ashamed at his lack of progress. Although, he had heard of authors who waited until the last possible moment to write, he had never quite understood. Writing was easy. Writing was fun. “What do you do?”
“I’m an artist too. Well, actually I just do some painting here and there but I’ve had some pieces sell for some pretty outrageous prices. I’ve managed to live off of that for a long time. I don’t like to feel the pressure of a deadline weighing down on me. I like to paint with leisure, to have the art actually mean something to me. I want it to be as honest as possible.”
Jensen shrugged nonchalantly, his arm moving to pull his water cup to his lips. A perfect train of the condensation trailing down his chin as the glass came into contact with the slight stubble of hair. For a moment, Jared felt an odd flip in his stomach, something breaking inside of him and craving that drop of water. It took all of his will power not to swipe his finger, or better yet his tongue, across the perfect skin before him. Fortunately, the table placed just enough distance between them that he was able to resist.
“I feel the same way about writing; I want everything to be honest so I usually write when I really feel the need. I used to feel that a lot more but recently…I’ve had a different story in mind. Something that does not have to do with a dime; I’m so sick of dimes.” Jared was really just filling the silence, his eyes locked on the perfect face sitting before him. For a moment he wondered if love at first sight were indeed true. The thought was pushed away almost as quickly as it came.
“Then write about that! Do it, just run where the ideas take you and never let a deadline hold you back. I’m at this point you’ve probably made enough of a name for yourself or um your pen name that any publisher would kill to publish something of yours.” Jensen was smiling again, but now it seemed warped, almost condescending.
“That is easier said then done.” Jared could feel himself shifting into defensive mode, slowly shifting back in his chair to create space between the two of them.
“Not really. Just do it.” Jensen’s eyes rolled, as though he found it funny that Jared simply didn’t understand. “If I can do it, you can do it.”
“Well I’m not you. Some people can simply change everything and go out on a limb hoping that everything will work out. I’m not built to change, even coming here was hard for me.” Jared’s voice was lower than usual, a defensive tone changing the meaning of all of his words. The accusations hanging in the air were thick enough to cut with a knife.
“Whatever, stay writing the same old thing until your name looses all value. You’ll be the next Stephen King.” Jensen looked visibly shocked at the words that had left his mouth, his eyes shifting around the room as though he were attempting to find the trail that had lead the conversation to this point.
“Fuck you. I knew this was a bad idea! You’re a dick just like I thought you would be and this date is going no where just like I thought it would.” Jared was standing before he felt his legs pull him from the chair.
“At least my life isn’t stagnant, so stale that people have to set me up on fucking dates. This was a favor and right now I wish I had said no.” Jensen moved to stand across from Jared, glaring up at the younger man with those perfect emerald eyes. “Have a nice life.”
XOXO
The night was cold, a bit too cold for Jared’s tastes, yet he could not remove himself from the open window. Part of him could still feel the craving to kiss Jensen; the rest of him could only feel anger. He knew that it was his own insecurities that had ruined the evening; his own desperate need to control his life. He hadn’t even made it to the meal before everything came crashing down. Distantly he could hear the angry voicemail featuring his favorite gay couple scolding him for ruining his chances with a supposedly nice guy. He was also informed that he was expected to report to their condo promptly at noon for a full run down of the entire evening. Jared could already tell he would be scolded and possibly set up with another gay man. Part of him couldn’t help but feel disappointed that he would never have to look into those stunning eyes again, most of him was happy he would never have to feel scrutinized by the gorgeous man.
Nothing had changed by morning; the circles under his eyes informing him that he had not slept well at all. Those green eyes were haunting his mind, constantly judging him. Even as he sat down at his computer he couldn’t bring his fingers to move, to type the word dime for the millionth time in his short years. Panic began to build as he thought about his looming deadline, of the contract he had signed. Everything was falling apart and it was all because he had decided to go on a stupid blind date with a man who obviously did not even want to be there. Everything felt too broken for the mundane situation.
The walk to Tom and Mike’s house felt like routine, but as his legs brought him closer a fear began to steadily build. Once again, he was afraid of being judged. He couldn’t help it if he liked routine, if he was meant to spend his life alone with his computer. Everything had been fine before Jensen and everything would be fine again just as soon as he learned to forget the splattering of freckles and the eyes that had made his heart flip. He was certain that it would all fade soon enough. Pretty certain. Almost certain.
The walk up the two flights of stairs took more time than usual, his feet dragging slightly as his legs carried him up and up. Each step brought him closer to his disappointed friends; to the looks he knew would be on their faces, the confusion and disappointment he would find there. All too soon the walk was over, his knuckles rapping gently against the door in the hopes that no answer would come. Of course, Mike opened the door and greeted him with a customary hug followed by a glare. His stunning friend led him inside, only to be bombarded by a glare from his friend’s gorgeous lover the moment he entered the living room. It was just as he expected and he hung his head in the shame he knew they wanted him to display.
“Now, I know you had a bad time last night but I really think that it can be worked out, which is why Jensen is currently on his way over.” Tom’s voice was calm; his hands placed reassuringly on Jared’s firm shoulders.
“No. No. No. I messed things up, and that guy was kind of a dick. We are not a good match.” Jared was shaking his head to emphasize the “no”, his eyes slammed close.
“Stop that, Jared. Look at me!” A firm slap snapped Jared from his trance-like objection. “There, I hate to go all gay on you and claim that you needed a bitch slap, but well, you did. Plus, it was Mike that slapped you and he is much gayer than me.”
“Hey, I am not!” Mike peeked out from behind his lover, a wide grin swallowing the expanse of his face.
“Denial is one of the steps to recovering.” Jared couldn’t help but smile at the look on Mike’s face. “Someday you’ll be a real gay boy too!”
“I am a real boy! Tell him I’m a real gay boy, Tom. I do real gay things in bed! I’ll show you!” Mike was already two feet in the direction of the bedroom before Tom grabbed him, only to silence him with a small kiss. Jared couldn’t help but think that they really were the gay wonder couple.
“I think I’ll leave you to that,” Jared began sneaking towards the door, tip toeing his way along the plush carpet until he finally was able to reach out and slowly turn the doorknob. The moment the door opened he regretted it, half tempted to simply shut the door in Jensen’s face. What he was unprepared for was his hand pushing the door closed slowly, his eyes locked with those brilliant jade ones.
“Did you just dramatically shut the door on our friend? You did, didn’t you? Tsk tsk Jared. Now, you go sit on the couch and I’ll do the polite thing and invite him inside.” Mike was laughing as he opened the door to reveal a wide-eyed Jensen, a soft blush making his freckles practically disappear.
“Wow, and I thought he was an asshole last night. What is that guy’s problem? And, what happened to you guys just wanting to hear what happened? I’m not being tricked into going on another date with him.” Jensen was still just outside the threshold, speaking as though Jared could not hear him.
“Well, I’ll have you know I feel just as tricked as you. No one informed me I would have to deal with you until it was too late.” Jared rolled his eyes before settling back into the couch. These were his friends, not Jensen’s.
“They were my friends first, you know.” Jensen pushed Mike aside, moving to sit across from Jared, a glare painted on his beautiful features.
“Sure they were.” Jared as being petty but really, it was Jensen who started it.
“No, they really were. They’ve been dating since high school and I met them in 10th grade. That means…hold your breath…I’ve known them longer.” Jensen was smirking, a small half smile pulling at his lips.
“Then why have I never once heard of you?” Jared’s face was blank, his demeanor calm.
“I was traveling Europe for a few years, completely out of touch.” Jensen shrugged, all confidence and charisma.
“Yeah, pick up any fun diseases while you were away?” Jared’s eyes flicked down dramatically to Jensen’s crotch.
“At least I actually have had sex, unlike some I could name.” Jensen laughed as he looked down at Jared’s crotch, “Although, I pin you as a bottom.”
“Okay then children, how about we try and be civil. There is no need to call names or point fingers.” Mike was shaking his head, Tom simply staring at both of them.
“I wasn’t aware that we knew any children, but it would seem you proved me wrong Mike.” Tom shook his head before taking a seat on the opposite side of the L couch from Jared.
“Apparently, when you stick two grown men in the same room and there is obvious sexual tension they simply return to the elementary school way of flirting. Next thing you know we will be putting one of them in the corner for hitting the other.” Mike’s eyes continued to travel back and forth between Jensen and Jared, his expression that of a concerned parent.
“I’m not acting like a child, besides, he started it.” Jared could feel a pout pulling at his lips.
“That right there was childish, he started it? Yeah. Right. You wish I would have started something, but I didn’t and now you are just pissed that you missed out on all of this.” Jensen’s hands traveled down the length of his chest, his tongue licking at his lips dramatically. Jared simply stared at the man before him, his pulse quickened with either anger or lust; really it could have been either.
“I hate you.” Jared’s words sounded colder than he expected, something inside of him snapping with each syllable. He couldn’t tell if he actually hated the man or simply wanted him to leave him be.
“Yeah, well I hate you more.” Jensen was gritting his teeth, practically spitting the words.
“Oh, look who is being mature now! Really nice, Jensen.” Jared shook his head, pulling himself from the couch in one swift movement. “I think you should leave. They may have been your friends first but they are mine now so back the fuck off.”
“Do you kiss your lover with those lips? Oh! That’s right, you don’t have one!” Jensen was standing, his chin tilted up to stare at his newfound enemy.
“At least I have discretion with who I sleep with.”
“You must be very picky then; I mean, going on blind dates really shows that.” Jensen’s hands came up to push Jared hard on the chest, moving him half an inch before Jared’s hands came up to slam into Jensen’s chest.
“You’re a dick.” Jared practically growled the words, his voice so low he hardly recognized the sound as his own.
“Great comeback, you’re so smooth. Gosh, my little heart is breaking.” Jensen moved to stand closer, his anger boiling over and tumbling off in waves.
Jared could feel things change, the buzz in the air suddenly changing into an electric current. Fury was mixing with the sexual tension, creating a unique blend of need and hate. Jared was slamming into Jensen with all of his weight before his mind could really comprehend the feeling of warmth spreading along the places his body came into contact with the smaller man’s. His fist was pulled back, his eyes locked in on Jensen’s, only seeing red as anger blinded him. The pounding sound of bone and flesh colliding broke through the air. He could feel a return hit against his eye, the flesh already swelling.
Part Two