Money 'Verse: Reunions and Revelations
Title: Reunions and Revelations
Author: KliqzAngel
Verse: #3 in the Money Can’t Buy Love (or anything else that really Matters) ‘Verse
Actors: Jensen Ackles, Jared Padalecki, Michael Rosenbaum, George Eads, Elijah Wood
Appearances by or Mentions of: Dominic Mongahan, Johnny Depp, Sean Bean, Steve Carlson, Bobby Richie “Kid Rock”
Pairings: Jensen/Mike, Jensen/Jared, Jensen/Mike/Jared, Steve/Bobby, Elijah/Dom, Sean/Johnny
Content: M/M and M/M/M Relationships, Boy Kissin’, slight Angst, AU
Disclaimer: I own no one.
Rating: R
Summary: Jared meets some of Jensen and Mike's friends and someone else he never expected. Then his a new friend helps him through a moment of doubt.
Notes: I have altered ages to suit my needs. Elijah and Jared are around 19. Dominic, Jensen, and Mike are 22. George is 35. I know a lot happens in this chapter, and some relationships got more rushed than I had intended but, I decided I didn’t wanna drag things out in this. So this is a very full chapter.
Previous Parts: Here
At Johnny Bean’s
Mike held the door to Johnny Bean’s open for Jensen and Jared, Jensen leading the way in. Pausing just inside the doorway, Jensen grinned over his shoulder at Jared before crossing the room to sit at a table with a good view of the stage.
“MIKEY!! JEN!!" Jared heard and, before he knew what was happening, a blur of dark hair and petiteness was launching itself at Mike. He watched intrigued as Mike laughed happily hugging the man and patting his back before Jensen stepped over pushing Mike aside. “Quit hoggin’ him, jackass,” Jensen growled playfully before pulling the other man into a hug of his own.
“What’re you guys doin here?” The man asked. Much shorter than Jared, who had already seen six feet come and go, an obvious friend of his house mates, he couldn’t help but feel a rumble of jealousness at yet another person who had a closeness he didn’t.
“We came to introduce Jared to your brother’s place,” Mike said smiling, slapping Jared’s back. “Jay, this is Johnny’s brother Elijah. Lij, this is Jared our new housemate.” Jared smiled and found himself under the scrutiny of the bluest eyes he’d ever seen in his life.
“Hey,” Jared said somewhat shyly holding out his hand but found himself pulled into a friendly hug that was released before he could even figure out what was going on. “Shit your tall!” The smaller man exclaimed smiling up at him big and Jared couldn’t help grinning back shyly.
“So, we hear Steve’s introducing his new singer tonight,” Jensen inserted hoping to draw the attention away from Jared, and was relieved when Elijah turned toward him forgetting about Jared’s height for a moment.
“Yeah, and they sound great!” Lijah exclaimed excited as Mike pulled out a chair and the others followed suit with Jared managing to get a seat between Jensen and Mike. Leaning across the table Elijah whispered playfully, “I think they’re fuckin too! I’ve never seen Steve smile so much in my LIFE!” Sitting back Elijah giggled as Jensen lifted an eyebrow at the news.
“Well Steve certainly didn’t mention THAT tidbit!” Jensen offered as a server came over. “You know normally I wouldn’t even bother, but I see you guys brought fresh meat with you tonight, so I figured I should at least offer him a menu,” the man said grinning, and again Jared was at a loss. When Elijah reached over and pulled the server into his lap, Jared was even more confused until Jen leaned over and whispered into his ear. “That’s Dom, Lijah’s boyfriend.”
And suddenly, Jared wasn’t so jealous of Elijah.
Especially, when Jensen stayed leaned in a little longer than what Jared deemed would normally be necessary, sending chills though Jared’s body. It hadn’t taken long after moving in to realize he had a real kink for Jensen’s voice, all husky, deep especially in the morning before he’s had his coffee, and was half-asleep. He was sure Mike was insane, because if Jen was his, Jared’d never let him out of bed sounding like that.
“Elijah, I know you don’t do any work around here, but could you possibly let Dom do his, since he actually waits on the tables we assign him?” Turning his attention, Jared saw the scariest looking man that he’d ever seen in his life. He was shorter than both Jensen and Mike, but had a chiseled face that looked like it’d never known happiness in its whole life.
“Sean, chill out, you’re scaring the customer’s again. While Jensen and Mike know you’re a harmless old grump, their friend hasn’t had the chance to figure it out for himself yet,” Jared heard and saw another man had come up to stand just behind Sean.
“That’s Johnny,” Jensen whispered in his ear again and once more Jared’s world was a little brighter even if all these new people were making him self-conscious. “The other is Bean his boyfriend and Johnny’s right. He’s pretty harmless, likes to play the grump. Don’t worry ‘bout him though. It’ll be cool. Fifty bucks says that he doesn’t let ya buy your dinner tonight. He never lets Elijah’s friends pay.”
Turning his head Jared found himself looking into Jensen’s sparkling hazel green eyes. “He’s kinda scary lookin,” Jared admitted softly and Jensen just leaned in closer nodding. “Yeah he scared me when we first started comin in here, too. I’m not always the most outgoing guy myself, unless I gotta bottle of somethin’ in my hand.” Jensen winked and Jared was forced to turn his attention away when a menu appeared in his face.
Following the line of menu and then arm, Jared found himself looking once again into the eyes of The Scary Man as he’d decided to call Sean. “I assume you need a menu.” Sean offered and Jared couldn’t help but notice the protective glint in his eyes. Swallowing heavy Jared straightened and quickly opened the menu, nervously trying to avoid the older man’s wrath.
Because of this, he missed the scowl that Elijah shot Sean. “Now you’re just being mean and a jackass. This is Jared. Their new house-mate so you don’t have go to all big bad wolf on poor Jare.” Surprised at the words spoken in his defense, Jared looked up to see Elijah glaring angrily at Sean. Confused Jared looked at first Jensen and then Mike not understanding when neither of them looked particularly happy either.
“It’s not a big deal,” Jared said quietly looking around the room nervously, not wanting to look anyone around the table in the eye. “He was just lookin’ out for Jensen and Mike. I’m sure he…”
Mike was watching Jared, not really surprised he was trying to brush off the whole incident, and frowned at the face Jared made, when his friend suddenly stopped speaking. “Jared?” He heard Jensen ask, but had turned to look in the direction was standing, when his friend suddenly stood hurrying across the room.
“No fuckin’ way,” Jensen muttered and Mike couldn’t help but grin agreeing.
“How’s he know Shop Guy?” Elijah asked recognizing the man Jared had hurried up to as a regular, who came in to pick up take out on his way home from the garage he worked at.
Jensen swallowed thickly trying to speak past the lump in his throat as he watched Jared, and fortunately, Mike spoke, although his own voice was much huskier than normal. He obviously was affected by the sight at the bar as much as Jensen was. “That’s Jared’s big brother. He hasn’t seen him since he was a kid, when his dad kicked him out.”
Crossing the room, Jared kept his eyes on the man standing at the bar speaking to the bartender. He kept telling himself that his eyes must have been playing tricks on him. There was no way that after all these years; it could be so easy to find him. But, the closer he got, the more familiar that face grew. He just knew it was the man he looked at every night before going to bed.
Finally reaching the bar, Jared stood a couple feet from the man, watching his eyes sparkle as he laughed with the bartender. Opening his mouth, Jared could only muster the softest of words and could only hope the man could hear him over the noise. “Gee?”
As if time slowed to a crawl, Jared watched the man turn and look at him puzzled for a moment head cocked to one side and mouth turning downward in a slight frown, as it was apparent he didn’t automatically recognize Jared. But, then as if some angel had whispered Jared’s identity in his ear, the older man’s mouth dropped open with shock. “Jare-bear?” Jared heard before he was pulled forward finding home within the arms of his older brother after years of homelessness.
“Oh my fuckin’ God, Jay,” Jared heard whispered in his ear as familiar arms clenched around him tightly. “What the fuck are you doin here?” George asked and Jared felt the smile spreading across his face.
“I’m goin to school,” Jared answered before pulling George back in sinking his face into the crook of his neck. “I can’t believe it’s you.” He whispered and felt his brother’s arms tighten around him again.
“I’m here kid,” George whispered hands moving over Jared’s back as he felt his little brother tremble in his arms. “I’m here, and that old fucker can’t separate us again.”
Jared knew he must be crying, but he couldn’t help it. He’d dreamt of this moment since the day his big brother and only safe haven in a life of hell had been ripped from him. Finally, though he pulled back wiping the tears off his face with his sleeve as he grinned. “You can stay right? You don’t gotta rush somewhere? Come eat with us! You gotta meet my housemates. You gotta tell me where you went! You can stay right? Fuck, I can't even remember your name, just Gee."
George laughed, head thrown back and eyes twinkling at Jared’s excitement. “Kid only thing waitin for me is my dog, so I got all night man. My name is George." Turning to the bartender, George smiled. “Cancel that order man. Looks like I am eating in tonight.”
Happier than he’d been in awhile, Jared headed back toward the table, excited to see his new friends already rearranging the table so that there was an extra seat between him and Mike for George. “Mikey, Jen, this is my big brother George. G, these are my new friends Mike and Jen. I just moved into their house.”
Mike and Jensen stood smiling reaching out to shake George’s free hand, as Jared wasn’t letting go of the one he’d captured. “Jared’s modest. He’s really our sugar daddy, payin’ the rent. We just make the house look pretty.” Mike joked only to receive a slap upside his own head from Johnny. Fortunately, George laughed from his spot slightly behind Jared, while Jared’s face turned red with embarrassment. “It ain’t like that, Mikey.” He muttered. “You guys don’t mind him joining us do ya?”
Jensen shook his hand slapping Jared’s shoulder. “Hell no, Jay, as a matter of fact we’d be insulted if he left.” Finally, the group was seated and Dom, having finally freed himself from Elijah’s lap, took drink orders hurrying off as Johnny dragged Sean off much to Elijah’s delight. “Somebody’s in trouble.” Elijah sang and for some reason Jared blushed again as Mike and Jensen laughed.
"Lijah, you take way too much pleasure in him getting yelled at,” Jensen pointed out and Elijah sniffed playfully. "Poo, he’s a butthead, been grumpier than hell lately. I dunno what’s up his ass but John better fuck him good and soon or else I’m gonna do it myself, grumpy old bastard.”
“Your sleep with your brother’s boyfriend?” Jared asked slightly shocked and Elijah shrugged nonchalantly. “Yeah, sometimes, not often, but you know… It's no big deal. John has a thing for Dommy. Thinks he’s pretty, which he is, so I can’t blame him. It’s not a big deal. Is it?” Elijah asked looking at Jared, his head cocked to one side and once again, Jared blushed. He was beginning to believe his face was going to be permanently red for the rest of the night.
“No, I just…” Jared shrugged and Elijah nodded smiling before once again Jensen turned the conversation away from Jared. “Not all of us are perverts like you and Johnny are, Lij.” Jensen pointed out laughing. “I see you haven’t gotten the menu redesign done yet.”
Elijah wrinkled his nose at the question. “No, Bean is bein' a butthead about that too. He seems to assume I can redesign the look of the menu before he gets the actual content of the menu redone. He wants to add some dishes, and take out some others, but he can’t figure out what. I’ve got a couple of things in progress, but I can’t finalize anything ‘til he gets off his ass.”
Mike snorted and looked at George, “Since Lijah called you Shop Guy, I take it you work in a garage?” He asked hoping to pull Jared’s brother into the conversation, maybe getting a conversation started that would let the brothers talk.
Nodding George accepted a beer as Dom brought over their drinks thanking the man before answering. “Yeah, I work at Morgan’s, but I’m trying to save up enough money to buy it from him. He wants to move to California where his sister lives, but wants to get the garage sold first.”
“The greasy thumb must run in the family,” Mike offered casually. “Jared works on cars too.”
“Really?” George asked and Jared smiled shyly. “Yeah, old man McKellan taught me. I bought his from him when he retired, but he pretty much runs the place. I just run it, so he doesn’t have to worry about money and shit. You know, I’d be happy to help you, ya know. I could loan you the money you needed if you want.”
George smiled taking a sip from his beer bottle. “Or you could go in it with me,” George pointed out and Jared grinned big again as they began talking out details.
Later that evening, Jared found himself back at his house with his housemates along with Lijah and Dom, and his brother. Conversation had progressed smoothly throughout the evening thanks mostly to Mike and Jensen. Once back at their house Jensen and Mike who had been somewhat buzzed at the bar had progressed to what Jared thought of as happily liquid.
He was hiding in the kitchen for a moment throwing together some snacks hoping they would soak up some of the alcohol flowing freely out on the living room. As it was, he wasn’t sure where everyone was going to sleep, since there was no way any of them were driving home. Keys had already been stolen and hidden in Jared’s room in a spot he was confident only he’d find them in.
“Wha’cha doin, Jay?” Jared heard before a pair of arms slipped around his waist and a chin propped against his shoulder. Jumping slightly he turned his head to look into Jensen’s eyes losing himself momentarily in their beauty, even if they were somewhat red and glassy at this point. Quietly, he made a mental note to go get Jensen’s contact case and glasses soon and make him take them out.
“Just fixin’ some snacks, so you guys don’t hate yourselves anymore than necessary tomorrow morning.” Jared squeaked as Jensen snuggled up closer to him.
“You feel good Jay. Bet you’d be good to snuggle up with at night.” Jensen slurred slightly and Jared froze watching Jensen’s face as his brain argued with itself as to what he should be doing.
When Jensen leaned closer rubbing his cheek against Jared’s shoulder, Jared began to panic. When Jensen nipped at his neck, Jared really panicked. When he turned his head to remind Jensen that he wasn’t Mike and found himself instead with a mouthful of Jensen’s tongue, he forgot what he was panicking about.
Jared, while not sexually inexperienced, had never been with a man he liked as much as he liked Jensen. So, finding himself with Jensen wrapped around him, kissing him like Jared was the last man on the earth, was just not something he knew how to deal with. Not when he wanted it as much as he wanted this. He wasn’t sure if it was Jensen or himself making the tiny noises, but whoever it was, he didn’t much care.
And, then as suddenly as it had begun it stopped.
Jensen smiled, patted Jared’s chest snuggling in once more before wandering out.
“LIJ!” Jensen crowed excited passing him on his way out of the kitchen. Jared was barely able to look the blue-eyed man in the eyes and finally just ran out of the kitchen and kept going until he was in the safety of his bedroom, the door locked behind him.
Normally, Jared loved Sunday mornings. He loved getting up early and going for a run though the quiet streets getting time to just zone out with his thoughts. Usually after his run, he’d take a shower then go into the kitchen and make breakfast. He’d planned to make something for the three of them that morning and had gotten everything he’d needed a couple of days before. With the events of the night before though, Jared was unsure of what to do.
His morning run hadn’t been very peaceful. He’d spent the entire time taking turns between remembering the kiss, kicking himself in the ass for allowing the kiss when Jensen was obviously drunk and had no idea what he was doing, and longing painfully for another one. He was more than a little scared. He was sure Mike was gonna shoot him. George would no doubt be disgusted that his little brother would do such a thing. Jared after all had been the sober one, and it had been his responsibility to stop the event from happening. He’d have to move again, only this time it’d be his own fault and not some overgrown bully’s.
He managed to work himself into such a state that he didn’t realize he was crying, or that he’d run back to the house until he found himself looking at the driveway where Elijah was sitting on a car waiting for him. Stopping at the end of the driveway, he looked afraid at the man waiting him, wondering if this was the start of the end. He just couldn’t figure out how no matter how hard he tried, everything always fell apart every time it started to go good.
“It’s not your fault you know,” Elijah said softly, the sunglasses perched on his face hiding his brilliant blue eyes from Jared. “Everyone knows Jensen’s a slut when he’s drunk. Thought you should know that. Although that isn’t to say he doesn’t like you ‘cause from what I saw last night, I believe he does, believe him and Mike both do in fact."
"Thought you should know he told everyone too. I didn’t think you’d like the surprise of finding it out later, although from the look of you, I’d guess you’ve already assumed everyone knows anyway. Guess I shoulda talked to you last night.”
Jared’s jaw worked as his teeth ground against each other while he processed Elijah’s words. “Does that mean they aren’t gonna all go away now?” Jared asked not realizing he was speaking 'til he heard the sound of his own voice.
Elijah didn’t speak right away; instead, he sat on the car watching him with sad eyes. “What’s the world done to you?” He asked quietly and when the response came from an unexpected source both men jumped. “Knowing our father, nothing good.” Looking up at the porch, Jared saw George watching him with fire in his eyes and shrank back slightly, afraid that George was mad at him after all.
Sighing George pushed off the column he’d been leaning against and moved toward the boys. “Dad isn’t exactly father of the year material,” George explained to Elijah before stepping up beside his little brother. The obvious fear on Jared’s face only fueled his anger toward the bastard that had raised his brother further. “You ain’t done nothin’ wrong little brother.” George offered quietly. “An’ there ain’t nobody gonna be mad at you that ain’t gonna feel my boot up their ass if they are.”
The words were barely out of his mouth before he found himself encased in one very tall little brother, trembling and shaking still unable to believe his world wasn’t crumbling around his ears. Knowing a private brother moment when he saw it, Elijah slipped off the car and headed back into the house making a mental note to hug his own brother later.
About half an hour later, Elijah was seated at the kitchen table drinking coffee and reading the paper when he heard a groan and looking up saw Mike entering the kitchen. “Coffee good. Alcohol bad.” Elijah snorted his agreement and raised his own cup in salute before Mike refilled it for him.
Soon one of the other chairs was pulled out and Elijah put the paper down to study his friend. He’d known Mike and Jensen since he’d started at the university, through Steve. They were a rather tight knit group watching each other’s backs, but unafraid to point out when someone was fucking up. “You need to talk to Jared this morning man.” Elijah pointed out and Mike sighed taking a sip of his coffee, holding the warm mug between his hands. “He’s pretty damned sure you guys all hate him. I told him we all know how Jen is, when he’s drunk, but…” Elijah shrugged before taking another sip of his own coffee. “George came out, and I thought it was more of a big brother deal.”
Mike ran a hand over his head sighing. “You know normally I wouldn’t care, but for once I’m kinda pissed at Jensen for doin that. You’re right. We all know how he is, except Jared. Jared, who doesn’t seem to have any social experience and looks at Jensen like he believes that he’s just seen an angel descended from heaven.”
Elijah snorted looking at Mike over the rim of his mug. “You’re delusional if you think Jensen’s the only one that he looks at like that. I barely know the guy, and I can tell he’s crazy about you, too.” When Mike’s cheeks blushed pink, Elijah was amused enough to grin at him. “And I have a feeling it isn’t at all one sided.” This time Mike’s cheeks blushed fire engine red, and Elijah laughed outright.
“You’re a butthead,” Mike growled trying to be pissed, but the thought that not just Jared, but Jensen as well might share his feelings was too much, and he ended up smiling anyway. “You really think so?” Giggling Elijah nodded enjoying Mike’s discomfort and Mike glared at him before looking around. “Where are George and Jared anyway?”
Elijah’s eyes lit up and Mike arched an eyebrow watching the man practically bounce in his seat. “They went to the store. Apparently, Jared had planned to cook breakfast this morning for you three. When I told him everyone would be making it up within the hour, he offered to cook for us all, Steve and Bobby too. Who, by the way, should be showing up anytime now. They called earlier and said they were bored and wanted to know if anyone was up.”
Mike was about to respond when Dom came in and Elijah jumped up to fix his boyfriend a cup, and Mike was happy about this knowing he wasn’t the best person before he had a couple. Deciding to give the couple some alone time, Mike made a comment about waking up the beast and took the jokes the Elijah threw back with a smile before heading out of the kitchen and down the hall.
Opening the door carefully, he saw the covers moving and was glad to see Jensen was at least a little awake. He really was a scary thing to deal with if you had to wake him up and Mike hadn’t been looking forward to it, especially since he would be hung over. Picking up the water and Excedrin, he’d placed on the nightstand before leaving the room, Mike sat down next to the lump running his hand over what he guessed was Jensen’s back. “Come out from under there. I have some water and medicine to help your head.”
“Only thing that’s gonna help my head is a gun,” Jensen growled but finally turned around and sat up, the comforter pooling around his waist. First taking the pills Mike was holding out to him, Jensen popped them into his mouth before taking the big bottle of water to wash them down with.
Knowing the water would help his head; Jensen sipped carefully intending on finishing it as he watched Mike who had that look on his face that always meant he’d done something stupid he’d have to apologize for. Finally unable to stand it, Jensen just asked needing to know before his brain exploded while he tried to figure it out. “OK just tell me, what did I do this time?”
“Kissed Jared,” Mike offered frankly glad to see his boyfriend wince. “Now he thinks we’ll all hate him.” He’d thought Mike was going to continue. He’d looked like he was going to, but instead he’d stopped and was currently chewing on his lip.
Frowning Jensen took another drink of water and leaned against the headboard closing his eyes. He’d kissed Jared. The words made him tingle with excitement and strangely numb with guilt at the same time. He liked Jared, even if the kid irritated him at times. He liked him a lot. Hell what wasn’t to like. He was tall, buff, and had that look about him that made you wanna take care of him and love him forever.
And, Jensen was finding it hard to come up with reasons not to.
Kissing Jared while he’d been stupidly drunk though was not one of the best things he’d ever done. For one, it meant he didn’t remember and that annoyed him. For second, there was Mike to consider. He loved Mike and was amazed that he’d been so willing to put up with Jensen’s dumb ass. He loved Mike so much he didn’t know what he’d do if he lost him, but Jared - Jared was just different.
Since pretty much that first day when he’d sat in Jared’s car trying to convince him to stay, Jensen had been fighting off feelings for the guy. He’d felt terribly guilty at first, but when he’d seen the signs yesterday, as he’d stood watching Mike calm Jared down in his bedroom, that his boyfriend was interested in Jared as more than a friend, Jensen’d felt much better about his own feelings.
He’d intended to talk to Mike about it. He really had. Apparently, though his libido in its liquid state had decided that waiting was too much effort and had taken matters into its own hands… If his libido actually had hands, which was kind of a creepy thought. It wouldn’t have been the first time someone else had shared their bed. Steve had been known to play with them on occasion, when he was between boyfriends, but Jensen knew that Jared wouldn’t be a casual romp. Starting something with him would require them both to be willing to enter into something serious and possibly long lasting. The kid was just too starved for love and affection to understand casual sex, and Jensen was feeling way too possessive of Jared to even consider giving him up later for someone else.
“I meant to talk to you first,” Jensen finally muttered shamefully upset with himself that he’d upset Jared. He seemed to keep doing that and hated that it was making him into another painful part of Jared’s life.
Watching Jensen, Mike knew his boyfriend was beating himself up. No one was harder on Jen than he was on himself. “I shoulda known better than to let you go into the kitchen alone,” Mike offered shrugging. “I ain’t worried about the kiss Jen. Just… Hell baby, I just need to know where your head's at. I know we’ve brought people into our bed before, but that’s always been on a one night basis, and I don’t know about you, but I don’t have one-night-stand feelings where Jare’s concerned. He deserves better than that.”
“Yeah,” Jensen nodded and Mike smiled hearing all the other words Jensen intended to say after that, but didn’t know how to. Mike opened his mouth intending to speak when the door burst open and their bed shook as Steve threw himself onto it sprawling across both men.
“What the hell’re you two doin’ in here?” The blonde asked grinning and Jensen shoved at him as Mike shook his head.
“We were havin’ a private conversation asshat. You know, hence the closed door and all,” Jensen growled, but his words were wasted as Steve just grinned up at him. “Don’t you have someone to be drooling over? Where’s your new man?”
“Bobby?” Steve asked grinning dopily. “He’s in the kitchen trying to figure out how to get into your new buddy’s pants without me noticing.”
“JARED’S OURS!” Jensen growled loudly and Steve just lifted his eyebrow quietly as Mike hid his smile behind his mouth. Before anyone could speak though, Jensen noticed Jared in the doorway, looking nervous and confused.
“I’m,” Jared started stuttering because of his nerves. “I’m sorry. I just… I mean I wanted… I thought we should…” Jared huffed angrily turning to leave, but before he could go far Mike bounded off the bed and drew him into the room as Jensen shoved Steve off the bed. “YOU, ASSHAT, OUT!” Jensen growled and Steve held his hands up before standing and making his way out not appearing the least but sorry for his actions, closing the door behind him.
“Jared, I’m sorry,” Jensen blurted out before Jared could speak another word. “When I drink, I tend to be kinda…” Jensen paused looking for the right word and Mike laughed nudging Jared in the side having pulled the younger man down onto the bed to sit between them.
“The word he’s looking for is slutty,” Mike offered and batted his eyes at Jensen when the other man stuck his tongue out at him. “And he’s right. He is a slut when he drinks, although fortunately he’s a lovable slut and usually sticks to people he cares about.” Mike added seriously watching Jared wishing he knew what the other man was thinking.
Jared studied his hands nodding fairly confident that the feelings he had at the news didn’t match what they should be because of instead of relieved he felt like the bottom had fallen out of his stomach. “I understand,” he finally said quietly, but startled when he felt a touch under his chin. Looking up he saw Jensen studying him with serious eyes, and once more found himself lost on the other man’s gaze. He wanted so much to be able just to look at Jensen whenever he wanted, that he didn’t know what he’d do knowing he’d never have the right.
“Considering I just figured shit out myself yesterday, I doubt it,” Jensen replied gently and again Jared frowned confused. “Look, this is not even close to how this should have gone down, Jared, and for that I really am sorry. I am sorry for what I did last night, but only because for one, I was drunk and don’t remember what kissing you is like when it’s all I’ve been able to think about since you moved in, and two because it was certainly not the right time or place. We shoulda had a chance to all talk first and not with a house full of people. I just hope I’ll get another chance to do it right.”
Unwilling to hope for things he didn’t believe he’d get, Jared turned so he could look from Jensen to Mike, his eyes pleading the older man for explanation. Fortunately Mike understood and reaching out put a hand on Jared’s knee. “What Jen is trying to say is that we both really like you, man, and if there’s a chance you might like us both too we’d like to give the three of us a shot.”
“You mean, like… the three of us together in a relationship, or the three of us messin’ around?” Jared asked, his voice quivering and his gaze was drawn back to Jensen when older man took his hand. “The three of us in a relationship, unless you want the other.”
Quickly Jared shook his head then growled swiping an arm over his face to wipe off the tears falling down his cheeks. “I’ve paid for enough one night stands to know I’m not very good at them,” Jared admitted and somehow the words only made Jensen hurt for him all that much more. His mind drew up an image for him of sweet, shy Jared lying on the bed in some dirty motel watching some hooker take his money and walk out the door leaving Jared’s self-esteem shattered behind him.
“We’ll take it slow,” Mike promised and when Jared looked at him, the fear to hope apparent in his big eyes, he pulled the younger man toward him. He smiled when Jensen wrapped his arms around them from the other side sandwiching Jared between them. He could feel Jared shaking between them and pressed a gentle kiss into the top of his head, Jared having rested his on Mike’s shoulder.
“Whatcha thinkin, Jay?” Jensen asked and Mike felt Jared shift as he shrugged.
“A week ago I had nothing. Now I have a new place to live, two boyfriends, new friends, and not only do I have my brother back, but I'm gonna own a garage with him.” Jared whispered his arms tightening around Mike’s waist. “I’ve never had so much before. What do I do when someone takes it all away?”
Mike shifted his gaze to look into Jensen’s eyes and didn’t have to ask to know they both would fight to make sure that didn’t happen.
Read the next story The Angle
Author: KliqzAngel
Verse: #3 in the Money Can’t Buy Love (or anything else that really Matters) ‘Verse
Actors: Jensen Ackles, Jared Padalecki, Michael Rosenbaum, George Eads, Elijah Wood
Appearances by or Mentions of: Dominic Mongahan, Johnny Depp, Sean Bean, Steve Carlson, Bobby Richie “Kid Rock”
Pairings: Jensen/Mike, Jensen/Jared, Jensen/Mike/Jared, Steve/Bobby, Elijah/Dom, Sean/Johnny
Content: M/M and M/M/M Relationships, Boy Kissin’, slight Angst, AU
Disclaimer: I own no one.
Rating: R
Summary: Jared meets some of Jensen and Mike's friends and someone else he never expected. Then his a new friend helps him through a moment of doubt.
Notes: I have altered ages to suit my needs. Elijah and Jared are around 19. Dominic, Jensen, and Mike are 22. George is 35. I know a lot happens in this chapter, and some relationships got more rushed than I had intended but, I decided I didn’t wanna drag things out in this. So this is a very full chapter.
Previous Parts: Here
At Johnny Bean’s
Mike held the door to Johnny Bean’s open for Jensen and Jared, Jensen leading the way in. Pausing just inside the doorway, Jensen grinned over his shoulder at Jared before crossing the room to sit at a table with a good view of the stage.
“MIKEY!! JEN!!" Jared heard and, before he knew what was happening, a blur of dark hair and petiteness was launching itself at Mike. He watched intrigued as Mike laughed happily hugging the man and patting his back before Jensen stepped over pushing Mike aside. “Quit hoggin’ him, jackass,” Jensen growled playfully before pulling the other man into a hug of his own.
“What’re you guys doin here?” The man asked. Much shorter than Jared, who had already seen six feet come and go, an obvious friend of his house mates, he couldn’t help but feel a rumble of jealousness at yet another person who had a closeness he didn’t.
“We came to introduce Jared to your brother’s place,” Mike said smiling, slapping Jared’s back. “Jay, this is Johnny’s brother Elijah. Lij, this is Jared our new housemate.” Jared smiled and found himself under the scrutiny of the bluest eyes he’d ever seen in his life.
“Hey,” Jared said somewhat shyly holding out his hand but found himself pulled into a friendly hug that was released before he could even figure out what was going on. “Shit your tall!” The smaller man exclaimed smiling up at him big and Jared couldn’t help grinning back shyly.
“So, we hear Steve’s introducing his new singer tonight,” Jensen inserted hoping to draw the attention away from Jared, and was relieved when Elijah turned toward him forgetting about Jared’s height for a moment.
“Yeah, and they sound great!” Lijah exclaimed excited as Mike pulled out a chair and the others followed suit with Jared managing to get a seat between Jensen and Mike. Leaning across the table Elijah whispered playfully, “I think they’re fuckin too! I’ve never seen Steve smile so much in my LIFE!” Sitting back Elijah giggled as Jensen lifted an eyebrow at the news.
“Well Steve certainly didn’t mention THAT tidbit!” Jensen offered as a server came over. “You know normally I wouldn’t even bother, but I see you guys brought fresh meat with you tonight, so I figured I should at least offer him a menu,” the man said grinning, and again Jared was at a loss. When Elijah reached over and pulled the server into his lap, Jared was even more confused until Jen leaned over and whispered into his ear. “That’s Dom, Lijah’s boyfriend.”
And suddenly, Jared wasn’t so jealous of Elijah.
Especially, when Jensen stayed leaned in a little longer than what Jared deemed would normally be necessary, sending chills though Jared’s body. It hadn’t taken long after moving in to realize he had a real kink for Jensen’s voice, all husky, deep especially in the morning before he’s had his coffee, and was half-asleep. He was sure Mike was insane, because if Jen was his, Jared’d never let him out of bed sounding like that.
“Elijah, I know you don’t do any work around here, but could you possibly let Dom do his, since he actually waits on the tables we assign him?” Turning his attention, Jared saw the scariest looking man that he’d ever seen in his life. He was shorter than both Jensen and Mike, but had a chiseled face that looked like it’d never known happiness in its whole life.
“Sean, chill out, you’re scaring the customer’s again. While Jensen and Mike know you’re a harmless old grump, their friend hasn’t had the chance to figure it out for himself yet,” Jared heard and saw another man had come up to stand just behind Sean.
“That’s Johnny,” Jensen whispered in his ear again and once more Jared’s world was a little brighter even if all these new people were making him self-conscious. “The other is Bean his boyfriend and Johnny’s right. He’s pretty harmless, likes to play the grump. Don’t worry ‘bout him though. It’ll be cool. Fifty bucks says that he doesn’t let ya buy your dinner tonight. He never lets Elijah’s friends pay.”
Turning his head Jared found himself looking into Jensen’s sparkling hazel green eyes. “He’s kinda scary lookin,” Jared admitted softly and Jensen just leaned in closer nodding. “Yeah he scared me when we first started comin in here, too. I’m not always the most outgoing guy myself, unless I gotta bottle of somethin’ in my hand.” Jensen winked and Jared was forced to turn his attention away when a menu appeared in his face.
Following the line of menu and then arm, Jared found himself looking once again into the eyes of The Scary Man as he’d decided to call Sean. “I assume you need a menu.” Sean offered and Jared couldn’t help but notice the protective glint in his eyes. Swallowing heavy Jared straightened and quickly opened the menu, nervously trying to avoid the older man’s wrath.
Because of this, he missed the scowl that Elijah shot Sean. “Now you’re just being mean and a jackass. This is Jared. Their new house-mate so you don’t have go to all big bad wolf on poor Jare.” Surprised at the words spoken in his defense, Jared looked up to see Elijah glaring angrily at Sean. Confused Jared looked at first Jensen and then Mike not understanding when neither of them looked particularly happy either.
“It’s not a big deal,” Jared said quietly looking around the room nervously, not wanting to look anyone around the table in the eye. “He was just lookin’ out for Jensen and Mike. I’m sure he…”
Mike was watching Jared, not really surprised he was trying to brush off the whole incident, and frowned at the face Jared made, when his friend suddenly stopped speaking. “Jared?” He heard Jensen ask, but had turned to look in the direction was standing, when his friend suddenly stood hurrying across the room.
“No fuckin’ way,” Jensen muttered and Mike couldn’t help but grin agreeing.
“How’s he know Shop Guy?” Elijah asked recognizing the man Jared had hurried up to as a regular, who came in to pick up take out on his way home from the garage he worked at.
Jensen swallowed thickly trying to speak past the lump in his throat as he watched Jared, and fortunately, Mike spoke, although his own voice was much huskier than normal. He obviously was affected by the sight at the bar as much as Jensen was. “That’s Jared’s big brother. He hasn’t seen him since he was a kid, when his dad kicked him out.”
Crossing the room, Jared kept his eyes on the man standing at the bar speaking to the bartender. He kept telling himself that his eyes must have been playing tricks on him. There was no way that after all these years; it could be so easy to find him. But, the closer he got, the more familiar that face grew. He just knew it was the man he looked at every night before going to bed.
Finally reaching the bar, Jared stood a couple feet from the man, watching his eyes sparkle as he laughed with the bartender. Opening his mouth, Jared could only muster the softest of words and could only hope the man could hear him over the noise. “Gee?”
As if time slowed to a crawl, Jared watched the man turn and look at him puzzled for a moment head cocked to one side and mouth turning downward in a slight frown, as it was apparent he didn’t automatically recognize Jared. But, then as if some angel had whispered Jared’s identity in his ear, the older man’s mouth dropped open with shock. “Jare-bear?” Jared heard before he was pulled forward finding home within the arms of his older brother after years of homelessness.
“Oh my fuckin’ God, Jay,” Jared heard whispered in his ear as familiar arms clenched around him tightly. “What the fuck are you doin here?” George asked and Jared felt the smile spreading across his face.
“I’m goin to school,” Jared answered before pulling George back in sinking his face into the crook of his neck. “I can’t believe it’s you.” He whispered and felt his brother’s arms tighten around him again.
“I’m here kid,” George whispered hands moving over Jared’s back as he felt his little brother tremble in his arms. “I’m here, and that old fucker can’t separate us again.”
Jared knew he must be crying, but he couldn’t help it. He’d dreamt of this moment since the day his big brother and only safe haven in a life of hell had been ripped from him. Finally, though he pulled back wiping the tears off his face with his sleeve as he grinned. “You can stay right? You don’t gotta rush somewhere? Come eat with us! You gotta meet my housemates. You gotta tell me where you went! You can stay right? Fuck, I can't even remember your name, just Gee."
George laughed, head thrown back and eyes twinkling at Jared’s excitement. “Kid only thing waitin for me is my dog, so I got all night man. My name is George." Turning to the bartender, George smiled. “Cancel that order man. Looks like I am eating in tonight.”
Happier than he’d been in awhile, Jared headed back toward the table, excited to see his new friends already rearranging the table so that there was an extra seat between him and Mike for George. “Mikey, Jen, this is my big brother George. G, these are my new friends Mike and Jen. I just moved into their house.”
Mike and Jensen stood smiling reaching out to shake George’s free hand, as Jared wasn’t letting go of the one he’d captured. “Jared’s modest. He’s really our sugar daddy, payin’ the rent. We just make the house look pretty.” Mike joked only to receive a slap upside his own head from Johnny. Fortunately, George laughed from his spot slightly behind Jared, while Jared’s face turned red with embarrassment. “It ain’t like that, Mikey.” He muttered. “You guys don’t mind him joining us do ya?”
Jensen shook his hand slapping Jared’s shoulder. “Hell no, Jay, as a matter of fact we’d be insulted if he left.” Finally, the group was seated and Dom, having finally freed himself from Elijah’s lap, took drink orders hurrying off as Johnny dragged Sean off much to Elijah’s delight. “Somebody’s in trouble.” Elijah sang and for some reason Jared blushed again as Mike and Jensen laughed.
"Lijah, you take way too much pleasure in him getting yelled at,” Jensen pointed out and Elijah sniffed playfully. "Poo, he’s a butthead, been grumpier than hell lately. I dunno what’s up his ass but John better fuck him good and soon or else I’m gonna do it myself, grumpy old bastard.”
“Your sleep with your brother’s boyfriend?” Jared asked slightly shocked and Elijah shrugged nonchalantly. “Yeah, sometimes, not often, but you know… It's no big deal. John has a thing for Dommy. Thinks he’s pretty, which he is, so I can’t blame him. It’s not a big deal. Is it?” Elijah asked looking at Jared, his head cocked to one side and once again, Jared blushed. He was beginning to believe his face was going to be permanently red for the rest of the night.
“No, I just…” Jared shrugged and Elijah nodded smiling before once again Jensen turned the conversation away from Jared. “Not all of us are perverts like you and Johnny are, Lij.” Jensen pointed out laughing. “I see you haven’t gotten the menu redesign done yet.”
Elijah wrinkled his nose at the question. “No, Bean is bein' a butthead about that too. He seems to assume I can redesign the look of the menu before he gets the actual content of the menu redone. He wants to add some dishes, and take out some others, but he can’t figure out what. I’ve got a couple of things in progress, but I can’t finalize anything ‘til he gets off his ass.”
Mike snorted and looked at George, “Since Lijah called you Shop Guy, I take it you work in a garage?” He asked hoping to pull Jared’s brother into the conversation, maybe getting a conversation started that would let the brothers talk.
Nodding George accepted a beer as Dom brought over their drinks thanking the man before answering. “Yeah, I work at Morgan’s, but I’m trying to save up enough money to buy it from him. He wants to move to California where his sister lives, but wants to get the garage sold first.”
“The greasy thumb must run in the family,” Mike offered casually. “Jared works on cars too.”
“Really?” George asked and Jared smiled shyly. “Yeah, old man McKellan taught me. I bought his from him when he retired, but he pretty much runs the place. I just run it, so he doesn’t have to worry about money and shit. You know, I’d be happy to help you, ya know. I could loan you the money you needed if you want.”
George smiled taking a sip from his beer bottle. “Or you could go in it with me,” George pointed out and Jared grinned big again as they began talking out details.
Later that evening, Jared found himself back at his house with his housemates along with Lijah and Dom, and his brother. Conversation had progressed smoothly throughout the evening thanks mostly to Mike and Jensen. Once back at their house Jensen and Mike who had been somewhat buzzed at the bar had progressed to what Jared thought of as happily liquid.
He was hiding in the kitchen for a moment throwing together some snacks hoping they would soak up some of the alcohol flowing freely out on the living room. As it was, he wasn’t sure where everyone was going to sleep, since there was no way any of them were driving home. Keys had already been stolen and hidden in Jared’s room in a spot he was confident only he’d find them in.
“Wha’cha doin, Jay?” Jared heard before a pair of arms slipped around his waist and a chin propped against his shoulder. Jumping slightly he turned his head to look into Jensen’s eyes losing himself momentarily in their beauty, even if they were somewhat red and glassy at this point. Quietly, he made a mental note to go get Jensen’s contact case and glasses soon and make him take them out.
“Just fixin’ some snacks, so you guys don’t hate yourselves anymore than necessary tomorrow morning.” Jared squeaked as Jensen snuggled up closer to him.
“You feel good Jay. Bet you’d be good to snuggle up with at night.” Jensen slurred slightly and Jared froze watching Jensen’s face as his brain argued with itself as to what he should be doing.
When Jensen leaned closer rubbing his cheek against Jared’s shoulder, Jared began to panic. When Jensen nipped at his neck, Jared really panicked. When he turned his head to remind Jensen that he wasn’t Mike and found himself instead with a mouthful of Jensen’s tongue, he forgot what he was panicking about.
Jared, while not sexually inexperienced, had never been with a man he liked as much as he liked Jensen. So, finding himself with Jensen wrapped around him, kissing him like Jared was the last man on the earth, was just not something he knew how to deal with. Not when he wanted it as much as he wanted this. He wasn’t sure if it was Jensen or himself making the tiny noises, but whoever it was, he didn’t much care.
And, then as suddenly as it had begun it stopped.
Jensen smiled, patted Jared’s chest snuggling in once more before wandering out.
“LIJ!” Jensen crowed excited passing him on his way out of the kitchen. Jared was barely able to look the blue-eyed man in the eyes and finally just ran out of the kitchen and kept going until he was in the safety of his bedroom, the door locked behind him.
Normally, Jared loved Sunday mornings. He loved getting up early and going for a run though the quiet streets getting time to just zone out with his thoughts. Usually after his run, he’d take a shower then go into the kitchen and make breakfast. He’d planned to make something for the three of them that morning and had gotten everything he’d needed a couple of days before. With the events of the night before though, Jared was unsure of what to do.
His morning run hadn’t been very peaceful. He’d spent the entire time taking turns between remembering the kiss, kicking himself in the ass for allowing the kiss when Jensen was obviously drunk and had no idea what he was doing, and longing painfully for another one. He was more than a little scared. He was sure Mike was gonna shoot him. George would no doubt be disgusted that his little brother would do such a thing. Jared after all had been the sober one, and it had been his responsibility to stop the event from happening. He’d have to move again, only this time it’d be his own fault and not some overgrown bully’s.
He managed to work himself into such a state that he didn’t realize he was crying, or that he’d run back to the house until he found himself looking at the driveway where Elijah was sitting on a car waiting for him. Stopping at the end of the driveway, he looked afraid at the man waiting him, wondering if this was the start of the end. He just couldn’t figure out how no matter how hard he tried, everything always fell apart every time it started to go good.
“It’s not your fault you know,” Elijah said softly, the sunglasses perched on his face hiding his brilliant blue eyes from Jared. “Everyone knows Jensen’s a slut when he’s drunk. Thought you should know that. Although that isn’t to say he doesn’t like you ‘cause from what I saw last night, I believe he does, believe him and Mike both do in fact."
"Thought you should know he told everyone too. I didn’t think you’d like the surprise of finding it out later, although from the look of you, I’d guess you’ve already assumed everyone knows anyway. Guess I shoulda talked to you last night.”
Jared’s jaw worked as his teeth ground against each other while he processed Elijah’s words. “Does that mean they aren’t gonna all go away now?” Jared asked not realizing he was speaking 'til he heard the sound of his own voice.
Elijah didn’t speak right away; instead, he sat on the car watching him with sad eyes. “What’s the world done to you?” He asked quietly and when the response came from an unexpected source both men jumped. “Knowing our father, nothing good.” Looking up at the porch, Jared saw George watching him with fire in his eyes and shrank back slightly, afraid that George was mad at him after all.
Sighing George pushed off the column he’d been leaning against and moved toward the boys. “Dad isn’t exactly father of the year material,” George explained to Elijah before stepping up beside his little brother. The obvious fear on Jared’s face only fueled his anger toward the bastard that had raised his brother further. “You ain’t done nothin’ wrong little brother.” George offered quietly. “An’ there ain’t nobody gonna be mad at you that ain’t gonna feel my boot up their ass if they are.”
The words were barely out of his mouth before he found himself encased in one very tall little brother, trembling and shaking still unable to believe his world wasn’t crumbling around his ears. Knowing a private brother moment when he saw it, Elijah slipped off the car and headed back into the house making a mental note to hug his own brother later.
About half an hour later, Elijah was seated at the kitchen table drinking coffee and reading the paper when he heard a groan and looking up saw Mike entering the kitchen. “Coffee good. Alcohol bad.” Elijah snorted his agreement and raised his own cup in salute before Mike refilled it for him.
Soon one of the other chairs was pulled out and Elijah put the paper down to study his friend. He’d known Mike and Jensen since he’d started at the university, through Steve. They were a rather tight knit group watching each other’s backs, but unafraid to point out when someone was fucking up. “You need to talk to Jared this morning man.” Elijah pointed out and Mike sighed taking a sip of his coffee, holding the warm mug between his hands. “He’s pretty damned sure you guys all hate him. I told him we all know how Jen is, when he’s drunk, but…” Elijah shrugged before taking another sip of his own coffee. “George came out, and I thought it was more of a big brother deal.”
Mike ran a hand over his head sighing. “You know normally I wouldn’t care, but for once I’m kinda pissed at Jensen for doin that. You’re right. We all know how he is, except Jared. Jared, who doesn’t seem to have any social experience and looks at Jensen like he believes that he’s just seen an angel descended from heaven.”
Elijah snorted looking at Mike over the rim of his mug. “You’re delusional if you think Jensen’s the only one that he looks at like that. I barely know the guy, and I can tell he’s crazy about you, too.” When Mike’s cheeks blushed pink, Elijah was amused enough to grin at him. “And I have a feeling it isn’t at all one sided.” This time Mike’s cheeks blushed fire engine red, and Elijah laughed outright.
“You’re a butthead,” Mike growled trying to be pissed, but the thought that not just Jared, but Jensen as well might share his feelings was too much, and he ended up smiling anyway. “You really think so?” Giggling Elijah nodded enjoying Mike’s discomfort and Mike glared at him before looking around. “Where are George and Jared anyway?”
Elijah’s eyes lit up and Mike arched an eyebrow watching the man practically bounce in his seat. “They went to the store. Apparently, Jared had planned to cook breakfast this morning for you three. When I told him everyone would be making it up within the hour, he offered to cook for us all, Steve and Bobby too. Who, by the way, should be showing up anytime now. They called earlier and said they were bored and wanted to know if anyone was up.”
Mike was about to respond when Dom came in and Elijah jumped up to fix his boyfriend a cup, and Mike was happy about this knowing he wasn’t the best person before he had a couple. Deciding to give the couple some alone time, Mike made a comment about waking up the beast and took the jokes the Elijah threw back with a smile before heading out of the kitchen and down the hall.
Opening the door carefully, he saw the covers moving and was glad to see Jensen was at least a little awake. He really was a scary thing to deal with if you had to wake him up and Mike hadn’t been looking forward to it, especially since he would be hung over. Picking up the water and Excedrin, he’d placed on the nightstand before leaving the room, Mike sat down next to the lump running his hand over what he guessed was Jensen’s back. “Come out from under there. I have some water and medicine to help your head.”
“Only thing that’s gonna help my head is a gun,” Jensen growled but finally turned around and sat up, the comforter pooling around his waist. First taking the pills Mike was holding out to him, Jensen popped them into his mouth before taking the big bottle of water to wash them down with.
Knowing the water would help his head; Jensen sipped carefully intending on finishing it as he watched Mike who had that look on his face that always meant he’d done something stupid he’d have to apologize for. Finally unable to stand it, Jensen just asked needing to know before his brain exploded while he tried to figure it out. “OK just tell me, what did I do this time?”
“Kissed Jared,” Mike offered frankly glad to see his boyfriend wince. “Now he thinks we’ll all hate him.” He’d thought Mike was going to continue. He’d looked like he was going to, but instead he’d stopped and was currently chewing on his lip.
Frowning Jensen took another drink of water and leaned against the headboard closing his eyes. He’d kissed Jared. The words made him tingle with excitement and strangely numb with guilt at the same time. He liked Jared, even if the kid irritated him at times. He liked him a lot. Hell what wasn’t to like. He was tall, buff, and had that look about him that made you wanna take care of him and love him forever.
And, Jensen was finding it hard to come up with reasons not to.
Kissing Jared while he’d been stupidly drunk though was not one of the best things he’d ever done. For one, it meant he didn’t remember and that annoyed him. For second, there was Mike to consider. He loved Mike and was amazed that he’d been so willing to put up with Jensen’s dumb ass. He loved Mike so much he didn’t know what he’d do if he lost him, but Jared - Jared was just different.
Since pretty much that first day when he’d sat in Jared’s car trying to convince him to stay, Jensen had been fighting off feelings for the guy. He’d felt terribly guilty at first, but when he’d seen the signs yesterday, as he’d stood watching Mike calm Jared down in his bedroom, that his boyfriend was interested in Jared as more than a friend, Jensen’d felt much better about his own feelings.
He’d intended to talk to Mike about it. He really had. Apparently, though his libido in its liquid state had decided that waiting was too much effort and had taken matters into its own hands… If his libido actually had hands, which was kind of a creepy thought. It wouldn’t have been the first time someone else had shared their bed. Steve had been known to play with them on occasion, when he was between boyfriends, but Jensen knew that Jared wouldn’t be a casual romp. Starting something with him would require them both to be willing to enter into something serious and possibly long lasting. The kid was just too starved for love and affection to understand casual sex, and Jensen was feeling way too possessive of Jared to even consider giving him up later for someone else.
“I meant to talk to you first,” Jensen finally muttered shamefully upset with himself that he’d upset Jared. He seemed to keep doing that and hated that it was making him into another painful part of Jared’s life.
Watching Jensen, Mike knew his boyfriend was beating himself up. No one was harder on Jen than he was on himself. “I shoulda known better than to let you go into the kitchen alone,” Mike offered shrugging. “I ain’t worried about the kiss Jen. Just… Hell baby, I just need to know where your head's at. I know we’ve brought people into our bed before, but that’s always been on a one night basis, and I don’t know about you, but I don’t have one-night-stand feelings where Jare’s concerned. He deserves better than that.”
“Yeah,” Jensen nodded and Mike smiled hearing all the other words Jensen intended to say after that, but didn’t know how to. Mike opened his mouth intending to speak when the door burst open and their bed shook as Steve threw himself onto it sprawling across both men.
“What the hell’re you two doin’ in here?” The blonde asked grinning and Jensen shoved at him as Mike shook his head.
“We were havin’ a private conversation asshat. You know, hence the closed door and all,” Jensen growled, but his words were wasted as Steve just grinned up at him. “Don’t you have someone to be drooling over? Where’s your new man?”
“Bobby?” Steve asked grinning dopily. “He’s in the kitchen trying to figure out how to get into your new buddy’s pants without me noticing.”
“JARED’S OURS!” Jensen growled loudly and Steve just lifted his eyebrow quietly as Mike hid his smile behind his mouth. Before anyone could speak though, Jensen noticed Jared in the doorway, looking nervous and confused.
“I’m,” Jared started stuttering because of his nerves. “I’m sorry. I just… I mean I wanted… I thought we should…” Jared huffed angrily turning to leave, but before he could go far Mike bounded off the bed and drew him into the room as Jensen shoved Steve off the bed. “YOU, ASSHAT, OUT!” Jensen growled and Steve held his hands up before standing and making his way out not appearing the least but sorry for his actions, closing the door behind him.
“Jared, I’m sorry,” Jensen blurted out before Jared could speak another word. “When I drink, I tend to be kinda…” Jensen paused looking for the right word and Mike laughed nudging Jared in the side having pulled the younger man down onto the bed to sit between them.
“The word he’s looking for is slutty,” Mike offered and batted his eyes at Jensen when the other man stuck his tongue out at him. “And he’s right. He is a slut when he drinks, although fortunately he’s a lovable slut and usually sticks to people he cares about.” Mike added seriously watching Jared wishing he knew what the other man was thinking.
Jared studied his hands nodding fairly confident that the feelings he had at the news didn’t match what they should be because of instead of relieved he felt like the bottom had fallen out of his stomach. “I understand,” he finally said quietly, but startled when he felt a touch under his chin. Looking up he saw Jensen studying him with serious eyes, and once more found himself lost on the other man’s gaze. He wanted so much to be able just to look at Jensen whenever he wanted, that he didn’t know what he’d do knowing he’d never have the right.
“Considering I just figured shit out myself yesterday, I doubt it,” Jensen replied gently and again Jared frowned confused. “Look, this is not even close to how this should have gone down, Jared, and for that I really am sorry. I am sorry for what I did last night, but only because for one, I was drunk and don’t remember what kissing you is like when it’s all I’ve been able to think about since you moved in, and two because it was certainly not the right time or place. We shoulda had a chance to all talk first and not with a house full of people. I just hope I’ll get another chance to do it right.”
Unwilling to hope for things he didn’t believe he’d get, Jared turned so he could look from Jensen to Mike, his eyes pleading the older man for explanation. Fortunately Mike understood and reaching out put a hand on Jared’s knee. “What Jen is trying to say is that we both really like you, man, and if there’s a chance you might like us both too we’d like to give the three of us a shot.”
“You mean, like… the three of us together in a relationship, or the three of us messin’ around?” Jared asked, his voice quivering and his gaze was drawn back to Jensen when older man took his hand. “The three of us in a relationship, unless you want the other.”
Quickly Jared shook his head then growled swiping an arm over his face to wipe off the tears falling down his cheeks. “I’ve paid for enough one night stands to know I’m not very good at them,” Jared admitted and somehow the words only made Jensen hurt for him all that much more. His mind drew up an image for him of sweet, shy Jared lying on the bed in some dirty motel watching some hooker take his money and walk out the door leaving Jared’s self-esteem shattered behind him.
“We’ll take it slow,” Mike promised and when Jared looked at him, the fear to hope apparent in his big eyes, he pulled the younger man toward him. He smiled when Jensen wrapped his arms around them from the other side sandwiching Jared between them. He could feel Jared shaking between them and pressed a gentle kiss into the top of his head, Jared having rested his on Mike’s shoulder.
“Whatcha thinkin, Jay?” Jensen asked and Mike felt Jared shift as he shrugged.
“A week ago I had nothing. Now I have a new place to live, two boyfriends, new friends, and not only do I have my brother back, but I'm gonna own a garage with him.” Jared whispered his arms tightening around Mike’s waist. “I’ve never had so much before. What do I do when someone takes it all away?”
Mike shifted his gaze to look into Jensen’s eyes and didn’t have to ask to know they both would fight to make sure that didn’t happen.
Read the next story The Angle