Fic: It’s The Fall That Will Kill You 3/? (J2 AU) NC-17
Title: It's The Fall That Will Kill You - 3/?
Author: magikalrhiannon
Beta: jackiesjunkie & trueblue55
Pairing: J2, Jensen/Danneel (past), Christian Kane/Sandra McCoy - completely AU
Rating: NC-17 (language, sex scenes)
Summary: Widowed US President Jensen Ackles is coming to the end of his first term as the leader of the free world. He’s young, charismatic, stunningly handsome, extremely popular with the public and a single father to his twelve year old daughter, Eloise. His re-election seems a shoe-in until he meets political strategy specialist, Jared Padalecki, who is hired by the environmental lobby to get the elected government to take the changing climate seriously. His political rival, Republican Fred Lehne exploits Jensen’s budding friendship for his own political gain - but will it cost Jensen not only the Presidency but Jared as well?
Disclaimer: Based on the movie The American President with a dash of The West Wing. The first part follows the film closely but it will deviate after that. No infringement or offense intended, all ideas and quotes from both mentioned above are the property of the genius Aaron Sorkin and Co. Everything in this fic is so fake it makes the D&G knock offs look real. Only Eloise is not based on a real person, and none of this is representative of the real person or their preferences.
A/N: chash had an itch for a political drama like The American President, and I am a slave to her fic, therefore I offer this in penance. I also blame wendy's encouragement. So… this is for them. Thank you, thank you, thank you to jackiesjunkie and trueblue55 for the beta and the help - I couldn't have done this without you!
Part 1 - Part 2
Part 3
Jared sighed into the phone as he recounted the experience to his brother, Jeff on the phone.
“Jeff… Jeff, dude, it wasn’t funny, man! I acted like a total college freshman at a protest rally. I’m never gonna be able to show my face at The White House again.”
“Tell him about the door!” his sister Megan called out from her room where she was changing out of her work clothes. She came out in long, flannel pajamas and grinned. “That’s my favourite part.”
Jared slid down further on the lounge and groaned. “Oh fuck, I forgot about that part.”
Jeff badgered him until he repeated the story.
“You’re a total loser, Jare. How the hell did you get all the way to Washington?” Jeff asked loud enough for Megan to hear him as he laughed his ass off into the phone. Jared held the phone high above his head, Jeff’s laughter ringing out through the speaker.
“Thanks, bro. Thanks for the support. Really appreciate it.”
“Hey, I just tell it like I see it,” Jeff retorted. “Wanna hear my Jensen Ackles impersonation?”
Jared buried his head into a cushion. “No, I do not want to hear your Jensen Ackles impersonation. I am just going to hang up, go to bed and wake up when there’s a new President in the White House.”
Jeff laughed again. “Aw Jarebear… For real, Jare was he cute? I mean, really, does he live up to the photos?”
Jared groaned again. “Jeff, you have no idea. Seriously. None.”
Jeff laughed about his little brother’s crush, which Jared responded calmly and maturely by hanging up on him.
Megan wandered back into the room uncorking a bottle of wine and filled the glasses on the coffee table. Jared still had the cushion covering his face. Megan pulled at it until she wrestled it off him and replaced it with a glass of white wine.
“He must think I’m the world’s biggest asshole,” Jared complained, pouting as he sat upright.
“Jare, I’m pretty sure he’s met bigger assholes than you, considering he has to meet with world leaders on a regular basis.” Megan put the bottle of wine on the coffee table and put her hands on her hips.
“I’ll tell you one thing though,” Jared said, standing up and pacing the lounge room. “I regrouped. I mean, that’s worth something, right? I pulled it together right there in front of him and told him in the Oval Office that he can’t ignore the GDC because if he does, his job is on the line!”
Megan smirked as she picked up her glass of wine and collapsed into an armchair. “And then you walked out the wrong door.”
“I’m never gonna live that one down, am I?” Jared asked, deflating immediately.
Megan giggled. “Nope! That’s a keeper, right there. In fact, that one is worth a thousand naked baby photos. Billboard sized.”
“I hate you,” Jared grumbled, sinking back onto the couch and cuddling a pillow for comfort. He missed his dogs. He wanted his babies. They would understand. Sadie would look at him with her sad eyes full of empathy and Harley would slobber all over his belongings and generally cause mischief until he’d pulled Jared out of his funk. Instead, Harley and Sadie were living with their parents back in Texas until he had the time to drive down and pick them up. Which would probably be at the end of this campaign. A year from now. He sighed, suddenly even more depressed.
He couldn’t believe how much he’d embarrassed himself in front of the President of the United States. Who does that? he wondered, drinking his wine fast and sitting the empty glass on the coffee table.
The phone rang and Jared automatically reached out to answer it. “That’ll be Jim Beaver. He said he’d call at nine.” He picked up the phone. “Hello?”
“Uh, hi, is this Jared?” a familiar voice said in response.
“Jim?” Jared asked, frowning. Jim sounded weird.
“No, this is Jensen Ackles.”
Jared rolled his eyes and flopped back lazily against the couch. “Ohhh, Jensen Ackles. You’re hilarious Jeff. Seriously, you should go on tour this summer. Make up for you being such a bum at college.”
The person on the other end hesitated. “Uh, no this isn’t Jeff. This is Jensen Ackles.”
Jared chuckled. “Oh really? Well, I’m so glad you called because I forgot to tell you today what a great ass you have. It looks spectacular in those Armani pants. I’m also impressed you were able to get my phone number, since I don’t have a phone! Night Jeff.” Jared hung up the phone and shrugged. “I’m going for a shower.”
Jared got up and headed for the spare room where his sister had left his bag. Grabbing his gear, he headed into the bathroom, stripped down and got into a nice, hot shower. So he spent a little time imagining he hadn’t been such an embarrassment in front of President Ackles. It didn’t mean anything if he imagined he was suave and sophisticated and the President had wanted to have his wicked way with Jared. It didn’t mean anything if he imagined pulling those Armani pants down and sucking down what would have to be the most beautiful and gorgeous and perfect cock in the world because God couldn’t be that cruel and not make it perfect like the rest of him. And if he came harder and faster than he’d ever had in his life, it really didn’t mean anything, right?
Other than he was gay, and he already knew that.
He sighed and rested his head against his forearm on the wall of the shower, watching the water wash away the evidence of what he’d just done. It hadn’t been the first time he’d fantasized over Jensen Ackles. It was just the first time after he’d met the man.
He was so fucked.
Jared turned off the shower and dried off. Dressing quickly into sweats and a t-shirt, he made his way back out and dumped his gear in the spare room. Padding into the lounge room, he stopped when he saw Megan standing there frowning, holding the phone in one hand, and a pen in the other.
“What?” Jared asked.
Megan blinked. “You need to call 456-1414 and ask for Jensen. Who is that?”
Jared froze. “456-1414?”
Megan nodded. Jared just repeated the number again, and Megan nodded again. “Yeah. Jare, who is that?”
Jared’s eyes grew wide. “The White House.” Jared covered his face with his hands. “Oh fuck. FUCK! Oh. My. Motherfucking God. Oh I’m the world’s biggest idiot! Twice in one day. I don’t… fuck!”
“What?!” Megan repeated.
“It really was Jensen Ackles. I just told The President of the United States that he has great ass!” Jared collapsed onto the couch and fell into the cushions. “I want to die.”
Megan sighed in exasperation. “Stop being so melodramatic, Jared. For God’s sake, I’m sure it’s a, not the first time someone has told him he has a great ass and b, he probably knows that already.”
“Megan. Please. Let me die in peace.”
His sister threw the phone at him. “Grow up, Jared. Call The President.” And with that, she stalked out of the room, her bedroom door slamming.
Jared groped for the phone. Pushing himself upright, he looked at it in his hand. Taking a deep breath, he dialled the number he knew from heart: 456-1414.
“Hello, White House Operator, how may I direct your call?” a pleasant feminine voice asked.
“Uh, this is Jared Padalecki, could I -?”
“Yes Mr Padalecki, The President is expecting your call. One moment, please.”
He was put on hold. He leaned forward, his arm on his knees and pinched the bridge of his nose.
“Jared?”
He closed his eyes at the familiar voice. “Mr President.”
“Thanks for calling me back.”
“Yes Sir.” He was sure his shame was heard in his voice.
“You okay, Jared?” The President asked, concerned. “Is now a bad time? Should I call you at the office tomorrow instead?”
“No! I mean yes! I mean…” Jared let out a humourless laugh. “No, I’m fine Sir. Now’s not a bad time. It’s never a bad time. You can call me whenever and wherever you like. It… I… I’ve just had the worst and most embarrassing day in the history of my life.” Jared hung his head, the feeling of dread filling him up once more. Why did he have to be a total tool?
Jensen chuckled softly. “Yeah, well, it’s certainly been an entertaining one.”
Jared groaned. “Sir, please forgive me. I… I’m sure there’s an appropriate way to apologise for being a monumental idiot, and I should never have spoken to you like that, nor should I have discussed your … ass… in such a way, I just… I have no idea where to even begin or how to word it. I am mortified beyond belief.”
“Relax, Jared. I’m not offended. Actually, it’s been a while since anyone told me I have a great ass. Usually most people are too afraid, or they're saying I am an ass. It’s a refreshing change.”
Jared felt the urge to smile, and gave into it a little. “Still, Mr President, I apologise.”
He could hear Jensen’s smile. “There’s nothing to apologise for, but if it makes you feel better, you’re forgiven.”
“Thank you, Sir. Yes, it does make me feel better.” Jared laughed a little, but still felt embarrassed.
“Well good. I’m glad.”
Jared just listened to Jensen breathing. If only Jensen was calling for another reason. He frowned. Why was he calling? “Uh, Sir? Not that I don’t appreciate the call, but how did you find me?”
“Oh. See I have access to an Agency called the FBI. They have all these files on people…” Jensen trailed off.
“Oh. Oh, the FBI, of course, because if that’s who’d you’d call if you were looking for someone,” Jared nodded as he agreed innocently.
Jensen laughed. “Actually, Katie called Jim Beaver and asked if he knew how to get in contact with you. Seems he already knew about the deal we made in the Oval Office and was more than happy to provide a way to get in contact with me.”
“Yeah. I bet,” Jared drawled dryly. He knew exactly how much Jim Beaver would want to help. He saw the way the older man had laughed his ass off at Jared’s expense when he retold the story.
There was silence for a moment. “So, how ‘bout them Cowboys?” Jensen asked out of the blue.
Jared laughed. “Uh, well, they’re tanking this season, if that’s what you mean, Sir.”
“Call me Jensen.”
Jared blinked. “Excuse me, Sir?”
“Call me Jensen. Please. You know, when we’re in private, you can call me Jensen. The whole title thing gets old after 12 months.”
“Sir, I’m not sure I’m allowed to do that.”
“Of course you are. I’m telling you to. In fact, I’ll make it a Presidential order if it makes you feel more comfortable.”
Jared asked, surprised, “You can do that?”
Jensen laughed. Jared liked the sound, liked that he caused it. “No. But I’d like it.”
“Okay, Sir. If that would make you happy.”
“Jensen.”
“Jensen,” Jared smiled. He liked the way the name rolled off his tongue. “So, Jensen, to what do I owe the honour of this call? I can’t imagine you were calling for no reason.” There was silence. Jared thought for a moment the phone had disconnected. “Jensen?”
“No, I mean, I’m here. I just… I had a good time today, with you.”
“What, me humiliating myself?” Jared asked.
“Of course,” Jensen teased. “No, I mean… when we were talking, in my office. I… I had a good time.”
Jared rolled his eyes. “Yeah, I live to entertain.”
Jensen laughed again. “You’re certainly good at it.”
“I can assure you, it wasn’t planned, but nonetheless, it’s a common occurrence in my life.” Jared sighed, and flopped back on the couch. Jensen’s voice was smooth like silk in his ear, and he knew he could easily listen to it every day for the rest of his life. Not that there was even a remote possibility that would ever happen. It didn’t stop the twitch in his sweats though. He needed to distract himself. “We’re off track again. What was it you were calling about? Did you need me to put the agreement on paper or --?”
“No, no. No, I wasn’t calling about work actually,” Jensen said, and Jared heard the anxiety in his voice. He frowned. The President was anxious? He heard Jensen clear his throat. “Well, see, Abe Pollin keeps sending these invitations to the Wizards games, and well the Wizards are playing the Mavs at the Verizon Centre on Sunday and of course you’re under no obligation to come but I thought it might be fun to, you know, catch a game. Sometime. With me.”
Jared stopped breathing. Was The President asking him out on a date?
“Jared?”
“Yes, Sir?”
“Jensen.”
“Yes, Jensen?”
“Ah, did you want to?”
Jared frowned. “Let me get this straight. You called me... to ask me to a basketball game... in public... with you?”
Jensen hesitated. “Yes?” Jared couldn’t breath again. “Is that not something friends do?” Jensen asked quietly. The air rushed out of Jared in second. “God, Chris was right. This is weird. Wow. Okay, look, forget I asked, okay? I mean, this is obviously inappropriate and man, I must be so out of the loop these days. I have no idea what people do for fun anymore and I don’t even know if you like basketball. I mean, I do, but I prefer football. Not that that’s either here nor there anyway. It’s just been so long since I talked to anyone that wasn’t work related and I’ve completely misjudged this situation, so please forgive me, I -”
“Jensen, breathe,” Jared managed. He heard Jensen take a deep breath and release it. “Okay, first of all, do you always do that? Ramble I mean? Because you seem a lot more together in public?”
Jensen laughed nervously. “I’m awesome with a speech,” he replied. “It’s when I don’t know what I’m talking about, or doing, that I ramble.”
Jared smiled. Even the President of the United States wasn’t infallible. “Good to know. Secondly, I love basketball, but man... the Mavs? It couldn’t have been the Spurs?”
Jensen chuckled. “They already played in DC, in February.”
“Valentine’s Day?” Jared asked, perking up.
“The 21st,” Jensen replied carefully.
“Uh awesome?” Jared replied, knowing he’d said too much. No one other than his family and his close friends knew of his sexuality. It didn’t always play well in politics. He decided to change the subject. “So, okay, the Wizards take on the Mavs on Sunday... are you sure you want to take me?”
“Well, it won’t be just the two of us. There’ll be you, me, my daughter Eloise, Christian, Misha, about fifteen secret service agents, Abe and Irene Pollin… but yeah, yeah, I’d like you to come. If you want to?” Jensen added in a rush.
Jared grinned. “Well, I’ll have to check my schedule,” he said playfully.
“Oh of course!” Jensen said in a rush. “Just, um, call the switchboard and they’ll put you through to -”
“Jen, relax, I was kidding. Of course I’ll come. I’d love to,” Jared interrupted him, not even noticing the nickname that rolled off his tongue. It’s not a date, he reminded himself mentally.
“You would?” Jensen asked, hopeful.
“Yes, of course! I mean, I couldn’t think of two worse teams to watch, but the free tickets and champagne that’s sure to be on hand will be worth it,” Jared teased, and his stomach somersaulted when he heard Jensen’s laughter.
“Ass,” Jensen muttered.
Jared bit his lip. “Um, Jensen? What... what do I wear? Will I have to wear a suit? And what do I say? Like...?”
“Don’t worry Jared. I’m gonna give your work number to the White House Social Director, a lovely lady named Missouri Mosely. Now, it would really help things along if you take her word that she’s really Missouri when she calls, okay?” Jensen added, unable to help himself. “Come to think of it, don’t compliment her ass either. Probably wouldn’t go down very well with her at all.”
Jared laughed softly, “Thanks. Thanks for that.”
“I couldn’t resist. I’m sorry. Anyway Missouri will go through with you what’s expected when in public with The President. And a word of warning, don’t sass her. She carries a wooden spoon in her purse and she’s not afraid to use it.”
Jared laughed louder. “Okay.”
Jensen once again hesitated. “Thanks, Jared. Thank you for this.”
Jared frowned. “Hey, no, thank you! Seriously, this is my honour, Sir.”
“I better go. I have some things to do before I hit the hay. But I’ll see you Sunday, yeah?” Jensen asked.
Jared nodded though Jensen couldn’t see him. “Yeah. Yes. Absolutely.”
“Goodnight, Jared.”
“Goodnight Mr President.”
“Jensen,” the President admonished.
“Goodnight, Jensen.”
“He can be taught,” Jensen said with a laugh and hung up the phone.
Jared pressed the disconnected button and flopped back onto the couch. He was going to a basketball game with the President of the United States. Jensen. It was at that moment he started to freak out again.
“MEGAN!” he yelled, standing up and waiting until her door flew open and she appeared in the doorway with her hands on her hips. “You’ll never believe what just happened...”
~*~
A few days later in what the staffers had dubbed the “Crime Bill War Room”, half a dozen staffers and double the amount of interns were sitting around a large conference table, phones and notepads in front of them. Along one wall was a large corkboard which read “17 votes in 69 Days”. Both the 17 and the 69 were on pads of paper that had all numbers in descending order beneath them for ease of removal. Tacked up beside the corkboard was a half-wall sized white board, and a list of every congressman in the house on magnetic strips stuck to it. Each name was listed in one of three columns: YES, NO and UNDECIDED.
AJ called out, “Who's on Indiana?” When no one responded, he yelled, “Excuse me. New people, I can't remember your names. Raise your hand if you're on Indiana.” When two interns raised their hands, AJ rolled his eyes. “Put your hands down, you’re on Illinois,” and then muttered, “Idiots,” under his breath.
Misha entered the room with a flourish, hands raised in the air. “We got Jarrett. Slide his name over to YES.”
“You what?” AJ asked, pushing up his glasses. “I don’t believe it! What did you do? Promise him your first born child?” He pointed at an intern. “Hey, YOU! New guy! Slide JARRETT, Democrat Minnesota over to YES.” He turned to Misha while the intern did as he was ordered. “I thought we were gonna have to laminate his ass under undecided. Seriously, what did you do?”
Misha shrugged. “I wish I could take credit. He said to me, ‘Misha, I don’t support the Bill, I support The President. One hundred percent.’ I don’t care why, just that he votes YES.”
AJ laughed, “This is gonna be a cakewalk.”
“We could sell tickets at the Carnival. Vote yes, get your photo taken with The President,” Misha grinned as he ripped off the 17 to reveal 16 underneath. “We should have gone after the handguns,” he muttered and stalked from the room.
“One step at a time!” AJ called out as Misha waved his acknowledgement over his shoulder but kept walking. “Alright everyone, back to work!” AJ called out, and the activity of the room increased again.
~*~
Across town in a conference room of the GDC’s headquarters, Jared, his assistant Chad and two interns have made their own war room. A similar tote board to that in the White House reads “34 votes in 69 Days”.
Jared’s on a call with a Congressman, while Chad is on another call himself with a Congressman’s assistant setting up another appointment.
“Carol it’s Chad in Jared Padalecki’s office. I want to confirm his lunch with the Congressman…” Chad said, making notes into an appointment book.
Jared, meanwhile, is taking one for the team, “We could do with a little party leadership, Mike. Is the Majority Whip takin' a break? Congress is in session, right, I'm not wrong about that?” He listened to the other man’s remarks. “And just what kind of world do you think your son’s gonna have left if we don’t make moves now? You think there are gonna be football fields for him to excel on?” He frowned. “Uh huh. Well, I tell you what, when you’re ready to join the real world, give me a call okay?” He laughed. “Alright. Will do. Say hi to Anna for me, yeah? Take it easy, Mike.”
One of the interns, Milo, hung up the phone with a grin. “I just got off with Luther Simons. Brock's on board.”
Jared grinned as he hung up the phone. “Got Kendall too.”
Milo rips the “34” and “33” off, making it “32.”
Jared picks up his coffee and takes a sip. Chad hangs up the phone and looks over at Jared who’s on his fifth cup of coffee for the day.
“Dude, slow the hell down. You won’t be able to sleep tonight,” Chad admonished, getting up and moving over to the mini fridge that’s in the corner. He grabbed a bottle of water. “So, you up to anything interesting this weekend?” he asked as he tossed it at Jared.
Jared fumbled the bottle, and it knocked into his coffee mug, spilling coffee everywhere. Chad raised an eyebrow in question and Jared flushed.
“Uh, just going to see the Mavs play the Wizards on Sunday night,” he muttered, catching the paper towels that were thrown at his head, and mopped up the mess. Thankfully nothing important was wet.
“Mavs?” Chad frowned. “Aren’t you a Spurs fan?”
“So?” Jared asked, tossing away the soggy paper.
“Must be a hot date if you’re watching the rival team play,” Chad mused, grinning like a Cheshire cat.
You have no idea, Jared thought, but only said, “Not a date. Just going with a friend.” Friend. He still found it insane to call The President his friend. He sighed. “Time to get back to it.”
~*~
“Run it by me one more time, Mr President?” Chris asked as he stood in front of Jensen’s desk. Jensen was reading over yet another report.
“Run what by you, Chris?” he asked absently.
“Exactly what are we doing on Sunday night?” Chris asked, frowning.
“A basketball game, Christian. You’ve heard of those, I’m assuming,” Jensen asked as he raised his head and pushed his glasses up his nose. His contacts had been hurting his eyes, so he’d decided as he didn’t have any public speaking engagements that night he’d give them a rest and wear his frames instead.
“A basketball game?”
“Yes. Chris, seriously, where did this habit of repeating everything I say come from?” Jensen asked, frustration clear on his face.
“I’m sorry, Sir, you’ll have to excuse my surprise. In four years in the White House you’ve never actually accepted anyone’s invitations for anything fun.”
Jensen smirked. “Are you saying you didn’t have a good time at the Ukrainian Opera last year?”
“You would think torturing people is fun,” Chris muttered sulkily.
“I’m sorry I had to turn down the Pink Floyd concert Christian. There was this little issue of it being on at the same time as the 20/20 Summit in Australia, perhaps you’ve heard of it?” Jensen asked a little snarkily.
“Yes, Sir, I remember,” he mumbled, and folded his arms over his chest. “But still, Sir. A basketball game?”
“You know Abe Pollin’s been at me to go watch the team. It's near the end of the season and if I’m going to watch basketball, I’m at least going to see my own team play,” Jensen reasoned, returning to his report.
“Yes, but who else is going, Sir?” Chris asked, eyes narrowed.
“Feel free to not attend, Chris. I’m sure you have other things to do,” Jensen stated matter of factly.
“You still didn’t answer my question.”
“No Grumpy, I didn’t. But since you asked so nicely, you, Misha, Ellie, the Pollins, Jared and some agents, of course.”
“Of course. You mean I have to sit with - wait a minute! Jared? You asked Jared Padalecki?” Chris’ eyes widened.
“Yes. Problem?”
“I... I...”
Jensen looked up.
“Sir.”
Jensen sighed. “Chris. For the love of God, it’s a basketball game. Ellie will be there, you will be there, Misha will be there. He’s a friend.”
“Yeah, that’s exactly how the Washington Post is gonna see it too,” Chris muttered sarcastically.
“What is your problem,” Jensen asked, standing up and narrowing his eyes, “exactly?”
“I...” Chris failed to find the words to express his concern. “I have a bad feeling about it, that’s all.”
“No, it’s more than that.”
“No, Sir it’s not.”
Jensen sighed and sat down again. He leaned back in his chair, then looked at Chris. His friend looked miserable. Jensen indicated that he should sit down in the chair beside his desk, which he did.
“Chris.” His friend looked at him. “C’mon, man. It’s me. What’s going on?”
Chris sighed. “Nothing. I just. I don’t know how to explain it. I just have a bad feeling about it, that’s all. Like it’s gonna bring nothing but trouble.”
“I don’t get it. Everyone was at me to have some fun. I want to have fun. With Jared.”
Chris rolled his eyes. “It’s the ‘with Jared’ part that concerns me.”
“Why?” Jensen asked. Chris shrugged. “Look, just because he’s working for the GDC doesn’t mean he’s not a good guy. He is. He’s nice and polite and he’s from Texas. He like basketball and lives with his sister. He’s a family guy. He’s passionate about what he does.”
“No, Sir. No. He’s passionate about what he’s paid to be passionate about,” Chris disagreed.
“You’re wrong.” Jensen shook his head and pulled open a drawer. He tossed it on the desk in Chris’ direction. “Katie put this together from whatever information was readily available. I guess she wanted to vet the guy before I spoke to him again. Regardless, this just tells me what I already know. Jared’s a good guy. He was valedictorian of his high school where he won a national competition in forensic science. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from Stanford University Law School. He doesn’t smoke, doesn’t take drugs but has been known to drink beer, tequila and bourbon. He likes barbeque and basketball, music and animals. He volunteered for the SPCA during college and still helps to raise money for national campaigns free of charge. He’s a good guy, Chris. So tell me, what’s your problem?”
“I... I don’t know.” Chris sighed and rubbed a hand over his face. “I guess I don’t have a problem.”
Jensen smiled. “You’ve been handling me for so long, I think you’ve forgotten how to trust me.”
Chris shook his head. “Mr President, I’ve always trusted you. I trust you every second of every day. I just think you trust people way too easily.”
Jensen laughed. “Chris, you of all people know how hard it is for people to gain my trust. To personally gain my trust.”
And Jensen spoke the truth. There hadn’t been many people who really knew the true Jensen Ackles - the Jensen that played guitar and sang along to country songs. The public didn’t know the Jensen Ackles who would give his last dime from his account or the shirt off his back to someone who needed it. They didn’t know that Jensen had a wicked sense of humour, and usually a sarcastic comments for his friends’ amusement. They didn't know he was a poker shark, but not that great at pool.
They didn’t know that Jensen smoked a cigarette or two a day, mainly at night when it was dark outside and no one could see him. They didn’t know he sang his daughter to sleep every night until he was elected President. They didn’t know he recorded his nightly ritual on CD for his daughter to listen to when he was out of town. They didn’t know he bought Danneel a daffodil every week from the day they started dating until the day she died because they were the flower for March, the month she was born. They didn’t know he could cook chilli, bake a cake - and had for his daughter’s preschool fete.
They didn’t know that once Jensen let someone into his inner circle, those people would protect him with their lives. Sometimes Chris wondered if Jensen knew that.
“You know Jared, Chris,” Jensen implored. “You’ve met him. You’ve talked to him. I just don’t understand this hostility?”
Chris sat silent for a moment. Jensen was right. He had met Jared before. He’d liked him. He was personable, intelligent and witty. He tended to put his foot in his mouth, but he was so likable no one ever minded. There was just something he couldn’t put his finger on. He didn’t know what it was. But he was determined to find out.
“There’s no hostility,” Chris smiled. “I swear. I’m just being overprotective.”
Jensen narrowed his eyes. “So you’ll play nice at the game?”
“Of course, Mr President.”
Jensen studied him for a moment and then nodded. “Good. Go away now.”
“Yes, Sir.”
Jensen smiled as Chris left his office. It was time Chris learned that Jensen had just as good instincts about people as he did.
Author: magikalrhiannon
Beta: jackiesjunkie & trueblue55
Pairing: J2, Jensen/Danneel (past), Christian Kane/Sandra McCoy - completely AU
Rating: NC-17 (language, sex scenes)
Summary: Widowed US President Jensen Ackles is coming to the end of his first term as the leader of the free world. He’s young, charismatic, stunningly handsome, extremely popular with the public and a single father to his twelve year old daughter, Eloise. His re-election seems a shoe-in until he meets political strategy specialist, Jared Padalecki, who is hired by the environmental lobby to get the elected government to take the changing climate seriously. His political rival, Republican Fred Lehne exploits Jensen’s budding friendship for his own political gain - but will it cost Jensen not only the Presidency but Jared as well?
Disclaimer: Based on the movie The American President with a dash of The West Wing. The first part follows the film closely but it will deviate after that. No infringement or offense intended, all ideas and quotes from both mentioned above are the property of the genius Aaron Sorkin and Co. Everything in this fic is so fake it makes the D&G knock offs look real. Only Eloise is not based on a real person, and none of this is representative of the real person or their preferences.
A/N: chash had an itch for a political drama like The American President, and I am a slave to her fic, therefore I offer this in penance. I also blame wendy's encouragement. So… this is for them. Thank you, thank you, thank you to jackiesjunkie and trueblue55 for the beta and the help - I couldn't have done this without you!
Part 1 - Part 2
Part 3
Jared sighed into the phone as he recounted the experience to his brother, Jeff on the phone.
“Jeff… Jeff, dude, it wasn’t funny, man! I acted like a total college freshman at a protest rally. I’m never gonna be able to show my face at The White House again.”
“Tell him about the door!” his sister Megan called out from her room where she was changing out of her work clothes. She came out in long, flannel pajamas and grinned. “That’s my favourite part.”
Jared slid down further on the lounge and groaned. “Oh fuck, I forgot about that part.”
Jeff badgered him until he repeated the story.
“You’re a total loser, Jare. How the hell did you get all the way to Washington?” Jeff asked loud enough for Megan to hear him as he laughed his ass off into the phone. Jared held the phone high above his head, Jeff’s laughter ringing out through the speaker.
“Thanks, bro. Thanks for the support. Really appreciate it.”
“Hey, I just tell it like I see it,” Jeff retorted. “Wanna hear my Jensen Ackles impersonation?”
Jared buried his head into a cushion. “No, I do not want to hear your Jensen Ackles impersonation. I am just going to hang up, go to bed and wake up when there’s a new President in the White House.”
Jeff laughed again. “Aw Jarebear… For real, Jare was he cute? I mean, really, does he live up to the photos?”
Jared groaned again. “Jeff, you have no idea. Seriously. None.”
Jeff laughed about his little brother’s crush, which Jared responded calmly and maturely by hanging up on him.
Megan wandered back into the room uncorking a bottle of wine and filled the glasses on the coffee table. Jared still had the cushion covering his face. Megan pulled at it until she wrestled it off him and replaced it with a glass of white wine.
“He must think I’m the world’s biggest asshole,” Jared complained, pouting as he sat upright.
“Jare, I’m pretty sure he’s met bigger assholes than you, considering he has to meet with world leaders on a regular basis.” Megan put the bottle of wine on the coffee table and put her hands on her hips.
“I’ll tell you one thing though,” Jared said, standing up and pacing the lounge room. “I regrouped. I mean, that’s worth something, right? I pulled it together right there in front of him and told him in the Oval Office that he can’t ignore the GDC because if he does, his job is on the line!”
Megan smirked as she picked up her glass of wine and collapsed into an armchair. “And then you walked out the wrong door.”
“I’m never gonna live that one down, am I?” Jared asked, deflating immediately.
Megan giggled. “Nope! That’s a keeper, right there. In fact, that one is worth a thousand naked baby photos. Billboard sized.”
“I hate you,” Jared grumbled, sinking back onto the couch and cuddling a pillow for comfort. He missed his dogs. He wanted his babies. They would understand. Sadie would look at him with her sad eyes full of empathy and Harley would slobber all over his belongings and generally cause mischief until he’d pulled Jared out of his funk. Instead, Harley and Sadie were living with their parents back in Texas until he had the time to drive down and pick them up. Which would probably be at the end of this campaign. A year from now. He sighed, suddenly even more depressed.
He couldn’t believe how much he’d embarrassed himself in front of the President of the United States. Who does that? he wondered, drinking his wine fast and sitting the empty glass on the coffee table.
The phone rang and Jared automatically reached out to answer it. “That’ll be Jim Beaver. He said he’d call at nine.” He picked up the phone. “Hello?”
“Uh, hi, is this Jared?” a familiar voice said in response.
“Jim?” Jared asked, frowning. Jim sounded weird.
“No, this is Jensen Ackles.”
Jared rolled his eyes and flopped back lazily against the couch. “Ohhh, Jensen Ackles. You’re hilarious Jeff. Seriously, you should go on tour this summer. Make up for you being such a bum at college.”
The person on the other end hesitated. “Uh, no this isn’t Jeff. This is Jensen Ackles.”
Jared chuckled. “Oh really? Well, I’m so glad you called because I forgot to tell you today what a great ass you have. It looks spectacular in those Armani pants. I’m also impressed you were able to get my phone number, since I don’t have a phone! Night Jeff.” Jared hung up the phone and shrugged. “I’m going for a shower.”
Jared got up and headed for the spare room where his sister had left his bag. Grabbing his gear, he headed into the bathroom, stripped down and got into a nice, hot shower. So he spent a little time imagining he hadn’t been such an embarrassment in front of President Ackles. It didn’t mean anything if he imagined he was suave and sophisticated and the President had wanted to have his wicked way with Jared. It didn’t mean anything if he imagined pulling those Armani pants down and sucking down what would have to be the most beautiful and gorgeous and perfect cock in the world because God couldn’t be that cruel and not make it perfect like the rest of him. And if he came harder and faster than he’d ever had in his life, it really didn’t mean anything, right?
Other than he was gay, and he already knew that.
He sighed and rested his head against his forearm on the wall of the shower, watching the water wash away the evidence of what he’d just done. It hadn’t been the first time he’d fantasized over Jensen Ackles. It was just the first time after he’d met the man.
He was so fucked.
Jared turned off the shower and dried off. Dressing quickly into sweats and a t-shirt, he made his way back out and dumped his gear in the spare room. Padding into the lounge room, he stopped when he saw Megan standing there frowning, holding the phone in one hand, and a pen in the other.
“What?” Jared asked.
Megan blinked. “You need to call 456-1414 and ask for Jensen. Who is that?”
Jared froze. “456-1414?”
Megan nodded. Jared just repeated the number again, and Megan nodded again. “Yeah. Jare, who is that?”
Jared’s eyes grew wide. “The White House.” Jared covered his face with his hands. “Oh fuck. FUCK! Oh. My. Motherfucking God. Oh I’m the world’s biggest idiot! Twice in one day. I don’t… fuck!”
“What?!” Megan repeated.
“It really was Jensen Ackles. I just told The President of the United States that he has great ass!” Jared collapsed onto the couch and fell into the cushions. “I want to die.”
Megan sighed in exasperation. “Stop being so melodramatic, Jared. For God’s sake, I’m sure it’s a, not the first time someone has told him he has a great ass and b, he probably knows that already.”
“Megan. Please. Let me die in peace.”
His sister threw the phone at him. “Grow up, Jared. Call The President.” And with that, she stalked out of the room, her bedroom door slamming.
Jared groped for the phone. Pushing himself upright, he looked at it in his hand. Taking a deep breath, he dialled the number he knew from heart: 456-1414.
“Hello, White House Operator, how may I direct your call?” a pleasant feminine voice asked.
“Uh, this is Jared Padalecki, could I -?”
“Yes Mr Padalecki, The President is expecting your call. One moment, please.”
He was put on hold. He leaned forward, his arm on his knees and pinched the bridge of his nose.
“Jared?”
He closed his eyes at the familiar voice. “Mr President.”
“Thanks for calling me back.”
“Yes Sir.” He was sure his shame was heard in his voice.
“You okay, Jared?” The President asked, concerned. “Is now a bad time? Should I call you at the office tomorrow instead?”
“No! I mean yes! I mean…” Jared let out a humourless laugh. “No, I’m fine Sir. Now’s not a bad time. It’s never a bad time. You can call me whenever and wherever you like. It… I… I’ve just had the worst and most embarrassing day in the history of my life.” Jared hung his head, the feeling of dread filling him up once more. Why did he have to be a total tool?
Jensen chuckled softly. “Yeah, well, it’s certainly been an entertaining one.”
Jared groaned. “Sir, please forgive me. I… I’m sure there’s an appropriate way to apologise for being a monumental idiot, and I should never have spoken to you like that, nor should I have discussed your … ass… in such a way, I just… I have no idea where to even begin or how to word it. I am mortified beyond belief.”
“Relax, Jared. I’m not offended. Actually, it’s been a while since anyone told me I have a great ass. Usually most people are too afraid, or they're saying I am an ass. It’s a refreshing change.”
Jared felt the urge to smile, and gave into it a little. “Still, Mr President, I apologise.”
He could hear Jensen’s smile. “There’s nothing to apologise for, but if it makes you feel better, you’re forgiven.”
“Thank you, Sir. Yes, it does make me feel better.” Jared laughed a little, but still felt embarrassed.
“Well good. I’m glad.”
Jared just listened to Jensen breathing. If only Jensen was calling for another reason. He frowned. Why was he calling? “Uh, Sir? Not that I don’t appreciate the call, but how did you find me?”
“Oh. See I have access to an Agency called the FBI. They have all these files on people…” Jensen trailed off.
“Oh. Oh, the FBI, of course, because if that’s who’d you’d call if you were looking for someone,” Jared nodded as he agreed innocently.
Jensen laughed. “Actually, Katie called Jim Beaver and asked if he knew how to get in contact with you. Seems he already knew about the deal we made in the Oval Office and was more than happy to provide a way to get in contact with me.”
“Yeah. I bet,” Jared drawled dryly. He knew exactly how much Jim Beaver would want to help. He saw the way the older man had laughed his ass off at Jared’s expense when he retold the story.
There was silence for a moment. “So, how ‘bout them Cowboys?” Jensen asked out of the blue.
Jared laughed. “Uh, well, they’re tanking this season, if that’s what you mean, Sir.”
“Call me Jensen.”
Jared blinked. “Excuse me, Sir?”
“Call me Jensen. Please. You know, when we’re in private, you can call me Jensen. The whole title thing gets old after 12 months.”
“Sir, I’m not sure I’m allowed to do that.”
“Of course you are. I’m telling you to. In fact, I’ll make it a Presidential order if it makes you feel more comfortable.”
Jared asked, surprised, “You can do that?”
Jensen laughed. Jared liked the sound, liked that he caused it. “No. But I’d like it.”
“Okay, Sir. If that would make you happy.”
“Jensen.”
“Jensen,” Jared smiled. He liked the way the name rolled off his tongue. “So, Jensen, to what do I owe the honour of this call? I can’t imagine you were calling for no reason.” There was silence. Jared thought for a moment the phone had disconnected. “Jensen?”
“No, I mean, I’m here. I just… I had a good time today, with you.”
“What, me humiliating myself?” Jared asked.
“Of course,” Jensen teased. “No, I mean… when we were talking, in my office. I… I had a good time.”
Jared rolled his eyes. “Yeah, I live to entertain.”
Jensen laughed again. “You’re certainly good at it.”
“I can assure you, it wasn’t planned, but nonetheless, it’s a common occurrence in my life.” Jared sighed, and flopped back on the couch. Jensen’s voice was smooth like silk in his ear, and he knew he could easily listen to it every day for the rest of his life. Not that there was even a remote possibility that would ever happen. It didn’t stop the twitch in his sweats though. He needed to distract himself. “We’re off track again. What was it you were calling about? Did you need me to put the agreement on paper or --?”
“No, no. No, I wasn’t calling about work actually,” Jensen said, and Jared heard the anxiety in his voice. He frowned. The President was anxious? He heard Jensen clear his throat. “Well, see, Abe Pollin keeps sending these invitations to the Wizards games, and well the Wizards are playing the Mavs at the Verizon Centre on Sunday and of course you’re under no obligation to come but I thought it might be fun to, you know, catch a game. Sometime. With me.”
Jared stopped breathing. Was The President asking him out on a date?
“Jared?”
“Yes, Sir?”
“Jensen.”
“Yes, Jensen?”
“Ah, did you want to?”
Jared frowned. “Let me get this straight. You called me... to ask me to a basketball game... in public... with you?”
Jensen hesitated. “Yes?” Jared couldn’t breath again. “Is that not something friends do?” Jensen asked quietly. The air rushed out of Jared in second. “God, Chris was right. This is weird. Wow. Okay, look, forget I asked, okay? I mean, this is obviously inappropriate and man, I must be so out of the loop these days. I have no idea what people do for fun anymore and I don’t even know if you like basketball. I mean, I do, but I prefer football. Not that that’s either here nor there anyway. It’s just been so long since I talked to anyone that wasn’t work related and I’ve completely misjudged this situation, so please forgive me, I -”
“Jensen, breathe,” Jared managed. He heard Jensen take a deep breath and release it. “Okay, first of all, do you always do that? Ramble I mean? Because you seem a lot more together in public?”
Jensen laughed nervously. “I’m awesome with a speech,” he replied. “It’s when I don’t know what I’m talking about, or doing, that I ramble.”
Jared smiled. Even the President of the United States wasn’t infallible. “Good to know. Secondly, I love basketball, but man... the Mavs? It couldn’t have been the Spurs?”
Jensen chuckled. “They already played in DC, in February.”
“Valentine’s Day?” Jared asked, perking up.
“The 21st,” Jensen replied carefully.
“Uh awesome?” Jared replied, knowing he’d said too much. No one other than his family and his close friends knew of his sexuality. It didn’t always play well in politics. He decided to change the subject. “So, okay, the Wizards take on the Mavs on Sunday... are you sure you want to take me?”
“Well, it won’t be just the two of us. There’ll be you, me, my daughter Eloise, Christian, Misha, about fifteen secret service agents, Abe and Irene Pollin… but yeah, yeah, I’d like you to come. If you want to?” Jensen added in a rush.
Jared grinned. “Well, I’ll have to check my schedule,” he said playfully.
“Oh of course!” Jensen said in a rush. “Just, um, call the switchboard and they’ll put you through to -”
“Jen, relax, I was kidding. Of course I’ll come. I’d love to,” Jared interrupted him, not even noticing the nickname that rolled off his tongue. It’s not a date, he reminded himself mentally.
“You would?” Jensen asked, hopeful.
“Yes, of course! I mean, I couldn’t think of two worse teams to watch, but the free tickets and champagne that’s sure to be on hand will be worth it,” Jared teased, and his stomach somersaulted when he heard Jensen’s laughter.
“Ass,” Jensen muttered.
Jared bit his lip. “Um, Jensen? What... what do I wear? Will I have to wear a suit? And what do I say? Like...?”
“Don’t worry Jared. I’m gonna give your work number to the White House Social Director, a lovely lady named Missouri Mosely. Now, it would really help things along if you take her word that she’s really Missouri when she calls, okay?” Jensen added, unable to help himself. “Come to think of it, don’t compliment her ass either. Probably wouldn’t go down very well with her at all.”
Jared laughed softly, “Thanks. Thanks for that.”
“I couldn’t resist. I’m sorry. Anyway Missouri will go through with you what’s expected when in public with The President. And a word of warning, don’t sass her. She carries a wooden spoon in her purse and she’s not afraid to use it.”
Jared laughed louder. “Okay.”
Jensen once again hesitated. “Thanks, Jared. Thank you for this.”
Jared frowned. “Hey, no, thank you! Seriously, this is my honour, Sir.”
“I better go. I have some things to do before I hit the hay. But I’ll see you Sunday, yeah?” Jensen asked.
Jared nodded though Jensen couldn’t see him. “Yeah. Yes. Absolutely.”
“Goodnight, Jared.”
“Goodnight Mr President.”
“Jensen,” the President admonished.
“Goodnight, Jensen.”
“He can be taught,” Jensen said with a laugh and hung up the phone.
Jared pressed the disconnected button and flopped back onto the couch. He was going to a basketball game with the President of the United States. Jensen. It was at that moment he started to freak out again.
“MEGAN!” he yelled, standing up and waiting until her door flew open and she appeared in the doorway with her hands on her hips. “You’ll never believe what just happened...”
~*~
A few days later in what the staffers had dubbed the “Crime Bill War Room”, half a dozen staffers and double the amount of interns were sitting around a large conference table, phones and notepads in front of them. Along one wall was a large corkboard which read “17 votes in 69 Days”. Both the 17 and the 69 were on pads of paper that had all numbers in descending order beneath them for ease of removal. Tacked up beside the corkboard was a half-wall sized white board, and a list of every congressman in the house on magnetic strips stuck to it. Each name was listed in one of three columns: YES, NO and UNDECIDED.
AJ called out, “Who's on Indiana?” When no one responded, he yelled, “Excuse me. New people, I can't remember your names. Raise your hand if you're on Indiana.” When two interns raised their hands, AJ rolled his eyes. “Put your hands down, you’re on Illinois,” and then muttered, “Idiots,” under his breath.
Misha entered the room with a flourish, hands raised in the air. “We got Jarrett. Slide his name over to YES.”
“You what?” AJ asked, pushing up his glasses. “I don’t believe it! What did you do? Promise him your first born child?” He pointed at an intern. “Hey, YOU! New guy! Slide JARRETT, Democrat Minnesota over to YES.” He turned to Misha while the intern did as he was ordered. “I thought we were gonna have to laminate his ass under undecided. Seriously, what did you do?”
Misha shrugged. “I wish I could take credit. He said to me, ‘Misha, I don’t support the Bill, I support The President. One hundred percent.’ I don’t care why, just that he votes YES.”
AJ laughed, “This is gonna be a cakewalk.”
“We could sell tickets at the Carnival. Vote yes, get your photo taken with The President,” Misha grinned as he ripped off the 17 to reveal 16 underneath. “We should have gone after the handguns,” he muttered and stalked from the room.
“One step at a time!” AJ called out as Misha waved his acknowledgement over his shoulder but kept walking. “Alright everyone, back to work!” AJ called out, and the activity of the room increased again.
~*~
Across town in a conference room of the GDC’s headquarters, Jared, his assistant Chad and two interns have made their own war room. A similar tote board to that in the White House reads “34 votes in 69 Days”.
Jared’s on a call with a Congressman, while Chad is on another call himself with a Congressman’s assistant setting up another appointment.
“Carol it’s Chad in Jared Padalecki’s office. I want to confirm his lunch with the Congressman…” Chad said, making notes into an appointment book.
Jared, meanwhile, is taking one for the team, “We could do with a little party leadership, Mike. Is the Majority Whip takin' a break? Congress is in session, right, I'm not wrong about that?” He listened to the other man’s remarks. “And just what kind of world do you think your son’s gonna have left if we don’t make moves now? You think there are gonna be football fields for him to excel on?” He frowned. “Uh huh. Well, I tell you what, when you’re ready to join the real world, give me a call okay?” He laughed. “Alright. Will do. Say hi to Anna for me, yeah? Take it easy, Mike.”
One of the interns, Milo, hung up the phone with a grin. “I just got off with Luther Simons. Brock's on board.”
Jared grinned as he hung up the phone. “Got Kendall too.”
Milo rips the “34” and “33” off, making it “32.”
Jared picks up his coffee and takes a sip. Chad hangs up the phone and looks over at Jared who’s on his fifth cup of coffee for the day.
“Dude, slow the hell down. You won’t be able to sleep tonight,” Chad admonished, getting up and moving over to the mini fridge that’s in the corner. He grabbed a bottle of water. “So, you up to anything interesting this weekend?” he asked as he tossed it at Jared.
Jared fumbled the bottle, and it knocked into his coffee mug, spilling coffee everywhere. Chad raised an eyebrow in question and Jared flushed.
“Uh, just going to see the Mavs play the Wizards on Sunday night,” he muttered, catching the paper towels that were thrown at his head, and mopped up the mess. Thankfully nothing important was wet.
“Mavs?” Chad frowned. “Aren’t you a Spurs fan?”
“So?” Jared asked, tossing away the soggy paper.
“Must be a hot date if you’re watching the rival team play,” Chad mused, grinning like a Cheshire cat.
You have no idea, Jared thought, but only said, “Not a date. Just going with a friend.” Friend. He still found it insane to call The President his friend. He sighed. “Time to get back to it.”
~*~
“Run it by me one more time, Mr President?” Chris asked as he stood in front of Jensen’s desk. Jensen was reading over yet another report.
“Run what by you, Chris?” he asked absently.
“Exactly what are we doing on Sunday night?” Chris asked, frowning.
“A basketball game, Christian. You’ve heard of those, I’m assuming,” Jensen asked as he raised his head and pushed his glasses up his nose. His contacts had been hurting his eyes, so he’d decided as he didn’t have any public speaking engagements that night he’d give them a rest and wear his frames instead.
“A basketball game?”
“Yes. Chris, seriously, where did this habit of repeating everything I say come from?” Jensen asked, frustration clear on his face.
“I’m sorry, Sir, you’ll have to excuse my surprise. In four years in the White House you’ve never actually accepted anyone’s invitations for anything fun.”
Jensen smirked. “Are you saying you didn’t have a good time at the Ukrainian Opera last year?”
“You would think torturing people is fun,” Chris muttered sulkily.
“I’m sorry I had to turn down the Pink Floyd concert Christian. There was this little issue of it being on at the same time as the 20/20 Summit in Australia, perhaps you’ve heard of it?” Jensen asked a little snarkily.
“Yes, Sir, I remember,” he mumbled, and folded his arms over his chest. “But still, Sir. A basketball game?”
“You know Abe Pollin’s been at me to go watch the team. It's near the end of the season and if I’m going to watch basketball, I’m at least going to see my own team play,” Jensen reasoned, returning to his report.
“Yes, but who else is going, Sir?” Chris asked, eyes narrowed.
“Feel free to not attend, Chris. I’m sure you have other things to do,” Jensen stated matter of factly.
“You still didn’t answer my question.”
“No Grumpy, I didn’t. But since you asked so nicely, you, Misha, Ellie, the Pollins, Jared and some agents, of course.”
“Of course. You mean I have to sit with - wait a minute! Jared? You asked Jared Padalecki?” Chris’ eyes widened.
“Yes. Problem?”
“I... I...”
Jensen looked up.
“Sir.”
Jensen sighed. “Chris. For the love of God, it’s a basketball game. Ellie will be there, you will be there, Misha will be there. He’s a friend.”
“Yeah, that’s exactly how the Washington Post is gonna see it too,” Chris muttered sarcastically.
“What is your problem,” Jensen asked, standing up and narrowing his eyes, “exactly?”
“I...” Chris failed to find the words to express his concern. “I have a bad feeling about it, that’s all.”
“No, it’s more than that.”
“No, Sir it’s not.”
Jensen sighed and sat down again. He leaned back in his chair, then looked at Chris. His friend looked miserable. Jensen indicated that he should sit down in the chair beside his desk, which he did.
“Chris.” His friend looked at him. “C’mon, man. It’s me. What’s going on?”
Chris sighed. “Nothing. I just. I don’t know how to explain it. I just have a bad feeling about it, that’s all. Like it’s gonna bring nothing but trouble.”
“I don’t get it. Everyone was at me to have some fun. I want to have fun. With Jared.”
Chris rolled his eyes. “It’s the ‘with Jared’ part that concerns me.”
“Why?” Jensen asked. Chris shrugged. “Look, just because he’s working for the GDC doesn’t mean he’s not a good guy. He is. He’s nice and polite and he’s from Texas. He like basketball and lives with his sister. He’s a family guy. He’s passionate about what he does.”
“No, Sir. No. He’s passionate about what he’s paid to be passionate about,” Chris disagreed.
“You’re wrong.” Jensen shook his head and pulled open a drawer. He tossed it on the desk in Chris’ direction. “Katie put this together from whatever information was readily available. I guess she wanted to vet the guy before I spoke to him again. Regardless, this just tells me what I already know. Jared’s a good guy. He was valedictorian of his high school where he won a national competition in forensic science. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from Stanford University Law School. He doesn’t smoke, doesn’t take drugs but has been known to drink beer, tequila and bourbon. He likes barbeque and basketball, music and animals. He volunteered for the SPCA during college and still helps to raise money for national campaigns free of charge. He’s a good guy, Chris. So tell me, what’s your problem?”
“I... I don’t know.” Chris sighed and rubbed a hand over his face. “I guess I don’t have a problem.”
Jensen smiled. “You’ve been handling me for so long, I think you’ve forgotten how to trust me.”
Chris shook his head. “Mr President, I’ve always trusted you. I trust you every second of every day. I just think you trust people way too easily.”
Jensen laughed. “Chris, you of all people know how hard it is for people to gain my trust. To personally gain my trust.”
And Jensen spoke the truth. There hadn’t been many people who really knew the true Jensen Ackles - the Jensen that played guitar and sang along to country songs. The public didn’t know the Jensen Ackles who would give his last dime from his account or the shirt off his back to someone who needed it. They didn’t know that Jensen had a wicked sense of humour, and usually a sarcastic comments for his friends’ amusement. They didn't know he was a poker shark, but not that great at pool.
They didn’t know that Jensen smoked a cigarette or two a day, mainly at night when it was dark outside and no one could see him. They didn’t know he sang his daughter to sleep every night until he was elected President. They didn’t know he recorded his nightly ritual on CD for his daughter to listen to when he was out of town. They didn’t know he bought Danneel a daffodil every week from the day they started dating until the day she died because they were the flower for March, the month she was born. They didn’t know he could cook chilli, bake a cake - and had for his daughter’s preschool fete.
They didn’t know that once Jensen let someone into his inner circle, those people would protect him with their lives. Sometimes Chris wondered if Jensen knew that.
“You know Jared, Chris,” Jensen implored. “You’ve met him. You’ve talked to him. I just don’t understand this hostility?”
Chris sat silent for a moment. Jensen was right. He had met Jared before. He’d liked him. He was personable, intelligent and witty. He tended to put his foot in his mouth, but he was so likable no one ever minded. There was just something he couldn’t put his finger on. He didn’t know what it was. But he was determined to find out.
“There’s no hostility,” Chris smiled. “I swear. I’m just being overprotective.”
Jensen narrowed his eyes. “So you’ll play nice at the game?”
“Of course, Mr President.”
Jensen studied him for a moment and then nodded. “Good. Go away now.”
“Yes, Sir.”
Jensen smiled as Chris left his office. It was time Chris learned that Jensen had just as good instincts about people as he did.