Our Love is All We Need to Make it Through
Title: Our Love is All We Need to Make it Through
Pairing: J2
Wordcount: ~7700
Rating/Warnings: R medical situations; MPREG
A/N: This is the fourth installment of my tattooed Jensen verse which originated from a prompt/manip from fatebegins. imogen-lily used her original manip in the lovely new banner.
This is a belated gift for bflyw’s Birthday.
Summary: Jared and Jensen have everything going for them…until the universe throws a pretty big wrench into their lives. How will they survive when everything they hold dear is suddenly thrown for a loop?
Jensen felt too stuffy in his suit, like his skin wanted to crawl away. The businessman across from him droned on about everything he wanted in his new ads to excruciating details. His cell phone vibrated from within his coat pocket. He felt like pounding his head against the desk. Jensen thought he was in hell...granted he didn't realize all this was just the calm before the storm.
"Mr. Singer,” Jensen carefully interrupted. "My brother relayed the information from his consultation with you to me already. And I have a mock up of a possible design here to show-"
"But he didn't get to hear about the new products we have this week. I think the company would benefit from displaying those in some manner."
Jensen felt his phone buzz in his pocket once more. "I understand your concern but-"
The door opened, stopping Jensen from continuing on with his thought. A secretary poked her head inside. "Mr. Singer," his secretary said. "Your wife is on the line. She said it was some kind of emergency."
"Thank you, Anne," Mr. Singer replied. "Excuse me Mr. Ackles." He glanced at Jensen's hand, seeing the wedding ring there. "I'm sure you understand how wives can be."
"Actually I have a husband," Jen sighed. His phone went off yet again. "But take your time. She did say it was an emergency."
The guy smiled, trying to ignore the awkwardness in the air. He picked up his phone from his desk and greeted his wife. Jensen could hear a high pitch shriek like voice coming through the earpiece. Jensen's phone went off again, prompting him to fumble through his pocket for it.
"Now honey, how many times do I have to tell you that shoes do not constitute an emergency?"
Jensen sighed and rubbed at his temple. He unlocked his phone, trying to block out Singer arguing with his wife. The screen popped up with an array of texts and missed calls. He looked at the calls first. One was from Josh, another from Gerry, and a few from an unknown caller. Before Jensen could look through the texts, it buzzed with another incoming call from Josh.
"Hey," Jensen said, worried at the amount of times people had tried contacting him.
"Oh thank God! We've been trying to get a hold of you for the past hour!"
"Yeah...the Singer meeting is taking longer than-"
"You need to end it now."
Jensen could hear Singer wrapping his conversation with his wife up across the room. "I still have to-"
"Jen...I...we...we're all at the hospital. They contacted me and Gerry when they couldn't reach you."
Jensen felt dread pool in his stomach. "H-hospital?"
"There...there was an accident...on campus."
"Oh God..." Campus meant Jared...his husband...his four month pregnant husband.
"The car didn't stop in time. They did slow down thankfully. Jared had the walk sign so he didn't even see."
Jensen hadn't realized Josh was still talking at first. His brain was too busy trying to process it all. A car had hit his pregnant husband…
"Jen? Are you still there?"
Jensen shook his head. "Y-yeah...sorry."
"Its ok, bub."
"I...I'll be right there. Is…is Jared…is he..."
"The doctors are back with him now. He was conscious when they brought him in. So that's good right?"
Jensen breathed a sigh of relief and nodded his head, realizing a second later that Josh couldn't see him. "Y-yeah."
"We're at Memorial...just-"
"I'm on my way." Jensen ended the call before Josh could respond. He slid the phone back in his pocket and quickly started to pack up his computer and files. He didn’t pay any mind to Mr. Singer until the businessman walked over to him, placing his hands down on the papers Jensen was about to pick up from the desk.
“Sorry about that…my wife doesn’t understand that shopping isn’t an emergency.”
“I have to cut this meeting short, sir. We can reschedule but-“
“Now, let’s not leave. Let’s finish what we started. I know that took longer than I thought I would. But that doesn’t mean you have to skip out on me. I want-”
“I…I have a family emergency,” Jensen replied shakily. “M-my brother ju-just called. I need to go.”
“But-“
“I’m sorry. Right now, I really don’t care about business. My…my husband is in the hospital. And I don’t know who has my daughter at the moment. I have to go.” Jensen shoved his papers back into his messenger back. He was about to leave when he felt a hand on his arm. He turned to see Mr. Singer looking at him sympathetically.
“Have your brother reschedule when it is more convenient. If that means doing it via the phone or webcam, that’s fine. Hope everything is ok.”
Jensen gaped for a moment before sending him a grateful smile. “Th-thank you.” With that, he left, all but running down to his car. He tossed his belongings into the trunk and hopped into the driver’s seat. He whipped the car out into traffic, eliciting various honks and squealing tires. His hands shook against the steering wheel and he tried to block it all out. He had to get the hospital; he had to get to Jared…
Jensen drove like a mad man, constantly pressing down on the gas harder and weaving around cars. He was amazed that he didn’t end up hitting something himself. He made it to the hospital in regard time and in one piece. Granted, he earned multiple glares as he cut in front of other cars to get a space near the door.
He barely remembered to lock the car before taking off towards the sliding glass entrance. Once inside he frantically looked around for someone, anyone, he recognized. After a few seconds he gave up and headed towards the front desk where a girl was busy typing away at her computer.
He cleared his throat once he was at the next, but she didn’t seem to notice him. “Excuse me,” he said, trying to remain relatively calm. The girl didn’t say anything but held up a finger to him. “Look I-“
“Just a minute,” she replied a little harshly, shuffling around papers in front of her.
“Look,” Jensen said again. “I just need to-“
“I need you to wait a moment, sir,” she snapped back, never looking up from her computer and files.
“Listen,” Jensen went on, not giving her a chance to interrupt this time. “I just want to know where my husband is. He was brought in a few hours ago.” Jensen reached over the counter and snatched the keyboard away from her.” I’m sorry if that is interrupting whatever the hell you’ve got going on here, but I really don’t care about that! I just want to know where the hell he is! I don’t-“
“Jensen!”
Jensen’s head whipped up from the desk and he dropped the keyboard down onto the desk with a clatter. He saw Jeff running towards him, his hair disheveled and his scrubs crumpled.
“Jeff?”
“Hey man,” Jeff said as he came to a stop in front of Jensen. He put his hand on his brother-in-law’s shoulder. “Hey Jen. It’s ok. Come with me.”
“You heard all that?” Jensen sighed.
“Think half the hospital did, bud. Come on. I’ll take you up to the waiting room where our families are. Jay’s still back with the doctors.”
“How is he? Did you see him? What happened? Is the baby-“
“Take a breath, Jen. You gotta give me a chance to answer.”
“Sorry,” Jensen huffed as they stepped into the elevator. “I’m just…”
“I know it. I about had a heart attack when I saw Jared on the stretcher.”
“You were working weren’t you?”
“Yeah,” Jeff sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I was about to get off when I saw him brought in. He was conscious…knew who I was and everything. Was scared to death about the baby though.”
“Have you found out anything? I mean…is he ok?”
“I don’t know much yet. They won’t let me work on him. I’m about to go back to check on him though. Last I saw they were taking him to have some more tests ran. He’s hurt, but he was coherent at least.”
“Good,” Jensen said softly, his head falling back to rest against the wall. His hands shook violently and he could feel tears at the back of his eyes. He couldn’t let them fall yet. He had to stay strong. Jared would need him.
“I think he’s going to be ok, Jen.”
“But you don’t know that,” Jensen whispered, hoping Jeff wouldn’t hear him.
“It will be ok,” Jeff repeated a little stronger.
“We don’t know that,” Jensen reiterated.
The elevator pinged as they reach their floor, preventing Jeff from arguing back with Jensen. Instead, the two of them headed towards the waiting room. Gerry, Sherry, Megan, Josh, Donna, and Alan came into view. Sherry’s normally perfect hair and makeup were a complete mess. Megan wasn’t looking much better but was holding her mom nonetheless. Donna’s mascara was smeared as well. Alan was holding her hand and sitting next to her, talking softly. Gerry was pacing, but stopped when he saw Jeff and Jensen approach. He pulled Jensen into a hug as soon as they were close enough.
“Oh G-God,” Jensen stuttered against Gerry’s hold. He felt the older man’s hands twist into the fabric of his dress shirt. “Is…did something happen? Did they-“
“Shh…no, kiddo. We’re still waiting. It’s ok. I didn’t mean to scare you. It’s just been…intense…”
Jensen nodded, his breath coming out in gasps as he tried to calm back down. “I-I w-would have been here sooner but I couldn’t get to my phone. That damn meeting…if the guy didn’t go on and on I would’ve-“
“Shh…it’s ok,” Gerry soothed, rubbing Jensen’s back as he pulled away. “You’re here now. That’s all that matters.”
Jensen nodded and allowed Gerry to pull him towards the rest of the group. Jeff had already gone back to check in on his brother. Before Jensen could protest, his brother pulled him down next to him and hugged him across the shoulders.
“Where’s Clary?” Jensen said, leaning into Josh’s touch.
“Ellie stayed back with her and the boys. I’m just keeping her updated through texts…trying not to scare the kids and all…”
“Thanks.” Jensen rubbed his hands over his eyes. “So…what the hell happened? I kind of zoned out after you said J-Jared was h-hurt.” Jensen swallowed back tears. “I-I didn’t h-hear wh-what happened. Sorry.”
Josh’s heart ached at the tone in his little brother’s voice. He sounded like a little kid, hurt and scared. Josh hated to see him like this. “Well…Jared was apparently trying to cross the street to get back to his car. He was on Adams Avenue…at that red light…the one in the middle of the road that’s set up for pedestrians?” Jensen nodded. “Yeah, he was there and the light changed red and the walk sign had came on. Jared started to cross; he didn’t do anything wrong.” Josh’s hands were clenched into fists at his side. “Some dumbass was texting while driving…he didn’t realize the light had changed until it was too late. He tried to stop but he didn’t have time. He managed to slow down some though. If he hadn’t…” Josh’s voice cracked and he couldn’t finish the sentence.
“So…my husband and unborn child are in the hospital because of a damn text message?” Jensen felt a rage well up underneath his skin. “You have to be shitting me right now!”
“I know,” Josh continued. Their mom came over and put her arm around Jensen as well. “The guy’s an idiot. He was arrested on the scene and there were plenty of witnesses. He’s not going to get away with it, bub.”
“Damn straight he isn’t! I’m going to rip him apart!” Jensen’s muscles tensed underneath their hands.
“Shh, baby,” Donna soothed. “Let the police handle it. You’ve gotta be here for Jared. Just focus on that right now.”
“God…Jared,” Jensen sighed. “This shouldn’t be happening.” He hung his head in his hands. “He was starting to feel better. He was finally started to feel better.” Jensen’s tattooed hands tightened and pulled on his short hair. “This shit shouldn’t have happened.”
“I know,” Donna said, pulling him towards her. He went willingly until his head was resting on her shoulder. She took his hands in hers, stopping him from pulling on his hair any more in frustration. “We’ll get through this.”
“What if something is wrong? Jared could…he could lose the baby. He could…God Mom! What will we do? I don’t know if I can-“
“You can and you will if you have to, Jensen,” Donna interrupted. “You are both very strong. Don’t you ever doubt that. But let’s not dwell on that right now. Don’t think about that. Keep positive, baby.”
“I can’t…not when he’s back there and I don’t know what the hell is going on.”
Josh’s phone buzzed with an incoming call from Ellie. He excused himself so that he could walk towards hallway and talk to her. Jensen barely noticed any of it. All he could think of was that damned car running into Jared…hurting him…hurting their child…
Suddenly, Jeff appeared from behind the swinging doors and came up in front of the group. Jensen was immediately out of his seat and bombarding Jeff with new questions. He spoke is such a hurry that Jeff couldn’t say anything in reply.
“Calm down, Jen. I’ll tell you everything…just gotta stop talking, man.” Jensen’s mouth snapped shut and he nodded. “Ok…Jared’s going to be ok. He’s hurt and it will take some time to recover but-“
“How badly is he hurt?” Jensen interjected.
“I’m getting there, Jen,” Jeff sighed. “He has a broken wrist from where he tried to catch himself when he fell. It isn’t really all that severe. He does have some extensive bruising to the side of his face, along with some nasty scratches to his cheek from the pavement. His ribs are pretty bruised as well, possibly even cracked.” Jeff paused to take a deep breath. “The car hit his hip, bruising it really bad. If the car hadn’t been slowing down so rapidly, I wouldn’t be surprised if it wouldn’t have broken. But it didn’t thankfully. If it had…I don’t know if the baby would have survived.”
“Is the baby…is the baby…”
“They’re…they’re monitoring it right now. As of the moment, yes, Jared is still pregnant. They’re keeping an eye on it and making sure he stays on bed rest for the moment just as a precaution. None of his injuries are life threatening though. And his hip took the brunt of the hit, not his stomach. His ribs are bruised, sure, but lots of pregnant men and women have dealt with that. We are all very optimistic at the moment.”
“C-can…can the hip injury make him have difficulty with labor?”
“This happened at a good point in his pregnancy. He’s past the first trimester, but he still has plenty of time to heal up before dealing with labor, Jen. As far as the baby goes, we are monitoring Jared for any cramps or bleeding. We’re also checking his fluid levels and doing ultrasounds. We’re doing everything we can.”
“What about medicines? Will that hurt the baby? He has to have pain meds and-“
“And we’ve got him hooked up to that among other things. It’s ok. Yes, there is a risk of complications for the baby, but the good outweighs that right now. Even though the baby didn’t get hit directly, the baby is still going to be effected by the stress Jared’s body is currently under. An accident like this is painful and takes a lot out of you…add in the fact that his body is also trying to care for another person…”
“Shit,” Jensen cursed under his breath.
“That doesn’t mean that something bad is happening to him, Jen. Just means he’s going to need some extra care. We’ll keep him here for a bit and let him rest up. Once he’s released, I’d imagine they’ll put him on bed rest for a couple more weeks before he can be allowed to return to a more normal activity level.”
Jensen nodded, still trying to take it all in. “Can…when can I see him?”
“They’re transferring him to a room right now. He’s been asking for you for awhile though.”
“He’s conscious?” Jensen asked. He couldn’t help the relief that bled into his voice.
“Yeah…he amazingly didn’t hit his head at any point. He slept a little earlier when we first gave him some meds, but he’s been awake on and off for awhile now.”
“Good…that’s…that’s incredible.”
“It really is,” Jeff added, patting Jensen on the shoulder. “Anyway, they’ll let us know when you can go back.”
“So, he’s going to be ok?” Sherry asked in a soft, shaking voice.
“He is Mom.” Jeff pulled her into a hug, holding her tightly. Jensen just stood back, still wrapping his head around everything.
The time passed, none of them really paying it much mind until a nurse came out to grab Jensen. Sherry looked like she wanted to protest and go as well, but she stayed back with Gerry. Jensen wanted to feel sorry…yet he couldn’t. He just wanted to see Jared. He just wanted to be alone with his husband. To see him alive for himself…
The nurse took him around twisting hallways until finally stopping in front of a small, private room. She paused, putting her hand on his chest. “He’s going to look rough. It will be scary. But he’s really ok. You have to remember that sweetie.”
He gulped and nodded. He hated the nerves that were threatening to over take him right now. He was supposed to be tough. He looked the part, but he wasn’t sure he was feeling all that tough at the moment…
With a gentle nudge from the nurse, Jensen entered Jared’s room. His combat boots scuffed against the linoleum as he shuffled inside. His eyes were glued to Jared’s bed. Jared had his head turned a little to the side so that Jensen could see the spectacular display of purple and yellow of the bruises along his face. A few scrapes and scratches mingled with them, further marring the flesh. His casted arm lay on top of the sheets while his other hand was settled against his stomach. Jensen couldn’t help but look at the way Jared’s rounded stomach pushed the sheets up ever so slightly.
He walked over to the bed and took that hand in his own, running his thumb over it before moving to touch Jared’s bump. He couldn’t take his eyes off the sight of it for a few moments. He had been so scared…
“He’s ok…Jeff thinks he is going to be ok,” Jared rasped out suddenly, making Jensen jump a little.
“Jay,” Jensen sighed. He moved up to the head of the bed this time, leaving his hand on Jared’s. With his other hand, he smoothed the hair away from Jared’s bruised face and leaned down to kiss his lips. “You’re ok…he’s ok.” He kissed Jay again.
Jared smiled against his husband’s lips. “You’re calling the baby ‘he’ now, huh? You know I was just doing that to get to you since you are so sure it’s another girl.” Jensen didn’t respond; he simply continued to stroke his hand against Jared’s unmarred cheek as he fought back tears. “Jen? I’m really ok.”
“That…it was so damn close to not-“
“I know,” Jared choked out. “I’m…I was really scared too.”
At that, Jensen couldn’t hold back the tears any more. The first fell slowly but gave way to the floodgates. He had never been a big crier, but he let it all out.
“Come here,” Jared urged, trying to pull Jensen onto the bed with him.
“No! I’ll…I’ll hurt you and the baby! I can’t! I-“
“Will you please get your ass up on this bed with me? I want to sleep against you. My ribs and hip are killing me. Would be nice to have some extra padding against them, Jen.”
Jared’s tone was light, but Jensen knew he was just masking his own feelings in an attempt to make Jensen feel better. Jensen silently took off his books, scratchy dress shirt, and tie so that he was in his socks, pants, and undershirt. He then carefully eased in next to Jared. His husband sighed in relief as he gently settled himself against Jensen. Jensen brought his arms around Jared, cautiously holding Jared against him.
Jared made a choked off sound as he burrowed into Jensen’s side, finally letting his own emotions out. “I…I’m sorry, Jen. I should have saw and-“
“Don’t, baby.”
“But the baby could-“
“Shh…it’s not your fault.” Jensen pulled him in tighter, careful of his injuries. He felt a few tears soak into his shirt. “We’re going to be ok, Jay.” He kissed the top of Jared’s head and let him cry against him. A few more tears of his own slid out. Neither said anything. They just lay there until the stress finally overcame them and they fell into a restless sleep.
***********
“When is Daddy going to be home?” Clary sighed, squirming a little in Ellie’s hold.
“In a few hours, baby girl,” Ellie replied to her niece. She leaned down and placed a kiss on her curly mop of hair before leaning back in the chair.
“Why are we leaving then?”
“Because, your daddy is going to need some rest. So, I thought you’d like to go with me for a little while and-“
“I wanna see, Daddy,” Clary interrupted, her big green eyes filling with tears. She hadn’t seen him in a few days thanks to the hospital’s policy. Jared had gone away for conferences and things before, but only for a night or two. He’d been away from Clary for four days and she was not happy about it one bit. Jensen had even broken down and let her sleep with him for the past four days instead of fighting with her about sleeping in her own bed, which they had been trying harder to stress the importance of with her now that another baby was coming.
“I know you do sweetheart, but he needs to rest. He’s still feeling pretty icky and has to be careful because of the baby for now.”
“But,” Clary went on, her bottom lip trembling, “I can be careful! I was careful last year when Papa’s leg was in that big, black thingy.”
Ellie inwardly groaned. The kid was too smart and clever…she was definitely Jared and Jensen’s kid. Of course she would remember Jensen’s leg being in that damn boot after he’d hurt himself motor biking on a dirt track last year…even though she hadn’t even turned three yet. “Clary-“
“I promise to be careful!” Tears started to fall from her eyes. “I will! I wouldn’t hurt Daddy or baby! Please don’t make me leave! I want to stay here with Daddy and Papa. Please Aunt Ellie?” Her little face looked more like a kicked puppy’s would than a little girl’s at the moment and it broke Ellie’s heart.
“Baby girl,” Ellie started, but was interrupted by the front door opening. She looked up to see Jensen helping Jared inside. Jared was shuffling along against his husband. He had a crutch to help alleviate some of the weight off his injured hip and Jensen was aiding in that area as well. His bruises on his face had darkened to various shades of yellow and purple. The scratches and road burn were still there as well. It was obvious moving was hurting and he was definitely going slowly.
“Daddy!” Clary exclaimed, starting to squirm in Ellie’s arms. Before Ellie could grab onto her better, the little girl escaped her aunt’s hold and climbed down from the couch. She took off at a sprint towards the front door, but stopped once she was about a foot away from Jared’s tottering form.
“Hey sweetie,” Jared sighed, leaning into Jensen even more. He wanted to be able to pick up his daughter, but he knew he couldn’t. The doctors were still advising him to not lift around on things for a while and he knew his body wouldn’t allow it anyway.
Clary definitely looked like she wanted to rush up and jump on him, but instead, she simple walked up to him. She carefully wrapped her arms around his leg, on the side that was not being supported by the crutch and Jensen. She hugged him tightly, her little face buried in his sweatpants. “Home for good?” she asked softly.
“Home for good, baby,” Jensen answered for Jared. Jensen leaned down, making sure Jared would be ok on the crutch for just a second, and picked up Clary. He held her up so she could press a kiss to Jared’s cheek before shifting so that he could still hold her and support Jared until he was sitting carefully on the couch. “Are you going to help me be Daddy’s nurse, Clary?”
“Uh huh,” she replied, nodding vigorously and sending her curls bouncing around. She snuggled into Jared’s side as he leaned back against the couch cushions. “I stay here and help!” She sent a look over at Ellie, who had a hard time trying not to laugh at it.
“If your dads thinks that will be ok,” Ellie said.
“Yeah…she can stay here,” Jared answered, wrapping an arm around her and pulling her closer to his stomach. “She’s careful. She was with Jensen last year when he hurt his leg.”
“I told you, Aunt Ellie,” Clary sighed as she placed her hands on Jared’s bump. She then looked up at him with wide eyes. “Baby ok?”
“Baby will be ok, sweetheart,” Jared soothed. “I just have to be extra careful for a few more weeks just in case.”
Clary seemed to be thinking it over, but nodded.
“Yeah, your Daddy’s on bed rest this week. He’s just gotta stay in bed for right now.”
“Then why’s he on the couch? We should take him upstairs!”
Jensen laughed a little. “That is a very good idea, Nurse Clary.” Jensen picked her up and blew a raspberry on her belly. “Why don’t you go with your Aunt Ellie and help her start dinner while I help Daddy upstairs?”
“Ok.”
Jensen handed his daughter over to his sister-in-law so that he could give Jared his full attention. Ellie took her niece into the kitchen. Jensen could hear pots and pans clanging together from in there as well as his daughter laughing a little. “You ready to move, babe?”
“Mmmm…do I have a choice?” Jared groaned.
“I’m sorry, Jare. I wish I could say yes…but…”
“But it would be better if I was in bed,” he sighed. “I know, Jen. Just sucks moving.”
“I know,” Jensen replied sympathetically. “I’m really sorry.”
“Not your fault,” Jared gritted out as he stood up. His hip and ribs flared with pain. “You didn’t do this, babe.”
Jensen bit his lip and helped Jared move towards the stairs. They went slowly and paused a couple times on the way up the steps. By the time they reached the bedroom, Jared was sweating and looked close to tears. But he didn’t complain; he barely groaned. He took it in stride and sank into the mattress with a relieved sigh. He even managed a smile when Jensen leaned over and brushed his damp bangs out of his face.
“That better, Jay?”
“Getting there…”
“I’ll bring up your meds after you get some food in you. Isn’t good to take them on an empty stomach,” Jensen said softly.
“Isn’t good to take them at all with the baby,” Jared muttered while Jensen wrapped the blankets around him and fixed the pillows better.
“Jared, you need them.”
“Meds like this can hurt-“
“And the stress you’re body will experience dealing with that amount of pain will hurt the baby too.” A stricken look flashed across Jared’s face and he turned away. Jensen gently pulled his face back towards him. “Jared, this isn’t your fault. And you aren’t hurting the baby. You’re doing amazing! You protected her when you got hit and you’re still doing that.”
Jared’s eyes filled with tears and he swallowed roughly. He nodded but didn’t say anything for a few seconds. After a bit, he smiled softly. “So you’re still convinced this little one is going to be another girl?”
“Damn straight,” Jensen laughed. He started to give Jared a kiss, but the door opened to reveal a bouncing Clary. The little girl had a bowl of pasta in her hand and looked liked she was about to spill it all over the floor in her excitement. Jensen quickly got off the bed and grabbed it from her. “Thank you sweetheart.”
“It’s for Daddy!”
“Is it now?” Jensen asked innocently. “I’m sure he’ll love this.” He set the food on the nightstand and helped Jared to sit up a little more.
“What did you fix me, baby girl?”
“Noodles!”
“That sounds really good,” Jared replied. He had hated all the crap he’d been fed at the hospital. He’d ate it…wasn’t like he had a choice. Baby needed to have the food.
Clary’s face lit up and she started to try to climb up on the bed. Jensen helped her the rest of the way while Ellie appeared with a tray filled with more pasta and some bread. “Hope all this is ok, guys,” she said. “We figured this would be easy and something Jared might enjoy.”
“Thanks El,” Jared replied with a smile. “You have no idea how good this looks after spending four days at the hospital.”
“I’d imagine.” She smiled sadly at him before adjusting the tray on the bed so they could all eat. She excused herself to go clean up and head back to the house for her own boys’ dinner.
Jared and his small family dug into the food. The stress from the hospital slowly melted away and he enjoyed the meal, relishing in being able to see his daughter smile and laugh with his husband. Jensen and Clary started talking about what designs they should put on Jared’s cast. Clary demanded he get a tattoo sleeve like Jensen.
It was definitely good to be home.
***********
Jared shifted restlessly under the covers, trying to find a comfortable position for his bruised body. Despite his lack of success, it felt incredible to be in his own comfortable bed instead of the stiff hospital mattress. His hands rested worriedly on his stomach. He was much calmer than what he had been a few days ago when it first happened. But still…accidents and pregnancy…definitely not a good combination.
“You’re thinking too loud again,” Jensen said as he entered the bedroom and shuffled over towards the bed.
“Hmm…did you get Clary to sleep?”
“Finally,” Jensen huffed. “And don’t try to change the-“
“She’s just excited to have me back home.”
“I know.” Jensen cautiously got into bed next to Jared. “You ok, babe? And don’t just say you’re fine. I know you’re not.”
“I-I am…I’m sore. Achy, but will be f-“
“Jared…how are you?” Jensen repeated.
Jared sighed and bit his lip. “I…I don’t know yet. I think I’m ok. Just wrapping my head around all this. And…I’m still tired. Can’t seem to find a way to get comfortable enough to sleep yet.”
Jensen gathered Jared in his arms and adjusted them so that Jared was lying against his chest. It seemed to be the most comfortable position for Jared lately. He wrapped his arms around his husband, resting his hands on top of Jared’s at his stomach.
“What about you, Jen?”
“I’m not the one who was hit by a car, Jare. I’m fine.”
“Jen, babe, I love you to death, but you are the shittiest liar.” Jared twisted a little so that he could smile at Jensen. Jen would have laughed a little if it weren’t for the dark bruises on Jared’s face.
“Fine…I’m…I’m scared Jay.” Jensen started rubbing circles against Jared’s stomach. His voice cracked on him as he continued. “Came so damn close to…to losing you and the baby. It…it happened so fast and I don’t know what I would have done and-“
“Shh,” Jared soothed. “I’m here. Not going anywhere.”
“But you almost did. If that bastard hadn’t slowed down…”
“But he did,” Jared emphasized. “He did. He screwed up and he’s going to pay for it.”
“With a slap on the wrist,” Jensen raged.
“Jen-“
“The lawyer called earlier. He plead guilty to distracted driving and negligence. He’s probably going to be hit with some big ass fine and then be sent on his way.”
“Well…at least he’s owning up to it all.”
“How can you be so damn calm?” Jensen snapped.
“I…I already had my moments. When I was in the hospital, I swear I cussed the bastard up and down every time I’d look at the ultrasound screen. I wanted to unhook myself from everything and go beat the hell out of him too. But it wouldn’t have done any good. Would have just hurt things more.”
They sat in silence for a few moments. Jensen hands kept rubbing along Jared’s bump. Jensen finally broke the quiet. “What…what if something is wrong with her? What if they missed something?”
“Jen they-“
“I did research. I read how things can happen. Things can rupture and go unnoticed. The baby could be-“
Jensen stopped when Jared took his hand, moved his shirt up, and pressed Jensen’s hand into the bottom part of him abdomen. He put a tiny bit of pressure on it.
“Jared I-“
“Just wait…”
Jensen huffed and was about to stay something when he felt something moving faintly against his hands. “Is…is that…”
“I started feeling it the other night. I thought it was just nerves at first. Then I realized it was the baby.” Jared smiled at Jensen before snuggling father into his chest. “It…it doesn’t mean that everything is perfect. There good still be problems. But…I…I kind of took it as the little guy’s way of saying he…or she,” he said teasingly, “was alright after all.”
“I like the sound of that,” Jensen choked out. He nuzzled his head against Jared’s and pressed a kiss to his forehead. For the first time in days, he allowed himself to believe that everything could be alright.
***********
Jared had been home a few days now. He still felt like crap half the time, but he was doing better. He could put more weight on his bruised hip, but not much. He had to rely on the crutch quite a bit whenever he did get out of bed, which wasn’t that often. Jensen and Clary both would glare daggers at him if he so much as moved towards the edge of the bed. Thankfully, he was supposed to go see Jim today to get checked up.
“Hey, sweetheart,” a soft voice called from the doorway.
Jared looked up to see his mom standing there. “Hey,” he replied, rubbing his eyes.
“Did I wake you, Jared?” She shut the door behind her and approached the bed.
“No,” he yawned. “I took a nap a bit ago but woke up not too long ago. You’re fine mom. Can sit down if you’d like.”
She leaned over the bed to give him a kiss on the forehead before she sat down on the edge of his bed. She took in his appearance. “You look better baby.” She squeezed his shoulder before running her hand over his belly. “Baby’s growing, huh?”
“Yeah,” Jared smiled. “I get checked out again later. Jensen’s going to take me to see Jim soon.”
“Good. You feeling ok though? I mean, with the accident…”
“I’m ok, Mom. I promise.” Jared picked up her hand and kissed her fingers. “I’m doing better. Still sore as hell…but I’ve got two great nurses here.”
Sherry laughed a little at that. “I noticed. Clary’s taken to it quite well.”
“That she has. She takes her duties very seriously.”
“Oh really?” Sherry’s smiled remained.
“Yeah…between her and Jensen…I so much as look like I’m getting out of bed for anything other than the bathroom…”
“They were worried about you. We all were.”
“I know,” Jared sighed. “But I really am doing better. Just still sore and tired. Not sure if I’m tired because I’m pregnant or because of the injuries and meds.”
“Probably all the above, baby,” Sherry said sympathetically. She looked down and noticed the brightly colored drawings decorating his cast. “I see Miss Clary has had some fun.”
“Yeah,” Jared laughed around a yawn. “She wanted it to look like Jensen’s arm but wouldn’t let Jensen do it for her.” He yawned again and blinked up at his mom.
“Go back to sleep sweetie.” Sherry began running her fingers through his hair. It was something she used to always do for him when he was tired or sick. It comforted him and always put him right to sleep.
“Mom…”
“Shh…you need the rest.”
“All…done…is…sleep,” he answered, already half asleep.
“Well, good.”
It didn’t take much longer before Jared was fast asleep next to her. She continued to run her nails through his hair, hoping it would keep him from waking. She kept studying his bruised flesh and dark circles under his eyes. She hated to see her youngest in this shape.
“Hey, Sherry,” Jensen greeted from the door. “Is Jay asleep again?”
“Yeah. He looked so tired.”
“I gave him some pain pills not too long ago. They knock him out.” Jensen sat down in the chair next to the bed. “He hates admitting that he needs them, you know…”
“He looks like he’s feeling better though.”
“He is,” Jensen smiled. “He’s getting better.” Jensen’s smile faltered. “But…I’ll be happy when we get the ultrasound done today. I…I want to see how the baby is. I just…”
“You’re a good dad, Jensen. And a good husband. It’s normal to worry.”
Jensen just nodded, eyes focused back on Jared.
“You know…you know I didn’t care for you too much when I first met you,” Sherry continued.
Jensen gave her a look and raised his eyebrows.
“Ok…I didn’t care for you at all,” Sherry sighed. “But…I know I was wrong about you. You…you are so amazing with Jared and Clary. I can see that now. Especially with all this. I don’t know how you’ve dealt with everything, but you’ve been so good with him.”
“I love him,” Jensen said softly.
“I know. Anyone with eyes knows.” She reached over and squeezed his hand. “I wanted to apologize for how I treated you. And…and I wanted to thank you for being there for my baby.” She bit her lip. “I-I never meant to be so cruel to you. I was just…you have to understand. Jay is my baby. I didn’t want anything to happen to him. I let my worry cloud my vision. I didn’t see how good you were for Jared. And I’m so sorry for that.”
“Thank you.” Jensen squeezed Sherry’s hand back. “That…that means a lot to me.”
“I meant every word.” Sherry took her hand from Jensen’s and placed it on Jared’s cast. “I see Clary had some fun with this, huh?”
Jensen smiled widely. “Yes ma’am she did. She wanted to make it look like my arms.”
“She seems to have a thing for tattoos. That might just come back to bite you in the ass one day,” Sherry teased.
“Oh, I’m sure it will,” Jensen laughed. “We’ll cross that path when we get there. I’m sure she’ll want one when she gets older. And, when she gets to be the right age, she’ll get one with my support. Would be pretty hypocritical if I said she couldn’t.” Sherry shook her head, smiling at that. “But…for now I can get by with temp ones.”
After that, the two lapsed into a comfortable silence, watching Jared sleep peacefully. It felt nice to clear the air between them. It was definitely a start for their relationship.
Not long after that, Jensen was forced to wake Jared and get him up so they could leave for Jim’s office.
“I can dress myself, Jen,” Jared grumbled.
“I’m just trying to help you. You’re still hurt.”
“Let your husband help you,” Sherry chided.
Inwardly, Jared smiled at the way his mom and Jensen were working together and agreeing on things. However, he really didn’t want them to dress him. “Oh God…you two have teamed up on something. I’m screwed…”
“Oh, shut up,” Jensen laughed. “You’ll live.”
Jared rolled his eyes, but smiled. He relented and let Jensen help him change into a pair of clean sweat pants and shirt. Jeans were still too rough for his injured hip. It didn’t take too long thankfully. Jared was nestled in the passenger side of the car before he even knew it. Christmas lights and displays blurred past him as they drove.
“We need to get some presents for Clary still,” Jared sighed. “Christmas and Birthday…”
“I’ll take care of things, Jay. Don’t worry about it.”
“But…I like shopping for her.”
Jensen reached over and squeezed his hand. “I know it babe. It’s just one time.”
Jared bit his lip and just nodded. The rest of the ride to Jim’s office was done in silence. Once there, Jensen helped Jared inside, supporting his side while he slowly inched forward with his crutch.
“Hey guys,” Jim’s secretary called when they walked in. “Jim’s already waiting on ya. He said to just tell you to go on back and get settled on the exam table.”
“Thank you,” Jared sighed in relief. Those plastic chairs in the waiting room would have been hell on his body.
It didn’t take too long for Jim to come into the exam room with various machines and equipment. “Hey you two. How you guys holding up?”
“Ok, Jim,” Jared answered quietly. It was obvious he was nervous about everything. His hands were shaking over his stomach and he looked rather pale.
“How about we start the checkup and get that out of the way so you boys can take a look at your little one?”
“Sounds good,” Jensen sighed.
With that, Jim checked over Jared’s various injuries and vitals. “Well…you seem to be healing up pretty well, kiddo. That hip of yours is going to give you some trouble for a little while still. The bruising is just really deep. You’re lucky nothing was broken. Your breathing sounds good though, even with your ribs.”
“I’m glad.”
“Me too kid,” Jim said as he reached over for the ultrasound machine. “How about we take a look at the baby?” Before putting the gel on Jared’s stomach, he felt around a bit and took some measurements. He then prepped Jared for the ultrasound and began running the tool over Jared’s belly. “Well…there is your little one.”
Jared and Jensen both had their eyes glued to the screen. Tears welled up in their eyes as the blurry image of their child slowly moved around in front of them.
“Looks like a healthy, active kid there, boys,” Jim told them with a smile. “We’ll run some tests on the fluid levels and all that, but it looks good from what I can see, Jay. You haven’t had any pain or bleeding?” Jared shook his head, still staring at his baby. “Cramps?” Another shake of his head.
Jensen kissed Jared on the forehead and allowed a few tears to fall down into Jared’s hair.
“Well…I think this little one is gonna let us see the gender,” Jim laughed. The baby rolled over into a good position and Jim caught it on the screen. “Jen…I do believe you were wrong, kid.”
“Wh-what?”
“You’ve got yourself a boy here.”
At those words, Jared started crying as well. He was having a son…and he seemed healthy despite the accident. “God…that’s…wow!”
Jensen hugged him tightly, peppering his forehead with kisses. Both were too happy and relieved to say anything else.
“I’ll print some pictures off for you guys.” Jim moved towards the machine, pressing a few buttons. “Now, you can move around a tiny bit more if you feel ok, Jay. I don’t think you’ll need bed rest. You’ll have to take it easy…rest and no school or work for awhile yet.”
“Semester is about to end anyway. JD worked it out with all the professors so that I can do my finals online and via emails. After that, campus will be closed until after the holidays. I think spring semester starts mid January.”
“I’d say you should be ok to start back in then. We’ll have to play it by ear though, Jay. I still want to do those tests and go from there. We’ll have to keep a close eye on you just in case. But I personally think your son looks like he’ll be just fine. And you still have plenty of time to heal up before you have to deal with labor.”
Jared nodded, still very reassured.
“Good…then I’m going to go get a nurse to help me with the tests and we’ll get you those pictures.” Jim left the room, leaving the happy parents for a minute.
Jared was still staring at the still Jim had left up on the screen of his baby…his son. Jensen leaned down and brought their lips together.
“I love you so much, Jare.” He palmed the side of Jared’s face that did not have any bruises.
“Love you too, Jen.” Jared leaned up for another kiss.
The two of them spent a few more minutes just pressing kisses onto the other and looking at the screenshot of their son.
“Hey Jen,” Jared finally said.
“What babe?”
“I knew it was going to be a boy…”
“Whatever,” Jensen pouted.
Jared burst out laughing at that. He didn’t care that it caused his ribs and cheek to ache. A second later Jensen joined in, not because he found the fact that he had lost funny. He was so happy at seeing Jared this excited. The accident had been pushed to the back of their minds. For now, that was all that mattered. Slowly but surely, they were going to be ok.
A/N: See? I'm not completely evil :). Anyway...hope you guys enjoyed! I'm going to be working on a new story that could be up as a WIP in the near future. I'm most likely spending the weekend at the house writing after tomorrow. And I do have more planned for this verse, but am still taking suggestions/ideas if anyone has some. I will take anything into consideration, but that of course doesn't mean it will necessarily be used. Thanks again!