It's Time 2/?
Title: It’s Time
Beta: samjsjlove
Rating/Warnings: M for sexual situations, violence, MPREG
Wordcount: ~5800
A/N: I had this idea after reading a Klaine fic and when I mentioned it to samjsjlove she encouraged me to go on with the idea…so it’s a bit of a Birthday present for her. Furthermore, I mean NO disrespect towards the Amish and their culture. I could never live that way, but I have the upmost respect for their beliefs and dedication. I am in no way making fun of them or saying anything negative about them, as I hope the story shows. And lastly, the title is based on the song It’s Time by Imagine Dragons.
Summary: Jared grew up in a small Amish community, always knowing that he was somehow different from everyone else. When he finally admits what is making him different and comes out to his parents, he is forced to leave the only life he’s every known in search of where he belongs. He finds some help along the way…some love…some acceptance…and a lot of things he never could have expected.
Everything about the place was different from his home…well his parent’s home. He couldn’t call it his home; not anymore. This was his home now. It was just…very obviously different. And it scared the hell out of him. Jared was pretty sure he would have bolted straight out if Jensen hadn’t been beside him the whole time.
The first thing Jared noticed when he stepped into the apartment was the huge flat screen television hanging on the wall; he’d never seen one that large. Shelves filled with rows and rows of movies surrounded it. Gaming consoles and discarded controls littered the bottom shelf, spilling out onto the floor in a few places.
Across from the entertainment center lay a computer desk and various musical instruments. There were recorders and other technology all over the desk…most of which Jared had never seen before in his life. To be honest…the apartment seemed full of things Jared had never seen before.
“Jared? Did you hear me?”
Jared shook his head. “Sorry…”
“It’s ok. I was just asking if you wanted me to help you unpack in your room?”
“Oh,” Jared blushed. “You…you don’t have to if you don’t want to. I really don’t have that much stuff. I-“
“Hey,” Jensen said softly. He set down Jared’s bag he had been holding and rubbed at Jared’s arm. “It’s not a big deal. I know you are sore from being hit on your bike. I don’t mind. I want to help. It’s what friends do.”
“Friends?” Jared couldn’t help but ask.
“Yep…we’re friends…might as well get used to it.” Jensen winked and started walking down the hall, leaving Jared blushing and following along behind him. Jensen turned to his left and entered another room. Jared stepped in behind Jensen, finding a very bare room. The walls were painted a light blue and a spacious looking closet was open in the corner. Other than that…the room was empty.
“Tomorrow I’m going to get my older brother to help me move the furniture from our old room at mom’s over here for you.”
“You don’t have to do that. I-“
“It is literally just sitting in Mom’s room collecting dust. Mom has guest rooms in the house for when family stays over and all. She never uses our old room.”
“Are you sure?” Jared asked, biting his lip nervously.
“Positive! She already said to take it. We’ll get you all set up tomorrow. For now…we can probably put some of your clothes and things in the closet. We’ll put everything else away once we get the dresser in here.”
Jared looked around the room again. “This is great…I really don’t think I can thank you enough.”
Jensen blushed a little. “Well…don’t know about great.” He rubbed at the back of his neck. “It’s not the biggest room in the apartment…but it should be a lot nicer once we get furniture in here.” Jensen set Jared’s bags down onto the floor and sat down beside them.
“I’m used to sharing a bedroom with my brothers. This…this is huge compared to that.” Jared looked away at the mention of his family…he’d been doing that almost every time he brought them up around the Ackles.
Jensen bit his lip. “How many siblings do you have?”
“There were a total of eight of us all together.”
“Were?” Jensen asked in confusion.
“Not sure I can count myself in the family anymore,” Jared said sadly. He sat down next to Jensen on the floor, wincing a little as the movement pulled on his bruises and scrapes.
“I wouldn’t say that. They are still your family. They just…they just need some time to adjust. I wouldn’t count them out just yet. You never know.” He nudged Jared’s shoulder with his own. “So how many brothers and sisters do you have?”
Jared couldn’t help but smile a little at Jensen’s optimism. “I have two older and one younger brother. Then I have one older and three younger sisters.”
“Four each? Nice.”
“Yeah…it was really nice growing up. How about you? Big family?”
Jensen pulled the suitcase towards them so that they could begin to unpack properly. “Umm…not big by your standards.” He chuckled a little. “I have one older brother, Josh, and a younger sister, Mackenzie…who’ve you’ve already had the displeasure of meeting.”
“She wasn’t bad,” Jared laughed. “She actually reminded me of my sister Megan believe it or not.”
“Wow!”
Jared laughed again. “Yeah…she was always sneaking in fashion magazines and glimpses in storefront windows when we went to town. I may have helped her a little over the years with that…”
“Sounds like she must be one of the baby sisters.”
“That she is.” Jared smiled at the memory of little Meg grasping at every magazine and pressing her tiny face into the glass of the big shops Jared would intentionally walk her past.
“You sound like me when I’m talking about Mack…well when I’m talking about her during the times she’s actually not annoying me.”
The lighthearted conversation continued on a bit like that for a while. Jared learned that Jensen worked IT at the local university and did some tech work for the music and theater departments as well. Jensen learned that Jared had actually read a lot of the same books as him, and they both were completely obsessed with Lord of the Rings.
“No offense, but I’m surprised you were able to read this in an Amish community,” Jensen commented, pulling out a battered copy of the book. “I mean, just with the fantasy and magic in it. Doesn’t that go against religious or cultural beliefs?”
Jared took it carefully from Jensen. “Well…I probably wasn’t supposed to read books like this.” He ran his fingers along the tattered edges. “But there used to be this used bookstore in the next town over. It was next to a store where Datt did business…he’s a carpenter and he sold his furniture to them. He always brought my brothers and me along; he wanted us to get used to the business so we could work with him one day I think. But I hated it…I’ve never been good at building. I painted…was about it. So I always got bored standing around with him. He finally gave up on me and let me wander to nearby stores.”
“Like the bookstore…”
“Like the bookstore,” Jared smiled. “Anyway…one day they had just gotten a shipment of old books in from a library that had been shut down. I found this in the box marked trash. It was too rough to sell. But I started reading it because it looked so interesting. I fell in love with it almost instantly. But I knew my Datt wouldn’t buy it for me. I mean, he bought me books don’t get me wrong. But…”
“The subject wouldn’t be approved of.”
“Exactly,” Jared sighed. “But by that point, the owner and his workers were pretty used to me coming in every month. It was pretty obvious that I was an Amish kid but they were never mean to me or anything. They always helped me find books that I could convince my Datt to allow me to purchase. Anyway…the guy came over and took it from me for a minute. I think he knew I wouldn’t be allowed to buy it. So he went behind the counter and wrapped it up for me in paper. He told me to put it in my bag and not mention it to my father. He didn’t make me pay for it or anything.”
“That’s really cool,” Jensen said.
“Yeah…it was amazing. I used to find ways to stay up late and read it when my parents were asleep. I don’t think my mother would have honestly cared…but my father was just…”
“Traditional?”
Jared scoffed. “That would be an understatement. He’s the Bishop…which is huge in an Amish community. Everyone watches you all the time. You have to be perfect.”
Jensen thankfully didn’t comment on the subject anymore. He went back to unpacking with Jared. Jared had moved to the closet to hang up a few jackets and shirts when Jensen’s hands came in contact with another book. He fully expected to find another classic piece of literature…instead he found a small but nice leather Bible. “Wow,” he gasped. The lettering and the binding were old fashioned. “This is beautiful, Jared.”
Jared turned around and paled a little. “Oh…yeah.” He quickly hung up the shirt his sister had made for him last year before going back over to Jensen. He sat down next to his new roommate and took the Bible from him. “I’ve had it since I was a child.” His ran his fingers along the gold colored lettering of the cover. “But…not sure why I brought it with me.”
“What do you mean?” Jensen asked. “Do you not believe in God?”
“No, I believe in Him.” Jared quickly answered. “But it doesn’t matter if I believe in Him or not. I’m apparently going to hell anyway.” Jared set the book down and ran a shaky hand through his hair.
“Hey,” Jensen gently prodded. He put a hand on Jared’s tense shoulder and waited until the younger man looked up at him. “Did your parents tell you that? That you’re going to hell just because you’re gay?” Jared closed his eyes and nodded. “Jared…what do you think? Do you think God hates you just because you’re gay?”
“I-I don’t know,” Jared sighed. “My parents think-“
“Well you know what I think? I think that is a bunch of crap.” Jared couldn’t help but flinch at Jensen’s tone. “I mean, isn’t God supposed to love every one of us?”
“Of course,” Jared answered without even hesitating.
“Then why wouldn’t he love us? We aren’t doing anything wrong. We just love whom we were born to love. That isn’t wrong, Jay.” Jensen picked the Bible up from where Jared had dropped it and handed it back to Jared. “God loves all his children…doesn’t matter who His children love in return.”
Jared took the Bible back from him, tears shining in his eyes. “Thank you.”
Jensen smiled softly before realizing how late it had gotten. “Well…I think we should get some sleep. I want you to take my bed tonight while I-“
“No!” Jared immediately protested. “I couldn’t do that to you. Not after everything you’ve done. I don’t mind the floor or the couch or-“
“You’re taking the bed. Don’t think I didn’t see you wincing as you got up and down from the floor. You’re still hurting from your accident. You’re taking the bed…end of discussion.” Jensen stood and guided Jared towards his room across the hall. “Besides, I need to do a little work before I crash. The couch will be perfect.” He squeezed Jared’s arm before starting to head out of the bedroom. “Good night, roomie.” Jensen winked at him before closing the door behind him.
Despite everything…being kicked out of his home…losing his family…being hit by a car…Jared smiled in return as he crawled into Jensen’s bed. He burrowed down into the blankets and pillows, breathing in Jensen’s scent. “Good night,” he whispered before he gave in to his exhaustion.
**************
The following morning, Jared awoke to the smell of something absolutely delicious wafting underneath his door. It was enough to draw him from the warm comfort of the Jensen’s bed, even though he had to admit Jensen’s smell was almost enough to keep him there. But his stomach was grumbling…
“Good morning!” Jensen called as soon as Jared stepped into the kitchen. “Nice bed head.” He smiled and ruffled it up even more as he passed Jared on his way to the table.
“Mmmm,” Jared groaned, rubbing tiredly at his eyes. “What smells so good?”
“Well…I decided to get up early and make breakfast.” He pulled something out of the oven and placed it on a towel on the table. “So…tada!”
Jared eyed the dish warily, not quite sure what the food was supposed to be. “Um…not that it doesn’t smell and look delicious…but what is it?”
Jensen chuckled. “It’s a tortilla strata. My dad taught me how to make them when I was little.”
“Your father taught you how to cook?”
Jensen nodded as he started cutting into the strata. “If he wanted to eat, he cooked. Mom is absolutely hopeless in the kitchen. I’m pretty sure she lives off takeout and pizza now unless one of us fixes something for her ahead of time. Luckily for her, Dad taught all of us how to cook. He thought it was important.”
“That’s really nice,” Jared replied with a smile. “Growing up, men were never supposed to help in the kitchen. Datt would never be caught dead cooking. My mother was a good cook though. And she let me help when I was a child…when my father was out working.”
“Well, this probably won’t taste anything like what your mom used to cook, but it’s pretty damn good if I do say so myself.” Jensen placed a large helping of the strata onto Jared’s plate.
Jared’s stomach grumbled at the smell wafting up from the table. His mouth watered at the sight of the gooey cheese and fluffy eggs. He still wasn’t sure what else was in the dish. “So what all is in this?”
Jensen took a seat across from Jared. “It has corn tortillas, eggs, cheese, black beans, and salsa as the main ingredients. I promise it’s good.”
Jared poked at it with his fork. “I’ve never had salsa before.”
“Well…that one is from a jar. Homemade salsa is about a hundred times better but I didn’t have the time. If you end up liking it, I’ll take you to this Mexican restaurant by the bookstore that is absolutely to die for.”
Jared couldn’t help but smile. He took a deep breath and took a bite. He couldn’t help but moan at the taste and the way everything practically melted in his mouth.
“Sounds like you like it,” Jensen commented with a smile of his own.
“This is…wow! I’ve never had anything like this. Thank you!”
Jensen watched for a second as Jared dug into his breakfast. If introducing Jared to new foods ended with Jared being this happy, then Jensen vowed he would do it every day. Jensen was about to comment on this when the intercom buzzed from the front room. Jensen quickly jumped up from the table and hurried over to it.
“Yeah?”
“Hey Jen! Liz and I are down here! Want to buzz us in?”
“Yeah! I’ve got breakfast up here if you want to eat before we unload the truck and bring everything up.”
“Perfect! Liz is always hungry right no-OUCH!”
Jensen shook his head fondly at his brother and sister-in-law as he pressed the button to let them into the building. It didn’t take long for them to arrive at his front door.
“Hey guys,” Jensen greeted. He leaned in and gave Liz a kiss on the cheek. “You beating up on him again, Lizzie?”
“He deserved it,” she teased. “Calling his pregnant wife fat like that…”
“I didn’t call her fat! I just said-“
“I’d watch your words carefully if I were you mister.” Despite the slight bite to her voice, it was obvious she was simply giving her husband a hard time.
At some point during the greeting, Jared had crept into the room. He couldn’t help but laugh a little at the couple’s banter. The sound was enough to draw everyone’s attention to him, making him stop almost immediately.
“Hey,” Jensen softly said. “Jared…I want you to meet my brother, Josh, his wife Liz, and my future niece or nephew…who is currently sporting the name ‘Peanut’.”
A grin slowly spread across Jared’s face at the way Jensen introduced his family. It helped ease the tension that had started to course through him. “Hello…it’s nice to meet you.”
“You too,” Liz spoke up. “Now…someone mentioned something about food…”
“I told you,” Josh said in a singsong voice, ducking his head to avoid a playful smack from his wife.
“It’s in the kitchen,” Jensen answered. “Come on…let’s eat before Josh and I bring up the furniture. And no, Jared, you are not allowed to do any heavy lifting. I know you’re bruised worse than you’ll let on. Mom already warned me.”
“But-“
“I could use the company anyway,” Liz interrupted. “I’m not allowed to lift anything so it would be nice to have someone to talk to.”
With that, Jared admitted defeat and everyone dug into their breakfast once more. Once the meal was finished, Josh and Jen started bringing up the old bedroom suite and setting up Jared’s new bedroom. Jared and Liz hung out in the kitchen while they worked. Jared immediately realized he liked talking to Liz. It was comfortable and easy, the conversation going from everything from books to her pregnancy.
“How far along are you?” Jared asked after a while.
Liz rubbed at her forming bump. “About six months. It was definitely a shock. We were in the middle of planning our wedding when I found out. Definitely sped the whole wedding process up though…no way I was going to alter my dress to accommodate Peanut here, as much as I love him or her.”
Jared tried not to let his surprise at the unplanned pregnancy. It wasn’t like he had never seen it happen…it just wasn’t that common where he came from. An unwed mother was typically shunned. And he didn’t want to even think about what could happen to a pregnant man in that situation. Instead, of letting his thoughts dwell on his past, he tuned back into Liz talking about the baby.
“You know,” she said not too much later, “it’s so nice to talk about all this. Don’t get me wrong, I love Josh and Jen, but they always have this deer in the headlights look when I start talking about everything. It’s different with you.”
Jared blushed. “I guess I’ve just had more experience with it all. I mean, I’m the middle of eight. I can remember my mom being pregnant with my younger siblings. It’s…we don’t really ever talk about pregnancy but I’ve just been around it a lot. When I was a kid, I wasn’t always the strongest and had to spend a lot of time at home with my mom. So I was just around her and the babies. I don’t know…I guess I just always liked being around babies.”
“I’ll keep that in mind for when we need a babysitter.” Liz nudged him playfully.
Jared didn’t say anything, but he knew that if she did ever ask, he’d agree in a heartbeat. He’d only been gone a few days, but he already missed having his younger siblings underfoot and taking care of them.
By the late afternoon, the room was completely set up and Josh had taken Liz home so they could rest up. It left Jensen and Jared standing in the nearly completed room. Jared had decided to put a few articles of clothing into the dresser that had been set up in the corner.
“So,” Jensen said as he approached his new roommate, “I was thinking that we could go shopping for some new clothes tomorrow…ones that might be good to work in?”
Jared’s brow furrowed. “On a Sunday?”
“Yeah…Sundays are good days to go shopping. They aren’t as crazy as Saturdays but the stores still have a lot of awesome sales going on.”
“Sorry…I’m just…not used to shopping on Sundays.” Jensen looked at Jared in confusion. “It’s, uh, against the rules.” Jared bit his lip. “I know that it doesn’t matter now. I should be able to go shopping on a Sunday. I never really understood why we couldn’t. Wasn’t like God was going to strike us down for running to pick up something we’d forgotten. But…”
“It’s what you’ve grown up with for your whole life. I understand if you don’t want to break that habit this quickly.”
Jared nodded before looking down at his clothes in the drawers. “Besides…what’s wrong with these clothes? My sister made a lot of them for me.” He carefully ran his hand over the simple fabric.
Jensen came up behind him and reached out to grasp Jared’s hand in his own. “Absolutely nothing. I don’t think you should get rid of these. But…you mentioned earlier that you always appreciated how that bookstore owner from when you were a kid never judged you or made fun of you based off your clothes. I just don’t want someone to do that to you now. I’m not saying that you should have to change or anything. I just thought you might want to upgrade to something more modern before work. But it’s completely up to you…I shouldn’t have made it sound like you have to.”
Jared bit his lip and ran his hands over the clothes once more. Jensen was right…there had been lots of instances where people had teased him and judged him for his clothes. He didn’t want that anymore, not now that he was out in this world. “No…I…I think it’s time I accept things are different…might as well start with a little shopping on a Sunday.”
“Actually, how about we start with a little movie marathoning tonight?” Jensen said with a broad smile.
“What do you have in mind?”
“Well…since you are such a fan of Lord of the Rings…”
“Seriously?” Jared bounced a little on the balls of his feet and sounded like a giddy preteen. He couldn’t help it. He’d seen pictures and posters up for the movies when they had first been released and he’d desperately wanted to break the rules to see them.
“I have the whole set on bluray. How about that with some massive amounts of buttery popcorn and pop?”
“Pop?”
“Yeah…pop…soda,” Jensen further explained.
“Really? I haven’t had soda in years!”
“Dude…really?” Jensen gasped.
“Yeah,” Jared said with a blush. “I mean, we never bought it. If tourists went through Amish country, they’d sometimes bring it for the kids. But I haven’t gotten any in years. I outgrew it I guess.”
“Well, in my opinion, you are never too old for copious amounts of sugary goodness,” Jensen announced, making Jared laugh once again. Jensen was realizing more and more just how much he enjoyed making Jared laugh. It was definitely a vast improvement from the scared and drained kid he had met the night before. He never wanted to see Jared that way again. He just didn’t realize how far he would end up going to make Jared happy yet…
********
“But how do they make it look so real?” Jared asked again, making Jensen shake his head fondly.
“I told you last night, they can do just about anything with a little make up and a computer.” Jensen walked around his car towards Jared’s side. “Just wait til I show you the Harry Potter films. You have to read the books first.”
“I always heard they were good…but I never could get my hands on them. Tried a couple of times but my datt normally saw and made me put them back.”
“As soon as we get home, I’m lending you my copies!” Jensen stepped in front of Jared to hold open the door to the mall. “So…want to eat first and then shop or shop for a little while first?”
“Um…I really don’t care. I don’t have any money to-“
“I am going to help you out today. Don’t worry about the money. I’m going to help you get some basics today that will help you. Because no offense…they only things of mine that will fit you are my shorts and it will be getting cold soon.”
“I have my old clothes. I…I can just use those until I start getting a paycheck.”
“Jared,” Jensen said, stopping and putting his hands on Jared’s shoulders. “You will be getting a paycheck very soon. And you will be very self-sufficient and good with money…can tell that already.” Jared blushed. “But you just left your family…pretty much your whole life…two days ago.” Jared glanced away for a moment. “And I know that is a lot harder than you want to admit. So let me help. I am perfectly capable and more importantly, I want to do it.”
“But I can’t repay you. I can’t repay anything you’ve done for me. And you’ve already done so much and I-“
“Hey…it’s ok!” Jensen rushed to reassure. “Take a breath.”
Jared followed his instructions. “I just…I don’t like feeling like a burden. Or that I’m freeloading off of you. It’s not who I am.”
“And I respect that.” Jensen started pulling Jared towards a nearby store. “You aren’t going to be a freeloader. You’re going to be my roommate and help pitch in on the rent and groceries and chores and all that. Although…I will warn you that I rarely get the chance to make dinner myself.”
Jared mentally stored that away for later. He knew his way around a kitchen thanks to years of being stuck at home with his mom thanks to one illness or the other growing up. “Ok,” he finally relented.
“Ok?” Jensen pointed towards the store’s front door.
Jared nodded, earning a bright smile from Jensen. Jen took Jared by the arm and lead him over to the men’s department. Jared’s eyes grew wide at all the bright colors and various styles. He’d rarely had the time to peruse modern department stores for clothes, even just for fun like his sister always tried to do.
“Now, Mom doesn’t have a real dress code at the shop. As long as you aren’t in oversized sweats, she’s not going to care. So I was thinking we should get you some nice jeans that are more fitted and maybe a pair or two of khakis or black pants. Then we can move on to the shirts…t-shirts, flannels, Henley’s, a couple dress shirts…maybe even a tie or-Jared?”
“Sorry…but you lost me at jeans.” He blushed and smiled sheepishly.
“Don’t be sorry!” Jensen rushed to say. “I didn’t mean to talk so quickly. Basically…I thought we should get the core pieces of a wardrobe and we can always get you more things later. We’ll have to come back in a few weeks and get sweaters and a jacket or something for the winter.”
Not knowing what to say, Jared ended up nodding and follow along behind Jensen as he bounced from section to section. Jared didn’t have a clue as to what sizes he needed; he wasn’t used to buying fitted clothes or anything. He was used to hand me downs from his brothers and lovingly sewn pieces from his sisters. This was different, just like he was learning everything else was now.
“Ok,” Jensen said from around the huge pile of clothes he had in his arms. “Think we should hit the dressing rooms before all this goes tumbling to the floor and the sales people start glaring at me.”
Jared chuckled and started towards the dressing rooms. He helped Jensen set the various articles of clothing on the bench his room before stepping inside. For a moment, he couldn’t help but just stand there, staring at the variety in front of him. With a small smile forming on his lips, he picked up a pair of dark washed boot cut jeans. He paired it with a purple Henley Jensen had chosen for him. He adjusted everything carefully before stepping out to show Jensen.
Jensen startled as the door clicked open. He quickly composed himself only to gasp at the sight of Jared standing in the doorway.
“What do you think?” Jared asked sheepishly.
“That’s…” Jensen stopped to clear his throat. “It looks great.” He stood from the chair he had been sitting on and walked towards Jared. His hands started smoothing down the cotton around Jared’s shoulders before he even realized what he was doing. “That color is amazing on you.”
“R-Really?”
Jensen nodded vigorously. “But these jeans…think they might be a size too big.”
“They are?”
“Yeah…see here,” Jensen leaned down and pulled at the fabric around Jared’s thighs. “It’s too loose here. I know you don’t want it too tight but I’d say the next size down would fit you better.”
“Oh,” Jared replied with a blush.
“I promise it won’t be too tight.”
“I just…never mind…”
“No, tell me Jare.”
“I…I think these are the tightest pants I’ve ever worn.” Jensen’s brow furrowed a little. “Fitted clothing is impractical. And…people think it’s too provocative. We’re not supposed to show off our bodies or anything.”
“Well,” Jensen started carefully, “I think it would be a shame to hide it when it looks like yours…just saying.” Jared blushed again but smiled nonetheless. “Plus, I think you are tired of hiding who you are. And while I don’t think clothes make us who we are or anything vane like that, they do allow us to show what we like and be creative. I think you should go for whatever you want today.”
Jared bit his lip and stepped away from Jensen to go back out to where the shirts were. He picked up a sweater he had been eyeing earlier but had been too nervous to pick up. It was a grey and pink striped zip up sweater. He carried it back and headed into the dressing room with it.
And when he came out wearing it and a pair of jeans in the smaller size, Jensen had to stop himself from doing a little victory dance in the middle of the store…instead he held up a finger to tell Jared to wait a moment. He ran back out to the area with the ties and picked up a pink tie to match the stripes.
“What about this? I think it would look really good if you ever needed to dress up? Like when you start going out on dates.” Jensen winked at him.
Jared’s mouth ran try at the comment, but he didn’t say anything in return. His hands did shake as he slid the tie around the collar of the black button up he had on underneath the sweater.
“Your shirt…the collar is sticking up in the back a little,” Jensen warned. Jared reached around to smooth it but wasn’t quite getting where it had pushed up. “Here, let me.” Jensen stepped up behind Jared and adjusted the collar. Jared could feel Jensen’s breath on the back of his neck and watched him in the mirror. When he had fixed the shirt, Jensen ran his hands up and down Jared’s shoulders, smoothing out the shirt. He then leaned up a little on his toes and smiled at their reflection in the mirror. “I think you look pretty damn awesome.”
The smile Jared gave him in return was quite possibly the biggest smile he had ever smiled…
**************
“This is incredible!”
Jensen chuckled, nearly choking on the bit of cinnamon pretzel he had been chewing on at the time. “Was hoping you’d like it,” he said as he tried to swallow.
“Like it? I think this might be my new favorite food!”
“Wait til you try pizza…think we should pick that up on the way home. You up for finishing the last of the Lord of the Rings tonight?”
“Sounds perfect,” Jared replied with a huge smile on his face. Today had been a good day. Once Jared had gotten over his nerves and doubts over what he should wear, he had had fun with the whole process. Jensen had gone back out to grab more colorful and fun items once Jared had admitted to really liking them. He may have also occasionally purposefully mussed up his collars just so Jensen would fix them again…even if he didn’t want to admit it.
“Jen!” a higher pitched and rather loud voice suddenly squealed. Before Jared could see where it was coming from, a tall and slender girl was throwing herself at Jensen, wrapping her arms around his neck. “I thought that was you! What are you doing? Getting some last minute shopping in before work tomorrow?”
“Kind of,” Jensen replied. “Let me go so I can breathe girl!” She giggled as Jensen fake gasped for air. “I was actually helping my new roommate get some shopping in. He starts working at my mom’s shop tomorrow.”
“Really? I didn’t realize you had a new roommate. Hi!” She stuck her hand out at Jared for him to shake. “I’m Danni!”
“Hi…Jared.”
“It’s nice to meet you.”
“And Jared being my roommate is kind of a new thing,” Jensen answered. “Jared’s new in town and needed a place to stay. Mom hired him and then sent him my way since Chris ditched me.”
“Well that’s what happens when you get your girlfriend preggers,” Danni said with a wink.
“Al’s pregnant? No way!” Jensen gasped.
“Yep…shit! I wasn’t supposed to tell you that. Just…just act surprised when they tell you! Shit! I really should go before I say anything else I’m not supposed to! Jared, it was really nice to meet you! We’ll have to all hang out soon and get to know each other!” With that, Danni was gone as quickly as she had come and Jared just stood there blinking after her.
“Sorry…she can be a lot to take in,” Jensen laughed. “But she’s a great girl.”
“You didn’t tell her,” Jared practically whispered.
“Didn’t tell her what, Jare?”
“That…that I was shunned…”
Jensen closed his eyes and nodded in understanding. “It’s not my place to. It’s something you have to share with people when you want to.”
Jared bit his lip. “I…thank you. I don’t think I want people knowing for a while.”
“That’s perfectly fine. You can tell people when you are ready to tell them. But I can promise that Danni won’t care. She’s going to love you no matter what…trust me.”
“Ok,” Jared replied, a tentative smile starting to form on his lips. “Now what were you saying about pizza and movies?”
Jensen grinned broadly and started talking a mile a minute about the best place to pick up pizza from in town. Before long, the boys were sprawled out across the couch and Return of the King was blasting from the speakers around the TV. Pizza boxes and a few soda cans littered the coffee table. Jensen didn’t mind though…not when Jared had been almost giddy over the greasy food and sugary drinks. He also didn’t mind when Jared’s head found its way onto Jensen’s shoulder by the time the credits started rolling…
Next Chapter
Master Post
A/N: I really appreciate the response the first chapter got last week! Thank you all! And I promise things will pick up as it goes...I just want to show Jared adjusted and everything too :)
Beta: samjsjlove
Rating/Warnings: M for sexual situations, violence, MPREG
Wordcount: ~5800
A/N: I had this idea after reading a Klaine fic and when I mentioned it to samjsjlove she encouraged me to go on with the idea…so it’s a bit of a Birthday present for her. Furthermore, I mean NO disrespect towards the Amish and their culture. I could never live that way, but I have the upmost respect for their beliefs and dedication. I am in no way making fun of them or saying anything negative about them, as I hope the story shows. And lastly, the title is based on the song It’s Time by Imagine Dragons.
Summary: Jared grew up in a small Amish community, always knowing that he was somehow different from everyone else. When he finally admits what is making him different and comes out to his parents, he is forced to leave the only life he’s every known in search of where he belongs. He finds some help along the way…some love…some acceptance…and a lot of things he never could have expected.
Everything about the place was different from his home…well his parent’s home. He couldn’t call it his home; not anymore. This was his home now. It was just…very obviously different. And it scared the hell out of him. Jared was pretty sure he would have bolted straight out if Jensen hadn’t been beside him the whole time.
The first thing Jared noticed when he stepped into the apartment was the huge flat screen television hanging on the wall; he’d never seen one that large. Shelves filled with rows and rows of movies surrounded it. Gaming consoles and discarded controls littered the bottom shelf, spilling out onto the floor in a few places.
Across from the entertainment center lay a computer desk and various musical instruments. There were recorders and other technology all over the desk…most of which Jared had never seen before in his life. To be honest…the apartment seemed full of things Jared had never seen before.
“Jared? Did you hear me?”
Jared shook his head. “Sorry…”
“It’s ok. I was just asking if you wanted me to help you unpack in your room?”
“Oh,” Jared blushed. “You…you don’t have to if you don’t want to. I really don’t have that much stuff. I-“
“Hey,” Jensen said softly. He set down Jared’s bag he had been holding and rubbed at Jared’s arm. “It’s not a big deal. I know you are sore from being hit on your bike. I don’t mind. I want to help. It’s what friends do.”
“Friends?” Jared couldn’t help but ask.
“Yep…we’re friends…might as well get used to it.” Jensen winked and started walking down the hall, leaving Jared blushing and following along behind him. Jensen turned to his left and entered another room. Jared stepped in behind Jensen, finding a very bare room. The walls were painted a light blue and a spacious looking closet was open in the corner. Other than that…the room was empty.
“Tomorrow I’m going to get my older brother to help me move the furniture from our old room at mom’s over here for you.”
“You don’t have to do that. I-“
“It is literally just sitting in Mom’s room collecting dust. Mom has guest rooms in the house for when family stays over and all. She never uses our old room.”
“Are you sure?” Jared asked, biting his lip nervously.
“Positive! She already said to take it. We’ll get you all set up tomorrow. For now…we can probably put some of your clothes and things in the closet. We’ll put everything else away once we get the dresser in here.”
Jared looked around the room again. “This is great…I really don’t think I can thank you enough.”
Jensen blushed a little. “Well…don’t know about great.” He rubbed at the back of his neck. “It’s not the biggest room in the apartment…but it should be a lot nicer once we get furniture in here.” Jensen set Jared’s bags down onto the floor and sat down beside them.
“I’m used to sharing a bedroom with my brothers. This…this is huge compared to that.” Jared looked away at the mention of his family…he’d been doing that almost every time he brought them up around the Ackles.
Jensen bit his lip. “How many siblings do you have?”
“There were a total of eight of us all together.”
“Were?” Jensen asked in confusion.
“Not sure I can count myself in the family anymore,” Jared said sadly. He sat down next to Jensen on the floor, wincing a little as the movement pulled on his bruises and scrapes.
“I wouldn’t say that. They are still your family. They just…they just need some time to adjust. I wouldn’t count them out just yet. You never know.” He nudged Jared’s shoulder with his own. “So how many brothers and sisters do you have?”
Jared couldn’t help but smile a little at Jensen’s optimism. “I have two older and one younger brother. Then I have one older and three younger sisters.”
“Four each? Nice.”
“Yeah…it was really nice growing up. How about you? Big family?”
Jensen pulled the suitcase towards them so that they could begin to unpack properly. “Umm…not big by your standards.” He chuckled a little. “I have one older brother, Josh, and a younger sister, Mackenzie…who’ve you’ve already had the displeasure of meeting.”
“She wasn’t bad,” Jared laughed. “She actually reminded me of my sister Megan believe it or not.”
“Wow!”
Jared laughed again. “Yeah…she was always sneaking in fashion magazines and glimpses in storefront windows when we went to town. I may have helped her a little over the years with that…”
“Sounds like she must be one of the baby sisters.”
“That she is.” Jared smiled at the memory of little Meg grasping at every magazine and pressing her tiny face into the glass of the big shops Jared would intentionally walk her past.
“You sound like me when I’m talking about Mack…well when I’m talking about her during the times she’s actually not annoying me.”
The lighthearted conversation continued on a bit like that for a while. Jared learned that Jensen worked IT at the local university and did some tech work for the music and theater departments as well. Jensen learned that Jared had actually read a lot of the same books as him, and they both were completely obsessed with Lord of the Rings.
“No offense, but I’m surprised you were able to read this in an Amish community,” Jensen commented, pulling out a battered copy of the book. “I mean, just with the fantasy and magic in it. Doesn’t that go against religious or cultural beliefs?”
Jared took it carefully from Jensen. “Well…I probably wasn’t supposed to read books like this.” He ran his fingers along the tattered edges. “But there used to be this used bookstore in the next town over. It was next to a store where Datt did business…he’s a carpenter and he sold his furniture to them. He always brought my brothers and me along; he wanted us to get used to the business so we could work with him one day I think. But I hated it…I’ve never been good at building. I painted…was about it. So I always got bored standing around with him. He finally gave up on me and let me wander to nearby stores.”
“Like the bookstore…”
“Like the bookstore,” Jared smiled. “Anyway…one day they had just gotten a shipment of old books in from a library that had been shut down. I found this in the box marked trash. It was too rough to sell. But I started reading it because it looked so interesting. I fell in love with it almost instantly. But I knew my Datt wouldn’t buy it for me. I mean, he bought me books don’t get me wrong. But…”
“The subject wouldn’t be approved of.”
“Exactly,” Jared sighed. “But by that point, the owner and his workers were pretty used to me coming in every month. It was pretty obvious that I was an Amish kid but they were never mean to me or anything. They always helped me find books that I could convince my Datt to allow me to purchase. Anyway…the guy came over and took it from me for a minute. I think he knew I wouldn’t be allowed to buy it. So he went behind the counter and wrapped it up for me in paper. He told me to put it in my bag and not mention it to my father. He didn’t make me pay for it or anything.”
“That’s really cool,” Jensen said.
“Yeah…it was amazing. I used to find ways to stay up late and read it when my parents were asleep. I don’t think my mother would have honestly cared…but my father was just…”
“Traditional?”
Jared scoffed. “That would be an understatement. He’s the Bishop…which is huge in an Amish community. Everyone watches you all the time. You have to be perfect.”
Jensen thankfully didn’t comment on the subject anymore. He went back to unpacking with Jared. Jared had moved to the closet to hang up a few jackets and shirts when Jensen’s hands came in contact with another book. He fully expected to find another classic piece of literature…instead he found a small but nice leather Bible. “Wow,” he gasped. The lettering and the binding were old fashioned. “This is beautiful, Jared.”
Jared turned around and paled a little. “Oh…yeah.” He quickly hung up the shirt his sister had made for him last year before going back over to Jensen. He sat down next to his new roommate and took the Bible from him. “I’ve had it since I was a child.” His ran his fingers along the gold colored lettering of the cover. “But…not sure why I brought it with me.”
“What do you mean?” Jensen asked. “Do you not believe in God?”
“No, I believe in Him.” Jared quickly answered. “But it doesn’t matter if I believe in Him or not. I’m apparently going to hell anyway.” Jared set the book down and ran a shaky hand through his hair.
“Hey,” Jensen gently prodded. He put a hand on Jared’s tense shoulder and waited until the younger man looked up at him. “Did your parents tell you that? That you’re going to hell just because you’re gay?” Jared closed his eyes and nodded. “Jared…what do you think? Do you think God hates you just because you’re gay?”
“I-I don’t know,” Jared sighed. “My parents think-“
“Well you know what I think? I think that is a bunch of crap.” Jared couldn’t help but flinch at Jensen’s tone. “I mean, isn’t God supposed to love every one of us?”
“Of course,” Jared answered without even hesitating.
“Then why wouldn’t he love us? We aren’t doing anything wrong. We just love whom we were born to love. That isn’t wrong, Jay.” Jensen picked the Bible up from where Jared had dropped it and handed it back to Jared. “God loves all his children…doesn’t matter who His children love in return.”
Jared took the Bible back from him, tears shining in his eyes. “Thank you.”
Jensen smiled softly before realizing how late it had gotten. “Well…I think we should get some sleep. I want you to take my bed tonight while I-“
“No!” Jared immediately protested. “I couldn’t do that to you. Not after everything you’ve done. I don’t mind the floor or the couch or-“
“You’re taking the bed. Don’t think I didn’t see you wincing as you got up and down from the floor. You’re still hurting from your accident. You’re taking the bed…end of discussion.” Jensen stood and guided Jared towards his room across the hall. “Besides, I need to do a little work before I crash. The couch will be perfect.” He squeezed Jared’s arm before starting to head out of the bedroom. “Good night, roomie.” Jensen winked at him before closing the door behind him.
Despite everything…being kicked out of his home…losing his family…being hit by a car…Jared smiled in return as he crawled into Jensen’s bed. He burrowed down into the blankets and pillows, breathing in Jensen’s scent. “Good night,” he whispered before he gave in to his exhaustion.
**************
The following morning, Jared awoke to the smell of something absolutely delicious wafting underneath his door. It was enough to draw him from the warm comfort of the Jensen’s bed, even though he had to admit Jensen’s smell was almost enough to keep him there. But his stomach was grumbling…
“Good morning!” Jensen called as soon as Jared stepped into the kitchen. “Nice bed head.” He smiled and ruffled it up even more as he passed Jared on his way to the table.
“Mmmm,” Jared groaned, rubbing tiredly at his eyes. “What smells so good?”
“Well…I decided to get up early and make breakfast.” He pulled something out of the oven and placed it on a towel on the table. “So…tada!”
Jared eyed the dish warily, not quite sure what the food was supposed to be. “Um…not that it doesn’t smell and look delicious…but what is it?”
Jensen chuckled. “It’s a tortilla strata. My dad taught me how to make them when I was little.”
“Your father taught you how to cook?”
Jensen nodded as he started cutting into the strata. “If he wanted to eat, he cooked. Mom is absolutely hopeless in the kitchen. I’m pretty sure she lives off takeout and pizza now unless one of us fixes something for her ahead of time. Luckily for her, Dad taught all of us how to cook. He thought it was important.”
“That’s really nice,” Jared replied with a smile. “Growing up, men were never supposed to help in the kitchen. Datt would never be caught dead cooking. My mother was a good cook though. And she let me help when I was a child…when my father was out working.”
“Well, this probably won’t taste anything like what your mom used to cook, but it’s pretty damn good if I do say so myself.” Jensen placed a large helping of the strata onto Jared’s plate.
Jared’s stomach grumbled at the smell wafting up from the table. His mouth watered at the sight of the gooey cheese and fluffy eggs. He still wasn’t sure what else was in the dish. “So what all is in this?”
Jensen took a seat across from Jared. “It has corn tortillas, eggs, cheese, black beans, and salsa as the main ingredients. I promise it’s good.”
Jared poked at it with his fork. “I’ve never had salsa before.”
“Well…that one is from a jar. Homemade salsa is about a hundred times better but I didn’t have the time. If you end up liking it, I’ll take you to this Mexican restaurant by the bookstore that is absolutely to die for.”
Jared couldn’t help but smile. He took a deep breath and took a bite. He couldn’t help but moan at the taste and the way everything practically melted in his mouth.
“Sounds like you like it,” Jensen commented with a smile of his own.
“This is…wow! I’ve never had anything like this. Thank you!”
Jensen watched for a second as Jared dug into his breakfast. If introducing Jared to new foods ended with Jared being this happy, then Jensen vowed he would do it every day. Jensen was about to comment on this when the intercom buzzed from the front room. Jensen quickly jumped up from the table and hurried over to it.
“Yeah?”
“Hey Jen! Liz and I are down here! Want to buzz us in?”
“Yeah! I’ve got breakfast up here if you want to eat before we unload the truck and bring everything up.”
“Perfect! Liz is always hungry right no-OUCH!”
Jensen shook his head fondly at his brother and sister-in-law as he pressed the button to let them into the building. It didn’t take long for them to arrive at his front door.
“Hey guys,” Jensen greeted. He leaned in and gave Liz a kiss on the cheek. “You beating up on him again, Lizzie?”
“He deserved it,” she teased. “Calling his pregnant wife fat like that…”
“I didn’t call her fat! I just said-“
“I’d watch your words carefully if I were you mister.” Despite the slight bite to her voice, it was obvious she was simply giving her husband a hard time.
At some point during the greeting, Jared had crept into the room. He couldn’t help but laugh a little at the couple’s banter. The sound was enough to draw everyone’s attention to him, making him stop almost immediately.
“Hey,” Jensen softly said. “Jared…I want you to meet my brother, Josh, his wife Liz, and my future niece or nephew…who is currently sporting the name ‘Peanut’.”
A grin slowly spread across Jared’s face at the way Jensen introduced his family. It helped ease the tension that had started to course through him. “Hello…it’s nice to meet you.”
“You too,” Liz spoke up. “Now…someone mentioned something about food…”
“I told you,” Josh said in a singsong voice, ducking his head to avoid a playful smack from his wife.
“It’s in the kitchen,” Jensen answered. “Come on…let’s eat before Josh and I bring up the furniture. And no, Jared, you are not allowed to do any heavy lifting. I know you’re bruised worse than you’ll let on. Mom already warned me.”
“But-“
“I could use the company anyway,” Liz interrupted. “I’m not allowed to lift anything so it would be nice to have someone to talk to.”
With that, Jared admitted defeat and everyone dug into their breakfast once more. Once the meal was finished, Josh and Jen started bringing up the old bedroom suite and setting up Jared’s new bedroom. Jared and Liz hung out in the kitchen while they worked. Jared immediately realized he liked talking to Liz. It was comfortable and easy, the conversation going from everything from books to her pregnancy.
“How far along are you?” Jared asked after a while.
Liz rubbed at her forming bump. “About six months. It was definitely a shock. We were in the middle of planning our wedding when I found out. Definitely sped the whole wedding process up though…no way I was going to alter my dress to accommodate Peanut here, as much as I love him or her.”
Jared tried not to let his surprise at the unplanned pregnancy. It wasn’t like he had never seen it happen…it just wasn’t that common where he came from. An unwed mother was typically shunned. And he didn’t want to even think about what could happen to a pregnant man in that situation. Instead, of letting his thoughts dwell on his past, he tuned back into Liz talking about the baby.
“You know,” she said not too much later, “it’s so nice to talk about all this. Don’t get me wrong, I love Josh and Jen, but they always have this deer in the headlights look when I start talking about everything. It’s different with you.”
Jared blushed. “I guess I’ve just had more experience with it all. I mean, I’m the middle of eight. I can remember my mom being pregnant with my younger siblings. It’s…we don’t really ever talk about pregnancy but I’ve just been around it a lot. When I was a kid, I wasn’t always the strongest and had to spend a lot of time at home with my mom. So I was just around her and the babies. I don’t know…I guess I just always liked being around babies.”
“I’ll keep that in mind for when we need a babysitter.” Liz nudged him playfully.
Jared didn’t say anything, but he knew that if she did ever ask, he’d agree in a heartbeat. He’d only been gone a few days, but he already missed having his younger siblings underfoot and taking care of them.
By the late afternoon, the room was completely set up and Josh had taken Liz home so they could rest up. It left Jensen and Jared standing in the nearly completed room. Jared had decided to put a few articles of clothing into the dresser that had been set up in the corner.
“So,” Jensen said as he approached his new roommate, “I was thinking that we could go shopping for some new clothes tomorrow…ones that might be good to work in?”
Jared’s brow furrowed. “On a Sunday?”
“Yeah…Sundays are good days to go shopping. They aren’t as crazy as Saturdays but the stores still have a lot of awesome sales going on.”
“Sorry…I’m just…not used to shopping on Sundays.” Jensen looked at Jared in confusion. “It’s, uh, against the rules.” Jared bit his lip. “I know that it doesn’t matter now. I should be able to go shopping on a Sunday. I never really understood why we couldn’t. Wasn’t like God was going to strike us down for running to pick up something we’d forgotten. But…”
“It’s what you’ve grown up with for your whole life. I understand if you don’t want to break that habit this quickly.”
Jared nodded before looking down at his clothes in the drawers. “Besides…what’s wrong with these clothes? My sister made a lot of them for me.” He carefully ran his hand over the simple fabric.
Jensen came up behind him and reached out to grasp Jared’s hand in his own. “Absolutely nothing. I don’t think you should get rid of these. But…you mentioned earlier that you always appreciated how that bookstore owner from when you were a kid never judged you or made fun of you based off your clothes. I just don’t want someone to do that to you now. I’m not saying that you should have to change or anything. I just thought you might want to upgrade to something more modern before work. But it’s completely up to you…I shouldn’t have made it sound like you have to.”
Jared bit his lip and ran his hands over the clothes once more. Jensen was right…there had been lots of instances where people had teased him and judged him for his clothes. He didn’t want that anymore, not now that he was out in this world. “No…I…I think it’s time I accept things are different…might as well start with a little shopping on a Sunday.”
“Actually, how about we start with a little movie marathoning tonight?” Jensen said with a broad smile.
“What do you have in mind?”
“Well…since you are such a fan of Lord of the Rings…”
“Seriously?” Jared bounced a little on the balls of his feet and sounded like a giddy preteen. He couldn’t help it. He’d seen pictures and posters up for the movies when they had first been released and he’d desperately wanted to break the rules to see them.
“I have the whole set on bluray. How about that with some massive amounts of buttery popcorn and pop?”
“Pop?”
“Yeah…pop…soda,” Jensen further explained.
“Really? I haven’t had soda in years!”
“Dude…really?” Jensen gasped.
“Yeah,” Jared said with a blush. “I mean, we never bought it. If tourists went through Amish country, they’d sometimes bring it for the kids. But I haven’t gotten any in years. I outgrew it I guess.”
“Well, in my opinion, you are never too old for copious amounts of sugary goodness,” Jensen announced, making Jared laugh once again. Jensen was realizing more and more just how much he enjoyed making Jared laugh. It was definitely a vast improvement from the scared and drained kid he had met the night before. He never wanted to see Jared that way again. He just didn’t realize how far he would end up going to make Jared happy yet…
********
“But how do they make it look so real?” Jared asked again, making Jensen shake his head fondly.
“I told you last night, they can do just about anything with a little make up and a computer.” Jensen walked around his car towards Jared’s side. “Just wait til I show you the Harry Potter films. You have to read the books first.”
“I always heard they were good…but I never could get my hands on them. Tried a couple of times but my datt normally saw and made me put them back.”
“As soon as we get home, I’m lending you my copies!” Jensen stepped in front of Jared to hold open the door to the mall. “So…want to eat first and then shop or shop for a little while first?”
“Um…I really don’t care. I don’t have any money to-“
“I am going to help you out today. Don’t worry about the money. I’m going to help you get some basics today that will help you. Because no offense…they only things of mine that will fit you are my shorts and it will be getting cold soon.”
“I have my old clothes. I…I can just use those until I start getting a paycheck.”
“Jared,” Jensen said, stopping and putting his hands on Jared’s shoulders. “You will be getting a paycheck very soon. And you will be very self-sufficient and good with money…can tell that already.” Jared blushed. “But you just left your family…pretty much your whole life…two days ago.” Jared glanced away for a moment. “And I know that is a lot harder than you want to admit. So let me help. I am perfectly capable and more importantly, I want to do it.”
“But I can’t repay you. I can’t repay anything you’ve done for me. And you’ve already done so much and I-“
“Hey…it’s ok!” Jensen rushed to reassure. “Take a breath.”
Jared followed his instructions. “I just…I don’t like feeling like a burden. Or that I’m freeloading off of you. It’s not who I am.”
“And I respect that.” Jensen started pulling Jared towards a nearby store. “You aren’t going to be a freeloader. You’re going to be my roommate and help pitch in on the rent and groceries and chores and all that. Although…I will warn you that I rarely get the chance to make dinner myself.”
Jared mentally stored that away for later. He knew his way around a kitchen thanks to years of being stuck at home with his mom thanks to one illness or the other growing up. “Ok,” he finally relented.
“Ok?” Jensen pointed towards the store’s front door.
Jared nodded, earning a bright smile from Jensen. Jen took Jared by the arm and lead him over to the men’s department. Jared’s eyes grew wide at all the bright colors and various styles. He’d rarely had the time to peruse modern department stores for clothes, even just for fun like his sister always tried to do.
“Now, Mom doesn’t have a real dress code at the shop. As long as you aren’t in oversized sweats, she’s not going to care. So I was thinking we should get you some nice jeans that are more fitted and maybe a pair or two of khakis or black pants. Then we can move on to the shirts…t-shirts, flannels, Henley’s, a couple dress shirts…maybe even a tie or-Jared?”
“Sorry…but you lost me at jeans.” He blushed and smiled sheepishly.
“Don’t be sorry!” Jensen rushed to say. “I didn’t mean to talk so quickly. Basically…I thought we should get the core pieces of a wardrobe and we can always get you more things later. We’ll have to come back in a few weeks and get sweaters and a jacket or something for the winter.”
Not knowing what to say, Jared ended up nodding and follow along behind Jensen as he bounced from section to section. Jared didn’t have a clue as to what sizes he needed; he wasn’t used to buying fitted clothes or anything. He was used to hand me downs from his brothers and lovingly sewn pieces from his sisters. This was different, just like he was learning everything else was now.
“Ok,” Jensen said from around the huge pile of clothes he had in his arms. “Think we should hit the dressing rooms before all this goes tumbling to the floor and the sales people start glaring at me.”
Jared chuckled and started towards the dressing rooms. He helped Jensen set the various articles of clothing on the bench his room before stepping inside. For a moment, he couldn’t help but just stand there, staring at the variety in front of him. With a small smile forming on his lips, he picked up a pair of dark washed boot cut jeans. He paired it with a purple Henley Jensen had chosen for him. He adjusted everything carefully before stepping out to show Jensen.
Jensen startled as the door clicked open. He quickly composed himself only to gasp at the sight of Jared standing in the doorway.
“What do you think?” Jared asked sheepishly.
“That’s…” Jensen stopped to clear his throat. “It looks great.” He stood from the chair he had been sitting on and walked towards Jared. His hands started smoothing down the cotton around Jared’s shoulders before he even realized what he was doing. “That color is amazing on you.”
“R-Really?”
Jensen nodded vigorously. “But these jeans…think they might be a size too big.”
“They are?”
“Yeah…see here,” Jensen leaned down and pulled at the fabric around Jared’s thighs. “It’s too loose here. I know you don’t want it too tight but I’d say the next size down would fit you better.”
“Oh,” Jared replied with a blush.
“I promise it won’t be too tight.”
“I just…never mind…”
“No, tell me Jare.”
“I…I think these are the tightest pants I’ve ever worn.” Jensen’s brow furrowed a little. “Fitted clothing is impractical. And…people think it’s too provocative. We’re not supposed to show off our bodies or anything.”
“Well,” Jensen started carefully, “I think it would be a shame to hide it when it looks like yours…just saying.” Jared blushed again but smiled nonetheless. “Plus, I think you are tired of hiding who you are. And while I don’t think clothes make us who we are or anything vane like that, they do allow us to show what we like and be creative. I think you should go for whatever you want today.”
Jared bit his lip and stepped away from Jensen to go back out to where the shirts were. He picked up a sweater he had been eyeing earlier but had been too nervous to pick up. It was a grey and pink striped zip up sweater. He carried it back and headed into the dressing room with it.
And when he came out wearing it and a pair of jeans in the smaller size, Jensen had to stop himself from doing a little victory dance in the middle of the store…instead he held up a finger to tell Jared to wait a moment. He ran back out to the area with the ties and picked up a pink tie to match the stripes.
“What about this? I think it would look really good if you ever needed to dress up? Like when you start going out on dates.” Jensen winked at him.
Jared’s mouth ran try at the comment, but he didn’t say anything in return. His hands did shake as he slid the tie around the collar of the black button up he had on underneath the sweater.
“Your shirt…the collar is sticking up in the back a little,” Jensen warned. Jared reached around to smooth it but wasn’t quite getting where it had pushed up. “Here, let me.” Jensen stepped up behind Jared and adjusted the collar. Jared could feel Jensen’s breath on the back of his neck and watched him in the mirror. When he had fixed the shirt, Jensen ran his hands up and down Jared’s shoulders, smoothing out the shirt. He then leaned up a little on his toes and smiled at their reflection in the mirror. “I think you look pretty damn awesome.”
The smile Jared gave him in return was quite possibly the biggest smile he had ever smiled…
**************
“This is incredible!”
Jensen chuckled, nearly choking on the bit of cinnamon pretzel he had been chewing on at the time. “Was hoping you’d like it,” he said as he tried to swallow.
“Like it? I think this might be my new favorite food!”
“Wait til you try pizza…think we should pick that up on the way home. You up for finishing the last of the Lord of the Rings tonight?”
“Sounds perfect,” Jared replied with a huge smile on his face. Today had been a good day. Once Jared had gotten over his nerves and doubts over what he should wear, he had had fun with the whole process. Jensen had gone back out to grab more colorful and fun items once Jared had admitted to really liking them. He may have also occasionally purposefully mussed up his collars just so Jensen would fix them again…even if he didn’t want to admit it.
“Jen!” a higher pitched and rather loud voice suddenly squealed. Before Jared could see where it was coming from, a tall and slender girl was throwing herself at Jensen, wrapping her arms around his neck. “I thought that was you! What are you doing? Getting some last minute shopping in before work tomorrow?”
“Kind of,” Jensen replied. “Let me go so I can breathe girl!” She giggled as Jensen fake gasped for air. “I was actually helping my new roommate get some shopping in. He starts working at my mom’s shop tomorrow.”
“Really? I didn’t realize you had a new roommate. Hi!” She stuck her hand out at Jared for him to shake. “I’m Danni!”
“Hi…Jared.”
“It’s nice to meet you.”
“And Jared being my roommate is kind of a new thing,” Jensen answered. “Jared’s new in town and needed a place to stay. Mom hired him and then sent him my way since Chris ditched me.”
“Well that’s what happens when you get your girlfriend preggers,” Danni said with a wink.
“Al’s pregnant? No way!” Jensen gasped.
“Yep…shit! I wasn’t supposed to tell you that. Just…just act surprised when they tell you! Shit! I really should go before I say anything else I’m not supposed to! Jared, it was really nice to meet you! We’ll have to all hang out soon and get to know each other!” With that, Danni was gone as quickly as she had come and Jared just stood there blinking after her.
“Sorry…she can be a lot to take in,” Jensen laughed. “But she’s a great girl.”
“You didn’t tell her,” Jared practically whispered.
“Didn’t tell her what, Jare?”
“That…that I was shunned…”
Jensen closed his eyes and nodded in understanding. “It’s not my place to. It’s something you have to share with people when you want to.”
Jared bit his lip. “I…thank you. I don’t think I want people knowing for a while.”
“That’s perfectly fine. You can tell people when you are ready to tell them. But I can promise that Danni won’t care. She’s going to love you no matter what…trust me.”
“Ok,” Jared replied, a tentative smile starting to form on his lips. “Now what were you saying about pizza and movies?”
Jensen grinned broadly and started talking a mile a minute about the best place to pick up pizza from in town. Before long, the boys were sprawled out across the couch and Return of the King was blasting from the speakers around the TV. Pizza boxes and a few soda cans littered the coffee table. Jensen didn’t mind though…not when Jared had been almost giddy over the greasy food and sugary drinks. He also didn’t mind when Jared’s head found its way onto Jensen’s shoulder by the time the credits started rolling…
Next Chapter
Master Post
A/N: I really appreciate the response the first chapter got last week! Thank you all! And I promise things will pick up as it goes...I just want to show Jared adjusted and everything too :)