Puppies: The Way to a Man's Heart [1/4]wolfish_willowJanuary 20 2012, 23:31:00 UTC
Just leavin' this here. It's what my brain came up with, hope it's all right. - The room sounds with pitiful whines and yips when Jared turns to walk out the door that will lead him to the front desk. He's used to it, but there's still a little twinge every time he has to leave the back, even if it's just as sad sometimes seeing the animals stuck in little cages instead of with someone who will love them and give them all a good home.
"I'll be back in a little bit, guys. Gotta go deal with the humans now," he whispers just before he opens the door and steps out, closing it behind him.
They've gotten a couple more puppies and dogs, even some cats over the week and though Jared doesn't think any of the new ones are exactly what his friend is looking for, he heads for the black cord phone at the desk anyway. He almost makes it, just about to start dialing the now-familiar number by heart, when he gets caught by Katie's chuckle. Her lips are quirked in a knowing smile, grinning nearly ear to ear and Jared rolls his eyes with a put upon sigh, setting the phone down for a minute to turn and look at her.
"Don't stop on my account," she starts, grin sliding into a playful smirk. "I'm just here for the show, babe."
"Don't you have paperwork or something to do? I'm sure there are a few cages you could clean out," he says, making a shooing motion with his hands. Of course she doesn't budge but he hadn't really expected her to.
With one last sigh, Jared picks up the phone again. The plastic is cold against his ear but he doesn't care, just dials the number and waits and resists the urge to bounce on the tip of his toes or anything else that will give Katie mocking and/or blackmail material later.
It's some time after noon and Jared knows Jensen should be on lunch already but he's not at all surprised that it takes four rings before there's an answering click.
"It is not --"
"Look at your watch," Jared interrupts before Jensen can get any further, speaking slow and low as though it was a child on the line rather than the grown up Jensen pretends to be.
There's some quiet grumbling that Jared can't help but grin at, completely ignoring the small snort-giggle sound Katie makes beside him. He's sure he looks ridiculous, but he can't help it. He's been head over heels for the man on the other end of the line since the first day Jensen came in looking for a pet, with those gorgeous green eyes and freckles across his face and eyes that crinkle when he smiles and laughs, the way he'd done when meeting a few of their more enthusiastic animals.
"Oh," finally sounds in his ear and Jared chuckles, bites his lip at how adorable Jensen sounds when he's sheepish. It isn't hard to imagine Jensen ducking his head and rubbing the back of his neck, cheeks probably painted a faint pink that makes his freckles pop that much more. Makes him want to trace them with the tips of his fingers, feel Jensen's cheek against his lips.
He doesn't realize he's rubbing his thumb over his bottom lip absentmindedly until voices snap him out of his almost-daydream, but he has the presence of mind to be thankful Katie's been distracted by a couple that seems to have just walked in while he was practically drooling.
"Yeah, oh," he teases, smiling when Jensen just laughs.
"Sorry, man. Can't believe it's already 12:30."
"Yeah, yeah. You'd never break for lunch if it wasn't for me."
"Probably not," Jensen agrees and his voice has gone a little softer, happy and Jared can just guess he's got a smile on his face, too. "So what's up, man?"
"We got some more puppies if you wanted to come by when you're free."
"Really?"
Jared nods even though he knows Jensen can't see him through the phone. "Yep."
"Awesome! Think I can come around after work today?"
The shelter usually closes a little early on Fridays, but Jared says "Of course," because he's pretty sure he wouldn't be able to say no to Jensen if he wanted to. And he can close up on his own after they're done.
"Think you can tear yourself away from the animals for a bit?"
Jared laughs a little. "Sure, what's in it for me?"
Puppies: The Way to a Man's Heart [2/4]wolfish_willowJanuary 20 2012, 23:33:58 UTC
They meet each other at the restaurant halfway between Jensen's building and the shelter. The place started out as a compromise for them, so neither of them would have to worry about getting back to work on time. But as it turns out, the place has some of the best pasta and breadsticks Jared's ever eaten - and he's eaten many, bottomless pit that he is - and they keep coming back every time they take their lunch breaks together.
Jensen looks great in anything - and Jared will always love seeing him in casual jeans and shirts with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows, or tee shirts that hug his arms and chest in a way they makes Jared want to get his hands all over him - but he looks amazing in his work clothes. Or maybe, Jared thinks as he leans in for a bear hug, he just has a thing for Jensen in a suit and tie. Mostly the tie.
The waiter always recognizes them and they end up in the same table sitting outside as they've had since that first time, even though Jared doesn't think they come often enough for the restaurant to treat them like regulars just yet. He's not going to complain, though, when it means he gets to look at Jensen in the sunlight rather than the dim light of the hanging lamps inside.
There's the usual din of conversations surrounding them, even outside, and they haven't spoken much beyond giving their orders and thanking the waiter when the food is out faster than any other place Jared has ever eaten at, but it still feels nice and comfortable the way Jared's come to associate with hanging out with Jensen.
"How are the kids?"
Jared smiles wide and absolutely does not melt a little inside that Jensen asks about his dogs - the ones he's got at home and the ones at the shelter.
"They're good. Probably just laying around doing nothing and saving up all their energy for when I get home."
Jensen laughs, spins his fork in his classic spaghetti and meatballs. "Sadie's probably the mastermind behind it," he says with a smile before taking a bite of pasta.
"No doubt," Jared agrees, shoving a ravioli in his mouth and munching away happily. He asks Jensen about work, how his day is going, and fights against the urge to wipe away the drops of marinara on Jensen's bottom lip with his thumb - or tongue - before Jensen wipes it away.
By the time they've finished, Jared's cheeks hurt from smiling so much; something he's also come to associate with his time spent with the man in front of him. When they're standing in front of the restaurant he almost leans down to close the small distance between them, but he holds himself back and goes in for his usual, bone-crushing hug that Jensen pretends he hates but always ends up smiling after. There's a moment when they part, Jensen's hand warm and gentle on his shoulder, that Jared thinks maybe Jensen will lean up and kiss him instead, but Jensen almost-reluctantly steps back and lets his hand slide from Jared's shoulder. With a dorky wave that Jared returns they head their separate ways and even though he isn't quite sure what just happened, that moment and the knowledge that he'll be seeing Jensen again later that night put a bounce in his step the entire walk back to the shelter.
* * * He's not surprise when, when Jensen comes by the shelter that night, none of the new puppies - or dogs - are right. They all love him, jump all over him and drown him in doggy kisses that only cause him to laugh and hug them closer and start playing with them unlike some of the people who come in and shudder like it's the worst thing a dog could do.
But it's an extra hour of time with his friend that leaves him feeling lighter than air and he's almost afraid he'll float away when Jensen invites himself over for pizza and a beer and a night on the couch watching movies with the dogs.
They spend the night smooshed together on the sofa, a dog on either side of them leaving little room. Jensen is warm and Jared lets himself lean into him, just a little, smiling and sighing happily when Jensen shifts until Jared's slid down, shoulder pressed even closer to Jensen's. There's a smile on the man's face, soft and small and something Jared has yet to see him give with anyone but Jared in the room.
Puppies: The Way to a Man's Heart [3/4]wolfish_willowJanuary 20 2012, 23:35:23 UTC
When the movie is over, and Jared has kept himself from doing anything stupid or embarrassing when Jensen stretched, sliver of tanned skin peeking out from under his un-tucked work shirt, the dogs huff and move to their big doggy beds like the humans are inconveniencing them horribly by moving off the couch.
He follows Jensen to the door and leans against the door frame when Jensen stands outside of it, turning around with a wide but sleepy smile. He feels really good, relaxed and sleepy and it's really easy to just go with the urge to lean down and press a light, dry kiss to Jensen's lips - that are just as soft and feel even better against his than he'd imagined.
Jensen makes a small surprised noise in the back of his throat but he doesn't pull away, pushes forward just enough to return the kiss before they part. His eyes are more awake than they'd been before, the corners crinkling in the way Jared loves with a pleased, surprised, smile.
"Talk to you tomorrow?" Jared asks, biting his bottom lip.
"Definitely."
Jensen's the one who kisses him this time, tugging Jared's lip out and nipping at it just enough to make Jared gasp.
Then Jensen pulls back, flashing him a toothy grin and walking down the driveway to his car.
Jared waves him goodbye when he drives away and painstakingly waits until he's closed the door before he starts dancing around on his toes and pumping his fist in the air. Best. Day. Ever.
* * * When another puppy - a beautiful golden Labrador retriever that's got soft, fluffy ears and brown eyes that make him want to give her whatever she wants - is brought in by someone who can't afford to take care of her, Jared thinks he might have been wrong the night before. This is definitely going to be the best day ever.
With an impish grin he picks the puppy up and cuddles her close to his chest. "What do you say we make someone a very happy man today?"
She licks his chin in what he decides is an excited Yes and he laughs and nods before getting her settled in the back for the last hour before one of the shelter's volunteers comes to take over for the rest of the day.
The day flies by in a blur of cleaning cages and feeding animals and showing a family with a little girl some of the cats and kittens until the volunteer comes in and takes over for him. He waves goodbye to the four of them but only the adults wave back since the little girl is taken with a grey-striped kitten batting at her fingers through the metal.
Confident that he's right, Jared grabs the paperwork Jensen will need to fill out to make everything official and makes sure the puppy's temporary collar isn't too loose on her neck and walks her out of the shelter. They have one quick stop to make before Jensen's apartment.
* * * Jared knocks eagerly on the door in front of him, wriggling almost as much as the puppy in his hands. There's the dull thumpthumpshuffle of footsteps coming from inside and he smiles in the direction of the peephole, careful to keep the puppy and her big red bow out of its sight.
Jensen swings the door open with a grin, eyes only for Jared for a moment until the puppy, not amused at not getting any attention, lets out a whiny yip of a bark. Jensen jaw drops and he looks up and down, to Jared then the puppy and back to Jared again for a solid minute before easing a hand forward and running the tips of his fingers in the soft fur at the top of her head.
"Do you like her?" he asks, breathless and hopeful and only a little worried that he's wrong.
Puppies: The Way to a Man's Heart [4/4]wolfish_willowJanuary 20 2012, 23:36:34 UTC
Jensen laughs like he can't believe what's happening. "She's perfect," he says finally, reaching out to take her from Jared. "Hey pretty lady," he coos before looking up at Jared, green eyes bright and twinkling. He motions for Jared to come in and he does, shutting the door behind him just before Jensen's pressing him back into it and kissing him. It's a lot different from the night before and he doesn't even know when Jensen got the chance to put the puppy down but he isn't going to complain when Jensen's tongue runs over his bottom lip, licks easily and eagerly into his mouth. The man doesn't pull back until Jared is breathless and panting, cheeks flushed red.
"If I get you another puppy will you kiss me like that again?"
Jensen kisses him softer this time, chuckles against his lips and it sends a shiver down Jared's spine. "Maybe later."
Then he's gone and Jared's left confused for only a second before he sees Jensen crouching down and rubbing a big hand over the puppy's small body, cooing softly about how she's such a good, pretty little girl. Jared smiles, straightening his shirt before kneeling down to join them.
He was right. This is definitely the best day ever. END
Awwww!!! JENSEN! FRECKLES! DORKY WAVE! PUPPIES! ALL THE SHY KISSES!!! You are my favorite person today, for realz! I've been staying away from fandom lately, but this makes me wanna squeee and hug everyone! Thanks so much for writing this for me (well, this prompt was given to me by a friend so for them too lol), you rock! <3
Just leavin' this here. It's what my brain came up with, hope it's all right.
-
The room sounds with pitiful whines and yips when Jared turns to walk out the door that will lead him to the front desk. He's used to it, but there's still a little twinge every time he has to leave the back, even if it's just as sad sometimes seeing the animals stuck in little cages instead of with someone who will love them and give them all a good home.
"I'll be back in a little bit, guys. Gotta go deal with the humans now," he whispers just before he opens the door and steps out, closing it behind him.
They've gotten a couple more puppies and dogs, even some cats over the week and though Jared doesn't think any of the new ones are exactly what his friend is looking for, he heads for the black cord phone at the desk anyway. He almost makes it, just about to start dialing the now-familiar number by heart, when he gets caught by Katie's chuckle. Her lips are quirked in a knowing smile, grinning nearly ear to ear and Jared rolls his eyes with a put upon sigh, setting the phone down for a minute to turn and look at her.
"Don't stop on my account," she starts, grin sliding into a playful smirk. "I'm just here for the show, babe."
"Don't you have paperwork or something to do? I'm sure there are a few cages you could clean out," he says, making a shooing motion with his hands. Of course she doesn't budge but he hadn't really expected her to.
With one last sigh, Jared picks up the phone again. The plastic is cold against his ear but he doesn't care, just dials the number and waits and resists the urge to bounce on the tip of his toes or anything else that will give Katie mocking and/or blackmail material later.
It's some time after noon and Jared knows Jensen should be on lunch already but he's not at all surprised that it takes four rings before there's an answering click.
"It is not --"
"Look at your watch," Jared interrupts before Jensen can get any further, speaking slow and low as though it was a child on the line rather than the grown up Jensen pretends to be.
There's some quiet grumbling that Jared can't help but grin at, completely ignoring the small snort-giggle sound Katie makes beside him. He's sure he looks ridiculous, but he can't help it. He's been head over heels for the man on the other end of the line since the first day Jensen came in looking for a pet, with those gorgeous green eyes and freckles across his face and eyes that crinkle when he smiles and laughs, the way he'd done when meeting a few of their more enthusiastic animals.
"Oh," finally sounds in his ear and Jared chuckles, bites his lip at how adorable Jensen sounds when he's sheepish. It isn't hard to imagine Jensen ducking his head and rubbing the back of his neck, cheeks probably painted a faint pink that makes his freckles pop that much more. Makes him want to trace them with the tips of his fingers, feel Jensen's cheek against his lips.
He doesn't realize he's rubbing his thumb over his bottom lip absentmindedly until voices snap him out of his almost-daydream, but he has the presence of mind to be thankful Katie's been distracted by a couple that seems to have just walked in while he was practically drooling.
"Yeah, oh," he teases, smiling when Jensen just laughs.
"Sorry, man. Can't believe it's already 12:30."
"Yeah, yeah. You'd never break for lunch if it wasn't for me."
"Probably not," Jensen agrees and his voice has gone a little softer, happy and Jared can just guess he's got a smile on his face, too. "So what's up, man?"
"We got some more puppies if you wanted to come by when you're free."
"Really?"
Jared nods even though he knows Jensen can't see him through the phone. "Yep."
"Awesome! Think I can come around after work today?"
The shelter usually closes a little early on Fridays, but Jared says "Of course," because he's pretty sure he wouldn't be able to say no to Jensen if he wanted to. And he can close up on his own after they're done.
"Think you can tear yourself away from the animals for a bit?"
Jared laughs a little. "Sure, what's in it for me?"
"A decent lunch, my treat."
"Awesome."
* * *
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Jensen looks great in anything - and Jared will always love seeing him in casual jeans and shirts with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows, or tee shirts that hug his arms and chest in a way they makes Jared want to get his hands all over him - but he looks amazing in his work clothes. Or maybe, Jared thinks as he leans in for a bear hug, he just has a thing for Jensen in a suit and tie. Mostly the tie.
The waiter always recognizes them and they end up in the same table sitting outside as they've had since that first time, even though Jared doesn't think they come often enough for the restaurant to treat them like regulars just yet. He's not going to complain, though, when it means he gets to look at Jensen in the sunlight rather than the dim light of the hanging lamps inside.
There's the usual din of conversations surrounding them, even outside, and they haven't spoken much beyond giving their orders and thanking the waiter when the food is out faster than any other place Jared has ever eaten at, but it still feels nice and comfortable the way Jared's come to associate with hanging out with Jensen.
"How are the kids?"
Jared smiles wide and absolutely does not melt a little inside that Jensen asks about his dogs - the ones he's got at home and the ones at the shelter.
"They're good. Probably just laying around doing nothing and saving up all their energy for when I get home."
Jensen laughs, spins his fork in his classic spaghetti and meatballs. "Sadie's probably the mastermind behind it," he says with a smile before taking a bite of pasta.
"No doubt," Jared agrees, shoving a ravioli in his mouth and munching away happily. He asks Jensen about work, how his day is going, and fights against the urge to wipe away the drops of marinara on Jensen's bottom lip with his thumb - or tongue - before Jensen wipes it away.
By the time they've finished, Jared's cheeks hurt from smiling so much; something he's also come to associate with his time spent with the man in front of him. When they're standing in front of the restaurant he almost leans down to close the small distance between them, but he holds himself back and goes in for his usual, bone-crushing hug that Jensen pretends he hates but always ends up smiling after. There's a moment when they part, Jensen's hand warm and gentle on his shoulder, that Jared thinks maybe Jensen will lean up and kiss him instead, but Jensen almost-reluctantly steps back and lets his hand slide from Jared's shoulder. With a dorky wave that Jared returns they head their separate ways and even though he isn't quite sure what just happened, that moment and the knowledge that he'll be seeing Jensen again later that night put a bounce in his step the entire walk back to the shelter.
* * *
He's not surprise when, when Jensen comes by the shelter that night, none of the new puppies - or dogs - are right. They all love him, jump all over him and drown him in doggy kisses that only cause him to laugh and hug them closer and start playing with them unlike some of the people who come in and shudder like it's the worst thing a dog could do.
But it's an extra hour of time with his friend that leaves him feeling lighter than air and he's almost afraid he'll float away when Jensen invites himself over for pizza and a beer and a night on the couch watching movies with the dogs.
They spend the night smooshed together on the sofa, a dog on either side of them leaving little room. Jensen is warm and Jared lets himself lean into him, just a little, smiling and sighing happily when Jensen shifts until Jared's slid down, shoulder pressed even closer to Jensen's. There's a smile on the man's face, soft and small and something Jared has yet to see him give with anyone but Jared in the room.
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When the movie is over, and Jared has kept himself from doing anything stupid or embarrassing when Jensen stretched, sliver of tanned skin peeking out from under his un-tucked work shirt, the dogs huff and move to their big doggy beds like the humans are inconveniencing them horribly by moving off the couch.
He follows Jensen to the door and leans against the door frame when Jensen stands outside of it, turning around with a wide but sleepy smile. He feels really good, relaxed and sleepy and it's really easy to just go with the urge to lean down and press a light, dry kiss to Jensen's lips - that are just as soft and feel even better against his than he'd imagined.
Jensen makes a small surprised noise in the back of his throat but he doesn't pull away, pushes forward just enough to return the kiss before they part. His eyes are more awake than they'd been before, the corners crinkling in the way Jared loves with a pleased, surprised, smile.
"Talk to you tomorrow?" Jared asks, biting his bottom lip.
"Definitely."
Jensen's the one who kisses him this time, tugging Jared's lip out and nipping at it just enough to make Jared gasp.
Then Jensen pulls back, flashing him a toothy grin and walking down the driveway to his car.
Jared waves him goodbye when he drives away and painstakingly waits until he's closed the door before he starts dancing around on his toes and pumping his fist in the air. Best. Day. Ever.
* * *
When another puppy - a beautiful golden Labrador retriever that's got soft, fluffy ears and brown eyes that make him want to give her whatever she wants - is brought in by someone who can't afford to take care of her, Jared thinks he might have been wrong the night before. This is definitely going to be the best day ever.
With an impish grin he picks the puppy up and cuddles her close to his chest. "What do you say we make someone a very happy man today?"
She licks his chin in what he decides is an excited Yes and he laughs and nods before getting her settled in the back for the last hour before one of the shelter's volunteers comes to take over for the rest of the day.
The day flies by in a blur of cleaning cages and feeding animals and showing a family with a little girl some of the cats and kittens until the volunteer comes in and takes over for him. He waves goodbye to the four of them but only the adults wave back since the little girl is taken with a grey-striped kitten batting at her fingers through the metal.
Confident that he's right, Jared grabs the paperwork Jensen will need to fill out to make everything official and makes sure the puppy's temporary collar isn't too loose on her neck and walks her out of the shelter. They have one quick stop to make before Jensen's apartment.
* * *
Jared knocks eagerly on the door in front of him, wriggling almost as much as the puppy in his hands. There's the dull thumpthumpshuffle of footsteps coming from inside and he smiles in the direction of the peephole, careful to keep the puppy and her big red bow out of its sight.
Jensen swings the door open with a grin, eyes only for Jared for a moment until the puppy, not amused at not getting any attention, lets out a whiny yip of a bark. Jensen jaw drops and he looks up and down, to Jared then the puppy and back to Jared again for a solid minute before easing a hand forward and running the tips of his fingers in the soft fur at the top of her head.
"Do you like her?" he asks, breathless and hopeful and only a little worried that he's wrong.
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Jensen laughs like he can't believe what's happening. "She's perfect," he says finally, reaching out to take her from Jared. "Hey pretty lady," he coos before looking up at Jared, green eyes bright and twinkling. He motions for Jared to come in and he does, shutting the door behind him just before Jensen's pressing him back into it and kissing him. It's a lot different from the night before and he doesn't even know when Jensen got the chance to put the puppy down but he isn't going to complain when Jensen's tongue runs over his bottom lip, licks easily and eagerly into his mouth. The man doesn't pull back until Jared is breathless and panting, cheeks flushed red.
"If I get you another puppy will you kiss me like that again?"
Jensen kisses him softer this time, chuckles against his lips and it sends a shiver down Jared's spine. "Maybe later."
Then he's gone and Jared's left confused for only a second before he sees Jensen crouching down and rubbing a big hand over the puppy's small body, cooing softly about how she's such a good, pretty little girl. Jared smiles, straightening his shirt before kneeling down to join them.
He was right. This is definitely the best day ever.
END
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