Ultra | J2 | AU | 3/9 | R
Title: Ultra
Author: Redsirenfiction
Fandom: CWRPS (J2)
Rating: NC-17.
Warnings: Blisters, puking, night blindness, past character death.
Disclaimer: Don't own them. This is all a mirage.
Summary: In a world where a 'workout' means running 12-30 miles a day, Jared Padalecki is at the top of his game. With two best-sellers and a slew of sponsors, he's able to devote all his time to doing what he loves. If that means isolating himself from family and friends, so what? No steady boyfriend? Big deal. No social life outside of an aid station? No problem.
When his biggest sponsor, Canyon Performance, comes up with an elaborate publicity stunt to team him up with their newest acquisition, up-and-comer Jensen Ackles, Jared's perfect record-breaking season gets turned on its head.
Ackles doesn't train like an ultra, doesn't eat like an ultra, hell, he barely looks like an ultra. Yet the man is somehow managing to win all the ultras he's entered thus far.
Racing with his biggest competition isn't Jared's idea of fun, but for the next six months, he's contractually obligated to do so.
Notes: Beta done by the super sweet fftf. Thanks, hon!
Also, the Glossary is up on the Master Post. If something doesn't make sense to you, it's probably listed there.
Chapter 1 | Chapter 2
I still don't like it. Also, if this ruins my career? I'm suing you,” Jared whispers heatedly to his manager as Gia, his acupuncture therapist, pricks him just below his knee, the needle seeming to grab more muscle the longer it stays in. Jared clenches his teeth, still not wanting to meet his biggest enemy on the course and be forced to play nice with him.
Both parties have agreed to meet on neutral ground-Canyon Performance headquarters in Squaw Valley-for the introductions and photo shoot their sponsor requires. The ad campaign promises to be the biggest in the company's history, with Jared and Jensen taking top billing. Jared has been promised Jaguar sleek, and action movie tough for everything related to the promotional investment.
Lord help everyone involved if they don't deliver, Jared thinks bitterly as Gia slides in the last needle, the spot particularly sensitive. He's already had to axe the name of the campaign for something cooler; they're not five and this isn't a comic book.
His thoughts are interrupted when the door swings open to reveal Hodge, all dressed as though he's on the way to the White House. Jared's almost certain he's the only CP exec to wear a three-piece suit to work every day. The rest of the head honchos stick to wearing their own company's gear.
“Gia, sweetheart, Jay's done for now. Jay, up and at 'em. You and Jensen have photos to take.”
Jared can only hope this day doesn't suck any more than it has to.
They've both been explicitly told not to run prior to the shoot, as they'll be doing a lot of it during the outdoor section of all the shots that are going to be taken; there are even videos that will be shot for the online and TV portions of the campaign.
When Jared walks onto the set however, he immediately notices that his 'partner' in all of this ridiculousness is already soaked through with sweat and is coming towards him with an outstretched hand.
More than anything, Jared hates being touched by someone who's sweaty; he immediately feels dirty when it happens and, more often than not, he'll find himself in the nearest shower, scrubbing away the grossness as soon as possible. That's not going to be an option today.
“Don't worry, man, it's just water. Who would've thought you'd have to fake sweating, right?” His competition chuckles, his smile splitting his face. “It's an honor to meet you, Jared. I'm Jensen.”
Jared shakes his hand with a little relief, glad that it's only water. Running off for a shower at the beginning of the photo shoot would be more than awkward. He can't get another word in even if he wants to since a petite woman is tugging on his arm.
"Time for hair and makeup, sweetie," She grins, not seeing anything amiss in the fact that he can, quite literally, squish her like a bug if he wants to. Jensen, for his part, just shrugs and smiles.
"They put me through it too, man. It'll be over before you know it."
It is a pretty quick process, one that Jared barely notices, too busy thinking about what the next few months will hold to care much about what color foundation the makeup artist is putting on him.
Their first setup of the day is a bit of a strange one, but Jared goes along with it, hoping that post-production will make it cooler. On the all-white set sits an ice bath, the tub's gleaming metal reflecting all the bright lights aimed at the set. Inside the tub, the water is warm and the ice is fake and Jensen hops in as he's instructed, sighing softly. Jared shakes his head, just a little amused by how easy it is to make Ackles look like he's on cloud nine; he can't wait to see what pain looks like on the other man's face.
They take a few shots of Jensen in the tub with Jared standing either next to, or in front of him, both men shirtless for the first few snaps of the flash; after the photographer gets the shot she wants, Jared throws on a CR technical shirt and Jensen gets out of the tub to dry off. He gives Jared a smile as they're positioned next to each other for the next series of pictures; he's actually enjoying this.
"So what'd you run this morning?" Jensen asks, glancing sidelong at Jared, his arms crossed over his chest as per the photographer's instruction.
"An easy 13," Jared answers, mirroring Jensen's position, their backs nearly touching as the photographer snaps away.
"Wow." Jensen's answer makes Jared turn and look at him completely, his eyes narrowed at Jensen's unimpressed expression.
"What?"
"Nothing. I just figured you ran longer on a daily basis. 13's a toss-away for me. My easy runs are 30 miles." Jensen shrugs, his face not showing any obvious signs of entitlement, but his words have Jared feeling like an idiot.
"We were told not to run, remember?" he replies, giving Jensen a hard look back, Jared knowing full well that he's right, despite what Jensen may say.
"Yeah, but since when can anyone, employer or not, tell you not to run?" Jensen laughs, his reply only raising Jared's blood pressure.
"Whatever," he mutters, moving back into the position the photographer wants, Jared more than a little miffed.
"So the schedule is nothing out of the ordinary, guys. We'll start off with a more low-key race in Smithville, close to your bases. Then we'll move on to Miwok, Western States, Badwater, and finally Leadville. From Miwok on, we're going to have you guys bunk out here on the west coast and we'll set you up with a nice beachfront two-story so you guys won't have to live out of a bag. Are there any questions?" Hodge asks both men, grinning from behind his glass desk a few hours later, Jared and Jensen ruining his leather chairs as they sit in front of him, soaked all the way through with sweat.
"Are the races aware that we're basically two people running in one slot? Are we going to have the same bib number? Whose dumb idea was this and how long before I get to ask for their termination?" Jared pipes up first, leaning forward in his seat and fixing Aldis with a murdering glance.
"The races are aware and will start you a few minutes before the rest of the pack so that you guys get plenty of room. No, you won't have the same bib number, but we do want you crossing the finish line at the same time as much as possible. And no, you can't fire me, Jared. I'm your boss, remember?"
Jared huffs and sits back in his chair.
"Are we doing this with two crews or one massive one?"
"Each runner will still have their own crew, though resources may be shared, given the circumstances. Speaking of which, I think it's time you two introduced your partners to one another. Guys, come on in."
From either door of Aldis' office, both crews come in and stand behind their respective runner, none of them looking particularly happy to be there.
"Jensen, this is Sandy and Chad. Guys, Jensen Ackles," Jared says without any enthusiasm, still thinking about all the things that will invariably go wrong on this little tour of theirs.
"Hi." Both Sandy and Chad give the other group lackluster smiles, their distaste for them apparent in their eyes.
"Guys, this is Jared. Jared, this is Chris and Steve." Despite his feelings about Jared, Chris automatically extends his hand, figuring it's worth a shot. Jared doesn't take it.
"Nice to meet you. When's our first run going to be?" Jared doesn't so much as look at Chris when he speaks, his attention focused on Hodge instead.
"Your first practice as a team will be tomorrow. First race is on April 2nd in Smithville," Aldis replies, looking none too pleased about just how unenthusiastic the proceedings have been.
Author: Redsirenfiction
Fandom: CWRPS (J2)
Rating: NC-17.
Warnings: Blisters, puking, night blindness, past character death.
Disclaimer: Don't own them. This is all a mirage.
Summary: In a world where a 'workout' means running 12-30 miles a day, Jared Padalecki is at the top of his game. With two best-sellers and a slew of sponsors, he's able to devote all his time to doing what he loves. If that means isolating himself from family and friends, so what? No steady boyfriend? Big deal. No social life outside of an aid station? No problem.
When his biggest sponsor, Canyon Performance, comes up with an elaborate publicity stunt to team him up with their newest acquisition, up-and-comer Jensen Ackles, Jared's perfect record-breaking season gets turned on its head.
Ackles doesn't train like an ultra, doesn't eat like an ultra, hell, he barely looks like an ultra. Yet the man is somehow managing to win all the ultras he's entered thus far.
Racing with his biggest competition isn't Jared's idea of fun, but for the next six months, he's contractually obligated to do so.
Notes: Beta done by the super sweet fftf. Thanks, hon!
Also, the Glossary is up on the Master Post. If something doesn't make sense to you, it's probably listed there.
Chapter 1 | Chapter 2
I still don't like it. Also, if this ruins my career? I'm suing you,” Jared whispers heatedly to his manager as Gia, his acupuncture therapist, pricks him just below his knee, the needle seeming to grab more muscle the longer it stays in. Jared clenches his teeth, still not wanting to meet his biggest enemy on the course and be forced to play nice with him.
Both parties have agreed to meet on neutral ground-Canyon Performance headquarters in Squaw Valley-for the introductions and photo shoot their sponsor requires. The ad campaign promises to be the biggest in the company's history, with Jared and Jensen taking top billing. Jared has been promised Jaguar sleek, and action movie tough for everything related to the promotional investment.
Lord help everyone involved if they don't deliver, Jared thinks bitterly as Gia slides in the last needle, the spot particularly sensitive. He's already had to axe the name of the campaign for something cooler; they're not five and this isn't a comic book.
His thoughts are interrupted when the door swings open to reveal Hodge, all dressed as though he's on the way to the White House. Jared's almost certain he's the only CP exec to wear a three-piece suit to work every day. The rest of the head honchos stick to wearing their own company's gear.
“Gia, sweetheart, Jay's done for now. Jay, up and at 'em. You and Jensen have photos to take.”
Jared can only hope this day doesn't suck any more than it has to.
They've both been explicitly told not to run prior to the shoot, as they'll be doing a lot of it during the outdoor section of all the shots that are going to be taken; there are even videos that will be shot for the online and TV portions of the campaign.
When Jared walks onto the set however, he immediately notices that his 'partner' in all of this ridiculousness is already soaked through with sweat and is coming towards him with an outstretched hand.
More than anything, Jared hates being touched by someone who's sweaty; he immediately feels dirty when it happens and, more often than not, he'll find himself in the nearest shower, scrubbing away the grossness as soon as possible. That's not going to be an option today.
“Don't worry, man, it's just water. Who would've thought you'd have to fake sweating, right?” His competition chuckles, his smile splitting his face. “It's an honor to meet you, Jared. I'm Jensen.”
Jared shakes his hand with a little relief, glad that it's only water. Running off for a shower at the beginning of the photo shoot would be more than awkward. He can't get another word in even if he wants to since a petite woman is tugging on his arm.
"Time for hair and makeup, sweetie," She grins, not seeing anything amiss in the fact that he can, quite literally, squish her like a bug if he wants to. Jensen, for his part, just shrugs and smiles.
"They put me through it too, man. It'll be over before you know it."
It is a pretty quick process, one that Jared barely notices, too busy thinking about what the next few months will hold to care much about what color foundation the makeup artist is putting on him.
Their first setup of the day is a bit of a strange one, but Jared goes along with it, hoping that post-production will make it cooler. On the all-white set sits an ice bath, the tub's gleaming metal reflecting all the bright lights aimed at the set. Inside the tub, the water is warm and the ice is fake and Jensen hops in as he's instructed, sighing softly. Jared shakes his head, just a little amused by how easy it is to make Ackles look like he's on cloud nine; he can't wait to see what pain looks like on the other man's face.
They take a few shots of Jensen in the tub with Jared standing either next to, or in front of him, both men shirtless for the first few snaps of the flash; after the photographer gets the shot she wants, Jared throws on a CR technical shirt and Jensen gets out of the tub to dry off. He gives Jared a smile as they're positioned next to each other for the next series of pictures; he's actually enjoying this.
"So what'd you run this morning?" Jensen asks, glancing sidelong at Jared, his arms crossed over his chest as per the photographer's instruction.
"An easy 13," Jared answers, mirroring Jensen's position, their backs nearly touching as the photographer snaps away.
"Wow." Jensen's answer makes Jared turn and look at him completely, his eyes narrowed at Jensen's unimpressed expression.
"What?"
"Nothing. I just figured you ran longer on a daily basis. 13's a toss-away for me. My easy runs are 30 miles." Jensen shrugs, his face not showing any obvious signs of entitlement, but his words have Jared feeling like an idiot.
"We were told not to run, remember?" he replies, giving Jensen a hard look back, Jared knowing full well that he's right, despite what Jensen may say.
"Yeah, but since when can anyone, employer or not, tell you not to run?" Jensen laughs, his reply only raising Jared's blood pressure.
"Whatever," he mutters, moving back into the position the photographer wants, Jared more than a little miffed.
"So the schedule is nothing out of the ordinary, guys. We'll start off with a more low-key race in Smithville, close to your bases. Then we'll move on to Miwok, Western States, Badwater, and finally Leadville. From Miwok on, we're going to have you guys bunk out here on the west coast and we'll set you up with a nice beachfront two-story so you guys won't have to live out of a bag. Are there any questions?" Hodge asks both men, grinning from behind his glass desk a few hours later, Jared and Jensen ruining his leather chairs as they sit in front of him, soaked all the way through with sweat.
"Are the races aware that we're basically two people running in one slot? Are we going to have the same bib number? Whose dumb idea was this and how long before I get to ask for their termination?" Jared pipes up first, leaning forward in his seat and fixing Aldis with a murdering glance.
"The races are aware and will start you a few minutes before the rest of the pack so that you guys get plenty of room. No, you won't have the same bib number, but we do want you crossing the finish line at the same time as much as possible. And no, you can't fire me, Jared. I'm your boss, remember?"
Jared huffs and sits back in his chair.
"Are we doing this with two crews or one massive one?"
"Each runner will still have their own crew, though resources may be shared, given the circumstances. Speaking of which, I think it's time you two introduced your partners to one another. Guys, come on in."
From either door of Aldis' office, both crews come in and stand behind their respective runner, none of them looking particularly happy to be there.
"Jensen, this is Sandy and Chad. Guys, Jensen Ackles," Jared says without any enthusiasm, still thinking about all the things that will invariably go wrong on this little tour of theirs.
"Hi." Both Sandy and Chad give the other group lackluster smiles, their distaste for them apparent in their eyes.
"Guys, this is Jared. Jared, this is Chris and Steve." Despite his feelings about Jared, Chris automatically extends his hand, figuring it's worth a shot. Jared doesn't take it.
"Nice to meet you. When's our first run going to be?" Jared doesn't so much as look at Chris when he speaks, his attention focused on Hodge instead.
"Your first practice as a team will be tomorrow. First race is on April 2nd in Smithville," Aldis replies, looking none too pleased about just how unenthusiastic the proceedings have been.