Within in my reach, chapter six.
Fic Title: Within My Reach
Summary: For Jeff life as an Evolutionary Enhanced isn't easy. For a start there's the prejudice he faces daily, along with a constant struggle to find clothes that will fit over his tentacles. But these difficulties pale into insignificance when Jeff is faced with trying to woo the man of his dreams.
Disclamer: Here be fiction, folks. This isn’t real nor is it meant to reflect the relationship between the two men, whose names and faces I’m borrowing. This is my very own little take on reality or as I like to think of it now, the wrong trouser leg of time, where our universe and this one split apart, and this universe is bathed in a rosy pink hue.
Author’s Notes: First and foremost, my thanks go to my amazing beta
bigj52. There should be statues erected and sonnets written to this amazing woman. I can never fully express my gratitude at her endless patience in dealing with my scribbles. Once again I've been scrbbling for
spn_reversebang, and I want to thank my artist
beelikej for all her support and her amazing art.
The following Saturday saw the crew gathered in front of a rundown building. Richard yawned and rubbed at his eyes. “Ok, Jay. Remind me again why we’re here at the ass crack of dawn on our weekend off?” He looked at his co-worker blearily.
Jeff appeared at Richard’s shoulder, Larry draped around his shoulder. “We’re here to help our friend, Jared win the heart of his fair maiden, with hard work and the sweat of our brows.”
Richard frowned. “Dude, are you speaking English? What’s all this crap about the sweat of our brows? Can you stop all the Shakespeare until I’ve had a second cup of coffee?” he asked plaintively.
Jared appeared on Richard’s other side. “What Jeff was trying to say, is you guys are going to help me impress Gen, by offering to help fix this place up.” Jared pointed at the decrepit building with a smile.
The crew looked at the building thoughtfully. ”Jay, I know we’re good but we’re not miracle workers. I don’t know about fixing this place up. I think it would be easier to knock it down and start again.” Chad said to a chorus of agreement from the rest of the crew.
Jeff hefted the bag of tools on his shoulder and smiled. “Where is your sense of adventure? We’re Crew 67, we do the impossible every day. I’m sure we can fix this place up, no problem.” Jeff’s confident smile faded slightly, when the lights flickered and went out.
Rob laughed. “You heard our fearless leader. This is going to be easy. Looking on the bright side, at least when the place collapses on our heads, there’s a couple of hot nurses in there to take care of us.”
The door opened and Gen stepped outside. Her face lit up in a smile and she ran down the stairs towards Jared. He laughed as she ran into his arms, and he pulled her into a hug.
“Morning, babe. I hope you’ve left us something to do.” Jared said, as he kissed Gen on the lips.
“Believe me, there’s plenty left to do. I hope you guys are feeling energetic.” Gen stepped back and looked at the crew. “Thank you for volunteering to help us get the clinic set up. It’s been really hard with just the five of us working weekends.”
“When Jared told us what you were doing, we were only too willing to help.” Jeff smiled at her. “Now where do you want us to start?”
“Come on in, and I’m sure we’ll find all of you something to do.” Gen grabbed Jared’s hand, and headed up the steps to the front door.
As the firefighters stepped inside they looked round, if the outside was bad then inside was worse. The paint was peeling, exposing cracked plaster, and Jared had to duck out of the way of exposed electrical wiring hanging from the ceiling. “Like Chad said, I think it might be easier to condemn this place,” Rob said, as he narrowly avoided going through a rotten floorboard.
“Now, that’s no way to talk about St Jude’s Free Clinic! I admit the building might be a little shabby, but it’s nothing a lick of paint won’t cure,” an English accent informed them.
Jeff spun around, stunned to hear Mark’s voice, and he was even more shocked by the doctor’s appearance. If you’d asked Jeff a week ago if Mark owned any clothes other than suits, Jeff would’ve said no. But there was Mark wearing jeans. And holy crap, was that a Black Sabbath T-shirt? “What are you doing here?” Jeff stammered.
“Contrary to popular belief, I don’t spend all my weekends at the country club. This project is very close to my heart. And I’m not afraid to get my hands dirty. Right, Osric?” Mark asked as the young doctor walked into the clinic carrying a box.
“Doctor Sheppard’s been working with us most weekends,” Osric said as he walked past the firefighters, and put down the box he was carrying.
“Unless Mark’s busy fleecing the great and the good of Dallas.” Jensen’s arrival completely stunned Jeff. He watched open mouthed, as the nurse made his way into the room with his arms full of boxes.
“Hey Mark, where do you want these?” Jensen asked, as he stood by Jeff.
“Is it medical supplies, or stuff for the refit?”
“It’s boxes of out-of-date gauze, and bandages from the hospital,” Jensen replied.
“Then it needs to go over there in the supply cupboard.” Mark pointed to a room off to the side, and from where he stood Jeff could see inside. He saw metal shelving units filled with medical supplies.
As Jensen headed for the cupboard, Mark grinned at his co-worker. “Jensen, my dear boy, I don’t fleece people. I just gently persuade them to contribute to our cause. Can I help it if the ladies and gentlemen of the Dallas social set adore my accent, and love a good cause?” Mark brushed dust off his T-shirt and smiled innocently.
“Right. And your accent is how you convinced the Bishop to sign this place over to us?” Jensen said, as he deposited his box with the others, and came back into the main room.
Mark winked at Jeff. “Oh my darling, that’s easy. I’m the king of hell. Just ask Jeff.”
Jeff was still trying to process this latest turn of events. Jensen was the last person he wanted to bump into, especially after he’d ducked out of calling him. But here he was, large as life, and looking really fucking gorgeous. Jensen was wearing a pair of worn jeans that hugged his ass, and a grey Henley that defined his broad shoulders. As Jeff drank in how hot Jensen looked, he shot a suspicious look at Jared and the crew, unable to shake the feeling he’d been had.
Jeff realized Mark was still waiting for an answer, and painted a smile on his face. “After spending many happy hours being tortured, sorry, undergoing medical tests with Mark, the name came naturally. I swear you used to enjoy tormenting me way too much.” Mark was grinning evilly at him. “And is this the new headquarters of hell? Are we building you a new torture chamber?”
“No, Jeff. You and your crew of heroes are here to help us turn this place into a clinic. So we can treat the homeless, and the Evolutionary Enhanced who don’t have medical insurance.” Mark walked over and clapped Jeff on the shoulder.
Jeff knew just how hard it had been to get medical insurance after The Change, so many companies refused him due to his ‘medical’ condition. It didn’t matter what the medical reports said about him being in perfect health, he was deemed too great a risk. In the end the department had arranged medical cover for him. He smiled at his friend. “Ok, Mark. Where do you want us to start?”
“I’ll leave you in the capable hands of Jensen and Danni. It’s really their baby. I’m just here to provide the brawn and the dazzling medical skills.” Mark looked over his shoulder at Osric. “Come along, Osric. Those sinks won’t unblock themselves, and don’t forget the plunger.” He walked out of the room, and Osric scrabbled around in one of the boxes.
Osric stood up with a triumphant grin on his face. “I’ve got the plunger, Doctor Sheppard.” he shouted, waving it above his head.
“Marvellous, dear boy. Now come along and for pity’s sake, stop calling me Doctor Sheppard. When we’re here, it’s Mark.”
“Right, Doc…Mark, I’m coming.” Osric ran out of the room, and up the stairs after his mentor.
Danni came through another door. “Have fun, Osric, and try not to get your arm stuck down the toilet again.”
“Say that again?” Jared laughed.
“Osric was trying to reach a blockage down one of the toilets when he got stuck. We thought we were going to have to call you guys in.” Danni laughed melodically, as she recalled Jensen trying to free the young doctor.
Chad walked towards Danni, a smile on his face. “It would’ve been our pleasure to help,” Chad said smoothly, and flexed his biceps. “And I’m only too happy to work under…. you.” Chad smiled lasciviously at the red-haired nurse.
Danni smiled seductively and ran a finger down Chad’s cheek. “Oh, I’ve got the perfect job for a big strong firefighter like you.”
A little later the crew stood watching Chad cleaning out the drains in the yard. “You know, I think Chad has finally found his calling, don’t you?” Matt grinned as Chad flipped him the finger.
“Laugh it up, guys, but just remember I drove some of you over here. I’m sure if we drive back with the windows open, the smell won’t be all that bad.” Chad grinned as Richard, Rob and Jared gagged when they realized they were going to be trapped in his truck with him on the way home.
Jeff grinned and shook his head. “Ok, time to get back to work. Matt, how are the electrics coming along?”
“Not too bad. According to Danni, this place was already being refitted when the developer went broke. A lot of the rewiring’s already been done. I’m just tidying up downstairs so Rob can start plastering.”
“Good. Now how about the floors? Do we need to replace them?”
Richard answered. “Most of the flooring is salvageable. Me and Jared are cutting out the rotten floorboards and replacing them. And then we’re going to move on to the kitchen, and help with the work surfaces and cupboards.”
Jeff nodded, satisfied with how things were going. There was still a lot of hard work to do, but he was sure they’d soon be able to get the clinic up and running. “Ok, fun’s over. Let’s get back to work.” Jeff led the crew back inside and went in search of Danni.
He found the nurse in the supply cupboard, sorting through the boxes Jensen and Osric brought in earlier. Jeff picked up a pack of gauze. “Is this stuff safe to use? Jensen said it’s out of date.”
Danni took the pack off Jeff, and put it with the others. She pointed at the shelves. “Most of this would’ve been incinerated, as it’s close to or past the expiration date, but it’s all perfectly safe to use. We’re lucky Mark managed to convince the Hospital Administrators to let us have it.”
“You have to hand it to Mark. He’s one charming son of bitch when he wants to be. Now what can I do for you?” Jeff was still passing Danni packs of gauze, as Larry and Moe stacked shelves with boxes of gloves. Curly and Chad were opening another box, ready to pass up to Jeff.
Danni smiled at him. “I’m fine sorting out the inventory, but if you could help Jensen with our examination room, I’d be really grateful.”
Jeff had done his best to avoid Jensen for most of the morning. Whenever the nurse came into a room, Jeff managed to find something to do in another part of the building. But it seemed that he’d run out of places to hide. He managed a weak smile. “No problem. I’ll just go and help Jensen then.” Jeff turned and walked out of the supply cupboard.
Danni watched him go. “If you haven’t asked Jensen out by the end of the day, I’m locking the pair of you in the exam room until you get your heads out of your asses.”
Jeff stood outside the examination room, his stomach in knots. He had no idea how to face Jensen again. Jeff gathered his courage, and went inside to find Jensen balancing on a pair of ladders, painting the ceiling.
“Danni’s sent me to help. What can I do?”
Jensen smiled brightly at Jeff, and came down the ladder. “Great, an extra pair of hands.” Jensen’s eyes went wide as he looked at Jeff’s tentacles. “Oh god, I didn’t mean it like that. I just meant….”
Jeff grinned at him. “It’s ok. I know what you meant. You need a hand with the painting?” Jeff picked up a brush, and Moe picked up a tin of paint.
Jensen was still blushing. “Please, and when that’s done can you help me build these?” Jensen pointed at a pile of flat pack furniture.
“Flat pack? They’re the work of the devil. I always end up with screws left over. Half the time I read the plans upside down.” Jeff gave the boxes a dirty look.
“You’re one up on me. I never read the instructions. I built a bed once. When I lay on it the damn thing collapsed.” Jensen confessed.
“Why did it collapse?” Jeff said, laughing.
“How the hell was I supposed to know that tab A, should slot into tab R support struts? I kept wondering why I’d got so much wood left over.”
Jeff was laughing so hard tears rolled down his face. “Ok, remind me not to let up put any shelves up in here.”
Jensen looked at him grumpily. “I’m not that bad, and the shelves in the kitchen are alright.”
“You mean the shelves that have one end higher than the other? Jay and Rich are putting them right as we speak.” Jeff reached out and patted Jensen’s shoulder. “Jensen, you’re a great nurse, but your building skills leave a lot to be desired.” Jeff looked at the ceiling. “Now, are you sure you haven’t put the paint on upside down?”
Jensen looked up and frowned. “You can do that?” There was silence. “Why you…” Jensen turned and went to flick paint at Jeff.
Jeff raised his hands in surrender. “Sorry, I couldn’t resist that.” Jensen grinned at him and climbed back up the ladder.
They worked quietly for a while and Jeff started to relax. Jensen hadn’t brought up the call that never was. Maybe it was safe to have a conversation with him. “How long have you been working on this?”
Jensen stopped painting. “About four months. The first two months all we did was move crap out of here. The developer went bust, but at least he’d finished the structural work first. Can you imagine my attempts at bricklaying, when I put paint on upside down?”
Jeff laughed. “It would’ve been entertaining. Most of the crew do construction work on the side, so we can alter anything you need us to.” Jeff’s brush slowed, as he turned to look at Jensen. “What made you want to set up a free clinic?”
Jensen shrugged. “Don’t get me wrong. Me, Danni and Gen aren’t saints, but there’s so many people out there who fall through the cracks, we wanted to do whatever we could.” Jensen went quiet, and looked at the brush in his hand.
Jeff nodded. “We get to see that a lot as well. How did you convince Mark to come on board with the idea?”
“Actually Mark came to us. He heard what we were doing and offered to help. All he wanted in return was to be able to treat the Evolutionary Enhanced here.” Jensen bit his lip, and his face darkened with anger.
“You have no idea how much crap we had to wade through. Once the powers that be found out about that, Mark spent more time in courtrooms than exam rooms, but we got there in the end. We’re going to treat whoever needs us. There was a quiet pride in Jensen’s voice as he spoke, and Jeff began to think he might’ve misjudged the nurse.
Jensen looked down at Jeff and blushed. “Sorry about that. When I get started about this, I don’t know when to stop.”
“There’s nothing wrong with loving your job. I think it’s great what you’re doing here. I’m glad we could help,” Jeff told Jensen, and smiled warmly at him.
Jensen gave a half smile. “To be honest, I was really surprised to see you this morning.”
“Why’s that?”
Jensen shrugged. “I thought I’d come on too strong in the ER and you were avoiding me. But when I walked in this morning and you were here, I thought I might have a second chance.”
“A second chance at what?”
Jensen climbed down the ladder and walked over to Jeff. “A second chance to get to know you a little better.”
“Really? Why do you want to get to know me better?” Jeff’s heart was racing, almost dreading what Jensen was going to say to him.
Jensen blushed. “I might have a thing for hot older guys, who wear a uniform. When you limped into the ER, I thought all my fantasies had come true. I’m surprised I didn’t trip over my tongue.”
Jeff started to laugh.” What’s so funny?” Jensen shot him a bemused look.
Jeff scratched at his stubble and blushed. “I was avoiding you, because I thought you were only after me for my tentacles.”
Jensen stared at Jeff for a moment, and burst out laughing. “Seriously? You thought I was only after you for your tentacles! Oh man, that’s priceless. Do you know the first thing I noticed about you?”
“The ten-foot tentacle span?”
Jensen stepped right into Jeff’s personal space. “The first thing I noticed about you, was how damn sexy your voice was. Then I noticed your smile, and those adorable crinkles around your eyes. It was only when we were in the cubicle, I actually spotted the tentacles. Danni hasn’t let me live that down yet,” Jensen said as he slipped his arm round Jeff’s waist.
Jeff smiled, wrapped his arms around Jensen and pulled him closer. “So the first thing you noticed about me was how sexy my voice was,” Jeff whispered huskily into Jensen’s ear, making the other man shiver as his stubble rubbed against his cheek.
Jensen smiled. “Oh god, yeah. I could listen to you all day, but right now there’s one thing I’d like you to do for me.”
“Whatever you want, sweetheart.” Jeff’s breath was hot on Jensen’s skin, and the nurse tightened his grip on him.
“Shut up and kiss me.” Jensen turned his head, and brushed his lips against Jeff’s. At first the kiss was gentle, then Jensen sucked gently on Jeff’s bottom lip, pressing his firm body against Jeff’s.
Jeff growled softly and took control of the kiss, flicking his tongue between Jensen’s parted lips. Jeff moaned when Jensen sucked on his tongue, and tangled his fingers in Jensen’s hair. The tentacles, bored with missing out on all the fun decided to join in. Chad coiled round Jensen’s waist, and cupped his ass. Larry gently stoked Jensen’s back, and Curly and Moe wound themselves round his legs, and caressed his inner thighs.
Jensen arched into the touches, and finally broke the kiss when a lack of oxygen became an issue. He moaned as Curly crept a little higher. “Jesus, Jeff. Are you trying to kill me?” he panted against Jeff’s shoulder.
“Kill you? Hell, I’m just getting started.” Jeff was about to devour Jensen’s lips again, when the door banged open.
Jared burst into the room. “Hey, guys, we’re going for pizza. Do you want anything?” The tall firefighter grinned when he saw the two men embracing. They broke apart, looking flushed and disheveled
“Yeah, I want you to get the hell out of here, Padalecki,” Jeff growled, then took one look at Jared’s smug expression and asked, “Hang on. This whole thing was a set-up, wasn’t it?”
“And give that man a prize! Of course it was a set-up. If you weren’t moping, you were baking. It got so bad the Chief had to buy bigger pants. And Gen told me Jensen was acting like the coffee shop had banned him. We decided if you couldn’t get your act together and ask Jensen out, we’d give you a little help.”
Jeff was ready to apologize for his meddling friends, but the words died on his lips when he looked at Jensen again. He was flushed, his lips were kiss swollen, and he was trying to rearrange his clothing. Jeff thought it was a shame, as Jensen was only going to get rumpled again, as soon as Jared left the room.
“Of course, Jensen, Jeff is a gentleman. He doesn’t put out until the second date.” Jared winked at his Lieutenant.
“Really? That’s a shame. It was just getting interesting. So when’s our first date?” Jensen asked.
Jeff looked round the half painted room, “Well, we’ve had the awkward getting-to-know-you conversation. All that’s missing for this to be a first date is dinner.” Larry reached out, curled around Jensen and pulled him closer. “What kind of pizza do you like?”
Jensen grinned, guessing where Jeff was going with this. “I’ll have a Pepperoni, and hold the garlic bread. Do I get wine with my meal?”
“Would a six-pack be alright?”
Jensen pretended to think about it for a moment. “A six pack would be great. After all, painting is thirsty work.”
“That’s two Pepperonis, hold the garlic bread, and a six pack, please,” Jeff asked his colleague.
Jared snapped to attention and saluted. “Of course, Lieutenant, and while you’re eating your meal I’ll have the guys serenade you.”
“Only if you want to join Chad cleaning out the drains. I thought you guys wanted me to woo Jensen, not scar him for life.”
Jensen laughed.” So this is you wooing me? I was expecting some more fancy moves from Chad.”
Jeff turned as Chad coiled round Jensen’s hips, slid beneath the Henley and gently stroked his nipple, making it hard. Jensen squirmed in Jeff’s arms, gasping as the touches became more insistent. “Like that, you mean?” Jeff murmured in Jensen’s ear, his voice low and filled with heat.
Jared clapped his hand over his eyes. “And this is getting way too NC-17 for me. It’s like watching my dad get it on. Ok, dad, I’ll just go and get those pizzas. I promise to knock when I come back. I’d hate to interrupt the wooing process.” He turned and made for the door with his hand still over his eyes.
Just before Jared walked into the wall, Moe reached out and gently guided him towards the doorway. “Now, unless you want to be grounded for the next month, son, get your ass out of here. I’ve got me some serious wooing to do.” Jeff winked at him.
Jared laughed. “Sure thing, dad. Do you want me to hang a sock on the doorknob?” The laughter was short lived, as Curly picked up a brush and flicked paint all over him. Jared was still wiping his face as he closed the door, leaving the two men alone.
Jensen looked into Jeff’s brown eyes, the crinkles he loved were there as the firefighter smiled at him. Jensen could feel the warmth of Jeff’s body against his, and the gentle touches of the tentacles as they curled around him, holding him fast. “You planning on letting me go anytime soon?”
Jeff shook his head, “I’m planning on holding onto to you forever.”
Summary: For Jeff life as an Evolutionary Enhanced isn't easy. For a start there's the prejudice he faces daily, along with a constant struggle to find clothes that will fit over his tentacles. But these difficulties pale into insignificance when Jeff is faced with trying to woo the man of his dreams.
Disclamer: Here be fiction, folks. This isn’t real nor is it meant to reflect the relationship between the two men, whose names and faces I’m borrowing. This is my very own little take on reality or as I like to think of it now, the wrong trouser leg of time, where our universe and this one split apart, and this universe is bathed in a rosy pink hue.
Author’s Notes: First and foremost, my thanks go to my amazing beta
bigj52. There should be statues erected and sonnets written to this amazing woman. I can never fully express my gratitude at her endless patience in dealing with my scribbles. Once again I've been scrbbling for
spn_reversebang, and I want to thank my artist
beelikej for all her support and her amazing art.
The following Saturday saw the crew gathered in front of a rundown building. Richard yawned and rubbed at his eyes. “Ok, Jay. Remind me again why we’re here at the ass crack of dawn on our weekend off?” He looked at his co-worker blearily.
Jeff appeared at Richard’s shoulder, Larry draped around his shoulder. “We’re here to help our friend, Jared win the heart of his fair maiden, with hard work and the sweat of our brows.”
Richard frowned. “Dude, are you speaking English? What’s all this crap about the sweat of our brows? Can you stop all the Shakespeare until I’ve had a second cup of coffee?” he asked plaintively.
Jared appeared on Richard’s other side. “What Jeff was trying to say, is you guys are going to help me impress Gen, by offering to help fix this place up.” Jared pointed at the decrepit building with a smile.
The crew looked at the building thoughtfully. ”Jay, I know we’re good but we’re not miracle workers. I don’t know about fixing this place up. I think it would be easier to knock it down and start again.” Chad said to a chorus of agreement from the rest of the crew.
Jeff hefted the bag of tools on his shoulder and smiled. “Where is your sense of adventure? We’re Crew 67, we do the impossible every day. I’m sure we can fix this place up, no problem.” Jeff’s confident smile faded slightly, when the lights flickered and went out.
Rob laughed. “You heard our fearless leader. This is going to be easy. Looking on the bright side, at least when the place collapses on our heads, there’s a couple of hot nurses in there to take care of us.”
The door opened and Gen stepped outside. Her face lit up in a smile and she ran down the stairs towards Jared. He laughed as she ran into his arms, and he pulled her into a hug.
“Morning, babe. I hope you’ve left us something to do.” Jared said, as he kissed Gen on the lips.
“Believe me, there’s plenty left to do. I hope you guys are feeling energetic.” Gen stepped back and looked at the crew. “Thank you for volunteering to help us get the clinic set up. It’s been really hard with just the five of us working weekends.”
“When Jared told us what you were doing, we were only too willing to help.” Jeff smiled at her. “Now where do you want us to start?”
“Come on in, and I’m sure we’ll find all of you something to do.” Gen grabbed Jared’s hand, and headed up the steps to the front door.
As the firefighters stepped inside they looked round, if the outside was bad then inside was worse. The paint was peeling, exposing cracked plaster, and Jared had to duck out of the way of exposed electrical wiring hanging from the ceiling. “Like Chad said, I think it might be easier to condemn this place,” Rob said, as he narrowly avoided going through a rotten floorboard.
“Now, that’s no way to talk about St Jude’s Free Clinic! I admit the building might be a little shabby, but it’s nothing a lick of paint won’t cure,” an English accent informed them.
Jeff spun around, stunned to hear Mark’s voice, and he was even more shocked by the doctor’s appearance. If you’d asked Jeff a week ago if Mark owned any clothes other than suits, Jeff would’ve said no. But there was Mark wearing jeans. And holy crap, was that a Black Sabbath T-shirt? “What are you doing here?” Jeff stammered.
“Contrary to popular belief, I don’t spend all my weekends at the country club. This project is very close to my heart. And I’m not afraid to get my hands dirty. Right, Osric?” Mark asked as the young doctor walked into the clinic carrying a box.
“Doctor Sheppard’s been working with us most weekends,” Osric said as he walked past the firefighters, and put down the box he was carrying.
“Unless Mark’s busy fleecing the great and the good of Dallas.” Jensen’s arrival completely stunned Jeff. He watched open mouthed, as the nurse made his way into the room with his arms full of boxes.
“Hey Mark, where do you want these?” Jensen asked, as he stood by Jeff.
“Is it medical supplies, or stuff for the refit?”
“It’s boxes of out-of-date gauze, and bandages from the hospital,” Jensen replied.
“Then it needs to go over there in the supply cupboard.” Mark pointed to a room off to the side, and from where he stood Jeff could see inside. He saw metal shelving units filled with medical supplies.
As Jensen headed for the cupboard, Mark grinned at his co-worker. “Jensen, my dear boy, I don’t fleece people. I just gently persuade them to contribute to our cause. Can I help it if the ladies and gentlemen of the Dallas social set adore my accent, and love a good cause?” Mark brushed dust off his T-shirt and smiled innocently.
“Right. And your accent is how you convinced the Bishop to sign this place over to us?” Jensen said, as he deposited his box with the others, and came back into the main room.
Mark winked at Jeff. “Oh my darling, that’s easy. I’m the king of hell. Just ask Jeff.”
Jeff was still trying to process this latest turn of events. Jensen was the last person he wanted to bump into, especially after he’d ducked out of calling him. But here he was, large as life, and looking really fucking gorgeous. Jensen was wearing a pair of worn jeans that hugged his ass, and a grey Henley that defined his broad shoulders. As Jeff drank in how hot Jensen looked, he shot a suspicious look at Jared and the crew, unable to shake the feeling he’d been had.
Jeff realized Mark was still waiting for an answer, and painted a smile on his face. “After spending many happy hours being tortured, sorry, undergoing medical tests with Mark, the name came naturally. I swear you used to enjoy tormenting me way too much.” Mark was grinning evilly at him. “And is this the new headquarters of hell? Are we building you a new torture chamber?”
“No, Jeff. You and your crew of heroes are here to help us turn this place into a clinic. So we can treat the homeless, and the Evolutionary Enhanced who don’t have medical insurance.” Mark walked over and clapped Jeff on the shoulder.
Jeff knew just how hard it had been to get medical insurance after The Change, so many companies refused him due to his ‘medical’ condition. It didn’t matter what the medical reports said about him being in perfect health, he was deemed too great a risk. In the end the department had arranged medical cover for him. He smiled at his friend. “Ok, Mark. Where do you want us to start?”
“I’ll leave you in the capable hands of Jensen and Danni. It’s really their baby. I’m just here to provide the brawn and the dazzling medical skills.” Mark looked over his shoulder at Osric. “Come along, Osric. Those sinks won’t unblock themselves, and don’t forget the plunger.” He walked out of the room, and Osric scrabbled around in one of the boxes.
Osric stood up with a triumphant grin on his face. “I’ve got the plunger, Doctor Sheppard.” he shouted, waving it above his head.
“Marvellous, dear boy. Now come along and for pity’s sake, stop calling me Doctor Sheppard. When we’re here, it’s Mark.”
“Right, Doc…Mark, I’m coming.” Osric ran out of the room, and up the stairs after his mentor.
Danni came through another door. “Have fun, Osric, and try not to get your arm stuck down the toilet again.”
“Say that again?” Jared laughed.
“Osric was trying to reach a blockage down one of the toilets when he got stuck. We thought we were going to have to call you guys in.” Danni laughed melodically, as she recalled Jensen trying to free the young doctor.
Chad walked towards Danni, a smile on his face. “It would’ve been our pleasure to help,” Chad said smoothly, and flexed his biceps. “And I’m only too happy to work under…. you.” Chad smiled lasciviously at the red-haired nurse.
Danni smiled seductively and ran a finger down Chad’s cheek. “Oh, I’ve got the perfect job for a big strong firefighter like you.”
A little later the crew stood watching Chad cleaning out the drains in the yard. “You know, I think Chad has finally found his calling, don’t you?” Matt grinned as Chad flipped him the finger.
“Laugh it up, guys, but just remember I drove some of you over here. I’m sure if we drive back with the windows open, the smell won’t be all that bad.” Chad grinned as Richard, Rob and Jared gagged when they realized they were going to be trapped in his truck with him on the way home.
Jeff grinned and shook his head. “Ok, time to get back to work. Matt, how are the electrics coming along?”
“Not too bad. According to Danni, this place was already being refitted when the developer went broke. A lot of the rewiring’s already been done. I’m just tidying up downstairs so Rob can start plastering.”
“Good. Now how about the floors? Do we need to replace them?”
Richard answered. “Most of the flooring is salvageable. Me and Jared are cutting out the rotten floorboards and replacing them. And then we’re going to move on to the kitchen, and help with the work surfaces and cupboards.”
Jeff nodded, satisfied with how things were going. There was still a lot of hard work to do, but he was sure they’d soon be able to get the clinic up and running. “Ok, fun’s over. Let’s get back to work.” Jeff led the crew back inside and went in search of Danni.
He found the nurse in the supply cupboard, sorting through the boxes Jensen and Osric brought in earlier. Jeff picked up a pack of gauze. “Is this stuff safe to use? Jensen said it’s out of date.”
Danni took the pack off Jeff, and put it with the others. She pointed at the shelves. “Most of this would’ve been incinerated, as it’s close to or past the expiration date, but it’s all perfectly safe to use. We’re lucky Mark managed to convince the Hospital Administrators to let us have it.”
“You have to hand it to Mark. He’s one charming son of bitch when he wants to be. Now what can I do for you?” Jeff was still passing Danni packs of gauze, as Larry and Moe stacked shelves with boxes of gloves. Curly and Chad were opening another box, ready to pass up to Jeff.
Danni smiled at him. “I’m fine sorting out the inventory, but if you could help Jensen with our examination room, I’d be really grateful.”
Jeff had done his best to avoid Jensen for most of the morning. Whenever the nurse came into a room, Jeff managed to find something to do in another part of the building. But it seemed that he’d run out of places to hide. He managed a weak smile. “No problem. I’ll just go and help Jensen then.” Jeff turned and walked out of the supply cupboard.
Danni watched him go. “If you haven’t asked Jensen out by the end of the day, I’m locking the pair of you in the exam room until you get your heads out of your asses.”
Jeff stood outside the examination room, his stomach in knots. He had no idea how to face Jensen again. Jeff gathered his courage, and went inside to find Jensen balancing on a pair of ladders, painting the ceiling.
“Danni’s sent me to help. What can I do?”
Jensen smiled brightly at Jeff, and came down the ladder. “Great, an extra pair of hands.” Jensen’s eyes went wide as he looked at Jeff’s tentacles. “Oh god, I didn’t mean it like that. I just meant….”
Jeff grinned at him. “It’s ok. I know what you meant. You need a hand with the painting?” Jeff picked up a brush, and Moe picked up a tin of paint.
Jensen was still blushing. “Please, and when that’s done can you help me build these?” Jensen pointed at a pile of flat pack furniture.
“Flat pack? They’re the work of the devil. I always end up with screws left over. Half the time I read the plans upside down.” Jeff gave the boxes a dirty look.
“You’re one up on me. I never read the instructions. I built a bed once. When I lay on it the damn thing collapsed.” Jensen confessed.
“Why did it collapse?” Jeff said, laughing.
“How the hell was I supposed to know that tab A, should slot into tab R support struts? I kept wondering why I’d got so much wood left over.”
Jeff was laughing so hard tears rolled down his face. “Ok, remind me not to let up put any shelves up in here.”
Jensen looked at him grumpily. “I’m not that bad, and the shelves in the kitchen are alright.”
“You mean the shelves that have one end higher than the other? Jay and Rich are putting them right as we speak.” Jeff reached out and patted Jensen’s shoulder. “Jensen, you’re a great nurse, but your building skills leave a lot to be desired.” Jeff looked at the ceiling. “Now, are you sure you haven’t put the paint on upside down?”
Jensen looked up and frowned. “You can do that?” There was silence. “Why you…” Jensen turned and went to flick paint at Jeff.
Jeff raised his hands in surrender. “Sorry, I couldn’t resist that.” Jensen grinned at him and climbed back up the ladder.
They worked quietly for a while and Jeff started to relax. Jensen hadn’t brought up the call that never was. Maybe it was safe to have a conversation with him. “How long have you been working on this?”
Jensen stopped painting. “About four months. The first two months all we did was move crap out of here. The developer went bust, but at least he’d finished the structural work first. Can you imagine my attempts at bricklaying, when I put paint on upside down?”
Jeff laughed. “It would’ve been entertaining. Most of the crew do construction work on the side, so we can alter anything you need us to.” Jeff’s brush slowed, as he turned to look at Jensen. “What made you want to set up a free clinic?”
Jensen shrugged. “Don’t get me wrong. Me, Danni and Gen aren’t saints, but there’s so many people out there who fall through the cracks, we wanted to do whatever we could.” Jensen went quiet, and looked at the brush in his hand.
Jeff nodded. “We get to see that a lot as well. How did you convince Mark to come on board with the idea?”
“Actually Mark came to us. He heard what we were doing and offered to help. All he wanted in return was to be able to treat the Evolutionary Enhanced here.” Jensen bit his lip, and his face darkened with anger.
“You have no idea how much crap we had to wade through. Once the powers that be found out about that, Mark spent more time in courtrooms than exam rooms, but we got there in the end. We’re going to treat whoever needs us. There was a quiet pride in Jensen’s voice as he spoke, and Jeff began to think he might’ve misjudged the nurse.
Jensen looked down at Jeff and blushed. “Sorry about that. When I get started about this, I don’t know when to stop.”
“There’s nothing wrong with loving your job. I think it’s great what you’re doing here. I’m glad we could help,” Jeff told Jensen, and smiled warmly at him.
Jensen gave a half smile. “To be honest, I was really surprised to see you this morning.”
“Why’s that?”
Jensen shrugged. “I thought I’d come on too strong in the ER and you were avoiding me. But when I walked in this morning and you were here, I thought I might have a second chance.”
“A second chance at what?”
Jensen climbed down the ladder and walked over to Jeff. “A second chance to get to know you a little better.”
“Really? Why do you want to get to know me better?” Jeff’s heart was racing, almost dreading what Jensen was going to say to him.
Jensen blushed. “I might have a thing for hot older guys, who wear a uniform. When you limped into the ER, I thought all my fantasies had come true. I’m surprised I didn’t trip over my tongue.”
Jeff started to laugh.” What’s so funny?” Jensen shot him a bemused look.
Jeff scratched at his stubble and blushed. “I was avoiding you, because I thought you were only after me for my tentacles.”
Jensen stared at Jeff for a moment, and burst out laughing. “Seriously? You thought I was only after you for your tentacles! Oh man, that’s priceless. Do you know the first thing I noticed about you?”
“The ten-foot tentacle span?”
Jensen stepped right into Jeff’s personal space. “The first thing I noticed about you, was how damn sexy your voice was. Then I noticed your smile, and those adorable crinkles around your eyes. It was only when we were in the cubicle, I actually spotted the tentacles. Danni hasn’t let me live that down yet,” Jensen said as he slipped his arm round Jeff’s waist.
Jeff smiled, wrapped his arms around Jensen and pulled him closer. “So the first thing you noticed about me was how sexy my voice was,” Jeff whispered huskily into Jensen’s ear, making the other man shiver as his stubble rubbed against his cheek.
Jensen smiled. “Oh god, yeah. I could listen to you all day, but right now there’s one thing I’d like you to do for me.”
“Whatever you want, sweetheart.” Jeff’s breath was hot on Jensen’s skin, and the nurse tightened his grip on him.
“Shut up and kiss me.” Jensen turned his head, and brushed his lips against Jeff’s. At first the kiss was gentle, then Jensen sucked gently on Jeff’s bottom lip, pressing his firm body against Jeff’s.
Jeff growled softly and took control of the kiss, flicking his tongue between Jensen’s parted lips. Jeff moaned when Jensen sucked on his tongue, and tangled his fingers in Jensen’s hair. The tentacles, bored with missing out on all the fun decided to join in. Chad coiled round Jensen’s waist, and cupped his ass. Larry gently stoked Jensen’s back, and Curly and Moe wound themselves round his legs, and caressed his inner thighs.
Jensen arched into the touches, and finally broke the kiss when a lack of oxygen became an issue. He moaned as Curly crept a little higher. “Jesus, Jeff. Are you trying to kill me?” he panted against Jeff’s shoulder.
“Kill you? Hell, I’m just getting started.” Jeff was about to devour Jensen’s lips again, when the door banged open.
Jared burst into the room. “Hey, guys, we’re going for pizza. Do you want anything?” The tall firefighter grinned when he saw the two men embracing. They broke apart, looking flushed and disheveled
“Yeah, I want you to get the hell out of here, Padalecki,” Jeff growled, then took one look at Jared’s smug expression and asked, “Hang on. This whole thing was a set-up, wasn’t it?”
“And give that man a prize! Of course it was a set-up. If you weren’t moping, you were baking. It got so bad the Chief had to buy bigger pants. And Gen told me Jensen was acting like the coffee shop had banned him. We decided if you couldn’t get your act together and ask Jensen out, we’d give you a little help.”
Jeff was ready to apologize for his meddling friends, but the words died on his lips when he looked at Jensen again. He was flushed, his lips were kiss swollen, and he was trying to rearrange his clothing. Jeff thought it was a shame, as Jensen was only going to get rumpled again, as soon as Jared left the room.
“Of course, Jensen, Jeff is a gentleman. He doesn’t put out until the second date.” Jared winked at his Lieutenant.
“Really? That’s a shame. It was just getting interesting. So when’s our first date?” Jensen asked.
Jeff looked round the half painted room, “Well, we’ve had the awkward getting-to-know-you conversation. All that’s missing for this to be a first date is dinner.” Larry reached out, curled around Jensen and pulled him closer. “What kind of pizza do you like?”
Jensen grinned, guessing where Jeff was going with this. “I’ll have a Pepperoni, and hold the garlic bread. Do I get wine with my meal?”
“Would a six-pack be alright?”
Jensen pretended to think about it for a moment. “A six pack would be great. After all, painting is thirsty work.”
“That’s two Pepperonis, hold the garlic bread, and a six pack, please,” Jeff asked his colleague.
Jared snapped to attention and saluted. “Of course, Lieutenant, and while you’re eating your meal I’ll have the guys serenade you.”
“Only if you want to join Chad cleaning out the drains. I thought you guys wanted me to woo Jensen, not scar him for life.”
Jensen laughed.” So this is you wooing me? I was expecting some more fancy moves from Chad.”
Jeff turned as Chad coiled round Jensen’s hips, slid beneath the Henley and gently stroked his nipple, making it hard. Jensen squirmed in Jeff’s arms, gasping as the touches became more insistent. “Like that, you mean?” Jeff murmured in Jensen’s ear, his voice low and filled with heat.
Jared clapped his hand over his eyes. “And this is getting way too NC-17 for me. It’s like watching my dad get it on. Ok, dad, I’ll just go and get those pizzas. I promise to knock when I come back. I’d hate to interrupt the wooing process.” He turned and made for the door with his hand still over his eyes.
Just before Jared walked into the wall, Moe reached out and gently guided him towards the doorway. “Now, unless you want to be grounded for the next month, son, get your ass out of here. I’ve got me some serious wooing to do.” Jeff winked at him.
Jared laughed. “Sure thing, dad. Do you want me to hang a sock on the doorknob?” The laughter was short lived, as Curly picked up a brush and flicked paint all over him. Jared was still wiping his face as he closed the door, leaving the two men alone.
Jensen looked into Jeff’s brown eyes, the crinkles he loved were there as the firefighter smiled at him. Jensen could feel the warmth of Jeff’s body against his, and the gentle touches of the tentacles as they curled around him, holding him fast. “You planning on letting me go anytime soon?”
Jeff shook his head, “I’m planning on holding onto to you forever.”