Promises in the Dark
Title: Promises in the Dark
Author: Shane, Clayton & L
Pairing: Dean/Jensen
Rating: NC17
Warning: Slash, mentions of child abuse, sexual abuse, rape, assault with intent to kill.
Disclaimer: We own nothing.
Summary: After Sam is trapped in Hell, Dean gives up hunting and buys a ranch in Tyler, Texas. He hires a local boy, Jensen, to help him fix up the ranch and maintain it. Jensen is a beautiful young man with a dark past and a tortured fragmented mind. Jensen's best friend Nicole also has demon's from the past hunting her. Dean may need a miracle or his guardian angel, Castiel, to save them.
A/N: This story is dedicated to our friend K who is the light in dark places. We love you! S, C & L
Promises in the Dark
Dean woke up to the sound of a rooster crowing at 5:00 a.m. He reached for his gun seriously considering shooting the offending bird. He looked around the bedroom still not used to the idea of actually owning a home. He always slept on the right hand side of the bed even though the other side was empty. His hand brushed the cold empty expanse of sheet and he thought of Sam. It had been almost a year and he still looked for Sammy every morning when he woke up alone. Dean sighed, there was no going back to sleep now. He went through his morning ritual on auto pilot and walked into the large ranch house kitchen twenty minutes later. He cooked bacon and eggs smiling at the disgusted face Sam would have made as he ate his yogurt and fresh fruit. When he finished eating and cleaning up, he went out on the front porch and looked out over his ranch. His ranch. He still couldn't get used to that course he'd only been here a couple of days. The kid who had answered his ad was supposed to be here at 8:00 so he still had a couple of hours to do some clean up in the barn.
Jensen drove up to the Old Potter's Ranch now the Winchester ranch he reminded himself with a grin. His best friend, Nicole, had given him a pep talk before he left the apartment this morning. She had assured him that he could do this. Jensen was very good at reading people and being what they wanted him to be. He would find out what Dean Winchester wanted by talking to him and observing him and he would become whatever it was so that they would have a good working relationship. Dean would never know that Jensen was broken, that he wasn't real. He hadn't been real in a very long time.
Dean heard the engine and came out of the barn just in time to see Jensen get out of his truck and start walking toward the house. Dean called out to him to come to the barn. Jensen turned towards him and Dean felt his eyes go wide and his throat go dry. The young man walking towards him was beautiful. He was wearing well worn jeans and a checkered shirt. The closer he got, the harder Dean found it to breath. The boy's hair was golden blond and his skin was tanned. There was a welcoming smile on his face and a friendly light in his eyes as he met Dean's wide eyed gaze. The thought that the boy was an angel crossed Dean's mind as Jensen stopped right in front of him and held out his hand.
“Hi, Mr. Winchester. I'm Jensen. I'm here about the job.” Jensen grinned widely as he waited for Dean to respond.
Dean took the boys hand and felt a tingle from the contact that went straight to his cock, “Yeah, I know. I'm Dean. You're right on time. Let's go in the house and have some coffee.”
Dean released Jensen's hand and headed for the back door. Jensen stood for a moment his mind going through hundreds of options and outcomes of how this thing with Dean could work out. He knew Dean was attracted to him. He usually ran as fast as he could in the opposite direction of men who wanted him but Dean was incredibly handsome and he seemed like a kindred spirit. Jensen had seen that Dean's eyes were haunted by a past tragedy. Maybe this could work for both of them. He finally moved to follow Dean into the house.
Jensen caught up to Dean as he was pouring coffee in the large kitchen. He could still smell bacon in the air from Dean's breakfast.
“How do you take your coffee?” Dean asked not looking at him.
“I like cream and two sweeteners, if you have it.”
“I've got cream but no sweetener. That okay?” Dean turned and looked at Jensen who was standing a couple of feet away.
Jensen smiled sweetly at Dean,”Yeah, thanks Dean.” Jensen stepped forward to accept the mug from Dean. He brushed his fingers across Dean's as he took the cup and he heard Dean inhale sharply at the contact.
“Have a seat.” Dean waved a hand towards the large oak table in the dining room.
Jensen walked towards the table feeling Dean's eyes on him. He sat down and waited for Dean.
Dean took a deep breath before he followed Jensen to the table. He hadn't responded to anyone like that since he'd lost Sam. What was it about this guy that got him so worked up? He sat down looking at his coffee not at Jensen who was sitting across the table from him.
“Do you have any experience working on a ranch, Jensen?”
“Yeah, I've worked on the Evan's farm for the past several months. Their son just came back off the rodeo circuit so I need work. You can call em if you'd like. I'll give you the number.” Jensen smiled at Dean disarmingly.
“How old are you?” Dean asked staring into Jensen's emerald green eyes.
“I'm eighteen, I graduated from high school in May. How old are you?”
“I'm twenty eight not that it makes any difference. Why aren't you going to college?”
“Nicole wants me too but I don't do well with crowds of people. I'm not sure I'd fit in. I don't like the city. I like the open air and large spaces.” Jensen answered honestly.
“Is Nicole your girlfriend?”
“No. She's my best friend. When I came to town, she took me in and took care of me. She still does. I live with her. She's like the Mom I wish I'd had growing up.”
Jensen's eyes clouded with something that Dean couldn't quite read.
“Where are your parents?”
“They died in a fire.” Jensen was looking down at his coffee.
“I'm sorry.” Dean said and he meant it.
Jensen just nodded a little but didn't speak. He was fighting off the memories. This wasn't the time or place to be taken over by them. He took a couple of deep breaths and felt calm wash over him. Jenny looked up at Dean.
Dean met Jensen's gaze as he looked up and was a bit disconcerted by what he saw there. Half lidded eyes full of promise, soft full lips parted and curved into an inviting smile.
“So what do you think, Cowboy. Wanna take me on?” Jenny's voice was soft and breathy like Marilyn Monroe.
Dean met the open invitation in Jensen's eyes and was taken aback. What was going on here? He cleared his throat and tried to ignore his hardening cock. “How about we work together today and see how we both feel tonight about the arrangement?” Dean thought that sounded reasonable.
“You've got a deal.” Jenny purred and reached across to shake Dean's hand.
Dean took the proffered hand and noticed how Jensen held the contact longer than was necessary and smiled at him coyly. The crotch of his jeans was suddenly uncomfortably tight and the air felt thin in the room. Jensen released his hand and stood in a graceful feline move. Dean stood up and walked past him all too aware of Jensen's body being so close that he could reach out and grab him. As Jenny followed Dean out of the house, he smiled to himself. This was going to be easy. Dean not only wanted him, he needed him. Jenny knew exactly how to give a man what he needed.
“Let's saddle up and get to work on the fence line. That will fill our whole day.”
Dean said gruffly heading for the barn.
Jenny followed obediently behind enjoying the view of Dean's pert ass in faded blue jeans.
Dean walked in the barn and got Led and Zep out of their stalls. He introduced Jensen to the horses. Then he went to the tack room for their gear.
Jenny was petting the horses as he returned, “You named your horses after Led Zeppelin! That's cool!”
“You a fan?”
“Of course, who isn't?” Jenny exclaimed giving Dean a smile that should be illegal.
Sammy wasn't a fan, Dean thought. He was unaware of the sorrow that showed on his face until Jenny stepped up to him and asked him if he was okay. Dean said he fine and they started to get the horses ready for the day.
Dean started to put his foot in the stirrup and Jenny said, ”I wouldn't do that just yet. Zep is puffing himself up. The girth needs to be tightened.”
Dean huffed and put his foot in the stirrup. He started to pull up but the world tilted and he ended up under Zep on his back. Zep let out a horse laugh and Dean thought again of the gun under his pillow. Jenny was on his knees pulling Dean out from under the horse and untangling his foot from the stirrup.
“Are you okay?” Jenny was all wide eyed concern and Dean couldn't stop staring up at his mouth.
Jenny looked down at Dean and purred, “How about a kiss to make it better?” He leaned down and sweetly kissed Dean's lips. When he pulled back, he asked, “How do you feel now?”
“Like Spiderman after that upside down kiss.” Dean answered without thinking.
Jenny gave him a beautiful open smile that lit up his eyes and made him glow as he moved so Dean could get up.
*-*-*
Four hours later, Dean and Jenny were hot, hungry and needed a break. “Let's head back to the house for lunch.” Dean suggested.
“Sounds good to me, Cowboy.”
They packed up their tools and headed back to the house.
They made their way into the kitchen, “I've got fixings for sandwiches. You like turkey and ham?”
“Sure. Do you need any help? I'm pretty good in the kitchen course I'm better in the bedroom.” Jenny purred softly looking up at Dean from under his long thick lashes.
Dean felt the Dom in him coming to the surface. It had been a long while but Christ, this guy just pushed all his buttons. He growled and pushed Jenny back until he came in contact with the wall. With one had he pinned Jenny's arms above his head. Jenny tilted his head back to expose the long curve of his neck to Dean. He was breathing hard and biting his lip in anticipation. Dean was rock hard just looking at him offering himself so willingly. Dean leaned in and licked up Jenny's neck. Jenny made a needy kitteny sound and pushed his hips forward so Dean's gaze was drawn to the obvious bulge in the crotch of his jeans.
Something broke loose in Dean at that moment, “What's your safe word?”
“Time.”
Dean leaned in and kissed the juncture of Jenny's neck and shoulder before biting down hard. Jenny's whole body convulsed and Dean smiled as he licked and kissed the spot to sooth the ache. He stepped back releasing Jenny's hands. Jenny kept them above him head letting Dean look at him. Dean wanted him but something was holding him back. Jenny knew he needed to give Dean a moment.
Just then, Jenny's cell phone rang breaking the spell. Jenny whined, took a deep breath then answered the phone. It was Nicole checking in to see how things were going. He told her everything was fine and that he had to go. He looked at Dean but he was making their sandwiches and the moment was gone.
Dean was wondering what the hell he had been thinking. This kid was ten years younger than him. He barely knew him and he wanted him so fucking bad it hurt! He had to get his head on straight. The kid was here to work. Dean had to hold it together. He finished the sandwiches and got out two beers to go with them. When he went to the table with their meal, Jensen was looking up at him with a big open smile.
“Thanks for making lunch, Dean. I really do know how to cook. If you want, I could do some cooking for you.” He looked at Dean with a big earnest smile.
Dean was once again off balance. Where was the breathy voice and the bedroom eyes? “I've got steak and potatoes for dinner tonight. Maybe you could give me a hand with that. I really don't enjoy eating alone. It would be nice to have some company.”
“I'm good at grilling steaks and Nicole says my mashed potatoes are to die for. I'd like to stay for dinner, thanks Dean.” Jensen favored Dean with another dazzling smile.
*-*-*
As Jensen and Dean put the horses away they talked about some of the things that needed to be done to get the ranch ready for the winter to come. Dean was surprised at how easy it was to talk to the boy. He felt at ease with him like they had known each other for years. When they got in the house, Dean suggested that they both shower before starting dinner. He offered to loan Jensen a pair of jeans and a shirt since he didn't have an extra set of clothes with him. Jensen accepted and they got cleaned up.
*-*
Dean couldn't wait to dig into the steak and potatoes. The scent of them was heavenly. He looked across the table at the beautiful boy who had cooked the meal and smiled widely at him. Jensen smiled back and blushed under the intensity of Dean's gaze. They were both extremely hungry and they ate in near silence just enjoying every morsel of the food. Dean was impressed. The steak was perfectly cooked and the potatoes were amazing. He was very pleased he'd taken Jensen up on the offer to cook for him.
They were cleaning up when Jensen's phone rang. It was Nicole seeing if he was okay and when he was coming home. He told her he was helping Dean clean up after dinner and would be back soon.
“Your friend seems to be worried about you.” Dean observed.
“Yeah, she's like a mother hen with one chick. She is always fussing over me. I don't really mind though. It's nice to know that someone cares if you're alive.” Jensen said an odd look darkening his green eyes.
“She sounds like a good person.” Dean said trying to read Jensen's eyes.
“She's the best. She looks out for me. She's the only person who ever has.” Jensen was looking down now trying not to let the past overwhelm him.
“What about your parents? Didn't they look after you?” Dean asked.
“I don't talk about them.” Jense's voice was hollow and when he looked up his eyes were cold green glass. “I really need to go, Mr. Winchester. I'll be back at 8:00 a.m. if that is agreeable with you.”
“You're a good worker and you seem to know more about horses and ranches than I do. I'd like you to come back.” Dean said truthfully wondering why he was Mr. Winchester all the sudden. He made a mental note that the parents were a sore spot as he saw the blond boy out the door. He stood on the porch and watched Jensen leave. He wondered about the boy's past and the strange way he had acted today.
*-*-*-*
A month had passed and Dean knew now that if his assistant called him Dean he should respond to Jensen, for Cowboy or Handsome it was Jenny, for Mr. Winchester it was Jense. The boy had mercurial moods but he was a good worker and a great cook. There had been a few kisses when Jenny was around but something always seemed to interrupt and things had never gotten out of control between them.
One day they had worked until the sun was setting fixing the fence line on the south side of the ranch. Dean had told Jenny it was time to call it a day and they had put the tools away in the back of the farm truck. Dean had sat in the bed of the truck with his back against the built in tool boxes. He called to Jenny to sit with him and watch the sunset. Jenny climbed up between his legs and leaned back against Dean's broad chest. Dean wrapped his arms around Jenny and pulled him back against him. Nothing had felt this right since he had lost Sam. Jenny leaned back against him melting into Dean's embrace. He felt so safe when Dean held him like the demons of the past couldn't touch him when Dean was with him. They stayed that way until the last rays of light dipped below the horizon.
"I wish we could stay like this forever." Jenny purred softly.
"Me too, Jenny," Dean whispered lovingly against his neck.
*-*-*
Dean and Jensen shared a love of horror films and for the past three Friday nights Jensen had stayed after dinner to watch a classic horror film with Dean. Nicole would send a special treat for him to share with Dean each Friday. Tonight it was a platter of chocolate chip, peanut butter and oatmeal raisin cookies. They had just finished watching Return of the Living Dead and were cleaning up after themselves when Jensen said, “Nicole would like to meet you, Dean. Would that be okay with you?”
“Yeah, I'd like to meet the lady who makes all these awesome deserts. You think she'd like to come over for a Bar-B-Que tomorrow around 1:00?”
Jensen's face lit up with a huge glowing smile, “I'm sure she would love it. Thanks Dean!” Jensen hugged Dean and pulled back to smile at him again. “Is there anything you'd like us to bring?”
“Well, I am partial to your mashed potatoes.” Dean answered returning the smile.
“You've got it! We'll see you tomorrow at 1:00.”
*-*-*-*
Dean watched Jensen and Nicole get out of the truck and was stunned for a moment. He had expected a matron and was seeing a blond bombshell. Not that Nicole was dressed provocatively. She had on a button down oxford shirt, loose fitting jeans and cowboy boots but you could tell she had curves in all the right places despite that. He watched as she and Jensen got some things out of the truck and headed towards his front door. He met them there with a warm smile.
“Hi Nicole, it's good to meet you. I've heard lots of good things but Jensen forgot to include beautiful in his description. Let me take that for you.” Dean took a large pan out of her hands.
“It's nice to meet you too. Believe me Jensen didn't leave out the word gorgeous in his description of you.” Nicole smiled at him sweetly.
“Nic!” Jensen exclaimed shooting her a look.
“It's okay, Baby, I'm sure Dean has heard that before.” Nicole gently brushed back a lock of Jensen's hair.
“Let's get everything set up on the deck. It's still warm enough to eat out there.” Dean changed the subject and steered everyone outside.
The meal went smoothly. Dean had done a great job with the burgers, kabobs and chicken. Jensen's potatoes were awesome and Nicole's peach cobbler was heavenly. After they had cleaned up, Jensen exchanged a look with Nicole and announced he was going out to see Led and Zep. Dean and Nicole settled on the couch.
“Dean, I'm sure you have noticed that Jensen is different.” Nicole's warm blue eyes met Dean's.
“Yeah, he seems to have some pretty defined mood swings and personality shifts. He's a hard worker though and no matter the mood, he gets the job done.” Dean couldn't help but stare a little cause Nicole was lovely.
“He likes you a lot, Dean. He talks about you all the time. I can't help but worry. You're older than Jensen and you could hurt him. I guess I'm asking you what your intentions are.” Nicole held his gaze, she wouldn't back down. Jensen was too important to her.
“How about a little quid pro quo. You tell me how you and Jensen met and became such close friends and I'll answer your question.” Dean kept his gaze on her.
“Alright. I met Jensen at a support group in town. I came here because I needed a new start. Something happened to me that changed my life. I was very close to giving up on living but I found the support group and the man who runs it gave me hope. I'd been in the group for several months when Jensen showed up. He ended up sitting by me. He didn't speak during group. Afterwords I asked if he'd like to go to the diner with me. He was painfully thin and so quiet. We spent the next four hours at that diner sharing our stories. He had nowhere to go and I had a two bedroom apartment. He came home with me and we've been a family ever since. Your turn, Dean.” Nicole looked at him expectantly.
“I was a private investigator. I had a partner. His name was Sam. We were lovers. He died about a year ago and I got out of the business. I wandered around for a while. I was looking for something, maybe just a reason to keep breathing. I found this place and I decided to settle here and rebuild this place and my life. Jensen came along and before I knew it he was important to me. I was looking forward to seeing him. I'd been pretty numb since I lost Sam. Jensen has made me feel again. I want to get to know him. I want to see if there's a chance for something more between us.”
Nicole surprised Dean when she gently took his hand, “I know Jensen would like that Dean but I beg you to be gentle with him. You can't imagine what he's been through. I just don't want to see him hurt.”
“It was his parents, wasn't it. They damaged him.” Dean stated holding Nicole's gaze.
“He told you?” Nicole asked her eyes widened in shock cause Jensen never talked about his parents except in group.
“No, but the clues are there and I am good at reading people. It was part of my job. What did they do to him?”
Dean saw a deep sorrow in Nicole's eyes and he put a hand over hers but she was already pulling away and shutting down.
“I promised Jensen long ago that I would never speak of his past. It is his story to tell not mine. I'm going to go check on him.” Nicole fled the room and was practically running as she went out the back door.
Dean felt cold tendrils of dread spreading throughout his stomach. He had guessed that Jensen had a dark past but now he felt that it must have been even worse than he imagined. He was going to get to the bottom of this. He had to know what had harmed Jensen so deeply.
*-*-*-*
Dean walked out of the library in Longview, Texas with more questions than answers. Jensen was from Garland, Texas. His mother's family had been old oil money and his father's family had been politicians and actors. The story of their deaths in an accidental house fire had made front page news along with a follow up story about the mysterious disappearance of their son who was believed to have been kidnapped even though no ransom demand was ever made. The reporter had spoken to a woman who had been housekeeper for the couple for several years. She had been very distraught over Jensen's disappearance.
Dean had called her saying he was an investigator from the parent's insurance agency trying to locate Jensen. Mrs. Martin had talked to him freely about her time working for Jensen's parents. She told him about the bruises and broken bones. She told him how the boy would be locked away for days with no food only tap water from the bathroom. She hinted at sexual abuse as well with her eyes down cast and tears dripping off her chin. She told him how people had said the fire was God's retribution for what they had done to their son. Dean broke a little more inside with every word.
Dean's heart was heavy as he got off the phone. Jensen had grown up in a hell of abuse. Dean was sure he had just scratched the surface of what had been done to the boy. He drank until he passed out that night and didn't set the alarm. He woke up to the sound of Jensen's voice calling his name. He opened his eyes and looked up into Jensen's concerned gaze.
“Dean, are you sick? Do you need to go to the doctor?” Jensen asked looking scared.
“No. I just had too much to drink last night. I forgot to set the alarm. Give me fifteen minutes and I'll meet you in the kitchen.”
“Okay.” Jensen answered softly and walked out of the room.
Dean took a deep breath. He could this. He was a hunter and he could do this!
Promises In The Dark The Conclusion
Dean Jensen
Jenny Nicole
