Kept!verse: Make me a match
This is the third story in my Kept!verse, in which Jeff's a billionaire, Jensen's a princess and Jared's the long suffering bodyguard. It follows Pre-prepared
Title: Make me a match
Author:
tabbyshhh
Wordcount: 5618
Rating: R
Characters/Pairings: Jeffrey Dean Morgan/Jensen Ackles, Jared Padalecki/Tom Welling
Warnings: RPS, AU
Spoilers: None
Disclaimer: None of this is real. As far as I Know Jeff isn’t a billionaire, Jensen isn’t a princess and Jared isn’t a bodyguard.
Summary: Jensen starts college and meddles in Jared’s love life.
Notes: Thanks to everyone who commented on the previous stories in this verse.
Jared wanders into the kitchen, hoping Helen will be there to feed him. Instead he finds Jeff.
“Today’s Jensen’s first day at college.” Jeff tells him, Jared can’t quite decide if he looks nervous or irritated.
“Yep.” Jared agrees. Jensen’s talked about nothing else for weeks.
“From now on you’re going to be assigned to protect him at college so you need to learn his schedule and…”
“Hang on.” Jared interrupts. “I thought you said he didn’t have to take security to class.” Now that Jeff was spending more time with Jensen, Jensen’s temper seemed to have calmed significantly, but the last few weeks had been filled with screaming and throwing things as Jensen tried to convince Jeff he didn’t need a bodyguard everywhere he went. Apparently he’d failed.
“He doesn’t like driving so you’ll take him to class and pick him up, you just won’t sit in the class with him.”
“So I’m going to be his driver?”
“You’re getting paid the same.” Jeff replies shortly.
“I’m not complaining.” Jared’s not used to seeing Jeff so ill tempered, he’s usually the calm in the storm that is Jensen. “Is he ok with it?”
“He’ll get used to the idea. He calmed down when I promised you’d be assigned to the job and not Sterling or Charles.” Jeff sighs. “I need him to be safe.”
“He’ll be fine.” Jared promises. “I’ll take him to classes, bring him home, and tag along to the library and stuff if he’ll let me. I’ll speak to Campus security too.”
“Thanks, Jared.” Jeff nods, drinking some more coffee.
“Hey.” Jensen practically bounces into the room and Jared can’t help but smile at his enthusiasm. “Are you ready to go?”
“Yep.” Jared nods, keeping his smile bright to hide how tense Jeff seems. “Got your lunch money? An apple for the teacher?”
“Shut up!” Jensen grins at him. “Jeff, relax, your shoulder’ll start aching if you tense up like that. I made your favourite coffee.”
“I noticed.” Jeff nods, a cup of coffee gripped firmly in his hands.
“Everything’s going to be fine. Tell him, Jared.” Jensen implores.
“I already did.” Jared promises, grinning at Jensen. “Besides, how many lunatics can there be on one college campus?” Jensen had elected to study art. No one had been particularly surprised as Jensen had his own art studio in the house and spent hours locked inside painting and drawing. Both the house and Jeff’s office are filled with Jensen’s work. Jensen has also explained to Jared that no matter what Jeff might say he doesn’t really like the idea of Jensen getting a job so there’s no point studying anything like business. “Have you got your schedule?”
Chris had accompanied Jensen to his induction and been there while he’d picked his classes because Jared had taken some time off to visit his parents in Texas.
“Yeah.”
“Can I get a copy?”
“Why?” Jensen looks at him with his eyes narrowed.
“So I can talk to Singer and get my shifts arranged so you don’t get stuck with Sterling chauffeuring you around. I don’t think either of you would be happy with that situation.” Jared grins. Jensen’s stand off with Sterling is legendary. They don’t exactly hate each other but they don’t get along at all. Sterling just doesn’t get Jensen’s dry sense of humour and hates trailing around while Jensen shops or paints. He prefers being assigned to Jeff which suits Jared perfectly because although he has no problem with Jeff he finds business meetings interminably boring.
“I’ll get you one.” Jensen agrees eventually. “Ok, I need to go.” He kisses Jeff on the mouth and smiles at him sweetly. “Try to calm down, ok? I promise I’ll make it home in one piece.”
“Ok.” Jeff relaxes his shoulders incrementally and Jensen rewards him with a bright smile and another kiss. Jared gives him a cheery wave and grabs an apple out of the fruit bowl, following Jensen out to the garage.
“Wow.” He grins at Jensen. “I didn’t think he’d be so uptight about it.”
“The police still haven’t caught whoever shot him.” Jensen reminds Jared with a tight smile. The police have some leads but nothing that can lead them to an arrest just yet. KSS are also investigating the shooting, Chris is spending a lot of his time on that but Jared had declined. He wants them to catch whoever shot Jeff but he doesn’t really have any interest in playing detective, he’d rather continue to hang out with Jensen. Besides, they haven’t had any more letters for a while.
They climb into the Lexus SUV Jeff had bought specially for Jensen to use for college. Jared had been under the impression that Jensen was planning to drive it himself.
“Haven’t driven for years.” Jensen shrugs and Jared realises he must have spoken out loud.
“I know.” Jared nods. “But it’d be a good way to get some of your independence back.”
“He’d only have me followed.” Jensen smiles weakly. “I don’t think he means to be so overbearing….”
“He just loves you.” Jared agrees. There’s no doubt in his mind that it’s true, Jeff would do anything for Jensen. He’s cut his work load down a lot since he got shot, so he can spend more time with Jensen, doing things that don’t relate to work or charity. They went on vacation again and Jensen came back happier than Jared can ever remember him being in the two years he’s known him.
They lapse into companionable silence for the drive into the city, Jensen’s tapping his foot nervously and Jared just leaves him to it. He pulls into a parking space at the college, planning to go and speak to campus security when he’s dropped Jensen off.
“I have a couple of classes.” Jensen informs him. “So can you pick me up from here at 2?”
“Sure.” Jared nods.
“Thanks. Oh, and can you get these books for me?” Jensen hands him a crumpled list.
“Dude, I’m your bodyguard not your assistant.” Jared grins. “But it’s not like I have anything else to do. Go on, get gone.” He grins as Jensen shuffles out of the car, looking a little nervous but heads off towards the lecture theatre with a sense of purpose.
Jared whiles away the four hours quite pleasantly, getting Jensen’s books first and then heading over to speak to campus security. They’ve already spoken to Singer about his presence and once he assures them he is not armed, more because Jensen would pitch a fit than because Jared doesn’t like to carry concealed, they promise to keep him in the loop with any happenings on campus. He leaves them his contact details and heads to get lunch on campus. He catches sight of Jensen heading towards a different building with a guy, can’t see much of him as they’re facing the opposite direction but he’s glad Jensen seems to have made a friend already.
Jensen’s first few weeks at college pass by quickly. Jared’s enjoying being assigned to watch Jensen, really he only drives him around and waits for him. He never went to college himself so it’s pretty cool to hang out on campus. A few times he’s gotten involved in games of pick up football in the quad or found himself in the library reading books on military history. Jensen smirks when he tells him what he’s been doing, but tells him seriously that he should apply for college. Jared would but he likes his job and can’t think of anything he’d rather do that would involve a college degree.
Jensen seems to have made friends in a few of his classes and Jared’s glad to see he’s less isolated, even when he has to point blank refuse to do a background check on Jensen’s friends without his knowledge when Jeff requests it. Jeff’s furious but when Jensen finds out his blow up completely eclipses Jeff’s and it ends with Jeff apologising to Jared for being unreasonable. Jared gets them both to compromise and speaks to campus security, who tell him that the people he’s asking about don’t have any outstanding warrants or serious previous convictions. That’s good enough for Jared and it seems to appease Jeff.
“So, Jeff’s going on a business trip this weekend.” Jensen tells Jared while they sit in the kitchen eating a late lunch. Both Jeff and Jensen are great cooks, and when they’re not around Jared can usually get fed by Helen, their housekeeper. He can’t remember the last time he used his own stove.
“Yeah.” Jared nods, he knows Jeff’s going away. Sterling and Charles are going with him. It’s the first time in a while that Jeff’s been away without Jensen, but he has classes and Jeff won’t be back until Wednesday. They both seem pretty relaxed about it.
“So, on Saturday, I’m going out for a drink with Tom. You want to come?”
“It’s Jared’s day off on Saturday.” Jeff reminds him.
“I don’t have to pay him to spend time with me.” Jensen scowls at Jeff. “I don’t need security and if I do I’ll take Chris.” It’s true, Jared has hung out with Jensen a few times when he wasn’t working. He likes the older man’s company, and really he doesn’t know that many other people in San Francisco.
“I’ve never met Tom before.” Jared interrupts. He’s met all of Jensen’s friends except the illusive Tom Welling, who he’s seen from behind and heard Jensen talk about a lot.
“I know.” Jensen grins. “You’ll love him. He’s exactly your type.”
“What?” Jared tries not to choke on his food. Ok, so he’s not in the military anymore but it’s still a shock when someone mentions his sexuality like that. Although, he guesses it’s pretty crazy to think Jensen cares that he’s bi.
“Tall, dark and handsome.” Jensen nods.
“That’s your type.” Jared scoffs, grinning when Jeff shakes his head with a smile.
“I don’t have a type.” Jensen responds. It’s pretty accurate, Jensen doesn’t have eyes for anyone other than Jeff. If Jared points someone out Jensen will agree they’re good looking, but usually points out why he prefers Jeff. It’d be cute if it wasn’t so sickening.
“Whatever.” Jared shakes his head. “I don’t know man…”
“Come on.” Jensen needles. “It’s been months since you broke up with Sandy.”
“Jensen.” Jeff tutts warningly.
“No.” Jensen shakes his head impatiently. “I know it hurt, man, but you don’t do anything anymore. You don’t see any of your old friends because you might bump into her, and that’s fine, I have no problem with you hanging out with me. But you’ve got to admit, it’s a pretty sorry state of affairs when my social life’s better than yours.” Jensen grins at him. Jared can’t help but laugh, he knows Jensen’s right and he’s just trying to help. “Tom’s really cool and really hot. You’ll like him. Right, Jeff?”
“He’s a nice guy.” Jeff agrees.
“You’ve met him?” Jared asks.
“Couple of times.” Jeff nods.
“He’s not going to let this drop is he?”
“He’s not used to being told no, are you baby?” Jeff drops a kiss on the top of Jensen’s head on the way past to put his plate in the dishwasher. For a billionaire Jared thinks Jeff is pretty domesticated.
“C’mon.” Jensen whines. “It’ll totally be fun. And Jeff said we can take the Lamborghini.” That’s clearly Jensen’s trump card. The Lambo is brand new and no one but Jeff has driven it so far.
“Really?” Jared asks Jeff.
“I’ve been persuaded.” Jeff agrees with a sigh. Jared grins, he can only imagine what Jensen had done to get Jeff to agree to that.
“Ok.” Jared nods. It’s not like he has anything else to do with his Saturday night anyway. “But you have to cook me dinner.” He adds.
“Hey, I’m doing you a favour, setting you up with a hot guy and I have to feed you too?” Jensen asks. Jared just turns the puppy eyes on him and Jensen relents immediately. “Quit it.” He instructs. “Fine, I’ll cook for you. This is going to be great. I’ve got some work to do. See you tomorrow, Jared.” Jensen spares a kiss for Jeff and bounds out of the room, presumably in the direction of his studio.
“Since when is he cupid?” Jared asks, putting his plate in the dishwasher and setting it going since it’s full.
“He just wants to see you happy.” Jeff grins.
“Yeah, yeah.” Jared grumbles. “Have fun on your business trip man, I’ll see you when you get back. Better bring him something nice or he’ll have your balls on a plate.”
“Don’t I just know it?” Jeff grins and lets Jared leave.
When he gets back to the house on Saturday evening the silver Lamborghini Concept S is waiting on the driveway.
“Man, I cannot believe you get to drive this baby before me.” Chris drawls, breaking away from his inspection of the car.
“Let Jensen try and match make you with some guy and you might get to drive the next car first.” Jared grins.
“Guys aren’t really my thing.” Chris grins back. “But some of his girlfriends are pretty hot.”
“Like who?”
“That Kristin chick.”
“She’s on another planet, man.” Jared laughed. He agreed with Chris that Kristin was beautiful, and she was just his type - petite, with long dark hair and dark eyes - but she was also incredibly flighty and prone to making caustic comments about the people in her vicinity.
“Like I care.” Chris gives him a toothy grin.
“I’ll put in a good word for you next time I see her.” Jared promises.
“Jared?” Jensen calls when he steps into the house. “Get your ass in here so we can eat and get going.”
“Duty calls.” Jared grins and leaves Chris to admire the car. “Hey.” He sits down at the island in the kitchen and tucks into the food immediately. “This is good.”
“You’d eat dog food as long as someone else prepared it for you.” Jensen retorts, rolling his eyes.
“Don’t get pissy with me just because Jeff isn’t here to take it.”
“Shut up.” Jensen flicks a pea at him and laughs when it hits him square on the forehead.
“Dude! Don’t throw food at me when we’re going out.” Jared pretends to look put out and Jensen just grins at him. He’s glad Jen seems so laid back, he doesn’t think that it will last until Wednesday though, knows that Jensen doesn’t sleep as well without Jeff so he’ll be tired and temperamental by the time he returns from his trip.
The bar they go to is one they’ve been to before, and Jared’s been a few times after work with Chris. Enough times that the bartender knows both Jensen and Jared and sets a bottle of beer in front of Jared and a glass of wine in front of Jensen.
“Thanks.” Jensen grins at him and the bartender winks. “Seen Tom?” He asks. Jared starts a little, he hadn’t realised the bartender would know the guy.
“He’s in the pool room with Mike.” The bartender jerks his head in the direction of the room.
“Great, thanks.” Jensen shoots him another winning smile and Jared watches the guy all but swoon.
“Jeff’ll kick your ass if he finds out you’ve been flirting.” Jared reminds him. Jensen can’t help it, he has two modes, either shy as hell or ridiculously flirty.
“So don’t tell him.” Jensen grins. “Anyway, I wasn’t flirting, I was just being friendly.”
“Sure.” Jared nods agreeably.
“Mmmhmm. Umm, Mike is…well, just don’t take offence to anything he says, ok? He’s nuts but he usually means well.” Jensen explains.
“Ok.” That doesn’t sound good, Jared thinks as they walk through the door to the pool room.
“Jensen!” Jared has to suppress the urge to step in front of Jensen as a guy barrels towards him, reminding himself he’s not on duty and Jensen doesn’t seem bothered.
“Hi Mike.” Jensen extracts himself from the hug. “This is Jared.”
“Wow.” Mike looks him up and down. “You’re tall.”
“Umm, thanks.” Jared shakes his hand.
“Jay, this is Tom.” Jensen introduces. Jared can tell it’s taking a lot of effort for him not to look smug and he can see why. Tom is definitely all Jensen promised he would be. Tall, dark and ridiculously handsome.
“Hey.” Jared grins, trying not to be blinded by the wide smile that’s flashed his way. God, if this works out Jensen is going to own him and he knows it, he can see the looks Jensen is shooting his way.
“It’s good to finally meet you.” Tom nods. “Jen talks about you a lot.”
“Mostly complaining.” Jensen interrupts. “Who’s winning?”
“Tom.” Mike replies, sounding disgruntled. “But he’s cheating.”
“Being better than you isn’t cheating.” Tom rejoins.
Jared realises he’s having fun after about an hour. He doesn’t drink, after the first beer, because he doesn’t drink and drive and definitely not with a car as expensive as the one waiting outside for them. Mike is crazy, like Jensen said, but it’s mostly harmless and he makes Jensen laugh. They snark and bitch at each other but it’s all in good humour and Jared’s just glad to see Jensen smiling. He hadn’t actually realised how worried he was about how Jensen was going to react to Jeff being away.
Tom is…Well, Tom is gorgeous. He’s quiet and softly spoken, but he carries himself with an air of confidence that reminds Jared of Jeff for some reason. He tells Jared he’s 31, that he got divorced a couple of months ago and decided to go back to school to study art. When Jared asks when he met Jeff, Tom waves it off and says it was before he started school, through some charity work he was doing. Jared likes him a lot, it feel easy chatting to him, like there’s no pressure. Jared had loved Sandy with all his heart, but he always felt the need to make sure he was happy, that she was ok with where they were and what they were doing. He doesn’t feel that pressure right now.
Jensen and Mike disappear to the bar. Jensen’s tipsy, not drunk but on his way there. Jared has to admit he quite likes Jensen when he’s had a drink. He gets silly and his sense of humour comes out in full force, biting wit and all, but he’s a good drunk, Jared’s never seen him lose his temper when he’s had a drink. Jared sometimes considers spiking Jensen’s coffee with whisky, although he never actually would, and thinks Jeff must have thought about it in the past too.
“He’s not made of glass.” Tom says softly, and Jared realises he’s been staring at the door, waiting for Mike and Jensen to get back.
“Sorry.” Jared smiles ruefully. “It’s just habit. I’m not even working right now.” He doesn’t want Tom to think he has a thing for Jensen because he doesn’t. He’s well aware that Jensen is the best looking man Jared’s ever likely to meet, although Tom is pretty close in that department, but even if Jensen wasn’t completely head over heels for Jeff, Jared doesn’t think he could deal with the older man’s mood swings and insecurities as anything other than a friend. At least that way he can go home and get away for a while.
“He’ll be fine.” Tom nods firmly. “What’s the worst that could happen between here and the bar?” Jared doesn’t let his brain answer that question, because he doesn’t want to think about it. Jensen is a grown man, and he’s no weakling in his own right. He’s not on his own and he’s in a familiar place. Tom’s right, he will be fine.
“Yeah.” Jared grins. “And if he got kidnapped they’d give him back after thirty seconds of his bitching and moaning.”
“Hey.” Jensen puts Jared’s coke glass down in front of him. “I do not bitch and moan.” Jared, Tom and Mike all look at him incredulously. “Well, not all the time.” Jensen adds with a sloppy grin.
“How’s Jeff?” Tom asks.
“He’s good.” Jensen gets a dreamy smile on his face and Mike pretends to vomit. Jared can’t help but smile, it’s good for Jensen to have friends who don’t take him too seriously. The only person he’s ever seen really take Jensen to task is Steve, who’s been Jensen’s friend since he moved to San Francisco, but he’s away touring a lot of the time. “He’s in New York until Wednesday.”
“On business?” Tom asks.
“Yep.” Jensen nods and sips at his wine. “Something about a corporate takeover bid. I listened when he was telling me but it was mostly jargon.” Tom smiles and nods while Mike rolls his eyes.
“Are you planning to join the land of the gainfully employed one day?” He asks Jensen.
“Probably not.” Jensen replies honestly. “Unless it’s something I really want to do. I have all my charity obligations and once I’m done with school I’ll be able to go on trips with Jeff again.” Mike starts rattling on about a business trip he went on to Hong Kong, Jared’s not exactly sure what Mike does for a living but whatever it is must pay well because he’s wearing shoes that would cost Jared a month’s salary. He realises he’s been spending too much time with Jensen when he thinks this and lets his eyes drift to Tom instead. Tom meets his gaze and rolls his eyes, Jared laughs a little and Mike stops talking, looking affronted.
“C’mon, Jenny. Let’s play pool.” Mike stands up, followed by Jensen who’s bitching at him not to call him Jenny, but helping him rack the balls up nonetheless.
“And I thought I could talk a lot.” Jared grins at Tom.
“He’s always been that way.”
“You’ve known him for a long time?”
“About 8 years.” Tom nods. “We used to work together.” He glances at the pool table and then back at Jared. “He can be a nightmare but he means well and once my marriage went South…I guess you realise who your friends really are when things get tough and they stick it out with you.”
“Yeah.” Jared nods. He understands that. Jensen has been fantastic since he broke up with Sandy, letting him mope for a few weeks, listening to him complain and on one unbelievably embarrassing occasion cry drunkenly on his shoulder. He glances at Jensen and Tom catches it.
“Jen said you broke up with your fiancée.” It’s said quietly, with an empathy that Jared guesses is sincere.
“Yeah. We just…We got engaged for all the wrong reasons. We started dating pretty much straight after I got out of the army and…it was long distance for a while because I was travelling for work. I guess I figured since I was settled here and we’d been together so long I should propose but…It wasn’t really meant to be.” Jared sighs. It’s hard to explain why they broke up, there were no angry words, few tears, just an amicable agreement that they should go their separate ways. It had still hurt like a bitch, especially when his friends began to distance themselves from him. In reality they had been Sandy’s group of friends. Still, it wasn’t all bad. Jared had taken the job with Jeff and Jensen because Sandy had wanted to go back to school in San Francisco, if it wasn’t for her he’d probably still be working with some spoiled star in LA, instead of Jensen, who although spoiled had at least some redeeming qualities.
“You still see her?” Tom asks.
“Nah. Haven’t seen her for months. We were going to do the whole friends thing but last time I saw her I got completely wasted and ended up at Jensen’s in the middle of the night. I’m lucky the dogs recognise me or they would have ripped my leg off before I got to the front door.”
“You’re lucky it was Chris on duty, Sterling or Charles would probably have shot you just on principle.” Jensen points out, reappearing to drink some of his water. Jared guesses they’ll be leaving soon if Jensen’s moved on to soft drinks.
“They love me.” Jared argues.
“Almost as much as they love me.” Jensen grins and saunters back to the pool table to take his shot. Mike stays at the table for a few moments longer and Jared clears his throat when he realises that his gaze isn’t actually focused intently on the pool table like he’d thought, but on Jensen’s ass. Mike flashes him a grin, completely unrepentant and Tom smiles.
“He’s not actually interested in guys.” He tells Jared conspiratorially.
“If he was available…I might reconsider.” Mike replies. “Come on man, you gotta wonder…with a mouth like that…”
“Enough.” Tom interrupts. He shoots a worried glance at Jared, who tries not to look too tense. He knows Mike’s just joking, but he’s heard enough people make sly comments about Jensen being a pretty boy and having cock sucking lips that it still bothers him, especially since he knows it upsets Jensen. Mike just rolls his eyes and goes back to the table slapping Jensen on the ass and declaring you better not have been cheating, bitch. “Sorry.” Tom’s voice is soft. “He doesn’t mean anything by it. He just…Has no social filter.” He sighs.
“Nah, don’t worry about it.” Jared lets himself grin again. Jensen had warned him not to take Mike too seriously so he won’t. “And don’t apologise, you’re not his keeper. If I had to apologise every time Jensen upset someone I’d spend my life on my knees.” Tom laughs and raises his eyebrows and Jared grins when he realises what he said. “You know what I mean.”
“Jensen’s temper is legendary.” Tom nods. “Can I get your number?” He asks suddenly.
“Sure.” Jared smiles. “As long as I can have yours too.” He’s had a great time talking to Tom, it’s been a long time since he was seriously interested in a guy, but there’s something about Tom that draws him in and it’s more than just the way he looks. They exchange numbers and Jared looks up just in time to see Jensen giving him a pleased smile. It’s not smug at all, just genuinely happy that he was correct.
“Just say it.” Jared sighs as he parks the Lamborghini in the garage. “I know you’re dying to.”
“I told you he was your type!” Jensen bursts out, like he’s been holding his breath to stop himself saying it. Jared almost cracks up laughing, drunk Jensen really is one of his favourite things.
“Jen, the man’s gorgeous, he’s anyone’s type.” Jared explains, following Jensen into the house and waving at the security camera since he knows it’s Chris on duty. He knows Chris is on duty every night that Jeff is away, because Jensen tends to wander around the house without Jeff there to keep him company, and at least with Chris there he’ll just head straight down to the security room to sit with him. He’d just drive any of the other security staff crazy while they tried to keep an eye on him through the security cameras located here and there throughout the house.
“He’s nice too, though, right?” Jensen says, getting himself a glass of water and pointing at the fridge to tell Jared to grab anything he might want. Jared finds the leftovers from their dinner and tucks in. “I wouldn’t set you up with a jerk.”
“I know.” Jared nods between mouthfuls.
“So, are you going to call him?” Jensen asks.
“Yep.” Jared’s already decided that if he hasn’t heard from Tom by dinner tomorrow, he’ll call him. “Don’t have anything to lose, right?”
“That’s my boy.” Jensen grins at him, finishing his water and grabbing another bottle.
“Go on.” Jared sighs. “Get upstairs and call him, it’s only 9.30 in New York.” He knows Jensen must be desperate to call Jeff, guesses only the alcohol’s making him patient enough to hang around in the kitchen with Jared. “I’ll go talk to Chris and then get off home.”
“You can stay here if you want.” Jensen shrugs, already heading for the door. “Plenty of room.” He grins. “And I’ll make you lunch tomorrow.” Jared nods, shooing Jensen out of the door and putting some of the leftovers on a plate to take to Chris.
“So?” Jared’s accosted by Jensen as soon as he steps into the room on Wednesday. “How did it go? Tell me all about it!” He demands.
“How many cups of coffee have you had?” Jared asks.
“4.” Jensen replies airily. Jared sighs, it’s only 10 am.
“You need to get him back on the decaf, man.” Jared grins at Jeff who’s leaning against the counter top, interestingly enough standing directly in front of the coffee. Whether he’s been supplying it or is planning to deny Jensen anymore Jared isn’t quite sure. “I thought you weren’t due back until tonight.”
“Flew home early.” Jeff replies. “We had everything finished and I needed to make sure I had some staff left when I got home.” He shoots an amused glance at Jensen who just pouts and rolls his eyes, bouncing on the tips of his toes.
“Chris called you?” Jared asks, laughing when Jeff nods and Jensen looks put out. True to Jared’s predictions, Jensen had not been sleeping at all without Jeff there. He’d been living on coffee and sugar and was like a zombie by Monday. Tom had even asked Jared if he thought Jensen was ok to be in classes, apparently he’d snapped at another student in their discussion group. After another sleepless night and a blazing row with Stirling, which was most definitely caused by Jensen, he had locked himself in the bedroom with only Bisou for company. Jared guesses the dog was missing Jeff almost as much as Jensen was. When he had arrived for work he’d found Chris sitting on the floor outside the bedroom trying to convince Jensen to come out and eat.
“I’m not going to college today.” Jensen announces. “Tom’s going to get notes for me. So you can have the day off, as long as you tell me how your date went.” Jensen gives him a triumphant grin and heads towards the coffee. Jared barely covers his smirk when Jeff distracts him with a kiss and turns him back to face Jared.
“If you spoke to Tom you already know how it went.” Jared retorts.
“I know how he thinks it went.” Jensen grins. Jeff’s stroking the back of Jensen’s neck and Jared can tell he’s going to start feeling sleepy pretty soon, huge doses of caffeine or not. 5 mostly sleepless nights and Jeff’s proximity making him submit to his body’s need for sleep.
“Just tell him, Jared.” Jeff sighs. “Then I can get him to sleep and apologise to Stirling and anyone else he upset.”
“I’m not a toddler.” Jensen snaps but there’s no force behind it, he’s got his eyes closed, practically purring at Jeff’s attentions.
“You act like it sometimes.” Jared grins. “My life would be so much easier if I could put you on a time out.” Jensen gives him the finger and Jared laughs again. “It was good.”
“Really good?”
“Really good.” Jared confirms. “We went for dinner and then drinks.”
“Did you put out?”
“Jensen.” Jeff tutts.
“Whatever, I want gossip.” Jensen’s got his eyes open now, probably so he can check Jared’s telling the truth.
“No I didn’t put out.” Jared sighs. He doesn’t really mind talking about this in front of Jeff, because he knows anything he tells Jensen will get retold to the older man anyway, probably a more dramatic and exaggerated version of events. But, he is technically supposed to be working, even though Jensen just said he could take the day off. He shakes his head slightly, Jensen’s standing right in front of him, in a house that’s about as penetrable as Fort Knox, there’s nothing pressing for him to do.
“There was a kiss though.” Jensen tells Jeff.
“Tom told you?” Jeff asks.
“No, Tom wouldn’t tell me anything. I’ll compare notes with Mike later to see if he got any gossip out of him.” Jensen grins at Jared. “I can just tell that there was a kiss.” Jared just grins back, there had definitely been a kiss, and if Jared had known he didn’t have to work today he probably would have invited Tom in for more. “Is there a second date?”
“Yeah.” Jared nods. “We’re going out on Friday.”
“Ok.” Jensen nods, apparently satisfied. “You can go now. I want more details tomorrow though. I want to know everything. I haven’t been on a first date in years.” He sighs.
“You won’t be going on another one.” Jeff tells him, playfully biting the corner of his jaw. Jared rolls his eyes and decides it’s time to go, secure in the knowledge that Jeff will take care of Jensen and Jared doesn’t need to run interference between him and the other members of staff.
His date with Tom had definitely been a success and he’s really looking forward to Friday. Things are looking good for the first time in a while, and Jared guesses he owes Jensen, not that he’s going to tell him that.
He’s just driven his car out of the gates when Jeff texts him to let him know Jensen is asleep.