Soul Survivors, Chapter Three
Title: Soul Survivors
Author: tcs1121
Artist: BflyW
Pairing and Characters: Jared/Jensen, Jim Beaver, Chad Michael Murray, Sophia Bush, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Steven Williams, several original male and female characters
Rating: NC-17
Genre: J2 AU, h/c
Word Count: ~41,100
Warnings: This is a story about survivor's guilt. Many people die in different and tragic ways-mostly off screen. Imagined graphic deaths of birds. Suicidal ideation. Religious overtones-no religion bashing. Jensen has a permanent disability.
Disclaimer: Untrue story. Character names are being used without permission. No money changes hands.
Beta: Kee--She never lets me take the easy way out. I don't know what I'd do without her. Thank you so very much.
Special Thanks to spn_J2fan for her read through, insights, and overall kindness. To pennydrdful for expert assistance when I needed it, and to wendy the moderator for the SPN J2 Big Bang 2014
A/N: Please understand that, right or wrong, people grieve in different ways.
Link to bflyw's Amazing Art:~~ HERE~~
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Summary: "We were ordinary people until we became part of a tragedy. We feel guilty for living when others have died. We come together because unless you've been through what we've been through, you can't understand what it's like to be us. We are the survivors."
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In the dark dreary nights, when the storm is at its most fierce, the lighthouse burns bright so the sailors can find their way home again. In life the same light burns. This light is fueled with love, faith, and hope. And through life’s most fierce storms these three burn their brightest so we also can find our way home again.- Author Unknown
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( Back to Chapter Two)
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___________
"Jared, you made it!" Sophia stood and spread her arms wide. She beckoned with her fingers and said, "Gimme some, gimme some, gimme some."
Jared swooped her up into his arms and hugged her. "I told Chad to tell you I'd be here today." Jared's voice was muffled by her hair.
She stood back and beamed at him. "He did tell me but we both know what a big, fat liar he is."
"Not this time, though." Jared drew her in again, softer this time.
"Thank God. Let me look at you."
Jared backed up and made a small pirouette ending in a curtsey in front of her.
"You look good. I'm so glad you're here. Not only because I missed you, but I really need you."
"Thanks, Soph. Did you make up a schedule for me for today?"
"Not exactly. I have you here from nine to twelve, but I'm hoping you can stay longer. There's a weed infestation at the Brighton Springs pilot program. It's a resistant strain and if we don't get it under control soon we'll have to go with non-organic pesticides. That means it can't be a Certified Organic farm."
"Boy, first day back at work, and you have me signed up to save the Brighton Springs Project." Jared took off his hoodie, sat at the desk and perused the data on the computer screen.
"If anybody can do it, you can. You have a brilliant mind for this, Jared."
Jared was already making notations as she spoke. "I can stay, but I need to be out by five. Six at the latest. Can I log in on this under my user name and password?"
"It's all yours."
He logged in and pulled up information thinking how nice it was that they didn't delete his password or purge his folders.
"You said you had to be out by six. How come? Do you have a big date or something?"
Sophia was clearly joking so he looked up to watch her face as he said, "A big one."
Her face fell. "Damn."
"What?" Jared chuckled.
"Chad decides to tell two truths in a row and now I'm out twenty dollars."
"And you two were betting on the what, now?"
"Truth number one, Chad said you would be here at nine o'clock this morning. Truth number two, he said you were interested in dating someone." She looked up despairingly. "You tell me-when was the last time he did that?"
"You're right. I don't think he's ever told two truths in a row." He went into his wallet at handed her a twenty. "It's on me, but stop betting on my personal life."
"Done." She snagged the twenty, but her demeanor shifted. "You doing all right, Jare? I mean, with everything?"
"Little by little. One day at a time." Jared smiled, sadly. "Where my head is right now, those words aren't clichés they're the way I live."
"I'm sorry, Jared."
"But," he interrupted her. "It's getting better. Not all better, but better." After he said that, he knew it was true. "I'd like us to put together a temporary work schedule, and then, when the next semester begins, modify it around my new school schedule. Would that be okay?"
"You're going back to school?" Sophia ran her fingers under her eyes. "Yeah, that would be more than okay. But we gotta work fast today to get you out by five."
Jared looked at his friend and smiled warmly. "Thanks, Soph."
She sniffed. "What are friends for?"
Jared turned to the papers he was jotting notes on and pointed to the computer screen. "You're right about this. It's going to take more than vinegar and water to get this under control."
She sniffed again and gave him a smile. "Thank God you're here."
~~~~
Jared left work at five and had to admit that if felt good to get back to doing what he spent years working on. Today was good. Tonight was going to be even better.
He'd put a lot of care into planning this date, choosing to wear his expensive black jeans, a white shirt and a black sport coat. Jensen was special, and not because he had difficulty walking.
However, Jared did take that into consideration.
Reservations at Bellisio's were for seven thirty and, while it was a nice place, it wasn't overly fancy. He did, however, mention that his companion would need easy access due to his disability. They accommodated him immediately.
He stood outside Jensen's apartment and shifted foot to foot. He looked at his watch, breathed into his hand to make sure he was minty fresh and then knocked on the door.
Jensen was gorgeous. His dark gray slacks were loose to allow for the brace, but his black shirt fit like a glove. His blue silk tie was loose around his neck and a soft, dove gray sweater made the whole package work. Jensen looked like a GQ cover.
"Wow, you look great." Jared's eyes traveled up and down. "Like, amazingly great."
"You're not so bad yourself." Jensen surprised him by leaning up and kissing him softly.
"Too bad I made dinner reservations," Jared said. "Otherwise we could just stay here looking great."
"No," Jensen said. "We can't."
"Why not?"
Jensen reached for his plain, unrainbowed forearm crutch. "No Twinkies in the apartment."
"Well in that case, shall we?" Jared backed up to let Jensen lock the door and, in a sweet gesture, Jensen took Jared's hand and held it until they got to Jared's truck.
Jared pulled out of the parking space and said, "So, have you ever been to Bellisio's, 'cause that's where I'm taking us."
"I like Bellisio's, they have this great seafood dish with artichokes and prosciutto."
They made happy small talk during the drive and when they got there, Jared was pleased to see that they were seated at a table by the window with little foot traffic and an easy in/easy out with plenty of room to maneuver with one crutch.
"You know a lot about me, so tell me about you. Do you like being a copy editor?" Jared sipped the dry white wine and then broke off a piece of Italian bread to dip into the seasoned olive oil.
"I don't know if I want to tell you any more about myself. I kind of like being an international man of mystery. Can I have a sip? You can try mine." Jensen held up his wine glass. "I know you're supposed to have white with seafood, but I like red. I know, I'm a rebel."
Like a scene in a romance movie, they crossed arms across the table, each holding their wine glass up to each other's lips.
"That's pretty good," Jensen said licking his lips. "For a white wine."
"You, sir, are a red wine snob."
Jensen smiled proudly, sipping his Cabernet Sauvignon. "That I am."
"You're also a genuinely nice person. How did I ever talk you into going out with me?" This time Jared did slap his hand over his mouth.
Jensen nodded with understanding. "Ahh, the mouth thing."
"Mmm hmm," Jared muffled through his hand.
"Well, for the record, I think you're pretty nice, too, and I feel just as lucky sitting here." Jensen raised his glass. "Thank you for asking me out tonight."
Jensen was right, Jared mused, the seafood dish was marvelous. The salad was crisp, the pasta was al dente, and the company was comfortable and warm.
They chatted about Jared's job, his passion for green solutions to practically everything, and his love of the outdoors. Jensen talked about his trip to Europe when he was an undergrad, his happy childhood and his parents living in Texas.
"I'd see them more often," Jensen was saying, "but they're always so damn busy. Dad's always doing something with the Rotary Club; mom is either helping out in some soup kitchen or visiting my sister and her family in Maine."
They were sipping decaf after sharing a dessert of Tiramisu.
"Okay, so, I'm going to say it, even though it's corny, but I feel like I've known you my whole life." Jared reached for the check before Jensen could make a grab for it.
"I can handle the check, Jay. You just started working again."
"Please, let me." Jared handed the waiter his Visa. "I'm okay. When I started college, my parents gave me access to the trust fund my grandmother had set up for me. You and I can eat out every night like this for the next five years and it wouldn't make a dent."
"I'm glad," Jensen said, seriously. "That must have come in handy. I'm glad you didn't have to worry about finances along with everything else."
Jared stopped short, his voice was a little raspy when he said, "Thanks."
"Don't worry," Jensen assured him, "we're not going there tonight. In fact-where are we going tonight?"
The waiter brought the card back with the bill. Jared tipped heavily, signed the bottom and stood.
"We're going to my place for soft music and a nightcap. I want to get to know you better. I want to know your hopes and dreams and aspirations for the future."
Jensen stood, arranged himself carefully and said. "Lead on. But I warn you. If that's the criteria, it's going to be a short night."
Jared chuckled to himself. Oh, no it won't.
Jared had been a perfect gentleman and a delight all evening. Now Jensen was in the passenger's side of Jared's truck parked in the driveway of a one story Craftsman Style home.
"This is great," Jensen said. "Is this yours, or are you renting?"
"It belongs to me and the Grand National Bank. But in twenty-nine and a half years, it's mine, all mine."
"So, you're pretty sure you want to stay in this neck of the woods?" Jensen got out of the truck, hiking his hip and locking the knee before reaching in for his crutch.
"Pretty sure for now. I don't have my life all mapped out yet." Jared said. "I bought it using some of the trust fund money for a down payment. My parents wanted me to move back home after the jet crashed, but, at the time, that seemed too much like giving up. I didn't want to quit my job-even though I kinda did-or give up on getting my degree. I thought that buying a house would help get me back on track. It didn't work as well as I'd hoped, but I do love the place."
Jensen could tell that Jared was proud of his house. "So, Mr. Home Owner, are you going to show me around?"
"That's Mr. Mortgage Owner, and hell, yes. Come on in."
Jensen slammed the truck door and followed behind Jared who was almost skipping up to the front door.
"Voila!" Jared fumbled with his key, opened the door and spread his arm wide. "Welcome to Casa Padalecki."
Jared's house had an open floor plan with warm wood paneling and built in shelves. The high timber ceilings went well with the stone fireplace and tiled floors. A large flat screen TV was in the Great Room in front of an overstuffed couch and two recliners. Jared clicked a few switches and soft music floated in the air.
"This is great, Jared."
"Thanks. Come into the kitchen with me." Jared took Jensen's hand and led him into a cozy kitchen with an attached screened-in patio. "I love drinking coffee out on the patio when the weather's warm enough. Even when it's not warm enough I bundle up so I can go out there." Jared scratched the ground with his shoe. "Maybe you could join me some morning. Not tomorrow, or anything, I mean, unless you want to. Except that it's still too cool in the mornings to drink coffee out there unless you're wrapped in a blanket."
Jensen tensed, pressing his lips together. "Jared, I need to talk to you about something."
Jared's eyes opened wide. "What's the matter? Did I say something wrong?"
"No, not at all. It's-let's sit down for a minute, okay?"
Jensen made his way back into the Great Room and sat on the left hand side of the sofa. He patted the seat next to him and Jared slowly sat.
"Jensen, I didn't mean anything."
"I know. I want to say a couple of things up front. Just so there's no misunderstanding."
"Dear God, please don't say It's not you, it's me again."
Jensen smiled. "Well, in that case, it's not me, it's you."
Jared's face fell.
"Kidding, I'm kidding. No, it's-I know this is going to sound presumptuous of me, but I think it's only fair to tell you…"
"Oh, God, the accident. Was it your accident? Did it mess something up that you haven't told me about? Can I wire my jaw shut now because I can't believe I just asked you that?"
Jensen laughed from the gut. Jared looked positively mortified. His face was red and his hair was sticking out everywhere because he was pulling at it.
When he caught his breath, Jensen said, "Relax, relax nothing else is messed up. Gosh, you're adorable when you're embarrassed."
"Adorable, huh? I'm glad you think so." Jared looked anywhere but at Jensen.
"Hey, all I was going to say was that I," Jensen felt his own face heat up, "I, uh, don't have casual sex. I mean, I take sex seriously."
"Jensen, I hope you didn't think I just wanted to hook up with you?" Jared said. "I do like sex casually now and then, but that's not why I asked you out. Please tell me you know that?"
"I do know that, Jay. And I'm not saying I don't want to have sex."
"Oh, good," Jared interrupted. "Celibacy is off the table." He sounded genuinely relieved.
Jensen had a moment of panic. "No, no, I'm not celibate. That's not what I'm saying."
Jared sighed with a grin. "I know what you're saying and I agree. Let's get to know each other. Let's get to like each other. Then let's really get to like each other and then discuss the possibility. Does that sound all right?"
"It does," Jensen agreed. "And, for the record, the accident left all those parts intact and working properly. Although we may have to maneuver things to get everything in the right place."
"Good to know." Jared moved closer until his lips ghosted Jensen's. "Can we do things up to, without including, sex? Things like this?" Jared kissed him gently, and Jensen's breath stuttered in his chest. It had been a long time.
Jensen kissed him back with a bit more intent and Jared took it in stride. "I'm going to follow your lead, Jen. Go as fast or as slow as you want. I've got nothing but time."
Jensen brushed his lips along Jared's long, stubbled neck and kissed up behind his ear and whispered, "I'm so glad you came to that first meeting. I'm glad I'm here with you, now."
"I'm glad you're here, too." Jared took Jensen's face in his hands and softly, thoroughly, devoured Jensen's mouth. Jensen responded by systematically sucking all the air out of Jared's body.
Jared's large hands and long fingers traced down Jensen's back and Jensen noticed how carefully he kept his hands above Jensen's waist.
"I know we haven't known each other for very long, but, Jensen," Jared kissed Jensen's hair, his eyes, and his neck, "I don't think I want to let you go."
Jensen thought he should find it overwhelming, crowding, claustrophobic even, but all he felt was warm and happy. "I don't know that I want you to."
Jared pulled back. "So you'll go out with me again? Now that you know where I live, and that I can keep myself from jumping you?" Jared gently licked back into Jensen's mouth. "Sort of?"
"Yes, I'll come back. I may even make you dinner someday, you have a great kitchen. I can cook more than nachos, you know."
"I didn't know, but I'd like to." Jared kissed him again. "I'd like to know a whole lot about you."
Jensen became fully involved with the kissing program, pushing his tongue into Jared's mouth and working his fingers through his hair when suddenly Jared stopped. He pulled back and just stared at Jensen with an unreadable expression. Jensen cocked his head to the side and was about to ask if something was wrong when Jared drew him close and simply held Jensen in his arms. Jared squeezed tight and hugged him, his long arms wrapping fully around him. He rocked gently side to side. It was a gesture so sweet that it took a moment for Jensen to hug him back.
"Hey," Jared whispered into Jensen's ear. "Now I'm going to be presumptuous." Jared kissed Jensen's temple, got off the couch and went into the master bedroom.
Jensen's body was warm and his lips were swollen. His hands ached to touch himself, his heart was pounding happily and his breath came in short spurts. Something strange was happening, and it felt wonderful.
Jared hurried back with a big, bound book and stood shyly in front of Jensen. "I want you to meet my family."
He sat next to Jensen and opened up an old fashioned photograph album. Page after page were family pictures starting with old photos of Jared's grandparents, leading to the newer ones of his parents, and, finally, himself with his siblings.
Jensen brushed his hand over Jared's high school graduation picture. "You were a pretty hunky seventeen-year-old."
"I was Bexar County's star wrestler that year and I don't even know why I'm showing you these." Jared shut the book and placed it on the side table. "You probably think I'm crazy. I think I'm crazy. Don't feel pressured to stay."
"I don't feel pressured, I feel special."
"Sometimes I think something is very wrong with me. I mean who does this?" Jared looked at the album. "Crazy people do this."
"You're not crazy. Besides, I enjoyed seeing you with chocolate frosting all over your three-year-old face."
"Smart aleck."
"And I particularly liked the one of you wearing your Ghostbuster's proton pack."
"My brother and I had the ghost traps, too."
"I'm not surprised," Jensen said. "Seriously, though, thank you for sharing your family with me."
Jared laughed out loud and then scooted up close to him. "Have I told you how much I like you?"
Jensen chuckled. "Well, not in so many words."
"Well, I do. I like you. I might even be in like with you."
Jensen realized that Jared was talking, Jared was laughing, and Jared was happy. This might be something like the Jared from before.
Jensen felt so lucky to have finally met him.
~~~~
There was an undeniable spring in Jensen's step as he placed the Soul Survivors Support Group sign on the meeting room door.
Well, maybe not a spring, more like a lurch, but it was happy. Jensen was excited to start the meeting, because among the numerous texts back and forth, Jared had assured him that he'd be there tonight.
Liz was already making coffee and Brett was setting up chairs.
"No Drew tonight?" Brett asked.
"No, he said he couldn't make it." Jensen rolled his computer chair over.
"What about Jared? He coming?"
Jensen couldn't help what color his cheeks might be turning, but he kept his voice neutral. "Last I heard, he was."
"And Mindy?"
Brett feigned disinterest, but Jensen knew what a big draw she was for him. Jensen smiled, indulgently.
"What?" Brett asked. "I have to know how many chairs we need."
"She's on her way, but said she might be late."
"What else is new?" Brett grinned and opened a chair, setting it beside his.
Jensen pulled out a pad of paper and sat. One ear listened for the coffee maker to finish, the other for Jared to arrive.
His phone vibrated with a text. Scooting forward and pulling it out of his pocket, Jensen read: Remember how I said I was going to be at the meeting tonight?
He frowned and keyed in: Yeah
I'm here.
Jensen looked up and saw Jared standing in the doorway texting into his phone.
Jensen's phone buzzed. Told ya!
Jensen smiled broadly at Jared and then looked longingly at the coffee machine. Jared snorted, poured two cups and handed one to Jensen. One by one, the members took their seats.
"Okay, we're one Mindy short of a meeting but she's on her way. Drew's not coming tonight."
"Is he okay?" Jared asked.
"Members come and go, pop in and out. We've been a pretty stable group for a couple of months, but don't be surprised or worried by who does and doesn't show up."
"I'm here! I made it!" Mindy hurried in, panting. "Did I miss the mission statement?"
"Nope, you haven't missed anything, we're just about to start." Jensen leaned forward in his chair. "Hey, Liz?"
"Hmm?" She swallowed her coffee. "Yes?"
"How about you open our first Monday of the month meeting." Jensen leaned back and sipped his coffee.
"Me?"
"Sure."
"Well, ah," Liz frowned in thought. "Okay. We are the Soul Survivors Support Group. We were regular people living regular lives until tragedy became part of our lives. None of us may ever feel normal again, but we meet here because that way, we're not alone in our grief. We are the survivors."
She looked at Jensen. "How was that?"
"That was great," he said, softly. "Does anyone have anything they'd like to say to start the meeting?"
Jared raised his hand. "I came to my first meeting because I didn't know what else to do. My sadness was so deep it was like I was in a hole constantly being filled with mud. Every time I thought I saw a way up, another shovel of muck was dropped on me. I thought I'd never see daylight again. Being here, with all of you, has lifted me out of that unbearable darkness."
Brett said, "You know, like Jensen said, you climb and you slip, then you climb again. Jared, just so you know, we all slip back down into that hole you're talkin' about every now and then. That slip and slide may happen for the rest of our lives, I don't know. It's important to remember to climb back out if you do fall in."
"I thought I was over it, once," Mindy said. "I thought I found my balance. Like the song said, I had the sun in the morning and the moon at night. I had a job, I had a hobby, I felt good. Then one night I went to the movies with a bunch of friends and the leading character smoked Camel non-filters. That wasn't even my brand, but I slipped back down so hard and so fast I thought I'd never get up. I kept saying, you stupid, stupid actor. Taking a part in a movie that makes you smoke. What if you can't stop? What if you die and I'm still alive?" Mindy's hands were clenched into fists. "You never know what might set you off."
"That's right," Jensen agreed. "The emotions we think we have under control can come out of the blue and blindside us. We talk about climbing up a ladder, but recovery is also like a wave. We move forward, fall back, and then head forward again. I know that sometimes the shore looks so far away that we're tempted to lie back and let the tide take us out to sea, but remember, it's worth it to keep going. On the shore the sand is soft and the sun is warm and it's there, waiting for us."
"I'd like that," Liz whispered. "Lying on the sand. Maybe with a steel drum band playing in the background?"
"And fruity drinks with little umbrellas served by tanned, half-dressed men," Mindy said, patting Liz's hand.
"I've always wanted to learn to surf," Jared said.
The women hummed in approval and Brett snickered.
After a couple of beats, Jensen gently tapped his note pad. "Let me know when you're all back from the tropics."
Liz laughed, Mindy stuck her tongue out and Jared shrugged. Jensen smiled back and said, "There's something new I'd like to try tonight. It's called, Tell Me Something I Don't Know. I think originally that was a segment from a news program. The host would go around the table and ask his panel to tell him something he didn't know. They usually gave short one or two paragraph answers. I'll go first, and then I'll ask you, one at a time, to share some little-or big-thing with us. Okay?"
"What if I don't have anything?" Brett asked.
"Everybody has something," Mindy answered. "It doesn't have to be big."
"I like it. Go ahead, Leader." Liz smiled.
"Okay, I'll tell you something about myself that I didn't know. This weekend, I had the opportunity to have dinner out, and my dinner companion ordered white wine with the meal, which was correct for a seafood dish."
"You hate white wine," Liz chuckled.
"It's true, I am, as my companion put it, a red wine snob. I have no problem ordering a full bodied red with nice legs with any meal, but I actually liked this crisp chardonnay with a light prickle at the end. So, I liked a white wine." Jensen held up both hands. "Who knew? Let's see, who's next?"
He made a play of looking around and then inclined his chin to Jared.
"How about you, Jared? Tell us something we didn't know."
"Well, I went back to work part time last week."
Jared was stopped by Brett firmly slapping him on the back. "Good for you, son. Good for you."
Jared laughed, looking embarrassed. "Thanks. Being back at work was great. I also went out for fun afterwards. And it was fun. I honestly didn't think I'd be able to enjoy a night out again, but I did." He elaborately scratched his head. "Who knew?"
Jensen laughed out loud. "What about you, Liz?"
"A while ago you mentioned that I may never be able to fully enjoy another birthday. I'm going to prove you wrong. I've decided to celebrate my and Lindy's birthday in a big way this year. She was someone to celebrate and I'm going to see that it's done right."
Mindy jumped up and hugged her. "That's awesome, Liz. If you need cakes or cookies or pies, let my number one hobby help you out."
"Okay you can bake for the party, but only if you come."
Mindy wiped her eyes. "I'll be there with bells on, hon. You watch. Great big bells, baby." She hugged Liz again and sat.
"So?" Jensen asked. "What about you, Min?"
"I found out that I wouldn't have to wear a burka if I visited Afghanistan." She nudged Brett. "Just saying."
"Brett?"
Brett looked at the floor, shyly. "I," he swallowed. "Well, I…" He rolled his eyes to the ceiling then turned to his left. "Mindy, would you go out on a date with me?"
Liz squeaked, Mindy turned a shade of red that bordered on orange, and Jared slapped his thighs, laughing in delight.
"It was the burka remark, wasn't it?" Mindy said. "Couldn't resist me after that."
"No, darlin', I think it was the image I got of you wearing great big bells to Liz and Lindy's birthday party."
Jensen felt misty, like something important happened. He knew it was only a date, and didn't he just have one with Jared? But something let loose in the room.
It was hope.
It was hope for a future and they all felt it. Jensen remembered standing in front of a crowd saying, "If we love one another, there can be peace. If we are peaceful, we can give great solace. When our hearts open wide, there is hope."
Words he had said before, another lifetime ago, ringing loud and clear.
"So what's the word, Mindy? Brett's waiting for an answer and I have a meeting to run." He cut his glance over to Jared whose eyes were shining and dimples out in full force.
"I'll think about it." She smiled, demurely. "Oh, okay. But no more donuts-after tonight."
Brett laughed and touched her arm. "Nothing but the best for you, Min."
"Well, now that my meeting has been hijacked, I'm going to open the floor to discussion." Jensen said good-naturedly. "But before I do," he turned to Liz," We know that Mindy's wearing bells, what should the rest of us wear to your birthday party?"
~~~~
Jensen watched the group members clean up the meeting area. After the chairs were stacked and the coffee cups put away, Jensen turned to Mindy.
"Can you hang around for a couple of minutes? I have a quick question."
She glanced at Brett. "Sure thing, Jensen."
Jared's eyes met his, and Jensen asked, "Can you wait for me? I won't be long."
Jared grinned. "I'll be in the parking lot."
"Thanks." Jensen turned to Mindy. "So, how do you feel right now, Min?"
"Honestly? A little scared, but mostly great." She looked out the door after Jared. "How are you, feeling?"
"Better," he replied. "Lots better."
"Good," she said. "You look good, too."
Jensen smiled, looking toward the door. "I was wondering if you knew when Lorraine was coming back. Do you think I could convince her to come and talk to the group?"
"I'm sure you could," Mindy said. "I think Jared should meet her."
"That's what I was thinking."
"I know," Mindy said. "Jared's special to you, isn't he?"
"You're all special to me. You know that."
"I know that, but I also know that he's got a special place in your heart."
"You're such a romantic."
Mindy touched Jensen's sleeve. "But Jensen, Jared is special. He's special to all of us. He's torn up because he did a good deed for a stranger. Talk about no good deed going unpunished."
Jensen kept his game face on. "None of us asked for it. Not me, not you. It's unfair to all of us, but I think Jared would be helped by Lorraine's story. Could you ask her to call me when she gets back in the States?"
"Will do. Sounds like she'll be home in a couple of weeks. I'll let her know."
"That's awesome. Thanks." Jensen stood and teetered a bit reaching for his crutch.
"We like him, Jensen. I like him." Mindy said. "Go ahead and let you like him all you want. We all can't be wrong."
She hefted her pocketbook strap onto her shoulder, winked and hurried out.
"Where there is hope, love is possible. And the cycle begins again."
~~~~
Jensen clicked off the light put the sign away, and locked the door. He looked out the front entrance to the church hall parking lot and saw Jared leaning against the driver's side door facing away. His phone vibrated, and Jensen slowed his gait to get it.
I saw Mindy climb into Brett's truck. My truck wants to know where are you?
Jensen chuckled and hobbled quicker to get outside. "Here, I'm here."
Jared aimed his brilliant smile at Jensen. "That didn't take long. Everything okay?"
"Everything's great. Thanks for waiting." Jensen opened door and got himself inside.
Jared was in the driver's seat, a small grin playing at his lips. "You know what I've always wanted to do in a church parking lot?"
Jensen narrowed his eyes. "What?"
Jared closed the distance and whispered in Jensen's ear. "Make out with my boyfriend."
Jensen's heart kicked up a notch and a wave of fondness so strong overcame him. He cleared the raspiness from his voice and said, "So, I'm your boyfriend, huh?"
"Yup. And I'm yours, if you want me to be." Jared kissed him gently. "Actually, because you're my boyfriend, logically speaking, I have to be yours."
"Is that so?"
"Says here in small print." Jared kissed him again, less gently this time.
Jensen kissed him back and opened his mouth to suck on Jared's tongue until they had to come up for air. "I wish I didn't have to get home so soon, but I've got this conference call scheduled for tonight."
"Why so late?" Jared kissed along Jensen's jawline.
"Because of the time differences around the world. Damn time differences." Jensen arched his neck to the side, inviting Jared's attention. Jared accepted the invitation and attacked, leaving little red welts on the skin as Jared's mouth trailed up Jensen's neck and behind his ear.
"Damn world," Jared mumbled.
Jensen turned and repaid the favor by nipping at Jared's lips before pushing his tongue into the warm wet of Jared's mouth.
Jared made a cute gasping sound and sucked at Jensen's mouth like it was air, keeping him alive.
After coming up for a breath, Jared sat up and sighed heavily. "Guess I should get you home before I mess up the upholstery."
"Yeah, guess you should." Jensen cupped the back of Jared's head and drew him in for another kiss. "At least you can chalk up one of your life goals of making out with your boyfriend in a church parking lot."
"There is that." Jared kissed him long and lingering and then a short, quick peck on the nose. "There is one more goal I've been trying to achieve."
"And that is?" Jensen asked, buckling his seatbelt.
"Making out with my boyfriend in the parking lot outside his apartment."
As Jared put the truck into gear and headed out, Jensen decided that it would only be fair to help his new boyfriend achieve that goal, as well.
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On to Chapter Four
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