[Series] Reaching for Happiness, JaredxJensen, (11/?)
Author: freedomthisway
Character: Jared, Jensen, JDM, Mike Rosenbaum, Tom Welling.
Category: Angst, Romance, Drama, H/C
Warning: Rape/Non-con, underage, Jensen/OMC
Rating: PG-13 for now. Hard R eventually.
Chapter: 11/?
Summary:
Jensen is Jared's younger stepbrother. When Jensen was 7, his mother remarried to Thomas Padalecki, the head of the rich and famous Padalecki family.
Their closeness as child changed after they grew older and Jared found out his feelings toward Jensen. Not wanting to ruin the family, Jared chose to keep his love for Jensen inside and avoid him like crazy instead.
While Jensen was struggling to bear his own misery, he too realized his feelings for Jared, but didn't act on it because he assumed Jared hated him.
After 3 years of escaping from the family, hearing Thomas' death, Jensen decided to come back. Only to face Jared's hatred towards him.
All Jensen wants is a happiness and love with Jared by his side. Can he reach it eventually?
Author notes:
Really I have no reason whatsoever for this slow update this time except a blocked muse and a laziness. So, I'm very sorry for those who've waited too long. *bows*
The adorable inkbymidnight is not feeling well lately, but I've promised some readers that I'll update at the end of this month. So I guess you'll have to bear this unbeta-ed version.
Will edit it with the beta-ed version as soon as Lubna gets back on her feet. :))
Rating will go up as the story goes, but only up to R...
I hope you enjoy it! Comments are loved! XD
The bright light of morning sun wakes Jensen up. He frowns a bit because it’s not his habit to wake up late. But judging from how restless his sleep last night, Jensen isn’t really surprised.
So he hurriedly takes a bath and puts on decent clothes. The will reading will start soon and he doesn’t want to risk being late and catches even more attention than he has already gotten.
One of the maid passes him by on his way to the common room and Jensen can’t help but notice her curious glance at him. He sighs.
As the common room’s door opened, Jensen can see that nobody comes yet but one person. And that person, Jensen recognizes, is the one giving him strange looks from inside of his car yesterday.
That man looks at Jensen and smiles. A predatory smile, Jensen can tell, as he tries to hide his nervousness.
“Hey, there.” The man grins. Jensen smiles back a little.
“Hey.” And he approaches the man, reaching out his hand. “I’m Jensen.”
The man looks amused as he shakes Jensen’s hand. “Yeah, I know.”
Jensen lifts his eyebrow questioningly.
“I’m Jeff, Padalecki’s family lawyer.” Jeff explains and laughs a bit as a surprised looks formed on Jensen’s face, followed by an understanding expression.
“So, you’re the one who’ll read the will?” Jensen asks, a bit relaxed now knowing that Jeff isn’t one of Padaleckis that he hasn’t met yet.
“Yeah. Nervous?”
Jensen straightens his back, trying his best to not look lost. “No.”
“Curious?”
“About the will?” Jensen folds his arms on his chest. “Not really.”
“Uh-huh.” Jeff grins and Jensen smiles, feels relaxed all of a sudden at the tone of teasing in Jeff’s voice.
For a moment, none of them says anything. Jeff turns his attention to piles of papers on the desk in front of him and Jensen walks towards a chair to sit. He’s way too nervous to keep standing.
Suddenly the door opened and Jared walks in. His eyes brush Jensen’s for a second before turning to Jeff.
“Jeff, are you ready?” Jared asks the lawyer and Jensen tries his best to ignore the fact that Jared acts like Jensen isn’t here; in the same room with him.
“Sure. You can start anytime.” Jeff says as he collects the papers scattered on the desk into a pile.
“Good.” Jared nods, satisfied. Then he laughs. “Look at you.” He says to Jeff. “It’s rare to see you wearing such a stuck up suit like that.”
Jeff frowns and looks down at his clothes. “Yeah, well.” He shrugs. “A man’s gotta do what a man’s gotta do, right?”
Jared grins. “You’re right. Sometimes I forget that behind all that perverted middle aged man image, you’re still, after all, a respectable lawyer.”
“Bite me.” Jeff can only say and it makes Jared laughs harder.
Through all of that, Jensen can only sit and watch. And really, he has tried to ignore all the jealousy bile rises from the back of his throat at the display of closeness in front of him; the kind of closeness he’s desperately wanted to have since long time. But Jensen knows that the sudden stiff he feels on his face muscles proves that he fails.
Jensen had assumed, well, he wants to assume, that Jared’s coldness is there by default. His first thought ever since he met Jared again: that the hatred in Jared’s eyes is reserved for him and for him only, Jensen kind of hope that it’s wrong.
But the loving and friendly gaze he is witnessing in Jared’s eyes as he is fooling around with the handsome lawyer confirms otherwise.
And staring down at his tightening fists, trying hard to hide his jealousy and sadness from Jared’s view is all Jensen can do as Jared walks pass him, makes no move or sound to acknowledge Jensen’s presence, and disappears behind the door.
Jensen sighs at the sound of the door closed. He lifts his head only to find Jeff staring at him. The stare is a curious one, and Jensen averts his gaze off Jeff, watching the beautiful mosaic ceiling instead.
He tries to calm himself as he can see Jeff takes a seat right across him a few moments later.
“So,” Jeff begins. “You’re Jared’s stepbrother?”
Jensen looks at Jeff and nods slowly.
“You’re the stepbrother who ran away a few years ago?” Jeff asks again.
Jensen is a bit taken aback by the question, and decides to ignore it.
“Well, perhaps that’s the reason I didn’t see enough brotherhood between you and Jay back there, am I right?” Jeff continues his questions despite the silence and the obvious uncomfortable feeling Jensen shows on his face at his questions.
Jensen ignores it, again.
Jeff smiles and lifts up his both hands. “I’m sorry. I tend to interrogate people when my curiosity is piqued. And of course when I did it outside the courtroom, it becomes a very impolite habit.”
Jensen just spares him a glance and Jeff can’t help but feel amused by him.
Jeff knows already that Jared hates this guy -this sensual and handsome guy if Jeff may add- to the guts. But Jared never told him why.
Jared indeed has a talent to become such a drama queen sometimes, but Jeff is certain that there are strong reasons behind his best buddy hating his own step brother that way. And so far, his clever brain and his observation ability can only bring him to some vague conclusions and guesses about it.
But today, seeing hints of jealousy on Jensen’s expression as Jared was fooling around with him, Jeff thinks no one can blame him if he thinks of it in a different way now.
What if, and that’s a big ‘IF’, Jensen has feelings for Jared? Or maybe it is Jared who has feelings for Jensen.
Now that Jeff thinks about it, he can’t help but notice that Jensen is totally Jared’s type. Well, as Jared’s best friend, Jeff can safely say that Jared has tried every ‘flavor’ exists in this world and Jeff knows Jared isn’t one to be picky, especially because sooner or later he will dump them anyway.
But, there are certain types of people that Jeff notices Jared would have had a longer relationship with. And all of the types -all of them- match perfectly with this Jensen.
Jeff really thinks that he needs to look further into this newfound piece of information.
“Are you and Jared…?” Jensen’s unfinished question pulls Jeff back to reality.
“What?” Jeff lifts his eyebrow, curious though he can guess what Jensen wants to ask him.
Jensen doesn’t answer directly. He fidgets a bit on his seat and, to Jeff’s awe, blushes. God, Jeff had spent too much time among manipulative men and women. He works as a lawyer, for God sake. And it’s been too long since he saw the display of innocence of this kind.
“Well, you know…”
Jeff smiles amusedly. “Am I and Jared a couple, you mean?”
Jensen blushes more, and nods a little.
Jeff, he himself admits, is many things. A big teaser is one of them. And people like Jensen, Jeff knows this by experience, are the most fun to tease.
“What do you think?” Jeff asks Jensen back, has already feels a tingle of pleasure in his brain as he sees Jensen’s eyes grow bigger at his question.
“I…” Jensen stammers. “I don’t know. I mean, I know it isn’t any business of mine. It’s… It’s just that I saw how close you two were and I can’t help but wondering.”
Jeff grins as he feels things get more interesting.
“Well, I don’t know…” Jeff says and acts like he is thinking seriously. “I kissed him, I hugged him, and I’ve slept with him. Is that count as a couple in your book?”
The thing is, Jeff doesn’t lie. He indeed had done all of those things with Jared in the past, though Jeff never thought of them as a couple. Jared and he have been friends for ages and considering the fact that both of them are two very attractive men with active sexual life, it wasn’t a wonder when they grow fond on each other. And when the sexual tension between them had become unbearable, it wasn’t long before they take their relationship onto the bed.
But when it was done, apparently that was all there was to it. Both of them had tried to prolong the chemistry, but it was to no avail. Jeff was just too uncommitted, and Jared was just too unattached. It was like Jared was always looking for something Jeff doesn’t have. And besides, they both are too dominant to let themselves be overpowered by each other. Thus, the relationship ended just like that.
The easiest break up I’ve ever had, Jared once said.
Though considering how close they were as friends, Jeff wasn’t surprised that they could adjust back to their platonic rhythm fast.
And that’s how they are, even until now. Best friends.
But then Jensen’s face turns into what you call devastated expression. It takes long enough for the younger man to realize his own expression before he tries to hide it with a half smile.
And Jeff doesn’t know why but seeing it, all of his suspicions earlier are confirmed and suddenly all of the fun he had from teasing Jensen is suddenly disappeared.
This guy is serious, Jeff thinks and he is about to grin and pat Jensen a little in the back and tell him that he is joking about what he said and all that when suddenly Jared enters the room once again, with several men and women tailing him right behind.
“Jeff, you can start now.” Jared said and turns to people behind him, gesturing them to take a seat.
Jeff knows that it is no longer the right time to set the misunderstanding right with Jensen and decides that he can do it later when he has chance to be alone with him. Jeff tries to give Jensen a regretful look but Jensen is busy staring down to the floor and he looks so messed up that Jeff scolds himself inside once again.
Jeff stands up and looks at the people Jared brought to the room with him.
Shame, is the word that pops in Jeff’s mind as he is looking at them, because despite how all the fortune Padalecki family has can survive them until tenth generation, Padalecki’s ancestry line is always quite short.
Thomas only has one younger sister, Mrs. Sarah. And his husband, Mr. Brent Robinson, now runs Padalecki’s business empire alongside Jared as his Vice CEO. Both of them nod their acknowledgement towards Jeff as they take their seat on the couch, furthest from where Jensen is sitting.
Their only son, Freddy Robinson Jr. who is, in Jeff’s honest opinion, a little bit stupid but a lot of arrogant and ambitious is following right behind his parents, taking a seat next to them. His eyes soon find Jensen and, different from his parents who choose to ignore Jensen’s existence, he gives Jensen an unpleasant stare instead.
Jeff tries not to roll his eyes at that and sighs. He can’t help but think that he really doesn’t envy Jensen’s position right now. All this time, Jared never hides his hatred to Jensen and it’s no wonder that the whole Padalecki-clan has been harboring the same hatred, even when Jeff is sure that they don’t understand Jared’s reason more than he does. And in moments like this, Jeff can imagine that the hatred grows stronger in some people because Jensen as one of Padalecki’s heir becoming the black sheep of the family will be profitable for them.
Cathleen Jameson, Jared’s faithful but an honest-to-god-boring secretary enters the room right after. Jeff figures she is probably here to write down something on Jared’s order. She always finds something to write down anyway.
From his seat right next to the desk, Jared is signaling him to start.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” Jeff nods to everyone from behind the big desk, hands searching over the pile of paper before pulling Thomas’ will out of it. “We’re here to hear the reading of the will of our beloved father, brother, and friend: Thomas Alton Padalecki, may he rest in peace.”
Mumbles of Amen are heard in the room, yet Jeff notices Jensen’s lips are sealed still and his expression turns hard.
Frowning at that sight, he opens the folded paper of the will and starts to read it aloud.
“If this will is read than that can only mean my son, Jensen Ross Padalecki, has come back and is sitting among all of you here in Padalecki Residence.”
Jeff can see from the corner of his eyes how most of people’s heads in the room turn to Jensen’s direction, causing the young man to fidget uncomfortably and he holds back a sigh before continuing to read.
“Therefore I, Thomas Alton Padalecki, with this law-enforced will, have decided to inherit all of my money and assets according to these details: My dear sister Sarah Padalecki shall own two of my villas in California and Miami along with everything inside, all of my shares in Padalecki Advertising, and a bank account worth 10 million dollars. My brother in law, Brett Robinson, shall receive a bank account worth 15 million dollars. He shall stay in his position as Vice CEO in Padalecki Enterprises and he shall receive his full salary along with other benefits that stick to the position, as long as he does his job properly. His position can only be removed by three things, which are: voting done in a board meeting that requires him to resign from his position, or if he is proved to have misused his authorities which cause damage to the company, or if the law decides that he is no longer married to my sister. My nephew, Freddy Robinson Jr. shall receive a bank account worth 3 million dollars and a penthouse in New York.
The rest of my money saved in various bank accounts and the rest of my assets which consist of my entire share in Padalecki Enterprises, Padalecki Oil, Padalecki Records, Padalecki Estate and Padalecki Law Firm; other houses including Padalecki Residence, villas, and penthouses located in various areas all over the world; two wineries in Paris; and all the vehicles I have, shall be inherited and divided equally to two of my sons, Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ross Padalecki.
Each of them shall have half of my money and assets mentioned previously but it will only be legit in the eyes of the law after they both have fulfilled one condition: they have to live together in Padalecki residence for a whole 6 months starting from the day this will is read.
Both of them can use their share if they need it, as soon as after this will is read. But if one of them broke the condition, then all of his share will become the other’s possession and he'll have to pay back all the money they’ve used to that other one who stays. My lawyer, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, will make sure of it.
I wish all the best for you, my dear family. Thank you. With love, Thomas.”
Jeff lifts his eyes from the piece of letter he is holding in his hand to the group of people in front of him. The room is very silent and some people look at him with unbelieving stare.
Jeff smiles --can’t help but feel amused. “Are there any question, ladies and gentlemen?”
“How come he gets the share?” Freddy Robinson, not quite to Jeff’s surprise, raises his voice instantly while sending death glare towards Jensen who suddenly looks even paler than before.
Jeff stares sharply at Freddy. “I’m afraid that’s none of your concern, Mr. Freddy. Thomas made this will in full conscious and under no pressure whatsoever. But if what you mean is that you doubt my credibility as Padalecki’s family lawyer, then…”
Sarah Padalecki puts her hand on top of her son’s, silently calming him. “Please forgive my son’s rudeness, Mr. Morgan. It’s just that we are all very surprised to hear the last part of the will. All of us here know exactly how cruel and horrible Mr. Jensen had treated this family in the past.” She smiles timidly to Jared, and then to Jeff. “Are you sure there is no mistake here, Mr. Morgan?”
Jeff tries to hide his gritted teeth. “I am sorry, Mrs. Sarah. The will is exactly as I read it.” He gives her a forced smile for the sake of politeness. “I can give you the copy if you’d like.”
If Sarah heard the cynical tone in Jeff’s voice then she doesn’t show it because she turns her head to his husband and his son and soon three of them are beginning to be involved in a heated conversation. Freddy’s eyes keep glancing sharply to Jensen.
Jeff glares at Jared, silently asking him for help and to take over from here. But Jared is just sitting there with faraway looks and smiles on his face. And Jeff knows that it’s Jared’s face when he is contemplating something inside that big head of him.
Jeff looks at Cathleen and rolls his eyes at the sight of her taking notes busily. Only God knows what it is she is scribbling on.
So then finally he looks at Jensen.
Jensen’s hands are entwined tightly together. His eyes are wild and panic as he is staring at the floor. And then those green eyes suddenly look up, right into Jeff’s eyes.
Jeff can see tears glistening in his eyes, threaten to fall down at any minute, and Jeff gulps down feelings of pity and concern that fill him all of a sudden.
“I’m sorry, but I can’t accept the heritage.” Jensen’s voice trembles, and he flicks a glance towards Jared. “I think I’ll just leave.” Then he stands up, muttering another sorry, before taking quick steps out of the door.
The door clicks with a loud sound behind Jensen and Jeff knows he is gaping, and so is almost everyone in the room.
Jeff turns to look at Jared, saying ‘now what?’ with his glares. But Jared looks just as surprised as him and all Jeff gets is a confused back stare.
Jeff sighs. “I’ll talk to him.” And he can feel everyone’s eyes on his back as he follows Jensen outside.
TBC
PS: Will update next chapter early next month. Promise.
Character: Jared, Jensen, JDM, Mike Rosenbaum, Tom Welling.
Category: Angst, Romance, Drama, H/C
Warning: Rape/Non-con, underage, Jensen/OMC
Rating: PG-13 for now. Hard R eventually.
Chapter: 11/?
Summary:
Jensen is Jared's younger stepbrother. When Jensen was 7, his mother remarried to Thomas Padalecki, the head of the rich and famous Padalecki family.
Their closeness as child changed after they grew older and Jared found out his feelings toward Jensen. Not wanting to ruin the family, Jared chose to keep his love for Jensen inside and avoid him like crazy instead.
While Jensen was struggling to bear his own misery, he too realized his feelings for Jared, but didn't act on it because he assumed Jared hated him.
After 3 years of escaping from the family, hearing Thomas' death, Jensen decided to come back. Only to face Jared's hatred towards him.
All Jensen wants is a happiness and love with Jared by his side. Can he reach it eventually?
Author notes:
Really I have no reason whatsoever for this slow update this time except a blocked muse and a laziness. So, I'm very sorry for those who've waited too long. *bows*
The adorable inkbymidnight is not feeling well lately, but I've promised some readers that I'll update at the end of this month. So I guess you'll have to bear this unbeta-ed version.
Will edit it with the beta-ed version as soon as Lubna gets back on her feet. :))
Rating will go up as the story goes, but only up to R...
I hope you enjoy it! Comments are loved! XD
The bright light of morning sun wakes Jensen up. He frowns a bit because it’s not his habit to wake up late. But judging from how restless his sleep last night, Jensen isn’t really surprised.
So he hurriedly takes a bath and puts on decent clothes. The will reading will start soon and he doesn’t want to risk being late and catches even more attention than he has already gotten.
One of the maid passes him by on his way to the common room and Jensen can’t help but notice her curious glance at him. He sighs.
As the common room’s door opened, Jensen can see that nobody comes yet but one person. And that person, Jensen recognizes, is the one giving him strange looks from inside of his car yesterday.
That man looks at Jensen and smiles. A predatory smile, Jensen can tell, as he tries to hide his nervousness.
“Hey, there.” The man grins. Jensen smiles back a little.
“Hey.” And he approaches the man, reaching out his hand. “I’m Jensen.”
The man looks amused as he shakes Jensen’s hand. “Yeah, I know.”
Jensen lifts his eyebrow questioningly.
“I’m Jeff, Padalecki’s family lawyer.” Jeff explains and laughs a bit as a surprised looks formed on Jensen’s face, followed by an understanding expression.
“So, you’re the one who’ll read the will?” Jensen asks, a bit relaxed now knowing that Jeff isn’t one of Padaleckis that he hasn’t met yet.
“Yeah. Nervous?”
Jensen straightens his back, trying his best to not look lost. “No.”
“Curious?”
“About the will?” Jensen folds his arms on his chest. “Not really.”
“Uh-huh.” Jeff grins and Jensen smiles, feels relaxed all of a sudden at the tone of teasing in Jeff’s voice.
For a moment, none of them says anything. Jeff turns his attention to piles of papers on the desk in front of him and Jensen walks towards a chair to sit. He’s way too nervous to keep standing.
Suddenly the door opened and Jared walks in. His eyes brush Jensen’s for a second before turning to Jeff.
“Jeff, are you ready?” Jared asks the lawyer and Jensen tries his best to ignore the fact that Jared acts like Jensen isn’t here; in the same room with him.
“Sure. You can start anytime.” Jeff says as he collects the papers scattered on the desk into a pile.
“Good.” Jared nods, satisfied. Then he laughs. “Look at you.” He says to Jeff. “It’s rare to see you wearing such a stuck up suit like that.”
Jeff frowns and looks down at his clothes. “Yeah, well.” He shrugs. “A man’s gotta do what a man’s gotta do, right?”
Jared grins. “You’re right. Sometimes I forget that behind all that perverted middle aged man image, you’re still, after all, a respectable lawyer.”
“Bite me.” Jeff can only say and it makes Jared laughs harder.
Through all of that, Jensen can only sit and watch. And really, he has tried to ignore all the jealousy bile rises from the back of his throat at the display of closeness in front of him; the kind of closeness he’s desperately wanted to have since long time. But Jensen knows that the sudden stiff he feels on his face muscles proves that he fails.
Jensen had assumed, well, he wants to assume, that Jared’s coldness is there by default. His first thought ever since he met Jared again: that the hatred in Jared’s eyes is reserved for him and for him only, Jensen kind of hope that it’s wrong.
But the loving and friendly gaze he is witnessing in Jared’s eyes as he is fooling around with the handsome lawyer confirms otherwise.
And staring down at his tightening fists, trying hard to hide his jealousy and sadness from Jared’s view is all Jensen can do as Jared walks pass him, makes no move or sound to acknowledge Jensen’s presence, and disappears behind the door.
Jensen sighs at the sound of the door closed. He lifts his head only to find Jeff staring at him. The stare is a curious one, and Jensen averts his gaze off Jeff, watching the beautiful mosaic ceiling instead.
He tries to calm himself as he can see Jeff takes a seat right across him a few moments later.
“So,” Jeff begins. “You’re Jared’s stepbrother?”
Jensen looks at Jeff and nods slowly.
“You’re the stepbrother who ran away a few years ago?” Jeff asks again.
Jensen is a bit taken aback by the question, and decides to ignore it.
“Well, perhaps that’s the reason I didn’t see enough brotherhood between you and Jay back there, am I right?” Jeff continues his questions despite the silence and the obvious uncomfortable feeling Jensen shows on his face at his questions.
Jensen ignores it, again.
Jeff smiles and lifts up his both hands. “I’m sorry. I tend to interrogate people when my curiosity is piqued. And of course when I did it outside the courtroom, it becomes a very impolite habit.”
Jensen just spares him a glance and Jeff can’t help but feel amused by him.
Jeff knows already that Jared hates this guy -this sensual and handsome guy if Jeff may add- to the guts. But Jared never told him why.
Jared indeed has a talent to become such a drama queen sometimes, but Jeff is certain that there are strong reasons behind his best buddy hating his own step brother that way. And so far, his clever brain and his observation ability can only bring him to some vague conclusions and guesses about it.
But today, seeing hints of jealousy on Jensen’s expression as Jared was fooling around with him, Jeff thinks no one can blame him if he thinks of it in a different way now.
What if, and that’s a big ‘IF’, Jensen has feelings for Jared? Or maybe it is Jared who has feelings for Jensen.
Now that Jeff thinks about it, he can’t help but notice that Jensen is totally Jared’s type. Well, as Jared’s best friend, Jeff can safely say that Jared has tried every ‘flavor’ exists in this world and Jeff knows Jared isn’t one to be picky, especially because sooner or later he will dump them anyway.
But, there are certain types of people that Jeff notices Jared would have had a longer relationship with. And all of the types -all of them- match perfectly with this Jensen.
Jeff really thinks that he needs to look further into this newfound piece of information.
“Are you and Jared…?” Jensen’s unfinished question pulls Jeff back to reality.
“What?” Jeff lifts his eyebrow, curious though he can guess what Jensen wants to ask him.
Jensen doesn’t answer directly. He fidgets a bit on his seat and, to Jeff’s awe, blushes. God, Jeff had spent too much time among manipulative men and women. He works as a lawyer, for God sake. And it’s been too long since he saw the display of innocence of this kind.
“Well, you know…”
Jeff smiles amusedly. “Am I and Jared a couple, you mean?”
Jensen blushes more, and nods a little.
Jeff, he himself admits, is many things. A big teaser is one of them. And people like Jensen, Jeff knows this by experience, are the most fun to tease.
“What do you think?” Jeff asks Jensen back, has already feels a tingle of pleasure in his brain as he sees Jensen’s eyes grow bigger at his question.
“I…” Jensen stammers. “I don’t know. I mean, I know it isn’t any business of mine. It’s… It’s just that I saw how close you two were and I can’t help but wondering.”
Jeff grins as he feels things get more interesting.
“Well, I don’t know…” Jeff says and acts like he is thinking seriously. “I kissed him, I hugged him, and I’ve slept with him. Is that count as a couple in your book?”
The thing is, Jeff doesn’t lie. He indeed had done all of those things with Jared in the past, though Jeff never thought of them as a couple. Jared and he have been friends for ages and considering the fact that both of them are two very attractive men with active sexual life, it wasn’t a wonder when they grow fond on each other. And when the sexual tension between them had become unbearable, it wasn’t long before they take their relationship onto the bed.
But when it was done, apparently that was all there was to it. Both of them had tried to prolong the chemistry, but it was to no avail. Jeff was just too uncommitted, and Jared was just too unattached. It was like Jared was always looking for something Jeff doesn’t have. And besides, they both are too dominant to let themselves be overpowered by each other. Thus, the relationship ended just like that.
The easiest break up I’ve ever had, Jared once said.
Though considering how close they were as friends, Jeff wasn’t surprised that they could adjust back to their platonic rhythm fast.
And that’s how they are, even until now. Best friends.
But then Jensen’s face turns into what you call devastated expression. It takes long enough for the younger man to realize his own expression before he tries to hide it with a half smile.
And Jeff doesn’t know why but seeing it, all of his suspicions earlier are confirmed and suddenly all of the fun he had from teasing Jensen is suddenly disappeared.
This guy is serious, Jeff thinks and he is about to grin and pat Jensen a little in the back and tell him that he is joking about what he said and all that when suddenly Jared enters the room once again, with several men and women tailing him right behind.
“Jeff, you can start now.” Jared said and turns to people behind him, gesturing them to take a seat.
Jeff knows that it is no longer the right time to set the misunderstanding right with Jensen and decides that he can do it later when he has chance to be alone with him. Jeff tries to give Jensen a regretful look but Jensen is busy staring down to the floor and he looks so messed up that Jeff scolds himself inside once again.
Jeff stands up and looks at the people Jared brought to the room with him.
Shame, is the word that pops in Jeff’s mind as he is looking at them, because despite how all the fortune Padalecki family has can survive them until tenth generation, Padalecki’s ancestry line is always quite short.
Thomas only has one younger sister, Mrs. Sarah. And his husband, Mr. Brent Robinson, now runs Padalecki’s business empire alongside Jared as his Vice CEO. Both of them nod their acknowledgement towards Jeff as they take their seat on the couch, furthest from where Jensen is sitting.
Their only son, Freddy Robinson Jr. who is, in Jeff’s honest opinion, a little bit stupid but a lot of arrogant and ambitious is following right behind his parents, taking a seat next to them. His eyes soon find Jensen and, different from his parents who choose to ignore Jensen’s existence, he gives Jensen an unpleasant stare instead.
Jeff tries not to roll his eyes at that and sighs. He can’t help but think that he really doesn’t envy Jensen’s position right now. All this time, Jared never hides his hatred to Jensen and it’s no wonder that the whole Padalecki-clan has been harboring the same hatred, even when Jeff is sure that they don’t understand Jared’s reason more than he does. And in moments like this, Jeff can imagine that the hatred grows stronger in some people because Jensen as one of Padalecki’s heir becoming the black sheep of the family will be profitable for them.
Cathleen Jameson, Jared’s faithful but an honest-to-god-boring secretary enters the room right after. Jeff figures she is probably here to write down something on Jared’s order. She always finds something to write down anyway.
From his seat right next to the desk, Jared is signaling him to start.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” Jeff nods to everyone from behind the big desk, hands searching over the pile of paper before pulling Thomas’ will out of it. “We’re here to hear the reading of the will of our beloved father, brother, and friend: Thomas Alton Padalecki, may he rest in peace.”
Mumbles of Amen are heard in the room, yet Jeff notices Jensen’s lips are sealed still and his expression turns hard.
Frowning at that sight, he opens the folded paper of the will and starts to read it aloud.
“If this will is read than that can only mean my son, Jensen Ross Padalecki, has come back and is sitting among all of you here in Padalecki Residence.”
Jeff can see from the corner of his eyes how most of people’s heads in the room turn to Jensen’s direction, causing the young man to fidget uncomfortably and he holds back a sigh before continuing to read.
“Therefore I, Thomas Alton Padalecki, with this law-enforced will, have decided to inherit all of my money and assets according to these details: My dear sister Sarah Padalecki shall own two of my villas in California and Miami along with everything inside, all of my shares in Padalecki Advertising, and a bank account worth 10 million dollars. My brother in law, Brett Robinson, shall receive a bank account worth 15 million dollars. He shall stay in his position as Vice CEO in Padalecki Enterprises and he shall receive his full salary along with other benefits that stick to the position, as long as he does his job properly. His position can only be removed by three things, which are: voting done in a board meeting that requires him to resign from his position, or if he is proved to have misused his authorities which cause damage to the company, or if the law decides that he is no longer married to my sister. My nephew, Freddy Robinson Jr. shall receive a bank account worth 3 million dollars and a penthouse in New York.
The rest of my money saved in various bank accounts and the rest of my assets which consist of my entire share in Padalecki Enterprises, Padalecki Oil, Padalecki Records, Padalecki Estate and Padalecki Law Firm; other houses including Padalecki Residence, villas, and penthouses located in various areas all over the world; two wineries in Paris; and all the vehicles I have, shall be inherited and divided equally to two of my sons, Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ross Padalecki.
Each of them shall have half of my money and assets mentioned previously but it will only be legit in the eyes of the law after they both have fulfilled one condition: they have to live together in Padalecki residence for a whole 6 months starting from the day this will is read.
Both of them can use their share if they need it, as soon as after this will is read. But if one of them broke the condition, then all of his share will become the other’s possession and he'll have to pay back all the money they’ve used to that other one who stays. My lawyer, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, will make sure of it.
I wish all the best for you, my dear family. Thank you. With love, Thomas.”
Jeff lifts his eyes from the piece of letter he is holding in his hand to the group of people in front of him. The room is very silent and some people look at him with unbelieving stare.
Jeff smiles --can’t help but feel amused. “Are there any question, ladies and gentlemen?”
“How come he gets the share?” Freddy Robinson, not quite to Jeff’s surprise, raises his voice instantly while sending death glare towards Jensen who suddenly looks even paler than before.
Jeff stares sharply at Freddy. “I’m afraid that’s none of your concern, Mr. Freddy. Thomas made this will in full conscious and under no pressure whatsoever. But if what you mean is that you doubt my credibility as Padalecki’s family lawyer, then…”
Sarah Padalecki puts her hand on top of her son’s, silently calming him. “Please forgive my son’s rudeness, Mr. Morgan. It’s just that we are all very surprised to hear the last part of the will. All of us here know exactly how cruel and horrible Mr. Jensen had treated this family in the past.” She smiles timidly to Jared, and then to Jeff. “Are you sure there is no mistake here, Mr. Morgan?”
Jeff tries to hide his gritted teeth. “I am sorry, Mrs. Sarah. The will is exactly as I read it.” He gives her a forced smile for the sake of politeness. “I can give you the copy if you’d like.”
If Sarah heard the cynical tone in Jeff’s voice then she doesn’t show it because she turns her head to his husband and his son and soon three of them are beginning to be involved in a heated conversation. Freddy’s eyes keep glancing sharply to Jensen.
Jeff glares at Jared, silently asking him for help and to take over from here. But Jared is just sitting there with faraway looks and smiles on his face. And Jeff knows that it’s Jared’s face when he is contemplating something inside that big head of him.
Jeff looks at Cathleen and rolls his eyes at the sight of her taking notes busily. Only God knows what it is she is scribbling on.
So then finally he looks at Jensen.
Jensen’s hands are entwined tightly together. His eyes are wild and panic as he is staring at the floor. And then those green eyes suddenly look up, right into Jeff’s eyes.
Jeff can see tears glistening in his eyes, threaten to fall down at any minute, and Jeff gulps down feelings of pity and concern that fill him all of a sudden.
“I’m sorry, but I can’t accept the heritage.” Jensen’s voice trembles, and he flicks a glance towards Jared. “I think I’ll just leave.” Then he stands up, muttering another sorry, before taking quick steps out of the door.
The door clicks with a loud sound behind Jensen and Jeff knows he is gaping, and so is almost everyone in the room.
Jeff turns to look at Jared, saying ‘now what?’ with his glares. But Jared looks just as surprised as him and all Jeff gets is a confused back stare.
Jeff sighs. “I’ll talk to him.” And he can feel everyone’s eyes on his back as he follows Jensen outside.
TBC
PS: Will update next chapter early next month. Promise.