Fic: Fallacies of Love (2/5)

[firesign10]

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Jensen had taken care of everything before, during, and after the move to California. He'd scoped out the entire area around Stanford, partly to familiarize himself with it, but largely to find a good place in a desirable neighborhood for him and Jared to live in. Once that had been located, he'd supervised the packing and moving, arranging for the furniture to be unloaded and the apartment ready for when they arrived. The trip from Washington, D.C. to California had been fun-they'd made it a real road trip, stopping at scenic spots and tourist traps, staying in little motels. When they'd arrived at their new home, Jared had been excited about everything; the place itself, the area, the nearness to the campus. They'd christened every room in the first week, and Jensen had resolutely ignored the little smirks on their Secret Serviceman's face. Jared was not known for his quietness.

It had been perfect.

Now it was time to begin creating his business. The meeting with Misha had been a success; his resume showed that he was professionally adept, and his personality seemed open and friendly. Misha was eager as Jensen to get their personal security firm set up and ready to take on clients. The two men met almost daily to discuss marketing ideas, business protocols, and so forth. They also started looking at various offices for lease. Some of their work-days were lengthy, and Jensen found himself getting home later, sometimes walking in just after Jared's return from campus. They always kissed and hugged, no matter how tired they were, but take-out and diner visits were becoming more frequent. Nonetheless, Jensen always felt grateful and happy to have Jared right there, to be together with him in their own home.

Time became more of an issue, with their busy schedules making domestic life a little difficult. Grocery shopping, for instance. And cooking. Jared didn't know how to do any of that, and Jensen had been the one been taking care of it all the while. Jared handled laundry, but sometimes even that was irregular due to his study schedule. The first morning they were out of coffee, Jensen was apologetic and took Jared out to Starbucks. Being out of coffee or having to run and pick up his shirts at the dry-cleaner was not a big problem, as long as he had Jared.

One thing Jensen did find himself wishing was that Jared didn't want to go to parties on the weekend. Jensen had to admit that it wasn't every weekend, but it was more than he personally cared for. Hanging out with a bunch of increasingly inebriated college students was not that fun for him. He quickly grew bored with their antics, to say nothing of being hit on regularly by guys and girls alike. Even standing next to Jared, Jensen's arm on his shoulder or around his waist, did not deter students from coming on to him. Jensen's reactions grew less polite and more along the lines of eye-rolling and snarky come-backs to the repeat offenders. It did not endear him to the party crowd.

Still, Jensen was happy that Jared seemed to be settling in so well. He found all of his classes interesting and challenging, but he also hung out a bit with friends, playing in pick-up basketball games or sprawling rounds of frisbee. Jensen was usually amused to have Jared come bursting in, out of breath but laughing and smiling, ravenous, thirsty, and sweaty.

Jensen and Misha met often at Cool Beans, using it as a de facto office for the time being, until they found an actual office. One afternoon a mothers' group arrived with a number of small children in tow, taking over several tables. They weren't out of hand, but still it got far noisy for Jensen and Misha to continue working, so Jensen suggested they retreat to his apartment. Misha readily agreed, and Jensen sent a silent prayer of gratitude that he had just cleaned it up yesterday, after several day's of mess had built up.

They walked over, and Misha said nice things about the townhouse's location and decor. Jensen made a fresh pot of French Vanilla and put some cookies out, and they sipped their freshly poured coffee while brainstorming possible names for the business.

“The easy route is doing something with our names, but frankly they don't sound very smooth together. Ackles-Collins. Collins-Ackles. It just doesn't work,” mused Misha.

“Yes, my thoughts exactly. So something about security. And something that connotes strength and reliability.”

They sat quietly, each trying to think of words and names that might lead to something. Whoever had an idea spoke it, leading to a brief discussion and-so far-dismissal.

“What about weaponry as a concept? After all, bodyguards are armed. What about something using a firearm or weapon?” proposed Misha.

Jensen thought about it and nodded. “I like that. Let's go down that road and see what we can come up with. Maybe a manufacturer? Like Colt?”

“Colt could be interesting. Short, strong, memorable. Smith & Wesson? Too clunky. And let's stick to an American name, so no Italian or Russian makes. Something with history. I like Colt. Any others you can think of?”

Jensen pulled out his tablet and they Googled weapons manufacturer's and makes. When he saw it, Jensen knew it was the one.

“Winchester! Winchester Security. That's it! It's elegant, has great history, and it's memorable.” Misha agreed, and they were just toasting with their coffee cups when the front door banged open and the living room was seemingly overrun with young men.

“Hey!” Jared bounced over to Jensen and gave him a quick kiss. “We just finished playing some pick-up basketball. I remembered we just went to Costco the other day so I offered a snack to the guys.”

'The guys' were wandering around the living room and drifting into the kitchen. There were five of them, all of them at least as big as Jensen; it was like a small herd of sweaty giraffes.

“Jared, can you all go into the kitchen please? I was having a business meeting with Misha.” Jensen's annoyance was slightly undercut by the pink flush on Jared's cheeks, and the messy curls of his hair.

“Oh my God! I'm so sorry! You must be Misha then-I'm Jared Padalecki. It's so great to meet Jensen's new business partner.” Jared was contrite to Jensen, but when he spoke to Misha, Jensen was reminded of how Jared had grown up amongst political leaders and dignitaries. His manners were flawless, even if he was in a sweat-stained T-shirt and jersey shorts.

“Yes, I'm Misha. It's nice to meet you too.” Misha's words were polite, but Jensen heard an unaccustomed chilly note in his tone. If Jared heard it, he ignored it.

“Okay, I'll keep the ravening horde in the kitchen and out of your way, okay? Sorry again!” With that, Jared disappeared in the kitchen with his friends.

Jensen looked after him fondly. With a little shake of his head, he turned back to Misha.

“My sympathies on having to raise a teenager. The crowd, the mess, the vanishing food. The general obnoxiousness, just bursting in like that.” Misha frowned.

Jensen was shocked. “Misha, first of all, Jared lives here too. This is his home as well as mine, so he gets to have some space and some rights. He's not being obnoxious, he's being a college student.” He paused to catch his breath. “And furthermore, I am not 'raising' him. He is my boyfriend, my partner, whom I love very much.” He crossed his arms over his chest. “I hope I've cleared things up.”

Misha raised his hands. “When you spoke of Jared, I guess I just didn't take the boy in boyfriend that seriously. My apologies, of course. All due respect. Still, I can't help thinking there must be some...friction from time to time? Different worlds and all? You established in a career, and him...going to frat parties?”

Jensen squashed any negative thoughts of parties and simply said, “We talk about everything. He's very mature from his schooling and his upbringing. We're very happy.”

Misha raised his cup and said, “To happiness then.” As they clinked cups, there was a loud crash from the kitchen, and a burst of hooting and laughter.

“Don't worry! I got it!” called Jared. Jensen rolled his eyes, but when he looked at Misha, calm blue eyes regarded him coolly under arched eyebrows.




The holidays came quickly; even the soft California air turned crisper. Jared asked Jensen about returning to D.C. for the final White House Christmas, and Jensen gladly assented. He was happy to take a little break from planning, and Jared was clearly glad for the time off. He'd sailed through his finals and was ready to see his family. His academic success was no less than Jensen expected, but he was proud of his boy, and looking forward to some downtime with him.

When they returned to Stanford, the Ackles-Padalecki household underwent a major change. Jared no longer had his Secret Service detail. There was genuine sadness at saying goodbye to Tyler and DJ; after all, their days and nights had been spent in company together. At the same time, Jared felt free in a whole new way. Just walking out the door without the usual shadow made it feel like he could do anything he wanted.

Stephen noticed right away. “Where's your secret buddy?” He pretended to scan the horizon, one hand shading his eyes.

Jared chuckled. “They're done and gone. I'm a regular person now.” He spun around with his arms outstretched.

“That's great!” Stephen enthusiastically high-fived Jared. “Let's celebrate this weekend--we can go to the Half-Door and drink too much while I beat you in darts.”

“You're on, and you know I'm gonna crush you!”

Jensen begged off when Jared texted him, pleading too much work. Jensen was swamped with paperwork and details about establishing Winchester Security, if it were to open anytime soon. Jared knew this, but he also knew that Jensen would be happy to go play darts with him at a pub, but not so much with a bunch of other students.

Go. You deserve some fun. Jensen texted. And later we can... ;-)

Jared and Stephen walked the half a dozen blocks to the Half Door, where Stephen beat him at darts by a handful of points. Jared didn't care; he'd never been out without either his bodyguard or Jensen, so he relished the feeling of total independence. He and Stephen toasted Jared's new freedom repeatedly, and he was unaware of how much he was really consuming until the bartender cut them off.

The effects of their heavy drinking became evident as Jared and Stephen left the Half-Door. The night air felt fresh and cool on Jared's hot skin, and the contrast from the hot, humid air in the bar made him more aware of his inebriated state. They both were laughing at anything and everything, leaning against each other with Stephen's arm slung around Jared's shoulders. Stephen's hand felt scorching on the back of Jared's sweaty neck.

“Get off, man,” Jared complained, knocking Stephen's arm away. The movement sent him listing to the other side, and Stephen caught his arm before he ended up in the gutter.

“Get yourself off,” Stephen retorted, then howled with laughter. Jared laughed too, doubling over and almost landing in the gutter again after all.

“You get yourself off!” Jared clumsily mimed jerking off.

“You get your face off!” Stephen grabbed Jared and tried to give him a noogie. He made a decent attempt, but Jared was three inches taller and, even in his drunken state, easily broke away.

“You get-wait, what?” Jared sat down in the grass, laughing as he tried to figure out what they were saying. “Who would get you off anyway?”

“How about you?” Stephen plopped in the grass next to Jared and made a kissy-face. “Look at those big hands, I bet you've got some monster dick. I'm already hot as hell--we'd burn the sheets up.” He waggled his eyebrows at Jared.

“Dude.” Jared's laughter died, and he pulled away. Stephen's words suddenly felt far weightier than mere joking around, and Jared felt uncomfortable and faintly repelled. “I'm with Jensen. You know how I feel about him.” He struggled to his feet, brushing the grass off his butt. “Why would you say that?”

Stephen pushed up from the grass and put his hands out. “Hey, just kidding around here. I know you are chained to the mighty Jensen. Just thought, you know, maybe we could have a little friends-with-benefits thing. We're both young, hung, and hot, right? What's the harm?”

“The harm is I'm in a relationship, and that's not how it works.” Jared started walking. Perhaps it had been the shock of Stephen's proposition, but the beer haze seemed to be lifting, and now he just wanted to get home to his own bed...the one with Jensen sleeping in it. He ignored Stephen, whose footfalls behind Jared gradually fell away, and walked all the way home. He was still getting used to being really alone, with the bodyguards gone, but the dark streets didn't really bother him. He just wanted to get back to Jensen.

He let himself into the townhouse, locked up behind himself, and stopped at the master bathroom to shed his clothes, pee, and brush his teeth. Crawling into bed, he snaked an arm over Jensen, gently pulling him in close.

“Are you my boyfriend, Jared? Or the friendly neighborhood octopus?” Jensen asked sleepily, tilting his head to kiss Jared. “Ah, beer and toothpaste. Definitely my boyfriend. Goodnight, boyfriend, I love you.”

“Good night, Jensen. I love you too.” Jared breathed in the light woodsy-citrus smell of Jensen's hair, felt the warmth of his skin against Jared's, and for the first time since Stephen's unexpected proposition, he relaxed.

Despite saying good night to each other, Jared and Jensen kept trading slow, sleepy kisses, snuggling closer and closer together. Jensen was warm and relaxed, his muscles loose and his voice a throaty purr as Jared kissed his neck, mouthing his way down Jensen's throat to his collarbone. Jensen sprawled onto his back, and Jared took that as permission to crawl down that strong body and kitten-lick the freckles scattered over his creamy skin.

“Mmm, this is a big freckle,” Jared murmured, licking over Jensen's nipple. Jensen chuckled and slid one hand into Jared's hair, stroking it while Jared alternately nibbled and licked the bump, smiling with satisfaction at how it hardened under his lips. Jensen was moaning softly now, his hand gripping Jared's hair more firmly, arching his chest to chase Jared's mouth when Jared pulled back. Jared moved to the other side of Jensen's chest, and he cursed when Jared's mouth closed over that bud.

“Fuck...little tease. How's a man supposed to sleep when his incubus of a boyfriend is driving him crazy...” Jensen took Jared's hand and moved it down, placing it onto the erection was poking up from Jensen's groin. The tip was already slick with pre-come, and Jared half-sat up to look at it, one thumb still idly rubbing the stiff nipple while he started slowly jerking Jensen's dick.

“You minx, look what you've done.” Jensen's voice was rough, and it made Jared's cock twitch. “You going to take care of this little mess you've gotten us into, boy?”

“Yessir, yes, I will. Right away, sir,” Jared answered, feeling not only excited but downright sexy, reveling in this late night seduction of his boyfriend. He kissed Jensen hard, rubbing their lips together and plunging his tongue in, not breaking until they had to stop for air.

“Fuck, you are on fire tonight,” murmured Jensen, softly biting Jared's neck and sucking a bruise into the tan skin. “You better decide if you want to blow me or fuck me, now that you got me all stirred up like this.” He bucked up into Jared's hand. “What's your pleasure, baby?”

Jared generally preferred to bottom; he loved to come on Jensen's thick cock, to feel Jensen fucking into him in whatever position. He loved to blow Jensen too, tasting and feeling his cock on Jared's tongue, but tonight...tonight Jared felt like being in charge.

“Wanna fuck you, Jen. Wanna push into your ass and watch you come while I fuck you.” Jared's dick wobbled and jerked at his words, as if it too couldn't wait to get inside Jensen's hole. Jared hesitated a moment after speaking, his hand still wrapped around Jensen's cock; they didn't often choose this particular dynamic, and he wanted to gauge Jensen's reaction before proceeding.

“Yeah...yeah, do it. Can't wait to feel you, Jay, all hot and hard in my ass.” Jensen reached over and opened the nightstand drawer where they kept the lube. They didn't use condoms; Jensen had been Jared's first and only, and Jensen had had himself tested twice before they went bare. “Here. How do you want me?”

“Just stay there for now.” Jared squeezed lube onto his first two fingers and slid one partway into Jensen, gently but firmly fucking it until it was all the way inside. He was always shocked at the heat inside Jensen's body, and it made his balls tighten up. He gritted his teeth a second, looking away and holding still, willing his excitement to back off just a little so he didn't come before he even got inside his ridiculously sexy boyfriend.

“You okay?” Jensen asked softly, holding still.

“Yeah, just...damn.” Jared blew out a long breath, and then smacked Jensen's thigh when he chuckled. “Don't laugh, you booger.”

“Sweetheart, I laugh because I feel that same way every time I want to fuck you, and you're laying there all long and gorgeous and naked, that beautiful cock just begging me to suck it or jerk you off while I ream you. So believe me, I got it.” In the darkened room, Jensen's eyes were dark shiny circles but Jared could see him smiling, his white teeth a pale arc.

“Okay.” Jared slid a second finger in, but it was only a minute before Jensen spoke.

“Enough...fuck me right the fuck now.” Jared could hear the desire and want in Jensen's voice, but he hesitated.

“Jen...that's not enough, you always take way more time with--”

“I'm ready! Come on, Jay, do I have to beg? 'Cause I will...” Jensen's hand reached for Jared, grabbing one arm and pulling him down onto Jensen's chest. He kissed Jared, rutting their cocks together, and then pushed Jared up, whispering. “Come on, baby, please? Please fuck me?”

Jared nodded; he was so overcome with lust and love, he didn't think he could speak. He quickly slicked his dick up, then spread Jensen's thighs wide and lined himself up with Jensen's hole. It gave beneath his pushing, and slowly he pushed his way in, eyes squinched shut and mouth open in silent bliss as the heat and pressure of Jensen surrounded every millimeter of Jared's cock.

He'd thought about going slow and prolonging it, but he couldn't do it. Fortunately Jensen was on the same page, urging Jared on with voice and body. Jared lost track of actual thought; he moved instinctively, driving harder and harder, arms braced to hold him above Jensen while his hips pistoned. It was all heat and skin and sweat and more, it was too much and not enough. Beneath him, Jensen was writhing, scrabbling at the sheets and moaning constantly.

Jared couldn't tell who tipped first, it was so close-all he knew was his brains blew out of his cock, every drop of come spurting into Jensen as Jared's balls contracted. Jensen curled up, helpless in orgasm; his head and shoulders came off the bed while his cock jerked and painted his belly with white.

Jared managed to fall aside Jensen and not on top of him. It was all the movement he was capable of at the moment, outside of trying to catch his breath.

“Damn...that was amazing, Jay. Holy shit.” Jensen wiggled his arm under Jared's shoulder and pulled him close.

“Yeah?” Jared felt proud but a little embarrassed, nestling into Jensen.

“Yeah. Fuck, yeah.” Jensen kissed Jared's forehead. “We're doing that more often. But now...sleep.”

Jared nodded and closed his eyes, falling asleep in seconds.

The next morning, Jared's eyes snapped open when the question popped into his head-was he going to tell Jensen about Stephen's proposition? They'd both shared and chuckled when someone at a party had tried to flirt or hit on either one of them in the past, but this? This was different. It was someone they knew, an actual friend instead of some unknown party guest, and the overture had been made with far more intent than a casual pick-up line.

Of course, there had been a lot of beer involved too. That wasn't a real excuse for Stephen's behavior though, and Jared knew it. He felt uncomfortable about revealing the conversation to Jensen, afraid he might read too much into it or think that Jared was actually interested in Stephen.

“Are you hitting the library today?” Jensen asked over toast, scrambled eggs, and coffee.

Jared shook his head, swallowing before attempting to talk. “Going to study at home, then I have study group at Cool Beans.”

Jensen looked surprised, his eyebrows arched. “I thought you and Stephen had a regular library study date on Saturday mornings.”

Jared put his toast down, his hunger abandoning him suddenly. “Uh, yeah, but...not today.” He pushed his remaining eggs around on his plate nervously.

“Uh-huh. Those eggs have something to do with it? They sass you or something?” asked Jensen dryly.

Jared set his fork on the plate. “Something kinda happened last night at darts. Stephen and I both drank a lot, and we were being silly, you know, clowning around and all, but then things...got weird. He, uh...he hit on me. Like, big-time.”

“Really! Wow, didn't see that coming.” Jensen looked startled, his green eyes wide. His mouth tightened as he got up and cleared his dishes with more clatter than usual. “I mean, I know he swings both ways, but I thought you two were solid just as bros.” He started washing the dishes at the sink, his back to Jared. “What happened?”

Jared wished he could see Jensen's face. He thought Jensen sounded a little too carefully casual, but figured it was better to finish the topic than to leave it hanging. “We were joking around about getting off, being kind of raunchy but silly, and then all of a sudden he was all, we should get each other off. Be friends-with-benefits. And I said no way, I'm with Jensen. I'm in a relationship. And so then he apologized.” Jared shook his head, collecting his dishes and bringing them to Jensen at the sink. “It was just so fucking weird. I left and walked home.”

Jensen turned the water off and dried his hands carefully, hanging up the towel before turning to face Jared, face impassive. “I understand, you know. If you want to find out-I mean, I know it's just only been me, and you might be curious--”

“Stop it! I'm not curious! I don't want to be with anyone but you, okay? Just you!” Jared's heart felt like it was missing random beats. He cradled Jensen's face with his hands, trying to convey his love with his eyes. “Just you.”

Jensen pulled him in for a tight hug, burying his face in Jared's neck. “Thank God. I was trying to be a mature, supportive boyfriend, but I just want to smash his face in.”

Jared's heart gave a pang; he never meant to upset Jensen, but he did feel better for having told him. He said that to Jensen, who replied, “Talk is the most important thing. Talk builds trust, and without that, there's nothing.” He gently bit Jared's neck. “Now let's go back to bed and see if there's anything else you're curious about.”

Jared figured study group could wait.




After the glow of the holidays and the elation of being guard-free, February seemed dreary and gray, once the excitement of being guard-free passed. Jared's second semester required more time and work, and while Jensen missed spending a lot of time with him, he was also a little relieved. With Jared busy, it was easier for Jensen to concentrate on getting Winchester Security up and running. He and Misha, initially disheartened by several searches in cookie-cutter corporate complexes, found a small suite of offices in an elegant Victorian house, set in a well-kept neighborhood that was a mix of homes and small businesses. They took their time with updating, modernizing and decorating; they both knew the value of appearances in a business that dealt in trust. The décor in Jensen's office tended to a subtle sophistication; deep blues and rich magentas for the upholstery of the two chairs at the desk and the small sofa along the back wall, a deep blue area rug over polished hardwood floors, warm cherry wood furniture accented with mahogany. Rather than paintings, Jensen selected some single object still-life photographs, printed with a magenta filter, matted in dark blue and framed in black.

Misha's office was quite the opposite; he used bright colors everywhere, and chose a Lucite desktop on metal legs. “It will be good for people to see that we are different, yet still a team. They won't think that we are twin robots, but real people like them, so we can understand their needs and help them.” Jensen agreed, even if he thought the white plastic splotch 'art' on one wall resembled a puddle of spilled milk. Misha laughed at him and waggled a finger. “Come on! That's a fantastic piece! You need to unleash your imagination, Ackles.”

Next on the agenda was hiring an administrative aide and a receptionist. At first, the two could be combined, while the business was smaller and therefore less demanding. Jensen didn't look forward to interviewing applicants, but he lucked out. On the third day, when he was already starting to think about committing mayhem with the plastic fork from his lunch salad, Misha ushered a young woman in and said, “Jensen, I think we have a winner.”

Jensen raised his eyebrows-generally speaking, bosses don't talk in front of an applicant like that--but he was willing to see what the young woman had to offer. She was definitely very attractive, with rich red hair curling around her delicate features and over her shoulders, bright, intelligent eyes, and a perfectly made-up mouth that Jensen bet could probably smirk as evilly as it could smile sweetly.

“Danneel Harris,” she said, offering an elegantly manicured hand. Jensen shook it and was pleased at her firm grip. “I've worked at the top law firm in town for the last five years. There isn't a computer business program I don't know, I type ninety words a minute, I have a bachelor's degree in English so I can actually write, and my discretion is legendary. Here is my resume, references, and salary requirement.”

Jensen couldn't help being impressed. Behind Danneel, Misha was nodding and grinning like a fool. Jensen scowled at him before gesturing for Danneel to sit down, skimming the papers she had handed him.

“Ms. Harris, why do you want to come here and join a new business that's just starting out, when you have such a good position at an established firm?” Jensen studied her as she sat quietly, hands folded in her lap but eyes alert and intelligent.

“It is a very good position, and one I worked hard for. Simply put, there's nowhere to go to from it. I'm not a lawyer, and I don't want to be one, but I do want responsibility and opportunity. I want a chance to grow, and in a new company like this, getting in on the ground floor, I think that can happen. I have mad business skills, but I don't want to simply be a secretary forever. I have ambition. And right now, my ambition, my drive, can help your company get off the ground and become a success.”

Misha and Jensen exchanged looks. Misha gave a small nod, and Jensen nodded back. Turning back to Danneel, he said, “Welcome aboard.”

After the meeting, Jensen and Misha took Daneel out for a drink. “This is a coup for us,” Misha said, toasting Jensen's Bullitt Rye and Danneel's icy Ketel One with his own margarita. “Your old firm's loss is definitely our gain, Danneel.”

“Please, call me Danni,” she said, clinking glasses with both men. “I'm thrilled to be here!”

“Now that we have our core team, we can get started on getting some guards on board. Danni, I'd like you to help oversee the campaign to bring in good candidates.” Jensen sipped his rye appreciatively. “I'm excited to get this all going, but I'm already looking forward to spending a little more time with Jared. Between Winchester Security and his classes, we hardly have any time together right now.”

“So, classes? Is he in grad school?” Danni asked.

“No, undergrad. He's a freshman at Stanford.” Jensen nibbled on a pretzel, but he didn't miss Misha's eye-roll.

“Oh, I didn't realize he was a undergrad.” Danni took a drink and dabbed at her lips with a cocktail napkin. Her tone was completely polite, but with a hint of surprise.

Misha asked casually, swirling the crushed ice in his glass, “So, Jen, is it ever an issue? The...age difference?”

Jensen swallowed some more rye along with his annoyance at Misha's comment. “No. We have a great relationship.”

Apparently some of the annoyance crept out into his tone, because Misha put his drink down and held up his empty hands. “Hey, I'm sorry if I crossed a line here. Just...you're setting up a new business in a tricky, complex field, and he's what, studying for mid-terms and going to keggers? That can be a difficult contrast in lifestyles.”

The memories of campus parties floated though Jensen's head, but he resolutely pushed them away. “Issues come up in any relationship, and like anyone else, we talk about them.” He looked at his watch. “Speaking of this, I gotta head home. I'm already over an hour late, Jared's probably wondering where the heck I am.”

“Well, he trusts you, right? Maybe just don't tell him you went out for drinks with a scorching hot redhead and a handsome Russian.” Misha winked and rattled the ice in his glass. “Might get his knickers in a twist.”

Jensen rolled his eyes. “Yeah, right. See you tomorrow, Misha. Danni, it's been a pleasure.”

Jared wasn't exactly mad when Jensen got home, but he wasn't happy either. “I went ahead and ate, because I was hungry. There's still Mexican leftovers from that take-out on Saturday in the fridge. I have to study.”

Jensen noted the chilly tone in Jared's voice. “I'm sorry, baby. I didn't text until I was on my way, and I should have let you know sooner. We just got excited about hiring our assistant. It's all starting to become real now, you know? Not just plans and ideas.” He took Jared's hand and drew him in for a chaste kiss. “I'm sorry, I promise next time I'll text right away if anything comes up.”

Jared relented, finally giving Jensen a little smile. “Okay. Thank you. I really did worry, even with you being a big, bad bodyguard.” He frowned and stuck his bottom lip out. “Besides, what if Misha decides he wants to be more than business partners with you? I'll have to come kick his teeth in!”

Jensen scoffed. “I don't think you have anything to worry about from Misha. Now, how about I have a quick bite, and then I can apologize again to you real slow upstairs?” He briefly sucked on the tender skin below Jared's ear, then nipped his earlobe.

“Yeah...yeah, that sounds good.” Jared kissed him. “I'll go...get ready for you. So...don't be poky.” He kissed Jensen hard and broke free, heading up the stairs with a sashay to his hips.

“Only poking tonight is gonna be me poking your ass,” murmured Jensen. He darted into the kitchen and frantically looked around for something to eat. There was fresh fruit in the big bowl, so he grabbed a banana for something quick to ingest. Then he looked at it and cracked up, putting the banana back. “I can't, I just can't. Not when the real thing is waiting upstairs.” Instead, he grabbed an apple and ate it quickly as he glanced through the mail. Jared had received some brightly colored flier inviting him to a “Post-Mid-Term Melee”, and Jensen sighed, sure it was about some big party Jared would want to attend. Jensen was so over the whole party thing, and even understanding how it was exciting or fun for Jared no longer sufficed to keep Jensen from gritting his teeth.

But now, his beautiful, hot young lover was waiting upstairs-probably already stretched and lubed-and Jensen threw his apple core away, washed his sticky hands, and raced upstairs.

On to Part 3