Fic: Fallacies of Love (1/5)
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Jared walked into the bathroom with a yawn, scratching his face and frowning at himself in the large double mirror. He'd slept on a fold of sheet apparently, because a crease now ran down one cheek. His thick dark hair, just long enough to brush his collar, currently stuck out at all sorts of crazy angles and curls.
“Nice look,” Jensen said dryly, coming up behind him. “Going to settle that mess down before classes?”
Jared saw Jensen smirk at him in the mirror. Jensen's short brown hair was carefully styled to look casually spiky, his face was freshly shaved, and his pale blue button-down shirt looked perfectly pressed. Seized by a desire to rumple him up, Jared playfully jostled Jensen accidentally on purpose, laughing when Jensen slopped toothpaste onto the edge of the sink.
Jensen barked, “Jared! What the fuck?” His genuinely annoyed reaction was so different from the more customary wet towel smack that Jared had expected that he quickly sobered.
"Uh, sorry...just playing with you, Jen. Or, um, not, I guess." He saw the stern look still on Jensen's face and hastily grabbed a couple of tissues to clean the mess up. "I didn't mean to upset you. What's up?"
Jensen reapplied toothpaste to his toothbrush. "I'm meeting that guy today. The one I talked with about opening my personal security service. Showing up with toothpaste all over me is not the professional impression I was hoping for." He began brushing briskly.
Jared felt sheepish, both for clowning around and for forgetting Jensen's important meeting. Of course Jensen would be tense on a day like this. "I'm sorry, I should have remembered. Can I do anything to help you get ready?" He tried not to think about his 9:00 English class, deciding he could borrow the notes from someone else if he missed it.
Jared and Jensen had been in Palo Alto for a few months already; they'd moved there in mid-summer, after Jared's graduation from the prestigious private high school Sidwell Friends in Washington, D.C. As the son of the President, Jared's life had been a privileged and protected one. Moving out of the White House and into a California townhouse with his former-bodyguard now-boyfriend was a huge change. With President Padalecki still finishing his final term, a pair of Secret Service agents lived directly below Jared and Jensen, but Jared was eagerly anticipating their departure in February.
Once Jared had decided on which university he wanted to attend, Jensen had concentrated on finding them a place to live and getting them settled, so that Jared could focus on starting school. Stanford was a big change from Sidwell Friends; it boasted a sprawling campus, unlimited course options, and even higher academic standards. Jared had been a thorough and diligent student, but this was going to be a whole new ball game.
Living with Jensen was an even bigger change from Jared's previous White House life. Living with one's family was different from living with one's lover. Jared had had chores, even in the White House, but now he had to learn how to do laundry, pitch in with all manner of cleaning, and learn to adapt to another person's moods and personality. Jensen understood how much was new to Jared. With his patience and support--and a lot of great sex--Jared got comfortable in his new life, as well as being deliriously happy with his boyfriend.
Now that they were settled and Jared was established in school, Jensen turned his attention to setting up his business. Jared knew Jensen wanted to open a personal security business, using his experience as a Secret Service agent on the White House team that had watched over the First Family. He'd told Jared that he'd need someone to help with the business side while Jensen more heavily oversaw the security side, and that was the meeting this morning. Jensen had been talking with a potential partner, and today they were meeting at a local coffee shop for the first time.
And Jared had forgotten all about it, his mind busy with today's classes and last night's ride on Jensen's cock. He drifted a moment, still feeling the ache--a good ache, the ache only Jensen...
"Bathroom's yours," Jensen said as he left.
Jared sighed, his memory from last night popping like a soap bubble. He'd be glad when Jensen got this whole distracting partner-business thing nailed down. At least Jared wasn't going to miss his 9:00 class after all.
Jensen tapped on the table, idly drumming along to the music playing in the coffee shop. He caught himself after the cashier flicked a glance at him a couple of times; checking his watch instead, he saw it was still five minutes before the meeting time, so he had no right to be impatient. He was impatient anyway-he was eager to get this venture started. Jensen had been very busy when they first moved to California, what with checking out apartments, then arranging all the details of the move itself. He and Jared had toured the Stanford campus, and explored the neighborhood. They had found this coffee shop, Cool Beans, and quickly become regulars. Jared was particularly a fan of the delicious pastries and cappuccinos, while Jensen became addicted to the dark roast.
And now it was time for his dream to begin materializing.
Jensen looked up and saw a man approaching his booth. He was shorter than Jensen by a couple of inches, with jet black hair and startling blue eyes. Dressed in a dark suit, he still radiated a casual, relaxed air. The man gave a wide, easy smile while he put his hand out.
"Jensen Ackles? Misha Collins."
Jared sat on a stone retaining wall, waist-high above the verdant green lawn on one side and the sidewalk on the other, idly popping gummy bears into his mouth while he watched students walking around. He'd missed the 9:00 class after all; he'd waited too long to leave in case Jensen needed any help. He'd texted his friend Stephen to meet up so Jared could get the notes; he might be high on life right now, but he still took his schoolwork seriously. He was used to working hard at school, and he had every intention of doing well here.
Not that there couldn't be some fun too. Jared hadn't been to any parties yet, but getting their life going here had taken a lot of time and energy. Just moving in with Jensen had been a huge adjustment, from the prosaic needs of housework, grocery shopping, and cooking (thank God Jensen knew how to, albeit nothing fancy) to living with someone other than family to having sex on a regular basis. Although the sex part was awesome.
He pulled his phone out of his pocket and quickly thumbed a brief text.
Hey, slugbreath.
One second, two, three...and his phone flashed The Chadster.
What's up, donkey balls?
Jared smiled. Chad's communication style was...unique. Waiting for class, thought I'd say hi.
Yeah, right. What's up? Hows Cali life? Fun in the sun and all that shit?
It's okay. I'm settling in.
And the J-man? You getting schtupped regularly? ;-P
Jared snorted. None of your beeswax.
So, yes then ;-P
Just kinda wish you'd come here to school, you know? Miss your monkey face.
Yeah, me too dude. You're going to do great though, even without my supervision. **fist pump**
Jared smiled at his phone. Chad had many questionable qualities, but he was Jared's best friend and could help reset his attitude in just a few keystrokes. Thanks, man.
You're welcome. Now go spout some wisdom and get laid.
Jared clicked his phone off and slipped it back into his jeans. He was still partially lost in thought when someone hopped up onto the wall next to him and bumped his shoulder.
"Yo, Jared!" Stephen Amell grinned at him. Stephen was a handsome guy, with a strong jaw and clear blue eyes like some kind of all-American superhero. His navy blue Stanford T-shirt bulged where it stretched over his shoulders, biceps, and chest. Jared eyed him with appreciation, but that appreciation was purely on a theoretical level. All of Jared's lust was focused on Jensen. That didn't mean Stephen wasn't easy on the eyes though.
“What's up?”
“I just got assigned another paper to do.” Stephen sighed. “I'm starting to think this college thing is overrated. It's going to take me all weekend to write these fucking things.” He kicked at the grass tufts growing between the sidewalk and the stone wall. “Dammit.”
“Sorry, man, I know. I have a buttload of work too. Maybe we can hit the library together.”
“Dude, I was hoping we could hit Kathryn Newton's party together! I hear it's going to be great! What do you say? I think we need a break at some point, right?” Stephen turned his big eyes and guileless grin on Jared.
“Oh man!” Jared rolled his eyes. “Maybe I can. Let me see how much I can get done before the weekend, okay? And I'll have to talk to Jensen about it.”
“Pfft!” Stephen snorted in disgust. “Seriously? You really going to bring the ball and chain? This is a college party, not a retirement one.”
Jared stood up, his spine stiff with irritation. “Jesus, Stephen, I've asked you to knock off the 'old man' cracks. Jensen is not old-he's twenty-eight, and I love him. Enough already.” Ever since Stephen had learned Jensen's age, he'd made snide cracks that were rankling Jared. Jensen was gorgeous, smart, successful, and sexy as hell. Stephen just didn't realize it because they hadn't met in person yet.
“Sorry, sorry. Okay, bring Jensen. As long as you can go, I can deal.” Stephen hopped off the wall and punched Jared's shoulder. “Come on, I'll buy you one of those big, girly coffee drinks you like before your next class.”
Jared laughed and punched him back. They ambled off down the sidewalk, discussing who else might end up going to the party.
Jensen grabbed a beer from the bottom shelf of the refrigerator. The meeting with Misha had been very productive, but also mentally fatiguing. There were so many decisions to be made, so many steps to take. They'd agreed there was a lot of work to do, but that it was definitely worth doing. The best thing had been the feeling that he had found his partner; someone who could share his vision for the business and help him bring it to fruition.
He ambled through the apartment, but there was no sign of Jared yet-no backpack dropped next to the armchair, no books or papers on the table. No food wrappers in the kitchen. Jensen knew it was unrealistic to think Jared would race home every day like a third-grader, but part of him felt unhappy anyway. Cut it out, you needy Nelly, he thought to himself. Jared is building a life here too. He's making friends, and you want him to make friends. You don't want him only depending on you. That's not healthy for either of you.
It didn't make the apartment feel any less empty though.
After a quick shower and the rest of his beer, Jensen settled onto the couch to read over Misha's proposals and notes. Time slipped by, until suddenly the back door banged open and Jared bounced into the room. He seemed to fill the entire space, all long legs and messy hair with his big dimpled smile, and Jesus, he'd grown so much since graduation, just a few months ago. Jensen laid his papers aside and got up for a hug, one that melted into a passionate kiss. Jensen was tempted to take him to bed-he never failed to get aroused by holding his boy in his arms-but instead he sat back down and smiled while he listened to Jared recount his day.
“Stephen gave me the notes for morning class, so don't worry about me missing it. And then, uhh...there's a big party this weekend. A lot of people I know are going.” Jared shuffled his feet and ran a hand through his hair; Jensen recognized those as Jared's nervous tells. He waited to hear what Jared wanted to ask. “Would you...be up for that? To go, I mean? Is that okay? You don't have to go if you'd rather not, but I thought it might be nice for you to meet more of the kids in my classes and all, you know?” Jared's puppy dog eyes were large and begging under a furrowed forehead.
Inside, Jensen sighed and rolled his eyes. A college party packed with freshmen was not exactly his idea of a good time. For him, it was 'been there, done that', but for Jared it was new, and undoubtedly fun and exciting. He definitely didn't want to curb his boyfriend's social life or fun. Making himself smile, Jensen said, “Sure, that sounds great.”
Jared looked at the full-length mirror in the bedroom to evaluate how his faded, slightly ripped jeans looked. They clung to his thighs and calves, and they looked positively painted on his ass. He smirked with pride, shaking his butt at his reflection. It wasn't like he was out to pick anyone up, but he didn't want to look like last week's dog food either. He had the hottest boyfriend around, and he wanted to look worthy of being with Jensen.
“It's nine-thirty, you ready to roll?” called Jensen. Jared yelled back that he was, winking at himself and left the room to join Jensen in the living room.
Jared wondered to himself how on earth Jensen could look so good so effortlessly all the time. He wore a simple forest green button-down shirt that brought out his eyes, with slate gray jeans that were poured over his legs. His light brown hair was in his usual artlessly tousled style, and a light dusting of stubble over his jaw kept him from seeming too polished. Jared licked his lips and his hand drifted to his suddenly tight fly.
Jensen looked Jared up and down, a slow smile crossing his face. “Down, boy,” he drawled. “I'm already coming home with you.” He reached out and grabbed Jared's belt, pulling him close enough to kiss.
Jared gave himself up to the kiss, reveling in the smooth, soft feel of Jensen's lips, his taste, the way his tongue slid into Jared's mouth. He hooked an arm around Jensen's neck, pulling them tighter together, tight enough that he could feel the growing bulge in Jensen's jeans and feel the shorter puffs of his breath.
“Don't have to go. We could still stay home,” Jared murmured.
“Yeah, right. I heard about this party all week--not going to skip it and hear about that for a week, too.” Jensen's slightly acerbic words were softened by his smile and the parting kiss he planted on Jared's lips. “Come on. The kegger awaits.”
The party was overflowing onto the lawn by the time Jared and Jensen got there. Jared was briefly intimidated by the volume of people, but Jensen's strong hand in his gave him the courage to plunge in. Once they got inside and got beers, Jared saw someone he knew, and after that he felt like it was just like any other party, just a lot larger and with lots of alcohol.
When he finally saw Stephen, Jared yelled and waved him over. Stephen headed toward them, followed by a shorter, very good-looking guy; he had large eyes arrestingly set off by straight dark brows, and a lush mouth, although Jared thought Jensen's was sexier. Jared looked at Stephen with an arched eyebrow.
“Hey. This is Colton. He's in a bunch of my classes, and we, uh...we're hitting it off.” Stephen and Colton exchanged smirks.
“Um, cool. Nice to meet you, Colton. Guys, this is my boyfriend, Jensen.”
Jared thought a flash of surprise crossed Stephen's face, but then he was smiling warmly at Jensen. “Great to finally meet you, dude. Jared talks about you all the time. Nice to meet the man behind the myth.”
“Yeah, he's mentioned you too. Good to meet you too.” Jensen shook Stephen's and Colton's hands. “Hey, Jay, I'm going to go find the head. I'll catch up with you.” He moved away, wending his way between the numerous bodies.
“I'm gonna grab a brew,” said Colton, and he too disappeared into the crowd.
“Wow, Colton could be a freakin' model for Abercrombie,” Jared said. “Where did you meet him? You never mentioned him before.” He felt a tiny twinge of jealousy as he said that, but resolutely ignored it. Stephen was entitled to his own life, and Jared didn't need to be the center of it. Jared could tell that Stephen was definitely attracted to him, but since that was never going to happen, then it was better that he find someone-someone hot like Colton--to date.
“He's great, and damn, can he suck cock,” said Stephen. He palmed his crotch and winked.
“Jeez, dude, is that--” Jared felt a little shocked at Stephen's crass summation about Colton's...talents.
“No, no, of course not. He's a lot of fun, we have a good time hanging out. We're just...friends with benefits, you know? He's pining after someone else, and I'm-well, we just like fooling around together.”
Jared was about to ask what had surprised Stephen about Jensen, but before he could say anything, an animated Kathryn appeared with fresh beers in her hands. Crimped long blonde hair framed an oval face; her eyes were heavily made-up with heavy dark eyeliner and mascara, and her bright red lipstick drew attention to her full, mobile mouth.
“Here!” She shoved the cups at Jared and Stephen. “How ya doing, guys? Jared, where is this mysterious boyfriend I keep hearing you rave about so much? Oh, do you guys know who the nerd outside with the ear wire is? Jared, is he the bodyguard Stephen was telling me about? He might look the right age and he's wearing jeans and a t-shirt, but he's clearly not here for a keg party--that face says 'don't talk to me' and he's not drinking.”
Jared sighed. “Yeah, he's, um...he's my protection detail. They have to go everywhere with me until my dad is out of office. Tyler and DJ were partly chosen because they look young enough to be hanging around at college.” He took a big gulp of beer, ignoring the bitter taste of the cheap keg beer. At Sidwell Friends, everyone had had bodyguards, so no one thought anything of it. Here, it was much more rare and thus more noticeable, even though they gave Jared as much distance as possible and generally dressed casually to blend in.
Stephen laughed. “I was wondering about that! I just thought there was some guy stalking your hot ass!” He elbowed Jared harder than Jared felt the joke warranted, but he forced a laugh anyway. “How much longer for the babysitter?”
Jared huffed in annoyance. “He's not a babysitter, man. It's just a fact of life for the President's family. We're always considered possible targets or hostages.” Stephen drank some beer, but Jared caught the eye roll behind the tilted cup, and his anger surged. “Look, you can think it's stupid, okay? All I know is I was kidnapped in high school once, and it was my Secret Service guards that rescued me. So until you know what that's like, shut the fuck up about it.”
He hadn't realized that he'd started raising his voice, but suddenly there was a little pocket of silence around him, accompanied by lots of wide eyes and open mouths. Stephen and Kathryn were both gaping at him, and Jared abruptly decided he needed some air. He turned and found himself face-to-face with Jensen.
“You okay, Jay?” Jensen had a casual smile on his face, but his green eyes were concerned. Jared knew he had to have heard the last few sentences.
“Just want some air,” Jared mumbled, still pissed but embarrassed now too. Jensen took his arm and helped him wend his way through the crowd, the rest of whom were dancing and drinking, clearly unaware of the little scene, for which Jared was grateful.
He made it outside, stopping a few yards away from the door, taking deep breaths of the cooler night air in and running both hands through his hair. Jensen stood nearby, close at hand but without touching him. Jared wondered how he always knew when to give Jared some space; maybe it was something he'd developed from being a bodyguard and knowing his client so well.
“Better?” Jensen's hand settled onto the small of Jared's back, and Jared felt himself reflexively relax under its warmth. He reached out and grabbed Jensen's belt loop, pulling him close and kissing him.
“Yeah. It was stupid to get upset. Just...they don't get it. And really? I hope they never do. I hope they never go through that.” Jared shook his head, scattering away the memories of being snatched from his prom, hustled up the freight elevator and held in a hotel room by an increasingly agitated and violent man. “It wasn't even like he was a serious criminal, you know? He just wanted to get attention for his environmental issues. I wasn't going to get my head chopped off or anything.”
“No, but in the end, he was ready to kill you anyway. Dead is dead, Jay, and that's what they can't understand. It's all movies and TV and video games to them.” He kissed Jared's forehead. “I agree, baby, I hope they never know it more than that.” He pressed his lips to Jared's. “Now, I think we had some crappy beer waiting for us-shall we?” He gestured back to the house.
Jared looked at the house and back at Jensen. “Okay. I don't want to be the princess who had a hissy fit and left. But I wouldn't say no to not staying long so we can go home and...”
Jensen laughed. “Sounds good to me!” Jared turned to start walking back to the party, and Jensen smacked his ass. Jared yelped and Jensen laughed again. “Just making sure you keep our later plans in mind!”
Jared squirmed on the library's leather armchair, attempting to resettle himself more comfortably. He was generally too long-limbed for most regular furniture, but adding to that discomfort was the fact his ass was a little sore. He and Jensen had taken advantage of an unexpectedly free morning--Jared's 9:00 class had been canceled and Jensen's first meeting wasn't scheduled until 10:30--to have some short but intense morning sex. Jared's eyes drifted shut as he lost himself in the recollection of Jensen's lips on his neck, Jensen's cock moving in his ass, hard and perfect...
“Yo, Jared!” Jared's eyes flew open; Stephen had collapsed into the neighboring armchair and was shaking Jared's with his foot. “Dude, you look all moony! What, you thinking about the last time you got laid?”
Jared felt the heat of his flush stain his cheeks. Stephen did a double-take before bursting into laughter. “Oh my God, you were! What, was it this morning or something?”
Now Jared's cheeks were burning, so he knew they must be crimson. Stephen laughed harder, lying back against his chair. “It was! Shit, Jay, you little horndog!”
“Shut up!” Jared hissed, glancing around uncomfortably. “People don't need to hear about my sex life!”
“Oh, I think maybe they do!” chortled Stephen. He wiped his eyes and sat up. “Need another pillow for your butt? I bet Jensen's hung--”
Jared grabbed his books and stood up, ignoring the papers fluttering down around him. Stephen stopped laughing and looked contrite. “Hey, okay, I'll stop.” He tugged on Jared's arm, pulling him down into his chair. “Sorry, man. I didn't mean anything by it. Just razzing you a little, you know?”
“Cut it out or I'm outta here, okay?” Jared put his things back down and eased his way back into the chair. Stephen opened his mouth, but Jared held up a finger and spoke firmly, “Not. A. Word. I'm not discussing Jensen's and my sex life with you. It's private.”
Stephen held up his open hands. “Okay. I got it. I promise to only talk about it if you bring it up first. Good?”
Jared nodded. “Good. Now let's get cracking on these biology notes, because I have a paper for world history to write, too.”
He walked home that evening, only partly aware of his guard for tonight, Tyler Johnston, trailing a few yards behind him. Jared pondered why it bothered him so much to have Stephen tease him about Jensen. Being in a relationship was new for Jared; he'd been quite popular, but he hadn't really dated in high school. Even in a school full of the progeny of the rich and socially prominent, the son of the President had stood out. Then he'd started pining for Jensen as soon as the man had been assigned to his detail, and no one else had compared. The one good thing about his being kidnapped at prom had been Jensen's revealing his feelings, and Jared's parents acceding to their being together.
And now, they were a couple and living in California, but life was starting to get a little more intense and complicated than Jared had anticipated.
This is growing up, doofus. Becoming an adult. Being in college. You'll be fine, just grow up a little and roll with it. Jared nodded to himself, hitching his backpack up higher on his shoulder.
On to Part 2