Jared Padalecki and the Mystery of the Egyptian Mummy
Title: Jared Padalecki and the Mystery of the Egyptian Mummy
Chapter: Eight
Author:
hunters_retreat
Pairing: Jared/Jensen
Rating: PG (eventual R i'm sure... it's me after all :P)
Summary: J2 AU. Jared is a young Egyptologist trying to find a prize. Jensen is an adventurer in need of a mystery. Jared provides him with one. This is the story of the legend they become.
Author's Note:Huge insane thank you to insane_songbird who did an amazing manip for this story!! *Snuggles* Check it out (and find all previous chapters) here.
Chapter Eight
Morning came bright and hot, and the camp was already broken down before Jared came out of his tent, having broken his fast in privacy as he prepared for the day. He'd heard Jensen yelling for the camp to be taken apart, heard him laughing and joking with the men but when he'd gone out, he was no where to be found. When it was time to take the last trek into the valley, he was gone.
Akil frowned when asked, but his eyes were piercing as he watched Jared's face. "I warned you about the Green-Eyed. He has always come and gone like the desert storm." Jared scanned the faces again and took a deep breath. "Do you wish to wait for his return?"
Yes, he did, but he couldn't and he knew it. There was no guarantee that Jensen would come back, that he would join them again. "No. Prepare the men to go now." He said softly. Akil nodded, patting his shoulder awkwardly as he walked past him. Jared's eyes continued to search through the men to find Jensen but he knew it was no use. If he came, it would be in his own time.
He tried not to let it bother him, but even as he started down the trail into the valley his enthusiasm was dampened. Every time he turned some corner that showed a new angle he wanted to turn and tell Jensen. Every time he thought to stop for break, he turned to discuss it with him, but the Green-Eyed was gone.
He ignored the pang of hurt as they finally entered the valley. He thought that he and Jensen had shared a connection, had truly believed that his offer to find more mysteries after this had been honest and real. It was hard to continue with that thought when he'd disappeared without a word though. He shook his head, knowing that it was just his own foolishness anyway. He knew what he wanted from Jensen and sooner or later he'd have acted upon it and the man would have run far from him anyway. It was probably best for all that he had gone while they were still on friendly terms.
Tents were set up at their new location by a part of the crew, places to eat and places to store water were set up as well, but others went to work on the pyramid, trying to find the way into the General's final resting place.
They found the entrance a few hours into the search, a lucky break since Jared didn't have the manpower to start a search on all sides at once. He took the torch handed him by the others and made his way down into the tomb. He knew from his visions, trusted them, that there were no traps set in this tomb. Its secret location, they had hoped, would conceal it long enough for the beloved General to join the Gods in the heavens. When the doors were opened, flares were thrown in so that they could get a good look at the long corridor, but then the others were backing away, giving it some time to let fresh air in.
They took an early supper at that point and Jared sat, watching the entrance. He wanted to get in, but he knew he needed to wait until morning, give it a chance to air out a little before they could go in and try to see what they could find. The front area was undisturbed though and the fact that there was no debris was a sign that if there had been grave robbers, they probably hadn't come through this part of the pyramid. When he slept that night, his dreams were of green eyes and gentle hands covered in calluses that opened the unknown and laid his heart on a platter.
As much as he wanted inside, he waited, made himself take a full breakfast. He wanted to rush in but something held him back. He realized what it was as he finished his tea and looked around the valley one more time. He was still waiting for Jensen, wanting him to be there as he opened the pyramid up and found out about her beloved General. He was no where to be seen though and as he stood and met Akil's eyes, there was a small sad shake of the head that indicated he hadn't seen the other man either.
"Alright then, let's see what we can find, shall we?"
Akil's smile was warm and Jared took a deep breath, letting it infect him. If Jensen wasn't there, at least he had Akil to share it with.
They took the torches and Jared led the way. There were no vision to help him through this part and as they reached each crossing, Jared split the men off so they would be able to report back their findings. They knew what was being asked of them so there was little instruction. Sounds echoed around them, filling the once silent space and Jared let his hands linger on stone once again, following the path of markers he'd been set.
Men went to their designated spots and came back, reporting what they'd seen but most of it had been dead ends, small rooms with some artifacts but not the tomb that Jared was looking for. Still, a man at the back made a note of what rooms were where so they could later be found and properly catalogued.
Akil was pressing him to stop, to let them rest for a while when Jared finally came to the door he knew he was waiting for. Intricate carvings marked the door. Jared turned back to Akil, but the other man's attention was at the back of the men. A hush fell over them and they moved to the side as Jensen walked up the way. They whispered and reached out, smiling or touching lightly at his arms and back. Jensen smiled back at them, opened his hands and allowed the touch of the superstitious who believed that Green-Eyed was good luck, but his eyes were on Jared the whole time.
Jared took a deep breath and couldn't help the relief he felt as Jensen took up his spot on the other side of Akil. "I thought you were going to miss out." Jared said, trying to decide if he should be angry or not.
Jensen smiled though and all he could do was smile back. "I thought I might as well. Glad to see I got here in time."
"Me too." He took one last look at Jensen and then nodded to Akil. A group of men came forward then, men who knew the tricks that could be used to booby trap the door and that would be able to open it safely if it were.
"You think they put traps in here?" Jensen asked as Jared moved out of the way and stood by the other man's side.
"No, but Akil is right that we shouldn't take chances. Just because they left us markers to find the place doesn't mean they didn't want to make sure tomb raiders didn't find it first."
Jensen nodded. "Just doesn't seem their style."
"I know. But I can't explain why and the men will be more at ease this way."
Jensen turned to look at him, then nodded. "You care to explain it to me?"
"You think this is the time for that talk now?"
Jensen shook his head. "I don't think there will ever be a time for this talk Jared so we might as well do it here while we wait."
The men that weren't involved in opening the door had started to go back to the camp, ready to eat something as they waited. As much as Jared wanted to run back into the other rooms and see what else had been left for them, he couldn't make himself leave the door so he nodded to Jensen.
"You have a good point."
Jensen nodded, watching him for a second as if judging if he would begin or not. When he didn't, he sighed softly. As much as Jared wanted to trust him with all of this he needed this proof, needed to hear Jensen's story before he could tell his own secret.
"There isn't much to tell of my story Jared. I'm afraid you'd be disappointed to know that the local superstition of me isn't based in any sort of fact."
"All legends start with some fact Jensen. They all have to start somewhere."
Jensen laughed a little. "Perhaps, but my story is simple. What did they tell you of me?"
"You walked out of the desert as a grown man, a man who knew its ways as if you had always been there. You show up where you want for as long as you want and no one can predict you. You show up at digs and help them locate treasure and never want to be acknowledged for it. And you saved us from the sand storm by leading us into the haven of the markers."
Jensen had his water bottle in hand and smiled at it before he took a long swig, then handed it to Jared. "You were heading to the marker anyway. You would have survived I think. I just helped get you there a little faster. The rest of it though? I do show up at digs because I like the mystery. I like to solve things and being in the middle of it makes it that much easier. I don't do it for credit or fame, I do it just to do it, so I stay as long as I want or as long as I am needed. If I don't like how a dig is working then I leave. If there is something of interest, I stay. It's pretty simple." Jensen said.
He took another drink when Jared gave him the water back. "For my past, the desert knows but I don't. I don't remember anything before this, before I came into these people's lives. I've seen fancy doctors who thought I might have had some trauma or other, but that's it. I own nothing; have nothing but what you see. I'm Jensen Green-eyed to these people and that's enough for me."
"You don't remember anything?"
Jensen shook his head. "Nothing."
"And where were you when we broke camp?"
Jensen looked down before he looked up, making sure to catch Jared's eyes. "I get headaches from time to time. The kind that cause me to black out. It was coming and I knew I needed to step back. I'm sorry I didn't explain it to you, but something about this place spooks me Jared. I don't know why but I feel it."
"Nothing is going to hurt you here." Jared said, reaching one hand up to squeeze Jensen's shoulder.
"How do you know that?"
"I..." It was his turn to look down then. Akil knew because he'd seen what Jared could do, but Jensen had only walked in a few times, had seen nothing that would validate Jared's visions. Jensen had been honest and open with him though and he could do no less now.
"I have visions. They credit me with these amazing finds, but it's because they speak to me. The people who built this place, they've shown it to me, shown the love they built into it. They didn't make this a place to be feared as the Pharaoh’s of old did. They wanted the world to know of their love for the General, even if it had to remain a secret for so long. It's why I have to open it Jensen. It's why I have to make sure it's seen. If not, his story dies and their life’s work was for nothing."
He didn't realize he was still gripping Jensen's shoulder until the other man raised his hand to it, resting his hand on Jared's. "So you think they want you to share this with the world?"
"Yes I do."
Jensen nodded. "Alright then.” He said with a small smile. “Let's open this up."
The words were barely out of his mouth when the men gave a loud cheer. The doors creaked open, sand crackling under foot as they watched. When there was enough room, Jared and Jensen each took a torch from the men and stepped through the entrance.
More torches waited inside and Jensen moved to them, lighting each in their wall sconce. Jared walked in, letting Jensen look for anything that might harm them, but his eyes were held by the sarcophagus on the floor. He knew there were shelves lined with objects of wealth and shabti for the afterlife. He knew that jewels and gold and gem-covered furniture lay within reach a few feet away, but there was nothing that could take his eyes away from the ornate decorations.
He fell to his knees in front of it, reaching out to touch it.
"Don't." Jensen's hand caught his own, pulling his hand away.
"What are you doing?" Jared asked.
Jensen's eyes were filled with fear as he shook his head. "I don't know, but Jared, please. Don't."
He didn't know how to answer that because he needed to touch it, needed to brush off the dust and see what lay underneath it but there was real concern in Jensen's eyes and he trusted the other man’s instincts. He took a deep breath and let Jensen help him to his feet. They stood for a moment like that, Jared's hand still in Jensen’s when the world around Jared shifted again. The tomb was alight with color and movement as everything was placed perfectly. The sarcophagus lay in the center of the room and the slaves that moved did so solemnly, with pride and sorrow etched in their features. He knew their general was laid to rest there, knew that the doors were soon to be sealed.
With a jolt, he realized that Jensen was still with him, that Jensen was there with eyes closed but tears leaking down his face. One of the slaves moved closer to Jared, eyeing him as he did. He walked behind him, then stopped as if to whisper in his ear. When he spoke they were words Jared couldn't understand but then he was pushed forward into Jensen.
He felt Jensen catch him, felt Jensen's hand around his waist and his fingers tightening in the other. He felt Jensen stumble and catch himself, leaning into the stone behind him and to get balance he put his hand down on it. Jared felt an electric shock run through his body as the touched the great tone and he looked up, no longer caught in his vision.
"What happened?" Jensen asked softly.
Jared knew he wasn't asking about the vision because he was looking down to the sarcophagus that they were now leaning against, fingers entwined against the cold stone Jensen had been so afraid to touch.
Jared shook his head. "I don't know.”
Jared pulled his hand from Jensen's and stepped back, wanting to apologize for what had happened but not having the words for it. Jensen's eyes were almost solid green now and there was something vulnerable about him in that moment, something unguarded. His hand reached up to touch Jensen's cheek, cupping his face gently. He sensed more than heard the small gasp from Jensen. The other man didn't back away from it, but watched Jared with utter surprise. Neither moved and Jared felt like time was standing still for them. Jensen licked his lips and Jared couldn't help but be drawn to the movement, nor could he stop his thumb from running over Jensen's bottom lip as he bit lightly into it.
"Jared?" Akil called as he came into the room.
Jared dropped his hand and stepped away as Jensen stalked to the other side of the room. "Yeah?"
"The others are waiting as patient as they can." He said with a small smile. There were certain things Jared demanded of Akil and his men and time alone with the find was one of them. They were waiting for his okay to enter to the room.
He looked at Jensen and wondered for the first time if it was safe or not. "Jensen?" He asked softly.
The other man turned, a pained look in his eyes. "It's been touched. We can't undo that."
Neither of them knew what that meant, he could see it in Jensen's eyes but he knew it to be true none the less.
"Let them in Akil. Get them all in here. I want everything catalogued before it's taken out and examined. And I want one man with me for the sarcophagus. I want to start working on its translation immediately."
"Rubbings?"
"Yes. Let's get that done first. Anything with writing Akil."
"Yes Jared." He said, heading out and barking orders through the door. There was a frenzied sound but Jared knew if he looked it would be a well organized camp responding to their needs.
"Jensen, are you okay?"
Jensen looked up at Jared and shook his head. "No. I need to get out." He said, moving towards the door.
Jared intercepted him, catching his wrist in his hand. When Jensen met his eyes, Jared wasn't sure what to say. "Don't disappear on me again." His voice was little more than a whisper but he saw Jensen relax a little. "My cot should be quiet enough if you need to rest."
Jensen nodded slowly. "Alright." He pulled his arm free then and started moving. When he looked back Jared was still watching him. "And don't forget to eat Jared. We don't need the both of us down for the day."
Jared let out a little bark of laughter because it was something he was well known for. Akil would sometimes make him stop for food, or would bring it to him if he wouldn't, but Jared knew somehow that Jensen had already made arrangements for that. He felt better for the small teasing in the words though, stronger in where they stood. God, a few more minutes and who knew what he might have done.
He refused to think of how soft Jensen's skin felt under his hand or how he hadn't moved away from the intimate touch. And if memories of his moistened lips came to mind from time to time while he knew Jensen was in his tent, lying on his cot, he could put it off to wonder about his latest vision, the shock of the sarcophagus, and the mystery that had tied him to his mysterious companion.
On To Chapter Nine
Chapter: Eight
Author:
hunters_retreat
Pairing: Jared/Jensen
Rating: PG (eventual R i'm sure... it's me after all :P)
Summary: J2 AU. Jared is a young Egyptologist trying to find a prize. Jensen is an adventurer in need of a mystery. Jared provides him with one. This is the story of the legend they become.
Author's Note:Huge insane thank you to insane_songbird who did an amazing manip for this story!! *Snuggles* Check it out (and find all previous chapters) here.
Chapter Eight
Morning came bright and hot, and the camp was already broken down before Jared came out of his tent, having broken his fast in privacy as he prepared for the day. He'd heard Jensen yelling for the camp to be taken apart, heard him laughing and joking with the men but when he'd gone out, he was no where to be found. When it was time to take the last trek into the valley, he was gone.
Akil frowned when asked, but his eyes were piercing as he watched Jared's face. "I warned you about the Green-Eyed. He has always come and gone like the desert storm." Jared scanned the faces again and took a deep breath. "Do you wish to wait for his return?"
Yes, he did, but he couldn't and he knew it. There was no guarantee that Jensen would come back, that he would join them again. "No. Prepare the men to go now." He said softly. Akil nodded, patting his shoulder awkwardly as he walked past him. Jared's eyes continued to search through the men to find Jensen but he knew it was no use. If he came, it would be in his own time.
He tried not to let it bother him, but even as he started down the trail into the valley his enthusiasm was dampened. Every time he turned some corner that showed a new angle he wanted to turn and tell Jensen. Every time he thought to stop for break, he turned to discuss it with him, but the Green-Eyed was gone.
He ignored the pang of hurt as they finally entered the valley. He thought that he and Jensen had shared a connection, had truly believed that his offer to find more mysteries after this had been honest and real. It was hard to continue with that thought when he'd disappeared without a word though. He shook his head, knowing that it was just his own foolishness anyway. He knew what he wanted from Jensen and sooner or later he'd have acted upon it and the man would have run far from him anyway. It was probably best for all that he had gone while they were still on friendly terms.
Tents were set up at their new location by a part of the crew, places to eat and places to store water were set up as well, but others went to work on the pyramid, trying to find the way into the General's final resting place.
They found the entrance a few hours into the search, a lucky break since Jared didn't have the manpower to start a search on all sides at once. He took the torch handed him by the others and made his way down into the tomb. He knew from his visions, trusted them, that there were no traps set in this tomb. Its secret location, they had hoped, would conceal it long enough for the beloved General to join the Gods in the heavens. When the doors were opened, flares were thrown in so that they could get a good look at the long corridor, but then the others were backing away, giving it some time to let fresh air in.
They took an early supper at that point and Jared sat, watching the entrance. He wanted to get in, but he knew he needed to wait until morning, give it a chance to air out a little before they could go in and try to see what they could find. The front area was undisturbed though and the fact that there was no debris was a sign that if there had been grave robbers, they probably hadn't come through this part of the pyramid. When he slept that night, his dreams were of green eyes and gentle hands covered in calluses that opened the unknown and laid his heart on a platter.
As much as he wanted inside, he waited, made himself take a full breakfast. He wanted to rush in but something held him back. He realized what it was as he finished his tea and looked around the valley one more time. He was still waiting for Jensen, wanting him to be there as he opened the pyramid up and found out about her beloved General. He was no where to be seen though and as he stood and met Akil's eyes, there was a small sad shake of the head that indicated he hadn't seen the other man either.
"Alright then, let's see what we can find, shall we?"
Akil's smile was warm and Jared took a deep breath, letting it infect him. If Jensen wasn't there, at least he had Akil to share it with.
They took the torches and Jared led the way. There were no vision to help him through this part and as they reached each crossing, Jared split the men off so they would be able to report back their findings. They knew what was being asked of them so there was little instruction. Sounds echoed around them, filling the once silent space and Jared let his hands linger on stone once again, following the path of markers he'd been set.
Men went to their designated spots and came back, reporting what they'd seen but most of it had been dead ends, small rooms with some artifacts but not the tomb that Jared was looking for. Still, a man at the back made a note of what rooms were where so they could later be found and properly catalogued.
Akil was pressing him to stop, to let them rest for a while when Jared finally came to the door he knew he was waiting for. Intricate carvings marked the door. Jared turned back to Akil, but the other man's attention was at the back of the men. A hush fell over them and they moved to the side as Jensen walked up the way. They whispered and reached out, smiling or touching lightly at his arms and back. Jensen smiled back at them, opened his hands and allowed the touch of the superstitious who believed that Green-Eyed was good luck, but his eyes were on Jared the whole time.
Jared took a deep breath and couldn't help the relief he felt as Jensen took up his spot on the other side of Akil. "I thought you were going to miss out." Jared said, trying to decide if he should be angry or not.
Jensen smiled though and all he could do was smile back. "I thought I might as well. Glad to see I got here in time."
"Me too." He took one last look at Jensen and then nodded to Akil. A group of men came forward then, men who knew the tricks that could be used to booby trap the door and that would be able to open it safely if it were.
"You think they put traps in here?" Jensen asked as Jared moved out of the way and stood by the other man's side.
"No, but Akil is right that we shouldn't take chances. Just because they left us markers to find the place doesn't mean they didn't want to make sure tomb raiders didn't find it first."
Jensen nodded. "Just doesn't seem their style."
"I know. But I can't explain why and the men will be more at ease this way."
Jensen turned to look at him, then nodded. "You care to explain it to me?"
"You think this is the time for that talk now?"
Jensen shook his head. "I don't think there will ever be a time for this talk Jared so we might as well do it here while we wait."
The men that weren't involved in opening the door had started to go back to the camp, ready to eat something as they waited. As much as Jared wanted to run back into the other rooms and see what else had been left for them, he couldn't make himself leave the door so he nodded to Jensen.
"You have a good point."
Jensen nodded, watching him for a second as if judging if he would begin or not. When he didn't, he sighed softly. As much as Jared wanted to trust him with all of this he needed this proof, needed to hear Jensen's story before he could tell his own secret.
"There isn't much to tell of my story Jared. I'm afraid you'd be disappointed to know that the local superstition of me isn't based in any sort of fact."
"All legends start with some fact Jensen. They all have to start somewhere."
Jensen laughed a little. "Perhaps, but my story is simple. What did they tell you of me?"
"You walked out of the desert as a grown man, a man who knew its ways as if you had always been there. You show up where you want for as long as you want and no one can predict you. You show up at digs and help them locate treasure and never want to be acknowledged for it. And you saved us from the sand storm by leading us into the haven of the markers."
Jensen had his water bottle in hand and smiled at it before he took a long swig, then handed it to Jared. "You were heading to the marker anyway. You would have survived I think. I just helped get you there a little faster. The rest of it though? I do show up at digs because I like the mystery. I like to solve things and being in the middle of it makes it that much easier. I don't do it for credit or fame, I do it just to do it, so I stay as long as I want or as long as I am needed. If I don't like how a dig is working then I leave. If there is something of interest, I stay. It's pretty simple." Jensen said.
He took another drink when Jared gave him the water back. "For my past, the desert knows but I don't. I don't remember anything before this, before I came into these people's lives. I've seen fancy doctors who thought I might have had some trauma or other, but that's it. I own nothing; have nothing but what you see. I'm Jensen Green-eyed to these people and that's enough for me."
"You don't remember anything?"
Jensen shook his head. "Nothing."
"And where were you when we broke camp?"
Jensen looked down before he looked up, making sure to catch Jared's eyes. "I get headaches from time to time. The kind that cause me to black out. It was coming and I knew I needed to step back. I'm sorry I didn't explain it to you, but something about this place spooks me Jared. I don't know why but I feel it."
"Nothing is going to hurt you here." Jared said, reaching one hand up to squeeze Jensen's shoulder.
"How do you know that?"
"I..." It was his turn to look down then. Akil knew because he'd seen what Jared could do, but Jensen had only walked in a few times, had seen nothing that would validate Jared's visions. Jensen had been honest and open with him though and he could do no less now.
"I have visions. They credit me with these amazing finds, but it's because they speak to me. The people who built this place, they've shown it to me, shown the love they built into it. They didn't make this a place to be feared as the Pharaoh’s of old did. They wanted the world to know of their love for the General, even if it had to remain a secret for so long. It's why I have to open it Jensen. It's why I have to make sure it's seen. If not, his story dies and their life’s work was for nothing."
He didn't realize he was still gripping Jensen's shoulder until the other man raised his hand to it, resting his hand on Jared's. "So you think they want you to share this with the world?"
"Yes I do."
Jensen nodded. "Alright then.” He said with a small smile. “Let's open this up."
The words were barely out of his mouth when the men gave a loud cheer. The doors creaked open, sand crackling under foot as they watched. When there was enough room, Jared and Jensen each took a torch from the men and stepped through the entrance.
More torches waited inside and Jensen moved to them, lighting each in their wall sconce. Jared walked in, letting Jensen look for anything that might harm them, but his eyes were held by the sarcophagus on the floor. He knew there were shelves lined with objects of wealth and shabti for the afterlife. He knew that jewels and gold and gem-covered furniture lay within reach a few feet away, but there was nothing that could take his eyes away from the ornate decorations.
He fell to his knees in front of it, reaching out to touch it.
"Don't." Jensen's hand caught his own, pulling his hand away.
"What are you doing?" Jared asked.
Jensen's eyes were filled with fear as he shook his head. "I don't know, but Jared, please. Don't."
He didn't know how to answer that because he needed to touch it, needed to brush off the dust and see what lay underneath it but there was real concern in Jensen's eyes and he trusted the other man’s instincts. He took a deep breath and let Jensen help him to his feet. They stood for a moment like that, Jared's hand still in Jensen’s when the world around Jared shifted again. The tomb was alight with color and movement as everything was placed perfectly. The sarcophagus lay in the center of the room and the slaves that moved did so solemnly, with pride and sorrow etched in their features. He knew their general was laid to rest there, knew that the doors were soon to be sealed.
With a jolt, he realized that Jensen was still with him, that Jensen was there with eyes closed but tears leaking down his face. One of the slaves moved closer to Jared, eyeing him as he did. He walked behind him, then stopped as if to whisper in his ear. When he spoke they were words Jared couldn't understand but then he was pushed forward into Jensen.
He felt Jensen catch him, felt Jensen's hand around his waist and his fingers tightening in the other. He felt Jensen stumble and catch himself, leaning into the stone behind him and to get balance he put his hand down on it. Jared felt an electric shock run through his body as the touched the great tone and he looked up, no longer caught in his vision.
"What happened?" Jensen asked softly.
Jared knew he wasn't asking about the vision because he was looking down to the sarcophagus that they were now leaning against, fingers entwined against the cold stone Jensen had been so afraid to touch.
Jared shook his head. "I don't know.”
Jared pulled his hand from Jensen's and stepped back, wanting to apologize for what had happened but not having the words for it. Jensen's eyes were almost solid green now and there was something vulnerable about him in that moment, something unguarded. His hand reached up to touch Jensen's cheek, cupping his face gently. He sensed more than heard the small gasp from Jensen. The other man didn't back away from it, but watched Jared with utter surprise. Neither moved and Jared felt like time was standing still for them. Jensen licked his lips and Jared couldn't help but be drawn to the movement, nor could he stop his thumb from running over Jensen's bottom lip as he bit lightly into it.
"Jared?" Akil called as he came into the room.
Jared dropped his hand and stepped away as Jensen stalked to the other side of the room. "Yeah?"
"The others are waiting as patient as they can." He said with a small smile. There were certain things Jared demanded of Akil and his men and time alone with the find was one of them. They were waiting for his okay to enter to the room.
He looked at Jensen and wondered for the first time if it was safe or not. "Jensen?" He asked softly.
The other man turned, a pained look in his eyes. "It's been touched. We can't undo that."
Neither of them knew what that meant, he could see it in Jensen's eyes but he knew it to be true none the less.
"Let them in Akil. Get them all in here. I want everything catalogued before it's taken out and examined. And I want one man with me for the sarcophagus. I want to start working on its translation immediately."
"Rubbings?"
"Yes. Let's get that done first. Anything with writing Akil."
"Yes Jared." He said, heading out and barking orders through the door. There was a frenzied sound but Jared knew if he looked it would be a well organized camp responding to their needs.
"Jensen, are you okay?"
Jensen looked up at Jared and shook his head. "No. I need to get out." He said, moving towards the door.
Jared intercepted him, catching his wrist in his hand. When Jensen met his eyes, Jared wasn't sure what to say. "Don't disappear on me again." His voice was little more than a whisper but he saw Jensen relax a little. "My cot should be quiet enough if you need to rest."
Jensen nodded slowly. "Alright." He pulled his arm free then and started moving. When he looked back Jared was still watching him. "And don't forget to eat Jared. We don't need the both of us down for the day."
Jared let out a little bark of laughter because it was something he was well known for. Akil would sometimes make him stop for food, or would bring it to him if he wouldn't, but Jared knew somehow that Jensen had already made arrangements for that. He felt better for the small teasing in the words though, stronger in where they stood. God, a few more minutes and who knew what he might have done.
He refused to think of how soft Jensen's skin felt under his hand or how he hadn't moved away from the intimate touch. And if memories of his moistened lips came to mind from time to time while he knew Jensen was in his tent, lying on his cot, he could put it off to wonder about his latest vision, the shock of the sarcophagus, and the mystery that had tied him to his mysterious companion.
On To Chapter Nine