Title: One More Lame Excuse
Author:
poor_choicesFandom: Supernatural RPS
Pairing: Jared Padalecki/Jensen Ackles
Rating: NC-17.
Word Count: 8300.
Summary: Jensen's little sister is obsessed with pop sensation Jared Padalecki, so she drags her unwilling brother along on a stalking quest. Jensen ends up a lot more up close and personal than he planned.
Notes: Based on the Disney Channel Original Movie I watched last night, "Starstruck."
Disclaimer: Lies and untruths.
"You know L.A. is kind of big, right?" asks Jensen, rubbing his forehead. "Like, huge. You don't see every celebrity every time you go through. Hell, we don't see everyone in Richardson every time we go outside, and it's a lot smaller."
"Jensen," Mac whines. "Come on. What else are you going to do?"
"I don't know, sight-see? Have fun? Not get arrested for stalking?"
"It's not stalking."
"You have a map of the places he most often tweets and blogs about and a timetable for when he usually goes there," says Jensen. "How is that not stalking?"
"It's publicly available information," says Mac.
"That doesn't mean it's not stalking." He sighs. "Mac, seriously. He's a singer. Big deal. He's not the second coming."
"He's so hot, Jensen," says Mac, pouting. "Come on! It'll be one day! Mom and dad'll let me go if you're with me."
"And you need me to drive you," Jensen points out. He sighs. "If I say no, you're not going to just give up and stop bugging me, are you?"
"Nope," says Mac unrepentantly. "It'll be fun!"
"Yeah," Jensen mutters. "Great."
*
"I don't know if you're aware of this," Eric is saying, "but you fanbase is girls."
"No, I had no idea," says Jared, rolling his eyes. "Thanks for letting me know. Total news to me."
"Look, I don't care if you're gay. Be gay all you want! Be fruitful and don't multiply! Knock yourself out. But you don't have a career without preteen girls who want to marry you."
"Thanks for that depressing commentary on my life," says Jared, standing up and stretching. "Did you want to kick Sadie while you're at it? She's not quite a puppy, but still."
"I'm not saying don't do it," says Eric. "I'm just saying, be discreet. Be seen with some girls. Wait til you're a little older to come out. Lance Bass did it."
Jared sighs. "You ever think maybe all the little gay kids out there could use someone to crush on? Or maybe someone to let them know they're not freaks or wrong."
"Don't take it there," says Eric, groaning. "Don't make this an activism thing."
"How about it's a life thing? You know, me wanting to live mine."
"Look, you want to do movies, kid?"
"Yes."
"You wanna do movies, you can't be out. You gotta get your priorities straight."
"Pun intended?" asks Jared, sneering.
"Just lay low until we sign this deal. No more getting handsy with Brock and Taylor, no late nights--"
"In bed by eleven, alone?" Jared sighs. He's not a playboy. He likes his friends, he has fun, but he's a virgin who's never even had a real boyfriend. Which, given he's a Hollywood superstar, is horrifically depressing. He's pretty sure the Jonas Brothers have seen more action than him, and they all have promise rings. He just wants to come out, not start having gay sex on Nickelodeon.
"Make it ten-thirty," says Eric. "Preteens, remember?"
"I'm still playing at Sandy's party this weekend," says Jared.
"Just try to keep out of the tabloids, okay?"
"It's not like I call them up to have them print pictures of me, Jesus."
"No swearing."
Jared groans. "Fuck you, Kripke."
Eric ruffles his hair. "You'll thank me when you're a movie star."
*
"Where are we going again?" Jensen asks. He's been driving around L.A. all day in search of some random pretty boy--Jared Padalecki, age 18, Cancer, lactose intolerant, loves dogs, the dreamiest person ever, as Mac painstakingly explained, lest Jensen embarrass her in front of a fellow fan--and he's getting pretty fed up with it.
"It's Sandy McCoy's 19th birthday party today," says Mac, like Jensen is somehow the freak for not knowing this.
"And?" says Jensen, flipping the bird at some asshole who cut him off.
"And, they're like, best friends. Julia says they're dating, but I think he's way too good for her. And way too tall! I mean, seriously, he is so tall. I love tall guys."
"Mac, focus," says Jensen.
"Right! He's totally going to HAVE to go to her party. If he doesn't, he's a total asshole. So we just have to go to Under 21."
"You know there are a lot of bars in L.A., right?" asks Jensen. "Like, tons."
"But they always go to Under 21," says Mac, rolling her eyes. "Come on, Jensen."
"Oh, clearly." He groans. "We're done after this, right? We go here and then we can go home?"
"You're nineteen," says Mac. "This is your spring break. Shouldn't you be doing fun stuff?"
"Instead of driving my sister around to stalk some singer?" asks Jensen. "Yes, yes I should. I'm a fucking saint."
Mac rolls her eyes. "What happened to that guy you were seeing, anyway? Mike?"
"Mike was a little too crazy for me," says Jensen. "Trust me, I don't need my baby sister setting me up. I do fine."
"Here it is!" says Mac, squealing. "Omigosh, it's so cool to finally be here!"
Jensen thinks it looks kind of lame, but, really, how cool can a club that's specifically for not drinking be? He sighs. "There's no parking."
"So wait in the car! Do a loop if cops come by!"
"A loop?"
"Go around the block! Please, Jensen?"
Jensen sighs. "Fine. Go. I'll be here."
Mac kisses him on the cheek. "You are so much of a better brother than Josh!"
"Yeah," says Jensen, rolling his eyes. "Thanks. Really."
He beats his head gently against the steering wheel. At some point in his life, he really should have learned to say no to his little sister.
*
"Shit, shit, shit, shit, shit!" says Jared.
"No swearing," says Chad. "Cockmonger."
"Fuck," says Jared. "You're sure?"
"Tons of paparazzi outside, and I swear I saw some asking people about pictures of you and Brock."
"I'm not dating Brock!"
"I know."
"How come no one ever thinks I'm dating you?"
"Cuz I'm in your entourage, dumbass. Plus, I am so out of your league."
"Clearly," says Jared. "Fuck!"
"Dude, come on, we'll sneak out the back door. You love back door action."
"That was totally unnecessary, I hope you know that."
"I know that. Come on, I've got my man James waiting outside, he's gonna pick you up and get you home."
Jared groans. "Fuck my life."
"Yeah, whatever. Today, I was too rich and famous to be able to leave a club without hot women throwing themselves at me, and that would blow my cover because I'd be too gay to get it up for them. FML. Shut the fuck up, loser."
"Bye, Chad," says Jared.
*
Jensen is on his fourth loop of the Under 21 block. There are just too many people here--he can't really stay in one place without being ridiculously conspicuous. He hates his sister so much right now.
A black car pulls out and leaves a spot in the back, and Jensen mutters, "Jackpot." He's got his cell phone, Mac can damn well call him.
He's relaxing, leaning back and hoping that Mac finishes with her stalking soon so they can get back to the hotel, when the door opens and someone says, "James? Thank god. We need to get out of here."
Jensen blinks. "Wait, what?"
"Drive!"
Jensen looks over, "Seriously, who are you?"
"Oh holy cra--ud," says the guy. "You're not James."
"I'm not James," Jensen confirms. "Who are you and what are you doing in my car?"
"I will give you anything you want if you can give me a ride," says the guy. "Please. I really, really need to get out of here."
"Dude, are you kidding? My baby sister is in there. There is no way in hell I'm leaving my sister alone so I can give some random dude a ride. She can't walk to the hotel."
"Look, I'm really sorry, but--my friend Chad is here, and my friend Sandy, and I promise I will get them to take care of your sister and make sure she's okay, I just really need to get out of here."
Jensen stares in disbelief, and then, a car comes up from behind them and illuminates the guy's face.
"Holy shit," says Jensen. "You're Jared Padalecki."
"Yes," says Jared. "Please tell me you're not a paparazzo."
"A paparazzo?"
"It's the singular of paparazzi," says Jared. "Can we drive? Please?"
"Will you give me your autograph for my sister? She's in there stalking you."
"I'll give you twenty," says Jared. "Can we just go?"
Jensen sighs. "Fine. Where are you headed?"
"Home," says Jared. He licks his lips. "And, seriously. Thanks."
*
Jared is pretty sure that the universe hates him. It's not enough that he can't come out, it's not enough that he can't even be out past midnight, he has to accidentally get picked up by a hot and pissy guardian angel whose little sister is, apparently, a huge fan.
"Hey," he says hesitantly, once he's done calling Chad to get the sister taken care of, "I'm sorry. I really--it's complicated."
"You're an international all-star, so you figure everyone is there to help you?"
Jared laughs hollowly. "No. I mean--Chad, that's my best friend, he told me that his friend James was outside with a getaway car for me, so when I saw a guy in a car waiting I figured it was James. And I'm supposed to stay out of the tabloids, so I really didn't want to leave again, because they're everywhere and--sorry. Really. Sandy and Chad will take care of your sister. Promise."
The guy snorts. "She's probably dying of happiness that your friends are talking to her, so--I guess it's not too bad."
Jared risks a smile. "Sandy's a sweetheart, she'll be fine." He looks down at his hands. "Um, I never got your name."
"Jensen," says the guy. "Where am I turning?"
"You're staying on here for a while." He licks his lips. "I really, really appreciate it."
"This is gonna be a really boring ride if all you do is thank me," says Jensen, shaking his head.
"Sorry. Did you want to talk about something else?"
"No offense, but how about not you. I've pretty much spent the whole day hearing all the Jared Padalecki trivia there is."
"Yeah? What'd you get?"
"Um, let's see, you're eighteen, you're a Cancer, you've got two dogs, you like long walks on the beach and cuddling."
Jared laughs. "Yeah, that's pretty much me in a nutshell. So, um, what about you?"
"Me?"
"Yeah. Since I really know nothing about you."
"Uh, I'm 19, I'm a sophomore in college, I'm a--" he screws up his face adorably. "Pisces? What else do you want to know?"
"What are you majoring in?"
"I'm not declared yet, but I'm thinking physical therapy. I busted my knee in high school, got kind of interested."
"Yeah? I always kind of--" he laughs. "Never mind."
"What?" asks Jensen.
"Don't get me wrong, being a singer is cool, but my mama's a teacher, so I always kind of wished I went farther in school. Still thinking about going back someday."
"Probably wouldn't have to dig yourself into horrible debt to do it," says Jensen. "That's a plus."
Jared laughs. "Yeah, I do all right."
Jensen's cellphone starts buzzing in his lap, and he glances down. "It's my sister. You want to get it for me, give her the thrill of a lifetime?"
Jared can't help smiling at that. The whole doting brother thing is really, really cute. "Yeah, sure," he says.
"Hold it away from your ear," Jensen cautions as he flips it open.
"Jensen's phone, Jared speaking," he says, and tilts his head away as the girl on the other end lets out a very impressive squeal.
"Omigosh, omigosh!" says the girl. "Are you really Jared Padalecki?"
"Yeah," he says. "Jensen's driving right now, so he wanted me to pick up."
"Omigosh. Can I please have your autograph? Will you come to our hotel? This is so cool! I have all your albums and all your singles and--"
"Mac, what's up?" says Jensen loudly.
"Hi Jensen!" she says. "I just wanted to let you know Sandy and Chad are taking awesome care of me so I'm thinking of forgiving you for driving off with Jared Padalecki without me."
"I really didn't give him much of a choice," says Jared. "I'm sorry, Mac."
"Can you, like, record your voice saying 'hi, Mac!' on Jensen's phone so I can use it as a ring tone? That would be great."
"Mac," says Jensen warningly.
"Anyway," says Mac. "I'm gonna stay at the club, let Jensen know he can pick me up here. And take pictures! Lots of pictures!"
Jared laughs. "Thanks for loaning me your brother."
"That's okay!" she says brightly. "If you ever need anything, I can--"
"Bye, Mac," says Jensen loudly.
"Thanks again," says Jared.
Jensen laughs, clearly a little self-conscious. "She's a really big fan."
"Yeah. I'm used to it."
"I guess you would be," says Jensen. "Anyway. Still going straight?"
"Yeah," says Jared, settling back. He looks down at the phone, and, on impulse, starts putting Jared Padalecki in as a new contact.
"Doing okay there?" asks Jensen.
"Just trying to figure out how to record a ringtone for your sister," Jared lies breezily.
Jensen laughs. "You really don't have to."
"It's really no trouble," says Jared, flashing a smile as he finishes putting in his number.
Jensen stops for a red light and holds out his hand for the phone. "I'll show you," he says.
Their fingertips brush as Jared passes it over, and he wonders if there's any way to casually ask if Jensen has a girlfriend.
He's really doing great with this whole straight thing.
*
Jared Padalecki isn't actually that bad, Jensen has to say.
Sure, he's kind of absently stuck-up, but not in a mean way. Jensen just thinks--he doesn't realize he's being a bit of an asshole, and he doesn't realize how different the world he lives in is to the world that other people live in. It hasn't occurred to him that the rules are different for him, and he'd probably be annoyed if he knew.
He can't help laughing as Jared pulls a ridiculous face and takes a picture on Jensen's phone.
"For your sister," he clarifies. "Don't go selling it to the press or anything. That's an exclusive."
"Yeah, I could make big bucks off all my big Hollywood connections."
Jared looks a little surprised. "Oh, yeah. I guess--you said you were at a hotel, so I guess you're not from around here, huh."
"Texas," says Jensen.
"Wait, really? Where?" asks Jared. He sounds bizarrely excited.
"Richardson?" says Jensen, confused.
"Oh, man. My family's in San Antonio. I miss them all the time. I mean, I don't regret it, and my aunt and uncle are here, they're who I was living with before I turned eighteen, but, man, it's not the same without my parents and my baby sister around, you know? And I miss Texas too. No wonder I like you so much."
Jensen flushes, against his will.
Jared must notice, because he coughs awkwardly. "I mean, I don't--as rides with strangers in cars go, this one's turning out pretty well."
Jensen laughs. "Well, it wasn't exactly my plan for the evening, but no one can say I didn't have an exciting celebrity encounter."
Jared laughs too, big and bright. Jensen can kind of see why millions of teenage girls want to marry him. Maybe. A little.
"It's right up here on the left," says Jared, gesturing.
"Jesus Christ," says Jensen.
Jared laughs, a little uncomfortably. "Yeah, um. It's not exactly--I wanted something smaller, but my agent said a lot of shit about image, and if you're gonna have a pool you might as well get a big one, right?"
"Yeah, sure," says Jensen. "I just figured no one actually wanted to live in Barbie's dream house, but hey, to each his own."
"It is not a Barbie dream house," says Jared, elbowing him as he parks the car. "Jerk." He bites his lip and looks at Jensen through his bangs. "Um, do you want a drink or something? Before you go. Just, you know--for the road? Nothing alcoholic! Because I'm underage and, you know, image, plus you're driving, but--"
Jensen can't help laughing. Jared is probably the most nervous celebrity he's ever met. Not that he's met a lot. "Maybe a Coke? Just to get my caffeine up."
"Yeah! I have Coke. Come on in."
Jensen follows Jared in as he unlocks and deactivates his security. There's a loud barking as he does it, and suddenly two giant dogs are rushing over to sniff and jump at him anxiously.
"Hey, hey!" says Jared, laughing. "Be nice, guys." He grins at Jensen, and in the better light of the house, he looks about twelve years old, all dimples and white teeth. "This is Harley and Sadie, my babies."
"God," says Jensen, shaking his head. "No wonder you're the idol of preteen girls anywhere. Could you get any squeaky cleaner?"
At that, a shadow passes over Jared's features, and he turns to head into the house without responding.
It's the first time he's seen Jared look anything other than cheerful, and it catches him off guard.
"I mean, uh--" says Jensen.
"Coke, right?" asks Jared.
"Yeah," says Jensen. "What kind of dogs are they?"
Jared starts nattering on about them, and it's sweet, really, but Jensen is still feeling bad. He guesses that it's probably pretty emasculating to be as pure and innocent as Jared is supposed to be for his audience, and he must be kind of touchy about it.
Jensen sits at Jared Padalecki's table, drinking Coke, and finally says, "You know, you're not too bad."
Jared smiles, and it's even mostly genuine. "Gee, thanks."
"I tentatively approve of the day my sister kidnaps you and forces you to marry her." He cocks his head. "Unless she likes your girlfriend too much to take you away."
"My girlfriend?"
"Sandy, right?"
"No," says Jared carefully. "No girlfriend."
The way he says it, Jensen can't help thinking--it's kind of familiar. Like, he's said he doesn't have a girlfriend, and he meant that he never would, that he'd never want that.
Or maybe he's projecting. Or--yeah. Projecting. Obviously.
"I better get back," says Jensen, clearing his throat. "I think it's my big-brother duty to stop Mac having too much fun."
"Yeah," says Jared. He stands to walk Jensen out. "Um, thanks. For the ride. And stuff."
Jensen licks his lips. "Yeah. No problem. Thanks for all the stuff for my sister."
"Anything I can do for you?" Jared asks. "Since it's all been for her so far."
And, it's stupid, but Jensen can't help himself. He leans up and kisses Jared, very quickly, just a brush of lips and then he's back in his own space.
"I'm all set," says Jensen. Jared looks a little dazed, but not offended, so Jensen risks a smile. "See you around, Jared."
And he lets himself out into the cool L.A. night.
*
"Dude," says Chad. "Seriously?"
"Seriously," says Jared. "The kid's totally hot, totally awesome older brother kissed me, and I was too surprised to do anything other than stand there like a dumbass."
"This is why you're single, dude. You suck at life. Also because, you know, you're gay and not allowed to tell anyone. But mostly you totally suck."
"Thanks, Chad. I'm glad I've got a friend like you I can depend on." He sighs. "You know if anyone saw us?"
"Not kissing. I just hear you got a ride home last night from an 'unknown friend,' and no one can figure out how you pulled that Houdini act at the club."
Jared rolls his eyes. "It's like they've never heard of a back exit."
"No one gets why you're trying to stay under the radar, man." Chad sizes him up. "I don't really get it either, actually."
"Film career," says Jared. "I came out here because I wanted to act, Chad, the whole singing thing was--an accident."
Chad shakes his head. "Jared. You've got shit-tons of money. You've got fangirls who would follow you to the end of the world. You could say you fuck donkeys and come out fine." He throws something at Jared. "So man up, douche."
Jared catches the card against his chest and stares down at it. Mackenzie Ackles, it says, in a clear, feminine script, and then a phone number. There's a heart after, and Jared can't help grinning. "You're sometimes a good guy, Chad."
"Whatever. The kid was cute."
"Fifteen," Jared notes.
"Yeah. But cute."
Jared shakes his head. "Thanks for ruining this Kodak moment."
"Any time."
*
"Jensen!" says Mac.
Jensen is reading by the hotel pool, which, as far as he's concerned, is an excellent way to spend his morning, but he'd been expecting Mac to come over and badger him about Jared, so he's not really surprised. He hasn't said, "Hey, so I kissed that guy you're in love with," yet, but he's kind of saving that in case she really pisses him off.
"Hi, Mac."
"Let's go to the beach!" says Mac.
Jensen raises his eyebrows. "The beach?"
"You're just reading here, you can read at the beach too, right?"
"Yeah," says Jensen, warily. "You don't want to bug me about giving Jared a ride last night?"
Mac shrugs. "You drove him around, you talked, I got to talk to him, and he made me a ringtone. You're my favorite brother ever. What more do you want?"
"Can you call Josh and tell him that?" asks Jensen, getting up and stretching. "Mom and dad say it's okay for us to hit the beach?"
"They're going to some art museum," says Mac dismissively. "They don't mind."
"Fine," says Jensen. "We'll go to the beach. But I'm reading the whole time."
Mac rolls her eyes. "How did I get such a loser for a brother?"
I kissed Jared Padalecki last night, Jensen thinks.
"No idea," he says, with a shit-eating grin.
*
It's about noon when Jensen's sister texts him: we're going to the beach. can you send brock kelly to babysit me?
Jared can't help grinning. It's not exactly non-public, but he can work with that. And Brock, at sixteen, is way more age-appropriate for Jensen's sister than Chad is, so he doesn't even have to feel guilty about stealing him away.
"I thought you weren't supposed to talk to me," says Brock, sounding amused, when Jared calls. "Because I'm too pretty, or something."
"You're the prettiest," says Jared. "But I don't want you to talk to me."
"This is a weird way of achieving that," says Brock. "With the way we're talking."
"Look," says Jared. "Do you want to hang out with this girl while I take her older brother out on a date?"
Brock laughs for a long while before he manages to reply, "Seriously?"
"Seriously," says Jared. "I have a complicated scheme."
"I thought you weren't coming out."
"I'm not coming out," says Jared. "I just--come on, please? Chad says she's cute."
"Chad is a lech."
"Go to the beach for a day. Work on your tan. It won't kill you."
"Fine," says Brock. "You better introduce me to your boyfriend."
"Not my boyfriend!" Jared objects, but Brock's already hung up.
*
Jensen is just settling down to read when his phone starts ringing. It's probably Danneel, calling to see if he's had any close encounters with celebrities, or Chris just wanting to catch up, and he wonders what he's going to tell them about his whole Jared Padalecki thing. It's not like there's really a lot to tell--it was random chance and one moment of surprising bravery, not, like, a whirlwind affair or anything.
But then he looks down at the display and there's the ridiculous picture Jared took of himself and the name Jared Padalecki flashing.
Jensen drops the phone and fumbles to recover it from the sand, getting some in his mouth in the process. "Hello?" he tries.
"Hey, Jensen?"
"Yeah," says Jensen warily. "Jared?"
"Hi! I was thinking--what are you doing today?"
Jensen squints up at the sky--blue as far as the eye can see. "Hanging out at the beach with my sister."
"How about my friend Brock hangs out at the beach with your sister and you hang out with me," says Jared.
Jensen swallows. "You cleared this with her already, didn't you?"
Jared laughs. "Apparently Brock is dreamy. And sixteen and a total gentleman, don't worry."
"Are you already here?"
"I might be hiding in the parking lot," says Jared. "In dark sunglasses and a hat. If you don't come out here soon, someone is probably going to call the cops, because I look like a crazy stalker and/or pedophile."
"That must be a weird change for you," says Jensen, grabbing his book. "Stalker instead of stalkee." He looks around for Mac and sees her flirting with a cute guy with dark, spiky hair. She gives him a wave and a thumbs up.
"I'm feeling kind of conspired against here." He looks around the parking lot and sees Jared in no time; he's hunched over to try to look smaller, and he's definitely really shady. He can't help laughing. "You're really smooth, Padalecki."
"You coming?"
Jensen jogs over and slides into the passenger seat. "Hey," he says.
"Hey," says Jared. "So--I can't really go around the classic L.A. stuff, but how do you feel about going for a drive with me?"
"Omigosh," says Jensen, in his breathiest Mac impression. He bats his eyelids. "Little ol' me?"
Jared laughs. "I'll take that as a yes."
*
"So, um, I guess if you weren't swimming at the beach, you're not a big swimmer?" asks Jared. Jensen is leaning back, eyes closed behind his sunglasses, and Jared really wants to lick his neck.
"Hm?" asks Jensen, looking over.
"I just know this kind of nice swimming hole," says Jared. "I go there when I'm not looking to get pictures of my abs all over the net."
"It's pretty cruel of you to deprive the world of your abs," says Jensen. "But swimming sounds good, yeah."
Jared takes the left with a grin. Not that he thinks Jensen was necessarily doing anything other than teasing there, but Jensen did kiss him, so there's some possibility that Jensen is interested in his abs in a more than platonic manner.
"So is it tough?" Jensen asks.
"Is what tough?" asks Jared.
"The whole famous thing. I mean--being followed around, constant paranoia," he waves his hand. "Do I need to go on?"
Jared smiles. "It's weird. But--I like making music. I really want to act. It's the price of doing what I love to do."
"That's kind of sweet."
"Shut up," says Jared, laughing.
"No, man. I'm touched. Got me right here," he says with a hand over his heart.
"You're supposed to respect me for being famous, you know," says Jared, sticking out his tongue as he parks the car.
"I'm so sorry," says Jensen. "Why don't you have your minions beat me up?"
"I don't have minions."
"You are such a crappy celebrity," says Jensen. He pulls off his t-shirt, and Jared stares at his smooth back. He hadn't really thought about it, but swimming is going to be really, really tempting.
Jensen glances over his shoulder and grins. "You coming?"
"Yeah," says Jared, flushing dark red. He pulls his own shirt off self-consciously; he knows he's more cute than hot. Jensen is a lot of firm, solid muscle, like maybe he works out. Jared is not-threateningly good-looking, still scrawny. He's tall, but his abs aren't really that great. He thinks he looks better with clothes on.
But Jensen did kiss him, so--whatever. He pulls off his shirt so he's just in his trunks, and follows Jensen into the water.
"So, this is a privileged position, huh," says Jensen, voice light and teasing, but Jared can see his eyes roving up and down, and he doesn't look disappointed. Something warm settles in the pit of his stomach.
"Yeah. You know how many girls would kill to be here right now?"
Jensen gives him a calculating look as he wades into the water. "I don't think you're much interested in having a girl here."
Jared swallows. "No," he admits. "Not really."
Jensen nods. "I bet your manager loves that. I mean, if he knows. She knows."
"He knows, he's not--yeah. Anyway." Jared laughs. "I'm that obvious?"
"I have really good gaydar," says Jensen. "You coming in?"
"Yeah," says Jared, forcing a grin on his face. He takes a running jump and gets far enough in to not hit bottom, splashing Jensen in the process. It's a shock at first, always is, but he comes up feeling way better.
Jensen looks like a drowned rat. "Thanks for the warning."
"Whatever," says Jared. "It's way better to go all at once. You should be thanking me."
"Uh huh. Sure. Asshole."
Jensen looks so adorably annoyed that Jared can't help it--he pushes forward and tackles Jensen into the water, laughing as he splutters.
It's a move he's used a thousand times, versus Chad and Sandy and Brock, against all his friends, and he didn't think anything of it, but as Jensen straightens up, he realizes that his arms are around Jensen, Jensen's smooth, wet body, tingling with goosebumps, and they're so fucking close.
Jared swallows, and Jensen is looking up at him, and Jared can't help it--he leans down and kisses him.
Jensen's hands come up, warm palms against his arms, and Jensen's mouth opens up under his, so totally willing that it makes Jared feel crazy. Jensen is kissing him back, which shouldn't be a surprise at all, but it's the best thing Jared's ever felt, making out with Jensen here in the water, pressed up slick against him.
"Does this make me a preteen girl?" asks Jensen. His hand slips down to grope Jared's ass, pulling him closer, and Jared bites back a whimper. He'd be embarrassed by how fast he's getting hard, but he's an 18-year-old virgin, and that's way more embarrassing. Besides, he can feel Jensen's dick against his leg, and that's driving him pretty crazy.
"No preteen girl has actually gotten up the guts to kiss me," says Jared. He gathers up his nerves and brushes over one of Jensen's nipples, playing with it as he tries kissing down his neck.
"Their loss," says Jensen, tilting his head to the side. He slips his hand under Jared's trunks to grip his ass more firmly, and Jared can't help thrusting against his leg.
"Fuck," says Jared. "I mean--fudge. I mean--oh holy shit," he swears, as Jensen starts pushing down his shorts completely.
"What?" says Jensen innocently. "Never been skinny dipping?"
"Never even--" Jared says, whimpering and dropping his forehead against Jensen's shoulder. "Never done anything."
He hears Jensen swallow, right by his ear. "Seriously?"
"Never got much chance."
Jensen pulls back, and Jared is afraid that he thinks that meant Jared wanted to stop, but then he sees Jensen pulling off his own shorts and holding them up with a smirk, and Jared gets with the program.
They come back together on a hard kiss after they throw their stuff to shore, and it's unbelievable having all of Jensen pulled up so close. Their dicks are rubbing together, and it's better than Jared realized it could be, and he'd thought it would be really, really good.
Jensen reaches down and wraps his hand around Jared's dick, and Jared whimpers into his mouth. Jensen has done this before--must have, because his fingers are sure and he knows exactly how to drive Jared crazy.
He wants to return the favor, he does, but he can barely concentrate, isn't even really kissing Jensen back anymore, just gasping against his mouth. He feels like his whole body is on fire, and he doesn't know how to exist outside of the parts of him touching Jensen, the parts that Jensen is bringing to life.
He comes with a sharp cry, and he feels Jensen's smirk against is mouth.
"Enjoy that?" he asks.
"Fuck," Jared breathes.
"Fudge," says Jensen.
"That's," Jared pants. "For my image. You know. Not supposed to be--whatever. Swearing. Doing inappropriate things."
"Like letting a guy jerk you off in a swimming hole, for example?"
Jared laughs shakily. "For example." He reaches down and curls his hand around Jensen's dick. "Tell me if I mess this up."
Jensen groans. "Doing just fine," he says faintly.
*
By the time they finally make it back to the car, it's getting toward four o'clock, and Jensen is amazed by how happy he feels. It's not the kind of thing he does--hooking up with a random guy he barely knows, but he has a good feeling about Jared. It helps that Jared can't stop smiling, like he's having the best day of his life.
Probably the orgasms are also a factor.
"I should get back, make sure your friend Brock is treating my sister right."
"Brock's a gentleman, I told you."
"How'd you convince her to not just follow you, anyway?"
"I told her I wanted to hang out with you," says Jared, with a bright smile.
"That easy, huh?"
"She told me if I hurt you, she was going to leave my fanclub."
"Ouch," says Jensen. "Mac sure knows how to cut a guy deep, huh?"
Jared bites his lip, like he's trying to keep from smiling too wide. "Hey, um--how long are you here?"
"Til the end of the week," says Jensen. "Just for spring break."
"What are you doing tomorrow?" he asks. He sounds so eager Jensen doesn't even pretend to want to turn him down.
"Hanging out with you, I'm guessing."
"Well, if you're not doing anything else."
"I might have to hang out with my parents a little," says Jensen. "But I'll see what I can do."
"Yeah?" asks Jared, all hopeful, and goddamnit, it should be illegal to be that cute. He never really thought Jared was his type from the pictures--he likes guys, not puppies--but the real thing is really hard to say no to. "I'd like that."
"Me too."
*
"You've got a boyfriend?" asks Sandy, sounding shocked.
"I don't," Jared protests. "I mean, he's here for vacation, I barely know him, we just--"
"Fucked," Chad supplies.
"Fudged," says Sandy, with a smirk.
"We hung out! Naked," he grants. "It's not like I--um."
"Still a virgin," says Chad sagely.
"Well. Yeah," says Jared. "Technically."
"But you want to see him again."
"Yeah," says Jared, unable to keep a lovesick smile off his face.
"And you like him a lot."
"Yeah."
Chad shakes his head. "This is gonna end sucky."
"His sister's cute," says Brock. "Can we double date?"
"Not in public," says Jared.
"That's why it's gonna end sucky," says Chad. "Eric's gonna find out and rip you a new one. Which I guess means you could get fucked in another place."
"That is the worst thing you've ever said," says Sandy. "Shut up, Chad."
"He's got a life at home," says Jared hesitantly. "He can't be looking for anything, you know--"
"Real?" Sandy supplies.
"He can't," says Jared hopefully. "Right?"
"Oh muffin," says Brock, ruffling his hair. "You were dropped on the head as a child, weren't you."
*
"What happened?" asks Mac. Her eyes are practically glowing with interest. Jensen is a little afraid of her right now.
"Um," he says. It's not like he's going to tell his sister that he traded handjobs with her idol. He doesn't really want to discuss his sex life with her at all, no matter who it's with. "We had fun?" he tries.
"Are you his boyfriend? I didn't know he was gay!"
"I'm guessing no one knows he's gay," Jensen says. "It's not the kind of thing he's supposed to be."
"I know," says Mac huffily. "I get homophobia, Jensen, I was there when you came out in high school. But--he likes you, right?"
"I think so," says Jensen. "I mean, it's not like we sat down and talked about our feelings or anything."
"Did you kiss?"
"Mac! I am not girl-talking with you."
Mac smirks. "You totally did. I am so jealous! You went on a date with Jared Padalecki and he likes you! Are you gonna see him again?"
"What did I just say about girl talk?"
"You are, aren't you."
Jensen hedges. "Yeah," he finally admits. "I'm hoping to."
Mac squeals, which is not surprising, and hugs him.
"Aren't you supposed to be jealous?" he asks.
"Oh, he's gay, and he's gonna be my brother-in-law! Good enough!" Jensen opens his mouth to protest, and she glares. "Shut up and let me dream."
Jensen sighs. "Fine. You can make up our wedding tuxes and everything."
"And the part where I steal him away from you right at the last second," she says dreamily. "He renounces the cock and says I'm the only one."
"You're nuts, sis."
"Oh, shut up."
*
Jared is having the time of his life and that--that's actually really sad, he thinks. He doesn't dislike his life, or his friends, he just--Jensen is fun, and funny, and great to be around. He gives Jared shit whenever he feels like it, when Jared gets too celebrity, and he casually mocks most parts of Jared's life. Kissing him is great, handjobs are fantastic, and Jared wants it to never end.
So, of course, when he gets home, Eric is there, looking like the angel of death.
"Do you hear me when I talk?" he asks, too calmly.
"I hear you now," Jared tries.
"You've been out with the same guy the last two days!"
"I haven't been out," Jared protests. "And I was careful! There wasn't any press."
"There's always press, Jared! Don't be an idiot."
"I'm not being an idiot, I'm making a friend." If there were pictures of him and Jensen actually together, Eric would have told him, showed him. The pictures can't be anything more than two friends spending time together. "It's not like there are that many rumors about me being gay."
"Jared. If you want to be a star right now, there can't be any rumors. Stop hanging out with your new friend, take Sandy on a date, anything. This movie isn't a done deal, kid. You're a family star, you have to have a family image."
"I'm not, though!" says Jared. "I like guys, Eric! I do!"
"Is this guy worth losing your dreams for, Jared?" asks Eric. "Think about that. Acting, or some stranger?"
Jared swallows. "Maybe I don't have to pick."
"Yeah," says Eric. "You do."
*
Jared doesn't call him his second-to-last day in L.A., and Jensen tells himself it's okay. He goes sight-seeing with his parents and Mac, the places he couldn't go with Jared because they were too public, and it was nice. It was just--he kind of missed Jared. Which was dumb, because they weren't boyfriends, and they were barely even friends, but, yeah. Whoever said emotions made sense?
His last day, it's noon, and he still hasn't heard from Jared, so he calls instead.
"Jared Padalecki's phone," says a bright female voice. "Sandy speaking."
"Um," says Jensen. "Hi. Is Jared there?"
"Sorry," says Sandy, sounding genuinely remorseful. "He's in talks about a new movie all day. He, um. He wanted to talk to you, but he's been busy. I think he's gonna call you--"
"Oh," says Jensen. "Yeah, uh. Just let him know I'm leaving tomorrow, early, and I'd like to see him again. If I can. But we're talking six a.m. early, so it might not work out."
"Yeah, I'll let him know," says Sandy. There's a pause and she says, "I've never seen him this happy."
Jensen doesn't know how she makes that sound like goodbye, but he isn't surprised when Jared finally does call and the first thing he says is, "Look, I can't."
*
Jared doesn't remember later exactly what he says. He makes it like it's good for Jensen too, and it is, really. Jensen has a life, he doesn't want paparazzi following him around all the time, trying to get a glimpse at the great Jared Padalecki's boyfriend. He doesn't want the attention, the disruption, the bother.
Jared isn't worth the trouble.
He knows when Jensen leaves, and he wants to feel relieved; if Jensen isn't in L.A. anymore, at least he won't be looking for him around every corner, or thinking he should drive over there and apologize, or beg, or tell Jensen that he was wrong, he doesn't care, acting isn't really that important.
They hit Perez Hilton four days after that, and all Jared can think when he sees is What took so long? It's nothing particularly damning--pictures of Jared and "unknown friend." They're not doing anything scandalous, just walking and laughing, but Jared's surprised by how intimate the pictures look. His feelings are all over his face.
Eric shows up in person to bitch him out.
"You're going to have to make a statement," says Eric. "Say that you're just friends, you're straight. This is the time to put all these rumors to rest."
Jared sighs. "So, what, I'm just supposed to lie?"
"Yes," says Eric. "It's Hollywood, Jared. Get used to it."
*
"In case you were wondering," says Mac. "Jared Padalecki, who can choke on a tit and die, is doing an interview about his sexuality today."
Jensen chokes. "Choke on a tit?"
"He'd enjoy choking on a dick too much."
"It's sweet that you dumped him for me."
"He's an idiot," says Mac.
Jensen shrugs. "He's not the first guy who's wanted to stay in the closet."
He's just the one Jensen has liked the most.
"Are you gonna watch?"
Jensen considers. On the one hand, watching Jared claim to be completely and totally straight is going to suck. On the other hand, he's going to hear about it anyway, and he's kind of morbidly curious.
"When is it?" he asks, sighing.
Mac glances at her phone. "Ten minutes?"
At least he doesn't have too long to be nervous.
*
"Hi, Jared," says Misha. Misha is Jared's favorite gossip queen. He seems to be mostly in it because he thinks the entire industry is hilarious, and Jared can at least respect that. "How are you doing?"
Jared flashes a rueful smile at the camera before turning back to Misha. "It's been kind of a crazy week."
"So I hear. Now, you've always been quiet about your sexuality--"
"I've been quiet about my personal life, Misha," he corrects. "I'm in this for the music, not for the drama."
"Fair enough. So, this past weekend, Perez Hilton claimed to be outing you, and I have to say, based on the pictures, I'm not convinced."
Jared laughs. "This is why you're my favorite, by the way."
"Let the record show I am Jared's favorite," says Misha. "I'd like that embroidered on a cushion."
"Anyway," he says. He licks his lips. He knows what he's supposed to say. He has his lines all memorized. But he thinks--if Jensen isn't worth it, who will be? If he's not going to do it now, when? If he comes out and says he's straight and goes back on it, he's lying to his fans, he's lying to all the kids who might be wondering if they're different, and he's lying to himself. "Anyway," he says again, stronger. "To set the record straight, I'm not."
"You're not?" asks Misha, eyebrows high on his face.
"Straight," says Jared, and it's like the world is suddenly in color. Like everything is brighter. "I like guys."
Misha is clearly taken off-guard. "Oh. And the guy in the pictures--"
Jared laughs. "That is a guy I really, really like. And I'd love if he was my boyfriend. But, you know, I was kind of an asshole. So if he still wants to date me, well, he's got my number. If he doesn't, I totally get it."
"Well," says Misha. "I have to admit, I wasn't expecting this."
"Neither was I. Honestly, I think my agent is going to fire me. But, you know. I hear it's not family friendly to be gay, and it's going to hurt my career. But--" he shrugs. "I never got into this to be famous. I got into it because I love doing this stuff. And I realized that what's important to me isn't being famous, or making tons of money. It's doing what I love. And it turns out, I love being myself."
"I'm glad to hear it," says Misha. "And, as far as I'm concerned, a great message for families everywhere." He clears his throat. "So, I hear you're a top-three choice to play Finnick in the upcoming sequel The Hunger Games: Catching Fire. Anything you can tell me about that?"
"They're worried I'm a little young. He's supposed to be twenty-four, but I'm pretty tall," says Jared, laughing. "But I might be a little too gay anyway. So we'll see."
*
Jensen stares. Next to him, Mac looks just as flabbergasted.
"Um," she says. "Jensen?"
"Yeah."
"Did Jared Padalecki just come out for you?"
"I think he came out for him," says Jensen.
"You know what I mean."
"Then, yeah. I think he did."
"Are you going to call him?" she asks.
Jensen hedges. "He's pretty far away. And, you know, I've got classes starting back up in a few days, and--"
"Jensen," says Mac.
Jensen swallows and pulls out his phone. "Is this live?"
"Yeah," she says. "He might have his phone on him."
"I don't actually want to talk to him on the air," says Jensen. "It's a little high-pressure."
"It would be romantic," Mac protests.
On screen, Jared is shaking hands with Misha and going off. Jensen licks his lips. "I'll give him through the commercial break."
"His phone is gonna be ringing off the hook," Mac points out.
"Jesus," says Jensen. "I can't--I barely know him."
Mac smacks the back of his head. "He's awesome. And you can set me up with Brock Kelly. So, stop bitching, and get your man."
Jensen can't help laughing. "Aye aye, sir."
His hand shaking, he scrolls down, sees that ridiculous picture of Jared making the face. Jared, who put himself in Jensen's phone. So Jensen could call whenever he wanted.
"Jensen!" says Jared, picking up immediately. "Oh, god. You must have been watching. I couldn't decide if I wanted you to be or not. I, um. I would have warned you, but I wasn't actually planning it. Eric had this whole speech written out, and I couldn't say it, because, you know, what was I supposed to say later? Sorry, I wanted this part, so I lied to you? Don't be yourself and get ahead, kids! God, I'm sorry. I'm really scared you're calling to tell me that I fucked up and you never want to talk to me again, so I figure if I don't let you talk, it won't be a problem."
Jensen finally lets out the laugh that's been building, laughs long and hard and happy.
"Oh, shut up," says Jared, but he doesn't sound nearly as nervous.
"I go to UT Austin," says Jensen. "I'm going back up tomorrow. I can't really afford to fly out to L.A. much, but if you ever want to stop by and take me out to dinner or something--"
"Are you busy this weekend?" asks Jared.
"Not yet."
"Okay, well," he can hear the grin in Jared's voice. "I'll see you Saturday."
*
Epilogue: One Year Later
"I still think you should have worn a tux," says Jensen.
"No one wears tuxes to the Teen Choice Awards," says Jared. "It would be like wearing flip-flops to the Oscars."
"Dude, you're nominated for three of these. You need to up the class."
"I combed my hair. Jesus, stop pressuring me."
Jensen snorts. "So, am I in your acceptance speech?"
"Nah," says Jared. "If I get there, I figure I'll be overcome by lust for Joe Jonas and dump you on the spot."
Jensen wrinkles his nose. "Joe, really? You're going to dump me for Joe?"
"He's dreamy," says Jared, shrugging. "I'm shallow."
"You're up for Choice Hottie and he isn't."
"So there's clearly no way he'll turn me down."
"Clearly," Jensen agrees. He squeezes Jared's hand. "Did I ever tell you I'm un-ironically proud of you?"
"No, I think you just made fun of me a lot. I cried, actually. This is an achievement, Jensen."
"Well," says Jensen. "I am proud. And it really is an achievement. And I definitely voted for you."
Jared gasps dramatically. "But you're twenty! The sanctity of the Teen Choice Awards is forever tarnished."
"If wanting you to win for Catching Fire so we can send the picture to Eric with a recording of us saying 'nah nah nah,' is wrong, then I don't want to be right."
"Speaking of," says Jared. "Well, not actually, I guess, but how do you feel about having sex in the bathroom at the Teen Choice Awards? Wrong or right?"
"Totally wrong," says Jensen. "Let's go."
*
"And," says Jerry Trainor, "the award for Choice Movie: Drama Actor goes to...Jared Padalecki for The Hunger Games: Catching Fire!"
Jared kisses Jensen right away, fast and happy, and Jensen wishes he didn't have to wonder if they'd cut it from the broadcast.
Of course, the first thing Jared says is, "I'd like to thank my boyfriend, Jensen, for being pretty much all my dreams come true. I love you, and I couldn't do it without you," so he figures there's only so much they can do.
Then what Jared actually said sinks in, and he's smiling too hard to actually worry about what the rest of the world is going to see.
Really, screw the world. He and Jared are awesome.