Screaming Color -- Ch. 5 Out of the Woods
Title: Screaming Color (5/14)
Rating: Mature
Pairing: Jensen/Jared
Warnings: Past abuse (physical and emotional), referenced rape/non-con
Disclaimer: I do not personally know, nor do I own, Jensen or Jared. This is purely fictional.
Summary (shortened): Jared escapes his hometown, and his past, for a fresh start in the bright and busy city of New York. Jensen has been stationed in the city for the better part of the last four years. When they finally get together, neither one wants to let their fears or scars hold them back. But when the world around you doesn’t actually know you, and the demons of your past threaten to break you, can love really conqueror all?
A/N: Any feedback is welcome! It fuels the fire :)
Other stories/chapters can be found in the Fiction Index
Looking at it now
It all seems so simple
We were lying on your couch
I remember
You took a Polaroid of us
Then discovered (then discovered)
The rest of the world was black and white
But we were in screaming color
‘Out of the Woods’ by Taylor Swift, 1989.
Jared hiked his bag up on his shoulder, pushing into the crowd of people fighting to get off of the plane first. The second he stepped away from the air conditioned air craft, he was hit with a wall of heat. He couldn’t help the smile that appeared as he felt the heat immediately soak into his skin - he had missed home.
He walked through the terminal, eyes scanning the crowds of people. Every time a man in a TSA uniform passed him, he could feel his heart quicken. He was being ridiculous. Not every officer in a blue uniform was going to be Chad.
“Jared!” He looked up to see his sister waving frantically at him. “Jared!”
“Hey Megan.” He opened his arms just in time for his younger sister to launch herself at him. He chuckled, wrapping his arms tightly around her and kissing the top of her head. “Missed me, did you?”
“Yes!” She pulled back slightly, still smiling. “Let me look at you… You look good, Jay. Really good.”
“I guess the city air is good for something.” He smiled, pulling back and holding out his arm for her to link hers into.
“Or just having a super, sexy new boyfriend.” Jared could feel the blush creeping down his neck.
“He’s not... I mean, we’re not really sure…” He stopped when she rolled her eyes at him and pulled him forward.
“Whatever, Jay. Jeff has the car cooling. And I want to know all about your boyfriend-not-boyfriend.” She smirked at him and pushed the handicapped button so the doors flew open for them.
“You’re going to be impossible, aren’t you?” Megan was saved the task of replying as they approached a beat up black Chevy, waiting for them beside the sidewalk. She grabbed Jared’s bag from him and tossed it into the bed of the truck before opening the door and flipping the passenger seat forward so she could climb into the small back space. Although Jared hadn’t really thought she was going to make him sit in the back, he was grateful they didn’t have to argue about it like they had when they were kids.
“Hey J-man.” Jeff smiled as Jared slid into the seat. Jeff reached over to clasp his shoulder, giving it a squeeze. “It’s really good to see you.”
“Same.” Jared replied, offering him the same smile. “Wish it was under different circumstances…”
Jeff and Megan were quiet for a minute, but Jared knew they had exchanged a look between them in the rearview mirror. He sighed, folding his hands on his lap before turning towards the window.
“This is almost over.” Jeff said after a moment, reaching over to nudge Jared’s leg. “Just a fair warning? Mom’s going to be all over you like white on bread.”
“I figured as much.” Jared laughed, leaning his head back into the head rest. “I might as well sleep now because she sure as hell isn’t going to let me get any rest.”
“She’s going to be talking your ear off and wanting to know every single detail about New York and your boyfriend-not-boyfriend.” Megan piped up from the backseat. “Do you have a picture? Appropriate pictures for Jeff, he might get a bit squeamish if you show him a naked picture of--”
“Megan!” Jared turned around, catching his sister forcing the smile that had been playing across her lips into an innocent and confused look.
“What?”
“He isn’t my boyfriend. He’s just…” He trailed off, not sure how to explain what Jensen was. Honestly, he had taken to calling him ‘boyfriend’ in his head, but since their conversation a few days earlier, they hadn’t exactly defined anything. “I have one picture.” He sighed, reaching into his pocket to pull out his phone. From the corner of his eye he could see his brother looking between his phone and the road. “You want to see too, Jeff?”
“Naw…” Jeff shook his head. “Unless it’s already up… and then, you know, whatever.” Jared rolled his eyes and pulled up a picture they had taken last night. They had been hanging out at a coffee shop, waiting for Jensen’s friend Tom to come so they could have a ‘guys’ night.
“What are you doing? Posting on your facebook how you’re hanging out with the sexiest man you have ever had the pleasure to meet?” Jensen asked, leaning over Jared’s shoulder to look at his phone screen.
“No… Sorry to burst your bubble, didn’t think you were facebook worthy.” Jared laughed, tilting the screen to show Jensen his game of Candy Crush. “I’m not on facebook much…” Jared trailed off, turning to face Jensen completely. They were sitting on the same side of the booth, but enough apart that Jensen wouldn’t feel uncomfortable when his friend showed up. “I didn’t know if you wanted me to tag you in anything, well, ever.”
Jensen was quiet for a moment. “I can’t have any type of relationship status on there… but I’ve told Tom and the guys from my unit that I had a new neighbor I was hanging out with. They know you’re my friend.”
“Okay.” Jared nodded, unable to stop the smile that appeared when Jensen had implied ‘relationship’. “Come here.” He leaned towards Jensen pulling up the camera on his phone. “I won’t put it online… just want one.” He added when Jensen hesitated.
“Just make sure you get my good side.” Jensen leaned back against Jared’s chest.
“Selfies?” A voice came from behind them, making both of them jump. Jensen spun around and smiled nervously. “Dude, with your game lately? Even having a second good looking guy isn’t going to get you laid.” Jared took in the tall man standing behind them, slightly shocked at how attractive Tom was.
“Maybe I can’t get any because your ugly mug is always around scaring off the good ones.” Jensen retorted, pushing up from the table.
“Well, I figured we could go to the bar down the block to start. Maybe Jared will be your good luck magnet.” Tom turned to Jared, offering his hand. “I’m Tom, been friend with Jen for the past four years, and I would appreciate your help getting him laid.” Jared laughed, taking Tom’s hand in his own and picturing the expression on Jensen’s face behind him.
“Well, I think Jen’s a butt guy.” Jared tossed Jensen a smirk before turning back to Tom. “Something he can really grab onto, you know? We will just have to fine the perfect ass.”
“Man, I like you already!” Tom laughed, clapping him on the shoulder. “One ba-donk-a-donk coming right up!”
“Jared…” Megan whispered, staring at the picture before hanging the phone over the seat to Jeff.
“What?” Jared asked, looking between his siblings.
“You just… look happy.” Jeff shrugged, smiling and handing Jared’s phone back. “Did you ever ask him to come with you like I suggested?”
“No.” Jared shook his head quickly, shoving his phone back into his jeans. “He can’t just walk up to his CO and ask for vacation to go to his boyfriend’s for a long weekend so he can be moral support in obtaining a restraining order for said boyfriend’s crazy ex.”
“You called him your boyfriend.” Megan sang from the back seat.
“She’s going to be worse than Mom.” Jared muttered, turning back to the window. Jeff laughed and reached over to turn the music up and the rest of the ride passed in a comfortable silence.
***
“Alright…” Jared jumped as the door behind him swung open, a young woman slipping in with a flurry of movements as she shuffled papers one handed, holding tightly to a coffee in the other. The office was in the corner of a small building, on the outskirts of San Antonio. Although Angela had sworn no one except the two of them and her brother that owned the small office building knew that they were there, Jared could barely stop his heart from breaking through his chest.
“So, I drew up some papers here…” She threw herself, however gracefully, into the chair across from him and laid out papers before him. “And we need to talk about the trial and go over your statements again before you are able to take off on me back to New York.”
“Angela… I don’t know if I want to press charges.” He kept his eyes downcast on the pages before him, not needing to see the woman’s face before him to see the disappointment.
“Jared, that isn’t really an option. The police came to a domestic disturbance and you ended up hospitalized. There is going to be a trial, even if you don’t want there to be. If you don’t want to ‘press charges’, there will still be a trial.” Jared looked up at her, a horrified expression on his face.
“The thought of sitting in the same room as him…” He stopped, closing his eyes as the familiar wave of nausea rolled through him.
“Let’s focus on one thing at a time, okay?” She smiled softly at him and returned her attention to the papers before her. “Your mother contacted me three days ago to let me know Chad had called you?” She looked up briefly for his nod before plunging forward. “I wish you had been the one to contact me, Jared. I am your attorney and as much as your mom and I are friends?” She sighed. “You’re here now.”
“Sorry…” Jared muttered, wondering if he made the right choice taking Angela on as his attorney, not for the first time.
“Chad and his lawyer somehow convinced the judge that he wasn’t a flight risk and a bail was reinstated, which as you know, Chad met. So, he is not currently being held in jail. I do know that he is out on unpaid leave pending investigation and the completion of the trial. He also is not allowed to leave the state of Texas. His parents live in San Antonio, correct?”
“Yeah… well, his father passed away a few years ago. But his mother does… Why?”
“I am going to try to get it so that Chad isn’t able to leave the City. I’m not sure what leverage I will have to get the judge to see in our favor, but we will see. Have you been going to any of the counseling appointments I set up for you?”
Jared bit his lower lip, avoiding her gaze.
“Well, that could have helped us here, Jared.” She sighed, pulling one of the pages forward. “But, let’s take care of this. He isn’t allowed to leave the state but we want to make sure that if you’re home visiting your parents or friends, he isn’t able to see or contact you. We also want to make sure that he doesn’t call you. Now, I took the liberty of filing the paperwork on Wednesday for the protective order, I need you to backdate these forms…” She pushed the page forward, a pen sitting on top of them.
“Aren’t they going to know if I didn’t sign them at the time you filed them?” Jared asked, signing his name where she pointed on the paper.
“Well, Chad isn’t the only one who is friends with a judge.” She smiled, pulling the page back. “I’ll let him know these are all set and I’m hoping he can put a rush on it and get us into the courtroom at the beginning of the week.”
“I have to go into court? You didn’t say I was going to have to--” He could feel the sweat collecting on the back of his neck, a feeling of dread washing over him and leaving him cold and shaking.
“It’s not the type of court you’re thinking of. And I requested Chad to have his own hearing, after we are finished. Chad’s lawyer and I will have to be present for both of them, but for yours? It will just be us, Chad’s lawyer Mike, and the judge.” Jared nodded quickly, trying to calm his breathing. Angela watched him for a moment before reaching forward to take his hand. “Think about going to see that counselor, okay? He specializes in anxiety and domestic abuse.”
“What next?” Jared muttered, pulling his hand back from the table. He felt ridiculous… even the mere thought of seeing Chad had him acting like a basket case. Guilt churned in his stomach thinking about the card Angela had given him with the psychiatrists name that he had thrown away the moment he was out of view.
“I think that can be all for today.” She pushed the pages together, tapping them against the table to get them in a neat pile. “I heard your Mom was going all out to make you dinner tonight, and if I get you all stressed out? She’ll have my head.” Jared nodded, grateful.
“She asked me to invite you.” Angela nodded and stood up, squeezing his shoulder once before letting herself out of the room. Jared sat there for a minute before pulling out his phone, hands shaking.
“Hey.” He said, closing his eyes as he heard his voice break. “No… Just… wanted to talk.”
This had to be the most boring presentation Jensen ever had the pleasure of sitting through. It was to the point where he almost would welcome being away on deployment, anything to get out of these ‘refresher’ courses. They were given books to study Pashto and Dari languages, the two basic languages of Afghanistan. He knew from experience that he would never actually use either one. But, he would gladly work on studying the useless languages than sit through a Humvee Rollover course.
A buzzing split through the room, causing everyone to turn towards him. He pulled his leg away from the metal bar of the desk he was sitting at, the vibration of his phone now only bothering him instead of the entire room. He slipped his hand into his pocket, checking the phone screen.
“Hello?” Jensen slipped out of the classroom, shutting the door softly behind him. The moment he saw the name flash across the screen, he was up out of his seat, ignoring the presenter’s glare as he let himself out the back door.
“Hey.” Jared’s voice cracked and Jensen was immediately on alert.
“What happened? Are you okay?” He walked quickly down the hallway, letting himself out into the small courtyard. A quick glance let him see he was the only one outside and he felt himself relax slightly as he slid down the brick wall into a sitting position.
“No… Just… wanted to talk.” Jared cleared his throat, pain still evident in his voice. Immediately, Jensen wanted to reach through the phone and pull Jared against his chest to tell him whatever it was, it was going to be okay. “Oh fuck… you’re probably working. I’m sorry! I shouldn’t have called you.”
“No, really, it’s a relief to have an excuse to leave. We’re doing classes this week, and I’ve had to listen to proper Humvee care more times than I can stand.” Jensen laughed. “I’m glad you called.”
“I met with Angela…” Jared said after a moment.
“Your lawyer, right?”
“Yeah… I had to sign the paperwork for the restraining order.”
“Well good, that was quick. What happens next?” Jensen reached between his legs to pluck at a single strand of grass, twisting it between his fingers.
“I have to meet with the judge to make it official I guess. She hopes that will happen next week.”
“Wait.” Jensen dropped the blade of grass, feeling his fingers tighten around the phone. “Next week? You’re not coming home this weekend?” He was surprised at the disappointment he felt at not spending the weekend with Jared.
“Probably not… I don’t have to work until next Friday night so…” Jared sighed. “My mom’s happy though, to see me. They all are… My sister keeps calling you my boyfriend.” Jared laughed slightly and silence fell between them. Jensen felt his heart skip a beat.
“Oh?” He asked, freezing in place. “And… what did you say back?”
“I didn’t really say anything.” Jared said. Another pang of disappointment. “But, I did tell my Mom you were. It’s pretty black and white for her, there is no ‘taking things slow’. I hope that’s okay?”
“Yeah, that’s okay.” Jensen smiled into the phone. “I told my parents I was seeing someone too.” He could feel Jared’s smile on the other end of the phone.
“Good. Well… My mom is making a big dinner tonight, so I have to go and drive back. I just… wanted to hear your voice. Is that stupid?”
“I miss you too, Jared.” Jensen whispered. “Text me whenever… Save me from my oh-so-important training.”
“I will. Bye, Jen.” Jared replied before hanging up the phone, leaving Jensen completely alone. He pushed himself up from the ground and moved to push open the door to the building, only to find them locked.
“Aw, fuck.” He swore, kicking at the bottom of the door. He looked around. The small grassy area was completely surrounded by the brick building, the only entrance being the one before him. Taking a quick ‘pee break’ was frowned upon, blowing off the rest of the class? He kicked at the door again, jumping back when it swung open.
“Talking to your boyfriend?” Tom smirked, holding the door open to let Jensen in.
“What?” Jensen demanded, his eyes wide as he stared at his friend.
“Dude, your friend Jared? Didn’t he go back home for some personal shit or something?” Tom gave him a weird look. “I’m pretty sure he’s the only one that would call you during work unless someone died or something.”
“Oh. Yeah, it was Jared. You threw me off.” Jensen said quickly, still eyeing his friend.
“Well, he is your new best friend.” Tom mocked being hurt. “I can’t believe I’m being replaced.”
“Maybe he’s just prettier than you.” Jensen replied, trying to calm his racing heart.
“No one can be prettier than me.” Tom said, puffing out his chest as he started to strut down the hall. Jensen rolled his eyes, following after him. “We going out tonight?”
“Yeah, as long as it’s not that club you dragged me to last time. That was awful.” Jensen shuddered, remembering the experience. Most of the women were scantily clad and unshy about rubbing and grabbing anyone that tickled their fancy. He looked up to see Tom reluctantly agreeing with a nod. If Tom agreed it was bad? He gave a short laugh and stopped before the door to the classroom he was supposed to be in. “See you at five?”
“Yeah, I’ll wait for you at the front.” Tom nodded, turning away from him and continuing back to his classroom. Jensen pushed open the doors, giving the presenter a tight not before slipping back into his seat. Five o’clock couldn’t come fast enough.
***
Monday morning came way too quickly. Jensen groaned, pulling the comforter up over his head and reaching blindly for his cell phone with his other hand. He fumbled with the buttons before he was able to hit the on button and silence the alarm. He knew if he relaxed, he could easily slip back into an easy and comfortable sleep. He also knew that after five minutes his phone would start screaming at him again and he had already put the phone on snooze twice.
Sighing, he threw back the covers, squinting with one eye as he thumbed through the options on his phone and turned off the alarm completely. His head was pounding… He groaned as he pushed himself into a sitting position. No matter how much begging Tom did? He was not going out again tonight.
He stumbled towards the bathroom, twisting open a bottle of Advil and swallowing them down with water from the sink. He inspected himself in the mirror, sighing when he realized he couldn’t get away with not shaving this morning. He showered and shaved quickly, shoving on his ACUs and grabbing an apple from the crisper in the fridge on his way out the door. He hesitated over the 5th floor button before remembering Jared wasn’t home yet. Hopefully, he would get the hearing today or tomorrow and would be home midweek. It slightly terrified Jensen how much he actually missed the other man… It was getting dangerous how much he wanted to just shout it out. He was gay and he was falling for one of the most amazing man he had ever met. That would be sure to gain him a promotion back to civilian status… He pulled out his phone as he reached the lobby and sent Jared a quick text, crossing his fingers that he wouldn’t wake the other man. Today, already, couldn’t end fast enough.
After four hours of classes, they were finally given a break. Jensen flew out of the classroom and back into the courtyard he had talked to Jared in last week. He clicked his phone to life, disappointment settling into his stomach when he saw Jared hadn’t texted him back yet.
“Dude, you look like you swallowed an entire lemon.” Tom said as he sunk down to sit beside Jensen.
“What’s up?” He asked, pocketing his phone again and turning to his friend. He looked away when he saw Tom’s concerned gaze, and not for the first time, wished he could talk to his best friend. Wasn’t everyone supposed to have someone they could tell anything to? Jensen would give anything to be able to have that… As much as he could tell Tom, he would never be able to let a load off if he had a problem or a concern with a relationship he had. He never felt more alone then he did right now…
“I should be asking you that. You alright?”
“Yeah. Just a bit sluggish I guess. Drank too much last night.” He forced a smile, hoping Tom would buy it.
“I know. You spent more time knocking back those beers then you did looking at the women.” Tom laughed, the sound settling Jensen’s nerves.
“Well, I was hoping it would make them more attractive.” Not exactly a lie, since women weren’t his forte. But all he had been doing was missing Jared.
“Maybe you need to have your eyes checked.” Tom chuckled. “I could barely decide between Abigail and Anne. Did you see those two dancing? Part of me wanted to offer to take them both home.”
“Oh, I’m sure that would have gone over well.” Jensen muttered before silence fell between them.
“Have you talked to Jared today?” Tom asked after a moment.
“What? No. Why?” Jensen asked, mentally kicking himself for sounding so guilty.
“Uh,” Tom started, giving him a strange look. “Just wondering when he was getting back. Do you remember that girl I took home sometime last week?”
“Dude, I can’t keep track of who you took home last night.” Jensen replied, still tense as he waited for Jared’s involvement in this story.
“Shut up.” Tom punched him in the arm. “The blonde, Maria. She’s got a sister, and I met her the other day. I think she might be Jared’s type.”
“I don’t think so.”
“How do you know? You’ve never even seen her.”
“I just don’t think he’s looking for anyone right now.” Jensen shrugged, trying to ignore the stab of jealousy he felt. Completely ridiculous, but there all the same.
“Well, I think when he gets back we should all go out, and I’ll ask him myself. Since I’m completely failing at setting you up, maybe I can get one of you lucky.” Jensen looked up to see Tom pulling himself up from the ground. “You’re acting strange.” He said, giving Jensen another look before turning to head back inside.
Jensen leaned his head back against the wall, closing his eyes. The sun felt good against his face, hopeful and warm. He almost laughed out loud. He pulled his knees up to his chest, pulling out his phone to balance on top of them. Jared would text him soon. He stared at the phone, willing it to vibrate.
He couldn’t fight the fear in his gut that something was wrong. All weekend Jared had texted him immediately when he woke up… and unlike him, Jared was a morning person. What if something had happened? What if Chad had gotten around to paying Jared a visit? What if he had found out Jared had come back home? And even worse… what if Jared just didn’t want to talk to him? What if he did something wrong.
Jensen stared at his phone until the other soldier’s in the courtyard started shuffling back into the building, shoving their own phones deep into their pockets and tossing wrappers and bottles from lunch in the oversized trash bin at the door. Sighing, Jensen shoved the phone back into his pocket and stood up, trying to shove the fear down along with it.
Jared woke up, his stomach already in knots and nausea threatening to surface into actual sickness. Light was pouring through the sheer curtains of his child-hood room, a sharp contrast to tone of the day. He closed his eyes tightly, trying to block out the sunlight.
“Jared?” A soft knock on the door made him swing his legs over the side of the bed and sit up.
“Yeah.”
“Just making sure you were awake.” His mother’s head poked in and she gave him a smile. “I made you pancakes! And there’s some fresh orange juice… I think Jeff is putting on a fresh pot of coffee too…”
“Thanks Mom, you really didn’t have to go through all that trouble.” Jared tried to force a smile back, knowing he was failing miserably. He didn’t think he could eat even if he wanted to, but wasn’t about to tell his mother that. She nodded once, seeing through his fake smile and crossed the room to sit beside him on the bed.
“It’s going to be okay, honey.” She whispered, pulling his shoulders softly to pull him against her chest. She wrapped her arms around him and Jared sighed, relaxing into her embrace. “Just a few more hours, okay?”
“I know, Mom.” Jared flinched at the sound of his voice and wrapped his own arms around the smaller woman. They sat there for a few minutes, comfortable silence falling between them. Jared slowly felt himself start to relax. His mom was rubbing small circles around his back, humming softly into his hair.
“Come on…” She squeezed his shoulder and rose from the bed, pulling him along with her. “Go try and eat something, I’ll get your suit ready for you.” He nodded; finding the smile he gave her as he passed her in the doorway was genuine.
“Morning.” He said as he slipped into the chair beside his brother Jeff who was hunched over a cup of coffee, both hands curled around the mug.
“Mmm.” He grunted back, nodding sharply in Jared’s direction. Jared couldn’t help the small laugh that escaped. Jeff was as much of a morning person as Jensen was. Jared accepted the coffee that was pushed towards him by his brother and reached over the island counter for the sugar bowl. He could feel Jeff watching him as he scooped each spoonful into his coffee.
“Yes?” He asked, turning his body to his brother as he lifted the mug to his lips.
“Do you want me to come with you?” Even though Jared had expected the question, it still filled him with warmth he hadn’t expected.
“No… I think Angela and I will be all set.” Jared shook his head. As much as he wanted to have his brother there with him, he knew without a doubt that every move he made would be reported back to Chad. Just because he didn’t live here anymore, didn’t mean Chad was above harassing his family and by bringing Jeff there… Jared didn’t want that to be seen as an open invitation. “Plus,” He added quickly as he saw the argument brewing, “Mom is going to be a friggen wreck until I get back. You have to keep her from barging in there like a crazy person.”
“Yeah, alright. But just because I’m not there, doesn’t mean I don’t have your back.” Jeff said after a moment, bumping him with his shoulder. “Did you tell Jensen the hearing was today?”
“No… I didn’t want him to worry about it. I’ll let him know when it’s all over with. He’s got enough to deal with.” Jared said, sipping his coffee again, hoping the caffeine would ebb away at his nerves.
“Right. Because it totally seems like the guy doesn’t care about what’s going on with you and wouldn’t want to know.”
“I’m going to shower.” Jared sighed, putting the mug down and walking back towards his room. His suit and shirt were laid across the bottom of the bed his mom had already made. He looked down at his and saw Jensen had texted him while he was downstairs.
Didn’t want to wake you. In classes again all day… Shoot me a text when you’re awake. -J Jared smiled at it, wondering if maybe he should have told Jensen about the hearing… It wasn’t that big of a deal… It wasn’t like he was going to be seeing Chad. And Jared didn’t want to chase Jensen away with the ex-boyfriend drama. He had already unloaded more than enough for a new relationship. No, Jensen didn’t need to worry, and the moment the hearing was done, Jared would be able to give him the good news.
By the time 10 am rolled around, Jared had showered, finished his coffee, and was fidgeting with his tie. He had shook both his siblings off as they tried to help him straighten it, determined to do it on his own. When the bell rang, he jumped up, toppling the chair he had been sitting on.
“Smooth.” Jeff threw him a look and moved to let Angela into the house.
“Morning Jared.” She smiled as she swept into the kitchen. Even this early, she was a flurry of movement, swinging her briefcase up onto the table and spinning to look at him. “Oh dear.” She said, shoving his hands away and going straight for his tie. “Good, you clean up nice!”
“Thanks.” Jared mumbled, fingering the tie again after she released him. He could see Jeff watching him intently and knew he was still thinking about joining them. “I’m ready, let’s just go.” He said to Angela, pushing past her and his brother for the front door. A moment later he felt Angela patting his back as she opened the front door and ushered him to the waiting car.
“Are you ready for this Jared?” She asked as they settled in and she turned over the ignition. He nodded, not trusting himself to speak. He heard her soft protest as she fought with herself to push the subject, before resigning herself to the fact that the conversation just wasn’t going to happen.
Jared spent the fifteen minute drive staring out the window. Even Angela’s soft piano music that was the only thing she agreed to play in the car, did nothing to calm him. When she parked in the front of the courthouse, Jared could see his hand shaking violently as he reached for the door.
“Jared.” Angela’s voice stilled him and he dropped his hand. “Chad isn’t going to be here. He isn’t allowed to come to this hearing. We are going to go in, I am going to do most of the talking. All you have to do is agree to the terms we’ve written up, the judge will probably ask you them one at a time so he can make sure the effective dates and ways of communication are covered. He will ask you if you feel threatened or unsafe in the presence of Chad. This entire process will take half an hour, and then this will all be behind you until the trial date is set.” Jared nodded numbly. He knew, they had gone over this plan all weekend long. But that didn’t stop the irrational fear that Chad would come barging into the courtroom, brandishing a knife or his pistol, and getting Jared back for getting him arrested.
Together, they walked into the building, moving quickly in the short line through the metal detectors. At least Chad wouldn’t be able to stab me if he got in… Jared thought bitterly as he picked up his keys and wallet at the other end of the security check. Angela consulted her tablet once before leading him to Court Room Three, the final courtroom on the first floor.
The room was big, and instantly Jared felt out of place and like he was in trouble. There were two men standing at the front of the room, before a bench, talking in low whispers to one another. Angela pushed Jared forward, coming to stop before them.
“Matthew Gutmar, I’m Angela Boise.” She stuck out her hand for the first man to shake. He gave her a cool smile as he wrapped his long fingers around her wrist. “This is my client, Jared Padalecki.”
“I’m Chris Collins.” The second man interjected, shaking Angela’s hand and then Jared’s. “I’ll just be transcribing the hearing for the records.” Angela nodded and then swung a hand out behind her, her attention back on Matt.
Matt nodded at Chris once before moving back to take his seat behind one of the table tops. Angela led Jared over to the second desk. Jared felt the nausea rear its head again and he briefly thought about asking Angela if he would be able to sneak to the bathroom before everything started. But, as he opened his mouth to ask, everyone was suddenly standing, and the judge walked into the room to start the hearing.
Jared could barely pay attention to what was going around him. He could hear his heart beating loudly, echoing in his head. He focused on breathing, reaching forward every few minutes to take a sip of the glass of water that was left before him. When Angela elbowed him, he realized he had completely spaced out. His eyes snapped up to the judge and he could feel the blush that took over his entire upper body.
“Yes, Sir.” He said, quickly looking at Angela for confirmation. She gave a tight nod and pushed the agreement before him. He looked down quickly, clearing his throat before he recited what they had gone over the day before. Luckily, only Angela seemed to notice that he had been somewhere completely different throughout most of the hearing.
“Well, Mr. Padalecki,” The judge said finally, settling back in his chair and gazing at Jared, a careful expression on his face. “I grant the motion of a no-contact order. Mr. Murray will not be able to contact you in any form or by any means, nor will he be able to be within a five mile radius to your person.” Jared nodded, looking up at Angela. She had a tight smile on her face, but Jared knew that was as happy as her smiles could get.
They all approached the bench, Angela and Jared first, to sign the protection order. Angela was given the next appointment to which Chad would have to come and hear the terms and sign the agreement. Jared wondered briefly if Chad would be able to provide his own evidence and get the order revoked, but decided Angela would have told him if that was a possibility.
“Let’s get you home. I’m sure your mother is pacing the kitchen, waiting for you to get back.” Angela said, leading Jared out of the courtroom.
“Oh, Jeff is right alongside her I bet.” Jared laughed. The moment he was out of the courtroom, he instantly felt lighter. “So… Chad really won’t be able to contact me?”
“No. And if he does? You immediately call me and let me know. I don’t care if it’s four in the goddamn morning Jared.” She gave him a hard look and he nodded quickly.
“Yes, ma’am!” He said, smiling. Jared dug into his pocket for his phone, clicking open his text messages. He found his thread with Jensen and clicked it open.
I’m sorry I didn’t text you! I had the hearing this morning… Everything went through! :) He typed the message quickly, adding a smile face at the end to match the one on his face. He looked up to say thank you to whoever held the door open for him and froze.
“Jared. How nice to see you.” Tyler, Chad’s longtime partner, was holding the door with a wide smile on his face. “I just thought you should know, the entire department misses you.” He slipped past Jared into the courthouse and although he didn’t touch or even graze Jared, a chill moved down his spine.
“Jared?” Angela asked, turning around from her spot a few steps below him. “You okay?”
“Yeah.” Jared swallowed hard, fighting the urge to look behind him into the pair of eyes he knew was still on his back. “I’m fine.” He jogged down the stairs and didn’t relax until he was in the safety of Angela’s car.
Chapter Six: Wildest Dreams