Beholder, Ch. 13, NC-17, RPS, AU, Jensen/Jared

[sandymg]

Three days after running out of Jeff’s apartment, Jensen stood waiting for Jared at the front entrance of the shelter. He was wearing a coat that Jared didn’t recognize, since he’d run out without the one that Jared had bought him. Jensen’s hood was up and a scarf obscured most of his face.

Jared willed his breath back to normal and approached slowly, like he would with an unknown stray. He kept his hands tightly tucked into his pockets to keep himself from throwing his arms around Jensen. Sadie was dancing around Jensen, barking happily. Jared knew how she felt and envied her freedom of expression. Jensen knelt to give Sadie attention and Jared caught a glimpse of his bare hands, red and chapped from the cold. The gloves that Jared had bought Jensen had remained behind on Jeff’s bed with the coat.

Biting back swear words, he jiggled the key slightly in the lock and let them in, automatically switching the lights on. He locked the door behind them because it was still a couple of hours before they would officially open their doors. He didn’t say anything to Jensen, instead headed straight back to put out fresh food and water and lavish a little attention on the animals in their care. Jensen hung back with Sadie, sensing perhaps that this time it was Jared that needed some space.

They were holding ten dogs, two cats, three kittens and one hamster. Lots of empty pens. Winter always got light. Jared knew it meant that less animals were found alive to bring to the shelter, and shook off the frustration that always gave him.

“May I shower?”

Jared looked up from the cat he was stroking. Jensen stood nearby, posture hesitant. He’d shed the beat-up coat but the gray jacket remained, goddamn hood still up. Jared swallowed hard. Putting the tabby gently back in her cage he turned slowly to face the other man. “You’re Jensen Ackles.”

The hooded head tilted.

“Jim Beaver called with the DNA results. You. Are Jensen Ackles. Lost heir of the Ackles fortune.” Jared released a soft snort.

“You are angry.” Jensen shrugged the hood down. Jared realized suddenly that, yeah, he was angry. Had been since Jensen’d run away. Maybe longer. Question was, who was he angry at?

“Go shower,” he answered dismissively. “You smell.”

Someone else might have taken offense. Of course, Jensen wasn’t like anyone else. He disappeared into the small bathroom without saying another word. Jared followed and pulled out the last set of clean clothes he’d washed for Jensen from the shelf in the office. Once he heard the water running he pulled the bathroom door open a crack and slid them inside along the old tile floor. At the last minute he pulled the washed hoodie jacket back out and put it back on the shelf. Let him ask.

Animals cared for, Jared entered his small office and got the Mr. Coffee going. It felt good to make a full pot again instead of the half one he made when it was just him. He forced the thought away. It’s not like he wasn’t going to have to get used to single servings again. He booted up the ancient computer. He and Misha had been talking about upgrading it forever but food for the animals had priority. Ackles had a fortune. Irony washed over him in a bitter wave.

He was about to reply to a donor’s email when he felt a soft presence lingering in the doorway. Jensen wore a clean tee-shirt and plaid button down over blue jeans. The over-shirt was an old one of Jared’s and hung too long on Jensen’s shorter frame. He’d left it unbuttoned and it fluttered gently around him as he swayed. He was shuffling his socked feet back and forth against the cool tile like a little boy. Jared closed down the email program and poured Jensen a cup of coffee. Their fingers brushed as Jensen took the mug and Jared pulled back quickly.

Jensen took a long swallow and looked up. “I am sorry.”

“For what, Jensen?”

“Hurt artist.”

“You didn’t hurt Seth. He’s okay. But he was only admiring your drawing. You’re an artist, too.”

Jensen looked down. His hair was dark wet and spiky and his skin flushed from the warm water. Jared ached to touch him but couldn’t. Knew he’d never be able to stop if he started. “Where’d you go, Jen?” he asked instead.

“Around.”

Jared nodded. Knew he’d never fit in either of Jensen’s worlds and what was the point in pushing it. Jensen drained the last of the mug and placed it on Jared’s desk.

“Jeff angry, too?”

“Jeff’s fine. Just wants you to go meet with Jim.” Jared paused, met Jensen’s eyes fully for the first time that morning. “I … I’m not angry. Not really. Just wish you didn’t run away. Or … “

Jared didn’t know how Jensen was suddenly within breathing distance. “Or what?”

He reached around the back of Jensen’s head and dug his fingers in his slightly curling wet locks. “Or would let me follow.”

“I am cursed,” Jensen breathed into Jared’s neck. “You do not believe. Do not see.”

Jared let his fingers cup Jensen’s face. Soft. Clean-shaven. Desire flared deep in his gut because there weren’t too many reasons why Jensen would have bothered shaving. He leaned in and rubbed his nose along the sharp angles of Jensen’s face. Fucking perfect. “I do see. Sometimes I wish to god I didn’t. But I do.”

Jensen moved first, bringing his lips in contact with Jared’s and pressing gently. Fuck. He couldn’t stay pissed and he couldn’t stay away and he couldn’t really have Jensen. But he didn’t know how to do without. The kiss deepened. Jared parted his lips and let Jensen explore leisurely. Tongues playing and bodies pressing ever more desperately into each other. Kissing Jensen was sunshine and grass and earth beneath his bare feet. It was the explosion of a green apple against his teeth and the shocking tingle of a spring rain. It was every star flashing in an inky forever sky.

Drawing Jensen closer, Jared consciously thought the words for the first time. They flowed through his heart in time with the blood pounding in his veins. Thump, thump, thump. A rhythm of three. They were quickly followed with three more words that he also didn’t say aloud. Don’t leave me.



Misha said it was slow and he easily could work solo for the day so that Jensen and Jared could visit Jim Beaver together. Jensen hadn’t asked outright for Jared to accompany him but some things didn’t need words. They’d gone clothes shopping again. Jared knew that on some level he was enjoying Jensen like a Ken doll but the pleasure he got from Jensen’s expression looking down at himself was worth it. He’d picked up inexpensive khakis and a light blue button-down. But unlike the hand-me-downs from Jared, these fit.

Jensen still refused to look in a mirror so he depended on Jared’s opinion. Yeah. A burden. Jared dealt with it and tried not to jump Jensen in the dressing room. He’d tried to convince Jensen to also buy shoes but he refused, saying the boots were enough. This was followed by the usual Jared too good. Except at that very moment Jared had been checking out Jensen’s ass in the form-fitting khakis and good wasn’t a word he’d use for the way he was feeling. Well, okay, he was feeling good. Just not like Jensen meant.

It was the start of the workday and so there was a lot of foot traffic coming into the large, imposing mid-town building. Jensen stiffened as the elevator started to fill. He instinctively leaned a little closer to Jared and tilted his hooded head down. Some people glanced his way but most ignored them. Hell, Jared figured Jensen would have gotten even more attention with the hood down and for once didn’t mind its presence. That thought immediately brought both possessiveness and guilt and Jared flushed and loosened his wool scarf.

“Mr. Padalecki, Mr. … um … Ackles … Mr. Beaver said to go right in.”

Jared nodded to the young receptionist and walked into a large glass-enclosed conference room. A gruff looking, bearded man met them with twinkling eyes and a hardy grip. “Jared, good to meet you.” He turned to Jensen. “Jensen.”

Jensen turned toward the huge glass wall and looked back pleadingly to Jared who guessed what Jensen was feeling. “Jim. Hi, nice to meet you, too. Um. Do you think there’s somewhere more private we could meet? Jensen … doesn’t like too big an audience.”

Jim smiled and pushed a button and the glass fogged up until it became opaque. Jensen approached it gingerly and ran a finger over the smoothness. He took his coat off and slowly let his hood fall before turning around. His eyes met Jared’s in a small smile. Jared shrugged off his own coat. “Yeah, buddy. That was neat.”

“Private enough for ya?” Jim asked in his booming voice.

Jared laughed. “Yeah. It’s great. Thanks.”

Everyone sat at the large, rectangular table, Jim taking the head. Jensen and Jared sat next to each other, catty corner to Jim. The attorney opened a folder in front of him. “Well, we heard back from Samantha Ferris, CEO of Ackles, Inc., and Jensen’s cousin, and she accepted the results of the DNA test.”

Jensen squirmed in his seat and Jared placed his hand on Jensen’s thigh beneath the table. He leaned in. “Hey, you have family, see?”

Jared looked at Jim. “What happens next?”

“My colleague in California, Katie Cassidy, petitioned the courts to reinstate you back to living status. I also started paperwork to return your estate back to you. Ferris has been very frugal and made smart decisions over the years. It’s larger now than when you di-were declared dead.”

“The money went to Ferris?” Jared asked.

“She was the next of kin.”

Jared’s mouth pursed slightly. Beside him, Jensen was stone still, so Jared kept asking the questions. “Will she … I mean, is she upset to be losing such a fortune?”

“That woman is wealthy in her own right. Yeah, she won’t be quite as filthy rich once the assets transfer back to your friend here - just disgustingly dirty rich.” He let out a chuckle. “Betcha she’s happier to have her cousin back, don’t you? They spent a long time looking for you, boy.”

Jared let out a held in breath. Family. Jensen would be with family. He’d be cared for. Loved. He’d be fine.

“Okay. Well, there’s only a few technicalities. They are asking for a psychiatric evaluation.”

Jensen shoved his chair back at this, looking like he was about to bolt. Jared grabbed his arm. “Jen. Wait, just listen first. You won’t have to do anything you don’t want. I promise.”

Jared turned to Jim, eyes hard. “What’s that mean?”

“Relax, the two of you. I mean it. It’s nothing. The courts need an assurance that Jensen’s reasoning is sound. The threshold is very low. He states his name, says he understands what’s going on, how they are going to reinstate his assets back to his name. Piece of cake. Watch … “ He leaned in toward Jensen. “What’s your name?”

“Jensen … Ackles.”

Jared smiled as Jim’s eyes met his. Jim continued. “Do you accept that you are Jensen Ross Ackles, son of Alan and Donna and sole heir to their estate?”

“Yes.”

“Do you know what it means to have the assets transferred back to your name?”

Jensen hesitated a moment. “I … will have money? A … lot of money.”

“What do you plan to do with that money, Jensen?”

“Help others.”

Jim looked slightly trouble by this. “What others?”

“Those with less.”

Jared squeezed Jensen’s thigh again under the table. The tough old lawyer’s eyes got brighter. “You’re a good kid, Jensen. No court’s gonna deny you what’s yours. It’s gonna be fine.”



That afternoon they were back in the shelter. Misha had taken a few of the dogs for a walk and Jensen had just finished cleaning out those kennels. Jared honestly couldn’t remember the last time he’d done any of the grunt work around the shelter. He was starting to feel too pampered. Instead, he spent his time on the computer, culling through donor databases and planning a heart-warming attack for the next fund drive. He sighed and held up the letter from the shelter’s landlord again. Noise about raising the rent. Something about so-called building improvements. Fuck. They barely made it month to month as is.

“Jay?”

Jared slipped the letter back into its envelope and looked up into Jensen’s inquisitive stare. “Yeah buddy, you need anything?”

Jensen pointed to the long, white envelope on Jared’s desk. “Bad news?”

Jared coursed his hand through his hair. He debated telling the truth but he hated lying to Jensen. Finally he took a deep breath and admitted, “Landlord’s raising the rent.”

Jensen nodded at this and stared at the ground for a while. He shifted his booted feet. He’d changed into scrubs so he wouldn’t get his new clothes dirty. Nobody should look so delectable in beat up old scrubs, yet Jensen did. “When money is mine, I help Jared.”

“No. I mean, that’s not necessary. You don’t owe me anything. Never did. I’m just glad you are getting your life back.”

“Jared too good.”

Jared bit back a smile. The door jingled and a familiar voice wafted toward him.

“Jared? Baby, you here?”

Sandy. Jared looked at Jensen. “How ‘bout we let her meet the real you, eh?”

“Do not-“

“Trust me.” Jared held out his hand and together they entered the front waiting area.

Sandy wasn’t alone. She had Chad and Sophia in tow. Sophia’s dark eyes swallowed Jensen whole. “New volunteer, Jay?”

Jared smirked and looked at Chad. The other man blinked but a second later he got it. “Um, Soph-“

Sandy’s eyes narrowed. There was no question in Jared’s mind she knew exactly who was standing slightly behind him, shuffling nervously from foot to foot. Her smile was blinding. “Jensen, good to see you again.”

Jared felt Jensen stop his movements. He took a small step forward, standing shoulder to shoulder with Jared.

Behind Sandy, Sophie let out a very unladylike, “Holy shit!”

Everyone ignored her as Sandy stood before Jensen and Jared. “Jay … I … heard who he … “ Her eyes turned to Jensen, going soft in the process. “ … who you are. I … Not sure if Jared told you that I’m from Texas, too. I remembered when you disappeared. It … it was very sad. You were like our native son, you know?”

Jensen stood stoic and silent and Jared didn’t know what to think. Given what he’d admitted to her about himself and Jensen she was being a classier act than he imagined he would be should circumstances be reversed.

“I … you know that day, it surprised me to find you in my home. I’m sorry I yelled. But. I’m glad that we were able to help you. I mean, especially as … well, Jay … he found you.” She turned to Jared. “It wasn’t nice of you not to say who he was, Jared. But … I can understand wanting to keep it to yourself.”

Jared didn’t get a chance to react. Jensen stepped forward and came closer to Sandy than Jared had seen him do with anyone who wasn’t Jared.

“Jared did not know. Jared help because he good. I understand you not want Beast in your home. Expect that. But that not why Jared help me.”

The only sound was the occasional soft woof from the back. Sandy had jumped back and clutched Sophia’s arm. Her eyes lost all warmth. “Well far be it for me to disparage Saint Jared. He was just fooling around with the lost prince of Dallas behind his girlfriend’s back.”

“Sandy … “

“No, Jay. I came here to be … nice. Maybe I wasn’t all Mother Theresa with him. But he was a … growling, scary mess. And even so … it was my home, too. That … I don’t know, I guess I thought it should count for … something.”

Jared knew he wasn’t the quickest on the uptake so the meaning of Sandy’s words were seeping in slowly. Frankly, he was still reeling over the fooling around behind her back part because even though this wasn’t technically true it felt like it was.

Chad broke in. “C’mon, San - you can’t honestly expect some kind of reward because the guy spent the night at your place when you weren’t even home. We called the cops on him for fuck’s sake.”

Sandy turned and glared at Chad. “What?! Is that what you-“ She looked up and met Jared’s cold stare. “Is that what you all think this is about? I want to cash in on the Ackles fortune?” Her voice was getting progressively shriller. “Maybe I just wanted a goddamn thank you for opening my home whether I knew about it or not. Maybe I just wanted someone to say that calling the cops wasn’t the worst thing ever since it got him back his identity. Maybe I wanted you not to leave me for him.”

She pulled away from Sophia who had been trying to console her and turned around. Soft sobs broke the silence. Jensen was first to move. He approached Sandy softly and Jared heard the pain in his voice. “I am sorry.” He put a hand gently on her shoulder and then pulled back upon her flinch. “Told Jared go back. I go soon and Jared go back. Beast fault. Sorry.”

Jared’s words poured forth without forethought. “No, Jen. I can’t. Even if … when … you leave me. I … can’t.” His voice was barely a croak.

Sandy turned again and looked up at Jared, wet eyes going wide. “Oh my god. You really fell-“ Jared met her gaze hard and shook his ‘no’ in such a way as to stop her cold. “One day I might even be able to feel sorry for you,” she finished softly.

Jared and Sandy stared at each other communicating without words. Jensen stood shuddering, eyes glued to the ground. Chad approached Jensen, small grin on his face.

He touched Jensen’s shoulder and looked pleased when the other man didn’t move away. “It’s not your fault. Give Jay-man enough credit for at least that.”

Jared threw his friend a thankful look. Jensen met Chad’s eyes and nodded once. “Ladies,” Chad said, voice just a little too loud. “Time to go.”

Sophia found her voice. “Are you really a missing heir?”

Chad laughed, high and girly. He squeezed his girlfriend’s shoulders and planted a kiss on her temple. “This is why I love you. I’ll explain it all later.” He wrapped his other arm around Sandy’s small shoulders, drawing her in. “Jay. Jensen. Don’t be strangers, alright?”

Jared and Jensen were alone for a few minutes before the door jingled again and Misha came barreling in being led by bouncing fur. “Hey guys! Did I miss anything?”



“Jeff, you sure about this place? I mean … I thought it was gonna be just at some doctor’s office, not a full blown psychiatric facility.”

“I know it by reputation. One of the best. Back when my folks were researching hospitals for my brother this one came up. Even with all their savings they still couldn’t afford it.”

“It’s just … you know, Jensen had some … experiences in Detroit.” Jared had not told Jeff any of the horrible details that Jensen had revealed about his earlier hospitalization. Jared still could hardly breathe when he thought of Jensen being molested. Maybe even raped. Intellectually, he knew he didn’t have anything to worry about this time. It was just a quick consultation with a psychiatrist. A few minutes in Jensen’s presence and it would be clear how lucid he was. Of course, there was still the curse and the possibility he’d lose his temper. But Jim went over the simple questions Jensen could expect. It really should be cut and dry.

Jared had to break it to Jensen that would have to go into the doctor’s office alone. “I’ll be right outside, Jen. The whole time. And Jim said it should take no more than fifteen minutes. You can handle that, right?”

“Hate doctors.”

Jensen sat on the sofa in Jared’s apartment. The TV was on with the sound muted. The light flickered off Jensen’s light eyes. “I know you do. And I understand. But this is the last step. The doctor will clear you to be able to regain your assets, your life, Jen. I know money isn’t that important to you. But you said yourself how it’ll let you help others. You want that, right?”

“Janet could have surgery.”

“Huh?”

“Sharon told me sister need eye surgery. Help her see better. Money make it possible.”

Jared smiled. “So it’s settled then. We’ll go first thing in the morning.”

“You go with me?”

“Absolutely.”

“Be okay?”

“I promise. Trust me, it’ll be okay.”

Jensen was quiet the rest of the night. They ordered pizza and watched a mindless horror flick, one of the Friday the 13ths. Shortly after midnight, Jensen disappeared into his bedroom with a quiet goodnight.

Jared flipped stations a little longer before heading to bed. He stuttered awake a short while later when the bed shook. After a moment’s disorientation he muttered, “Jensen?”

A warm hand wrapped around his belly. “Okay?”

Jared grabbed Jensen’s hand. “Yeah. Of course it’s okay. What’s up, buddy? Can’t sleep?” He turned so he could see Jensen. Huge eyes blinked back at him in the dim light. He wondered if this was related to Sandy’s visit. They hadn’t really spoken about it since his friends had walked out two days ago. He’d privately shared some with Misha who darkened upon hearing the story and said that Sandy absolutely was looking for her cut of the reward money. Jared had gotten angry at this, surprised at his friend’s coldness. He’d snapped back asking if that was what Misha wanted, too. He and Misha had been at odds since. Jensen, ever sensitive, picked up that something was wrong but Jared hadn’t spoken about it.

Jensen dipped his head under Jared’s chin. “Scared,” he said softly.

Shit. The doctor’s visit tomorrow. Jared felt like a moron for forgetting. He took Jensen in a tight hug. “It’ll be okay. I promise.” Jensen’s shudder pierced through him and made his heart hurt. He pressed closer and felt every inch of Jensen’s sculpted muscles against his own. They hadn’t been intimate in a long time. They hadn’t kissed since earlier in the week. It felt like forever.

He brought his lips to meet Jensen’s and tried to soothe with his body. Jensen’s gorgeous lips melded into him, wet and supple and searing. He opened to him with a needy mewl. Jared felt himself harden within his pajama bottoms. He thrust forward and was met with another raw grunt. God, nothing turned him on as much as Jensen’s naked need for him. Without words they shucked out of their bottoms and rutted against each other wantonly. The slip side of his leaky cock pressing into Jensen’s hot flesh sent his heart instantly racing.

Jensen pulled his lips down and started trailing hot, open mouthed kisses on Jared’s neck, his chest. He suckled each of Jared’s nipples until they pebbled hot and hard and then he nipped them between his teeth causing a flare of pleasure pain. Fuck … felt so good, he wanted … wanted …

“Yes … “ Jensen hissed. “Want you to. Please.”

Jared rose up on his elbow, eyes going wide. “What?”

The stare meeting him back was crystal clear. “Fuck me … please.”

Oh god.

Jensen’s mouth kept moving down Jared’s abdomen. Licking his happy trail and following with tiny little nips that were driving Jared insane. And then Jensen’s mouth descended on him and all rational thought fled. “Oh god … god, your mouth Jen.” Hot and wet and fucking perfect. He watched himself disappear, watched Jensen hollow his cheeks and swallow him down. Strong hands held Jared’s hips in check as Jensen sucked him deep and moved back up in slow, liquid strokes.

Jared’s eyes were practically rolling up into his head when suddenly Jensen pulled off with a loud pop. His dick immediately complained about the lack of contact when Jensen shifted and Jared heard the drawer to his nightstand opening up. Working on a five-minute brain delay Jared stuttered brokenly, “Stuff … in the … drawer.” But Jensen was ahead of him, holding up Jared’s bottle of lube and dropping the condom packet down next to him.

This sobered Jared slightly. “Jen … are you sure? I mean, you can do me, instead … if you want.”

Jensen looked down at him with lust-black eyes. “You have before?”

Jared smiled. “Yeah. In college. Had one rather wild semester.” His face felt hot at the admission. Jensen smiled down at him all heat and want. “Later.” The word was a promise. “Now.” His hand gripped Jared’s cock again. “Want this. Want so much.” He pumped Jared a few times and handed him the lube. “Please?”

Jared took the lube and slicked his finger, teasing Jensen’s opening as the smaller man straddled over him. “Have you … before?”

“Yes.”

Jared slipped his finger inside and felt Jensen clench around him. “You remember?” he asked slightly surprised.

“Not remember. Just know.” Jensen leaned down to capture his lips. “No more talk.”

Jared got with the program and shut up and just felt. Everything about Jensen was firm and scorching and gorgeous. He stroked the other man’s cock while he painstakingly fingered him open. Jensen moaned obscenely and kept begging and Jared wondered if it were possible to die from want because he’d never wanted anything as much as he craved this man.

Finally, Jensen once more took matters in his own hands, turning around and going on all fours and looking back over his shoulder with a command to fuck me now. Jared sank in with a growl that rivaled Jensen’s beast. Ohmyfuckinggod. So tight and mind-blowingly hot he feared he’d lose it before he even began. He sucked in air and let a quick montage of old ladies knitting go through his mind.

Jensen pushed back with a throaty groan and mouthed so big and so good and Jared found the wherewithal to start moving. Slow at first and then harder when he found that spot inside Jensen that made the other man keen and wriggle and beg for more more more … Sweat poured off Jared, dripping onto Jensen’s back, slicking the rub of his chest against Jensen as he fucked him faster, hands clamped tight to his hips. He bent down to press wet sloppy kisses against Jensen’s back, neck, side of his face. Words fell from his lips but drowned in a garble of pleasured grunts.

He reached down and grabbed Jen’s throbbing cock and stripped it in time with his own ever-deepening thrusts until he felt Jensen’s stomach muscles contract under his arm, growling low and long and spurting on a violent shudder, painting his chest and the bed and even reaching his chin in long white streams. That pushed Jared over the edge as well and he released into the condom, spitting Jensen’s name into the back of his neck.

They collapsed in a tangled heap, too wrung out to move. Jensen let out this breathy little giggle and Jensen reached for his lips before the emotion made him say things he’d regret. He didn’t know what it meant - that they’d made love. All he knew is that Jensen needed to return to his life. And then … if he still wanted Jared, he knew where to find him. He disposed of the condom and wiped Jensen down with his discarded pajama pants before pulling Jensen tight against him and out of the wet spot.

He laughed into Jensen’s ear. “Guess you’ll need to sleep over here with me.” Jensen lifted up until he was partially on top of Jared making him oomph as Jared’s breath left in a whoosh. “Guess I deserved that.”

Jensen giggled and went to move back.

“Don’t you dare move,” Jared threatened. “You belong right here,” he uttered before letting sleep take him away.



Jeff drove them since there was no public transportation that would reach this far outside the city. Jared spoke with Jim on the phone before leaving that morning and again was assured the whole thing would take fifteen, twenty minutes max. His voice was warm and friendly and Jared shook away any lingering worries and concentrated on reassuring Jensen.

The institutional grounds were extensive, and Jared looked around a bit gapingly at the park-like surroundings. Folks were wandering about, dressed in jeans and jackets. The weather had finally warmed up and the snow melted. He wondered if this was one of the first days patients had been able enjoy the outdoors. Jeff caught Jared staring.

“See, no guards, no bars, no barbed wire.”

Jared smiled and let himself relax further.

The main building was huge and stately. White columns lined the sides of the wide double doors. Jared gently put a hand on Jensen’s back as they walked in. Past the doors he took Jensen’s hand and gave it a squeeze. Jensen had his hood on. Jim had assured them that the doctor would allow Jensen to keep the hood up for the entire interview. Jensen had been relieved to hear this but also told Jared he’d try to take it off. Jared had smiled broadly at this.

They checked in with a perky blonde receptionist at a high desk and were told to take a seat and someone would be out to escort Jensen to his appointment.

“I … can I go with him? I mean, I know the session is private but I’d like to wait right outside. I kinda promised.”

“I’m sorry. That would not be permitted. But you can take a seat out here and we promise to escort Jensen when he’s through. He would not be allowed to go unescorted so you have no reason to worry.”

Beside him Jared heard Jensen growl low. He quickly moved him toward the back seats. “Jen. It’ll be okay. They have their stupid rules. Guess it’s to protect the privacy of the other patients or whatever. But … I’ll be right here with Jeff.” He pointed to a seat. “Fifteen minutes and we’ll be heading back. Jeff said he’ll take us to Starbucks for some coffee. I’m sorry I didn’t let you have any this morning … I just wanted you to be as calm as possible, okay?”

Jared sensed the receptionist’s eyes upon him but didn’t care. He put his arms around Jensen and drew him close. “Hey. Trust me, okay?”

Jensen looked up, gorgeous emerald eyes glowing in the diffuse sunlight. It never failed to take Jared’s breath away. Jared cupped his face and kissed him lightly.

The doors opened and an African-American woman came out wearing a white coat. She flashed a warm smile and Jared instantly felt better. He turned Jensen around.

The woman held out her hand, palm up. “I’m Nurse Moore. Doctor Drummond is waiting for you.” She picked up on Jensen’s nervousness. “Relax, hon, the doctor’s a sweetie, everyone’s favorite. She’s going to take good care of you.” She turned to Jared. “You’re doing the right thing.”

Jared didn’t have time to question what that meant before Jensen placed his hand in hers and let himself be led away.

Jeff came over and ushered Jared into a seat. “Relax. He’ll be back in a few minutes.”

Jared took a seat facing the wide window and watched people walking slowly outside along winding paths. It really was quite peaceful. He turned to Jeff. “Was Joel in a place like this?”

Jeff followed Jared’s gaze outside. “Yep. Pretty much. A little less hoity-toity.” He looked around the plush waiting area. “I remember harder seats.”

Jared smiled at this. Jeff’s phone rang and after a moment he mouthed to Jared that he had to take it and walked a short distance away for some privacy. Jared was still looking out the window, staring blankly at some pigeons that landed on a nearby bench when his own cell rang in his pocket.

Jeff stood before him and spoke before he could even reach for the phone. “That’s Jim.” Jeff looked pale. “Listen … we … don’t worry … we’ll take care of this.”

Jared looked up at Jeff confused. He answered his phone, standing at the same time. “Jared. Listen. I just told Jeff and now I’ll tell you. Don’t worry. I’ll get to the bottom of it and we’ll get him out.”

“Wh … what are you talking about?” Jared’s eyes flew to the door Jensen had passed through. “What’s going on?”

“I just found out. The courts ordered a twenty-four hour observation. They won’t let Jensen leave with you right away. I don’t know what they think they have on him … but the papers claim he’s a danger to others and himself. Katie’s on it as well and I put a few associates here to dig up what Ackles, Inc. is up to. It’s just a stall tactic. He had controlling interest in the corporation, maybe they don’t want him to get it back. I don’t know. I thought they were going to be grownups about this. Guess not.”

Jared’s heart lurched and his legs gave out causing him to wobble and land hard back into his seat. “N-No.”

“Jared … “ Jeff squeezed his bicep.

Jared shook him off. “No. They can’t - you said … you said twenty minutes. You’re now saying they won’t let him leave.” Jared’s breathing sped up. Oh god. This couldn’t be happening. In his worst nightmares he hadn’t imagined this. At worst he thought maybe Jensen would get mad and they’d throw him out. He didn’t think it possible that they wouldn’t let him leave. He saw Jensen’s open face gazing at him with complete trust. What was he thinking now? Jared had led him here.

He tossed the phone down and dashed toward the door where Jensen walked through. A quick tug showed him it was locked. He turned red-faced toward the receptionist. “Open this. Open this right now!” He pounded on the glass. “Jensen! Dammit. You can’t … you can’t keep him here against his will. I … promised him. Open the door.”

“Sir, please, I can’t do that. I can call the doctor if you wish, she can speak with you about your friend.”

Jared jumped at this. “Yes. Get her out here. Drummond, right? Get her out with Jensen because there’s been a mistake. He’s not staying here. He can’t … you don’t understand. They don’t know-it’ll make it worse. Oh god.”

Jeff approached again but Jared turned on him the moment he got close. “You did this! You and your lawyer friend set this up. Are you getting a cut, is that it? How many pieces of fucking silver?”

“Jared. Please. Jim and I were both blindsided by this. Corporate lawyers have their ways. Look. It’s twenty-four hours. I know it’s not fair but they won’t hurt him. It’s just an observation.”

“An observation?” Jared stared incredulously at his friend. “He’s going to freak out! He’ll give them exactly what they need to keep him for as long as they want. I walked him right into this like a fucking sheep to a slaughter. Oh god. I’m such a moron. How did I not see this coming?”

“None of us did. It’s not like Jensen being alive was going to mean the dismantlement of Ackles, Inc. Hell, when he was around originally all reports say he was hands off. There was no reason to expect this kind of reaction. Look. Maybe it’s just the courts being cautious. That’s what Jim thinks.”

“Jim is an idiot. Only bigger one is me for listening to him.”

Nurse Moore walked back out alone. “Mr. Padalecki. May I call you Jared?”

“Where’s Jensen? Look, he must be going bonkers by now. Let me see him. Please. I can … calm him down. He tr-Oh god.”

“I’m sorry, there are no outside visitors allowed during an observatory period. Come back tomorrow morning and we’ll be able to provide you with an update.”

He felt the fight fizzle out of him with each of her calm, rational words. “How is he? Can you … I … how is he?”

“The doctor is with him now. We’ll take good care of him.”

“Does he hate me?”

“You’re his friend. I’m sure he doesn’t hate you.”

Jared laughed an ugly bark. Jeff was at his side again. “Jared, c’mon man, don’t be so hard on yourself. You didn’t know.”

He couldn’t look at Jeff or the nurse’s forgiving gazes another second because he knew the truth.

Without another word he walked out of the facility leaving what was left of his heart behind.

Go to Chapter 14
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