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Chapter Text

A hearing is not a trial. It is presented in a courtroom before a judge, not a jury, and each party is expected to offer testimony and evidence to support their case. In this instance, why Stephen Amell should, or should not, be afforded a new trial. Re-direct is also allowed.

The judge also has a lot of leeway in questioning witnesses.

A lot of leeway.

Mark arrived at the courthouse carrying his briefcase and wearing his Hugo Boss gray wool two-piece suit. Jared and Jensen followed him into the courthouse.

Jared's arm was securely over Jensen's shoulders, holding him close as they entered.

"It will be over soon, Jen. I read Mark's trial notes, and his closing arguments. His closing is masterful. We'll be home for lunch."

Jensen nodded, but trembled under Jared's arm. As much as Jensen wanted his young, cocky, quarterback self to magically materialize, in all honesty, he was terrified at seeing Stephen Amell again. For the days leading up to this hearing, Jensen's words got fewer and fewer until all that was left was a frown, a hand gesture, or a head-shake.

Fortunately, Jared was fluent in all manner of JensenSpeak.

The bailiff called their case, and they took their places in the courtroom. Jensen snuck a peek at Stephen and his lawyer. Amell had lost weight, and had obviously been working out. He was well-dressed, well-groomed and serious.

His lawyer, Chad Murray, had folders and notepads at the ready.

"All rise."

The room came to their feet.

"This Court, with the Honorable Judge Frederic Lehne presiding, is now in session. Please be seated and come to order."

Judge Lehne sat at the bench and the rest of the courtroom sat with him. With a no-nonsense attitude he said, "I have read the petition from the defendant, Stephen Amell, requesting a new trial. I was the presiding judge at the original trial of Ackles v. Amell, so I am aware of the facts, evidence and outcomes. Give me your best opening statement, Mr. Murray. It's on you to convince me that a new trial is warranted."

Chad Murray stood. He looked around the courtroom, adjusted his tie, and addressed the judge. "Thank you, Your Honor. We are here today to correct the legal errors that occurred during the trial of Ackles v. Amell. We are prepared to present evidence of a miscarriage of justice, and prove that Mr. Amell's constitutional rights were violated during the course of the trial. Once the evidence is examined by the court, it is Mr. Amell's request that a new trial be granted.

"The first, and most egregious, is the use of an illegally taped conversation. Mr. Amell's right of privacy was breached when a conversation was recorded without my client's consent. This discourse between the parties was also taken out of context. The recording of this conversation was used to prejudice the jury and extort the jury's sympathy."

Chad paced in front of the judge, glancing at Stephen, then back to the judge.

"The prosecution in Ackles v. Amell referred to, and presented to the jury, Mr. Amell's alleged prior bad acts concerning Mr. Ackles injuries. This is prohibited by law. Not only that, there was no concrete proof that my client, a young, inebriated teenager at the time, committed said bad acts.

"This illegal use of prior, and unsubstantiated, bad acts helped secure the support of the jury to decide in favor of the plaintiff, Jensen Ackles."

Murray must have felt like he was on a roll as he began scowling and jabbing his finger at Jensen.

He raised his voice. "The fact that Mr. Amell's former attorney did not make any objections to the use of any of these articles of evidence, demonstrates that he had an ineffective assistance of counsel. In other words, Mr. Amell had a bad lawyer, again, warranting the consideration of a new trial. Additionally…"

Chad glared at Jensen.

"I will demonstrate that Jensen Ackles held a grudge against my client regarding my client's ex-wife, who happened to be Ackles ex-fiancée, thus constituting a count of bad faith in bringing this case against Mr. Amell as well."

He stopped dramatically, then stood before the judge.

"Therefore, Your Honor, we request a new trial to right these wrongs."

Judge Lehne sat back in his chair.

"Mr. Murray, you do know I was the presiding judge at the first trial?"

"I do, sir. As it is customary for the trial judge to hear the appeal."

The judge hummed. "Okay, I'm ready for the plaintiff's opening statement."

Mark stood to his full five feet nine inches.

"Your Honor. The defendant," Mark waved his finger at Stephen, "has not presented any new evidence in this case. The recording used in Ackles v. Amell was obtained legally through the consent of the plaintiff, Jensen Ackles."

His eyes were dagger-sharp when he focused them on Murray. "Mr. Ackles's consent means that the recording is legal in this state."

Sheppard muttered, "You gobby twit," under his breath.

Mark continued, "The use of prior bad acts was lawfully executed as they are admissible for proving motive, opportunity, intent, etcetera."

"However," Mark took a step forward, "if Your Honor would like to hear the entirety of the recording in question, to assure that none of the contents were taken out of context, we have placed that in evidence. And speaking of evidence…"

Mark rolled his eyes at Chad. "You are claiming evidence of ineffective counsel simply because he lost. There is no record substantiating that claim. Likewise, I humbly submit that your uncorroborated accusation of Mr. Ackles's bad faith, is balderdash."

Mark took his seat.

Lehne sighed. "Is that all you have, Mr. Murray? A totally legal recording, and bad acts that, in a prior trial, your client had already been found guilty of?"

Chad stood. "Your Honor. A grievous miscarriage of justice has been carried out against my client, and it is up to you, the court, to right this wrong. The Ackles team twisted the law, and the entire Constitution of the United States, to their will, just so they could win their case against my client. It would be up to you, Your Honor, as you are a fair and upright court, to extend the court's mercy in assuring that true justice is served."

"And by true justice," the judge shifted forward, "you mean me agreeing to a new trial. Is that right, Mr. Murray?"

"Yes, Your Honor. It is the responsibility of the courts to mete out justice."

Judge Lehne's eyes zeroed in on Murray. "Thank you for reminding me of my responsibility, counselor."

Judge Lehne wrote on a note pad for several seconds before continuing, "As the judge overseeing this hearing, I am entitled to question any witness I so choose. I am calling Jensen Ackles to the stand."

Both Sheppard and Murray stood.

"Your Honor," Chad whined.

"Your Honor!" Mark bellowed. "This is highly irregular."

"Both of you sit down." Judge Lehne gave Sheppard a steely look. "I can call whomever I choose, and I want Mr. Ackles sworn in."

Jensen closed his eyes. The judge was absolutely within his rights to call any witness to the stand. Jared squeezed his hand; Jensen blinked and stood.

"Your Honor," Mark stood half-way and said, softly. "Sir, just to inform you, my client may not be able to fully answer your questions."

"Mr. Sheppard. Did you miss the part where I was the trial judge in this case?"

"No, Your Honor."

"Then sit down. Mr. Ackles, get sworn in and take the stand."

Jensen bit his lip, gave Jared's hand one last squeeze and walked up. He avoided looking at the opposing table as best he could, but he felt Stephen's eyes boring into him.

The bailiff faced Jensen. "Please raise your right hand. Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth?"

Jensen nodded. Yes.

The bailiff looked up at the judge.

"That will do. The court reporter will note the witness's acquiescence," Judge Lehne said. "Take the stand, sir."

Jensen sat and kept his eyes on the judge.

"Mr. Ackles, did you give consent to record the conversation and incidents of the documents now in evidence?"

Jensen looked up at the judge and bowed his head in assent.

"Your Honor, I didn't hear the reply." Murray said, standing.

"That's right, you didn't, but he nodded yes. Enter that into the record, too," the judge addressed the court reporter.

Judge Lehne continued, "Mr. Ackles, can you tell me, in your own words, the events recorded on the tape in evidence?"

Mark stood, "Your Honor…"

"Sit down counselor. Mr. Ackles?"

Jensen looked frantically at Jared, then up at Judge Lehne. "Can't…can't…"

Murray stood, but before he said anything, the judge pointed at him. "Sit down, you."

Judge Lehne looked down at Jensen. "Can you tell me the facts as to the attack that day? The ones you recorded on tape?" He looked at Chad. "I'm asking him this question, since you accused him of doctoring the tape."

The judge glanced at the court reporter, who was memorializing the proceedings.

Jensen looked up at him. He knew the judge was not being cruel on purpose, as it was obvious Jensen couldn't speak legibly today. The judge knew full-well, from the first trial, Jensen's limitations, so had no idea why Judge Lehne was doing this. Mark and Jared were both strangely silent.

Jensen tried his best to comply. He twirled his finger, indicating for the judge to repeat the question.

Judge Lehne tipped his chin. "Can you tell me about the attack at your high school reunion? Do you remember it in detail?"

Jensen shook his head, then nodded.

"You know what happened? In detail?"

Jensen tilted his head. Yes

"Is the recording accurate?"

Jensen nodded one last time.

"Your witness, Mr. Murray."

"I, uh," Chad looked at Amell and shrugged.

Murray stood up and walked in front of Jensen. He looked unsure when he asked, "Mr. Ackles can you describe the alleged bad acts purportedly carried out by Stephen Amell against you?"

Jensen pulled up his pant leg, and showed the court his knee brace. He fluffed his hair and presented the scars on his head, as a result of the beating."

Then, Jensen looked Stephen in the eye and stared. A quiet certainty fell over Jensen as he faced his greatest fear. Suddenly, Stephen Amell was no threat to him. Jensen was a free man with a home, a job, friends, and a forever love. Amell was a small, sad individual who held no power over him, and was right where he belonged—behind bars.

"Your Honor, this witness has not…"

"You decided to question him, Mr. Murray. You knew what you were getting in to. Anything else you want to ask him?"

Chad fumed.

"Mr. Murray? Questions?"

"No, Your Honor. I have no more questions for this witness."

"Mr. Sheppard, since he's all sworn in, do you have any re-direct?"

Mark stood and flicked his eyes up to the stand. Jensen likened him to a cobra, but this time, Mark was on his side.

Mark sauntered over in front of the witness box, and addressed Jensen. "You can't answer with words because you have anomic aphasia, isn't that right?"

Jensen narrowed his eyes, and canted his head to the side.

"Anomic aphasia caused by a severe traumatic brain injury, correct?"

Yes, he nodded.

"It was a prolonged and savage beating that caused your brain damage, yes?" Mark nodded thoughtfully.

Jensen stared, impassively as Mark continued.

"Perpetrated by the defendant."

"Objection!" Murry stood red-faced.

"Overruled. This hearing is to present new facts, not for you to object to established facts already on record, so sit down."

"Your Honor?" Chad complained.

"Sit."

The judge looked at Jensen. "Answer your attorney's question, sir. Was your traumatic injury inflicted by the defendant?"

"Y-yesssir."

"Thank you for the opportunity to re-direct, Your Honor." Mark took a seat.

"You may stand down, Mr. Ackles."

He looked at Chad. "Unless you've changed your mind and want to question Mr. Ackles again, and rehash the brutal assault he suffered at your client's hands?"

Chad squirmed in his seat.

Judge Lehne leaned forward. "We can all sit here, and continue to bear witness to the tragic results of the attack that your client has already been found guilty of, if you think that will help your case." The judge put a hand out, indicating Jensen.

Chad shook his head. "No sir."

Jensen stood and took a moment, staring silently at Stephen. This time, Amell looked away.

"Very well, then. Mr. Ackles, go take your seat."

Jensen sat, and Jared placed his hand on his thigh.

Judge Lehne cleared his throat. "It is the court's responsibility to see that justice is served. If there was any possibility that a fair trial was compromised in the case of Ackles v. Amell, and that the accused was denied a fair trial, then a mistrial should be declared and a new trial granted. The defendant has not presented any new evidence to the original findings." He turned to Chad and continued his rebuke. "We convened so you could provide new evidence to the court, sir, not to dispute evidence already deemed admissible and ruled upon. I don't know what you presumed you'd gain by having us all come in today." He scowled. "Motion for a new trial is denied."

He turned to Amell. "You have the right to appeal this decision. Again. Good luck with that. Court is adjourned." He struck the gavel.

"All rise."

Security escorted Amell and his lawyer out. Jensen stood there shell-shocked.

Sheppard scowled. "I had a bloody wonderful closing argument prepared, and that judge just sent everybody home? What a waste of my time."

Sheppard flounced away, leaving Jared holding Jensen up.

"Jen?"

"What…what…a… happened?"

Jared tugged him out of the courtroom. "Court is adjourned. We get to have an early lunch."

Jensen shook his head and gave a questioning look.

Jared gave him a quick hug. "The judge realized early on, that Amell and his lawyer had no new evidence to present backing their request for a new trial. I guess Murray figured he could filibuster his way to a new trial by citing perceived injustices and using the drunken teenager card. Or maybe he thought he could use some faulty logic to trick the judge into thinking you had a grudge and had done something illegal. He failed and came off looking like an idiot."

"Stop." Jensen tugged at Jared's jacket.

Jared turned and waited.

"Why? Why question me?"

Jared shook his head. "I'm not exactly sure why the judge wanted you on the stand, but it's my guess he wanted the court reporter to create a record of the interaction, and to preserve it in writing should Amell try something like this again."

Jared faced him. "You were put on the stand as the living consequence of Amell's crimes. Murray couldn't prove otherwise. There won't be a new trial."

That short, but important, hearing threw Jensen into a tailspin. He was on the stand for scarcely five minutes, but couldn't utter a coherent sentence. How did he ever believe he could speak at the Board of Education and get Jared's job back?

He poured himself into his work at Morgan and Collins, and tried figuring some way out of it. He wished he'd never mentioned it to Jared.

Except that Jared was unhappy and wanted his old job back.

It was unsettling, and Jensen didn't know what to do.

Should I hire Mark to make the case for Jared's reinstatement?

Jensen shivered. Mark was a damn good lawyer, but even the notion of being in the same room with that mean little goblin made his skin burn.

Jensen's phone dinged with an incoming text.

Figuring it was Jared, and Jared now tended to panic if Jensen didn't answer right away, he opened his phone.

ChrisTheKane: Hey man. Open mic night tonite. You in?

Ten seconds later:

ChrisTheKane: Free beer.

Jensen had forgotten about the invite to sing with Kane at Gridlock tonight. Jared had some late-night meeting to attend—something Jensen did not miss from his old job at PDLK—so, Jensen would have to go solo. Maybe singing with his friends would loosen the knots he had tied himself into.

J.Ack of Hearts: I'm in. Make sure the beer's cold.

ChrisTheKane: You know it. See ya!

Jensen looked at his watch. He had enough time to finish up, get home, showered, and dressed. Then, over to Gridlock to get this party started.

Jensen texted Jared, telling him he would be at Gridlock, and then got an Uber to the bar. Jared told him he'd come over right after work, and hoped to get there early enough to hear him sing.

Steve and Chris were setting up the stage with the karaoke machine, where Jensen would be reading the lyrics. While Gridlock was a country bar, and the band, Kane, prided itself on its country heritage, they played a variety of genres. Their music selections were extremely eclectic.

"Hey, man, glad you decided to join us," Steve hugged Jensen and smiled.

"Good to decide to join you, too." Jensen turned to Chris. "And join you, too."

"Ahh, no problem, man. We're real glad to have your lovely set of pipes singin' with us tonight."

Chris indicated the music collection. "Anything strike your fancy? You're singing on your own up there, but don’t worry, me and Steve can play anything."

"Oh yeah?" Jensen looked up. "Anything?"

Steve picked up his guitar and played a series of riffs starting with Lynyrd Skynyrd's Sweet Home Alabama, then, Eric Clapton's Layla, to Michael Jackson's Beat It.

"Okay, okay, you show, show…off," Jensen laughed.

Steve winked and, for good measure, belted out Deep Purple's Smoke on the Water.

Jensen snorted and looked through the music. Kane had queued up the machine and was ready for Jensen's choice.

As soon as he saw it, he knew. This was his song. He had always found the lyrics motivating and inspirational. They made him feel strong and confident. A deep calm fell over him as he read the words he had memorized as a kid.

He showed them his selection. Chris looked impressed.

"Good choice, man. You ready?"

"Born ready."

The machine lit up with the lyrics right as Jared entered the bar. Jensen let himself feel the opening introduction that Chris and Steve were handing him. With his eyes glued on the screen, he took the mike and sang:

Risin' up, back on the street
Did my time, took my chances
Went the distance, now I'm back on my feet
Just a man and his will to survive

So many times, it happens too fast
You trade your passion for glory
Don't lose your grip on the dreams of the past
You must fight just to keep them alive

It's the eye of the tiger, it's the thrill of the fight
Risin' up to the challenge of our rival
And the last known survivor stalks his prey in the night
And he's watching us all with the eye of the tiger

Kanes instrumentals pounded through him and he closed his eyes, feeling the beat down to his toes. Sweat dripped down his face as he sang verse after verse.

The usually rambunctious crowd at Gridlock was awed into silence as Jensen poured his heart into the microphone.

As the last eye of the tiger echoed into the night, the audience erupted in hoots, hollers and raucous applause. Chris turned him around and kissed his forehead. Steve slapped his back so hard he almost fell over, laughing. Suddenly, Jared jumped up on stage, hugging him tight.

Jensen was confused by this over-the-top reaction. He knew it was a good song, but where did all this come from?

"Open Mike Night at Gridlock, ladies and gentlemen! Jensen Ackles, tearing the house down!" Chris shouted into the mike, causing more shrieks and wild clapping.

Jared gently pulled him from the stage and into his arms. The soft look on his face almost made Jensen nervous.

"What, Jay? What?"

"Do you know what you just did?"

"Well, yeah. I sang. I have before, too, you know."

"Jensen," Jared leaned down, looking him in the eye. "You sang that song with your eyes closed."

Jensen blinked. "What?"

"You didn't read the lyrics. You sang them without looking at them. And you got every single word right."

Jensen caught his breath. "I…did?"

"You did."

"Holy shit."

"Holy shit, indeed."

Jensen sat down and took it all in. Jared told him to wait there while he got him a beer and a glass of water.

Holy shit. I sang four verses without having to read them? I can barely greet people, but I got every word of Eye of the Tiger out? How did that happen?

Jensen calmed, waiting for his heartbeat to return to normal. In the background Chris and Steve were singing The Allman Brothers Band's Ramblin' Man.

Then he looked for Jared, and saw him joking with DJ at the bar, trying to juggle two beers and two glasses of water.

God, I love him so much.

And, like another brick falling onto his poor head, he realized:

If I can sing to a drunken crowd, I can certainly represent Jared to the Board of Education.

"Ladies and gentlemen. Thank you for allowing me to address you today. I am here representing Jared Padalecki in his pursuit to be reinstated as a teacher in good standing with this county's Board of Education."

Jensen stood at a podium next to a conference table where his paperwork was spread out and easily accessible to him. This was a special session consisting of the professionals responsible for hiring and firing school personnel. All were present as, according to state law, this hearing was within Jared's legal rights.

"Jared was a tenured teacher involved in an IEP dispute concerning a severely challenged student. Unfortunately, the parents did not agree with the test results nor with Jared's educational recommendations. Recommendations based not only on test scores, but on input from the student's school team, and Jared's personal and professional knowledge of this student's function. Furthermore, the parents stated on the record, but without proof, that Jared was discriminating against this student because of her race. The parents wanted Jared fired. To temper the situation and give his student her best opportunity for success, Mr. Padalecki offered to quit. His resignation was accepted, and the student returned to her appropriate special education setting. I've had copies of all documentation pertaining to this case delivered to you in advance."

Jensen paused, reaching for his notes.

"Before I continue, I need to thank you for allowing me this accommodation, in that I am permitted to read most, if not all, of my arguments. I will explain why this is important later in this meeting."

He addressed the unsmiling people in the cramped conference room.

"Jared resigned because the student's father made it a requirement before allowing his daughter back into her old school. The father's accusations of racial prejudice were unsubstantiated.

"Jared respectfully wishes to rescind his resignation, be rehired, and given a new position, teaching special education in this county, understanding that the position he resigned from is not available to him.

"Before you make this decision, we need to ask important questions. Hopefully, after these questions are answered, your decision to rehire him will be a clear and easy one.

"First, was Jared a poor fit? Did he not blend well with the school culture or school staff? Did he buck the system, trying to make a name for himself, thus not fitting within the larger character of the school as a whole?

"No. There is no evidence in any written or verbal report that would indicate Jared clashed with any of the school's employees. In fact, his fellow teachers, support staff, administrators, and paraprofessionals think very highly of him. The head custodian praised Jared's courtesy and neatness. These statements are included in the documentation submitted in advance."

Jensen turned a page on his paperwork.

"Next. Were there issues with his performance as a teacher? Was Jared a substandard teacher? Did he fail to meet the performance standards set by the Board of Education? Were there any warnings issued, or additional training required of him to remediate these issues?

"No. The one record of complaint we have, is from the meeting of record that precipitated his resignation. Otherwise, no competency issues have been noted."

Jensen looked over at Jared, and turned another page.

"Had Jared demonstrated bad behavior? I know he was accused of bigotry by the family, but have any complaints, or even back-room gossip, been documented, or even hinted at, indicating that Jared held any prejudices or ill-will towards anyone?

"Again, the answer is no. So now I ask, why isn't Jared teaching? Why isn't he in the classroom doing what he loves to do?"

Jensen reached for another notebook. He opened it, read a few words then looked out at the people.

"Ladies and gentlemen, at this juncture, I would like to clarify my personal understanding of Jared Padalecki's character. It is relevant.

"I met Jared working as a paralegal for the Morgan and Collins law firm. At that time, Jared was a successful, practicing attorney at his family's practice, PDLK. Our respective firms were working on adjoining cases, and we needed to collaborate to share information on discovery."

Jensen looked out. "Discovery is the exchanging of information between parties in a law case."

Jensen skimmed his finger along the page to find his place.

"PDLK is a nationally recognized, Tier One law firm. That means that they are regularly called upon to represent the largest companies, government entities, and high-profile individuals in legal matters.

"So, he was a bit out of my league."

To Jensen's surprise, there was an amused chuckle from the audience.

"What Jared did not know when he met me, was that I am permanently disabled."

Jensen held up his notebook. "As you have allowed, and as I have admitted, I have been reading directly from my paperwork. And I will tell you why."

He smiled, and Jared smiled back.

"When I was in high school, I was assaulted, and suffered a serious traumatic brain injury. This head injury left me with a permanent disability. You see, I can't speak. Not really. However, I can read aloud." He indicated his paperwork. "I can gesture, but I cannot reliably call up individual words as I need them. Sometimes, I have no words at my disposal at all. My condition is called anomic aphasia.

"Fortunately, I'm smart. I know what everything is, what everything does and have a vast array of knowledge here." He tapped his temple.

"With supports to accommodate for my inability to speak spontaneously, I was able to graduate law school Cum Laude, and pass the Bar on my first try.

"I tell you this so that you can appreciate Jared's reaction to my handicapping condition. Until I made it known to him, I hid it, quite like I am hiding it from you right now. I learned tricks and memorized phrases so that short term interactions with clients and neighbors, gave no indication as to the severity of my disability."

Jensen sipped from a glass of water, and turned the page. He had no idea how the people were reacting to his story. But they were quiet.

"Jared came to my apartment unexpectedly one day. Full disclosure, we now live together, and have for some time. But, at that time we were still casual. Jared entered my apartment and was confused, seeing that I had labeled all my belongings, so I would have the words for them. How many people do you know go around reading and reciting aloud all their furniture?"

He looked up.

"Well, I do. I still do."

He continued reading.

"When I haltingly explained my condition to him, his first response was disbelief. Up until then, I had done a fine job of masking my problem. After he accepted what I told him was true, he looked with interest at my diagnosis. He asked questions, waited patiently for answers, and, this is important, used the techniques he had learned from his late mother, who was a special education teacher, to help me communicate better.

"He has never looked down on me or pitied me. He has always treated me with respect and as an equal. He is eternally patient with me, waiting for the words to show up. And if they don't? He still waits. He gave me the confidence to obtain closure with my attacker, to go back to law school, and to have a true and equal relationship with him.

"I know, first hand, what a wonderful teacher he is. I have experienced his patience, his concern and his drive to do better for me, for him, and for the children he teaches.

"Nothing makes him happier than the small gains his students make. He was a born nurturer, he nurtures me. A born teacher, he teaches me. And always professional. A professional in law and education, and without a blemish on his record until now.

"Jared quit his tenured, teaching job voluntarily, so that his student could remain in a healthy, appropriate, and safe environment for learning and thriving. Not because he was a poor fit, not because he had performance issues, or exhibited bad behaviors. I reiterate: He is not prejudiced. That would be hypocritical as he, too, is a member of a marginalized community.

"Make no mistake, he is an exceptional lawyer, but he is a teacher first and foremost.

"We realize there are legal conditions for him to abide by before being reinstated. He knows he cannot return to his old school, but there are a variety of openings for experienced special education instructors in this county. Jared would like to be able to apply for one of these openings."

"I'll open the floor to your questions. I will try my hardest, but I cannot guarantee that I'll be able to find the words I need to answer them."

He put his papers face down, lifted a hand in gesture, and looked out at the audience.

A member of the panel raised his hand and Jensen nodded to him.

"Mr. Ackles, how do you know that Mr. Padalecki is not prejudiced against his African American students? Just because he is a member of a marginalized community, doesn't mean that he can't be prejudiced against black people."

Jensen stood straight. "He has…not…never." He cleared his throat and began again. "There is…is ever…not…not. All Jared's jobs. All his professions. Never."

He bit his lips; his mind was racing. "There must…has to be somewhere proof…but nowhere. Even as esquire. If…but not."

He looked at the questioner. "No evidence in writing…ever…anywhere…none."

Jensen looked out at the attendees. Jared was glued to his seat watching Jensen's every move.

Jesus, Jensen, get it together. Shit.

He concentrated. "If ever…if…if…classes for diversity would be somewhere? Right? So, not."

To their credit, they did not interrupt his thoughts.

Jensen began sweating. He knew the black void in his brain was opening, and all his words were flowing down into it.

He looked around, hoping the right words would appear. After a moment, he gave Jared a look of apology.

"Excuse me." Jared stood. "I know this is unusual, but I know Jensen very well, and I can interpret for him. Would that be allowed as a reasonable accommodation for his disability? That is, if Mr. Ackles doesn't mind."

Jensen blinked.

That could work. Jared would never put words into my mouth.

He twitched a grin at Jared. This way Jensen could still make the case and be understood. He nodded once then twirled his go-ahead gesture.

Jared couldn't help but smile. "May I?" he addressed the board.

A stout, gray-haired gentleman said, "Go ahead."

He walked behind the podium and faced Jensen. "If I misinterpret, stop me and correct me immediately."

Jensen nodded and gestured him to continue.

Jared looked out. "To the question about my possible prejudice towards African American students. Mr. Ackles stated that there is no evidence that I have been written up, or even counseled about inclusion or racial diversity. I have held occupations in two professions that are very sensitive to this subject, and if I had been guilty of this, or even a hint that I had been uncaring, a record of this infraction would be known. There is none. No evidence anywhere. None."

Jared stood back and whispered, "Was that okay?"

Jensen smiled. "That was okay."

Jensen stepped back up to the podium and looked out.

"More?"

"Yes, sir. How do we know Mr. Padalecki won't up and quit again when the situation gets tough? We can't keep replacing teachers or filling his teaching positions."

Jensen walked around the podium and faced his audience. He pointed a finger for emphasis. "Never…up and quit, of, other. Never. Ever even Burger King or Sporting Goods stores parents made him…for summer."

Jensen was getting anxious. He paced back and forth, and put his wait finger up. "No employment history of quit Jared, of… Jared…" he muttered goddamit, under his breath, but kept trying. "There are no reports of Jared…that Jared…employment jobs."

He licked his lips, and turned to the audience.

"This one time. Only. Ever. None other." Whatever word sounded close, he spat out. "All Jared's jobs. All. Not….once. At his jobs."

He pointed to Jared. "Dependable. Yes. This time only. Ever."

Jensen hesitated. He looked at Jared and raised his hand indicating the audience.

"Should I continue for you?" he asked Jensen.

Jensen nodded once. "Yes. That's…you're…please."

Jared stepped forward.

"To your next question regarding me up and quitting. Mr. Ackles stated, on my behalf, and rightly, that I have never "up and quit" a job in my life. He mentioned my employment in the fast-food industry as a teenager, and the low-level jobs I took in retail sales during my college years, as my parents insisted that I be self-sufficient. I quit those jobs to go back to school when the summer was over. I do not have a history of quitting, except for this once. This time only. Ever."

Jared gestured for Jensen to take the floor.

Jensen put his hand palm up. "Any?"

"I think we have all we need. Do you have any closing words?"

Jensen tilted his chin at Jared. Jared sat and Jensen reached for his paperwork.

He picked up his notes, reading the words in front of him with relief.

"Yes. Thank you, I would like to end with a few remarks. I'll be brief. Again, I appreciate you allowing me to read my arguments today, and allowing…" he raised an open hand to Jared.

"This is the first time, and most assuredly, the last time, I shall be speaking in front of any professional panel. I thank you for the opportunity to defend my best friend. He is a great lawyer, but a better teacher. You would be making the very best choice for your students, your school team, and your school system by re-hiring Jared Padalecki as a special education instructor. Thank you."

The professionally dressed women who initially handed the meeting over to Jensen, stood. She spoke so the entire room could hear her. "Thank you for your input, sir, it was very helpful. You are both excused, we will deliberate here. And," she added, gently, "we don't want to sound unbending, because we're not. But we do need to make the best decisions for all involved."

"I…yes."

"Yes," Jared repeated. "Thank you."

"I am so proud of you." Jared curled his arms around Jensen as they sat together on their couch.

"So, you've said." Jensen leaned in, basking in the afterglow.

Jared rubbed Jensen's shoulders. "They took twenty minutes. Twenty minutes, to come back with a job offer. You're amazing."

Helping Jared get back his teaching job is the best thing I have ever done in my life.

Jensen nuzzled into Jared's chest. "I needed you to, to, have me."

"I'll always have your back. I wasn't sure you would appreciate me stepping in, but I'm very glad you understood why and allowed me."

"You get me, Jay. They never would get me if without you having me."

"Because I know you. I know how you think, and I'm very glad I've got you." He kissed the top of Jensen's head. "But honestly, you gave your perspective by using your own words. I just filled in the blanks for them."

"Glad, too." Jensen took Jared's hand.

Jared looked at him, fondly. "A new teaching job, Jen, and one closer to home. All because of you and your faith in me." He sobered. "I know how difficult this was for you, speaking in front of a crowd—even with your prepared notes. What was truly remarkable was when you put your notes away and took their questions. That was brave."

Jensen unfolded himself out from Jared's arms. "I knew if, if… I thought if they would see you. How you are. Your patience. With me. How…how…you are nice," he smiled, "it would, would help. You. I'm not brave." He touched the side of his nose. "I'm calculated."

"You are a brilliant attorney." Jared laughed.

"Except it almost didn't work. At the questions, if you hadn't. Almost. Didn't. Because I couldn't."

"Well," Jared took his hand. "I saw your speech going downhill, and when that happens, your words go dark fast. You know I wasn't trying to upstage you, right?"

Jensen smiled warmly. "Right. I do know. And thank you. Thank you for letting me try."

"I am so proud of you." Jared repeated as he kissed a line down Jensen's neck to his chest. "Know what else?"

"No," Jensen moved in to get more of Jared's lips on him. "What else?"

"You looked so hot, standing up there in front of all those people." A nip, a bite, and a lick to soothe. "So. Damn. Hot."

Jensen started biting back. "Yeah, you think?"

Jared kissed up Jensen's neck to his ear. Jared's hot, wet tongue making Jensen shiver. "A handsome man in a smart suit, defending me," Jared bit down, "claiming me," he kissed over the shallow mark, "was a kink I never knew I had."

"Should I, should I…get the suit on?" Jensen captured Jared's lips and pulled Jared's tongue into his mouth.

"No suit. In fact," Jared pulled back before going in for the kill, "no clothes at all."

Jared was a savage kisser, and Jensen adored how Jared's large hands practically covered his face. The almost violent way Jared's tongue assaulted his mouth, left him breathless every time.

Jensen leaned back, giving Jared all the access he wanted, and Jared didn't hesitate. He lifted Jensen's shirt over his head and bit/kissed down his chest until he reached the belt buckle.

Jared growled, removing the offending strip of leather and sliding Jensen's jeans and boxers down in one movement.

Jensen rolled onto his back, stared up at Jared, spread his legs and stroked his cock to full hardness.

"Holy fuck, Jensen." Jared narrowed his eyes, so that a tiny tinge of hazel made it through.

Jensen agreed, sweetly. "Yes. Holy fuck, please." He canted his hips in a blatant invitation.

"Sweet baby Jesus," Jared hissed. He jumped to his feet and tore off all his clothing. He slunk to the floor, and crawled back to the couch on all fours. He slid his hand under the cushions, rummaging around until he found the packet he was looking for. Holding it up in triumph, he rose up to a high kneel, looming over the reclining Jensen.

Jensen eyed the packet of lube, bent one knee, then pumped his hips.

Jared was off and running. He tore the packet open and wet his fingers. He drizzled some over Jensen's balls and hole. Jared slowed his movements to use one, then two fingers to slowly open the tight ring of muscle. Jensen felt Jared trembling with need even as he was careful to go as slowly as Jensen needed.

It had been a while.

Jensen muttered, "You have… you are…"

"And I always will." Jared slipped a third finger in. "I always will. You are everything to me."

"I…you…ever and without…" Jensen moaned and pushed back into Jared's fingers.

Jared scissored and stretched, carefully keeping Jensen wet and comfortable.

"Yes, I promise," Jared answered. "I won't ever again. Promise me the same, Jen." Jared pressed his fingers into Jensen with his fingers spread wide, up to the third knuckle. "Promise me the same."

The tip of Jared's finger hit that spot deep inside, making Jensen shiver and gasp. Jensen rocked back and forth, pushing down hard on Jared's hand. His head thrashed side to side, catching enough air into his lungs to utter, "Same. I. Same. Now."

Jared withdrew his fingers.

He locked eyes with Jensen as he slicked his cock, pumped himself to full hardness, and pushed all the way in.

For a moment, the whole world was still. Ragged wheezing and heavy panting were all they heard.

Jensen put up his wait finger and relaxed his entire body. After a moment, he looked up from under his lashes and nudged his hips forward. Jared made a happy sound, and slammed into Jensen hard enough to move him up onto the sofa's armrest. Jensen braced himself against the armrest and wall, and pushed back with all he had. Jared draped Jensen's left leg over his shoulder and began a punishing, and satisfying rhythm.

Jensen dug the heel of his right foot down into the sofa cushions, giving back as best he could.

Jensen loved this part, too. Where Jared took full control of Jensen's body, so Jensen could simply go along for the ride.

Jared, covered in a sheen of sweat, claimed Jensen in an exquisitely feral way. The sheer ecstasy of the act was captured in the expression on Jared's face, and in the sinuous movements of his gorgeous body. Jared hummed low and primal from his chest, as he thrust forward, again and again, gripping Jensen's hips, hitting that deep, sweet spot every time.

Jensen couldn't stifle his strangled cries. Overcome with emotion and overloaded with sensation, he arched his head back, reached for his cock and stroked himself in time with the tempo Jared had set.

"You are it for me, Jensen," Jared panted. "It. For. Me." Two more thrusts and Jared stilled, shooting heavy and hard into Jensen.

Jensen sped up the pace, easily catching up to Jared, coming in long milky streams over his hand and chest.

"There's…I…you...oh…" Jensen garbled. "If it is, I am. Only ever you."

They stilled their movements and breathed in tandem. A deep emotion settled in Jensen's heart. As familiar as the feeling was, it moved him every time. Jensen had lost so much in his life, but found the world in the hazel eyes staring up at him.

Jared pulled out gently, and gradually scooted behind to spoon Jensen. Both were still breathing hard.

Jensen fought and finally caught his breath. "Wow."

"Yeah," Jared agreed. "That was," Jared was still short-winded, "that was with a bit more finesse this time. Don'cha think?"

"Finesse?" Jensen panted. "On the couch? Such a thing?" he laughed.

Jared smiled shyly.

Jensen lay still, his body was lax and his mind was calm. Endorphins were great.

Jared leaned in to kiss the back of Jensen's salt-sweaty neck.

After several minutes, Jensen's skin cooled and he pulled Jared's arm around him.

Jared nuzzled Jensen's ear, "So, are you a camara, because all I do is smile when I see you."

Jensen fought to quell his internal monologue of pick-up lines. Instead, he said, "I can't, Jay, can't a life without you, you, in it. Tried it. Can't do it."

"And you won't have to," Jared whispered. "Never again. I'm here. I'm yours. You're mine."

"Good," Jensen purred. "But if you forget…forget that. I know have I to do."

"Do you, now?"

Jensen ran his finger up and down Jared's arm. "Buy another Georgio Armani. I don't, don't, quit without a fight." He grinned and whisper/sang, "Just a man and his will to survive."

"You are everything to me." Jared chuckled softly. "You are the boy of my dreams."

Jensen burrowed into Jared's embrace. "I guess I still got it, then."

"And me."

"And you."

"When do you start your new job? Teaching job?" Jensen straightened his tie, getting ready for work at Morgan and Collins. Jared was going in a bit later at PDLK today, so he was driving Jensen into work this morning.

"The last week of August. I'll be working the rest of the summer at PDLK, then clearing out my desk. I have it on good authority there'll be an opening for a new attorney." He turned Jensen toward him. "They want you back."

"Can't. Can't work with Sheppard. Won't." Jensen shivered. Mark had come through for them in the Amell case, but that was the last Jensen ever wanted to see of him.

"Well, he's not going to working at Joe's office any more. Starting next Monday, he'll be working out of the downtown office. It's closer to his corporate clientele."

"That's Paige's office. The one she, she, right?"

"Yep," Jared fluffed Jensen's hair, then smoothed it back. "And she won't put up with any shit from him. He does not know what he's in for."

"Why's that?"

"I took Paige out for lunch the other day, and told her the issues we were having with him." He flicked imaginary dust from Jensen's lapel. "Mark's still a heavy-weight in the courtroom, so his job is secure, as long as he keeps his hands and his tongue to himself. Paige will throw him out on his British ass so fast he won't know what hit him if he so much as aims his beady little eyes where they don't belong."

Jensen chuckled. "Paige likes me always."

"She does." Jared kissed his temple. "I like you always, too."

"Me too. Always ever you." He tip-toed up and pecked Jared on the lips.

"So, think about it, okay? And, hey, since I don't have to be back at school until August, let's think about taking some time off for ourselves. You know, you quit Morgan and Collins, tell PDLK you'll start back up in September. We take the summer off and go sun ourselves on some beach somewhere."

"Yes but no. No beach." Jensen shook his head. "Too hot, too freckles, but, maybe, yes, maybe, uh, Dollywood? Yeah. That." He beamed up at Jared.

"Dollywood? I mean that would be fun, but why?"

"I'm liking country music. Maybe, they, they're have karaoke? Too? All over the country. You and me, Jay, karaoke across America, and start with Dollywood, or near there?"

Jared looked put-upon. "I have created a monster."

"Yes. But your monster. Yours." He brought his arms around Jared.

"Mine." Jared gathered Jensen to him, and breathed into his ear, "Always ever mine."

~~*~~*fin~~*~~*

Art for the original story by: aggiedoll

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