Chapter Text
Jared darted to the side of the hallway and lifted his arms up as a crowd of teenage girls ran past him. “Slow down, Ladies - there’s no fire.” Spinning to walk a few steps backward Jared shook his head as the students walked about five steps and then started running again.
"Hey Coach!" Jared flinched when a firm hand slapped him on the back. He turned around to face Jake, the Captain of the basketball team.
"Mr. Abel - you almost knocked the breath out of my lungs. Headed to class?" Jake was a good kid, even if he had a little bit too much energy sometimes.
"Yup. Got a B on my last math test. You were right, Mr. Welling is pretty cool." Jake pulled his jacket on and took off down the hall.
Blinking at the space that had been previously occupied by the student Jared shook his head and laughed. "Okay then, bye. I'll just be in here talking to Mr. Ackles." Grin still spread across his cheeks he leaned forward and poked his head around the side of Jensen's door.
Tapping on the door Jared waited for Jensen to look. "Mr. Guidance Counselor! I have a proposition for you."
The words would have been normal, mellow enough, to anyone else or coming from anyone else. The fact that it was Jared Padalecki; the six foot five, all muscles and tanned skin, some sort of otherworldly god that Jensen had been drooling over for more than a year? And saying things like proposition? It wasn’t so good. Jensen’s mind immediately went to a place quite clearly gutter-like.
“Uh, hey, Mr. Padalecki, come on in.” He flicked the file on his desk closed and tried not to fall immediately into the guidance counsellor mode. Tom said it was the way he looked whenever he was trying to be all calm and in charge. “What can I help you with?”
Clearly he was failing.
Jared folded his tall frame into the chair in front of Jensen’s desk. “I was hoping that I could help you with something.” Leaning forward Jared open the small tin on Jensen’s desk and foraged around inside it for the candies he liked. Jensen bought mixed candy but Jared always picked out the Werthers.
Unwrapping the candy he popped it into his mouth. “Mmm. Sugar fix. So, yeah. Tom said you still hadn’t found someone to work with on the Gay Straight Alliance group yet. I’ve got time. Basketball is winding up and I’m free. You want me?”
“Uh.” Jensen blinked a few times, watching Jared’s mouth part slightly as he worked the candy along his tongue. If there was one thing Jensen was grateful for, it was the fact that Jared didn’t realize how head over heels he was for the guy. After all, Jared wouldn’t say things like you want me, if he knew how true it was.
“Well. Sure, I mean, I wasn’t aware you were... uh, that you’d be interested in helping. But I was looking for another teacher to help so, that would be great. Are you sure? It, might send a bit of an image or something.” Jensen shrugged, rubbing along the sleeve of his sweater.
"Well, I don't have any personal experience with being a gay teenager or anything, but I was bullied, pushed around. I was also thinking that some of the bullying may have come from some of the guys on the athletic teams. Maybe if they see me working with the kids who might be questioning their sexuality it would set a good example?" Jared leaned his elbow on Jensen's desk and propped his chin on his hand. "What you think?"
“Yeah, I think it’s a good idea. The message you can send alone, definitely.” Jensen smiled softly, his shoulders relaxing as he turned his gaze down. It would figure that on top of being handsome and funny, Jared would be sweet and caring as well. Jensen called him the complete package, until Tom reminded him the whole, not gay thing. This was a different kind of situation though, one he didn’t expect. “Okay, I think that’s, yeah, really good. I guess you could be like the, more hip and cool advisor.”
"Why are you not hip and cool?" Jared grinned so hard his dimples popped out on his cheeks. He loved teasing Jensen. It was so easy to get the blush to creep up onto the man's cheeks. "You're just a bit better at being teachery than I am. 'Sides, I can wear t-shirts and warm up pants. Maybe you should come be an assistant coach." He winked and went for the candy jar again.
“Oh trust me, you don’t want that.” Jensen laughed softly, shaking his head as he watched Jared pop the candy into his mouth. Oh to be a piece of candy. “I think I’m just better at being all, tell me your problems, etc. You’re better at relating on a friend level. I’m authoritative. Regardless, I’m sure we’d make a good pair. Do you have any experience with gay people? I mean uh, speaking with, helping, god you get what I mean right?”
Wrinkling his nose as he grinned, Jared rolled the candy wrapper between his palms to make it into a tiny ball. "Not first hand, I guess. There was a guy at College who was gay, we spent a lot of time together. So I mean, are you asking me - do I know stuff like all gay men aren't after me and things like that? Yeah."
The flush on Jensen's cheeks darkened. Jared loved that because it made the man's freckles stand out and made him look a lot younger. He'd come to the conclusion that Jensen's job was probably one of the more stressful ones at the school because the man always looked a little tense.
“Ah, right.” Jensen nodded and rubbed along the back of his neck. It was really bad timing to be crushing on Jared. Because in this situation, he was one gay man that was very much after Jared, except for the part where he wouldn’t try and pursue anything. Especially not now when Jared was just trying to be a good man.
Clearing his throat, Jensen turned and pulled open a desk drawer, reaching inside to tug out a packet and slide it across to Jared. “These are the rules of any clubs started here at the school, things we need to be familiar with. There’s the possibility of coming up against some opposition, people trying to stop us, so we might have to be prepared for that. The sign up list already has eight people, which is remarkable really. My school’s GSA only had five at the best of times.”
“That’s terrific. They must be really brave kids.” Being six foot five in school was bad, but Jared knew it was nothing compared to coming out in High School. Even if the students in the group didn’t explicitly come out, just by attending the group they’d be identifying themselves as potential targets. Jensen was exactly right about that.
Jared’s smile softened and he took the packet. “I’ll read through some of this on my lunch break.” Standing he tossed the candy wrapper into Jensen’s garbage can using a weak jump shot then winked.
“Oh!” Jared stopped half way to Jensen's door. “Coffee later? Beer? We could just talk about some of your ideas for the group. Tom said that you and he go drinking together on Fridays. He said he was pretty sure you wouldn’t mind me going along. So how ‘bout it? Wanna make it a threesome?”
Jensen was immensely glad he wasn’t taking a drink of anything just then because it’d surely be all over his computer. He stared at Jared for a moment, jaw dropped, before reality clicked in and he nodded, smiling up at the man. “Yeah, sure, that’d be great. We usually go to Mox, on thirty, do you know it?”
“Not sure. Tom said you’d give me a ride though - so I’ll just meet you by your car after school.” Grinning Jared patted the door frame and headed off down the hall.
Once more Jensen’s jaw was hanging open but Jared was long gone. He was either going to kill Tom or kiss him.
-=-=-=-
“Welling, you’ve got some real ball-” Jensen’s words cut off sharply as he pushed the door of his friends classroom open and spotted the group of kids sitting before him. “Oh uh, hey. Sorry, thought this was your free period.”
“It is, was just helping out a few students.” There was a clear smirk across Tom’s lips and he turned to the students, standing. “I’ll just be a few minutes. Play nice.”
Jensen was still rubbing the flush on his cheeks as he stepped out into the hall, looking down one way then another before turning to look at Tom when his class door shut. “God, what the hell are you doing to me?”
“I’m assuming Jared’s been to see you?” Tom’s smile was soft this time, friendly, and he stepped forward to hook his arm around Jensen’s shoulder and pull him in for a hug. “Aren’t you just a little bit excited?”
“When I’m not internally freaking out? Sure.” Jensen grumbled and squeezed Tom tight before sliding back, running a hand back through his hair. “You invited him to beer. And, and you told him I’d drive him?”
“Well I know how friendly you are.” Tom leaned back against the lockers and shrugged, still grinning at Jensen. “Hey, I’ll be there, if you start acting foolish or anything, I’ll let you know.”
Jensen groaned and rolled his eyes, moving over to Tom’s side and dropping back beside him on the lockers. “Oh gee, thanks. So when I get drunk because of how nervous I am you’ll keep me from climbing up into his lap?”
“You will not get drunk. God, Jen, you’re going to be driving him home. You’ve been in love with a guy for a year; do you really want to miss out on what could possibly happen?” Tom bumped their elbows together, his smile growing.
The idea of something happening made Jensen’s heart race but just as quickly as it happened he was shaking his head. “Jared is straight Tom; he’s not interested in being with me like that. I... I barely rank on a scale of friendship with him. We’re going to be working together with the GSA, the last thing I want is for him to figure out I’ve got this, thing for him. It needs to stop.”
“Jen, come on,” Tom’s words were soft and he turned enough to squeeze Jensen’s arm beneath his grasp. “You never know right? Maybe he just doesn’t know he could be into guys, maybe it will just be you he likes. Don’t give up hope yet.”
That was one thing Tom was always good at, making Jensen feel just a little better about things. Even if he occasionally did things like this, inviting Jared out with them, when they both knew how nervous Jensen was going to be. “Just, please don’t do anything, to make things more awkward or something.”
“Who me?” Tom’s grin was anything but innocent as he dipped forward and pressed a kiss to Jensen’s temple then stepped back. “I would never.”
Jensen was not at all comforted, except of course for the fact that he knew Tom wouldn’t purposefully screw him over. Sighing, Jensen turned and headed back down the hall, waving over his shoulder when Tom called out something about seeing him later.
-=-=-=-
Jensen was running late, but he wasn’t too concerned. If Jared got bored and didn’t want to wait any longer then it was for the best. Jensen kept rationalizing this to himself, even as he hurried through his papers and files, just to make sure things were set up for the day to follow. Mostly Jensen liked to be organized, but when he wanted to hurry and meet someone who could possibly be waiting for him? It was hard to manage any patience for the menial tasks.
Finally he pushed up to his feet and grabbed his bag, slinging it over his shoulder and nearly skidded out of the room. The halls were empty, students long since fled, and Jensen was more than a little relieved to push open the back door to the teacher’s parking lot. There was Jared, his golden hair sparkling in the late afternoon sun, leaning against Jensen’s black jeep.
Jensen didn’t even know how Jared knew what he drove. But he had a pretty good hunch Tom had something to do with it.
“Hey,” Jensen said with a soft smile as he approached the jeep and Jared straightened up. “Sorry, hope you haven’t been waiting too long.”
“Nope, was fine. I just took a few minutes to enjoy the sun. It’s gorgeous out this time of year, don’t you think?” Jared pushed both hands through his hair and then stretched his arms up high.
Jensen’s gaze was temporarily drawn to the strip of flesh below Jared’s shirt, his heartbeat quickening slightly as his mouth went drydraw. When he looked up Jared was just smiling at him and Jensen looked away, nodding. “Yeah, it’s gorgeous. I’m sure it makes P.E. easier, being able to take classes outside.”
Smiling at Jared for a moment, Jensen pushed forward, heading around the jeep and unlocking the doors to climb in.
Jared had to move the seat back a little and laughed when it shot back as he finally found the button. "You do know that I'm kind of clumsy for a sports guy, right? I mean, you know - you can take your life in your hands if you go rollerblading or something with me."
It had been a hard thing for Jared to get used to. He might be pretty damn graceful when he was running, on the court, even swimming: often it was the day to day stuff that gave him a headache. "I'm tall," he said quietly. “You’re pretty tall too though. How tall are you?”
“Somewhere around six feet.” Jensen looked over at Jared, wondering for a moment if maybe the softness from his voice came from something self-conscious. He couldn’t imagine someone as gorgeous as Jared being self-conscious about anything. “Tall works for you, whether you think you’re clumsy or not. And I’ll consider myself warned, should we ever go rollerblading together.”
Jensen laughed softly as he slipped his key into the ignition, his gaze sliding over to Jared once more. “I’ve watched you play football, with the students you know, you don’t seem that clumsy.”
"It's different on the field. And the kids are great. They don't make assumptions when they're out there. It's just about who's on your team and what the game is. It's weird. I mean; I see them sometimes fighting in the halls and I can't believe it's the same bunch of guys as out there on the field." Jared finally got his seat belt buckled and smiled. "So... what you were checkin' me out? See if I would be okay with your kids?"
“They’re not my kids,” Jensen muttered and rubbed along his neck, shaking his head slowly. He couldn’t say anything regarding checking Jared out, because honestly, he’d been a horrible liar his entire life. “I can see the field from my window, sometimes when I hear laughing I look. It’s, you know, I see the shit side of things. I love my job, don’t get me wrong but I get the worst of the worst, I see how brutal and hard some of these kids have it. It’s good to see you, with the sports stuff, making them laugh and have a good time.”
Jensen shrugged and pulled out of the parking lot, keeping his eyes away to hide his blush. “You mind if we make a quick stop by my condo? Just gotta feed my babies.”
“Babies?” Jared was fiddling with his keys and tried to stop. He ended up putting them in his pocket. “I mean yeah. No problem, what kind of babies?”
“Dogs.” Jensen laughed softly, looking over at Jared’s hands as they smoothed over his thighs. “Tom says I have an unhealthy love for my pets but I think it’s only because he’s allergic and they apparently slobber too much on him.”
"You have dogs?" Jared's eyes widened and he turned quickly in his seat and grabbed Jensen's arm. "Really? Can I meet them? I freaking love dogs. I can't have one at my condo. I don't know what I was thinking when I rented the place 'cause I didn't even ask. It was really stupid."
Shrugging, he realized he had kind of blurted everything out at once and sat back a little with a goofy smile on his face.
There was really no way not to grin with Jared, his excitement more than a little contagious. “Well uh, I hope you really love dogs because they’re kind of, giant. They’re Saint Bernards, brother and sister. I was just planning on getting one, Jill, but then I got there and the only other one left was this little runt. I couldn’t leave him, so that’s Topher. Of course now he’s almost one eighty and could quite possibly kill you by laying on you but whatever.”
Truthfully, Jensen didn’t show off his dogs very often, they were his babies, his closest friends really - outside Tom of course, who could barely handle a minute in the house without a sneeze attack. But he liked Jared, a whole lot, and if anything they could be friends. Jensen would be okay with that.
Jared suddenly realized his mouth was still hanging open. "They sound awesome. Seriously, dude. You don't mind if I come in and meet them?"
“No, not at all. As long as you’re prepared for the repercussions.” Jensen grinned and turned into his neighborhood, pulling up into the driveway of his condo a moment later. “They’re gonna be really excited, they might jump.” He wasn’t apologizing so much as giving Jared a fair warning and chance to back out.
"Will they play and wrestle and stuff if I get down on the floor with them?" Jared grinned and rubbed at his forearm. It had been a long time since he'd been able to spend some time with someone's dog. "Can I give them treats? Do they get treats? You know if you ever need anyone to look after them - I could do it for you."
Jensen laughed louder as he pushed the door of his jeep open and climbed out, sliding his keys through his grip. “God I can’t remember the last time someone was actually excited to meet two dogs nearly their equal in weight. You can give them treats, wrestle, whatever you’d like. I’ve long since moved anything that can be broken.”
At the door to his condo Jensen hesitated, turning to Jared with slightly wide eyes. “Last chance to back out.”
Slinging his arm over Jensen’s shoulder Jared grinned down at him. “Let’s do it!”
Heat burst through Jensen and he swallowed quickly before sliding the key into the lock and pushing the door open. He could see Jared looking around excitedly out of the corner of his eye and grinned, shaking his head. “Oh, just wait. Jill! Topher!”
The names were hardly out before there was a clatter on the second floor followed by the loud scrap of nails sliding over hard wood floor. Jensen hung his bag on the hook, slipping quickly out of his shoes and dropping down as the dogs came sliding around the corner. “This is Jill,” he called over the muffled whimpers and whines, patting the girl before him then her brother who was jumping up toward Jared. “And that’s Topher.”
Jared was half way through trying to get his boot off when Topher's paws slammed into his chest. His arms windmilled and he hit the wall hard before sliding down and landing on his ass with a weak oooof. "Topher, buddy. It's nice to - ugh - meet you." Laughing, Jared wiped dog drool off his face and planted a wet kiss on the top of Topher's head.
“Topher, come on, let him breathe.” Jensen laughed and pushed up to his feet, skirting around Jill to head for the kitchen. “Come on Jared, you can give them a treat then they’ll both love you forever.” He smiled over his shoulder at the man, moving to the side as the dogs zoomed past him down the hall.
"They seem familiar with that word." Jared laughed as he followed Jensen down the hall. He looked around, there were some photos on the walls, a few dog toys scattered about. Jared liked it - the place had a good feel to it. "You lived here long?"
“A few years yeah. I bought it when,” Jensen trailed off with a soft sigh. He hadn’t thought about going into the past of his life with Jared but friends knew those kinds of details so it made some sense. “Well, I was dating this guy. I thought it was more serious than he did, so I bought this place thinking it’d be like, our home. But it didn’t work out. Ah well, such is life. Here.”
Jensen grabbed the box of treats from the cupboard and held them above his head as Topher made a jump up. “One for each.”
Jared plucked a couple of treats out of the box and proceeded to nearly lose his fingers when Topher and Jill snatched them. "God, I love these guys," he said softly. He glanced over at Jensen and noticed the familiar heaviness to his expression.
"Were you and he together for long?" Jared leaned his hip against the kitchen counter and gazed over at Jensen.
“Almost five years. Through most of college. Felt like a long time.” Jensen nodded; smiling slightly down at the dogs as they quickly finished their treats then sniffed around Jared’s feet. “What about you? Are you with anyone?” He wasn’t sure he wanted to know but some part of him thought it might be easier, to stop caring if Jared was happily taken.
"Me? Nah. I got so caught up in school, and then I got my job real quick and just never seemed to stop - you know what I mean? Maybe one day - you never know when the right person will be right in front of ya, right?"
Kneeling down again, Jared buried his face in Jill's neck. "They smell so good - you must bathe them a lot. Do you let them on the bed with you? I had a huge dog when I was a kid and I used to sneak him into my room after my folks were asleep. I think they knew the whole time though."
Jensen’s smile grew even as his heart fluttered at Jared’s words. It really meant something, knowing Jared cared so much for his dogs already. “Yeah, I have a huge bed, so I let them up there. Tom says it’s bad, that one day I’ll meet a guy and there won’t be room for him to sleep but I figure, any guy I end up with, he’s gonna be okay with sharing the bed with two giant dogs and me.”
Laughing softly Jensen shrugged and headed back to the closet, putting the treats away. “So you think you’ll move soon? So you can get a place where dogs are welcomed? Clearly you love them.”
Jared sighed and smiled as the two dogs lay down. Their eyes were on Jensen the whole time; they obviously loved him. "Oh, I'd love to. Just gotta get a bit of money saved up for a down payment. You know - the usual stuff. Like I said - maybe I can dog sit for you sometimes, get my fix. We could walk them together - I could use the exercise."
“Oh I’m sure you could.” Jensen snorted and shook his head. Jared was probably the last person who needed exercise. Still, it wasn’t like Jensen could turn down a chance to say no to spending time with the man. “Sure though, I don’t go out of town often but you’re welcome over any time. And walks with them would be great, especially as it gets colder. Nothing harder then walking two giant dogs who were built for snow when the road is icy. Plus, I wouldn’t mind your company.”
"Sounds great." Jared grinned. "Speaking of company, shouldn't we be meeting Tom? He's gonna think we ran off together."
“I highly doubt that,” Jensen muttered and laughed, shaking his head. “You wanna scoop them both some food while I get changed?” Pointing toward a side door, Jensen back stepped. “Their bowls are up on the dryer, foods in the closet. They each get two scoops from the cup in there. Just shut the door when you’re done, the doggy door is in there and I like to make sure they go out while I’m gone.”
Jensen bumped into the edge of the kitchen doorway and laughed once more. “God, do I sound like an overprotective parent?”
"You do, but I think it's kind of sweet. G'on, change. Me and your babies will figure out the food thing." Jared laughed softly and headed over to the dryer.
-=-=-=-
There was no particular reason to be nervous now - Jared had already been in his home after all - but as they stepped out of the jeep he couldn’t fight the swell of nerves. “They have great wings here. We usually get a few kinds. It’s pretty cool, they match beer flavors with wing flavors.”
“I like beer and I like eating so it sounds perfect.” Heading around to meet Jensen in front of the Jeep, Jared collided with Jensen and grabbed both the man’s arms to make sure he didn’t fall. “God, Jensen. I’m sorry. See?”
Jensen’s breath hitched in his chest and he looked up, swallowing thickly. “Uh, no problem. I um, well, Tom’s probably inside.” He could feel the flush on his cheeks and he stepped back, tugging at the hem of his shirt and turning to head for the door, tugging it open and holding it for Jared.
Heading inside, Jared blinked a few times as he tried to get his eyes to adjust to the difference in the light. He was still looking around when he heard Tom call out for Jensen. Casting his gaze across the room he spotted the tall brunette and reached back for Jensen’s arm. “Hey, there he is.”
As Jared dragged him across the bar Jensen tried to keep his feet from tripping over nothing. Jared’s hand was a warm heat soaking into his arm and Jensen was having just a little trouble breathing. He caught Tom’s curious smile as they approached the table, dropping down beside his friend and watching Jared take the other seat.
“Hey I was wondering where you two were.” Tom grinned at Jared then Jensen, sliding a basket of wings forward. “These just came.”
Jensen was more grateful for the beer Tom pushed forward a moment later, taking his own and sipping from it before shrugging. “Had to check on Jill and Topher, Jared wanted to meet them.”
“Oh, brave soul. I see you’ve managed to live through it.” Tom laughed and pushed a beer toward Jared.
“They’re so awesome. Beautiful dogs.” Jared nodded and eyed the chicken wings. “May I?” He reached for the basket and pulled it a little closer. “What do you guys usually talk about when you’re out for your drinking nights?”
“Help yourself.” Tom gestured, leaning back in his chair. “Well usually we talk about-”
“Anything but work.” Jensen interrupted, shooting Tom a look. He couldn’t be sure that Tom was about to say you - because most nights they did end up talking about Jared eventually - but he had to play it safe. “Well, we can’t always avoid it but we try and just relax.”
“Do you go out a lot? With your friends?” Tom half shrugged when Jensen looked toward him then smiled at Jared.
“Who me?” Jared was licking sauce of his fingers and grinned shyly when Jensen handed him a napkin. “Haven’t really made friends here yet. God, I just got so busy with lesson plans and stuff and when I had a couple of free weekends I headed home to help out my mama with some stuff. Crazy. Time just goes by so fast.”
Jared reached for his beer and lifted the frosty mug to press against his cheek. “S’hot in here,” he muttered.
“There’s tables out back. We could go there.” Jensen smiled and slid off his chair, grabbing his beer and the basket of wings. He turned and headed for the door without giving the man a choice because a sweating Jared? That wasn’t something Jensen’s sanity could take if he wanted to resist jumping the man.
“You know you’re more than welcome to hang out with us. We try and go out a couple of times a week, to dinner or here or bowling. It’s important to do personal things, not lose yourself in work entirely,” Tom was saying as they stepped out back, grabbing a table away from a group of smokers tucked in one corner.
"That'd be great, Tom." Jared grinned and slid onto the bench Jensen was on. Jensen's arm was warm but Jared didn't mind so much now that they were outside. Leaning back a little he stretched his legs out. "So, Tom. Jensen and I have been catching up. He's single, I'm single. Are you single?"
“Well-”
“Tom’s in love, with this beautiful girl. But she’s three states away getting her doctorate so mostly he just pines,” Jensen informed, sighing sympathetically and reaching out to pat Tom’s hand.
“It’s not like I’m the only one,” Tom muttered around a drink of beer then smiled at Jared. “We’ve been dating since freshman year of high school, this is where we want to make a home but I’ve always wanted to support her in whatever she wants to do. So, we make it work.”
"Wow, that's really sweet. She's a lucky girl." Jared frowned and took a beer. "Who else is pining? Jensen?" Turning to his new friend Jared nudged Jensen with his elbow. "You didn't tell me you had your eye on someone."
“Oh I, it’s nothing, just a crush. No big deal.” Jensen blushed and lifted his beer, shooting a glare at Tom over the edge of it. Stupid Tom and his big mouth.
“How about I go get us more wings and beer, yeah?” Tom grinned as he slid out of the booth. “Jared, you have to try this rye one they make, it’s excellent.”
Jensen watched his friend disappear before turning back to Jared, shy smile on his lips. “Feel free to drink however much you want, I’ll be your DD.”
"I don't drink very often, usually only takes a couple of beers and I'm feelin' no pain. I appreciate it; it's been a long week." Jared turned sideways a little and leaned his head back so he could watch Jensen's expression. The man had a very expressive face. "So, you gonna tell me?"
“Not now.” Jensen dipped his head and sighed softly. It would have been easy to pretend like he didn’t know what the man was talking about but he had a feeling Jared wouldn’t stop. “Maybe some day in the future.”
Jared ducked his head down and took a sip of beer. "Sorry, I do that. I just think that I can ask anything. It's none of my business. When I was a kid my Mom was constantly tellin' me to be quiet. I would walk up to complete strangers and ask them anything that was on my mind."
The expression on Jensen's face seemed sad again, and Jared wasn't sure why but he didn't like it. "We could talk about the group if you'd rather."
“How about you just keep talking about you. I want to learn all about you.” Jensen paused, taking a moment to deem how creepy that sounded before laughing. “You know standard, fun things. Something tells me you could use a night of fun and enjoyment. We’ll talk about group stuff later.”
Jared laughed. "It's nice to be out talking to adults. That's for sure. What do you wanna know? I'm twenty-five years old. I'm from Texas. Most fun I've had all week was playing with your dogs. Well, and maybe catching Jake and Alona making out in the equipment room by the gym. The looks on their faces was well worth it."
“Oh god, Jake and Alona, they’re... intense.” Jensen laughed, shaking his head. He knew he couldn’t discuss much more about considering the things he knew from speaking to both but it was still worth laughing over. “Alright so, Texas-born, me too actually. Now be shallow and tell me all the superficial stuff, the things you like and you know, type of girls you’re into or whatever.”
“Yes please, let’s hear about the girls you like Jared.” Tom grinned as he slid back onto the other side of the booth with an arm full of beers and a basket of fresh wings. Jensen pursed his lips at the man and Tom’s smile softened slightly.
"Oh! More beer!" Jared reached for his pocket and pulled out his wallet so he could flip a twenty onto the table. "You rock, Tom." Dragging a mug toward him, Jared took a few long gulps. Jared's head was already buzzing a little from the first mug of beer but it was a nice feeling for once. He was relaxed and happy.
Leaning back, Jared smiled across the table at Tom. "Jensen says we don't have to talk about crushes tonight. Right, Jensen?" He squeezed Jensen's knee under the table.
As heat curled through Jensen he forced himself to nod. It would probably be better not knowing, especially if he had to stay sober through this entire thing. “Jared was just going to tell us about the movies he likes.”
“Probably best. Tonight should just be a fun night.” Tom smiled at them both then sank back on the bench.
-=-=-=-
Jared had no idea how many beers he'd had. What he did know was that if he tried to move his head too quickly everything kind of spun out of control for a few seconds and it made him laugh. He leaned a little closer to Jensen and pressed the mug to the side of his neck. "Are you hot? I'm hot."
“Well I do have this six foot-plus man kind of laying on me, so I might be a little.” Jensen laughed and froze for a moment as he turned and his lips brushed along Jared’s temple. “You’re drunk, it’s kind of hilarious.”
“I think he’s at his limit,” Tom pointed out with a smirk, reaching out to take Jared’s beer as it tilted dangerously toward Jensen’s lap.
"I did warn you," Jared said slowly. He patted Jensen's chest and nodded at him, trying for a serious expression and thinking he probably failed judging by the smile on Jensen's face. Blinking slowly Jared lifted his hand and rubbed at Jensen's cheeks. "Holy shit you have a lot of freckles. Tom have you seen these?"
Tom snorted with a laugh as Jensen flushed. “Oh yeah, he’s king of the freckles and killer lashes. You probably won’t make it through seeing his lips after he’s had a Popsicle or something; I’ve heard it’s lethal.”
Groaning, Jensen shook his head and pressed the heel of his palm into Jared’s forehead, trying to pretend like he wanted the man further away than he was. Truthfully? Clingy Jared was pretty fantastic. “That’s hilarious. Really. Jared, you ready to get out of here?”
"I thought we were having fun, aren't you having fun? Tom's having fun." Jared slumped down a little and looked around for his beer. "Someone stole my beer, I think."
“I’m definitely having fun. Only, I’ve got to head out, phone date and all.” Tom laughed softly at Jared before looking toward Jensen and dropping his voice, “you good?”
“Yeah, it’s all good.” Jensen smiled reassuringly at Tom and let his arm drop around Jared’s shoulder. “We’ll eventually work our way home. Say hey to Jamie for me.”
“Of course. Jared, it was awesome hanging out, getting to know you. I’ll make sure you’re invited along next time.” Tom reached out to squeeze Jared’s arm, smiling when the man looked up.
“Thanks, Tom. Don’t worry; I’ll make sure Jensen gets home okay.” Jared nodded furiously, sending his hair flying forward into his eyes. Smacking at it clumsily he shook his head and grinned as he waved at Tom.
“I believe it. Night boys,” Tom called over his shoulder with a laugh, shaking his head as he headed back into the bar.
Jensen knew there was no reason for Jared to remain so close to him but he wasn’t going to push him away. If a drunken Jared wanted to be all over him, Jensen could totally handle that. “There’s about half left in this mug, wanna polish it off before we go?”
"Okay," Jared said obligingly. Curling his fingers around the mug he let his head fall back against the bench and grinned up at Jensen. He must have slid down quite a bit because Jensen suddenly seemed a lot taller. "We should go and visit your dogs."
“Hmm, drunk and stumbling Jared with nearly two hundred pound dogs? Not sure how wise that would be.” Jensen laughed softly and turned toward Jared, brushing hair back from the man’s temple. “But if you want to, that’s okay. You can crash at my place if you want.”
Jared's eyelids felt a bit like there were lead weights attached to them. He smiled warmly and drank some more of the cool liquid from the mug. "Really? That would be awesome. You think one of your dogs might sleep with me? I'm a really good snuggler."
Feeling quite pleased with himself Jared emptied the glass and set it back down on the table. "Done."
“Well they’re pretty used to my bed but I could try? I mean, usually they flop all over each other.” Jensen laughed softly and reached out for the bill, checking on the money on the table before grabbing his wallet and pulling out cash for the difference. “Any pit stops before the Jeep?”
"Nope, m'good. Do you have water at your place? I'm really thirsty." Jared slid to the edge of the booth and pulled himself up on the side. Swaying slightly he waited for Jensen to slide out and patted him again on the chest.
"You're a good man, Jensen. I'm glad that we're gonna be friends." When Jensen turned toward him, Jared caught the man in a tight hug, squeezing him for a few moments. His nose brushed across Jensen's hair and Jared grinned. "You smell good," he muttered.
A shudder of pleasure rocked down Jensen’s spine and he leaned into Jared, wrapping arms slowly around him. God of course Jared would be a fantastic hugger. “Plenty of water, and thank you.” Jensen laughed softly and shifted back slightly, keeping his arm around Jared’s middle. “Come on, I’ve got a feeling the walk to the Jeep is going to be an experience.”
-=-=-
Jared wasn't sure why the walls to Jensen's apartment were moving so quickly but then he was on the floor and Jensen was laughing at him and he didn't really care that his knees were aching because - holy shit - Jensen had the best laugh ever.
Rolling over onto his back Jared peered up at the rather blurry-edged Jensen and grinned. “Shhhh, don’t draw attention to us.”
“Oh, I’m fairly sure the entire neighborhood heard you wailing ACDC as we drove down the street.” Jensen grinned and dipped down, closer to Jared. “So, you wanna risk it staying down there? I’m going to let the dogs out.”
"Let me have it!" Jared twisted over and lifted his leg to try and get his boot off. "M'ready," he mumbled.
The grin Jensen had been wearing for the entire forty minutes it took to get home was starting to get a little painful. He couldn’t help it. The thing he had for Jared had tripled in the evening they’d spent together and even if Jared woke in the morning and decided this was all a mistake, just hanging out, Jensen would treasure the memory.
So he kicked out of his shoes and hung up his jacket then headed through the kitchen. He could already hear the dogs scratching at the laundry room door. “Okay babies, I’m coming. Brace yourself Jared!” Jensen tugged the door open, laughing as the dogs circled around him, heard a thump from the hallway, and took off to investigate.
"Jesus," Jared muttered. There were too many paws and legs and noses for it to be just two dogs. After wrestling with the furry monsters for a while he managed to get an arm around the neck of each creature and they both sort of flopped down next to him.
Jared was peering upside down at Jensen as he padded back down the hall. "S'all under control here," he said brightly then Topher licked his mouth.
“Remind me not to kiss you.” Jensen snorted, pausing a moment later and clearing his throat. “I uh, okay. So, some water? Some advil and then bed. How does that sound?” He turned to head for the kitchen again, rubbing along his neck. He really hoped that Jared had no memory of that comment come morning.
Pushing up onto his knees Jared crawled for a few feet them used the dogs to get up to his feet. Topher snorted and drool spattered across Jared face as he was half way up. “Gross, Topher,” he muttered. Shrugging out of his jacket, Jared left it on the back of a chair and pulled his t-shirt off over his head. Wiping his face with his shirt he followed the sound of Jensen puttering in the kitchen.
“Hi,” Jared said. He tossed his t-shirt onto the counter and wandered over to Jensen’s side. “What are we doing?”
“We’re-” Jensen’s eyes widened, the words catching in his throat as he found himself staring quite suddenly at Jared’s bare chest. “Uh-” Clearing his throat, Jensen turned to grab a glass and fill it quickly with water. “Water, advil. Then bed.” Jensen half smiled, offering the glass to Jared.
Taking the glass, Jared grinned. He drained the water in one go and panted when he finished, shoving his hand across his mouth to wipe it dry. “You have good water here. Can I have some more?”
Jensen looked so different when he was relaxed and happy. Jared liked it - and decided that he was going to make it his personal mission to put a smile on Jensen’s face at least once a day.
“Um, sure, of course.” Jensen smiled a little brighter and turned to fill up the water, setting it on the counter and grabbing the bottle of pills. “Two of these, I promise it’ll help the headache come morning. Then the rest of the water and upstairs.”
As Jared once more took the glass Jensen turned to get the dogs a treat, not quite sure he could handle seeing more water dripping along Jared’s smooth, golden skin. “Which dog you want in bed? Uh, god that sounds fucked up.”
After swallowing the pills down Jared looked around. "Where am I sleepin'?" It hadn't even occurred to him earlier than there might not be any room for him anywhere. Not that it really mattered. In his state he could probably pretty much crash anywhere.
“Well there’s a fold out couch, in the office upstairs. So, I mean, it’s probably not very comfortable but you’re drunk, I guess it won’t matter.” Jensen laughed softly and took Jared by the arm, pulling him around the counter. “Or there’s the couch, if for some reason you’d rather... can’t compare to a bed... why do I sound like the drunk one?”
Jared tried to look serious as he patted Jensen's cheek. "Because I've been drinking."
Jensen's cheek was warm and Jared swept his thumb over the curve of the man's cheek. "I bet your dogs won't stay with me."
“They um, are pretty used to... my bed, you know.” Jensen swallowed thickly and wet his lips, staring up at Jared. He had to remind himself that this was just a friend, a drunk friend, who maybe got a little too physical in his inebriated state. “You- you know, you could, sleep in there. If- I mean, forget it, it’d be a tight fit or ridiculous or something.”
Laughing shakily Jensen stepped around Jared, fingers absently trailing over Jill’s fur as she passed and headed for the steps.
Bottom lip sticking out slightly, Jared leaned in closer only to find Jensen gone. "You said your bed was really big! Come on - you can't say that and then not - whoa..." Jared stumbled when he discovered a dog right in front of him and just barely caught himself. Blinking slowly he looked around. "Where'd you go?"
His fuzzy vision managed to find Jensen again and he smiled. "We're coming!" Topher barked and Jared laughed as they both tumbled toward the bottom step.
“Oh god,” Jensen groaned but the smile was back. He waited by the steps and hooked his arm around Jared to keep him from stumbling. “Think you can make it up the steps? Topher, go on up.” He patted the dog’s side, sending him up the stairs before turning to Jared. “You really wouldn’t mind sleeping in my bed with my two giant dogs?”
Jared slid his hand around Jensen's waist and smiled. "It sounds perfect to me. You, two warm furry dogs. Wait, is your bed long enough for me? I hate when my feet hang off the end."
When Jared turned to grin down at Jensen's his lips brushed the man's cheek and they tingled. "You're sparky," Jared said.
“Jesus,” Jensen whispered, eyes fluttering closed for a moment as he swayed into Jared’s heat. “I- it’s a, California King, really really big. So, yeah.” Jensen inhaled shakily and laid his hand for a moment on Jared’s chest. “Bed, let’s go upstairs, I- yeah.”
Swallowing the surge of nerves Jensen detached enough from Jared that he could take his arm and start leading him up the stairs. “Hold on, please don’t fall.” He didn’t need that on his conscious too, along with convincing a straight man to get in bed with him.
"No problem," Jared said as brightly as he could manage. He leaned heavily on Jensen as they made it up the rest of the stairs and down the hall to what he assumed was the bedroom. Topher's tail was thumping against the wall as they headed into the room and Jared couldn't help laughing.
How they all managed to get into bed, Jensen wasn’t entirely sure. He was half watching Jared hop out of his jeans for a few minutes before tugging his own shirt off. Part of him was scared how fast this thing could get awkward, come morning or whatever, but hell, it wasn’t like he was planning on molesting the guy in his sleep or something.
Finally kicking out of his jeans, Jensen flipped the light off and turned to Jared, watching him sway beside the bed. “You need help climbing in?” He asked with a soft smile, stopping beside Jared.
"Pfft." Jared waved a hand dismissively at Jensen and on his next swing forward simply let himself fall onto the bed. Face down, he breathed in the clean scent of the sheets and hummed softly in pleasure as he tried to get under the covers. "Help," he finally murmured when he realized he was a bit twisted up in the quilt.
Jensen’s heart fluttered as he laughed and reached forward, tugging hard at the quilt to pull it over Jared and get him somewhat straightened out. Almost instantly Topher and Jill were climbing up on the foot of the bed, walking around trying to get comfortable, and Jensen grinned as he tucked the blanket over Jared’s shoulder. “Need anything else before I climb in?”
"Get in here." Jared patted the pillow in front of him. "We gotta pillow talk or whatever you call it." He was a little relieved to be lying down and Jensen's bed was really comfortable. Jared stretched and tucked his feet under whichever dog was lying near them.
“Right, pillow talk,” Jensen murmured and walked quickly around the bed, sliding under the cool sheets and shifting to his side. Jared’s eyes were already mostly closed, barely opening every few moments. “Did you have a good night?” He asked quietly, reaching out to slip hair off Jared’s brow and ignoring the spark along his skin at the touch.
"I had an awesome night. I've been missing this. Hanging out with people - oooh, can you do that more? Again, I mean." Jared curled his fingers around Jensen's wrist to keep him touching his forehead. "When me and San were kids we used to draw on each other’s faces when we were falling asleep, like pretending to paint designs and stuff-" He broke off as he yawned and shifted closer.
“San?” Jensen asked softly, stroking his fingers slowly back through Jared’s hair then letting them drift over smooth skin. “Old friend of yours?” He liked the pleased smile on Jared’s face, even if he seemed mostly asleep.
"MMhmm. Sandy was my best friend growing up. She's this little brunette. Completely nuts but awesome. We don't get together much anymore. Makes me sad." Blinking a few times, Jared rubbed at his eye and then let his hand settle on Jensen's shoulder. "Come closer, I'll do your back," he murmured.
“My back?” Jensen was pretty sure he just continued to repeat Jared’s words. Likely because the mind was doing a real number to his sanity. Still, he shifted a little close, moving his legs around one dog’s body so he could inch closer to Jared.
As soon as Jensen was close enough, Jared draped his arm further over Jensen's back and circled his finger tips along the warm flesh. "Sometimes, I used to write things on San's back and see if she could tell what I was writing."
He liked the way Jensen smelled; clean and fresh, a little bit musky but it all blended together to be just Jensen. "Who was your best friend when you were a kid?"
“Just, this kid named Steve, lived across the street. We drifted apart in high school when I became, or uh, realized, I was gay. And he was, very much not.” Jensen was sure he sounded breathless but Jared’s fingers moving on his skin was nearly too much. “Were you and Sandy ever, together?”
"Like boyfriend girlfriend? Nah. Well, I kissed her once but it was like kissin' my sister." Jared laughed and shifted closer. "Whoever is on my feet is really warm and comfy," he said softly.
It was easy to see Jensen's eyes in the dark because the green glinted in the dim light coming through the window. Jared thought it was maybe the moon but he was too lazy to look. Too lazy and entirely too comfortable. "I haven't slept with anyone in a long time, I love falling asleep knowing someone else is right here. Don't you?"
“Yeah, it’s nice.” And this most certainly was, despite how Jensen was absolutely doomed because the crush he had for Jared had officially entered lethal levels. He smiled softly at Jared, finger sliding across his brow, over his cheek bone, along the bridge of his nose. Jared made some sort of pleased noise and Jensen’s breath hitched, his finger moving along the corner of Jared’s mouth. “When- when was the last time?”
"Too long," Jared murmured. Sifting through his memories he tried to think of the last time he'd actually fallen asleep touching someone. "Unless you count my mom's cat which fell asleep plastered to my chest last time I was home - probably Genevieve. But we split up before I was finished school. It was all wrong. Weird..." Jared yawned again and nestled a little closer. His fingers smoothed along the nape of Jensen's neck then he slipped his fingers into the man's soft hair.
“I get that, things being all wrong. Sometimes, it really is for the best.” Jensen wet his lips, his finger sweeping slowly along Jared’s bottom lip before he drew back slightly. “I’m sure you’ll meet someone soon, and she’s going to be so lucky to be with you. It’ll probably end up this epic romance, you’ll be ridiculously happy.”
"Dunno. Kissed this guy once, thought maybe - I dunno." Jared's mind was drifting. Jensen's touch was just perfectly soothing and Jared let out a long sigh. "M'glad I'm here," Jared mumbled.
Jensen stared wide-eyed at Jared, his palms suddenly a little damp. It was almost impossible to wrap his mind around the kissed this guy comment. “Y-yeah. I, I’m glad too.” Anything else he might try to say would only sound strangled so Jensen just continued to stare.
Jared’s eyes were entirely too achy to open anymore and he just shifted closer and curled his arm over Jensen’s neck. “Night,” he muttered.
This was quite possibly going to kill Jensen. In a very, very good way. “Night,” he whispered and slid just a little closer to the heat of Jared’s body.