Changes and Chance Chapter 3

[acklesaddict1]

CHAPTER 3:

Jensen burrowed back into his covers and let out a sleepy sigh, mornings sucked, he was sure there was someone out there making sure mornings came sooner then they should, just to piss him off. He snuggled back into the body behind him and grumbled appreciatively when strong arms came around his waist and pulled him back against a hard chest. The hand sneaked down and burrowed itself under Jensen's shirt to palm at the warm skin of his stomach and Jensen arched back into the touch, sighing when he felt a nose against the soft skin right behind his ear.

“Duh annup yeh” Jensen grumbled which was Jensen-morning-speak for 'Don't wanna get up yet' but since the phrase wasn't in any dictionary, Jensen wasn't surprised the body behind him failed to answer. Soft lips skimmed across the back of his neck and the person behind him took a deep breath, releasing a satisfied sigh when Jensen tucked back against the large form. Half awake and half asleep Jensen turned around and slipped his arms around the body's neck and cuddled up to the heat of the other person.

“Mrning” Jensen mumbled and tilted his face up to nuzzle at the other person's neck. His hands caressing the naked skin of dream-persons shoulders and he reveled in the feel of the silky skin. Hands dipped down to cup Jensen's ass and he slipped a thigh in between long legs to get even closer to the source of heat next to him, maybe mornings weren't so bad if his half sleep/wake dreams would always be like this.

Slowly Jensen's eyes started to flutter open and the arms around him tightened, “Don't wake up yet” dream-person begged and pulled Jensen closer as if to pull him back to sleep.

Jensen groggily shook his head, “I gotta.... hmm” he buried his face in the crook of dream-person's neck and breathed in the sharp scent of expensive cologne, it was spicy and comfortable and he breathed in once more to savor the scent. The hands on his ass crept up a few inches until they rested on the small of his back and pulled Jensen's body in even closer, a mouth skidding along his neck, placing soft kisses there and a nose brushing his skin gently.

Slowly Jensen felt himself slip from his state of dreaming and into the real world but the arms around his waist and the mouth on his skin didn't fade; they even became more prominent as he felt the haze of slumber slip from his mind. The stubble of his dream rasped against his skin and in the back of his mind it registered that he shouldn’t feel that.

When Jensen realized what was happening it was like a flash of thunder, his mind provided the information that he was home, in his own bed and that when he went to sleep he did so by himself, there wasn't supposed to be another person in his bed.

He shot upright and rubbed the sleep from his eyes, “What the hell” he groaned and he opened his eyes only to be confronted with a bright smile and mischievous hazel eyes.

“Morning, sunshine” Jared sighed contently… “You know... you're way more agreeable when you're half asleep.”

Jensen's jaw dropped to his knees and he scrambled out of bed, “What the hell are you doing here!” he cried out, and took in the way Jared was lazily stretched on his bed… underneath the covers, no less.

“What the fuck are you doing in my bed?!” Jensen looked around his room to see if maybe this was one of Melly's and Chris' dumb ass jokes but neither was to be found, it was just Jared and him in the room. The younger man was just lounging on his bed as if he belonged there and it infuriated Jensen. “Are you insane?” he asked Jared, “We haven't known each other for a weak, I don't even like you and still you try to get into bed with me!?”

Jared smirked smugly and sat up, “Seems like I succeeded…” he said and pointedly stared at the covers bunched around his waist. That was the moment Jensen realized Jared wasn't wearing a shirt and no matter how irritating he thought the other man was he couldn't help but eye the expanse of tan skin appreciatively.

Jensen had to admit that Melly was right… where Jared's looks were concerned, the other man was extremely handsome and not only (as evident) with his clothes on. Jared's chest was ripped, his pecks and abs visible, dusky nipples and Jensen followed the strong neck down to huge biceps, and strong forearms to enormous hands. He couldn't help from wondering, even if only for a second, what it would feel like to have those enormous hands on his body, stroking and petting, caressing and squeezing… then he remembered having those hands on him mere moments ago.

That didn't count though, Jensen thought, it didn't count if he couldn't remember it right; if his mind was foggy and clouded with sleep.

“You're insane” Jensen said once more and watched as Jared swung his long legs over the edge of the bed planting his feet on the floor. Tanned legs in plaid boxer shorts… strong muscles… thighs that Jensen wouldn't mind wrapping his legs around. No! He wasn't thinking that, in fact, he didn't just think that at all! It was a figment of the universe's imagination… he wasn't attracted to Jared… no way… no how! Jared pulled himself up and walked over to Jensen, muscles rippling underneath soft skin and Jensen had trouble keeping his eyes on Jared's face. “Will you just get the hell out!?” Jensen screamed and he pushed against Jared's bare chest.

There was a knock on his door and before he could answer it opened to reveal a sleep rumpled and agitated Melly “Jensen, will you please shut the fuck u...oh” she trailed off when she saw Jared. Blue eyes switched from Jensen to Jared and back again “Damn, boy” she exclaimed as she looked at Jared, “You work fast!”

Jared grinned and licked his lips lewdly

“What?” Jensen interjected with a 'deer-caught-in-headlights look on his face. “No!” he said loudly and turned to Melly, “No, he doesn't work fast at all... there's no working here, none whatsoever.”

He felt a warm hand on the small of his back, fingers splaying out across his spine and Jared's breath in his neck. “Aww, baby” he cooed. “Don't be shy… Melly's a friend, she won't judge.”

Jensen shook Jared's hand from his waist and took a step away from the other man. “Will you stop it?” he demanded, “There's nothing going on here” he assured Melly, “This asshole crawled into bed with me when I was asleep, there was no working, nothing to keep secret, nothing happened, apart from Jared molesting me in my sleep!”

The tall man snorted and shook his head “Really, then whose arms were wrapped around my neck and who was nuzzling my neck a few moments ago?” he asked teasing. Jared had crossed his arms in front of his chest and Jensen couldn't help but appreciate the bulging muscles of the man's arms.

He shook his head to rid himself of those idiotic thoughts. “I was asleep, you moron!” he exclaimed “I thought I was dreaming, I had no clue it was you!” He snorted again, “Trust me, if I had known it was you then you would be sporting several bruises right now.”

“Promises, promises” Jared taunted and brushed past Jensen on his way to the door, fingers caressing the small of Jensen's back as he passed. “See you later, babe” he winked at the shorter man.

Jensen glared at the door long after Jared had closed it behind himself “He is ... arrgg!!!” Jensen exclaimed frustrated.

Jared could hear Jensen's frustrated cry through the door and he smirked to himself, mission accomplished.

*

He'd woken up early that day and he'd been on his way to the kitchen when he passed Jensen's bedroom. The door was closed but for some reason he wasn't able to control his curiosity… so he gently opened the door and stepped into the dimly lit room; the only light coming from the gap in between the curtains. It had taken a few minutes for his eyes to get used to the dim light, but moments later he had been able to see in the room pretty good. Jensen was lying on his side facing Jared… he hadn’t been able to keep from gasping when his eyes fell on the other man. Jensen was beautiful, he'd thought so from the moment he laid eyes on the shorter man, those freckles and vivid green eyes had done him in from the moment he looked at Jensen.

Shadows played across Jensen's face and Jared slowly made his way over to the bed, ever so gently he'd peeled away the sheets from the other side of the bed, unable to stop himself, and he'd slipped in right beside Jensen. The sheets felt soft against his skin and he breathed a sigh of relief when Jensen didn’t wake up… softly he moved over to Jensen and wrapped his arms around the slighter man's waist.

It amazed him that Jensen didn't wake, no matter how close he got. So he grew bold- and pressed himself along the sinful line of Jensen's back, anything to be as close as possible to the green eyed man. Jared spent minutes laying like that; just enjoying the feel of Jensen in his arms. Somewhere in the back of his mind he knew that it was a little creepy and stalker-ish but he couldn't help himself. Jensen smelled amazing; he smelled like faded cologne, sleep and warmth, warmth that had seeped into Jared's bones and had left him relaxed and warm. He was startled when Jensen started to move, and show signs of waking up but he forced himself to stay calm and quiet behind the slumbering man.

Jensen mumbled something he hadn't been able to decipher, but it sounded so incredibly cute that Jared didn’t mind much that he couldn't understand a word of it. When Jensen pushed back against Jared; the younger man had to fight back a moan. That perky ass pressing against his cock… that was quickly filling due to the movements Jensen had been making. He nearly jumped out of his skin when Jensen turned around and cuddled up to him like he was a human-sized teddy bear, and he'd been unable to keep himself from touching and tasting Jensen. He had to admit, the man tasted amazing… soft and sleepy warm in the morning.

*

Jared pushed the door to his own room open and stepped inside while trying to get the image of a sleep rumpled Jensen out of his head. He felt an attraction to Jensen from the moment the green eyed man opened the door… looking at him with those big eyes and that sneer on those beautiful lips. After he took a shower, and got dressed he bounded downstairs to grab some food from the kitchen. He was too late for breakfast…but Steve saved him some and handed him a warmed up plate with eggs and pancakes.

“Thanks man” Jared mumbled around a full mouth of eggs, “I was starving” as he chewed enthusiastically.

Steve chuckled and shook his head. “I found out in the last couple of days that you're always hungry.” He placed a mug filled with coffee in front of Jared, “My grocery cart is noticeably fuller when I go to the supermarket.”

Jared finished his breakfast and helped Steve with the dishes, “So uhm... where's Jensen?” Jared asked trying to be as aloof as he possibly could.

The blond man turned around with a wicked smirk on his face. “Why do you ask?” he said, “I mean, what could you possibly want with our dear little Jenny?”

“I strongly advise that you don't call him that to his face.... not if you want to keep your privates where they are” Chris' voice sounded from behind them as the two men spun around.

“Wouldn't dare” Steve flashed a grin, and threw Chris a towel so he could help dry the dishes “Come on, make yourself useful” Steve quipped, and kissed Chris on the cheek.

“Ugh” Jared exclaimed and pulled a face “That's disgustingly sweet... stop it!” …but that just egged Steve and Chris on, and Jared watched them kiss for a few short moments… “Hmm, never figured you guys for exhibitionists.” Jared commented.

Chris flipped him off and threw the now damp towel in Jared's face “Watch and learn Junior” he teased ruffling through Jared's hair.

The tall man chuckled and tried to duck out of Chris' range “Hey, not the hair... not the hair!” he said as he fled from the short man's hands “Grabby! grabby!” Jared tried to fend him off.

“God, it's like a freaking kiddy day-care in here” Jared's head shot up and he grinned widely at Jensen

“Oh, sweetheart... wanna join in?” Jared teased, “I promise to grab in interesting places.”

Jensen pulled a face “No, thanks” he said and scrunched his nose. “Give it up, Jared” he warned and walked past Jared to the fridge.

“Funny” Jared said, “You took the words right out of my mouth!  Give it up, Jensen!”

The shorter man spun around to grab a tall glass “Dream on” he shot back “I have no interest in you” he poured a healthy amount of orange juice in the glass before placing the jug back in the fridge.

“So, Jenny” Chris interjected “Excited for your hot date tonight?”

Jared whipped his head around to the green eyed man who was smiling brightly.

“Yeah, definitely” Jensen answered, as Jared watched the laugh wrinkles near his eyes grow deeper “It's a surprise where we're going, but I have a feeling he won't disappoint.”

Chris chuckled deeply and nodded his head “Well, he's a doctor so I suppose he can afford the best spots... what are you wearing?”

Jensen shook his head “I have no clue yet” he answered “As we speak Melly is running rampage through my closet trying to find the best first-date-haven't-had-sex-in-months-please-fuck-me outfit!” he took a breath and grinned, “That's what she calls it, anyway…”

Steve burst into laughter “I seriously wonder who wants to make sure you get laid more, you or her?”-

Jensen smiled brightly “Her... definitely her…” he replied, “she took me to that damn waxing salon, she told me to shave before I go so I don't have a shadow, she told me what cologne to wear! I think she'll cry if I don't get laid” he chuckled.

Steve frowned “You're not gonna let her pressure you into fucking the doctor, are you?” he asked.

Jensen frowned insulted “Fuck no!” he shot back… “I just don't have the guts to tell Melly that she's doing it all for nothing, because I'm not putting out tonight.”

“Good”

Jensen's head shot over to Jared's side and frowned “Huh” Jensen commented “I figured if one person would be happy if I was easy it'd be you!”

Slowly Jared stalked over to Jensen and pressed up in his personal space “I don't like to share... besides” he flashed a dimpled grin “I like myself a challenge.”

Jensen snorted and pushed Jared out of his way “Please, get a grip on your hormones” he shot back “They're running around like a headless chicken... go to a bar and find yourself a nice twinky.”

He let the shorter man slip away and sighed “Stubborn little shit” he growled and went outside to get himself back together. Jared didn't like the idea of Jensen having a date at all, he knew he had no right to speak since he’s only know Jensen for a few days, but there was something about the other man… something that spoke to Jared even though Jensen didn't treat him like a friend.

The rest of the day went by without a hitch and without Jared running into Jensen so when Jared walked back into the living room after dinner and saw Jensen sitting there all spiffed out his breath hitched and he greedily took in the vision of him. Jensen was wearing a pair of tight jeans, dressy but still casual and a shirt with the top two buttons undone giving Jared a perfect view of the tanned skin underneath. “Jesus Christ!” Jared exclaimed making no secret of eyeing Jensen over “Color me jealous!” Jensen turned his head at Jared's words since he had been talking to Melly “Christ... you look amazing” Jared let slip out. The blush that crept up Jensen's face had to have been the cutest thing he'd ever seen.

“Shut up” Jensen muttered and blushed furiously, but Jared took a few steps closer and shook his head “No joke!” he promised “Fuck, Jensen... you look, just wow” Jensen's eyes fell to the ground as his cheeks turned red.

“Thanks” He whispered in reply to Jared's compliments. He wasn't really used to getting them from people… other than Melly or Sherri, and it was nice to know that someone thought he looked good.

“This doctor is gonna be blown away when he sees you” Jared told the blushing man and he couldn't resist leaning in and taking a whiff of Jensen's cologne. “Hmm, you even smell amazing” He breathed in. Jensen cleared his throat and took a step back so Jared wasn't hovering over him.

“Told you that you looked totally hot” Melly said “I mean... the tight jeans, the shirt... pff, I'd fuck you”

The green eyed man scrunched his nose “Now I feel dirty” he quipped and took a step away from Melly which automatically brought him closer to Jared

“She’s right though, Jensen” Jared said in all seriousness, “You look incredible and that doctor is a dumb-ass if he doesn't realize what a great catch he has in you.”

Jared looked down into wide green eyes, and he lowered his head so his nose was almost brushing Jensen's cheek “Just uhm... be careful okay?”

Jensen nodded wordlessly.

“Okay” Melly interjected “He can be here any moment now... come here” she pulled Jensen over and started adjusting the spikes of his hair to her liking. The doorbell rang, and when Jensen moved Melly stopped him “No... You’re not gonna open the door for your own date!” she said. “Jared” she ordered the tall man… “Go open the door.”

Jared huffed, the last thing he wanted to do was open the door for the date- of the guy- HE wanted to get with… “Fine” he said. He valued his balls so he really didn't want to argue with Melly because, in the short time he'd been home, he'd learned that messing with her was a very dangerous thing. He walked over to the front door and pulled it open. Almost immediately a sneer appeared on his face as he looked at the older man. Tall, dark and old, in Jared's opinion, and he really couldn't see why Jensen would ever want to date a guy like that.

The man looked wholesome… which translated into boring if you asked Jared. “I'm sorry…” Jared said and took a step back “…We're not buying what you're selling” he slammed the door closed in the man's face.

When he turned around he was faced with a curious looking Melly “Who was that?” she asked, and he grinned evilly “Salesman” he replied.

She eyed him suspiciously “Really?” she asked, obviously not believing a word he was saying to her. “And what, pray tell, was he selling?”

Jared mulled about that for a moment and grinned “I don't know... vacuum cleaners... Viagra” he snorted “He looked like a guy who'd need Viagra.” The bell rang again, this time twice in a row, an obvious sign of impatience and Jared snorted “They are persistent these days.” but Melly shoved him out of the way and opened the door.

“Doctor Morgan” She greeted the older man “My apologies for the new rude doorman, he hasn't really learned his place yet.” she excused Jared's behavior.

Jared eyed the older man and grinned sarcastically “Yeah, I apologize... terribly sorry.” though the tone of his voice didn't leave any doubt that Jared was anything but sorry. The doctor was dressed in a sharp suit… black with a crisp white shirt, and loafers. Jared had to suppress the need to snort at the man obviously thinking he was someone important

“Doctor...” Jensen's voice cut through Jared's musings, and his eyes shot to the other man “I mean, Jeff... it's good to see you.” and Jared watched as Jensen shook the older man's hand, fighting the urge to grab Jensen by his shirt and pulling him back against his chest while growling 'mine' at the doctor.

Jeff smiled and shook Jensen's hand “Jensen, I'm sorry I'm early” he said, and looked Jensen up and down “I suppose I can wait with Sherri while you get changed…”

The hurt look that crossed Jensen's face was enough for Jared to hate the doctor. Jensen looked amazing… way better that the older man, and Jared felt the need to grab the doctor by his expensive suit and throw him on his ass in the gravel of the driveway. Jensen wiped the hurt look off his face and nodded “Sure” he said “Give me a couple of minutes” he turned to hurry up the stairs.

Jared glared at the doctor as Melly showed him into the living room where Sherri was watching a show on TV “Doctor Morgan” she smiled “Good to see you, I suppose you're here for your date with Jensen!” she smiled.

Jeff smiled and nodded “He's changing, and then we're off…” he explained.

A frown crossed Sherri's mind “I thought he already had changed?” she questioned “He looked so good in his jeans and shirt?”

Jeff had the decency to look slightly ashamed “Oh…” he said “I guess I should have specified the dress-code of the restaurant I'm taking him.”

It took only five minutes for Jensen to walk back into the living room and Jared once again greedily eyed the shorter man, this time decked out in a tux and not the one he'd worn when he was playing butler. Safe to say that Jensen looked absolutely amazing no matter what he was wearing and Jared wished it was him who was taking Jensen out. The two men walked to the door and Jensen wished them a good night before he pulled the door closed behind him.

Jensen smiled at Jeff when the older man held the car door open for him… “You look wonderful.” Jeff said as he took place in the drivers’ seat… “And I apologize for not telling you where we're going, because you looked amazing when you opened the door.”

The green eyed man blushed and ducked his head “Thank you” he said and buckled his seatbelt “You look great too” it was the truth… Jeff looked amazing in his suit; smart and distinguished. The car was a fancy looking Mercedes and Jensen squirmed in the leather seat to get comfortable “I'm sorry about Jared” he said “He's Sherri's youngest son, and he came home a couple of days ago…”

Jeff took his eyes off the road for a moment to smile at Jensen “That's quite alright” he said “Kids are like that. Besides I have a feeling that Jared has an eye on you.”

Jensen stuttered and blushed “He has shown some interest but he's a cocky asshole!” Jensen blushed “Pardon my language.”

The older man chuckled “You can talk however you want Jensen” he said “Just forget you know me as your doctor, tonight I'm your friend.”

Long lashes lifted and Jensen smiled at Jeff “Ok” he said “As long as you're not one of those doctors that's gonna tell me not to eat steak because red meat isn't good for me.”

The doctor laughed out loud… Jensen found he liked Jeff's laugh, loud and booming “Hell no! I'm a big fan of steak myself... just promise me you'll eat all your veggies.”  He winked.

Jeff took him to one of the fanciest restaurants in town. The place was classy and decorated stylishly, the maitre'd showed them to their table and Jensen sat down with caution. He took in the delicate table cloth, the long stemmed glasses and the candle on the table. He eyed the rest of the restaurant, and saw it was packed but eerily quiet, nobody seemed to be talking or laughing and he was afraid to break the silence. The food was just as posh and stylish as the restaurant itself, portions that wouldn't satisfy a freaking mouse all delicately arranged on fine china plates and served by prim looking waiters and waitresses. Dinner was accompanied by quiet talks of how their day had gone… patients’, how Sherri was doing, and how Jared had been settling in. To Jensen it seemed like dinner took hours and hours! While in reality they were in and out of the restaurant in an hour and a half. And a still hungry Jensen, since the small portions had been too little to satisfy him. The ride back home was painfully quiet… Jensen was startled when Jeff informed him they were back at the house.

Jeff stepped out of the car and walked Jensen to the front door of the house “I had a great time” he said softly and looked down at Jensen “Thanks for joining me.”

Jensen nodded his head “Yeah, it was a nice night” he said, not wanting to be rude to Jeff “So I guess I'll call you or something?”

The older man smiled “How about I call you” he suggested “My schedule is a bit hectic… so I never know when I'll be able to answer the phone.” he leaned in, and before Jensen could react two firm lips were pressed against him. Jeff's stubble rough against his skin- and it was over before he could react to it “Goodnight” Jeff said softly and got back into his car.

Jensen starred at the car as Jeff drove off, and touched his lips with his fingers. The kiss had been quick- and superficial- so it shouldn't surprise him that he didn't feel much… it was comfortable and easy so he guessed it was a good kiss. He opened the front door and stepped inside… it was late, and the rest had probably gone to bed. So, he threw his suit jacket on the bench in the hall and walked into the living room.

“How was the date?”

Jensen spun around when he heard the voice and saw Jared sitting at the table, his laptop in front of him and various papers and files spread around on the table.

“It was great!” Jensen lied “We went to this restaurant and...” but Jared cut him off, one of Jared most annoying traits as he did that a lot, not let people finish.

“What restaurant did you go to?” Jared asked and looked up; Jensen had to admit that Jared looked good like that, the blue-ish light of the laptop illuminating his face. Dressed in the sweats and t-shirt he looked comfortable…relaxed.

“He took me to Viallo's” Jensen replied “And it was great! The food was...”

Jared got to his feet and snorted “That's not food!” he interrupted Jensen again and walked over to him. “Come with me.”

Jensen frowned, and was about to go off at Jared when he felt a strong hand at the small of his back… Jared started leading him back to the front door of the house. He followed the tall man in confusion and was about to protest when Jared opened the door to the large SUV, and motioned for Jensen to get in. “Just... trust me, ok... this once.” Jared held the door open pleading Jensen to just get inside. Jensen sighed and slipped into the car seat.

“So” Jensen said as Jared drove the car out of the driveway “Where are you kidnapping me too?” he wanted to know, and looked over at the younger man.

Jared chuckled and took another turn into the center of town “McDonalds” he replied as Jensen's eyes widened.

“Mac... what the hell are you thinking?” He asked incredulous.

The light of the golden M sign came into view and Jared parked the car right in front of the building. “He took you to Viallo's... you must be starving! I ate there once and I swear... what they call a four course meal at that place.... they should be ashamed of themselves, my stomach started eating itself out of shear desperation.” Jared said.

Jensen laughed and got out of the car “Ok, you're right…” he relented “It was very little... but it's supposed to be about quality of food, not quantity.”

Jared snorted and pushed the door open, walking straight to the counter “So... what's your poison?” Jared asked and looked back at Jensen with a wicked smile on his face “My treat.”

The shorter man chuckled “How generous” he said giving his order to Jared.

“Good choice” Jared agreed “And we'll take two chocolate sundaes too, please.” he told the lady behind the counter. They got a table and Jared immediately stuffed a bite into his mouth followed by a bite of the sundae

“Now that's disgusting” Jensen said as he took a bite of his own.

Jared smirked widely and took another bite “you have no idea what you're missing… Fries and chocolate sundae... yum.”

Jensen frowned skeptically but he stuffed a fry into his mouth and followed it up with a scoop of sundae, he coughed and pushed the sundae a little further away.

“And?” Jared asked grinning.

The green eyed man swallowed and cleared his throat “Yeah... that's about as disgusting as I thought it was gonna be…” and he turned back to his fries, minus the sundae.

“You're such a wimp” Jared teased stealing one of Jensen's chicken nuggets.

“Hey!” Jensen exclaimed, and in turn stole Jared's burger and took a bite “There!” he said triumphantly “Enjoy the rest” and he handed the burger and its missing bite back to Jared.

Jared chuckled “Sweetheart, do you really think that'll stop me?” he asked and took a bite out of the burger right where Jensen had left off “Mmm, best burger ever!” Jared teased. Jensen tried to cover up his furious blush by taking a sip from his large coke.

When Jensen polished off the last of his fries Jared got to his feet “Come on” he said grabbing Jensen's hand to pull him upright. “Don't forget your ice cream.”

Jensen quickly grabbed his sundae before Jared pulled him to the door and across the parking lot. “Jared, where are you taking me?” Jensen asked slamming into Jared's strong back when the tall man stopped suddenly. “Should I be worried? This isn’t going to make to morning news, is it. You know, with pictures of me, dismembered in the bushes?”

The younger man chuckled softly, “Here” Jared said.

He stepped out from behind Jared and looked around “Wow…” Jensen looked around speechless “How the hell did you know there was a lake here?”

Jared shook his head “I didn't-” he said, and walked closer to the waters edge… “Anyways, it's not for swimming or anything because it plunges down to a depth of fifteen feet or something.”

“How do you know?” Jensen asked and sat down on the ground, folding his legs beneath him and taking a bite from his melting sundae.

Jared sat down next to him “I used to come here with my friends when I was little, it was just a hole in the ground back then, just sand, no water…” he took a bite of his own ice cream “…They started digging here because they needed the ground- then there were plans to make this into a fishing hole.”

He chuckled and Jensen looked up at him “I guess that's what they did” he said as he pointed at a sign that said you required a fishing license to be able to fish here.

They sat there for a few moments, just silently taking in their surroundings before Jared got back to his feet, and held out his hand for Jensen…  “Come on” Jared said softly “…We should go home and get some sleep.” Jensen reached out and allowed Jared to pull him to his feet, frowning when Jared chuckled and reached up to caress Jensen's face. A warm thumb flicked across his bottom lip and then disappeared into Jared's own mouth “…Chocolate sauce” Jared stated when he pulled his thumb from his mouth.

The shorter man blushed and ducked his head “You could have just told me” Jensen said “I could have done it myself…”

Jared chuckled and shook his head “Now where would be the fun in that?” he teased before he pushed the shrubbery aside so they could walk back to the car. Jensen slipped back into the seat and was quiet on the way home. Jared shook him up, one moment he was acting like a cocky asshole, and the other he was this surprisingly kind and funny guy… also- kind of hot with the way he licked the chocolate sauce from his thumb.

They went back into the house as quietly as they could and Jared followed Jensen up the stairs until they were at the door to Jensen's bedroom “Thanks for the food” Jensen said as he opened his door “You didn't have to.”

Jared smiled widely “I know... but hey... I do whatever I have to- to get you to go out on a date and this was a great date.”

Green eyes widened “This wasn't a date” Jensen hissed not to wake the others “This was fast food!”

The taller man shook his head “I drove, I bought you food, made you laugh, took you someplace romantic.... this was a date, sweetheart!” he grinned “so... do you put out on first date?” and he winked.

Jensen huffed and took a step back “You're disgusting” he said, but a part of him liked Jared's aggression towards him “I don't like you.”

Jared shot him a winning smile and took a step back towards his own room “Yes you do…” the tall man said confidently “…But don't worry” a smirk and a wink “I kinda like you too.”

The younger man slipped into his bedroom and left Jensen gawking in the hall “He... that... ARG!” Jensen hissed frustrated and closed the door behind him, disappointed that he couldn't slam it closed behind him. He changed into a clean pair of boxers and slipped into his bed replaying the night over and over in his head. Maybe he should be worried that the scene that kept playing in his mind wasn't Jeff's kiss- but Jared reaching out to help him up, the wide smile on the other man's face.

*

Jensen stumbled down the stairs a couple of days later, dressed in sweats and a worn shirt, the night before he'd gone out with Melly, and suffice to say that his hangover was beating like a marching band in his head.

“Hey Jenny” Chris greeted him, he was seated at the table in the kitchen with Jared and they were enjoying a nice sandwich that made Jensen's stomach roll and protest.

“Shhh” Jensen hissed “Why do you have to talk so loud?” he walked over to the cupboards to get some Tylenol and popped two in his mouth- swallowing dry.

“Hey, Melly” Chris yelled as he threw his head in the direction of the porch “Jensen's got a headache”

Moments later Melly walked through the door looking like hell warmed over “Keep it down, you son of a bitch!” she snarled and sat down on one of the chairs.

Chris waved his sandwich in front of Melly's face, and Jensen watched as she nearly turned green then shot out of the kitchen like the devil was on her heels.

“You're a mean... mean man” Jensen told Chris as he leaned his head back, and closed his eyes in attempt to quiet the marching band. “Just remind me never to go clubbing with Melly again, I'm too old for this shit.”

Chris chuckled “What was it... beer? Fruity cocktails?” he teased

Jensen glared at the older man “When I'm feeling better, I'm gonna kill you... and it was tequila, if you must know.”

“Whooo” Chris exclaimed “Little Jenny, on the tequila-” he looked at Jared “They grow up so fast.” he joked and Jared chuckled softly.

“At least Jared knows when to keep his mouth shut” Jensen said since Jared hadn't said anything and then the green eyed man frowned “Wow!” he said surprised “I can't believe I just said that!”

Jared chuckled softly again and he smirked at Jensen “Told you that you liked me” he teased.

Jensen stuck out his tongue “Do not” he shot back and took a sip from the tall glass of water he was still holding.

The younger man looked amazing this morning (or afternoon really) since Jensen hadn't been able to pull his ass out of bed before noon. Jared was wearing a pair of cargo shorts, flip flops and a tight shirt, his hair was slightly disheveled but it just made Jared look younger and more care free.

“Ugh” Melly stepped back into the kitchen “Really, tequila isn't as good going the other way” she groaned and plopped down at the table after getting a glass of juice.

She sat there for a moment and then her eyes widened “Where's Sherri and Steve?” she asked.

Chris laughed “Sherri knew what you guys did last night so she decided to take Steve to the mall instead of waking your hung-over ass’ up to come with her.”

“Thank god” And she buried her head in her hands trying to keep her stomach from turning over once more.

Jensen carefully hoisted himself out of his chair and took slow steps to the door leading to the porch “I need some fresh air” he mumbled as he stepped through the door and into the sweltering air. “Fuck” He grunted and stepped back inside “Why can't it be cold for once?” he complained “Always this fucking heat.”

Chris chuckled and shook his head “Considering where you are, does that surprise you?” he asked.

“Is a little bit of chill too much to ask, maybe a little snow?” Jensen grunted in frustration. He groaned “I want snow” he whined and opened his eyes again “I'm telling Sherri we need to move to Washington or something-- or Wisconsin!”

Melly snorted and lifted her head from her arms “Please” she scoffed “A few days in the snow, and you're pretty ass is begging for the nice sunny weather back here... stop whining.”

Jensen huffed “Listen here, little missy” he said “You dragged me to a freakin' club last night… poured God knows what down my throat… Leading to the mother of all hangovers, I can fucking bitch all I want!”

Melly got to her feet and made her way over to Jensen “You poor thing” she cooed and ruffled his hair, making him chuckle and duck away from her grabby hands.

He made his way across the room and pointed at her “You, stay away from me you evil woman!” and she giggled at him, making her hands into claws and hissed “down, kitty” he huffed and slipped back to the hallway “taking a shower” he informed them.

“Thanks, Jen” Chris called after him, sarcasm dripping from his words, “That was vital information I couldn’t have lived without. Please, tell me more! ”

Jensen chuckled and just stomped up the stairs. A shower was just what he needed, he finally felt human again and most of the hangover had been drained down with the water and suds. He didn't have anything to do today, it was a Sunday and Sherri always gave them Sundays completely off.  Hell, even if they try to do anything, Sherri would tell them to stop and get their ass poolside or something. There was a knock on his door when he just finished putting his jeans on, and he walked over to the door “Since when do you knock, Melly?” but as the door swung open he saw that it wasn't Melly.

Jared's eyes widened as he took in the smaller man, tight jeans were hugging Jensen's waist, the smooth, tanned chest still damp from the shower. Jensen's hair was sticking up every which way and bare toes peeked out from under the cuffs of his jeans. “I was going to ask if you wanted to join Chris, Melly and me to the zoo but I think I changed my mind” Jared said, “I think I'd rather stay in and see how long it takes to peel those pants off of you because.... fuck you're gorgeous.”

The shorter man blushed and ducked his head “Shut up” he muttered and stepped back into his room to finish getting dressed “Now... what were you saying about a zoo?”

Jared smiled “Right” he said excitedly “Melly told me there's a zoo about half an hour drive from here so since we all have nothing to do today we'd figured we'd go watch some monkeys and stuff”

Green eyes looked at Jared skeptically “A zoo?” Jensen asked disbelief apparent in his voice “You want to go to a zoo?”

“Yeah” Jared exclaimed and stepped further into Jensen's room “So come on” he said and grabbed Jensen's boots “Put these on… slap some sunscreen on those cute freckles of yours and let's go!” Jensen looked on, a baffled expression as Jared riffled through his drawers in search of socks, dumping a black pair next to the shoes “Come on, Jen” he said “The monkey’s are getting impatient... the ones in the zoo too!” he said winking at the shorter man.

The green eyed man slipped into his socks and shoes before following Jared down the stairs where Melly and Chris were already waiting “You actually agreed with this crazy plan?” he asked and chuckled when Melly nodded enthusiastically.

They all got into the large SUV, Jared closed the door for Melly and looked through the back window “Now kids” he told Chris and Melly, who were in the back seat “Buckle up because mommy and daddy don't want to get a ticket!” he turned to Jensen and winked “Do we, dear?”

Jensen chuckled and nodded his head, “No we don't, honey” he winked back and slid into the passengers seat.

Jared slid in beside him and started up the car “Well, mommy…” he teased as he looked at Jensen “…Did we bring everything? Drinks, sandwiches... diapers?”

Jensen laughed out load as Jared pulled out of the driveway “We got everything” he said and then smirked at Jared, “As long as you know that any diaper changes are done by you... Daddy.”

“Nice-” Jared said and wrinkled his nose. He looked at Melly and Chris by way of the rear view mirror “See what a slave driver mommy is?” he joked.

Chris chuckled and smacked Jensen and Jared on the back of their heads “Stop screwing around and just drive!”

Jared smirked smugly “You know, It seems that with did something wrong while raising our son, sweetheart” he said as he turned to Jensen “I think little Chris has just lost his right to an ice cream.”

Jensen turned in his seat and looked at Chris' sulking face “You guys suck” Chris said and Jensen laughed again. God, did Jared love the sound of that

“Maybe he needs a few minutes in time-out, darling” Jensen continued the joke.

“You could spank him” Melly interjected with a huge grin “That would be fun to watch” and Chris flipped her off “Though you could get into trouble with Steve for that.”

Jensen shook his head “Yeah, let's try not to piss off Steve, ok?” he said “Oh, Jay... you missed the turn!” he said when he noticed Jared was still on the highway while he should have gotten off at the previous exit.

Trying to ignore the feeling in the pit of his stomach when Jensen called him 'Jay' he searched for the next exit “Okay... I'm gonna get back on at the other side and we'll just round back that way.” Minutes later they were following the signs that pointed the way to the parking lot of the zoo “Damn… ” Jared said as he looked around… “It's freaking busy here!”

Jensen groaned as he stretched his legs out of the car “Well, it's a Sunday... what did you expect” and he grabbed the backpack that had been lying at his feet, “Come on, let's go.”

The four of them made their way to the booths that sold the tickets and walked through the large dates that surrounded the zoo “Where should we go first?” Melly asked excited.

Jensen looked around and spotted a man handing out maps “Hold on” he said. Returning holding a map of the zoo in his hands “Oh, thank god... no insect building” he sighed in relief. There wasn't a lot Jensen was scared of but as a ground rule... things with more than four feet should just stay clear of him

“Why's that?” Jared asked.

Jensen turned to the taller man “I'm scared shit-less of spiders” he confessed “I know it's not very manly and stuff, but the critters just freak me the fuck out.”

Slender hands wrapped around Jared’s shoulders and Melly’s head popped up beside his face. “He’s telling the truth, you know. Jensen really is deathly afraid of spiders…. Also; they make his squeal like a nine year old girl.”

An insulted huff came from Jensen, “I do not squeal like a nine year old girl!”

Chris patted Jensen on the back, “He’s right you know… and eleven year old girl is more accurate.”

Jensen pouted, “You guys suck!”

They went to the monkeys first, they were always a hoot! But after Melly told a story about how a lady owned a Chimp, and one day when her friend was baby-sitting the chimp…the animal got angry and ate like half her face and her hands and stuff, Jensen looked at the monkeys in an entirely different way.

“You're so full of shit” Jared said but Melly shook her head.

“I swear to God!!” she said “It was on Oprah... they rolled the 911 call and the woman was like 'hurry, hurry... my chimp is eating my friend' can you fucking believe that... he was eating her!!” She shivered and took a step back from the thick glass with the monkeys behind them.

Jared had a horrific look on his face, ‘Oh my God…. Okay, no more monkeys for me, thanks.”

“I guess they're more like humans than anyone could ever expect” Chris said “even they have malicious, sicko murderers among them.”

Jensen took a step back and bumped into Jared's chest… he lifted his head and looked into hazel eyes “Can we go to another part of the zoo? Melly's just taken all the fun out of watching monkeys…” The tall man chuckled and placed a hand in the small of Jensen's back to lead him out of the monkey housing “let's go watch some lions” Jensen said.

“Yeah” Jared chuckled “Because they're so much more cuddly and sweet than monkeys” and he winked at Jensen.

“Shut up” Jensen said “I don't like you” and Jared laughed out loud.

“You like me less than Lions?” he asked and Jensen nodded “Less than...” he looked around and spotted the white and black striped animals “Less than Zebra's” and Jensen nodded again. Jared pondered for a moment while they walked… “You like me less than monkeys?” he asked and Jensen's face turned pensive

“Hmm, that depends.... are you planning on eating me?” the moment the words left his mouth he realized the jokes Jared could make of those words.

The tall man smiled and shook his head “Nah” he said “I mean... you're appetizing and all but I think I like you better in one piece.... and breathing.”

Jensen smiled back at Jared “Then I guess I like you better than monkeys”

Jared pumped his fist in the air and let out a yelp “Woohoo!!”

Chris and Melly caught up to him and Melly looked at Jared as if he belonged in a mental institution “What the hell are you on?” she asked as she opened the door to the reptile house and stepped inside.

“Too much sugar” Jensen answered automatically.

Jared grinned “Jensen likes me better than monkeys!” he said

Melly's eyes widened comically “Ahh” she said sarcastically “Now it all makes sense…” though she rolled her eyes ‘out of his mind’

They moved through the aquariums, and tanks filled with lizards, snakes, toads, exotic frogs, and god knows what kind of scaly animals. Jensen looked at an empty tank filled with sticks and plants and a piece of wood and leaned in close “This one's empty?” he said as he looked around the tank.

Jared stepped up behind him and peered through the glass over Jensen's shoulder “It's a genetically engineered snake, and he's gonna come down… bite you… and you'll become the feared super hero 'serpent-boy' or something” he teased.

Suddenly Jensen felt Jared tense behind him and he was about to ask what was going on when a large hand came across his head and covered his eyes “Jared... what the hell are you doing?” he asked as he tried to pry Jared's fingers away from his eyes.

“Just...” Jared kept his hand in front of Jensen's eyes and bodily moved Jensen a few steps back with him “trust me on this one, okay?”

Jensen followed Jared in silence and allowed the tall mass of Jared to move him a few steps backward and then slowly felt himself being turned around to face Jared.

“Care to explain why you felt the need to do that?” He asked but was startled when three boys pushed past them and planted their nose against the glass Jensen and Jared had just been gazing through.

“Wow!” One of the boys exclaimed “Mommy, Mommy!!!!” one of the others called out “Come look at this... it's a huge spider!”

Jensen's green eyes shot to Jared's hazel ones…Jared shrugged “Still can't believe you didn't see it…” he said “…It was practically right in front of your nose. It was one of the big ones, you know like from the National Geographic commercial?”

The green eyed man shivered and stepped a little closer to Jared, anything to get away from the tank holding the eight legged monster “Thanks” he muttered softly “I really don't like those things.”

Jared smiled. “No problem,” he said, and ran a soothing hand down Jensen's arm… “But I suspect that the last part of the reptile house is actually reserved for insects so how about we talk through it and just not look at the content of the tanks, how's that sound?”

Jensen nodded his head and kept close to Jared's side as he avoided looking at any of the windows that held live animals behind it “Yeah” he said “That sounds like a great plan.”

“And I just didn’t want you to embarrass yourself in front of all these people by squealing like a little girl.” Which earned Jared a smack on the shoulder from the shorter man.

Jared distracted Jensen for the next couple of minutes by retelling silly stories from college, and Jensen couldn't be more grateful… he occasionally heard Melly squeal with disgust or an exclamation of 'disgusting' no doubt meant for one of the critters. The rest of the day went by without a hitch, Jensen didn't have to come face to face with anything with more than four legs, Melly got to see the lions, Chris the panthers and Jared got his mega slurpy so everyone was a happy camper at the end of the day.

On the ride home Jared looked in the rear view mirror and chuckled softly “Look at that…” he teased “The kiddies fell asleep.” His eyes slid over to Jensen when he didn't get an answer and smiled softly when he saw he fell asleep too, with his head against the window no less. Jared reached out and brushed his knuckles across Jensen's cheek “Amazing” he whispered softly as to not disturb him “You're so amazing” and he ran his fingers through Jensen's soft hair.

“You really like him, don't you?” Jared was startled by Melly's soft question and he found her eyes in the mirror, a soft, sad smile and he nodded.

“He's kind of awesome, you know” he said.

She chuckled softly and sat up a little straighter “That he is” she agreed and searched his hazel eyes for any information. “Can I ask why you're always such a cocky bastard with him, then?” she asked.

Jared smiled softly and looked at the sleeping man for a moment “He's just so damn serious…” he said “…He takes life so serious, and he just needs to have a little fun.” a soft chuckle “If it takes me being cocky and dragging him to a zoo... well then, so be it!”

Melly nodded her head, “He likes you, you know…” she said “…I know he doesn't say it, but I can tell... he's warming up to you. Don't fuck it up now by pushing too hard.”

“I don't wanna push him, but he's dating this doctor dude and I just... if I don't push at all then I'm afraid he'll just stay with the doctor instead of coming to me” Jared explained.

She agreed and placed her hand on his shoulder “Jensen likes Jeff, but whenever he talks about him don't you hear there's no lust in his voice, no excitement when he talks about Jeff” she said. “Jensen's a great guy... a little oblivious sometimes but still a great guy. He's just trying to find what he wants, what he needs, and right now he thinks he wants and needs Jeff” she smiled encouragingly. “He'll come around” she assured him “Just be his friend,” Her eyes found his in the mirror “dial down the asshole and dial up the sweet guy you've been today... he reacts better to a friendly smile then a hand grabbing his ass.”

Jared chuckled and pulled the car into the driveway, he reached out a hand to the sleeping man beside him and brushed his thumb across Jensen's cheekbone “Jen” he said softly “Jen” a little louder when the man kept on sleeping.

Long lashes fluttered and slowly green eyes opened. Jensen looked around him with a bewildered expression on his face “wh..?” he asked as he rubbed his eyes.

Jared chuckled as he saw the cute gesture “hey, sleepyhead” he teased and squeezed Jensen's arm “you zonked out five minutes into the drive back home.”

Jensen looked around him and smiled at Jared “Sorry I was a boring passenger” he said, but Jared waved it off with a laugh “Well, Chris fell into a coma about three seconds after you so it's no shame.” They filed out of the car… Chris and Melly sprinted into the house when they smelled food “God, I'm starving” Jared said as he and Jensen slowly followed the others.

Jared startled when he felt a hand on his arm “Hey Jared” Jensen said and looked into Jared's eyes “Thank you” he said smiling “I had a great time” and he followed the rest into the dining room.

“Yeah” Jared whispered “me too.”

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