Big Bang 2012: Love Lies Burning. 16/24
“Holy crap, Jared!” Jeff is dressed in Armani for an evening with Danneel. He’s swearing as he lifts his suede Berluti shoe from the depths of a large dog bowl while smelly meat and biscuits drop from the hem of his pants and the sole of his shoe. Claws click over the tiled kitchen floor as Sadie arrives to investigate. Her tongue lolls in a happy doggie smile and she’s excited to see this large stranger who smells like Jared and food. Heavy paws land on Jeff’s legs in an affectionate display.
“JARED!”
“WHAT?” his brother yells back from his bedroom.
“There’s a fucking wolf in the kitchen.”
“Oh!” Jared walks in wearing a towel around his waist and is drying his hair with another. “I forgot to say, I picked Sadie up from the vet today.”
Jeff makes an exaggerated show of looking away, “Oh God! I don’t need to see my gay little brother like this.”
“My house! You called for me.”
“You know I don’t like dogs.”
“Aw. She likes you.”
“You aren’t seriously going to cram me, that tramp, this hound and you, in this house together are you?”
“There’s only one of you I’d rather not have here, but there’s a judge who insists you stay. Suck it up!”
Jeff wipes his shoe with tissue while Sadie helpfully licks at the delicious mess. He’s pushing the dog away when Danneel’s bright laugh is heard from the kitchen door.
“Lorretta let me in. Oh! Who is this?” Danneel drops to her knees to pet Sadie, giving Jensen’s dog a big hug in eager arms. “Oh, she’s gorgeous. You never said you were getting a dog. I love dogs.”
Jared’s brows raise as Jeff enthusiastically strokes Sadies’s head, “She belongs to a friend who is going to be staying with us. Her name is Sadie. She’s lovely isn’t she?”
Danneel kisses Jeff and takes a cotton handkerchief from her pocket, “Let me wipe that from your pants.” She looks at Jared and his brother looks from behind her, giving a smug wiggle of his eyebrows as she speaks, “Alona mentioned that you were getting a house guest. She mailed your proposition to us. It looks interesting. I can meet you at your offices. Is 10:00 a.m. good for you?”
Jared’s surprise is tangible, “Yeah. Yes. Fantastic. Really?”
“Don’t sound so shocked. Nana’s is every bit as interested in making money as Padalecki is.”
“Honey, what ..?” Jeff is inserting himself between his brother and his lover, bemused by their conversation.
Danneel simply grabs Jeff’s tie and pulls him up with it, “C’mon Pumpkin. I don’t want us to be late for dinner.”
“If you promise to take responsibility, you can keep him out as long as you like. He has to be in the office for eight.” Jared winks at the slim redhead, “I’m having friends over. There will probably be beer, potato chips and uncouth behaviour.”
Danneel grins and gives a suggestive lick of her lips, “My pleasure.”
Jeff is gaping at Jared and trying to process the entire concept of Jared having friends, “Misha’s away. I didn’t think you kept up with your art buddies.”
“They are friends of mine and Jensen’s. Lorretta’s made snacks and we’re going to tackle the studio together. All the furniture and stuff was delivered today. We just need some effort and imagination and it will be ready for Jensen.”
“Jensen’s friends? What sort of people will you be bringing in here?”
Jared’s reply is cutting, “The non-criminal type. It will make a change.”
There’s a sharp look from Danneel. She obviously thinks the dig is aimed directly at Jeff. They are on the doorstep when she stares Jared up and down, drags Jeff to the cab and says, “Nice outfit Jared, suits you.”
He turns cherry red when he remembers that he has been having the entire discussion in a state of undress. The cab driver gives a cheeky toot of his horn as he drives away, but Jared manages to catch his brother’s eye and has the last laugh as he mouths “Pumpkin!” at him.
“Nice pad!” is Chad’s reaction to Jared’s artful, architect-designed house.
Christian is typically tactful. He gives Jared a bear hug and says, “Jensen’s gonna love it here.”
Katie and Sophia demand a full tour and Sophia declares that she is never moving off Jared’s huge, squishy sofa. She moves off it fast enough once Chad sits down beside her, thighs touching, and starts to describe various activities it would be comfortable for. Christian takes advantage of the moment and suggests that Sophia help him choose which way to order the differently dyed drapes that Jared has chosen, while Chad fixes the curtain pole.
The drapes take half an hour longer to hang than anticipated, and they’re only completed because Katie comes to the rescue, wielding a drill with suitable bit, and providing the correct screws for the assembly.
There is a bout of bitching from Christian and demands for beer and peanuts while they are struggling to build the IKEA bed. “Why?” Christian wants to know, “Why would you shop at IKEA? I swear there is nothing else in this house from IKEA.”
“Jen says he likes IKEA and he saw the multi-colored drape panels and this wooden bed on their internet site. It’s what he wants.” Jared pouts and Chad comes to the rescue, carrying the required snacks. They settle on the floor together, throw nuts to catch in their mouths and exchange fond stories about Jensen. Sadie drapes herself over Chad’s knees and steals potato chips that have fallen on the floor.
There’s a satisfied glow that washes over Jared as he looks around the room at this motley collection of people, of friends, who barely knew each other a fortnight before. All brought together by the love for one person. For a man who thinks that he doesn’t understand other people or deserve their attention Jensen has an uncanny way of generating love. Jared thinks this is what family and home should feel like, and it’s been a long time since he’s known that. It will be some time before Jen can appreciate a gathering like this, but he will get more comfortable with time and help. Jared wants Jensen to be this content with their friends.
They finish assembling the furniture and Sophia and Katie insist on making the bed and laying down colorful rag rugs while the boys go to play Call of Duty on the PS3.
“Y’know, you’re not that bad, considering the way you do business,” Chad mentions.
“What do you mean, how I do business?”
“Well let’s just say, I never thought I’d be beating your ass at CoD after what you did to my predecessor.”
Christian stops playing and his eyes narrow at the tall man.
“What did I do?” Jared acts innocent.
“Last I heard she opposed your little scheme, and then she was in a wheelchair.”
“True.” Jared comments, taking a swig of his beer.
Christian has stilled and is looking uncomfortable. “I have to check that Katie and Sophia have everything they need.” He leaves his controller on the seat.
Jared doesn’t elaborate. He cocks his head to one side and listens to Christian’s progress, the sound of a door opening, embarrassed giggling and then Christian again, “Oh God! Oh! Sorry. I’m just …” The door slams closed and Christian returns, sliding at speed around the corner with wide eyes and red cheeks.
Jared is choking on his beer with hoots of laughter. “Did you really not see it? I’m guessing it isn’t their first date. Why do you think they were so keen to get us out of there?”
Christian wags his finger at him, “It’s okay for you, you have a built in gaydar.”
Chad perks up. Their game avatars are suddenly all dead and nobody has noticed. “Are Katie and Sophia … ?”
“Kissing … and stuff. Yes, Chad.”
“Man, what the hell are you doing running away? We should go see.” Christian and Jared leap on Chad to pin him to the sofa and he puts his hands up in defeat, “Joking. Just joking but dude, so wrong, it’s right.”
Christian is obviously still vexed. He’s running his hands through his long hair, his earring sparkles in the lamplight.
Jared takes pity, “That predecessor of yours, Chad. She hated our company scheme but the wheelchair was only temporary. You should look her up, send a fruit basket or sponsor her. I believe she’s running a marathon this year.”
“She recovered?”
“Carrying twins pinched some sort of spinal nerve. She was fine after she gave birth.”
“She was just pregnant?”
Jared quirked his lip, “Being a single mum is no fun. You don’t want everyone to know.” He leans in to growl in the sports manager’s ear, “Being a business man can be tough too, so it’s our secret. There’s no need to dispel any myths about how badass I am.”
His guests leave just before midnight and Jared falls asleep with Sadie by his side, on Jensen’s new bed.
Jensen is practically bouncing on the hospital bed when Jared calls in to see him early the next morning.
“Pleased to be coming home?” Jared asks.
Jensen nods and grins before tugging on his hand to have him join him on the bed. Jensen is careful to place a chaste kiss on Jared’s cheek and then pull back.
The nurse who is bustling around Jensen acknowledges Jared, “Dr. Staite will do her rounds after lunch, and if she agrees, then Jensen can pack up and go home after that.”
There are several days financial papers on the nightstand and she is about to place them in the bin when Jensen stops her. “Nuh!” He shakes his head.
Jared is proud of him. The nurse is his regular carer and can sign fluently, but Jensen chose to speak to her.
Jensen is struggling with the TV remote control and the nurse seems to know what the problem is. She laughs and speaks kindly, “Never can work the TIVO can you? Here, let me get this for you before I go. What will you do when you get out of here? You’ll be stuck on the same channel forever. Do you want to show him what you recorded earlier?”
Jensen nods enthusiastically and squeezes Jared’s hand. His eyes are shining and he is almost child-like. Jared wonders what can have him so excited.
The logo of the Business Daily - Early Birds Edition flashes across the screen. It’s not a surprise that Jensen watches it, the green-eyed man watches business and financial news like a hawk. It’s more than that though; he wants to share something with Jared. There’s an intro and general blurb and then the Padalecki Inc. logo flashes across the screen and remains just out of focus behind ‘Wiseman ~ the man with wise tips for tip top investments’, the channel’s sage of the business world.
“What wise words have you got for us today, Wiseman?” prompts Penny, the presenter.
William Wiseman launches into his daily monologue.
“Well Penny, if I mention the name Padalecki to you, the most likely words to cross your mind will be scandal, gay and downturn. The last few weeks have been difficult for the mediocre, medium size, middle-America concern. However, the old adage that no publicity is bad publicity could have been coined for this company. First there was the public confirmation that Jared Padalecki is indeed gay, and very out of the closet. Then there was Jeff Padalecki’s arrest for arson. A raft of traditional investors has been prompted to pull out of Padalecki Inc. However, on the back of that there has also been a flurry of activity by players who think they see something worth gambling on. Some financial experts are insisting that this is a good time to back Padalecki. I decided to take a look and see what the optimists are gambling on, and I have to agree with them. Now is an excellent time to jump into the market of easy bake food with Padalecki Inc.”
Jared sits up straight and peers at the screen, as if the action will make it clearer. “Oh my God!” he manages, sporting a wide, slightly stupid looking smile, stunned at Wiseman’s statement. Jensen isn't watching the television. He is studying every line of Jared’s face and the way the hazel eyes follow the screen. Jared is too shocked to care that Jensen’s behavior might seem a little creepy.
The presenter takes her cue and asks, “Why would that be, Wiseman?”
“Three years ago Padalecki Inc. was a traditional, family run, medium-return company. They had solid products and an established market. Their factories had seen better days but there was nothing major to worry about. Similarly there was not much excitement. The man who established the company died and since then his two sons, Jeff and Jared, have been running the show. Jared was a dark horse, his brother was expected to take control but the unknown brother ended up in the position. To the ordinary onlooker not much changed, however if we look closely we can see that isn’t true.”
“Padalecki Inc., with Jared at the helm, has spent the last two years dragging all its premises, kicking and screaming into the 21st century. The modernisation has been complete and thorough, if not without dispute, as at Linden. In the sidelines a substantial R and D budget has produced interesting patents for new products, due to roll out soon. My sources tell me they include a bright and exciting launch from the Rainbow Factory.
Despite huge outlay for the refit, Padalecki Inc. is on target to make a modest profit this year. That represents an achievement with such drastic outgoings. Add to that, whatever happens to Jeff Padalecki, Jared remains at the helm. Jared is a bold young man. He’s said by some to be ruthless, but he is turning in the results and he is undoubtedly dynamic, extremely charismatic and, it has to be said, a good looking front man.”
A picture of Jared smiling for the cameras pops onto the screen and Jared buries his head into Jensen’s shoulder and groans. “Oh. God! That picture is ancient. Look at my hair!”
The presenter interrupts Wiseman again, “You know, I have teenage daughters, they have never been as interested in the business news as they were in that article! The day after the press conference when Jared came-out, my kitchen was stuffed full of Padalecki products, and they haven’t stopped baking since. This morning it was pancakes,” she sniggers and lets the man continue.
“The tipping point in recommending Padalecki is their all-American attitude. They support regional suppliers and they have exciting new ideas and unusual alliances, such as teaming up with local rivals, Nana’s. There are many that say their attitude will curb their trade, but their target market isn’t the stay-at-home mothers and bake-sale grandmas. The placard-waving-church-going type was never likely to buy their ready-mixes. No, they are targeting students with just a bowl and a microwave, busy parents and modern young adults. In my opinion they are getting it right. My money is on Padalecki.”
“Well, thank you for your wise words, William Wiseman.”
“You’re welcome, Penny.”
Jensen fumbles with the controls and the screen goes black. “Wow.” Jared breathes and says it again, “Wow.”
Jensen gives a thumbs-up and Jared gives a thumbs-up right back at him. “Thank you. I wouldn’t have seen it until lunch time, and to see it with you is special. I didn’t think it would make you happy to see Padalecki doing well. I thought you would want to see us fail.”
Jensen rolls his eyes and shakes his head in quick denial.
Jared opens his arms to hug Jensen into a tight embrace but notes the look of horror and slight flinch just in time. He drops his arms, “You don’t want a hug, do you?” he says.
Jensen bites his lip and doesn’t move. There’s a curl of black disappointment in Jared’s gut that Jensen doesn’t want his natural affection. He knows it isn’t a personal rejection but he can’t help that it feels like one. Suddenly, Jensen is in motion, throwing pale arms around Jared’s neck, clinging tight, squeezing the brunette and kissing his lips.
When Jensen finally lets him go Jared thinks he’s closer to understanding this beautiful, strange man. “Is it too constricting when I use both arms to hug you?”
Jensen is pretending to stare into the distance. Jared takes both his hands and speaks close to his face, “I don’t mind because if you like to be the one who hugs me, takes me, pins me, Jensen I would love that. We can do that, but I don’t want you to feel you have to. Whatever we do, it has to be comfortable to you. I want to be intimate with you but it isn’t everything. There is a lot more to you than a beautiful body.”
Jared is sure that Jensen is hearing him but choosing not to reply. He speaks again, “Doctor Singh said that this is the sort of thing we have to talk about every day if we want to stay together. I want you. I want us to have a relationship so I want to talk about it.” Jared passes him a notebook and pen, “Is it too difficult when I put my arms tight around you?”
Jensen gives a squeaky noise and sighs. The pen scratches across the paper, yes.
“How do you feel about you hugging me and touching me?”
I like it. I want to do things to you. It isn’t what they do in the movies. I’m supposed to let you hug me. Do you still want me?
Jared reaches slowly to Jensen’s chin, making sure there’s no fear in his reaction, and carefully cups it, raising it so Jensen is looking him in the eyes. There is sadness evident in him that speaks of expected disappointment. Jared knows he has to get his words right, “Of course I still want you. In fact there are ways you can do that which turn me on like nothing else does.” Jared lets his voice lower to a sultry growl, “There are movies about that. When it’s us, in private you can have control. You can touch me how you want to. As little or as much as you like, and you can show me what you want from me.” There’s a thrill that runs through Jared just saying the words.
Some of the sparkle returns to the green of Jensen’s eyes and he nods, That sounds hot, he writes, as he grips his pen so hard his knuckles are whitening.
“Sizzling!” Jared confirms with a smile, and Jensen embraces him again, as if to prove a point. Nothing has ever felt so right to Jared. It feels like home, and he doesn’t need to analyze it.
Padalecki Inc.’s CEO arrives at the office at 9:30 a.m. Jared smiles at the doorman and says “Good Morning, Derek,” and the glass door closes softly behind him.
Alona dashes to ensure that Jared’s coffee is made. He picks the mug out of her outstretched hand and takes a sip.
“This coffee tastes like sh ... actually, do we provide this brand of coffee to every department, Alona?”
“It’s what we pay for. People bring their own.”
“Get someone in the general office to do a poll. Find out what coffee the majority of us would like to drink and change our supplier.”
Alona grins and fist pumps the air, “Yes, Sir.”
Part 17
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