Smoke & Lightning, Heavy Metal Thunder [4/?]
Title: Smoke And Lightning, Heavy Metal Thunder (4/?)
Authors: bloody_adorable and eviltwin
Fandoms: Supernatural RPS
Pairing: Jensen Ackles / Jared Padalecki.
Rating: PG all the way to NC-17 in future chapters.
Wordcount: 3,676
Summary: AU. Jared's a classic case of rich kid gone wrong, whose only sense of family comes from his motorbike, the guy he rents a garage from to live in and the precinct cops who know his face better than most already. Jensen's a hard-working student whose family are helping push him towards great things. What happens when their two worlds collide, and will Jared's troublesome nature be too much for Jensen to handle?
Disclaimer: None of the following is true in any way, and no profit is made from this work of fiction.
CHAPTER FOUR
When Jensen woke up it took him a moment to remember where he was and then another moment to figure out what had disturbed him. His phone was ringing and he grabbed it, checking the caller ID. His dad. Biting his lip, he pressed the button to reject the call and then quickly turned his phone off. He didn't want to deal with it over the phone. He reached down for his shoes - when had he taken them off? - and started to pull them on. The movement disturbed Jared and he woke slowly.
"Hey..." His voice was rough with sleep and he sat up, rubbing at his eyes. He saw Jensen tugging his shoes on and stopped. "You going somewhere?"
"Uh."
"Let me reiterate. You going somewhere without breakfast?"
Jensen shrugged. "Why?"
"'Cause Jeffrey makes breakfast every morning."
"Seriously?"
"What, you don't eat breakfast at your house?"
Jensen felt his cheeks flush. "Yeah. If mom gets up in time to make me something, sure."
"So... If she doesn't you just starve?"
Jensen stood, straightening his clothes. "I am so not explaining this to you. No, I don't starve. We have fruit."
Stretching, Jared yawned loudly. "Go inside. I bet you a six-pack he's got french toast waiting for us."
Jensen simply huffed out a laugh at that. "Right, like I can possibly buy you a six-pack. I believe you. You happy?"
"Sure, whatever." Jared got to his feet and led the way into the house, because it was clear that Jensen wouldn't intrude without a proper invite.
Sure enough, Jeffrey was behind the kitchen island, spatula in hand, and there were two plates of french toast on the small kitchen table. "Dig in," he smiled. "There's plenty, but it gets cold fast, kiddo."
A little embarrassed that Jeffrey obviously knew he was there already, Jensen sat down at the table and pulled a plate towards him with a quiet thank you. Jared, he noticed, had a very healthy appetite from the way he was currently devouring his meal. Jensen looked at him a moment more, then back down at his plate.
"Eat it. It ain't poisoned," Jeffrey joked, and Jensen started to eat as he sat down with his own breakfast, not saying a word when Jared snagged another piece from his plate.
"You're not at work today?" Jared asked.
"I thought I'd give myself the Saturday off for a change. In case you wanted to do anything."
"Li' wha'?" Jared asked, barely comprehensible around a half-slice of bread.
"Jay."
"Wha'?"
"I'm sure you're impressing our guest with your incredible manners."
"Vas jus' Jen," he said, smirking.
Jeffrey chuckled, shaking his head. "There's something wrong with you, you know that? And anyway, like anything. It's Saturday, isn't it? The traditional day kids your age go out enjoying themselves."
Jared swallowed. "Kids my age? What am I, nine?"
"You might as well be, eating like that."
Jared licked the crumbs from around his lips, winking at Jensen. "And you're like... A hundred and fifty."
"Jared."
"Sorry," he said, although he was still trying to stifle a smile. "I say we go to the zoo and then stop on the way back home and pick daisies out in the sunshine."
Jeffrey pushed his empty plate towards the center of the table. "Fine, go work on your bike then. I'll take Jensen somewhere."
"Aw, c'mon! The guy doesn't even have a change of clothes. You can't take him out like that, you'll embarrass both of you. No offense, Jen."
Jensen just laughed and pointed across the table at Jared. "You know what, you can go out like that, but I'd get offended."
Jeffrey laughed, loud and boisterous, clapping his hand against Jensen's shoulder. "I do believe he's officially part of the family now, Jay. You better watch your back."
"Yeah, yeah. Are we going to the zoo or not?"
"I'm not taking you to the zoo. You're old enough and damn sure ugly enough to think of something a little more adult."
"Strip club?"
"Do the fucking dishes, boy."
"Hey, easy!" Jared said, holding his hands up. "Don't swear in front of our guest. He has sensitive ears."
"Around you, Jay, I think he's gonna learn to not be sensitive real damn fast. Get the dishes done then get changed. And find something for Jensen."
Jensen ended up with an old pair of Jared's jeans from before he hit his last growth spurt and a faded Jack Daniels shirt. He felt a mixture of hot and uncomfortable, because these were Jared's old clothes, but on the other hand...They were Jared's. He got in the back-seat of Jeffrey's car while Jared settled in the passenger seat and turned the stereo on. Jensen figured Jeffrey must have known exactly where he was going to take them that day because they drove about an hour out of town and ended up on a stretch of land by the lake, along with around a hundred classic motorcycles. He wished he could see Jared's face at that point, but he caught the reaction.
Jared leant across the front seat and hugged Jeffrey as he was parking the car. "It's like you know me!"
"Get off. Idiot," Jeffrey told him, voice filled with affection. "Heard about this from a friend last week. You really think I'd miss a day's work for no reason?"
"You're the best!"
Jensen was grinning himself as they all got out of the car and Jeffrey locked it up. Jared looked so thrilled that it was hard not to be affected by his excitement. He was glad he was with them, because it would have been kind of overwhelming otherwise. The sound of bike engines revving thrummed through his body and there were stalls set up by the lakeside for about a mile. People were racing up and down and there was a large crowd at the other end from where cars were parked, standing in front of a small stage. Speakers set along the walkway broadcast the music that was being played on stage. Jensen's eyes went wide as a huge bear of a man walked past them, holding hands with a tiny blonde. Both were tattooed on every spare inch of skin and Jensen wasn't quite sure if there were any parts of the man's face that weren't pierced. He was incredibly relieved that Jared had lent him some clothes, because he thought if he'd worn his crumpled school uniform he would probably have been killed by now. He walked a little closer to Jeffrey, all the same.
"If you boys want to look at anything, just go right ahead. We can meet up later."
"Hey, is Eric here?" Jared asked, looking over people's heads.
"Yeah, I think he said something about having a stall here. You thinking of more work?"
"Maybe. C'mon, Jensen." Jared grabbed Jensen's arm and gave him no choice but to follow. "See ya later, Jeff."
"Take care of him," Jeffrey said, more under his breath, as the two of them headed into the crowds.
Eric had long grey hair, pulled back under a black bandanna. He wore leather pants and a worn Woodstock teeshirt with a black vest over it, hanging open. He smiled at Jared and his teeth were yellowed from nicotine. He also had tattoos up and down either arm and they curled around his wrists and over his fingers, too.
He stood up to shake hands with Jared, pulling him into a hug when he had a hold of him. "Jay! Long time no see. And who's this?"
"This is a new friend, Jensen."
"You thinking about getting some ink, kid?"
"Uh-"
"Probably not, but I am," Jared interrupted, saving him.
"Lemme guess, you're just dying to fill the gap in your left sleeve?"
Jared laughed. "It's kind of noticeable, yeah."
"What're you thinking of?"
"I don't know yet. I was hoping you could suggest something to fit in?"
Eric nodded, motioning Jared to sit down. He tugged his shirt up and Jensen was treated to a better view of his tattoos again, this time a little less embarrassed about standing there and staring at them. Eric gripped Jared's arm gently, turning it to check the other work that adorned his skin. Then he clicked his tongue against his teeth, sitting back while Jared pulled his shirt back into place. "Yup. I got an idea. I'll get something drawn up. You stop by the end of the week and we'll do it."
"Thanks, man," Jared said, shaking his hand again.
"Sure your friend doesn't want anything?"
Jared grinned at Jensen. "Not yet. C'mon, let's take a look at some of the bikes."
They took a slow walk up in the direction of the stage, knowing it would take them a while to reach it because there was too much to look at on the way. Harleys of every shape and size were parked along the route and Jared kept stopping and pointing stuff out, asking questions of the owners. They checked out a few more stalls and Jensen was more than glad he had his wallet with him because he had to buy some shades since his eyes were hurting. Jared gave him his opinion on all the pairs he tried on and eventually settled on some that didn't make him look 'like even more of a dork' than he already was. Jensen had to admit, despite his very first impression of Jared, the guy was actually pretty fun to hang out with. He even managed to ignore the fact that Jared was looking even hotter today than he had the other night at dinner.
At least, he managed to ignore it until they met up with Jeffrey again. By then it was nearing midday and, despite the breeze, the sun was still very hot. Jensen knew he was going to burn and wished he had some sunscreen to put on. Jared obviously had no such worries as he swore, declared it was hotter than a snake's ass in a wagon rut, and tugged off his teeshirt, stuffing it under the belt of his jeans. And there were those nipple rings again, glinting on his chest. Jensen felt himself grow even warmer and concentrated on everything but Jared so he wouldn't make a fool of himself.
They made it to the stage and Jensen was starting to sweat. He almost felt like joining Jared and taking his own shirt off, but he didn't want to get burnt worse than he already was and he definitely didn't want everyone looking at his completely un-tattooed body. He'd feel like a freak.
He and Jared followed Jeffrey right up to the edge of the stage and Jensen stopped, uncertain, when the older man climbed the few steps up onto the stage itself. He turned to Jared who just grinned and drummed his fingers on his thighs.
"What's he doing?"
"Well, given that the guy on stage is one of his good friends I'm guessing he's gonna join him and play a little something."
"Huh. You didn't tell me he was in a band."
"He ain't. He just likes to play now and again."
Jensen wondered if he was any good and his question was soon answered as Jeffrey grabbed a spare guitar and began the intro of a song he knew well. His friend sang his heart out to it and Jensen didn't even notice himself joining in until Jared nudged him in the ribs with his elbow. It didn't make him stop, though. He sang louder, realising he hadn't felt this comfortable in a crowd of so many people in a long time.
Jensen was surprised how long the show went on. It grew dark around them and Jeffrey bought them some barbecue and a beer and they began walking back to the car while they ate. Jared had, thankfully, put his shirt back on so at least Jensen didn't have that distraction to worry about while they walked. He could feel the sting along his arms and the back of his neck from where his skin was undoubtedly glowing red and hot.
They arrived back at Jeffrey's at ten and Jared opened up the garage door while Jeffrey fetched some more beers out from inside the house. Jensen watched as they set out chairs and sat down with Jeffrey while Jared dragged out an old gas bottle with a hole cut out of the side. He lit a fire inside it and they pulled their chairs closer to it, drinking quietly at first. It was comfortable and odd, Jensen thought. He couldn't imagine doing something like this at his own home. He felt a small pang of guilt as he wondered what his parents were thinking right now. He'd left his phone off for most of the day, checking it once at midday to find three voicemails from his father and a missed call from his sister. They had no idea where he was and, for the moment, he didn't much care. They'd probably assume he was still with Chris and they didn't know his number to check, which was just as well.
Jeffrey fetched his guitar out after another half hour and sat strumming out a nonsense tune, the sound soothing and sleepy.
He turned to Jensen after a while, noticed him watching the movements of his fingers and stopped. "You play?"
"Sort of. Not well."
"Want to try?"
Jensen held a hand up, shaking his head. "Not right now. I'd rather listen to you."
"Mm." Jeffrey smiled, content, and went back to his lullaby. That was what it sounded like, Jensen decided, as he settled down even more in his seat and felt his eyes grow droopy.
"I'm guessing you're not intending on going anywhere tonight," Jared said, after a while.
The comment made Jensen sit up, blushing. "Uh." He hadn't even considered that they might actually want him to go home tonight. "I'm sorry, I can get a cab or something-"
"Hey, I didn't mean it like that, man. I was just stating the obvious. You can stay. But you might want to go see your folks tomorrow, before they come hunting us down and putting our heads on pikes."
Jensen laughed. "Yeah. I guess so. Where do...Where should I sleep?"
"You can share the garage with me again." Jared grinned over at him, teeth shining in the firelight. "I don't bite, promise."
They cleared up and Jeffrey said goodnight to the both of them before heading inside the house. Jared closed up the garage and stripped down to his shorts, leaving Jensen at ground level as he climbed the ladder to what was essentially his bedroom. Jensen sat on the couch and looked up as Jared called to him from above.
"What're you doing?"
"I'm...The couch?"
"Come on up here. Way comfier."
"Um.."
"Don't be a pussy about it. Just come on up. It's perfectly safe. I've been sleeping up here for the last nine years and I'm fine."
Jensen sighed, knowing Jared wouldn't let up until he gave in. He took off his shoes and jeans and climbed the ladder in shorts, socks and teeshirt. Jared was already stretched out on top of the sheets. The garage was pretty hot at this level and Jensen laid down next to him, stiffening up as Jared shifted onto his side.
"You can relax, you know."
"I know."
"You never just camped out with a friend before?"
Jensen managed to force his muscles to relax a little bit, his breath catching when Jared exhaled, warming his shoulder. He hummed softly, for about half a second before he stopped himself. "Friend?"
"Sure. I think we can safely say we're friends. Let me guess, you don't have many."
"I have...a few. One at school and the rest are people he knows. They talk to me."
Jared nodded. "Only friend I ever had before you was Jeff. Only other person I ever hung out with besides him was my parole officer."
Jensen bit his lip and didn't ask. He knew if Jared wanted to tell him, he would. He just wasn't entirely sure he wanted to hear it. Instead he changed the subject, looking over at Jared and then pointedly down at the tattoo on his left shoulder. The tiger's face seemed to glare back at him, the growling face both unnerving and beautiful. Around the other side of his shoulder there was a dragon, its tail intertwined with the tiger. "So what made you get into tattoos?"
Jared shrugged. "People in juvie had 'em. I decided I wanted some for myself. When I moved back in with Jeff he made me finish school and got me a little work experience with Eric, cause they were friends at the time. Eric did Jeff's tattoos. Maybe a mistake on his part, right? I got Eric to do my first one as soon as I could. He took some persuading, but I'll bet he's glad now. I got hooked. He's made a lot of money out of me."
"Do they mean anything?"
"Yeah. They all mean something. This one," he tapped his shoulder, then stroked his finger along the dragon's tail. "This is me and Jeff. And this right here?" He tugged slightly at his shorts, pulling them down enough to uncover the tattoo on his hip: a wolf's face peering out through the outline of a paw-print. "That was my first one. To remind me that it's just me in this world on my own."
"It's really cool," Jensen said, feeling lame for saying it. He wanted to ask about the others that covered most of Jared's chest and both his arms, but he felt Jared would explain them in time. He'd already noticed the latin phrase that he'd seen decorating the beams of the garage was inked across the inside of Jared's right wrist. He wondered why the phrase held so much importance to Jared. Again, he knew, it was something he would learn in time. He focused, found himself staring at Jared's chest again. "Why the piercings then? Why just there and nowhere else?" He thought about the pierced guy they'd seen earlier that day. He was surprised Jared didn't have more.
Jared just gave him a wicked grin and answered, "Because it makes everything feel good."
"Like what?"
"What do you think?"
Jensen realised what he meant then and clamped his mouth shut, his cheeks flushing.
"You're really fun to mess with, you know that? Too easy."
"Shut up."
Jared just laughed quietly to himself, but didn't say anything more. Eventually his breathing evened out and Jensen finally felt comfortable enough to turn onto his side, away from Jared, and try to get to sleep.
For the second morning in a row he woke up slightly disoriented, though the reason that morning was not so much his whereabouts as the fact that Jared was pressed against his back, drooling quietly on his neck. He could feel the cold patch of damp there, just above his collar. Rather than make him feel repulsed, he found that it was kind of comfortable. Less comfortable, however, was the hard-on he realised he was nursing. Shit. He wriggled forward, slightly, to try and get away from Jared without waking him, but it didn't work so well. Jared's lips smacked and he moaned and wasn't that just the best sound ever?
Jensen reached down and pressed the heel of his hand between his legs, keeping on his side as Jared woke up. He kept his breathing as calm as he could while he concentrated on something else, willing his erection away.
There was a muffled laugh from behind him and he froze. "Oh, man. I drooled all over you."
"Yeah," Jensen agreed, his voice stiff.
"You okay?"
"Sure."
Jared flopped onto his back, heaving a sigh. He checked his watch and groaned. "I should still be asleep. It's only eight-thirty."
What?. Jensen sat up quickly. "Eight-thirty? I have to get going, my dad'll kill me. I'm supposed to go with them to church for nine-thirty."
"Relax. It's a Sunday. I don't think Christians are allowed to murder anyone on Jesus-day."
"You don't know my dad. He's a lawyer so he can get away with it, too." Jensen got out of bed and quickly climbed down to the lower floor. He found his uniform from Friday, glad he'd thought to hang it over the back of a chair. It was still slightly crumpled, but definitely better than turning up in jeans and a teeshirt. He looked up as he peeled off the tee, wincing as it scraped his sunburn, and saw Jared looking down at him from the edge of his mattress.
"You're really leaving to go to church?"
"I have to. I'm sorry, I'd love to hang out, but-"
"It's no problem. You want a lift?"
"Uh..I'd better not."
"Oh, that's right. They don't know you're here. Sure." Jared rooted around at the foot of his bed and then tossed down a can of deodorant. "Since you don't have time for a shower."
Jensen thanked him as he disappeared from view. He sprayed plenty on and then pulled his clothes on, tucking the shirt in and fastening his belt. He really did wish he could stay, but he'd already pushed it way too far this weekend. He had homework to catch up on and somehow would have to explain to his dad what he'd been up to for the last two nights.
"Hey, Jared? Thanks. For everything. Can you pass that on to Jeff?"
"Pass it on yourself next time you're here," Jared replied, and Jensen at least knew he wasn't mad. He said goodbye and headed outside where he called for a cab. He then called Chris, who was just on his way out to church himself, to ask him to cover for him if his dad asked where he'd been.
"Where have you been?"
"I'll tell you tomorrow. I owe you one."
--TBC--
Authors: bloody_adorable and eviltwin
Fandoms: Supernatural RPS
Pairing: Jensen Ackles / Jared Padalecki.
Rating: PG all the way to NC-17 in future chapters.
Wordcount: 3,676
Summary: AU. Jared's a classic case of rich kid gone wrong, whose only sense of family comes from his motorbike, the guy he rents a garage from to live in and the precinct cops who know his face better than most already. Jensen's a hard-working student whose family are helping push him towards great things. What happens when their two worlds collide, and will Jared's troublesome nature be too much for Jensen to handle?
Disclaimer: None of the following is true in any way, and no profit is made from this work of fiction.
CHAPTER FOUR
When Jensen woke up it took him a moment to remember where he was and then another moment to figure out what had disturbed him. His phone was ringing and he grabbed it, checking the caller ID. His dad. Biting his lip, he pressed the button to reject the call and then quickly turned his phone off. He didn't want to deal with it over the phone. He reached down for his shoes - when had he taken them off? - and started to pull them on. The movement disturbed Jared and he woke slowly.
"Hey..." His voice was rough with sleep and he sat up, rubbing at his eyes. He saw Jensen tugging his shoes on and stopped. "You going somewhere?"
"Uh."
"Let me reiterate. You going somewhere without breakfast?"
Jensen shrugged. "Why?"
"'Cause Jeffrey makes breakfast every morning."
"Seriously?"
"What, you don't eat breakfast at your house?"
Jensen felt his cheeks flush. "Yeah. If mom gets up in time to make me something, sure."
"So... If she doesn't you just starve?"
Jensen stood, straightening his clothes. "I am so not explaining this to you. No, I don't starve. We have fruit."
Stretching, Jared yawned loudly. "Go inside. I bet you a six-pack he's got french toast waiting for us."
Jensen simply huffed out a laugh at that. "Right, like I can possibly buy you a six-pack. I believe you. You happy?"
"Sure, whatever." Jared got to his feet and led the way into the house, because it was clear that Jensen wouldn't intrude without a proper invite.
Sure enough, Jeffrey was behind the kitchen island, spatula in hand, and there were two plates of french toast on the small kitchen table. "Dig in," he smiled. "There's plenty, but it gets cold fast, kiddo."
A little embarrassed that Jeffrey obviously knew he was there already, Jensen sat down at the table and pulled a plate towards him with a quiet thank you. Jared, he noticed, had a very healthy appetite from the way he was currently devouring his meal. Jensen looked at him a moment more, then back down at his plate.
"Eat it. It ain't poisoned," Jeffrey joked, and Jensen started to eat as he sat down with his own breakfast, not saying a word when Jared snagged another piece from his plate.
"You're not at work today?" Jared asked.
"I thought I'd give myself the Saturday off for a change. In case you wanted to do anything."
"Li' wha'?" Jared asked, barely comprehensible around a half-slice of bread.
"Jay."
"Wha'?"
"I'm sure you're impressing our guest with your incredible manners."
"Vas jus' Jen," he said, smirking.
Jeffrey chuckled, shaking his head. "There's something wrong with you, you know that? And anyway, like anything. It's Saturday, isn't it? The traditional day kids your age go out enjoying themselves."
Jared swallowed. "Kids my age? What am I, nine?"
"You might as well be, eating like that."
Jared licked the crumbs from around his lips, winking at Jensen. "And you're like... A hundred and fifty."
"Jared."
"Sorry," he said, although he was still trying to stifle a smile. "I say we go to the zoo and then stop on the way back home and pick daisies out in the sunshine."
Jeffrey pushed his empty plate towards the center of the table. "Fine, go work on your bike then. I'll take Jensen somewhere."
"Aw, c'mon! The guy doesn't even have a change of clothes. You can't take him out like that, you'll embarrass both of you. No offense, Jen."
Jensen just laughed and pointed across the table at Jared. "You know what, you can go out like that, but I'd get offended."
Jeffrey laughed, loud and boisterous, clapping his hand against Jensen's shoulder. "I do believe he's officially part of the family now, Jay. You better watch your back."
"Yeah, yeah. Are we going to the zoo or not?"
"I'm not taking you to the zoo. You're old enough and damn sure ugly enough to think of something a little more adult."
"Strip club?"
"Do the fucking dishes, boy."
"Hey, easy!" Jared said, holding his hands up. "Don't swear in front of our guest. He has sensitive ears."
"Around you, Jay, I think he's gonna learn to not be sensitive real damn fast. Get the dishes done then get changed. And find something for Jensen."
Jensen ended up with an old pair of Jared's jeans from before he hit his last growth spurt and a faded Jack Daniels shirt. He felt a mixture of hot and uncomfortable, because these were Jared's old clothes, but on the other hand...They were Jared's. He got in the back-seat of Jeffrey's car while Jared settled in the passenger seat and turned the stereo on. Jensen figured Jeffrey must have known exactly where he was going to take them that day because they drove about an hour out of town and ended up on a stretch of land by the lake, along with around a hundred classic motorcycles. He wished he could see Jared's face at that point, but he caught the reaction.
Jared leant across the front seat and hugged Jeffrey as he was parking the car. "It's like you know me!"
"Get off. Idiot," Jeffrey told him, voice filled with affection. "Heard about this from a friend last week. You really think I'd miss a day's work for no reason?"
"You're the best!"
Jensen was grinning himself as they all got out of the car and Jeffrey locked it up. Jared looked so thrilled that it was hard not to be affected by his excitement. He was glad he was with them, because it would have been kind of overwhelming otherwise. The sound of bike engines revving thrummed through his body and there were stalls set up by the lakeside for about a mile. People were racing up and down and there was a large crowd at the other end from where cars were parked, standing in front of a small stage. Speakers set along the walkway broadcast the music that was being played on stage. Jensen's eyes went wide as a huge bear of a man walked past them, holding hands with a tiny blonde. Both were tattooed on every spare inch of skin and Jensen wasn't quite sure if there were any parts of the man's face that weren't pierced. He was incredibly relieved that Jared had lent him some clothes, because he thought if he'd worn his crumpled school uniform he would probably have been killed by now. He walked a little closer to Jeffrey, all the same.
"If you boys want to look at anything, just go right ahead. We can meet up later."
"Hey, is Eric here?" Jared asked, looking over people's heads.
"Yeah, I think he said something about having a stall here. You thinking of more work?"
"Maybe. C'mon, Jensen." Jared grabbed Jensen's arm and gave him no choice but to follow. "See ya later, Jeff."
"Take care of him," Jeffrey said, more under his breath, as the two of them headed into the crowds.
Eric had long grey hair, pulled back under a black bandanna. He wore leather pants and a worn Woodstock teeshirt with a black vest over it, hanging open. He smiled at Jared and his teeth were yellowed from nicotine. He also had tattoos up and down either arm and they curled around his wrists and over his fingers, too.
He stood up to shake hands with Jared, pulling him into a hug when he had a hold of him. "Jay! Long time no see. And who's this?"
"This is a new friend, Jensen."
"You thinking about getting some ink, kid?"
"Uh-"
"Probably not, but I am," Jared interrupted, saving him.
"Lemme guess, you're just dying to fill the gap in your left sleeve?"
Jared laughed. "It's kind of noticeable, yeah."
"What're you thinking of?"
"I don't know yet. I was hoping you could suggest something to fit in?"
Eric nodded, motioning Jared to sit down. He tugged his shirt up and Jensen was treated to a better view of his tattoos again, this time a little less embarrassed about standing there and staring at them. Eric gripped Jared's arm gently, turning it to check the other work that adorned his skin. Then he clicked his tongue against his teeth, sitting back while Jared pulled his shirt back into place. "Yup. I got an idea. I'll get something drawn up. You stop by the end of the week and we'll do it."
"Thanks, man," Jared said, shaking his hand again.
"Sure your friend doesn't want anything?"
Jared grinned at Jensen. "Not yet. C'mon, let's take a look at some of the bikes."
They took a slow walk up in the direction of the stage, knowing it would take them a while to reach it because there was too much to look at on the way. Harleys of every shape and size were parked along the route and Jared kept stopping and pointing stuff out, asking questions of the owners. They checked out a few more stalls and Jensen was more than glad he had his wallet with him because he had to buy some shades since his eyes were hurting. Jared gave him his opinion on all the pairs he tried on and eventually settled on some that didn't make him look 'like even more of a dork' than he already was. Jensen had to admit, despite his very first impression of Jared, the guy was actually pretty fun to hang out with. He even managed to ignore the fact that Jared was looking even hotter today than he had the other night at dinner.
At least, he managed to ignore it until they met up with Jeffrey again. By then it was nearing midday and, despite the breeze, the sun was still very hot. Jensen knew he was going to burn and wished he had some sunscreen to put on. Jared obviously had no such worries as he swore, declared it was hotter than a snake's ass in a wagon rut, and tugged off his teeshirt, stuffing it under the belt of his jeans. And there were those nipple rings again, glinting on his chest. Jensen felt himself grow even warmer and concentrated on everything but Jared so he wouldn't make a fool of himself.
They made it to the stage and Jensen was starting to sweat. He almost felt like joining Jared and taking his own shirt off, but he didn't want to get burnt worse than he already was and he definitely didn't want everyone looking at his completely un-tattooed body. He'd feel like a freak.
He and Jared followed Jeffrey right up to the edge of the stage and Jensen stopped, uncertain, when the older man climbed the few steps up onto the stage itself. He turned to Jared who just grinned and drummed his fingers on his thighs.
"What's he doing?"
"Well, given that the guy on stage is one of his good friends I'm guessing he's gonna join him and play a little something."
"Huh. You didn't tell me he was in a band."
"He ain't. He just likes to play now and again."
Jensen wondered if he was any good and his question was soon answered as Jeffrey grabbed a spare guitar and began the intro of a song he knew well. His friend sang his heart out to it and Jensen didn't even notice himself joining in until Jared nudged him in the ribs with his elbow. It didn't make him stop, though. He sang louder, realising he hadn't felt this comfortable in a crowd of so many people in a long time.
Jensen was surprised how long the show went on. It grew dark around them and Jeffrey bought them some barbecue and a beer and they began walking back to the car while they ate. Jared had, thankfully, put his shirt back on so at least Jensen didn't have that distraction to worry about while they walked. He could feel the sting along his arms and the back of his neck from where his skin was undoubtedly glowing red and hot.
They arrived back at Jeffrey's at ten and Jared opened up the garage door while Jeffrey fetched some more beers out from inside the house. Jensen watched as they set out chairs and sat down with Jeffrey while Jared dragged out an old gas bottle with a hole cut out of the side. He lit a fire inside it and they pulled their chairs closer to it, drinking quietly at first. It was comfortable and odd, Jensen thought. He couldn't imagine doing something like this at his own home. He felt a small pang of guilt as he wondered what his parents were thinking right now. He'd left his phone off for most of the day, checking it once at midday to find three voicemails from his father and a missed call from his sister. They had no idea where he was and, for the moment, he didn't much care. They'd probably assume he was still with Chris and they didn't know his number to check, which was just as well.
Jeffrey fetched his guitar out after another half hour and sat strumming out a nonsense tune, the sound soothing and sleepy.
He turned to Jensen after a while, noticed him watching the movements of his fingers and stopped. "You play?"
"Sort of. Not well."
"Want to try?"
Jensen held a hand up, shaking his head. "Not right now. I'd rather listen to you."
"Mm." Jeffrey smiled, content, and went back to his lullaby. That was what it sounded like, Jensen decided, as he settled down even more in his seat and felt his eyes grow droopy.
"I'm guessing you're not intending on going anywhere tonight," Jared said, after a while.
The comment made Jensen sit up, blushing. "Uh." He hadn't even considered that they might actually want him to go home tonight. "I'm sorry, I can get a cab or something-"
"Hey, I didn't mean it like that, man. I was just stating the obvious. You can stay. But you might want to go see your folks tomorrow, before they come hunting us down and putting our heads on pikes."
Jensen laughed. "Yeah. I guess so. Where do...Where should I sleep?"
"You can share the garage with me again." Jared grinned over at him, teeth shining in the firelight. "I don't bite, promise."
They cleared up and Jeffrey said goodnight to the both of them before heading inside the house. Jared closed up the garage and stripped down to his shorts, leaving Jensen at ground level as he climbed the ladder to what was essentially his bedroom. Jensen sat on the couch and looked up as Jared called to him from above.
"What're you doing?"
"I'm...The couch?"
"Come on up here. Way comfier."
"Um.."
"Don't be a pussy about it. Just come on up. It's perfectly safe. I've been sleeping up here for the last nine years and I'm fine."
Jensen sighed, knowing Jared wouldn't let up until he gave in. He took off his shoes and jeans and climbed the ladder in shorts, socks and teeshirt. Jared was already stretched out on top of the sheets. The garage was pretty hot at this level and Jensen laid down next to him, stiffening up as Jared shifted onto his side.
"You can relax, you know."
"I know."
"You never just camped out with a friend before?"
Jensen managed to force his muscles to relax a little bit, his breath catching when Jared exhaled, warming his shoulder. He hummed softly, for about half a second before he stopped himself. "Friend?"
"Sure. I think we can safely say we're friends. Let me guess, you don't have many."
"I have...a few. One at school and the rest are people he knows. They talk to me."
Jared nodded. "Only friend I ever had before you was Jeff. Only other person I ever hung out with besides him was my parole officer."
Jensen bit his lip and didn't ask. He knew if Jared wanted to tell him, he would. He just wasn't entirely sure he wanted to hear it. Instead he changed the subject, looking over at Jared and then pointedly down at the tattoo on his left shoulder. The tiger's face seemed to glare back at him, the growling face both unnerving and beautiful. Around the other side of his shoulder there was a dragon, its tail intertwined with the tiger. "So what made you get into tattoos?"
Jared shrugged. "People in juvie had 'em. I decided I wanted some for myself. When I moved back in with Jeff he made me finish school and got me a little work experience with Eric, cause they were friends at the time. Eric did Jeff's tattoos. Maybe a mistake on his part, right? I got Eric to do my first one as soon as I could. He took some persuading, but I'll bet he's glad now. I got hooked. He's made a lot of money out of me."
"Do they mean anything?"
"Yeah. They all mean something. This one," he tapped his shoulder, then stroked his finger along the dragon's tail. "This is me and Jeff. And this right here?" He tugged slightly at his shorts, pulling them down enough to uncover the tattoo on his hip: a wolf's face peering out through the outline of a paw-print. "That was my first one. To remind me that it's just me in this world on my own."
"It's really cool," Jensen said, feeling lame for saying it. He wanted to ask about the others that covered most of Jared's chest and both his arms, but he felt Jared would explain them in time. He'd already noticed the latin phrase that he'd seen decorating the beams of the garage was inked across the inside of Jared's right wrist. He wondered why the phrase held so much importance to Jared. Again, he knew, it was something he would learn in time. He focused, found himself staring at Jared's chest again. "Why the piercings then? Why just there and nowhere else?" He thought about the pierced guy they'd seen earlier that day. He was surprised Jared didn't have more.
Jared just gave him a wicked grin and answered, "Because it makes everything feel good."
"Like what?"
"What do you think?"
Jensen realised what he meant then and clamped his mouth shut, his cheeks flushing.
"You're really fun to mess with, you know that? Too easy."
"Shut up."
Jared just laughed quietly to himself, but didn't say anything more. Eventually his breathing evened out and Jensen finally felt comfortable enough to turn onto his side, away from Jared, and try to get to sleep.
For the second morning in a row he woke up slightly disoriented, though the reason that morning was not so much his whereabouts as the fact that Jared was pressed against his back, drooling quietly on his neck. He could feel the cold patch of damp there, just above his collar. Rather than make him feel repulsed, he found that it was kind of comfortable. Less comfortable, however, was the hard-on he realised he was nursing. Shit. He wriggled forward, slightly, to try and get away from Jared without waking him, but it didn't work so well. Jared's lips smacked and he moaned and wasn't that just the best sound ever?
Jensen reached down and pressed the heel of his hand between his legs, keeping on his side as Jared woke up. He kept his breathing as calm as he could while he concentrated on something else, willing his erection away.
There was a muffled laugh from behind him and he froze. "Oh, man. I drooled all over you."
"Yeah," Jensen agreed, his voice stiff.
"You okay?"
"Sure."
Jared flopped onto his back, heaving a sigh. He checked his watch and groaned. "I should still be asleep. It's only eight-thirty."
What?. Jensen sat up quickly. "Eight-thirty? I have to get going, my dad'll kill me. I'm supposed to go with them to church for nine-thirty."
"Relax. It's a Sunday. I don't think Christians are allowed to murder anyone on Jesus-day."
"You don't know my dad. He's a lawyer so he can get away with it, too." Jensen got out of bed and quickly climbed down to the lower floor. He found his uniform from Friday, glad he'd thought to hang it over the back of a chair. It was still slightly crumpled, but definitely better than turning up in jeans and a teeshirt. He looked up as he peeled off the tee, wincing as it scraped his sunburn, and saw Jared looking down at him from the edge of his mattress.
"You're really leaving to go to church?"
"I have to. I'm sorry, I'd love to hang out, but-"
"It's no problem. You want a lift?"
"Uh..I'd better not."
"Oh, that's right. They don't know you're here. Sure." Jared rooted around at the foot of his bed and then tossed down a can of deodorant. "Since you don't have time for a shower."
Jensen thanked him as he disappeared from view. He sprayed plenty on and then pulled his clothes on, tucking the shirt in and fastening his belt. He really did wish he could stay, but he'd already pushed it way too far this weekend. He had homework to catch up on and somehow would have to explain to his dad what he'd been up to for the last two nights.
"Hey, Jared? Thanks. For everything. Can you pass that on to Jeff?"
"Pass it on yourself next time you're here," Jared replied, and Jensen at least knew he wasn't mad. He said goodbye and headed outside where he called for a cab. He then called Chris, who was just on his way out to church himself, to ask him to cover for him if his dad asked where he'd been.
"Where have you been?"
"I'll tell you tomorrow. I owe you one."
--TBC--