Smoke & Lightning, Heavy Metal Thunder [11/?]
Title: Smoke And Lightning, Heavy Metal Thunder (11/?)
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: 3,124
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 ELEVEN
Jared had had no trouble getting to sleep, but Jensen just lay there, staring at the ceiling. He couldn't seem to switch off at all, his mind confused with the night's events. That Jared would stand up for him was something he had expected, but to see it first-hand had been a solid reminder of just who exactly he was dealing with. He was already fucked, he knew that. He couldn't imagine not having Jared in his life any more, and they had only known each other for a very short time indeed. But Jensen had almost forgotten, with the previous events of the day, just what sort of person his new friend was. He was glad that Jeffrey had been there to make sure it didn't go too far, although he was pretty sure in Doug's eyes that it had been far enough.
It was already the early hours of Sunday morning and Jensen was dreading school on Monday. Knowing he wouldn't sleep, he crawled out from under the sheets and carefully climbed down the ladder to the ground floor of the garage. His schoolbooks were stacked neatly on one end of Jared's workbench - an area he'd been told he could use as his desk if he wanted. He clicked on a light, knowing it wouldn't disturb Jared because the guy was flat out and snoring, and opened up his books to start on the homework he had to do. It would take him a few hours, he knew, but there was no way he was going to be able to sleep. Doug wasn't the only thing that he was nervous over, after all.
Along with the dread settling in his stomach, there was an anxious excitement over his and Jared's plans for the late morning. Jensen had settled next to Jared in bed a few hours earlier and told him that he wanted a tattoo. He'd thought about it all the way through the football game and decided that this was something of Jared's that he wanted to share in. Jared had kissed him and told him he'd take him to Eric's place in the morning. Eric was never busy on a Sunday morning and Jared knew he'd do the favor, because he liked to be owed.
"I'll pay him," Jensen had said, misunderstanding.
"Yeah, that's not what I meant. Think about what you want, and think hard. Once it's done, it's done. It's there for the rest of your life."
"I know," Jensen had replied, quietly.
And now, sat writing the essays he had to hand in the next day, Jensen found his mind wandering to the designs he had seen on Friday night, plastered on Eric's walls. He had an idea of what he wanted, though. And he knew where. He considered getting Jared to drop him off and wait somewhere else, but then wondered if Jared would go along with that, or if he would have the balls to go through with it without Jared there. He had a few hours to decide. For now, he thought, he would distract himself with English.
"Jensen.." The word was stretched out, spoken in a sing-song voice. Jensen felt something warm and wet tugging him back into consciousness and he lifted his head slowly, scowling as he realised he had a sheet of paper stuck to his cheek. He peeled it off, blinking groggily down at his work. He'd mostly finished it, but knew he'd have to read through it to make sure his sleepy brain hadn't made any stupid mistakes. He shivered as Jared mouthed against the back of his neck again, and then turned in his chair to accept a proper kiss.
"Hey," he said, sounding tired.
"You okay?"
"Yeah, I'm good. I'm sorry, I couldn't sleep so-"
"It's all right. Jeff's made breakfast anyway. C'mon. We'll go eat and then we'll get over to Eric's, before you change your mind."
Jensen nodded, letting Jared give him a hand up out of his seat. His body felt heavy, but he figured after a good breakfast and maybe a hot shower, he should feel a lot better. He followed Jared into the house, thanking Jeffrey as a plate of bacon, eggs, french toast, hash browns and sausages was set in front of him.
"You look like shit," Jeffrey commented, sitting in his usual place. Jared started squeezing ketchup all over his breakfast while Jensen just sighed and nodded in agreement. He probably did look like shit. "Is this anything to do with Jared's dumbass behavior last night?"
"Nah," Jared interrupted. "He's just shitting it 'cause he said he'd get a tattoo done today. We're going to Eric's in a couple hours."
Jeffrey chuckled, accepting the explanation. Jensen was kind of glad. He didn't want to go into about how worried he'd felt getting into bed with Jared last night, or how he knew Doug wouldn't be able to leave it, despite the punch Jared had thrown. They ate in relative silence, and it was Jeffrey who got up and started to clear everything away. Jensen went to find some clean clothes - he really was looking forward to getting more of his stuff from home - and then headed for the shower while Jared helped with the dishes.
Eric's place didn't look any less dingy in the full morning light, Jensen decided. He let Jared lead the way, but found himself pushed ahead when they reached the door. Eric looked up as they entered and Jensen's stomach flipped like it had just hit him what he was about to do. There was no way he would be backing out of it, though.
"Nervous?" Jared asked, after they'd discussed the tattoo with Eric and Jensen was laid out on the couch with his shirt pulled up, waiting while Eric drew out the simple design.
"Uh, yeah? Just a lot."
"You want me to stay right here and hold your hand?"
Jensen glared at him. "Shut up."
"You know, you could've picked somewhere easier to have it. Right there's probably gonna hurt like a bitch-"
"Jared."
"I'm just sayin'! Look, I'll be right here if you need me, okay? You'll be fine."
Eric came over then, showed Jensen the design he'd drawn up. "This okay?"
"Looks great," Jensen told him, swallowing hard.
"You gotta be sure, kid."
Jensen took the sheet from him and studied the lines and colors. It was almost exactly how he'd pictured it, but obviously Eric wanted him to spend some time thinking about it. He stared at it some more until Eric held out his hand and coughed.
"You done?"
"Yeah..Sorry." Jensen handed it back. "It looks really good. Honest."
"Okay then. Let's get started."
A while later and the realization came that Jensen didn't know how Jared could be used to this. His fingers were curled tightly into the cushion beneath him and he was pretty sure his lip was bleeding again. His eyes were watering, definitely, but he'd be damned if this was going to make him cry. Jeffrey was right; he really had to toughen up. He'd tried to watch the actual tattooing, but the moment the needle touched his skin he found he couldn't concentrate on anything but the hot, sharp pain like his skin was being cut into with broken glass. After a little while, Eric asked him if he wanted to take a break and he just shook his head no. He wanted to get it over with as soon as possible, despite the relief a break from it might bring him.
The whole thing took just under an hour and a half. By the end of it, Jensen would quite happily have ripped his skin off just to stop the near-excruciating pain.
"You all right?" Jared asked, as Eric went to grab a bandage to cover the tattoo over with. Jensen looked down at his hip and winced at the blood there.
"Yeah. Just..Really sore."
"Warned you."
"I know."
"It'll ease off, Jen. You'll be okay." He went quiet when Eric came back and bandaged Jensen up. Jensen straightened his clothes and then pulled out his wallet to pay. Eric waved the money away.
"But-"
"'Nother time, son. You'll be back."
Jensen doubted it, not with the way he felt right now. But he gave in and stuffed his wallet back into his jeans pocket. "Thanks," he said. Eric nodded and then turned away, obviously happy for them both to leave now. Jensen sure as hell wasn't going to argue with that; he was more than ready to go. Out on the street, Jared told him that he wanted to take him out for lunch.
"Where?"
"I was thinking maybe Wendy's."
"Don't you think you've kind of had enough junk for one weekend?" Jensen asked.
"You sound like Jeff. Lighten up, Jen. This is your first real weekend of freedom. Live a little." He winked. "I'll get Jeff to cook you some veggies tomorrow, since you're obviously missing them. Anyway, Wendy's do have a salad bar. I'm sure your body can handle it."
Jensen wrinkled his nose, but didn't argue further. He would make sure he got a decent meal at the school cafeteria the next day, if such a thing was even possible.
The parking lot at Wendy's was surprisingly full, but then Jensen supposed it would be full of families too tired to cook at home, or too annoyed by their kids to say no. There were a couple of mopeds, but mostly it was saloon cars and station wagons. Jared was going to stand out like a sore thumb. As they got off the bike and took off their helmets, Jensen again complained about having to eat a burger for Sunday lunch. Told Jared it wasn't right.
"I told you, lighten up. This is just lunch. We can have a decent meal later, if you really must. C'mere.." Jared reached across as if to grab Jensen by the back of the neck. Jensen ducked away from him before he even got close, then straightened and found Jared was staring at him. "What the hell was that?"
"What the hell was what?" Jensen mumbled, starting to turn away. Jared got hold of his arm, though, stopped him going.
"I wasn't going to hurt you. Is that what you thought?"
Jensen shrugged, wishing they could do this somewhere else. "No. I just...You took me by surprise. I'm sorry."
Jared searched his eyes a moment more, then nodded, letting him go. He was gnawing on his bottom lip as he led Jensen inside. He didn't even look behind him as he headed for the counter, so Jensen just said that he was going to grab them a booth near the window and let him go. His heart was thudding as he sat down. He knew Jared wouldn't let this go; knew that he shouldn't be so scared. He had nothing to be afraid of. It wasn't him that Jared had threatened. But, still, he couldn't help himself. He made himself comfortable, his side still hurting, and felt his phone vibrate in his pocket as he did.
There was a message from his brother, Josh. The feelings of dread suddenly shifted their focus. This was the first time he'd heard from a family member since Friday night, which in all honesty hadn't surprised him. He'd had a feeling that his father would forbid anyone from trying to get in contact with Jensen. Alan would likely just want to pretend his other son did not exist. The message from Josh made him wonder about this theory, however.
YOU SKIPPING CHURCH NOW?
Jensen glanced up at where Jared stood, still waiting to be served. He quickly sent back a reply. MAYBE JUST THIS WEEK. About thirty seconds later, his phone vibrated again. DAD'S PISSED AT YOU, BUT HE'S NOT TALKING ABOUT IT. Jensen sighed, his fingers working over the buttons. HE'S THE ONE WHO SAID I SHOULD LEAVE. TELL HIM IT'S HIS OWN FAULT. He hit send, seeing that Jared was now asking for their food. He didn't need this right now. He had enough to think about. But Josh replied again, after a couple more minutes, and the words made Jensen's eyes feel hot. I HOPE YOUR NEW LIFE IS WORTH IT. YOU KNOW I LOVE YOU NO MATTER WHAT. YOU'RE MY LITTLE BRO', NOTHING'LL CHANGE THAT. I JUST PRAY THIS DOESN'T TURN OUT TO BE A HUGE MISTAKE.
Jensen stared at those words, wondering how in hell his brother always had the worst possible timing. Right when Jensen was sitting there, doubting himself, and he had to come out with that? He shook his head at the display, knowing that he couldn't prove his father right. "It won't," he whispered to himself. "I promise."
"Everything okay?" Jared asked, sitting opposite Jensen and placing the tray firmly between them.
Jensen flipped the phone closed quietly and looked up. "Yeah. Just my brother, checking up on me."
Jared nodded and said no more. Jensen knew he was probably still mad about the thing in the parking lot and that they would talk about it, but it was obvious that talking was the last thing on Jared's mind right now. He pulled his food towards him and opened everything up, realizing how hungry he'd gotten since breakfast.
"Padalecki?"
Jensen looked up at the guy who'd interrupted them, found himself staring at a neatly-dressed, middle-aged black man and wondering how in hell he knew Jared. Jared, who simply looked bored. "Hey, Jensen, meet Bill. My old parole officer." He said it so loudly, so nonchalantly, that Jensen kind of wished the ground would swallow him up right then and there. He didn't look around, certain that the families in the booths either side of them were hearing Jared perfectly clearly. "What's up, Bill?"
"Is that your bike out there?" Bill asked, nodding towards the parking lot outside the window.
Jared grinned, almost sheepish. "Sort of."
"Well, it's sort of illegally parked. You want to go move it?"
"Weren't you supposed to get off my case about this shit, like, nine years ago or something?"
"Just trying to help you out, Jay. Don't want you getting a ticket."
Jared looked straight at him, then out of the window, directly at his bike. "Think I'll see 'em coming. Thanks anyway."
"Aside from illegal parking are you behaving these days? I gotta say, I was glad not to hear your name come up again after the whole Chuck thing happened."
"Yeah, I'm behaving just fine. Just ask him." He pointed at Jensen who looked like he was trying to bury himself inside the collar of his jacket. Bill, thankfully, ignored him, as frustrated with this conversation as Jensen was embarrassed by it.
"Stay out of trouble, all right?"
Jared didn't answer, just waved him away. Jensen concentrated hard on his burger, knowing Jared was just waiting for him to say something. He examined the beef closely and then took a big bite, trying and failing to keep his gaze from flicking up to the other man. Jared was watching him and the expression on his face was impossible to pin down. Jensen didn't know whether he looked more worried, pissed off, impatient or what.
"Ain't you even gonna ask?" Jared finally said, slouching back in his seat.
Jensen put his burger down and wiped at his mouth with one of the rough paper serviettes. "Ask what?"
Jared simply stared at him, then shook his head and picked up his own food. "Never mind," he told him, before taking a huge bite. Jensen was left feeling more than confused and without much more of an appetite. He dropped the remainder of his burger back into its box and drank the rest of his coffee, trying to burn away the nausea now churning his stomach. The rest of the meal was quiet and weird. Jared didn't seem too bothered by the lack of conversation, which was just as well since Jensen hadn't the first clue what to say. He didn't even mention it when he picked up the remainder of what Jensen hadn't eaten and tossed it in the trash along with his own leftovers.
Out in the parking lot, however, he didn't head straight for the bike. Instead he started making his way round the side of the building, leaving Jensen not much choice but to follow. He was startled as Jared turned to him once they were out of sight and pushed him against the wall, kissing him hungrily. Jensen could taste ketchup and pickles on his tongue and tried to remember to breathe as he kissed back, pushing at Jared with both hands. He managed to make him take a half-step back and looked up at him, panting.
"You could've warned me," he complained.
"Is that what the problem is? You want a warning? I would've done it in there, but there was this six year old brat staring at us from the booth behind you."
"Maybe we should go home or-"
"When are you ever gonna ask me, Jen? You want to know about it all, don't you?"
Jensen shrugged, trying to swallow. He couldn't meet Jared's eyes as he spoke, knowing the words were mostly untrue. "You'll tell me when you're ready," he said, wishing he could have the guts to just ask and accept whatever Jared told him. He'd known the guy was trouble. Look at the first time they'd met, for God's sake. Look at what had happened at Mickey's. He just wasn't sure he wanted to know how much trouble. Not just yet. He breathed out as Jared let go of his shoulder and cupped his cheek.
"Yeah, I guess you're right. Thanks."
He didn't know what Jared was thanking him for, but he just nodded. Let Jared tilt his head back for another, gentler kiss.
"We should get going. What time did Chris say you should be at his place?"
"Not till later. Mom and Dad will go out around four-thirty and won't come back till about eight. So we have a few hours."
"What do you want to do for those few hours?" Jared asked.
"Homework," Jensen said, remembering that he hadn't quite finished everything before he'd been woken up that morning. Jared's face fell.
"Homework? Really?"
"I have to. I know it doesn't seem important to you, but I have to keep my grades up and-"
"That you or your dad talking?" The scowl was back in place now and Jensen frowned, a little annoyed.
"Me." He said nothing more, not wanting to explain any further, and Jared didn't ask. Just led him round to the bike in silence.
--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: 3,124
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 ELEVEN
Jared had had no trouble getting to sleep, but Jensen just lay there, staring at the ceiling. He couldn't seem to switch off at all, his mind confused with the night's events. That Jared would stand up for him was something he had expected, but to see it first-hand had been a solid reminder of just who exactly he was dealing with. He was already fucked, he knew that. He couldn't imagine not having Jared in his life any more, and they had only known each other for a very short time indeed. But Jensen had almost forgotten, with the previous events of the day, just what sort of person his new friend was. He was glad that Jeffrey had been there to make sure it didn't go too far, although he was pretty sure in Doug's eyes that it had been far enough.
It was already the early hours of Sunday morning and Jensen was dreading school on Monday. Knowing he wouldn't sleep, he crawled out from under the sheets and carefully climbed down the ladder to the ground floor of the garage. His schoolbooks were stacked neatly on one end of Jared's workbench - an area he'd been told he could use as his desk if he wanted. He clicked on a light, knowing it wouldn't disturb Jared because the guy was flat out and snoring, and opened up his books to start on the homework he had to do. It would take him a few hours, he knew, but there was no way he was going to be able to sleep. Doug wasn't the only thing that he was nervous over, after all.
Along with the dread settling in his stomach, there was an anxious excitement over his and Jared's plans for the late morning. Jensen had settled next to Jared in bed a few hours earlier and told him that he wanted a tattoo. He'd thought about it all the way through the football game and decided that this was something of Jared's that he wanted to share in. Jared had kissed him and told him he'd take him to Eric's place in the morning. Eric was never busy on a Sunday morning and Jared knew he'd do the favor, because he liked to be owed.
"I'll pay him," Jensen had said, misunderstanding.
"Yeah, that's not what I meant. Think about what you want, and think hard. Once it's done, it's done. It's there for the rest of your life."
"I know," Jensen had replied, quietly.
And now, sat writing the essays he had to hand in the next day, Jensen found his mind wandering to the designs he had seen on Friday night, plastered on Eric's walls. He had an idea of what he wanted, though. And he knew where. He considered getting Jared to drop him off and wait somewhere else, but then wondered if Jared would go along with that, or if he would have the balls to go through with it without Jared there. He had a few hours to decide. For now, he thought, he would distract himself with English.
"Jensen.." The word was stretched out, spoken in a sing-song voice. Jensen felt something warm and wet tugging him back into consciousness and he lifted his head slowly, scowling as he realised he had a sheet of paper stuck to his cheek. He peeled it off, blinking groggily down at his work. He'd mostly finished it, but knew he'd have to read through it to make sure his sleepy brain hadn't made any stupid mistakes. He shivered as Jared mouthed against the back of his neck again, and then turned in his chair to accept a proper kiss.
"Hey," he said, sounding tired.
"You okay?"
"Yeah, I'm good. I'm sorry, I couldn't sleep so-"
"It's all right. Jeff's made breakfast anyway. C'mon. We'll go eat and then we'll get over to Eric's, before you change your mind."
Jensen nodded, letting Jared give him a hand up out of his seat. His body felt heavy, but he figured after a good breakfast and maybe a hot shower, he should feel a lot better. He followed Jared into the house, thanking Jeffrey as a plate of bacon, eggs, french toast, hash browns and sausages was set in front of him.
"You look like shit," Jeffrey commented, sitting in his usual place. Jared started squeezing ketchup all over his breakfast while Jensen just sighed and nodded in agreement. He probably did look like shit. "Is this anything to do with Jared's dumbass behavior last night?"
"Nah," Jared interrupted. "He's just shitting it 'cause he said he'd get a tattoo done today. We're going to Eric's in a couple hours."
Jeffrey chuckled, accepting the explanation. Jensen was kind of glad. He didn't want to go into about how worried he'd felt getting into bed with Jared last night, or how he knew Doug wouldn't be able to leave it, despite the punch Jared had thrown. They ate in relative silence, and it was Jeffrey who got up and started to clear everything away. Jensen went to find some clean clothes - he really was looking forward to getting more of his stuff from home - and then headed for the shower while Jared helped with the dishes.
Eric's place didn't look any less dingy in the full morning light, Jensen decided. He let Jared lead the way, but found himself pushed ahead when they reached the door. Eric looked up as they entered and Jensen's stomach flipped like it had just hit him what he was about to do. There was no way he would be backing out of it, though.
"Nervous?" Jared asked, after they'd discussed the tattoo with Eric and Jensen was laid out on the couch with his shirt pulled up, waiting while Eric drew out the simple design.
"Uh, yeah? Just a lot."
"You want me to stay right here and hold your hand?"
Jensen glared at him. "Shut up."
"You know, you could've picked somewhere easier to have it. Right there's probably gonna hurt like a bitch-"
"Jared."
"I'm just sayin'! Look, I'll be right here if you need me, okay? You'll be fine."
Eric came over then, showed Jensen the design he'd drawn up. "This okay?"
"Looks great," Jensen told him, swallowing hard.
"You gotta be sure, kid."
Jensen took the sheet from him and studied the lines and colors. It was almost exactly how he'd pictured it, but obviously Eric wanted him to spend some time thinking about it. He stared at it some more until Eric held out his hand and coughed.
"You done?"
"Yeah..Sorry." Jensen handed it back. "It looks really good. Honest."
"Okay then. Let's get started."
A while later and the realization came that Jensen didn't know how Jared could be used to this. His fingers were curled tightly into the cushion beneath him and he was pretty sure his lip was bleeding again. His eyes were watering, definitely, but he'd be damned if this was going to make him cry. Jeffrey was right; he really had to toughen up. He'd tried to watch the actual tattooing, but the moment the needle touched his skin he found he couldn't concentrate on anything but the hot, sharp pain like his skin was being cut into with broken glass. After a little while, Eric asked him if he wanted to take a break and he just shook his head no. He wanted to get it over with as soon as possible, despite the relief a break from it might bring him.
The whole thing took just under an hour and a half. By the end of it, Jensen would quite happily have ripped his skin off just to stop the near-excruciating pain.
"You all right?" Jared asked, as Eric went to grab a bandage to cover the tattoo over with. Jensen looked down at his hip and winced at the blood there.
"Yeah. Just..Really sore."
"Warned you."
"I know."
"It'll ease off, Jen. You'll be okay." He went quiet when Eric came back and bandaged Jensen up. Jensen straightened his clothes and then pulled out his wallet to pay. Eric waved the money away.
"But-"
"'Nother time, son. You'll be back."
Jensen doubted it, not with the way he felt right now. But he gave in and stuffed his wallet back into his jeans pocket. "Thanks," he said. Eric nodded and then turned away, obviously happy for them both to leave now. Jensen sure as hell wasn't going to argue with that; he was more than ready to go. Out on the street, Jared told him that he wanted to take him out for lunch.
"Where?"
"I was thinking maybe Wendy's."
"Don't you think you've kind of had enough junk for one weekend?" Jensen asked.
"You sound like Jeff. Lighten up, Jen. This is your first real weekend of freedom. Live a little." He winked. "I'll get Jeff to cook you some veggies tomorrow, since you're obviously missing them. Anyway, Wendy's do have a salad bar. I'm sure your body can handle it."
Jensen wrinkled his nose, but didn't argue further. He would make sure he got a decent meal at the school cafeteria the next day, if such a thing was even possible.
The parking lot at Wendy's was surprisingly full, but then Jensen supposed it would be full of families too tired to cook at home, or too annoyed by their kids to say no. There were a couple of mopeds, but mostly it was saloon cars and station wagons. Jared was going to stand out like a sore thumb. As they got off the bike and took off their helmets, Jensen again complained about having to eat a burger for Sunday lunch. Told Jared it wasn't right.
"I told you, lighten up. This is just lunch. We can have a decent meal later, if you really must. C'mere.." Jared reached across as if to grab Jensen by the back of the neck. Jensen ducked away from him before he even got close, then straightened and found Jared was staring at him. "What the hell was that?"
"What the hell was what?" Jensen mumbled, starting to turn away. Jared got hold of his arm, though, stopped him going.
"I wasn't going to hurt you. Is that what you thought?"
Jensen shrugged, wishing they could do this somewhere else. "No. I just...You took me by surprise. I'm sorry."
Jared searched his eyes a moment more, then nodded, letting him go. He was gnawing on his bottom lip as he led Jensen inside. He didn't even look behind him as he headed for the counter, so Jensen just said that he was going to grab them a booth near the window and let him go. His heart was thudding as he sat down. He knew Jared wouldn't let this go; knew that he shouldn't be so scared. He had nothing to be afraid of. It wasn't him that Jared had threatened. But, still, he couldn't help himself. He made himself comfortable, his side still hurting, and felt his phone vibrate in his pocket as he did.
There was a message from his brother, Josh. The feelings of dread suddenly shifted their focus. This was the first time he'd heard from a family member since Friday night, which in all honesty hadn't surprised him. He'd had a feeling that his father would forbid anyone from trying to get in contact with Jensen. Alan would likely just want to pretend his other son did not exist. The message from Josh made him wonder about this theory, however.
YOU SKIPPING CHURCH NOW?
Jensen glanced up at where Jared stood, still waiting to be served. He quickly sent back a reply. MAYBE JUST THIS WEEK. About thirty seconds later, his phone vibrated again. DAD'S PISSED AT YOU, BUT HE'S NOT TALKING ABOUT IT. Jensen sighed, his fingers working over the buttons. HE'S THE ONE WHO SAID I SHOULD LEAVE. TELL HIM IT'S HIS OWN FAULT. He hit send, seeing that Jared was now asking for their food. He didn't need this right now. He had enough to think about. But Josh replied again, after a couple more minutes, and the words made Jensen's eyes feel hot. I HOPE YOUR NEW LIFE IS WORTH IT. YOU KNOW I LOVE YOU NO MATTER WHAT. YOU'RE MY LITTLE BRO', NOTHING'LL CHANGE THAT. I JUST PRAY THIS DOESN'T TURN OUT TO BE A HUGE MISTAKE.
Jensen stared at those words, wondering how in hell his brother always had the worst possible timing. Right when Jensen was sitting there, doubting himself, and he had to come out with that? He shook his head at the display, knowing that he couldn't prove his father right. "It won't," he whispered to himself. "I promise."
"Everything okay?" Jared asked, sitting opposite Jensen and placing the tray firmly between them.
Jensen flipped the phone closed quietly and looked up. "Yeah. Just my brother, checking up on me."
Jared nodded and said no more. Jensen knew he was probably still mad about the thing in the parking lot and that they would talk about it, but it was obvious that talking was the last thing on Jared's mind right now. He pulled his food towards him and opened everything up, realizing how hungry he'd gotten since breakfast.
"Padalecki?"
Jensen looked up at the guy who'd interrupted them, found himself staring at a neatly-dressed, middle-aged black man and wondering how in hell he knew Jared. Jared, who simply looked bored. "Hey, Jensen, meet Bill. My old parole officer." He said it so loudly, so nonchalantly, that Jensen kind of wished the ground would swallow him up right then and there. He didn't look around, certain that the families in the booths either side of them were hearing Jared perfectly clearly. "What's up, Bill?"
"Is that your bike out there?" Bill asked, nodding towards the parking lot outside the window.
Jared grinned, almost sheepish. "Sort of."
"Well, it's sort of illegally parked. You want to go move it?"
"Weren't you supposed to get off my case about this shit, like, nine years ago or something?"
"Just trying to help you out, Jay. Don't want you getting a ticket."
Jared looked straight at him, then out of the window, directly at his bike. "Think I'll see 'em coming. Thanks anyway."
"Aside from illegal parking are you behaving these days? I gotta say, I was glad not to hear your name come up again after the whole Chuck thing happened."
"Yeah, I'm behaving just fine. Just ask him." He pointed at Jensen who looked like he was trying to bury himself inside the collar of his jacket. Bill, thankfully, ignored him, as frustrated with this conversation as Jensen was embarrassed by it.
"Stay out of trouble, all right?"
Jared didn't answer, just waved him away. Jensen concentrated hard on his burger, knowing Jared was just waiting for him to say something. He examined the beef closely and then took a big bite, trying and failing to keep his gaze from flicking up to the other man. Jared was watching him and the expression on his face was impossible to pin down. Jensen didn't know whether he looked more worried, pissed off, impatient or what.
"Ain't you even gonna ask?" Jared finally said, slouching back in his seat.
Jensen put his burger down and wiped at his mouth with one of the rough paper serviettes. "Ask what?"
Jared simply stared at him, then shook his head and picked up his own food. "Never mind," he told him, before taking a huge bite. Jensen was left feeling more than confused and without much more of an appetite. He dropped the remainder of his burger back into its box and drank the rest of his coffee, trying to burn away the nausea now churning his stomach. The rest of the meal was quiet and weird. Jared didn't seem too bothered by the lack of conversation, which was just as well since Jensen hadn't the first clue what to say. He didn't even mention it when he picked up the remainder of what Jensen hadn't eaten and tossed it in the trash along with his own leftovers.
Out in the parking lot, however, he didn't head straight for the bike. Instead he started making his way round the side of the building, leaving Jensen not much choice but to follow. He was startled as Jared turned to him once they were out of sight and pushed him against the wall, kissing him hungrily. Jensen could taste ketchup and pickles on his tongue and tried to remember to breathe as he kissed back, pushing at Jared with both hands. He managed to make him take a half-step back and looked up at him, panting.
"You could've warned me," he complained.
"Is that what the problem is? You want a warning? I would've done it in there, but there was this six year old brat staring at us from the booth behind you."
"Maybe we should go home or-"
"When are you ever gonna ask me, Jen? You want to know about it all, don't you?"
Jensen shrugged, trying to swallow. He couldn't meet Jared's eyes as he spoke, knowing the words were mostly untrue. "You'll tell me when you're ready," he said, wishing he could have the guts to just ask and accept whatever Jared told him. He'd known the guy was trouble. Look at the first time they'd met, for God's sake. Look at what had happened at Mickey's. He just wasn't sure he wanted to know how much trouble. Not just yet. He breathed out as Jared let go of his shoulder and cupped his cheek.
"Yeah, I guess you're right. Thanks."
He didn't know what Jared was thanking him for, but he just nodded. Let Jared tilt his head back for another, gentler kiss.
"We should get going. What time did Chris say you should be at his place?"
"Not till later. Mom and Dad will go out around four-thirty and won't come back till about eight. So we have a few hours."
"What do you want to do for those few hours?" Jared asked.
"Homework," Jensen said, remembering that he hadn't quite finished everything before he'd been woken up that morning. Jared's face fell.
"Homework? Really?"
"I have to. I know it doesn't seem important to you, but I have to keep my grades up and-"
"That you or your dad talking?" The scowl was back in place now and Jensen frowned, a little annoyed.
"Me." He said nothing more, not wanting to explain any further, and Jared didn't ask. Just led him round to the bike in silence.
--TBC--