Silence = Death (Part 3) - Jensen/Jared - NC-17
Jensen's confidence is gone by the next day, when they have to finish packing and get ready for the airport.
"I'm nervous," Jared admits as he folds the last of Sophie's pink shirts and then passes it on to Jensen to put it into the bag.
Jensen looks at Jared and gives him a weak smile. "I know," he admits. "Me too."
The thing is, Jensen hasn't done this in a very long time. The last time was at the beginning of his last relationship, a relationship that lasted several years. Even though he thought that Tom was the love of his life and that they'd stay together forever, it somehow felt different back then. There was a lot of pressure on Jensen because when he met Tom's parents, he wanted to show his best side, of course he wanted to impress them for the sake of Tom and their relationship.
Yet, meeting Jared's parents seems more important and not comparable at all. Maybe it's different this time because unlike Jared, Tom was out and had been with another guy before Jensen. Maybe it's different because unlike with Tom, Jared presents not only a boyfriend but also a second daughter. The idea that Jared's parents are not only going to judge him, but also Audrey, puts more pressure on Jensen than he feels comfortable with.
Jensen knows that Jared is already distressed and he doesn't want to upset him any further. He knows that this is going to be hard enough for Jared without Jensen dumping even more worries on him.
Since his coming out last Sunday, Jared has spoken to his parents on the phone two more times, the last time being the night before. And each time he said it wasn't necessarily bad and that they were slowly getting used to the idea of Jared being with a man, yet Jared also said there was a weird vibe to the calls.
Jensen wishes they were all back already from the trip. He sighs and when Jared looks at him, it's with a compassionate expression. Jensen's sure that Jared just thought the same thing.
Before Jensen can process another thought, the girls come bouncing into Jensen and Jared's bedroom. They've been excited all day, innocently oblivious to what's occupying Jensen's and Jared's minds. Glancing at them and their carefreeness, Jensen's absolutely glad for this.
"Daddy!" Sophie squeaks and leaps into Jared's open arms. He picks her up and kisses her cheek with a wet smack. When Audrey walks over to Jared, Jared puts his arm around her and lifts her up too as if carrying two six year old girls were the easiest task in the world. He gives Audrey a kiss, making her giggle.
"Aunt Sandy is here," Sophie reports.
Ever since Jared and he have been together, Jensen's come to appreciate Sandy's friendship. He met her a few times before Jared and he were official and it's always been nice and friendly between Sandy and Jensen. But once Jared and he went from friends to a couple, Jensen also sort of adopted Jared's friends. Just like Jared received a whole package of Jensen's buddies.
This weekend Jensen is particularly happy that Sandy's such a good friend. She agreed to look after Jared's dogs because of course it's not a good idea to leave them alone for the weekend or to fly them down to Texas for two days. Looking after Sadie and Harley is something Jensen simply wouldn't trust Chris with. Or rather, not unless he wants to have the dogs back traumatized.
"All set and ready?" Sandy asks, smiling sweetly.
"Yeah, yeah, sure," Jared says quickly, maybe a bit too quickly.
Jensen sees how Sandy draws up one eyebrow and he thinks she's not buying it at all. Jared puts Sophie and Audrey down and then he closes the bag and places it next to the one they already packed.
Sandy gives Jared a funny look but Jared chooses to ignore it. Instead he smiles at her, kisses her cheek and shoos the girls out of the bedroom and into their room to get dressed and ready.
"Is he okay?" Sandy asks as soon as Jared's out of earshot.
"Yeah," Jensen says. "He's, well, we're just a bit nervous, you know? This is a big step for Jared. But we're okay."
"Aw," Sandy says, closing the gap between them. She pulls him into a hug and says, "I've meet Jared's parents and they're absolutely adorable. You're going to get along with them just fine. Trust me. His mother's not going to want to let you go back to LA. She'll love you."
Jensen thinks about this for a while. Sandy smiles, so honestly and sincerely that Jensen wants to believe her unconditionally. He lowers his voice because he really doesn't want Jared to hear this, "It's just a situation I haven't been in for a long time; meeting someone's parents. I always said that I'd never compare boyfriends, but with Tom, my boyfriend before Jared, it was different. I feel like an ass for comparing them but, yeah, this seems harder with Jared's parents."
Sandy takes Jensen's hands in hers. They're delicate and soft, thoroughly manicured. She strokes her thumb over the back of Jensen's hand. "Don't worry, Jensen. Just be yourself and they will love you."
Jensen nods and then he hears Jared calling for him. "Jen, you ready? We gotta go."
Looking at his watch, Jensen sees that it's indeed time to drive to the airport. Sandy agreed to be their chauffeur, driving them to LAX and picking them up again. She gives Jensen another smile and together they join Jared and the girls in the living room.
"Okay, let's go," Jensen says.
The flight is relatively uneventful. Of course, the girls are very excited, enjoying the roller coaster-like ride of taking off and touching back down. The flight attendants love the girls and make sure they're supplied with enough juice, cookies and paper to draw on.
Jared busies himself with helping Sophie and Audrey with their pictures of how they want the backyard of their new home to look like, while Jensen is content to watch them. There's a set of pink swings and Jensen's not sure about the color choice but if the size of the garden permits it, then swings are a definite must.
Jensen feels sick to his stomach and he knows it's not from the plane ride. The flight itself is fine, no turbulences or disturbances; no, the funny feeling comes from something else. For a heartbeat, Jensen and Jared's eyes meet. And when Jared nods at him, his eyes soft and trusting, Jensen thinks that maybe everything is going to be all right after all.
Jensen's nervousness doesn't ebb away like he hoped. All the way through landing and deplaning, it's only getting worse. His palms are sweating, his muscles are tense and Jensen fears he's going to throw up any minute.
Jared doesn't look any better and the only ones who are bubbly and excited are Sophie and Audrey. They chatter happily about how they're going to meet Grandma Sherri and Grandpa Jerry and Uncle Jeff and Aunt Megan. Both Jensen and Jared are absolutely fine with simply letting them babble.
"Mom said someone would wait outside for us," Jared says, his hand on the small of Jensen's back. It's such an easy gesture, nevertheless Jensen takes so much comfort in it. A simple hand, a strong hand that leads him toward the baggage claim area and after they collected their luggage, out through the glass doors of the San Antonio airport.
The typical Texas-in-May air hits Jensen as soon as they step outside. It's already relatively late, past 7 p.m. by the time they finally leave the building. It's still sticky, the last touches of a hot day lingering. The heat only fades slowly in Texas and it never really cools anyway.
San Antonio reminds Jensen of Dallas as a strange feeling of home with a hint of melancholy overcomes him.
Once they're standing outside the airport, everyone's eyes scan over the area. Not that Jensen thinks he'd actually recognize anyone from Jared's family, so instead he looks for someone who recognizes Jared. In the end, Sophie spots their driver first.
"Uncle Jeff!" she squeaks before she runs toward a man roughly Jensen's age.
Jared's brother crouches down and opens his arms wide for Sophie to practically leap at him. Sophie wiggles and giggles, giving her uncle a kiss and for a moment, Jensen just stands there and admires them and their easy, carefree interaction.
"Let's go," Jared says, his hand once more on the small of Jensen's back.
Jensen glances at him and sees Jared smile, weak and nervous. So this is it. There's no turning back and everything Jensen says or does now will be used to judge him. Even though he assumes that Jared's family won't do it on purpose or with malicious intent, they'll still do it subconsciously: judge him.
Audrey stands next to Jensen, not having run over to Jeff, who is a stranger to her after all. When Jensen looks at her, her eyes are soft and round, just a little intimidated. Jensen understands why. He grabs her by the hand and together with Jared, they close the few steps to Jeff.
"Hi," Jared says and Jeff stands up again, picking up Sophie as he does.
There's an awkward moment of silence. Jensen can almost feel Jeff's sharp gaze piercing through him, his expression intense. It makes Jensen more than a little uncomfortable as he wonders what Jeff is thinking right now. Whatever it is, his expression doesn't give it away.
Jeff is a big man. If Jensen had to guess, he'd say that Jeff is maybe two to three inches taller than Jared. And Jared is already freakishly tall. Jeff has broad shoulders and huge arms; it's obvious he works out. Jeff looks like the kind of guy you'd meet at the entrance of your favorite club, the bouncer who's always a little grim and intimating. And he also seems like someone you don't want to get into a physical fight with.
He's handsome. Definitely. His features are a bit harder, a bit rougher and a bit edgier than Jared's but Jensen's always considered manly men more attractive than your typical twink.
God, Jensen did not just think that. Right?
Jensen's cheeks start to burn and he wants to slap himself because now is not the time to blush and be a damsel in distress. Jeff scrunches his eyes and still stares at Jensen for long, agonizing seconds.
Then, all of a sudden, he turns to Jared and a broad grin spreads across his face. It's the same way Jared grins and when Jared returns it, it almost looks comical. Jared's posture relaxes immediately and up to now, Jensen was so self-absorbed that he didn't even realize how stiff Jared had been.
"Welcome home, little bro'," Jeff says cheerfully as he pulls Jared awkwardly into a one-armed hug while Sophie squeaks happily when squished between them.
As soon as Jeff and Jared break apart again, Jeff's eyes are back on Jensen. But this time, they linger only for a short moment. When Jeff looks at Audrey, with the same expression as he looked at Jensen, Jensen feels heat pool in the pit of his stomach. A strange kind of wrath boils inside him, mixed with a good share of protectiveness.
Without thinking Jensen picks up Audrey, supporting her with his arm while her hands reach around his neck. There's a strange tension between them and Jensen doesn't have a clue how to read Jeff anymore.
"Hi, I'm Jeff. Jared's brother," Jeff then says, his voice neither particularly warm, nor particularly cold. When Jeff holds out his hand, Jensen shifts Audrey from his right side to his left, so that he can shake Jeff's hand.
"Jensen," he says. For a split second he wonders whether he should add Jared's boyfriend, but then he doesn't because he's sure everyone knows by now and he doesn't want to come across as patronizing. Instead he says, "This is my daughter, Audrey."
And then something happens: Jeff's eyes soften, the hard, judging gaze vanishing as a smile spreads across his face. There's something gentle about the way he looks at Audrey and when he reaches out with his hand again, he says, "Nice to meet you, Audrey."
Jensen's totally taken aback by the one hundred eighty degrees turn of the guy. With a soft nudge, he signalizes Audrey to be polite and to take the offered hand. She shakes it tentatively and Jensen is once more surprised by Jeff. Or rather by how careful the hunk is with his daughter.
"Hello," Audrey says shyly.
Jeff smiles at her and then he sets Sophie down and suggests, "Okay, let's go. Momma's waiting for you guys and I'm sure by now she's driving Dad mad with her pacing."
Jared snorts and Jeff laughs. "Sounds like something Momma would do."
They walk to Jeff's car in silence. After Jeff's reaction, Jared already seems a lot less tense and Jensen thinks this is a good thing. However, he can't force himself to relax quite yet. Something feels weird to him, somehow he can't shake the impression that Jeff doesn't like him and that everything is going to go downhill from now on. After all, he still hasn't met Jared's parents.
"Are we going to meet Grandma Sherri now?" Audrey asks, walking next to Jensen with fast steps to keep up with the adults' pace.
Just as Jensen wants to say that yes, they're going to meet Jared's parents now and that maybe she should refrain from calling her Grandma just yet, Jared turns to her and beams, "That's right, honey. You're going to meet your new Grandma now. Are you excited?"
Jensen sees how Jared is only paying attention to Audrey and how she nods enthusiastically so that he totally misses the deadly glare Jeff sends in his direction. Jensen's stomach drops and he feels immediately sick again.
So this is how it is. Maybe Jared's family is able to accept that Jared is no longer straight, but they don't seem to be able to accept Jensen and Audrey as family. It almost feels as if a part inside Jensen just died. He knows that this sounds overly dramatic but it's the way it is. The idea that Audrey's enthusiasm and love might not be reciprocated upsets Jensen. He's old enough to handle it and even though it certainly would sting, he'll live with this visit not going well, but Audrey's too young to fully grasp it.
Jensen sighs and follows the others to the car, desperately hoping that he's overreacting and reading too much into Jeff's reaction. He listens to Sophie chat to Jeff about school and ballet and the house they looked at the other day. If Jeff has any reaction to the news that Jensen and Jared are seeking for a place to live together, he's good at hiding it. Instead, he asks questions to keep Sophie talking.
His car turns out to be a Ford SUV and while Jeff loads the luggage into the trunk, Jared comes up to Jensen. There's a concerned look as he steals a very quick, too quick, kiss. "Are you okay?"
Jensen wishes Jared's lips would have lingered just a moment longer. Immediately, he misses their soft touch, the reassurance and comfort. But he knows that this is Texas and that Jared's brother is just on the other side of the car. Jensen's definitely not pushing his luck.
"Yeah, yeah," Jensen lies. "Just nervous, you know?"
Jared smiles at him and when Jared cups his cheek, Jensen has to resist not simply leaning in and allowing himself to enjoy the intimate gesture.
"You're doing just fine," Jared says before he leans in to kiss Jensen again.
When they hear Jeff clearing his throat, they immediately spring apart. There's a stern look on Jeff's face and Jensen thinks that this weekend is going to be just awesome.
They get into the car and throughout the whole drive Jeff ignores Jensen. Jensen sits in the back with the girls but he's really not dying for Jeff's attention. Jeff updates Jared on the latest happenings of their relatives; Aunt So-And-So did this and Cousin So-And-So did that. During the ride, Jensen busies himself with keeping the girls entertained with a few rounds of I spy with my little eye.
When Jeff finally enters the driveway, Jensen's stomach drops again. He can practically feel the blood rushing from his face. His hands are cold and sweaty and his heart starts pounding a merciless rhythm.
Jensen doesn't even register how the door is opened next to him. Only when Jared reaches inside and places a hand on his thigh, does Jensen notice. He looks at Jared and sees Jared smiling weakly at him. No matter how much Jared tries to hide it, Jensen sees right through him; Jared is just as terrified as he is. He seemed somewhat relaxed at the airport but all of that is gone now.
"Shall we?" Jared asks.
Jensen nods at him because there is no way around it anyway and the sooner they get done with this, the better. The other car door is opened too as Jeff helps Sophie and Audrey out. By the time Jensen finally got out, Jared has walked up to his brother.
Jared tries to keep his voice down for no one to hear and almost succeeds; Jensen really has to prick up his ears. Still he can make out what Jared whispers to his brother, "Jeff, can you give us a moment, please?"
Jeff grumbles something and grabs some of the luggage, finding his way to the door. Passing Jensen by, he gives Jensen another look that sends a chill down his spine, and not the kind of shiver Jared gives him. Jensen really doesn't want to fuck with this guy, in every sense of the word.
"Hey," Jared says, coming around to Jensen and pulling him close for a hug. For a short moment Jensen even clings to Jared, not wanting to let go. Jared trembles in Jensen's arms and this only reminds Jensen again that they're in this together.
"Take a deep breath," Jensen instructs, his hands stroking over Jared's back in soft, soothing circles. He's terrified himself, scared shitless because this is so important to Jared and to him, but Jensen thinks that now it's his turn to be the strong one.
"We're gonna be fine, Jared," he promises. He prays he's right.
Jared's breath is hot and damp against Jensen's throat and even though he knows that now's an inappropriate moment to get aroused, the ghosting breath makes a faint heat spread in the pit of Jensen's stomach. When Jared pulls away, there's an insecure expression on his face. It's been there way too often lately and Jensen hopes this is the last time he has to see it. He can't stand it any longer.
"I love you," Jensen whispers and before Jared can answer, he presses a soft, chaste kiss to Jared's lips.
"Let's go inside," Jensen suggests finally.
Nodding, Jared grabs the remaining bag and then he leads Jensen and the girls toward the front door.
"Can I show Audrey my room, Daddy?" Sophie asks on the way. She bounces up and down next to Jared, clearly excited by the prospect of escorting Audrey through her grandparents' house.
"Of course you can, honey," Jared says. "But make sure to say hello to Grandma and Grandpa first, okay?"
Sophie nods enthusiastically before she grabs Audrey by the hand and together they run up the driveway quickly. From the outside the Padaleckis' house looks roughly the same size as Jensen's parents' home. Two steps lead up to the wide, inviting porch, where a white porch swing is swaying softly back and forth.
As they approach the front door, Jensen feels like he's walking into a lion's den. If the situation weren't so serious, he'd laugh because it's a little comical. Just as he enters the house, Jared reaches for his hand, holding it in a firm grip. Jensen doesn't mind because if the physical contact does one thing, it's reassure him.
They step into a hallway that is badly lit. It's not dark, of course it isn't, after all it only should be around eight, but still, the entrance hall isn't as bright as Jensen expected it. It radiates a strange atmosphere, somehow making Jensen feel uncomfortable again and reminding him once more of the lion's den.
It's ridiculous, he thinks because this is only the hallway of Jared's parents' house. Nothing to be intimidated by yet. Still. Jensen feels sick to his stomach and a strange fear of throwing up onto the carpet any second takes over. He's so nervous that he can't even move.
"Jared!" someone exclaims and when Jensen looks to the side, he sees a woman of more or less his own mother's age enter the hallway. She switches on the lights before she quickly walks to Jared and pulls him into a close hug.
"Mom," Jared says, dropping the bag in his hand and letting go of Jensen's hand before his arms slowly come around her back. Jared's posture is stiff at first and it seems almost like slow motion as he loosens up.
Judging from Jared's perplexed expression, he didn't expect this kind of behavior at all. This doesn't stop him from giving his mother a proper hug as soon as he overcomes his shock.
Jared's mother says something that Jensen can't make out but Jared smiles so Jensen relaxes a little. He knows that Sharon's reaction is not for him and he still doesn't know how she will actually act toward him as soon as she acknowledges him. But the fact that her welcome for Jared is warm and motherly is a good sign. It eliminates at least one of Jensen's worries.
"Sherri, let go of him," a man says from the threshold between hallway and what Jensen assumes to be living room. He's tall and Jensen immediately sees the similar facial features between him and Jared. There's no doubt that the man is Jared's father Gerald.
Jensen feels a little stupid with no one noticing him but before he can complain - and he's not sure he wants to - the attention in the room shifts to him. After Sharon finally lets go of Jared, she turns around and looks at Jensen. So does Gerald.
Jensen is taken aback by their intense gazes, by the way they obviously judge him. If he could, he'd shift his weight from one foot to the other, but he thinks it would only make him look stupid, so he doesn't. He's a grown man and not a little boy who has to explain to his teacher why he misbehaved. Jensen takes a deep breath and wills his nerves to calm down. He needs to get a grip and pull himself together. He's a goddamn adult. He's pretty sure that if he still held Jared's hand, he'd be crushing it by now. Or Jared his.
A few long moments full of tension pass and Jensen feels a little awkward and out of place. Finally, he opens his mouth to introduce himself but Jared is quicker. He doesn't say what Jensen expects him to though.
"Where are Sophie and Audrey?" he asks his parents.
Jensen realizes only now that the girls are not in the hallway. He was so nervous and frozen to the spot that he completely forgot about their daughters.
"Aw, honey, they just went upstairs," Sharon says with a wink. From the corner of his eye, Jensen catches a short glimpse of annoyance on Jared's face. He's been with Jared for long enough to know that even though Jared is a loving parent who's goofy with his kid and who adores his daughter more than anything in the world, he's also strict and expects his instructions to be followed.
"Stop frowning now, Jared. You're worse than your father," Sharon says and lightly swats Jared's arm. She laughs and when she finally turns her attention back to Jensen, she seems somewhat less intimidating. Her features are soft and now that Jensen gets a better look at her, he revises his initial assessment of her age: Sharon is definitely a few years younger than his own mother.
Gerald comes closer and at first he only looks at Jared. There's a stern expression on his face and to Jensen the air in the room seems so thick that he thinks you could easily cut through it with a knife. It's a little awkward how Gerald glances at Jared.
When he finally greets Jared, it's not how Jensen imagined it: Gerald pats Jared's shoulder awkwardly.
It's tense and uncomfortable and Jensen's totally perplexed because this is not how he thinks this should be. Looking to the side and seeing Jared's face, it's only confirmed. Jared seems surprised and disappointed. He looks hurt and defeated with his shoulders so slumped.
Jensen's stomach cramps to see him like that. He doesn't want Jared to be so wretched because apparently he wasn't greeted the way he had hoped for. For a quick moment, Jensen thinks back to the conversation Jared and he had the night before where Jensen asked Jared what his family was like.
We're an affectionate family. We hug a lot and stuff.
Jared looks miserable but it only takes a heartbeat until he retains his posture, wearing a mask that clearly screams fake to Jensen. Jared smiles, but the tension in his shoulders still gives away how he must be feeling. All you have to do is look closely enough.
After Gerald finally comes to a stand next to his wife, both of Jared's parents look at Jensen expectantly. Jensen immediately feels uncomfortable again but finally he takes the chance to introduce himself. Swallowing the lump in his throat, he reaches out his hand and says, "Mrs. Padalecki, Mr. Padalecki, it's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Jensen."
Jared's arm finds its way around Jensen's waist and the simple gesture is so wonderfully relaxing that Jensen wishes he could give into his craving for more and just give Jared a very tight, very long hug.
Sharon smiles at him broadly and for a moment, Jensen is totally taken aback. After Jeff's somewhat hostile reaction to him, he certainly didn't count on such outright heartiness. She looks at him for a few long, agonizing heartbeats and then she shakes his hand. Not letting go, she says, "You are a very handsome young man, Jensen. No wonder Jared is head over heels for you."
Jensen is torn between blushing and nearly bursting out laughing. This is one of the last things he expected her to say. Ever since Jared came out to his parents, Jensen had the impression from their phone calls that his parents were somewhat okay with Jared's confession, but to tell him this? This is something Jensen never would have dared dream of.
When he glances to his side, he sees that Jared's face is flaming red with embarrassment and his eyes are wide in shock. His mouth is even hanging open a little and Jensen assumes Jared is mortified. It is a little amusing. Jensen tries to subtly bump his hip against Jared in order to make him regain his posture and maybe close his mouth. At least.
"It's Sherri and Jerry, please. Mrs. and Mr. Padalecki always makes me feel so old," she says, still not letting go of Jensen's hand.
She only does when Gerald holds his hand out for Jensen to shake. Gerald's grip is firm and strong and there's a determined expression on his face. It's not as straightforwardly friendly and accepting as Sharon's expression but it's not as judging and intimidating as Jeff's expression either. It's rather somewhere in between.
"Pleasure to meet you. Jared told us a lot about you before and after he decided to share this interesting piece of information about the two of you," Gerald says. After a short pause, Gerald adds, "When he eventually decided to share the news on his new… lifestyle and… living arrangements."
There's a taxing look on his face and he still holds Jensen's hand tightly. Jensen doesn't know what to make out of this because even though Gerald's not hostile, he's definitely challenging. Gerald glances at Jensen with sharp, astute eyes.
Somehow Jensen can't shake the feeling of being in a trap. Gerald is probably testing how Jensen is going to react in such a situation, in a situation that implies that Gerald doesn't approve of what Jensen and Jared have. Of course, Jensen could stick up for his and Jared's relationship; of course he could act on the topic and become defensive. But he doesn't. He doesn't because he believes that if he's going to discuss this with Jared's father then it shouldn't be within the first five minutes they met.
Jared's arm tightens around Jensen's waist and Jensen doesn't know whether it's because he's protective or whether he wants to signalize Jensen not to argue with his father. Not yet.
So instead of giving Gerald any material for a heated discussion, Jensen gives him his best smile, squeezes his hand firmly and says, "Well, I hope Jared only mentioned the good things."
Sharon actually swoons over Jensen a little, giving him a warm smile and when Gerald nods and winks at him, Jensen thinks he got out of a tight spot rather well. Gerald finally lets go of his hand and says, "Well, welcome then. We're going out for dinner tonight. Do you boys want to change before we go?"
Jared looks at Jensen and when Jensen shakes his head, he says, "No, we're good. Hungry actually. Let me just call for the girls."
It doesn't take long after Jared called out for Audrey and Sophie for everyone to hear the rumbling of steps as they come running down the stairs. Their faces are flushed as they come to a stand next to Jensen. Looking to the side, Jensen sees a stern look on Jared's face and this time it's his turn to poke Jared in the side.
"Did you say hello properly?" Jensen gently asks before Jared can.
At least the girls have the decency to look guilty about it, but Jensen's sure that the only person who really resents this is Jared. When Sophie and Audrey shake their heads, Jensen says, "Well?"
Sophie is the first to move. As soon as Sharon crouches down, Sophie leaps forward into her arms and squeals, "Hi Grandma Sherri!"
Sharon laughs and kisses Sophie with a wet smack while she cradles her. "It's so nice that you're here, sweetie," she says.
When Sharon lets go, Sophie goes to greet her grandfather. However, it turns out to be Audrey who surprises everyone. Before Sharon can even get back up again, Audrey is practically jumping at her, copying Sophie bit by bit. She even squeals, "Hi Grandma Sherri!"
For a heartbeat everyone is so shocked, or rather, everyone except Audrey and Sophie, that they don't even know what to say or do. Jensen fears this is going to be really awkward any second and thinks he should probably apologize for his daughter's high spirits. After all, she only means well.
Jared seems to be paralyzed next to Jensen, staring at Audrey and his mother with wide eyes. Jensen feels the tension spreading and just as he wants to say something, Sharon starts snickering lightly.
"Oh, hello my dear," Sharon says, smiling warmly at Audrey. She even gives Audrey a soft kiss on the cheek, while stroking over her blonde hair.
For a split second, Jensen and Sharon's gazes meet. She looks at Jensen with such warmness that Jensen's stomach drops for reasons he can't even explain. Today has been a roller coaster ride of emotions, even more so than the last few days. Every feeling Jensen went through today seemed to be multiplied by ten - the fear, the worry, the relief and happiness - it's starting to wear him out. If he could, he'd cancel the dinner and just go to sleep and curl around Jared, but he knows they can't do that.
To Jensen's surprise Gerald gives Audrey a long and proper hug too and on top of that a kiss on the cheek. For a moment Jensen is surprised by just how differently adults often react to children in comparison to other adults.
But then the thought crosses his mind that he wouldn't want to get a kiss from Jared's father anyway. The thought actually amuses Jensen so much that he snorts. When Jared squeezes his arm around Jensen's waist again and gives him a stern look, Jensen has to bite the inside of his cheek in order not to burst out laughing.
"This is Jensen's daughter Audrey," Jared states the obvious.
Sharon keeps stroking over Audrey's hair while Audrey seems to soak up the attention. Scratch that, Jensen knows his daughter and he knows that she likes being in the spotlight. It makes him happy to see that at least Sharon's already embraced her. One down, three to go.
"Okay, let's go," Gerald suggests and like a real Padalecki, he adds, "I'm starving."
Jeff is being called from upstairs and in no time they're on their way to the restaurant.
Jensen, Jared and the girls are in the car with Jared's brother again and Jensen wishes he could have just five minutes of privacy with Jared. Not only is he dying for a kiss, a proper hug or just any kind of physical contact and comfort, but he's also dying to hear Jared's assessment of how they're doing so far.
Jensen has mixed feelings about Jared's family. He's relatively confident that Sharon already loves Audrey and him, Gerald is somewhat neutral and Jeff hates them. But still, he'd love some kind of confirmation from Jared.
This reminds him…
"Where's your sister?" Jensen blurts out. He only now realized that he hasn't met Jared's sister Megan yet.
"Still at college. She's coming down tomorrow," Jeff says sharply, giving Jensen a feeling of this is none of your business.
This shuts Jensen efficiently up. From the backseat Jensen sees Jared frown at Jeff but yet he decides not to say anything. The rest of the drive passes in silence.
They're sitting at a round table with Jensen next to Jared and Audrey and Sophie between Jared and Sharon. On Jensen's left is Jeff's girlfriend Judy, who met them at the restaurant. Next to her is Jeff - and Jensen's quite grateful that Judy's between them - and next to Jeff sits his father, closing the circle.
Much to Jensen's relief, the restaurant turns out to be a steak house. He really wouldn't want to have to deal with anything fancy where he has to pay attention to which fork and knife to use first. He orders a beer for himself and juice for Audrey, no clue yet what to eat.
"What is it again that you do for a living, Jensen?" Gerald asks curiously.
The question takes Jensen a bit by surprise. Before they came to San Antonio, he expected to be asked questions of course, but after how the day's gone so far and how Jared's family's reacted to him, he really didn't think anymore that anyone would be interested in him.
"I'm an actor," Jensen says. "A theater actor."
He wishes the waiter already had brought their drinks because all of a sudden, Jensen's throat feels incredibly dry. A few gulps of beer and maybe he'd also be able to relax, if only just a little. All eyes are on him and Jensen thinks that this is the point where everyone judges him.
"What other jobs do you have?" Jeff asks, voice once more slightly hostile.
Jensen is taken aback and doesn't even understand the question at first. When he looks at Jared, he sees him frown at his brother, probably as clueless as Jensen. It takes a moment until Jensen realizes that Jeff assumes he can't live off being an actor.
Taking a deep breath, Jensen says, "Actually, acting is the only one. I must have worked hard enough in the past that I can live off acting and afford to bring up a child. We're currently working on a modern adaption of Macbeth and I play the lead."
Jensen knows he sounds a little harsher than he intended to but Jeff's immediate implication that Jensen isn't able to support himself financially pisses him off. He's got no clue what he's done to the man. He gives Jeff a challenging look and for a few seconds they just glare at each other.
Jensen feels once more incredibly defensive because he really doesn't like being condemned like this, doesn't like being accused of things when his attacker doesn't even know him. At all.
"You should see him, Jensen is amazing," Jared praises, apparently trying to release some of the tension.
From the corner of his eye, Jensen catches Jared give Jeff another warning glare that only lasts for a split second. And then, Jared grabs Jensen's hand and places their linked hands on the table for everyone to see. Jensen holds his breath and almost expects the shit to hit the fan. He doesn't know what's worse, an outright fight or the passive-aggressiveness that's going on.
Jensen tries to pull his hand away in order not to provoke Jared's edgy family even more, but Jared's got an iron grip on him and doesn't let go. Jensen just wants to say something as Gerald looks at him and says, "Macbeth is a very sophisticated play."
He smiles warmly at Jensen and Jensen wonders whether this is the same man who earlier challenged him for his and Jared's lifestyle. Jensen just can't make heads or tails of these people.
He's exhausted after their trip; the constant change of emotions is draining. Jensen's longing for a bed (and a nice and easy session of making out with Jared). He really wishes they were already over with this dinner. Yet he forces himself to smile, to wear a mask and to make a good impression. The best impression possible for the sake of Jared.
"It is," Jensen then says, shifting his attention to Gerald. "It's actually one of my most favorite plays ever."
Gerald nods at him with another smile on his face. Jared squeezes Jensen's hand; a gesture so simple, yet so comforting.
"Oh honey," Sharon giggles, pulling at her husband's sleeve, "Do you still remember the last time we went to see Macbeth? I was eight months pregnant with Jared but I wanted to go nonetheless. Your sister came down to San Antonio to look after Jeff for the evening. But Jared was so agitated that day that he kept kicking me during the whole play and we had to leave early because I was so uncomfortable."
She laughs lightly and Gerald looks thoughtful for a moment before he joins in. Jensen glances to the side and at Jared. Immediately, he notices the faint blush on Jared's high cheeks, the soft brush of pink right underneath his eyes. Jared shakes his head as if he didn't believe it.
"Maybe you could come to LA and see Jensen's group," Jared suggests. Turning back to Jensen, he asks, "D'you think that would be possible?"
"Uh, yeah," Jensen splutters, taken a little bit by surprise by Jared's suggestion. "I mean, we get a certain ticket contingent for family and friends. So, yeah."
"Fantastic!" Sharon exclaims and claps her hands together. There's no doubt that Jared inherited his one thousand watt grin from her.
Judging from the look she gives him, Jensen thinks that he's doing extremely well in Sharon's book already. He remembers Sandy's parting words before they left LA and how she predicted that Sharon would be the easy one in the family. Silently, Jensen prays that he'll be able to charm the remaining Padaleckis, too.
The conversation drags on to the other typical questions that are asked during a first meeting. Jensen's still a little weirded out by the sudden attention he's receiving, nonetheless he answers the questions about where he's from and his family background.
He's just giving a brief overview about his own family - he has an older brother and a younger sister too - when it's time to order. Sharon suggests Jensen try the sweet potato casserole, while Gerald says the fresh sautéed mushrooms are a must. And Jared, well, Jared winks at Jensen and tells him to take the biggest steak and eat nothing but bloody, red meat. In the end, Jensen goes for being diplomatic and orders both the potatoes and the mushrooms. And only a medium-sized steak.
Jensen's more than happy to let Jared order for both Sophie and Audrey, totally trusting his judgment. Jared decides on chicken kids' meals for the girls and steak, fried onion rings and French fries for himself.
The girls have been mostly quiet so far. As soon as they entered the restaurant, the waiter brought crayons and paper for them to draw on. Except for a few stifled yawns, the girls have been so caught up with their creative output that they haven't made any sounds.
A loudly rumbling stomach interrupts the silence that has spread. Jensen's pretty confident that it was his - though judging from Jared's expression, it also could have been Jared's. Everyone looks at him and Jensen feels so embarrassed for a second that he wishes the earth would open up and swallow him.
He's wondering why Jeff's giving him another one of these looks - it's not that Jensen made his stomach growl like that on purpose to disturb him - when Audrey somewhat comes to his rescue by saying, "I'm very hungry too, Daddy."
Jensen wants to tell her that she'll just have to wait another bit when Sharon beats him to that.
"Don't worry, sweetheart," she says. "Not much longer now. I'm very hungry too."
She smiles at Audrey and something inside Jensen settles. For a split second, he almost feels as if Audrey and he have been accepted, that they're a part of the family now. Deep inside he knows that this is something that needs time and that you can't expect your partner's family to treat you as one of their own after just a few hours, but for now, Jensen's happy with the feeling of being at a comfortable ease.
Apparently, Sophie also thinks she should contribute something to the conversation. She looks up from her drawing and what she says is totally different from what Audrey said. Totally.
From the corner of his eye, Jensen sees how Sophie puts her crayons down and looks at Jared.
"Daddy?" she says and when Jared, and almost everyone else at the table, looks at her, she asks. "Daddy, will Jensen and you have another baby now?"
Jared immediately looks mortified and everyone else at the table gives Sophie a curious look.
"Why do you ask, Sophie?" Jared says tentatively. From his expression, Jensen can see that Jared's not sure about asking the question. Probably, he doesn't even want to hear the answer.
"Because," Sophie explains, "Because Jessica said she's having a little baby brother soon and because Jensen and you are together now, you can have a little baby, too!"
Jensen has to bite the inside of his cheek in order not to burst out laughing.
Everyone's eyes are on a very confused Jared and Jensen thinks he should come to the rescue. Sophie is only six and so far he didn't feel the need to explain to her where babies come from and why Jared and he will not be having one. It's coming back to bite him in the ass and all Jensen can do, is try and explain it to her now, as appropriate for their current situation as possible.
He's explained it to Audrey before without going too much into detail, so Jensen thinks he should help Jared out here. Jared's blushing slightly and just as Jensen wants to say something, Audrey beats him to it.
"No, look Sophie," she says, all matter-of-fact. "Daddy and Jared can't have another baby because for babies you need a va-gin-a. But both Daddy and Jared have peens."
There is such a deadly silence at their table that you could hear a needle drop, or so Jensen thinks. Everyone's eyes are on Audrey and when Jensen looks around, he sees that Judy and Jeff are shocked, Gerald looks indifferent, Sharon bites her lip (probably to refrain from laughing too), Sophie looks thoughtful and Jared, well Jared, looks as if he'd die from embarrassment any second.
Jared's face is redder than Jensen has ever seen it and he's seen Jared embarrassed a few times by now. He fears Jared's arms and legs are going to fall off any second because all of the blood in Jared's body is rushing to his head. Or alternatively, Jared's head is just going to explode.
And then, Jensen simply can't help it. He doesn't know what hit him, when he says just as matter-of-fact as Audrey, "Actually, no, Audrey. To have a baby you need to have a uterus, not a vagina. You need a man, who has a penis, and a woman who has a uterus and a vagina. But it's the uterus where the baby lives until it's born."
Jensen's cheeks are slightly warm and tight and he hopes he's not blushing too badly. Jared's grip on his hand tightens so much that Jensen fears he's going to break it. Jensen gives a sharp jerk as he bites his lower lip. When Audrey nods at him, signalizing that she understands, Jensen turns to Sophie, totally ignoring how everyone at the table is staring at him.
"Did you understand, Sophie?" he asks as he smiles at her softly.
Sophie looks at him with big eyes as if he just taught her some special kind of rocket science. And maybe to her it is. After all, she's only six. She nods quickly and says, "A-ha. Yes!"
Jensen smiles and is glad that she doesn't ask any further questions. He doubts that she really understood what he said because this isn't the full answer but he really doesn't want to give her any sex ed in front of Jared's family. He'll do that some other day when it's just him and Sophie.
When he glances at Jared, his expression shows that he's clearly mortified. Still. If this weren't so serious, then Jensen would have burst out laughing because this is a little ridiculous. After all, he did not go into detail on how babies are made when he answered a very valid question from his daughter.
He sees that Sharon is worrying her lip harder than before and Jensen is relieved to see that at least she isn't freaking out. No one says anything and when two waiters finally start bringing their food, everyone's grateful for the distraction.
The first few minutes are somewhat tense and awkward but when Jensen thanks both Sharon and Gerald for the recommendations - because the sweet potatoes and the mushrooms really are delicious - the atmosphere lightens again and the rest of the dinner is fairly unspectacular. Soon enough, Jensen has to answer more of Sharon's curious questions about living in LA and his version of the story about how Jared and he met, and so on.
They're on their way back to Jared's parents' place. Jeff's driving Jensen, Jared and the girls with Jensen in the passenger seat because Audrey and Sophie both want to sit next to Jared. Jensen feels tense but instead of dwelling, he tries to think about the bed that waits for him.
When Jeff growls at him, low enough for only Jensen to hear and asks whether Jensen always discusses inappropriate questions with somebody else's child in restaurants, he thinks he didn't hear correctly at first. However, the icy glare Jeff gives him leaves absolutely no room for doubt.
Jensen feels as if he'd been slapped in the face. He stares at Jeff who doesn't even have the decency to spare him a second glance after this harsh accusation. Jeff's face is cold, his mouth a fine line as he focuses on the road.
Jensen doesn't know what he should point out first. That Sophie is not just somebody else's daughter but also his daughter or that he only answered a very valid question in the best way he could.
He opens his mouth to fire back, because seriously, he's not taking this shit from Jeff, when Jared tells Jensen excitedly to look to his right because they're passing Jared's old high school.
Jensen glances out of the window and doesn't turn back even once they've passed the school. He takes a few deep breaths and wills his nerves to calm down as he decides not to make a scene now. All he wants is to return to Jared's parents' home, make sure the girls are settled and then go to sleep himself. He's once again dying to get some rest, after giving Jared a long and proper kiss.
He's relieved when they finally arrive and Jeff drives off to his own home after giving Jensen another hostile look and then saying goodnight.
Index | Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 & Additional Notes and Thanks
"I'm nervous," Jared admits as he folds the last of Sophie's pink shirts and then passes it on to Jensen to put it into the bag.
Jensen looks at Jared and gives him a weak smile. "I know," he admits. "Me too."
The thing is, Jensen hasn't done this in a very long time. The last time was at the beginning of his last relationship, a relationship that lasted several years. Even though he thought that Tom was the love of his life and that they'd stay together forever, it somehow felt different back then. There was a lot of pressure on Jensen because when he met Tom's parents, he wanted to show his best side, of course he wanted to impress them for the sake of Tom and their relationship.
Yet, meeting Jared's parents seems more important and not comparable at all. Maybe it's different this time because unlike Jared, Tom was out and had been with another guy before Jensen. Maybe it's different because unlike with Tom, Jared presents not only a boyfriend but also a second daughter. The idea that Jared's parents are not only going to judge him, but also Audrey, puts more pressure on Jensen than he feels comfortable with.
Jensen knows that Jared is already distressed and he doesn't want to upset him any further. He knows that this is going to be hard enough for Jared without Jensen dumping even more worries on him.
Since his coming out last Sunday, Jared has spoken to his parents on the phone two more times, the last time being the night before. And each time he said it wasn't necessarily bad and that they were slowly getting used to the idea of Jared being with a man, yet Jared also said there was a weird vibe to the calls.
Jensen wishes they were all back already from the trip. He sighs and when Jared looks at him, it's with a compassionate expression. Jensen's sure that Jared just thought the same thing.
Before Jensen can process another thought, the girls come bouncing into Jensen and Jared's bedroom. They've been excited all day, innocently oblivious to what's occupying Jensen's and Jared's minds. Glancing at them and their carefreeness, Jensen's absolutely glad for this.
"Daddy!" Sophie squeaks and leaps into Jared's open arms. He picks her up and kisses her cheek with a wet smack. When Audrey walks over to Jared, Jared puts his arm around her and lifts her up too as if carrying two six year old girls were the easiest task in the world. He gives Audrey a kiss, making her giggle.
"Aunt Sandy is here," Sophie reports.
Ever since Jared and he have been together, Jensen's come to appreciate Sandy's friendship. He met her a few times before Jared and he were official and it's always been nice and friendly between Sandy and Jensen. But once Jared and he went from friends to a couple, Jensen also sort of adopted Jared's friends. Just like Jared received a whole package of Jensen's buddies.
This weekend Jensen is particularly happy that Sandy's such a good friend. She agreed to look after Jared's dogs because of course it's not a good idea to leave them alone for the weekend or to fly them down to Texas for two days. Looking after Sadie and Harley is something Jensen simply wouldn't trust Chris with. Or rather, not unless he wants to have the dogs back traumatized.
"All set and ready?" Sandy asks, smiling sweetly.
"Yeah, yeah, sure," Jared says quickly, maybe a bit too quickly.
Jensen sees how Sandy draws up one eyebrow and he thinks she's not buying it at all. Jared puts Sophie and Audrey down and then he closes the bag and places it next to the one they already packed.
Sandy gives Jared a funny look but Jared chooses to ignore it. Instead he smiles at her, kisses her cheek and shoos the girls out of the bedroom and into their room to get dressed and ready.
"Is he okay?" Sandy asks as soon as Jared's out of earshot.
"Yeah," Jensen says. "He's, well, we're just a bit nervous, you know? This is a big step for Jared. But we're okay."
"Aw," Sandy says, closing the gap between them. She pulls him into a hug and says, "I've meet Jared's parents and they're absolutely adorable. You're going to get along with them just fine. Trust me. His mother's not going to want to let you go back to LA. She'll love you."
Jensen thinks about this for a while. Sandy smiles, so honestly and sincerely that Jensen wants to believe her unconditionally. He lowers his voice because he really doesn't want Jared to hear this, "It's just a situation I haven't been in for a long time; meeting someone's parents. I always said that I'd never compare boyfriends, but with Tom, my boyfriend before Jared, it was different. I feel like an ass for comparing them but, yeah, this seems harder with Jared's parents."
Sandy takes Jensen's hands in hers. They're delicate and soft, thoroughly manicured. She strokes her thumb over the back of Jensen's hand. "Don't worry, Jensen. Just be yourself and they will love you."
Jensen nods and then he hears Jared calling for him. "Jen, you ready? We gotta go."
Looking at his watch, Jensen sees that it's indeed time to drive to the airport. Sandy agreed to be their chauffeur, driving them to LAX and picking them up again. She gives Jensen another smile and together they join Jared and the girls in the living room.
"Okay, let's go," Jensen says.
The flight is relatively uneventful. Of course, the girls are very excited, enjoying the roller coaster-like ride of taking off and touching back down. The flight attendants love the girls and make sure they're supplied with enough juice, cookies and paper to draw on.
Jared busies himself with helping Sophie and Audrey with their pictures of how they want the backyard of their new home to look like, while Jensen is content to watch them. There's a set of pink swings and Jensen's not sure about the color choice but if the size of the garden permits it, then swings are a definite must.
Jensen feels sick to his stomach and he knows it's not from the plane ride. The flight itself is fine, no turbulences or disturbances; no, the funny feeling comes from something else. For a heartbeat, Jensen and Jared's eyes meet. And when Jared nods at him, his eyes soft and trusting, Jensen thinks that maybe everything is going to be all right after all.
Jensen's nervousness doesn't ebb away like he hoped. All the way through landing and deplaning, it's only getting worse. His palms are sweating, his muscles are tense and Jensen fears he's going to throw up any minute.
Jared doesn't look any better and the only ones who are bubbly and excited are Sophie and Audrey. They chatter happily about how they're going to meet Grandma Sherri and Grandpa Jerry and Uncle Jeff and Aunt Megan. Both Jensen and Jared are absolutely fine with simply letting them babble.
"Mom said someone would wait outside for us," Jared says, his hand on the small of Jensen's back. It's such an easy gesture, nevertheless Jensen takes so much comfort in it. A simple hand, a strong hand that leads him toward the baggage claim area and after they collected their luggage, out through the glass doors of the San Antonio airport.
The typical Texas-in-May air hits Jensen as soon as they step outside. It's already relatively late, past 7 p.m. by the time they finally leave the building. It's still sticky, the last touches of a hot day lingering. The heat only fades slowly in Texas and it never really cools anyway.
San Antonio reminds Jensen of Dallas as a strange feeling of home with a hint of melancholy overcomes him.
Once they're standing outside the airport, everyone's eyes scan over the area. Not that Jensen thinks he'd actually recognize anyone from Jared's family, so instead he looks for someone who recognizes Jared. In the end, Sophie spots their driver first.
"Uncle Jeff!" she squeaks before she runs toward a man roughly Jensen's age.
Jared's brother crouches down and opens his arms wide for Sophie to practically leap at him. Sophie wiggles and giggles, giving her uncle a kiss and for a moment, Jensen just stands there and admires them and their easy, carefree interaction.
"Let's go," Jared says, his hand once more on the small of Jensen's back.
Jensen glances at him and sees Jared smile, weak and nervous. So this is it. There's no turning back and everything Jensen says or does now will be used to judge him. Even though he assumes that Jared's family won't do it on purpose or with malicious intent, they'll still do it subconsciously: judge him.
Audrey stands next to Jensen, not having run over to Jeff, who is a stranger to her after all. When Jensen looks at her, her eyes are soft and round, just a little intimidated. Jensen understands why. He grabs her by the hand and together with Jared, they close the few steps to Jeff.
"Hi," Jared says and Jeff stands up again, picking up Sophie as he does.
There's an awkward moment of silence. Jensen can almost feel Jeff's sharp gaze piercing through him, his expression intense. It makes Jensen more than a little uncomfortable as he wonders what Jeff is thinking right now. Whatever it is, his expression doesn't give it away.
Jeff is a big man. If Jensen had to guess, he'd say that Jeff is maybe two to three inches taller than Jared. And Jared is already freakishly tall. Jeff has broad shoulders and huge arms; it's obvious he works out. Jeff looks like the kind of guy you'd meet at the entrance of your favorite club, the bouncer who's always a little grim and intimating. And he also seems like someone you don't want to get into a physical fight with.
He's handsome. Definitely. His features are a bit harder, a bit rougher and a bit edgier than Jared's but Jensen's always considered manly men more attractive than your typical twink.
God, Jensen did not just think that. Right?
Jensen's cheeks start to burn and he wants to slap himself because now is not the time to blush and be a damsel in distress. Jeff scrunches his eyes and still stares at Jensen for long, agonizing seconds.
Then, all of a sudden, he turns to Jared and a broad grin spreads across his face. It's the same way Jared grins and when Jared returns it, it almost looks comical. Jared's posture relaxes immediately and up to now, Jensen was so self-absorbed that he didn't even realize how stiff Jared had been.
"Welcome home, little bro'," Jeff says cheerfully as he pulls Jared awkwardly into a one-armed hug while Sophie squeaks happily when squished between them.
As soon as Jeff and Jared break apart again, Jeff's eyes are back on Jensen. But this time, they linger only for a short moment. When Jeff looks at Audrey, with the same expression as he looked at Jensen, Jensen feels heat pool in the pit of his stomach. A strange kind of wrath boils inside him, mixed with a good share of protectiveness.
Without thinking Jensen picks up Audrey, supporting her with his arm while her hands reach around his neck. There's a strange tension between them and Jensen doesn't have a clue how to read Jeff anymore.
"Hi, I'm Jeff. Jared's brother," Jeff then says, his voice neither particularly warm, nor particularly cold. When Jeff holds out his hand, Jensen shifts Audrey from his right side to his left, so that he can shake Jeff's hand.
"Jensen," he says. For a split second he wonders whether he should add Jared's boyfriend, but then he doesn't because he's sure everyone knows by now and he doesn't want to come across as patronizing. Instead he says, "This is my daughter, Audrey."
And then something happens: Jeff's eyes soften, the hard, judging gaze vanishing as a smile spreads across his face. There's something gentle about the way he looks at Audrey and when he reaches out with his hand again, he says, "Nice to meet you, Audrey."
Jensen's totally taken aback by the one hundred eighty degrees turn of the guy. With a soft nudge, he signalizes Audrey to be polite and to take the offered hand. She shakes it tentatively and Jensen is once more surprised by Jeff. Or rather by how careful the hunk is with his daughter.
"Hello," Audrey says shyly.
Jeff smiles at her and then he sets Sophie down and suggests, "Okay, let's go. Momma's waiting for you guys and I'm sure by now she's driving Dad mad with her pacing."
Jared snorts and Jeff laughs. "Sounds like something Momma would do."
They walk to Jeff's car in silence. After Jeff's reaction, Jared already seems a lot less tense and Jensen thinks this is a good thing. However, he can't force himself to relax quite yet. Something feels weird to him, somehow he can't shake the impression that Jeff doesn't like him and that everything is going to go downhill from now on. After all, he still hasn't met Jared's parents.
"Are we going to meet Grandma Sherri now?" Audrey asks, walking next to Jensen with fast steps to keep up with the adults' pace.
Just as Jensen wants to say that yes, they're going to meet Jared's parents now and that maybe she should refrain from calling her Grandma just yet, Jared turns to her and beams, "That's right, honey. You're going to meet your new Grandma now. Are you excited?"
Jensen sees how Jared is only paying attention to Audrey and how she nods enthusiastically so that he totally misses the deadly glare Jeff sends in his direction. Jensen's stomach drops and he feels immediately sick again.
So this is how it is. Maybe Jared's family is able to accept that Jared is no longer straight, but they don't seem to be able to accept Jensen and Audrey as family. It almost feels as if a part inside Jensen just died. He knows that this sounds overly dramatic but it's the way it is. The idea that Audrey's enthusiasm and love might not be reciprocated upsets Jensen. He's old enough to handle it and even though it certainly would sting, he'll live with this visit not going well, but Audrey's too young to fully grasp it.
Jensen sighs and follows the others to the car, desperately hoping that he's overreacting and reading too much into Jeff's reaction. He listens to Sophie chat to Jeff about school and ballet and the house they looked at the other day. If Jeff has any reaction to the news that Jensen and Jared are seeking for a place to live together, he's good at hiding it. Instead, he asks questions to keep Sophie talking.
His car turns out to be a Ford SUV and while Jeff loads the luggage into the trunk, Jared comes up to Jensen. There's a concerned look as he steals a very quick, too quick, kiss. "Are you okay?"
Jensen wishes Jared's lips would have lingered just a moment longer. Immediately, he misses their soft touch, the reassurance and comfort. But he knows that this is Texas and that Jared's brother is just on the other side of the car. Jensen's definitely not pushing his luck.
"Yeah, yeah," Jensen lies. "Just nervous, you know?"
Jared smiles at him and when Jared cups his cheek, Jensen has to resist not simply leaning in and allowing himself to enjoy the intimate gesture.
"You're doing just fine," Jared says before he leans in to kiss Jensen again.
When they hear Jeff clearing his throat, they immediately spring apart. There's a stern look on Jeff's face and Jensen thinks that this weekend is going to be just awesome.
They get into the car and throughout the whole drive Jeff ignores Jensen. Jensen sits in the back with the girls but he's really not dying for Jeff's attention. Jeff updates Jared on the latest happenings of their relatives; Aunt So-And-So did this and Cousin So-And-So did that. During the ride, Jensen busies himself with keeping the girls entertained with a few rounds of I spy with my little eye.
When Jeff finally enters the driveway, Jensen's stomach drops again. He can practically feel the blood rushing from his face. His hands are cold and sweaty and his heart starts pounding a merciless rhythm.
Jensen doesn't even register how the door is opened next to him. Only when Jared reaches inside and places a hand on his thigh, does Jensen notice. He looks at Jared and sees Jared smiling weakly at him. No matter how much Jared tries to hide it, Jensen sees right through him; Jared is just as terrified as he is. He seemed somewhat relaxed at the airport but all of that is gone now.
"Shall we?" Jared asks.
Jensen nods at him because there is no way around it anyway and the sooner they get done with this, the better. The other car door is opened too as Jeff helps Sophie and Audrey out. By the time Jensen finally got out, Jared has walked up to his brother.
Jared tries to keep his voice down for no one to hear and almost succeeds; Jensen really has to prick up his ears. Still he can make out what Jared whispers to his brother, "Jeff, can you give us a moment, please?"
Jeff grumbles something and grabs some of the luggage, finding his way to the door. Passing Jensen by, he gives Jensen another look that sends a chill down his spine, and not the kind of shiver Jared gives him. Jensen really doesn't want to fuck with this guy, in every sense of the word.
"Hey," Jared says, coming around to Jensen and pulling him close for a hug. For a short moment Jensen even clings to Jared, not wanting to let go. Jared trembles in Jensen's arms and this only reminds Jensen again that they're in this together.
"Take a deep breath," Jensen instructs, his hands stroking over Jared's back in soft, soothing circles. He's terrified himself, scared shitless because this is so important to Jared and to him, but Jensen thinks that now it's his turn to be the strong one.
"We're gonna be fine, Jared," he promises. He prays he's right.
Jared's breath is hot and damp against Jensen's throat and even though he knows that now's an inappropriate moment to get aroused, the ghosting breath makes a faint heat spread in the pit of Jensen's stomach. When Jared pulls away, there's an insecure expression on his face. It's been there way too often lately and Jensen hopes this is the last time he has to see it. He can't stand it any longer.
"I love you," Jensen whispers and before Jared can answer, he presses a soft, chaste kiss to Jared's lips.
"Let's go inside," Jensen suggests finally.
Nodding, Jared grabs the remaining bag and then he leads Jensen and the girls toward the front door.
"Can I show Audrey my room, Daddy?" Sophie asks on the way. She bounces up and down next to Jared, clearly excited by the prospect of escorting Audrey through her grandparents' house.
"Of course you can, honey," Jared says. "But make sure to say hello to Grandma and Grandpa first, okay?"
Sophie nods enthusiastically before she grabs Audrey by the hand and together they run up the driveway quickly. From the outside the Padaleckis' house looks roughly the same size as Jensen's parents' home. Two steps lead up to the wide, inviting porch, where a white porch swing is swaying softly back and forth.
As they approach the front door, Jensen feels like he's walking into a lion's den. If the situation weren't so serious, he'd laugh because it's a little comical. Just as he enters the house, Jared reaches for his hand, holding it in a firm grip. Jensen doesn't mind because if the physical contact does one thing, it's reassure him.
They step into a hallway that is badly lit. It's not dark, of course it isn't, after all it only should be around eight, but still, the entrance hall isn't as bright as Jensen expected it. It radiates a strange atmosphere, somehow making Jensen feel uncomfortable again and reminding him once more of the lion's den.
It's ridiculous, he thinks because this is only the hallway of Jared's parents' house. Nothing to be intimidated by yet. Still. Jensen feels sick to his stomach and a strange fear of throwing up onto the carpet any second takes over. He's so nervous that he can't even move.
"Jared!" someone exclaims and when Jensen looks to the side, he sees a woman of more or less his own mother's age enter the hallway. She switches on the lights before she quickly walks to Jared and pulls him into a close hug.
"Mom," Jared says, dropping the bag in his hand and letting go of Jensen's hand before his arms slowly come around her back. Jared's posture is stiff at first and it seems almost like slow motion as he loosens up.
Judging from Jared's perplexed expression, he didn't expect this kind of behavior at all. This doesn't stop him from giving his mother a proper hug as soon as he overcomes his shock.
Jared's mother says something that Jensen can't make out but Jared smiles so Jensen relaxes a little. He knows that Sharon's reaction is not for him and he still doesn't know how she will actually act toward him as soon as she acknowledges him. But the fact that her welcome for Jared is warm and motherly is a good sign. It eliminates at least one of Jensen's worries.
"Sherri, let go of him," a man says from the threshold between hallway and what Jensen assumes to be living room. He's tall and Jensen immediately sees the similar facial features between him and Jared. There's no doubt that the man is Jared's father Gerald.
Jensen feels a little stupid with no one noticing him but before he can complain - and he's not sure he wants to - the attention in the room shifts to him. After Sharon finally lets go of Jared, she turns around and looks at Jensen. So does Gerald.
Jensen is taken aback by their intense gazes, by the way they obviously judge him. If he could, he'd shift his weight from one foot to the other, but he thinks it would only make him look stupid, so he doesn't. He's a grown man and not a little boy who has to explain to his teacher why he misbehaved. Jensen takes a deep breath and wills his nerves to calm down. He needs to get a grip and pull himself together. He's a goddamn adult. He's pretty sure that if he still held Jared's hand, he'd be crushing it by now. Or Jared his.
A few long moments full of tension pass and Jensen feels a little awkward and out of place. Finally, he opens his mouth to introduce himself but Jared is quicker. He doesn't say what Jensen expects him to though.
"Where are Sophie and Audrey?" he asks his parents.
Jensen realizes only now that the girls are not in the hallway. He was so nervous and frozen to the spot that he completely forgot about their daughters.
"Aw, honey, they just went upstairs," Sharon says with a wink. From the corner of his eye, Jensen catches a short glimpse of annoyance on Jared's face. He's been with Jared for long enough to know that even though Jared is a loving parent who's goofy with his kid and who adores his daughter more than anything in the world, he's also strict and expects his instructions to be followed.
"Stop frowning now, Jared. You're worse than your father," Sharon says and lightly swats Jared's arm. She laughs and when she finally turns her attention back to Jensen, she seems somewhat less intimidating. Her features are soft and now that Jensen gets a better look at her, he revises his initial assessment of her age: Sharon is definitely a few years younger than his own mother.
Gerald comes closer and at first he only looks at Jared. There's a stern expression on his face and to Jensen the air in the room seems so thick that he thinks you could easily cut through it with a knife. It's a little awkward how Gerald glances at Jared.
When he finally greets Jared, it's not how Jensen imagined it: Gerald pats Jared's shoulder awkwardly.
It's tense and uncomfortable and Jensen's totally perplexed because this is not how he thinks this should be. Looking to the side and seeing Jared's face, it's only confirmed. Jared seems surprised and disappointed. He looks hurt and defeated with his shoulders so slumped.
Jensen's stomach cramps to see him like that. He doesn't want Jared to be so wretched because apparently he wasn't greeted the way he had hoped for. For a quick moment, Jensen thinks back to the conversation Jared and he had the night before where Jensen asked Jared what his family was like.
We're an affectionate family. We hug a lot and stuff.
Jared looks miserable but it only takes a heartbeat until he retains his posture, wearing a mask that clearly screams fake to Jensen. Jared smiles, but the tension in his shoulders still gives away how he must be feeling. All you have to do is look closely enough.
After Gerald finally comes to a stand next to his wife, both of Jared's parents look at Jensen expectantly. Jensen immediately feels uncomfortable again but finally he takes the chance to introduce himself. Swallowing the lump in his throat, he reaches out his hand and says, "Mrs. Padalecki, Mr. Padalecki, it's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Jensen."
Jared's arm finds its way around Jensen's waist and the simple gesture is so wonderfully relaxing that Jensen wishes he could give into his craving for more and just give Jared a very tight, very long hug.
Sharon smiles at him broadly and for a moment, Jensen is totally taken aback. After Jeff's somewhat hostile reaction to him, he certainly didn't count on such outright heartiness. She looks at him for a few long, agonizing heartbeats and then she shakes his hand. Not letting go, she says, "You are a very handsome young man, Jensen. No wonder Jared is head over heels for you."
Jensen is torn between blushing and nearly bursting out laughing. This is one of the last things he expected her to say. Ever since Jared came out to his parents, Jensen had the impression from their phone calls that his parents were somewhat okay with Jared's confession, but to tell him this? This is something Jensen never would have dared dream of.
When he glances to his side, he sees that Jared's face is flaming red with embarrassment and his eyes are wide in shock. His mouth is even hanging open a little and Jensen assumes Jared is mortified. It is a little amusing. Jensen tries to subtly bump his hip against Jared in order to make him regain his posture and maybe close his mouth. At least.
"It's Sherri and Jerry, please. Mrs. and Mr. Padalecki always makes me feel so old," she says, still not letting go of Jensen's hand.
She only does when Gerald holds his hand out for Jensen to shake. Gerald's grip is firm and strong and there's a determined expression on his face. It's not as straightforwardly friendly and accepting as Sharon's expression but it's not as judging and intimidating as Jeff's expression either. It's rather somewhere in between.
"Pleasure to meet you. Jared told us a lot about you before and after he decided to share this interesting piece of information about the two of you," Gerald says. After a short pause, Gerald adds, "When he eventually decided to share the news on his new… lifestyle and… living arrangements."
There's a taxing look on his face and he still holds Jensen's hand tightly. Jensen doesn't know what to make out of this because even though Gerald's not hostile, he's definitely challenging. Gerald glances at Jensen with sharp, astute eyes.
Somehow Jensen can't shake the feeling of being in a trap. Gerald is probably testing how Jensen is going to react in such a situation, in a situation that implies that Gerald doesn't approve of what Jensen and Jared have. Of course, Jensen could stick up for his and Jared's relationship; of course he could act on the topic and become defensive. But he doesn't. He doesn't because he believes that if he's going to discuss this with Jared's father then it shouldn't be within the first five minutes they met.
Jared's arm tightens around Jensen's waist and Jensen doesn't know whether it's because he's protective or whether he wants to signalize Jensen not to argue with his father. Not yet.
So instead of giving Gerald any material for a heated discussion, Jensen gives him his best smile, squeezes his hand firmly and says, "Well, I hope Jared only mentioned the good things."
Sharon actually swoons over Jensen a little, giving him a warm smile and when Gerald nods and winks at him, Jensen thinks he got out of a tight spot rather well. Gerald finally lets go of his hand and says, "Well, welcome then. We're going out for dinner tonight. Do you boys want to change before we go?"
Jared looks at Jensen and when Jensen shakes his head, he says, "No, we're good. Hungry actually. Let me just call for the girls."
It doesn't take long after Jared called out for Audrey and Sophie for everyone to hear the rumbling of steps as they come running down the stairs. Their faces are flushed as they come to a stand next to Jensen. Looking to the side, Jensen sees a stern look on Jared's face and this time it's his turn to poke Jared in the side.
"Did you say hello properly?" Jensen gently asks before Jared can.
At least the girls have the decency to look guilty about it, but Jensen's sure that the only person who really resents this is Jared. When Sophie and Audrey shake their heads, Jensen says, "Well?"
Sophie is the first to move. As soon as Sharon crouches down, Sophie leaps forward into her arms and squeals, "Hi Grandma Sherri!"
Sharon laughs and kisses Sophie with a wet smack while she cradles her. "It's so nice that you're here, sweetie," she says.
When Sharon lets go, Sophie goes to greet her grandfather. However, it turns out to be Audrey who surprises everyone. Before Sharon can even get back up again, Audrey is practically jumping at her, copying Sophie bit by bit. She even squeals, "Hi Grandma Sherri!"
For a heartbeat everyone is so shocked, or rather, everyone except Audrey and Sophie, that they don't even know what to say or do. Jensen fears this is going to be really awkward any second and thinks he should probably apologize for his daughter's high spirits. After all, she only means well.
Jared seems to be paralyzed next to Jensen, staring at Audrey and his mother with wide eyes. Jensen feels the tension spreading and just as he wants to say something, Sharon starts snickering lightly.
"Oh, hello my dear," Sharon says, smiling warmly at Audrey. She even gives Audrey a soft kiss on the cheek, while stroking over her blonde hair.
For a split second, Jensen and Sharon's gazes meet. She looks at Jensen with such warmness that Jensen's stomach drops for reasons he can't even explain. Today has been a roller coaster ride of emotions, even more so than the last few days. Every feeling Jensen went through today seemed to be multiplied by ten - the fear, the worry, the relief and happiness - it's starting to wear him out. If he could, he'd cancel the dinner and just go to sleep and curl around Jared, but he knows they can't do that.
To Jensen's surprise Gerald gives Audrey a long and proper hug too and on top of that a kiss on the cheek. For a moment Jensen is surprised by just how differently adults often react to children in comparison to other adults.
But then the thought crosses his mind that he wouldn't want to get a kiss from Jared's father anyway. The thought actually amuses Jensen so much that he snorts. When Jared squeezes his arm around Jensen's waist again and gives him a stern look, Jensen has to bite the inside of his cheek in order not to burst out laughing.
"This is Jensen's daughter Audrey," Jared states the obvious.
Sharon keeps stroking over Audrey's hair while Audrey seems to soak up the attention. Scratch that, Jensen knows his daughter and he knows that she likes being in the spotlight. It makes him happy to see that at least Sharon's already embraced her. One down, three to go.
"Okay, let's go," Gerald suggests and like a real Padalecki, he adds, "I'm starving."
Jeff is being called from upstairs and in no time they're on their way to the restaurant.
Jensen, Jared and the girls are in the car with Jared's brother again and Jensen wishes he could have just five minutes of privacy with Jared. Not only is he dying for a kiss, a proper hug or just any kind of physical contact and comfort, but he's also dying to hear Jared's assessment of how they're doing so far.
Jensen has mixed feelings about Jared's family. He's relatively confident that Sharon already loves Audrey and him, Gerald is somewhat neutral and Jeff hates them. But still, he'd love some kind of confirmation from Jared.
This reminds him…
"Where's your sister?" Jensen blurts out. He only now realized that he hasn't met Jared's sister Megan yet.
"Still at college. She's coming down tomorrow," Jeff says sharply, giving Jensen a feeling of this is none of your business.
This shuts Jensen efficiently up. From the backseat Jensen sees Jared frown at Jeff but yet he decides not to say anything. The rest of the drive passes in silence.
They're sitting at a round table with Jensen next to Jared and Audrey and Sophie between Jared and Sharon. On Jensen's left is Jeff's girlfriend Judy, who met them at the restaurant. Next to her is Jeff - and Jensen's quite grateful that Judy's between them - and next to Jeff sits his father, closing the circle.
Much to Jensen's relief, the restaurant turns out to be a steak house. He really wouldn't want to have to deal with anything fancy where he has to pay attention to which fork and knife to use first. He orders a beer for himself and juice for Audrey, no clue yet what to eat.
"What is it again that you do for a living, Jensen?" Gerald asks curiously.
The question takes Jensen a bit by surprise. Before they came to San Antonio, he expected to be asked questions of course, but after how the day's gone so far and how Jared's family's reacted to him, he really didn't think anymore that anyone would be interested in him.
"I'm an actor," Jensen says. "A theater actor."
He wishes the waiter already had brought their drinks because all of a sudden, Jensen's throat feels incredibly dry. A few gulps of beer and maybe he'd also be able to relax, if only just a little. All eyes are on him and Jensen thinks that this is the point where everyone judges him.
"What other jobs do you have?" Jeff asks, voice once more slightly hostile.
Jensen is taken aback and doesn't even understand the question at first. When he looks at Jared, he sees him frown at his brother, probably as clueless as Jensen. It takes a moment until Jensen realizes that Jeff assumes he can't live off being an actor.
Taking a deep breath, Jensen says, "Actually, acting is the only one. I must have worked hard enough in the past that I can live off acting and afford to bring up a child. We're currently working on a modern adaption of Macbeth and I play the lead."
Jensen knows he sounds a little harsher than he intended to but Jeff's immediate implication that Jensen isn't able to support himself financially pisses him off. He's got no clue what he's done to the man. He gives Jeff a challenging look and for a few seconds they just glare at each other.
Jensen feels once more incredibly defensive because he really doesn't like being condemned like this, doesn't like being accused of things when his attacker doesn't even know him. At all.
"You should see him, Jensen is amazing," Jared praises, apparently trying to release some of the tension.
From the corner of his eye, Jensen catches Jared give Jeff another warning glare that only lasts for a split second. And then, Jared grabs Jensen's hand and places their linked hands on the table for everyone to see. Jensen holds his breath and almost expects the shit to hit the fan. He doesn't know what's worse, an outright fight or the passive-aggressiveness that's going on.
Jensen tries to pull his hand away in order not to provoke Jared's edgy family even more, but Jared's got an iron grip on him and doesn't let go. Jensen just wants to say something as Gerald looks at him and says, "Macbeth is a very sophisticated play."
He smiles warmly at Jensen and Jensen wonders whether this is the same man who earlier challenged him for his and Jared's lifestyle. Jensen just can't make heads or tails of these people.
He's exhausted after their trip; the constant change of emotions is draining. Jensen's longing for a bed (and a nice and easy session of making out with Jared). He really wishes they were already over with this dinner. Yet he forces himself to smile, to wear a mask and to make a good impression. The best impression possible for the sake of Jared.
"It is," Jensen then says, shifting his attention to Gerald. "It's actually one of my most favorite plays ever."
Gerald nods at him with another smile on his face. Jared squeezes Jensen's hand; a gesture so simple, yet so comforting.
"Oh honey," Sharon giggles, pulling at her husband's sleeve, "Do you still remember the last time we went to see Macbeth? I was eight months pregnant with Jared but I wanted to go nonetheless. Your sister came down to San Antonio to look after Jeff for the evening. But Jared was so agitated that day that he kept kicking me during the whole play and we had to leave early because I was so uncomfortable."
She laughs lightly and Gerald looks thoughtful for a moment before he joins in. Jensen glances to the side and at Jared. Immediately, he notices the faint blush on Jared's high cheeks, the soft brush of pink right underneath his eyes. Jared shakes his head as if he didn't believe it.
"Maybe you could come to LA and see Jensen's group," Jared suggests. Turning back to Jensen, he asks, "D'you think that would be possible?"
"Uh, yeah," Jensen splutters, taken a little bit by surprise by Jared's suggestion. "I mean, we get a certain ticket contingent for family and friends. So, yeah."
"Fantastic!" Sharon exclaims and claps her hands together. There's no doubt that Jared inherited his one thousand watt grin from her.
Judging from the look she gives him, Jensen thinks that he's doing extremely well in Sharon's book already. He remembers Sandy's parting words before they left LA and how she predicted that Sharon would be the easy one in the family. Silently, Jensen prays that he'll be able to charm the remaining Padaleckis, too.
The conversation drags on to the other typical questions that are asked during a first meeting. Jensen's still a little weirded out by the sudden attention he's receiving, nonetheless he answers the questions about where he's from and his family background.
He's just giving a brief overview about his own family - he has an older brother and a younger sister too - when it's time to order. Sharon suggests Jensen try the sweet potato casserole, while Gerald says the fresh sautéed mushrooms are a must. And Jared, well, Jared winks at Jensen and tells him to take the biggest steak and eat nothing but bloody, red meat. In the end, Jensen goes for being diplomatic and orders both the potatoes and the mushrooms. And only a medium-sized steak.
Jensen's more than happy to let Jared order for both Sophie and Audrey, totally trusting his judgment. Jared decides on chicken kids' meals for the girls and steak, fried onion rings and French fries for himself.
The girls have been mostly quiet so far. As soon as they entered the restaurant, the waiter brought crayons and paper for them to draw on. Except for a few stifled yawns, the girls have been so caught up with their creative output that they haven't made any sounds.
A loudly rumbling stomach interrupts the silence that has spread. Jensen's pretty confident that it was his - though judging from Jared's expression, it also could have been Jared's. Everyone looks at him and Jensen feels so embarrassed for a second that he wishes the earth would open up and swallow him.
He's wondering why Jeff's giving him another one of these looks - it's not that Jensen made his stomach growl like that on purpose to disturb him - when Audrey somewhat comes to his rescue by saying, "I'm very hungry too, Daddy."
Jensen wants to tell her that she'll just have to wait another bit when Sharon beats him to that.
"Don't worry, sweetheart," she says. "Not much longer now. I'm very hungry too."
She smiles at Audrey and something inside Jensen settles. For a split second, he almost feels as if Audrey and he have been accepted, that they're a part of the family now. Deep inside he knows that this is something that needs time and that you can't expect your partner's family to treat you as one of their own after just a few hours, but for now, Jensen's happy with the feeling of being at a comfortable ease.
Apparently, Sophie also thinks she should contribute something to the conversation. She looks up from her drawing and what she says is totally different from what Audrey said. Totally.
From the corner of his eye, Jensen sees how Sophie puts her crayons down and looks at Jared.
"Daddy?" she says and when Jared, and almost everyone else at the table, looks at her, she asks. "Daddy, will Jensen and you have another baby now?"
Jared immediately looks mortified and everyone else at the table gives Sophie a curious look.
"Why do you ask, Sophie?" Jared says tentatively. From his expression, Jensen can see that Jared's not sure about asking the question. Probably, he doesn't even want to hear the answer.
"Because," Sophie explains, "Because Jessica said she's having a little baby brother soon and because Jensen and you are together now, you can have a little baby, too!"
Jensen has to bite the inside of his cheek in order not to burst out laughing.
Everyone's eyes are on a very confused Jared and Jensen thinks he should come to the rescue. Sophie is only six and so far he didn't feel the need to explain to her where babies come from and why Jared and he will not be having one. It's coming back to bite him in the ass and all Jensen can do, is try and explain it to her now, as appropriate for their current situation as possible.
He's explained it to Audrey before without going too much into detail, so Jensen thinks he should help Jared out here. Jared's blushing slightly and just as Jensen wants to say something, Audrey beats him to it.
"No, look Sophie," she says, all matter-of-fact. "Daddy and Jared can't have another baby because for babies you need a va-gin-a. But both Daddy and Jared have peens."
There is such a deadly silence at their table that you could hear a needle drop, or so Jensen thinks. Everyone's eyes are on Audrey and when Jensen looks around, he sees that Judy and Jeff are shocked, Gerald looks indifferent, Sharon bites her lip (probably to refrain from laughing too), Sophie looks thoughtful and Jared, well Jared, looks as if he'd die from embarrassment any second.
Jared's face is redder than Jensen has ever seen it and he's seen Jared embarrassed a few times by now. He fears Jared's arms and legs are going to fall off any second because all of the blood in Jared's body is rushing to his head. Or alternatively, Jared's head is just going to explode.
And then, Jensen simply can't help it. He doesn't know what hit him, when he says just as matter-of-fact as Audrey, "Actually, no, Audrey. To have a baby you need to have a uterus, not a vagina. You need a man, who has a penis, and a woman who has a uterus and a vagina. But it's the uterus where the baby lives until it's born."
Jensen's cheeks are slightly warm and tight and he hopes he's not blushing too badly. Jared's grip on his hand tightens so much that Jensen fears he's going to break it. Jensen gives a sharp jerk as he bites his lower lip. When Audrey nods at him, signalizing that she understands, Jensen turns to Sophie, totally ignoring how everyone at the table is staring at him.
"Did you understand, Sophie?" he asks as he smiles at her softly.
Sophie looks at him with big eyes as if he just taught her some special kind of rocket science. And maybe to her it is. After all, she's only six. She nods quickly and says, "A-ha. Yes!"
Jensen smiles and is glad that she doesn't ask any further questions. He doubts that she really understood what he said because this isn't the full answer but he really doesn't want to give her any sex ed in front of Jared's family. He'll do that some other day when it's just him and Sophie.
When he glances at Jared, his expression shows that he's clearly mortified. Still. If this weren't so serious, then Jensen would have burst out laughing because this is a little ridiculous. After all, he did not go into detail on how babies are made when he answered a very valid question from his daughter.
He sees that Sharon is worrying her lip harder than before and Jensen is relieved to see that at least she isn't freaking out. No one says anything and when two waiters finally start bringing their food, everyone's grateful for the distraction.
The first few minutes are somewhat tense and awkward but when Jensen thanks both Sharon and Gerald for the recommendations - because the sweet potatoes and the mushrooms really are delicious - the atmosphere lightens again and the rest of the dinner is fairly unspectacular. Soon enough, Jensen has to answer more of Sharon's curious questions about living in LA and his version of the story about how Jared and he met, and so on.
They're on their way back to Jared's parents' place. Jeff's driving Jensen, Jared and the girls with Jensen in the passenger seat because Audrey and Sophie both want to sit next to Jared. Jensen feels tense but instead of dwelling, he tries to think about the bed that waits for him.
When Jeff growls at him, low enough for only Jensen to hear and asks whether Jensen always discusses inappropriate questions with somebody else's child in restaurants, he thinks he didn't hear correctly at first. However, the icy glare Jeff gives him leaves absolutely no room for doubt.
Jensen feels as if he'd been slapped in the face. He stares at Jeff who doesn't even have the decency to spare him a second glance after this harsh accusation. Jeff's face is cold, his mouth a fine line as he focuses on the road.
Jensen doesn't know what he should point out first. That Sophie is not just somebody else's daughter but also his daughter or that he only answered a very valid question in the best way he could.
He opens his mouth to fire back, because seriously, he's not taking this shit from Jeff, when Jared tells Jensen excitedly to look to his right because they're passing Jared's old high school.
Jensen glances out of the window and doesn't turn back even once they've passed the school. He takes a few deep breaths and wills his nerves to calm down as he decides not to make a scene now. All he wants is to return to Jared's parents' home, make sure the girls are settled and then go to sleep himself. He's once again dying to get some rest, after giving Jared a long and proper kiss.
He's relieved when they finally arrive and Jeff drives off to his own home after giving Jensen another hostile look and then saying goodnight.
Index | Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 & Additional Notes and Thanks