Melting Under Blue Skies (Part 6)
The twenty third found Jared and Jensen baking in the kitchen, an activity Jensen had never expected of the other boy. Jared was wearing a “Kiss the Cook’ apron, naturally, and waving a wooden spoon around like a conductor’s baton in time to the Christmas music pouring from the living room.
“Brownies are my favorite!” He told Jensen loud and happily, stirring the batter vigorously, tongue poking out of the corner of his mouth.
Jensen watched him, fascinated. When the mixture was thick and gooey, Jared cheered in triumph.
“Grab me the thingermerbob!” Jared gestured with the spoon, splattering the corner of the table and the floor with chocolate. Jensen rolled his eyes and sighed heavily, walking toward the counter.
“The pan?”
“Yes!” Jared laughed and Jensen smiled at him, placing it on the table in front of him. Jared spooned the batter into the pan, spreading it out evenly, scraping the last amounts out of the bowl, heaven forbid he leave even a drop behind.
“Put it in the oven wifey!” Jensen grabbed the pan and shot Jared a dirty look, he grinned sheepishly back at him.
“I’m not the one wearing the apron, hubby.” Jared giggled. Jensen slid the checkered oven-mits on over his hands and pushed the pan into the oven.
“Time for my favorite part,” Jared sighed happily, eying the wooden spoon with reverence. Jensen watched as he brought it to his mouth, licked up it, eyes closed, grinning happily. Jensen swallowed, shifting on his feet and stumbling back into the counter. Jared held out the bowl.
“Want some?” Jensen flushed as Jared’s tongue darted out, licked across his lips before licking in small strokes up the spoon.
“S-sure.” Jared smiled again, dipped the spoon into the bowl and scooped up a bit of the left over batter, holding it out to Jensen, licking some off of his thumb.
“I don’t have cooties,” Jared joked, voice gone soft and kind of self-conscious. Jensen grabbed it, making sure his hand didn’t brush against Jared’s as he did, skin to skin contact best to be avoided. Jensen’s tongue darted out tentatively, licking up the side of the spoon Jared hadn’t yet.
Jensen was about to pull the spoon away from his mouth as Jared grabbed it, bumping it accidently into Jensen’s face and Jensen stepped back in surprise and Jared’s eyes widened and he grinned.
“Sorry.” Jensen shrugged, moving to wipe away the chocolate coating the corner of his mouth.
“Lemme,” Jared whispered, stepping up close to Jensen, swiping his forefinger across the batter, his hands trembled slightly and his eyes were wide and almost fearful as he slid it past Jensen’s lips, parted in surprise. Jensen let his eyes fall shut, hand coming up to grasp at Jared’s almost desperately but he didn’t push the other boy away.
Instead his tongue darted, licking around the digit, the taste of chocolate and Jared’s salty skin sending waves of arousal through him. He flicked his tongue one last time along Jared’s finger, mouth forming an ‘o’ around it, sliding it out of his mouth.
Jared pulled his hand away slowly and Jensen couldn’t meet his eyes, stared at Jared’s stupid red and green striped socks. When he darted his gaze back up, Jared was flushed and breathing heavily, staring down, and Jensen hoped he couldn’t tell how hard he was, cock straining against the zipper of his jeans.
“Oh good, they’re in the oven!” Jared’s eyes widened and he stepped back, coughing loudly and busying himself with collecting the bowls and measuring cups. “You boys make sure you clean up, the kids are in the den playing some card game if you want to join them.”
Jensen blinked a few times, turning away from Jared’s mom and helping Jared with the cleaning.
“You alright Jared, you looked a little flushed. You’re not coming down with something are you?” Jensen stole a glance and Jared looked mortified as he tried to duck away from his mother’s hand reaching for his forehead.
“I’m fine mom, hot oven.” She smiled, seemed satisfied and patted him on the shoulder before turning away.
For the rest of the day Jensen clung to Jared’s family before finally passing out in bed at nearly four in the morning, both boys too exhausted for awkward heart to hearts. On Christmas Eve Jared continued his efforts to get Jensen alone, obviously wanting to talk.
Jensen had thoroughly convinced himself that Jared’s serious face, sad lost puppy dog eyes and soft pout wasn’t good news. Either Jared was being especially clueless as to how he affected Jensen or he was being equally cruel.
Best case scenario Jensen could come up with, Jared was going to tell him it had all been some heat of the moment mistake and could he please never tell anyone and just forget it ever happened?
Jensen didn’t know why he was delaying the inevitable, but he just didn’t think he could face the disappointment, especially this close to Christmas.
That afternoon the rest of Jared’s extended family arrived; cousins and aunts and uncles bustling around the Padalecki home all towering over Jensen in a cruel and unusual way. Jared had been sufficiently distracted by helping out around the house and playing host and Jensen was able to sneak around without being caught alone.
Jared had been acting really strangely all day, even on top of his attempts to pull Jensen aside at every available opportunity.
He would be talking to a family member and spot Jensen walking into the room and he’d be on him quick as lightening, trying to trap him in doorways.
It freaked Jensen out.
A few times Jared hid behind other people, or the pantry door, even once underneath the kitchen table, each time with something hidden behind his back. Jensen wasn’t exactly sure what to make of it; Jared even tried cornering him in the bathroom before Jensen had freaked out and fled, blushing hard, heart pounding.
After dinner, when all the plates were cleared and the table was empty, save for half finished wine glasses, and everyone was full and happily reminiscing, Jared’s mom motioned for Jared and Jensen to go get the dessert.
Jensen’s eyes widened and he eyed the empty kitchen helplessly. Jared stared at him, pushing out his chair and watching to see if Jensen would follow.
Jensen swallowed nervously, smiled politely at Sherri and nodded, pushing his own chair in and making his way to the kitchen, one step behind Jared.
“I’ll grab the cookies, you grab the brownies alright?” Jared threw back at him, heading towards one counter and Jensen nodded to Jared’s back and headed for the other. Jensen reached for the pan of brownies, moved to pull the tinfoil off.
Jared’s hand clamped tightly around his wrist and Jensen jumped, breath caught in his throat; he hadn’t even heard the other boy sneak up behind him, though he supposed that was the point. Jensen moved to take a step back and he met Jared’s chest, boy like a mountain behind him.
“Jensen. You’ve been avoiding me,” Jared started, soft and kind of sad. Jensen tensed, stared at where Jared’s fingers were moving along his wrist.
“N-no-“Jensen started to deny and Jared’s hand dropped away from him.
“Which is pretty impressive considering it’s my house.”
“Jared.”
“No. Listen.” Jensen turned around, trying hard not to brush up against him; Jared made it more difficult by moving even closer, until their chests were almost touching. Jensen’s hands gripped the counter behind him, knuckles white, eyes wide, staring up at Jared helplessly.
He nodded softly. Jared smiled and leaned forward; whispering into Jared’s ear, breath hot and Jensen tried not to move.
“Look up.” Jensen started in confusion, brows drawing together, Jared didn’t move. Jensen humored him, head tilting up in mild trepidation like he was about to get sucker punched from a ceiling phantom.
He closed his eyes and looked all the way up, head tilted back. He breathed out a sigh and opened them:
Mistletoe?
Jensen’s head bobbed back, brows furrowing. He lowered his head, opened his mouth to ask Jared what the hell?
He caught just a glimpse of terrified green eyes and a shy smile before Jared was darting quickly forward, his wide soft lips pressing firmly against Jensen’s own: parted in mid question. Jensen’s eyes widened in surprise, Jared’s blurry face so close to his own.
He let his eyes slip shut, his grip on the counter going limp. Jared didn’t pull away or move to deepen the kiss, just let his lips press warm and solid against Jensen’s, his eyes closed tight like he was afraid if he opened them he’d find it wasn’t real.
Jensen pulled away first, slowly, ducking his head, and Jared pushed his forehead against Jensen’s breathing hot across his face. Jensen wasn’t sure what to say, he let his hands come up to rest against Jared’s hips tentatively.
Jared’s breath hitched and Jensen went to pull away, startled, but Jared shook his head, clamped his own hands down against Jensen’s. He pulled back so they were staring face to face.
Jensen licked across his lips and Jared traced the movement with his eyes making Jensen flush a deeper crimson.
“Why are you so stupid?” Jared asked voice playful with a hint of desperation beneath the surface. Jensen spluttered. “I’ve been trying…I mean I’ve wanted…for like…ever.” Jensen flushed, heart skipping a beat and his eyes widened in surprise.
“Really?” Jared nodded; his hands slipping away from Jensen’s to press against Jensen’s chest, twisting in his sweater. “I thought…I dunno, you were being like…nice?”
“Nice?” Jared huffed out a confused laugh, head cocking to the side to stare quizzically at the older boy.
“Like…affectionate or something.” Jared laughed again, shaking his head and Jensen felt embarrassed, stupid.
“Affectionate is a-a friendly pat on the back or like a hug. Not trying to get someone in their bed with them…twice!” Jared started, enthused.
“Affectionate isn’t shoving a finger in someone’s mouth so they can watch the way their lips look when they suck on it or-or rough housing so that maybe they can have a legitimate excuse to pin someone to the ground to see how they feel pressed up against them…” Jared trailed off, breathing hard and fast, eyes wide and earnest and pleading for Jensen to understand.
“I like you Jen.”
“I thought…you and Sandy,” Jensen questioned, like he was trying to get Jared to back out.
“We’re just friends-“
“But at lunch that one time, she kept looking at you and smiling and being all blushy and adorable and you kept playing with your bracelet like you do when you get nervous.”
“Sandy is pretty cute,” Jared admitted, teasing smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth, “and I do have a thing for blushing” Jared stared pointedly at Jensen who scowled and pushed him lightly, not really meaning it, not really wanting Jared to move away even a centimeter from where he was pressed up against him.
“She likes me, but I told her I liked someone else and she sort of figured it out pretty quickly and she never stopped teasing me about it and really…you make me kind of nervous Jensen.” Jared admitted softly, his turn to blush and look away.
“Why?” Jensen asked, surprised. “You’re like…you. And I’m like-“
“Smart? Funny? Talented?”
“Me.” Jared’s grin widened and he dipped his head down and Jensen closed his eyes, head pushed back with the force of the kiss.
Jared pulled back, smiled briefly before going back in again, pressing his lips to Jensen’s in soft slow kisses, teeth nipping gently at his bottom lip.
“My favorite part about you!” Jared whispered softly, breath ghosting across Jensen’s lips, his hands coming up to cup Jensen’s face.
“Jay,” Jensen whispered, breathless, looking up into Jared’s bright, happy eyes.
“Mhm?”
“We should probably go bring the dessert out before your mom comes to look for us.” Jared and grinned and pulled away, swooped back in for one more kiss before stepping away from Jensen completely.
“You’re not running away again are you?” Jared asked, voice teasing but it didn’t quite reach his eyes and Jensen shook his head with a small smile.
“Good. Because I went through a lot of trouble to plan this,” Jared replied exasperatedly.
“What?” Jensen asked, smiling.
“I hung mistletoe everywhere. I even put some in my pocket in case I could get you to stand still for five seconds where there wasn’t any. I even hung it over the toilet.”
Jensen burst out laughing; shaking his head and Jared looked a bit sheepish, folded his arms across his chest and pouted. Jensen calmed down enough to step forward and lean up to whisper in to Jared’s ear,
“Was it worth it?” Jared pulled him in for another bruising kiss, suckling gently on Jensen’s lower lip, slipping his tongue past his parted lips, tasting cinnamon and mint before pulling away, flushed and grinning.
“Every minute.”
That night the family crowded into the living room to watch Rudolph.
Jared pulled Jensen down onto the couch beside him, Jared’s small cousins fitting themselves into the couch next to him. Five minutes into the movie Jared shivered dramatically and stage whispered to Jensen,
“I’m cold, wanna grab the blanket?” And Jensen suppressed his grin and pulled the blanket over both of them. Jared’s hands snaked across the small space between them underneath the warm fleece, wrapping around Jensen’s, threading their fingers together.
Jensen blushed faintly, blamed it on the fire crackling in the fireplace across the room.
That night Jensen fell asleep wrapped up in a Jared blanket, covers pushed down past their hips, both boys wearing nothing but thin cotton undershirts and boxer briefs.
Jared’s leg was wedged between Jensen’s. Jensen’s bare feet were cold against Jared’s ankles, not quite able to reach Jared’s own socked feet.
In the morning Jared woke Jensen with a firm hand wrapped around his stiffening cock. Jensen’s body tensed against Jared, eyes blinking open rapidly, one hand fisted into the sheets, the other moving behind him to grasp Jared’s hip firmly.
Jared’s own erection was pressed tight against the small of Jensen’s back and Jared rocked his hips into Jensen, forcing him forward, thrusting up into Jared’s tight grip.
Jared’s rhythm was off a bit, and the motions were slow and tentative, too slow, but Jared was breathing hot and heavy into Jensen’s ear moaning when his cock slid against Jensen’s back the right way, and Jensen didn’t care about Jared’s skill.
His eyes fell shut and his mouth open, groaning low in his throat. He thrust again up into Jared’s hand and slid his own behind him, pushing through the slit of Jared’s boxers to grab Jared’s own hard prick. Jared moaned loud before he laughed and pushed his face against Jensen’s neck to stifle the sound.
Jensen smirked and came all over Jared’s hand, over his own boxers and Jared’s sheets.
“Oh God,” Jared moaned watching Jensen spurting and he came quickly after, thrusting up against Jensen’s hand and ass.
Jared raised his hand; Jensen’s come dripping off his fingers. Jensen grabbed the box of tissues of off Jared’s bed side table, turned and found him staring at his hand curiously.
Jared pulled his it toward his face and Jensen shook his head,
“Jared…don-“Jared’s tongue darted out against his index finger and his face twisted in disgust,
“Oh God!” He shook his head and wiped the rest of it on Jensen’s boxers, tongue sticking out and whimpering. Jensen threw his head back and laughed.
That Christmas Jared spent the day pulling Jensen into every available empty and private space to “make sure I still like kissing you!” Jared crowded Jensen against the counter in the pantry, folding door secure.
He thrust his hips gently into Jensen’s and leaned down, capturing Jensen’s lips with his own. He pulled back, expression curious before ducking back down to kiss him again.
Jensen deepened it, opening his mouth and allowing Jared’s tongue to slip inside, thrusting it against Jensen’s own, wrapping his lips around it and sucking on it entirely.
Jensen was breathing heavily, face flushed and red, when Jared pulled away. He nodded enthusiastically.
“Yeah…yeah I still do!”
It was Christmas night, when everyone had gone to sleep and the house was still and quiet that Jared and Jensen decided to exchange gifts. They were curled up on the rug in front of the Christmas tree, all the other lights in the house shut off, twinkling yellow glow reflected in hazel eyes.
“I hope you like it,” Jared smiled softly, shyly, as he handed the gift bag over to Jensen. Jensen smiled and set the gift down in front of him.
“Open yours first,” Jared told him as Jensen made a move to grab his own present. Jensen shrugged and pulled the ribbon off the handles.
He crushed the red tissue paper into a ball and chucked it at Jared’s head, he ducked and it skimmed off the top before rolling away into the corner. Jensen pulled open the bag and peered inside,
“Shit Jared!” Jensen hissed as his eyes widened in shock and something that looked suspiciously like nausea.
“Do you like it?” Jared asked, stifling a pleased smile.
“I can’t Jared,” Jensen shook his head and shoved the camera into Jared’s hands. “That’s like…do you know what that is? That’s a Canon EOS Rebel XS!” Jensen practically shouted.
“That’s what it says on the box.” Jared joked and Jensen shook his head, looked a little like he was in shock.
“I can’t Jared.”
“Yeah you can, it’s easy.” He shoved the canon back into Jensen’s hands; Jensen took it, staring at it in reverence. Jared grinned and grabbed at the bag of gifts for him behind Jensen, Jensen squawked and grabbed at them.
“You can’t, I have to get you something else!”
“Why?” Jared pouted, pulling on the bag.
“Because! They’re not worthy-“Jared cut him off with a bark of laughter.
“Jensen, I technically didn’t buy the camera, I bought some stuff for it in the bag but I didn’t…you know…spend half a grand,” Jared admitted, and Jensen looked confused.
“Mm…stolen goods. Merry Christmas!” Jared laughed.
“It’s not stolen. My grandfather gave it to me; he left it for me in his will.” Jensen’s face fell.
“Sorry.”
“S’okay. He clearly didn’t know me. Seriously, I’ve never taken a photo that didn’t have a giant finger in it.” Jensen smirked, and he bit at his lip like he was trying not to freak out, holding the camera in his hands like it was the Holy Grail.
“So I should keep it?”
“Mhm.” Jared nodded.
“Cuz it’ll just collect dust right?” Jensen asked, hopefully.
“Yes.”
“It’d be a shame.” Jensen conceded. Jared grinned and nodded, leaning over the gifts to press a kiss to Jensen’s lips. “God Jared, this is awesome.”
“Mmm, talented I know.” Jared grinned.
“Meant the camera,” Jensen motioned, scrunching up his nose teasingly.
“Yeah I guess it’s pretty good,” Jared sighed, sitting back down.
“Still think I need to get you something else,” Jensen replied, fingering the edge of the gift bag.
“Whatever it is…I’m sure it’s awesome.” Jared replied sincerely, opening the bag and pulling out the first thing. It was a book, when Jared flipped it over he barked out in laughter:
“The Idiots Guide to Art History. Thanks Jen…really very encouraging.” Jensen shrugged, smiling teasingly. Jared put the book aside and reached into the bag, pulling out two more books.
“Do What You Are: Discover the Perfect Career for you through the Secrets of Personality Type,” Jared read, flipping quickly through the book.
“Cuz you’re still undecided and everything. I thought it might be helpful.” Jensen shrugged, blushing.
“It’s awesome Jen. And this one…I really like this one, like a lot,” Jared laughed, holding up Playboy: the complete centerfolds. Jensen smirked.
“One more thing,” Jensen said pushing the bag towards Jared with his foot.
“More?” Jared grinned happily, digging into the bag and pulling out a stuffed dog, it was wearing cowboy boots, and a Texas t-shirt, complete with a cowboy hat and riding crop.
“Awww! And the boots even have little plastic spurs!” Jared giggled excitedly, spinning them for effect. Jensen flushed and worried at his lower lip nervously.
Jared leaned over and pulled Jensen into a hug. He lost his balance and fell into his lap, made no effort to move. Jensen wasn’t in a hurry to push him off. “I love my gifts Jen. They’re awesome.”
“Mine too.”
“Now you can take naked pictures of yourself. I can add them to my centerfold book,” Jared joked and Jensen grinned and looked away.
“Jensen?” Jared whispered and when Jensen looked up he captured his mouth in a kiss, soft press of lips and his hands threading through Jensen’s short spikes. “Merry Christmas.”
Part 5 Epilogue
“Brownies are my favorite!” He told Jensen loud and happily, stirring the batter vigorously, tongue poking out of the corner of his mouth.
Jensen watched him, fascinated. When the mixture was thick and gooey, Jared cheered in triumph.
“Grab me the thingermerbob!” Jared gestured with the spoon, splattering the corner of the table and the floor with chocolate. Jensen rolled his eyes and sighed heavily, walking toward the counter.
“The pan?”
“Yes!” Jared laughed and Jensen smiled at him, placing it on the table in front of him. Jared spooned the batter into the pan, spreading it out evenly, scraping the last amounts out of the bowl, heaven forbid he leave even a drop behind.
“Put it in the oven wifey!” Jensen grabbed the pan and shot Jared a dirty look, he grinned sheepishly back at him.
“I’m not the one wearing the apron, hubby.” Jared giggled. Jensen slid the checkered oven-mits on over his hands and pushed the pan into the oven.
“Time for my favorite part,” Jared sighed happily, eying the wooden spoon with reverence. Jensen watched as he brought it to his mouth, licked up it, eyes closed, grinning happily. Jensen swallowed, shifting on his feet and stumbling back into the counter. Jared held out the bowl.
“Want some?” Jensen flushed as Jared’s tongue darted out, licked across his lips before licking in small strokes up the spoon.
“S-sure.” Jared smiled again, dipped the spoon into the bowl and scooped up a bit of the left over batter, holding it out to Jensen, licking some off of his thumb.
“I don’t have cooties,” Jared joked, voice gone soft and kind of self-conscious. Jensen grabbed it, making sure his hand didn’t brush against Jared’s as he did, skin to skin contact best to be avoided. Jensen’s tongue darted out tentatively, licking up the side of the spoon Jared hadn’t yet.
Jensen was about to pull the spoon away from his mouth as Jared grabbed it, bumping it accidently into Jensen’s face and Jensen stepped back in surprise and Jared’s eyes widened and he grinned.
“Sorry.” Jensen shrugged, moving to wipe away the chocolate coating the corner of his mouth.
“Lemme,” Jared whispered, stepping up close to Jensen, swiping his forefinger across the batter, his hands trembled slightly and his eyes were wide and almost fearful as he slid it past Jensen’s lips, parted in surprise. Jensen let his eyes fall shut, hand coming up to grasp at Jared’s almost desperately but he didn’t push the other boy away.
Instead his tongue darted, licking around the digit, the taste of chocolate and Jared’s salty skin sending waves of arousal through him. He flicked his tongue one last time along Jared’s finger, mouth forming an ‘o’ around it, sliding it out of his mouth.
Jared pulled his hand away slowly and Jensen couldn’t meet his eyes, stared at Jared’s stupid red and green striped socks. When he darted his gaze back up, Jared was flushed and breathing heavily, staring down, and Jensen hoped he couldn’t tell how hard he was, cock straining against the zipper of his jeans.
“Oh good, they’re in the oven!” Jared’s eyes widened and he stepped back, coughing loudly and busying himself with collecting the bowls and measuring cups. “You boys make sure you clean up, the kids are in the den playing some card game if you want to join them.”
Jensen blinked a few times, turning away from Jared’s mom and helping Jared with the cleaning.
“You alright Jared, you looked a little flushed. You’re not coming down with something are you?” Jensen stole a glance and Jared looked mortified as he tried to duck away from his mother’s hand reaching for his forehead.
“I’m fine mom, hot oven.” She smiled, seemed satisfied and patted him on the shoulder before turning away.
For the rest of the day Jensen clung to Jared’s family before finally passing out in bed at nearly four in the morning, both boys too exhausted for awkward heart to hearts. On Christmas Eve Jared continued his efforts to get Jensen alone, obviously wanting to talk.
Jensen had thoroughly convinced himself that Jared’s serious face, sad lost puppy dog eyes and soft pout wasn’t good news. Either Jared was being especially clueless as to how he affected Jensen or he was being equally cruel.
Best case scenario Jensen could come up with, Jared was going to tell him it had all been some heat of the moment mistake and could he please never tell anyone and just forget it ever happened?
Jensen didn’t know why he was delaying the inevitable, but he just didn’t think he could face the disappointment, especially this close to Christmas.
That afternoon the rest of Jared’s extended family arrived; cousins and aunts and uncles bustling around the Padalecki home all towering over Jensen in a cruel and unusual way. Jared had been sufficiently distracted by helping out around the house and playing host and Jensen was able to sneak around without being caught alone.
Jared had been acting really strangely all day, even on top of his attempts to pull Jensen aside at every available opportunity.
He would be talking to a family member and spot Jensen walking into the room and he’d be on him quick as lightening, trying to trap him in doorways.
It freaked Jensen out.
A few times Jared hid behind other people, or the pantry door, even once underneath the kitchen table, each time with something hidden behind his back. Jensen wasn’t exactly sure what to make of it; Jared even tried cornering him in the bathroom before Jensen had freaked out and fled, blushing hard, heart pounding.
After dinner, when all the plates were cleared and the table was empty, save for half finished wine glasses, and everyone was full and happily reminiscing, Jared’s mom motioned for Jared and Jensen to go get the dessert.
Jensen’s eyes widened and he eyed the empty kitchen helplessly. Jared stared at him, pushing out his chair and watching to see if Jensen would follow.
Jensen swallowed nervously, smiled politely at Sherri and nodded, pushing his own chair in and making his way to the kitchen, one step behind Jared.
“I’ll grab the cookies, you grab the brownies alright?” Jared threw back at him, heading towards one counter and Jensen nodded to Jared’s back and headed for the other. Jensen reached for the pan of brownies, moved to pull the tinfoil off.
Jared’s hand clamped tightly around his wrist and Jensen jumped, breath caught in his throat; he hadn’t even heard the other boy sneak up behind him, though he supposed that was the point. Jensen moved to take a step back and he met Jared’s chest, boy like a mountain behind him.
“Jensen. You’ve been avoiding me,” Jared started, soft and kind of sad. Jensen tensed, stared at where Jared’s fingers were moving along his wrist.
“N-no-“Jensen started to deny and Jared’s hand dropped away from him.
“Which is pretty impressive considering it’s my house.”
“Jared.”
“No. Listen.” Jensen turned around, trying hard not to brush up against him; Jared made it more difficult by moving even closer, until their chests were almost touching. Jensen’s hands gripped the counter behind him, knuckles white, eyes wide, staring up at Jared helplessly.
He nodded softly. Jared smiled and leaned forward; whispering into Jared’s ear, breath hot and Jensen tried not to move.
“Look up.” Jensen started in confusion, brows drawing together, Jared didn’t move. Jensen humored him, head tilting up in mild trepidation like he was about to get sucker punched from a ceiling phantom.
He closed his eyes and looked all the way up, head tilted back. He breathed out a sigh and opened them:
Mistletoe?
Jensen’s head bobbed back, brows furrowing. He lowered his head, opened his mouth to ask Jared what the hell?
He caught just a glimpse of terrified green eyes and a shy smile before Jared was darting quickly forward, his wide soft lips pressing firmly against Jensen’s own: parted in mid question. Jensen’s eyes widened in surprise, Jared’s blurry face so close to his own.
He let his eyes slip shut, his grip on the counter going limp. Jared didn’t pull away or move to deepen the kiss, just let his lips press warm and solid against Jensen’s, his eyes closed tight like he was afraid if he opened them he’d find it wasn’t real.
Jensen pulled away first, slowly, ducking his head, and Jared pushed his forehead against Jensen’s breathing hot across his face. Jensen wasn’t sure what to say, he let his hands come up to rest against Jared’s hips tentatively.
Jared’s breath hitched and Jensen went to pull away, startled, but Jared shook his head, clamped his own hands down against Jensen’s. He pulled back so they were staring face to face.
Jensen licked across his lips and Jared traced the movement with his eyes making Jensen flush a deeper crimson.
“Why are you so stupid?” Jared asked voice playful with a hint of desperation beneath the surface. Jensen spluttered. “I’ve been trying…I mean I’ve wanted…for like…ever.” Jensen flushed, heart skipping a beat and his eyes widened in surprise.
“Really?” Jared nodded; his hands slipping away from Jensen’s to press against Jensen’s chest, twisting in his sweater. “I thought…I dunno, you were being like…nice?”
“Nice?” Jared huffed out a confused laugh, head cocking to the side to stare quizzically at the older boy.
“Like…affectionate or something.” Jared laughed again, shaking his head and Jensen felt embarrassed, stupid.
“Affectionate is a-a friendly pat on the back or like a hug. Not trying to get someone in their bed with them…twice!” Jared started, enthused.
“Affectionate isn’t shoving a finger in someone’s mouth so they can watch the way their lips look when they suck on it or-or rough housing so that maybe they can have a legitimate excuse to pin someone to the ground to see how they feel pressed up against them…” Jared trailed off, breathing hard and fast, eyes wide and earnest and pleading for Jensen to understand.
“I like you Jen.”
“I thought…you and Sandy,” Jensen questioned, like he was trying to get Jared to back out.
“We’re just friends-“
“But at lunch that one time, she kept looking at you and smiling and being all blushy and adorable and you kept playing with your bracelet like you do when you get nervous.”
“Sandy is pretty cute,” Jared admitted, teasing smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth, “and I do have a thing for blushing” Jared stared pointedly at Jensen who scowled and pushed him lightly, not really meaning it, not really wanting Jared to move away even a centimeter from where he was pressed up against him.
“She likes me, but I told her I liked someone else and she sort of figured it out pretty quickly and she never stopped teasing me about it and really…you make me kind of nervous Jensen.” Jared admitted softly, his turn to blush and look away.
“Why?” Jensen asked, surprised. “You’re like…you. And I’m like-“
“Smart? Funny? Talented?”
“Me.” Jared’s grin widened and he dipped his head down and Jensen closed his eyes, head pushed back with the force of the kiss.
Jared pulled back, smiled briefly before going back in again, pressing his lips to Jensen’s in soft slow kisses, teeth nipping gently at his bottom lip.
“My favorite part about you!” Jared whispered softly, breath ghosting across Jensen’s lips, his hands coming up to cup Jensen’s face.
“Jay,” Jensen whispered, breathless, looking up into Jared’s bright, happy eyes.
“Mhm?”
“We should probably go bring the dessert out before your mom comes to look for us.” Jared and grinned and pulled away, swooped back in for one more kiss before stepping away from Jensen completely.
“You’re not running away again are you?” Jared asked, voice teasing but it didn’t quite reach his eyes and Jensen shook his head with a small smile.
“Good. Because I went through a lot of trouble to plan this,” Jared replied exasperatedly.
“What?” Jensen asked, smiling.
“I hung mistletoe everywhere. I even put some in my pocket in case I could get you to stand still for five seconds where there wasn’t any. I even hung it over the toilet.”
Jensen burst out laughing; shaking his head and Jared looked a bit sheepish, folded his arms across his chest and pouted. Jensen calmed down enough to step forward and lean up to whisper in to Jared’s ear,
“Was it worth it?” Jared pulled him in for another bruising kiss, suckling gently on Jensen’s lower lip, slipping his tongue past his parted lips, tasting cinnamon and mint before pulling away, flushed and grinning.
“Every minute.”
That night the family crowded into the living room to watch Rudolph.
Jared pulled Jensen down onto the couch beside him, Jared’s small cousins fitting themselves into the couch next to him. Five minutes into the movie Jared shivered dramatically and stage whispered to Jensen,
“I’m cold, wanna grab the blanket?” And Jensen suppressed his grin and pulled the blanket over both of them. Jared’s hands snaked across the small space between them underneath the warm fleece, wrapping around Jensen’s, threading their fingers together.
Jensen blushed faintly, blamed it on the fire crackling in the fireplace across the room.
That night Jensen fell asleep wrapped up in a Jared blanket, covers pushed down past their hips, both boys wearing nothing but thin cotton undershirts and boxer briefs.
Jared’s leg was wedged between Jensen’s. Jensen’s bare feet were cold against Jared’s ankles, not quite able to reach Jared’s own socked feet.
In the morning Jared woke Jensen with a firm hand wrapped around his stiffening cock. Jensen’s body tensed against Jared, eyes blinking open rapidly, one hand fisted into the sheets, the other moving behind him to grasp Jared’s hip firmly.
Jared’s own erection was pressed tight against the small of Jensen’s back and Jared rocked his hips into Jensen, forcing him forward, thrusting up into Jared’s tight grip.
Jared’s rhythm was off a bit, and the motions were slow and tentative, too slow, but Jared was breathing hot and heavy into Jensen’s ear moaning when his cock slid against Jensen’s back the right way, and Jensen didn’t care about Jared’s skill.
His eyes fell shut and his mouth open, groaning low in his throat. He thrust again up into Jared’s hand and slid his own behind him, pushing through the slit of Jared’s boxers to grab Jared’s own hard prick. Jared moaned loud before he laughed and pushed his face against Jensen’s neck to stifle the sound.
Jensen smirked and came all over Jared’s hand, over his own boxers and Jared’s sheets.
“Oh God,” Jared moaned watching Jensen spurting and he came quickly after, thrusting up against Jensen’s hand and ass.
Jared raised his hand; Jensen’s come dripping off his fingers. Jensen grabbed the box of tissues of off Jared’s bed side table, turned and found him staring at his hand curiously.
Jared pulled his it toward his face and Jensen shook his head,
“Jared…don-“Jared’s tongue darted out against his index finger and his face twisted in disgust,
“Oh God!” He shook his head and wiped the rest of it on Jensen’s boxers, tongue sticking out and whimpering. Jensen threw his head back and laughed.
That Christmas Jared spent the day pulling Jensen into every available empty and private space to “make sure I still like kissing you!” Jared crowded Jensen against the counter in the pantry, folding door secure.
He thrust his hips gently into Jensen’s and leaned down, capturing Jensen’s lips with his own. He pulled back, expression curious before ducking back down to kiss him again.
Jensen deepened it, opening his mouth and allowing Jared’s tongue to slip inside, thrusting it against Jensen’s own, wrapping his lips around it and sucking on it entirely.
Jensen was breathing heavily, face flushed and red, when Jared pulled away. He nodded enthusiastically.
“Yeah…yeah I still do!”
It was Christmas night, when everyone had gone to sleep and the house was still and quiet that Jared and Jensen decided to exchange gifts. They were curled up on the rug in front of the Christmas tree, all the other lights in the house shut off, twinkling yellow glow reflected in hazel eyes.
“I hope you like it,” Jared smiled softly, shyly, as he handed the gift bag over to Jensen. Jensen smiled and set the gift down in front of him.
“Open yours first,” Jared told him as Jensen made a move to grab his own present. Jensen shrugged and pulled the ribbon off the handles.
He crushed the red tissue paper into a ball and chucked it at Jared’s head, he ducked and it skimmed off the top before rolling away into the corner. Jensen pulled open the bag and peered inside,
“Shit Jared!” Jensen hissed as his eyes widened in shock and something that looked suspiciously like nausea.
“Do you like it?” Jared asked, stifling a pleased smile.
“I can’t Jared,” Jensen shook his head and shoved the camera into Jared’s hands. “That’s like…do you know what that is? That’s a Canon EOS Rebel XS!” Jensen practically shouted.
“That’s what it says on the box.” Jared joked and Jensen shook his head, looked a little like he was in shock.
“I can’t Jared.”
“Yeah you can, it’s easy.” He shoved the canon back into Jensen’s hands; Jensen took it, staring at it in reverence. Jared grinned and grabbed at the bag of gifts for him behind Jensen, Jensen squawked and grabbed at them.
“You can’t, I have to get you something else!”
“Why?” Jared pouted, pulling on the bag.
“Because! They’re not worthy-“Jared cut him off with a bark of laughter.
“Jensen, I technically didn’t buy the camera, I bought some stuff for it in the bag but I didn’t…you know…spend half a grand,” Jared admitted, and Jensen looked confused.
“Mm…stolen goods. Merry Christmas!” Jared laughed.
“It’s not stolen. My grandfather gave it to me; he left it for me in his will.” Jensen’s face fell.
“Sorry.”
“S’okay. He clearly didn’t know me. Seriously, I’ve never taken a photo that didn’t have a giant finger in it.” Jensen smirked, and he bit at his lip like he was trying not to freak out, holding the camera in his hands like it was the Holy Grail.
“So I should keep it?”
“Mhm.” Jared nodded.
“Cuz it’ll just collect dust right?” Jensen asked, hopefully.
“Yes.”
“It’d be a shame.” Jensen conceded. Jared grinned and nodded, leaning over the gifts to press a kiss to Jensen’s lips. “God Jared, this is awesome.”
“Mmm, talented I know.” Jared grinned.
“Meant the camera,” Jensen motioned, scrunching up his nose teasingly.
“Yeah I guess it’s pretty good,” Jared sighed, sitting back down.
“Still think I need to get you something else,” Jensen replied, fingering the edge of the gift bag.
“Whatever it is…I’m sure it’s awesome.” Jared replied sincerely, opening the bag and pulling out the first thing. It was a book, when Jared flipped it over he barked out in laughter:
“The Idiots Guide to Art History. Thanks Jen…really very encouraging.” Jensen shrugged, smiling teasingly. Jared put the book aside and reached into the bag, pulling out two more books.
“Do What You Are: Discover the Perfect Career for you through the Secrets of Personality Type,” Jared read, flipping quickly through the book.
“Cuz you’re still undecided and everything. I thought it might be helpful.” Jensen shrugged, blushing.
“It’s awesome Jen. And this one…I really like this one, like a lot,” Jared laughed, holding up Playboy: the complete centerfolds. Jensen smirked.
“One more thing,” Jensen said pushing the bag towards Jared with his foot.
“More?” Jared grinned happily, digging into the bag and pulling out a stuffed dog, it was wearing cowboy boots, and a Texas t-shirt, complete with a cowboy hat and riding crop.
“Awww! And the boots even have little plastic spurs!” Jared giggled excitedly, spinning them for effect. Jensen flushed and worried at his lower lip nervously.
Jared leaned over and pulled Jensen into a hug. He lost his balance and fell into his lap, made no effort to move. Jensen wasn’t in a hurry to push him off. “I love my gifts Jen. They’re awesome.”
“Mine too.”
“Now you can take naked pictures of yourself. I can add them to my centerfold book,” Jared joked and Jensen grinned and looked away.
“Jensen?” Jared whispered and when Jensen looked up he captured his mouth in a kiss, soft press of lips and his hands threading through Jensen’s short spikes. “Merry Christmas.”
Part 5 Epilogue