Football'verse Part 4 of 4
Title: Fade Back to the Football'verse (4 parts complete)
Part: Part 4: "Quarterback Sneak"
Author: bksncleverness
Rating: NC-17
Pairing: J2, implied Jensen/Tom, Mike/Tom (Chad is single)
Summary: Jensen Ackles is the quarterback of the Dallas Cowboys. Jared Padalecki is a newly drafted receiver on the team. With Welling on the injured list, Padalecki steps up to play, but there's some tension on and off the field.
Word Count: for the whole 4 parts: 23,000+
Disclaimer: I own nothing but my smutty imagination. Also, this is an alternate universe, so it may be happening *somewhere* but it ain't here.
Betas who rule: stephanometra (mistress of all things Texas), juice817 (mistress of grammar), mooncharm (mistress of my heart).
Part 1a
Part 1b
Part 2
Part 3
You are reading Part 4 (and the epilogue)
There are also two more ficlets in the same 'verse
Weight Training and Three Days Without Jared
Jared and Jensen spent most nights together at Jensen's place and left for practice in the mornings together--driving separate cars--but arriving at different times. Said good morning to each other in the locker room like they hadn't spent the night tangled up in each other's limbs.
Jensen had started getting used to waking up before his alarm in the morning and snuggling up closer to Jared and then sighing back to sleep. He was getting used to waking up to an empty bed when his alarm finally went off, Jared already downstairs drinking coffee in the kitchen and chatting in Spanglish with Rosalita.
It had only been a couple of weeks, but Jensen started to hate those mornings when he woke up alone. Those mornings when Jared wasn't in his kitchen with fresh coffee, and he started to hate the nights that Jared went back to his own place.
Jensen was good at keeping secrets, even if it was something he wished he didn't have to do. But it was the reality of the situation and there wasn't much Jensen could do about changing it. A pro quarterback having sex with one of his receivers was bad enough. But they were on the Dallas Fucking Cowboys, and that shit just wouldn't fly in the Lone Star State. If he thought about it too much, it hurt his head; Jensen resolved to spend more time with Jared, because that boy was a great distraction.
*-*
"The Cowboys are clicking today, Eric. With Welling back, especially, the Cowboys' offense is unstoppable."
"The Chargers' defense is just melting down under the pressure."
"Cowboys in the shotgun... and Ackles passes to Welling. It's incomplete and there's a flag on the play."
"Looks like pass interference to me, or maybe that was holding?"
"Let's look at the replay, Eric. Okay, see number 84 following Welling and yeah, that's definitely holding. See his hands there on Welling's arms."
"Bob, this Chargers' defense is just running out of ways to stop the Cowboys' offense. Looks like this is gonna be yet another ten yard penalty on the Chargers. Here's the call by the ref."
"Number 84 on the defense. Ten yard penalty. Holding. Repeat first down."
"Well, there's no doubt the Chargers are running out of options. And the Cowboys are doing a bang up job keeping the Chargers away from Ackles."
"That's right. Even with Rosenbaum still out with that knee injury, the line is holding. Chargers have been trying to sack Ackles all night."
"And they’re having no success there."
"Cowboys back in formation. There's the snap, Ackles fades back and looks for an open man. He throws to Padalecki and he's got it. He's running to the thirty, and he's forced out of bounds. That's a gain of about five yards--"
"Wait. Late hit by two Chargers. Ouch. That was just brutal."
"Padalecki's helmet flew off from the force of that hit. Flag on the play. That's gotta be a late hit and unsportsmanlike conduct on both those Chargers."
"Yet another penalty for the Chargers. I think they have more penalty yards than they do rushing yards. It looks--"
"Hang on. Padalecki's down. We're gonna take a time out while the doctors go out onto the field."
*-*
Jensen saw Jared catch the ball, and he felt that familiar satisfaction that went with a completed play. He didn't even flinch when Jared took the hit because he knew the kid was tough and strong, even if Walton and Smith were assholes and sore losers. But when Jared didn't get up and Jensen saw his helmet rolling five yards down the field, something like panic welled up in him. His first instinct was to run to Jared's side, but Jensen managed to remember where he was--and how many cameras were on him--and stopped himself from taking off to the sideline. He reminded himself: when Tom got injured, Jensen didn't run out onto the field; when Mike busted up his knee, Jensen stayed back and let the doctors do their jobs.
But this wasn't Mike or Tom or any other player. This was Jared and all of Jensen's instincts told him to get his ass over to where he was lying. He tossed his helmet to one of the guys on the bench and walked as calmly as he could manage over to the sideline where the team doctor knelt next to Jared's crumpled form. Chad was already there. Jensen's mouth went dry and he walked faster when he saw Jared was still not moving. He wondered what his own expression looked like, sure that worry was lining his face. He tried to remain as neutral as possible, knowing the television cameras and the eyes of about eighty thousand fans were trained on the spectacle. When Jared stirred and turned his head toward the doctors, Jensen could feel relief wash over him.
Jared had been unconscious for maybe thirty seconds, but it seemed like an hour. When Jensen finally got to where Chad was standing it was only through sheer force of will that he kept himself from kneeling down. He stared at Jared's face.
"Hey, Jay," Jensen said.
Jared smiled back, looking with glassy eyes up at Jensen. "Hey."
"You all right, man?"
"Think so," he said.
The doctors checked him out and Jared moved all of his limbs just like they asked, but because he'd been unconscious, they thought he might have a concussion. The Chargers game was over for him. When he got up, the crowd at the stadium got to its feet and cheered. Jared and Jensen stood face to face for a minute, Jared leaning on one of the assistant coaches. Jensen fought the urge to reach out and grab Jared, let him lean on him and walk him off the field. Instead, Jared nodded and Jensen nodded back, and Jensen knew it had to say everything.
Coach Morgan called Jensen back to the sidelines and made the decision to put Carlson in for Jared. Glancing up at the clock, Jensen realized they had a quarter and a half still to play and he knew he'd have to get his head in the game or the Cowboys were going squander their lead.
Jensen spent the rest of the game trying not to think about Jared, trying not to wonder how bad he was hurt and whether or not he'd be back to play in the next game.
When the Cowboys failed to convert on third down late in the fourth quarter, Chad--in his first game appearance ever--punted to the Chargers and Jensen headed for the sidelines. In between plays, the offensive line coach got a call on the field telling him how Jared was doing. Jensen didn't know until he overheard the coach calling Chad over for the news. Jensen hated to admit it, but for news about Jared, Jensen would have to stick close to Chad. Everyone knew Chad and Jared were buddies even though Chad had been an Aggie and Jared a Longhorn.
"Murray."
"Yeah, coach."
"Just got off the phone with the doc. Padalecki's got a concussion. Nothing serious. But they're gonna wanna keep him overnight at Medical City."
"Hey, what's going on?" Jensen said, as casually as he could manage.
"Hey, Ackles," Chad said, almost sounding surprised that Jensen was talking to him. "Um, yeah. Jared's in the hospital overnight. A concussion," Chad stuttered.
"Coach, is Padalecki gonna play next week?" Jensen asked.
"Didn't ask. Don't know. Shit. Get back on the field, Ackles. We just intercepted."
After the game, Jensen walked up to Chad in the locker room.
"Chad, you going over to the hospital tonight?"
"Yeah, you wanna go?"
"Sure. It's just I have to do the press conference, so--"
"I'll wait. Yeah. Meet you outside the press room?"
"Great." Jensen jumped in the shower to rinse off the sweat and pull his head together. He wasn't thrilled about going to the hospital with Chad, but at least it would seem more like teammates visiting if there were two of them. And Chad was Jared's best friend. Jensen just wanted to see Jared, make sure he really was okay. He hated to admit it to himself, but he'd been really worried.
*-*
Jensen was honored to be the QB of the Dallas Cowboys. Every little boy who grew up throwing passes in the backyard with Dad dreamed about having Jensen's job. He was rich and he was famous and when the Cowboys won--which they'd been doing almost all season long--folks treated him like a king. He never had to wait for a table in restaurants, never had to wait in line for anything. And women threw themselves at him just about everywhere he went. Most of the time, Jensen took this in stride, trying not to let the attention go to his head, being gracious to fans and respectful to women, just like he was raised. But when everyone in the hospital wanted to talk to him (and Chad) about the game and the nurses wanted to flirt, preventing them from getting up to Jared's room, Jensen wanted to tell them all to fuck off.
When Chad and Jensen finally got up to Jared's room, the game had been over for two hours, but it was still light out. They knocked and went right in. Jared was up, watching ESPN. "Hey Chad! Jensen! Come on in!" he said, muting the TV. Jared was wearing a pale green gown, looking huge in the small hospital bed.
"Jared, man. You scared the crap outta me," Chad said, shaking his head and clasping Jared's hand.
"Sorry about that. I'm fine, really. Doc says so."
"Yeah, well, you didn't look too fine when you were unconscious," Jensen said.
"S'not my fault Walton and Smith are idiots."
"Those assholes hit you so hard, I thought your head was still in the helmet when it flew off," Chad said.
"Come on, man. You know I'm tougher than that," Jared said, but Jensen noticed he wasn't moving his head all that much.
"Didja see any of the rest of the game?" Chad asked, like an eager puppy.
“Sure did. Saw most of the last quarter in here. Good punt, Chad."
"You saw that?"
"Of course I did. Also saw some good plays by the QB here," Jared said, tapping Jensen on the arm.
Jensen opened his mouth to speak, but couldn't think of anything to say that was generic enough to say in front of Chad. He was saved from having to answer by a knock at the door.
"Padalecki!" Coach's voice boomed.
"Hi, Coach. Thanks for coming by," Jared said, waving.
"Just talked to the doctors, Padalecki. They say you'll be back in the saddle by the next game," Coach said, more an order than an observation.
"Yes sir. Wouldn't want to miss anything."
"We beat the Chargers," Coach said.
"I saw most of the fourth quarter. Sportscenter's been talking about the all the penalty yards the Chargers racked up," Jared said, nodding up at the television on the wall. Footage of Jensen and the coach at the press conference was on.
Mike and Tom walked in the door. "Jay-red!" Mike called out.
"Hey guys!" Jared said, smile splitting his face wide.
Jensen stood back and let Mike and Tom fuss over Jared for a while. God, he wanted everyone to leave.
They talked about the game, talked about plays Jensen made--talked about him like he wasn't even there. They talked at length about Tom's first game back and whether or not his groin injury was completely healed. Coach didn't stay long, telling everyone to be on time for practice on Tuesday, and shaking Jared's hand.
Mike and Tom left soon after, Chad and Jensen staying a little later. Jensen started to think of reasons why he'd have to stay when Chad left, but he couldn't think of anything. He glanced at Jared, desperate look in his eye. Jared yawned.
"Hoo boy," Jared said. "I am sleepy. You guys better go and let me sleep."
"All right, Jared. No problem," Chad said.
"Yeah. So, see you at practice on Tuesday?" Jensen asked.
"Sure. Tuesday. Thanks for coming by, guys."
Jared shook hands with them both and Jensen nodded at him as they left. He rode down in the elevator with Chad and once at the bottom, Jensen claimed he forgot his cell phone in Jared's room.
“Okay, I’ll go get my car and pick you up out front.”
Fuck. He forgot that Chad had driven them there. “No, man. You go on ahead. I’ll grab a cab from here,” Jensen said as the elevator doors closed in front of Chad’s confused face, ending the discussion.
He jogged back down the hall to Jared's room, sighing in relief when he walked in and found Jared alone.
"Hi," Jared said.
"Hi," Jensen answered, a smile he could hardly control splitting his face.
"C'mere," Jared said, and with a glance towards the closed door, Jensen went over to Jared. He sat down at Jared's side and leaning in, kissed him on the mouth. He wasn't rough, he didn't even use his tongue, he just wanted the warm press of Jared's lips on his. When Jared put his arms around him, Jensen felt something inside him just give. How ridiculous was it that it felt this good? They’d only been doing this-whatever it was-for six weeks. How the hell did Jared’s arms suddenly feel like home?
Jensen pulled away after a minute, not wanting to push anything physical, and certainly not wanting to do anything in this unlocked hospital room. "I'm glad you're okay," he said.
"Me too. I'd have been pissed if this kept me out of the game. Sucks I even had to miss a quarter."
"I know."
"Hey Jen, can I use your cell to call my mom? I couldn't get back to the locker room to get my stuff before they brought me here."
"Sure. Why didn't you use this phone?" he pointed to the phone on the table.
"Dude, I don't know who's gonna get this bill. I don't want the team to pay my long distance."
"You'd rather have me do it?" Jensen laughed.
Smirking, Jared leaned in close, "You, I can pay back."
Jensen bit back the moan in the back of his throat. When Jared looked at him like that, Jensen was just fucking undone.
He cleared his throat. "So, um, you want me to pick up your stuff and bring it to your place?"
"Sure. Unless..."
"Unless what?"
“Unless you bring it to your place. I mean, if you don't mind having me there tomorrow."
"No, I don't mind. You know I don't," he said, putting one hand on Jared's thigh. With the other, he reached into his pocket. "Here's my phone."
Jared took the phone and started dialing. "One more thing. Can you pick me up tomorrow when they spring me?"
"Yeah, I'll pick you up, you pain in the ass," Jensen said, smiling.
"Hey Mom. I'm okay. Sorry it took me so long to call you. I'm in the hospital overnight. Yeah, well, it's not my first concussion now is it?" Jared laughed at something his Mom said. Jensen walked around the room, looking at the signs posted about hand-washing, but really he was listening to Jared talk, heart melting at all the cute endearments and kissy noises he gave to his mom. He listened to Jared talking to his dogs, telling them how much he missed them. When Jared told his mom about the guys visiting him, he noted that Jensen was still there. Jensen turned and waved at the mention of his name, and Jared said, "Hey Mom, Jensen says hi." Jared pulled the phone away, "Mom says hi back. And she says you played real well tonight."
"Thanks Mrs. Padalecki," Jensen said loudly enough for her to hear.
"Yeah, they're letting me out tomorrow. I'll call you when I get home. Ok, Mama, I got to go. I love you too. Kiss Sadie and Harley for me. Okay, bye." Jared snapped the phone shut and gave it to Jensen.
"All right," Jensen said, "I guess I should let you rest."
"I wish you could stay," Jared said.
“Me too. You look hot in that color," Jensen said, smirking as he indicated the pale green gown. "Brings out your eyes." A quick knock made them both jump, even though they were across the room from each other. A pretty young nurse stepped in.
"All right guys, I have to break the party up," she said, smiling kindly at Jensen.
"Okay," he said. "Call me in the morning and let me know what time to come by," Jensen said to Jared.
"Will do," Jared said.
They looked at each other and at the nurse who was making notes on a chart. As before, they nodded to each other and then Jensen was out the door, riding down the elevator, catching a cab at the roundabout by the emergency room
As he rode back to the stadium to get Jared's things, he looked at the time on his phone and then flipped it open. Jensen had an idea. A surprise for Jared. It was going to require a lot of phone calls and probably most of the night, but it would totally be worth it.
*-*
The next day, Jared called around 10 to say he was ready to go whenever Jensen was, and could he possibly bring him some clothes. Jensen made some excuse about not being showered yet, but promised to be there within the hour. Whining about being bored, Jared sounded like a kid, but Jensen resisted to urge to tell him there was a surprise waiting for him. They hung up with a simple goodbye.
This was crazy, yes. A crazy idea. A wild and utterly over-the-top thing to do. In truth, it was something Jared would have done for someone he cared about, and that thought carried Jensen through even when he wondered if Jared would read too much into it.
Resolving to tell him that the arrangement was just temporary--just for the day, even--Jensen wanted to be sure Jared wouldn't freak out about the whole thing. Still, he was pretty sure Jared was going to fucking love this.
Jared was sitting reading an ancient Sports Illustrated in the chair of his room when Jensen arrived.
"Dude. Jesus. Where have you been?" Jared said, just this side of pissed off.
"Sorry, had to get some shit done at home before I came to get you."
"Please tell me you ordered Dwayne's and it's in the car. I am starving."
"No, but we can order it on the way if you want."
"Unless you want to take me out for a steak," Jared said, pulling his pants on.
"Whatever you want. But we have to stop at my place first," Jensen said, unable to keep the smile out of his voice.
Jared looked at him for a minute. "You look like the cat that ate the canary. What's up?"
"Nothing. Let's get out of here," Jensen said.
"With pleasure."
As they got closer to the house, Jensen started to feel worry creep in over his excitement. What if Jared did read too much into it? What if he wasn't happy? Well, it was too late now, he supposed. He swallowed his doubts and drove on.
They walked up the front path and Jensen got out his key, looked at Jared and pushed the key into the lock.
Jensen could have sworn he saw Jared's ears go up at the sound. The sound of two dogs barking like crazy and running up to the door. "Jen?" Jared said, a puzzled look on his face.
Swinging the door open, Jensen allowed Sadie and Harley to jump onto their master. Jensen thought for sure they'd knock him over, but instead, Jared just walked in a little ways with them and sank to the floor, burying his face in their fur, letting them lick him all over, telling them how much he missed them and loved them. Jensen managed to get them all far enough into the house to close the door behind them. Leaning against the door, he watched Jared enjoy being with Sadie and Harley. He felt like Santa Claus; it felt like Christmas and Easter and Super Bowl Sunday all mixed up together.
Sadie, Harley, and Jared rolled around on the floor for a while, Jensen just standing back and enjoying it. And then Jared stood up, and turned to Jensen. Maybe Jensen was seeing things, but it looked like Jared was misting up. While the dogs sat at Jared’s feet and looked up at him, he pulled Jensen close and kissed him hard, hugged him harder.
When Jared finally let him go, Jensen was quick to explain, "You know, we can take them back to your place as soon as you want. Or you can leave them here until you find someone to take care of them while you're working. You know, I just thought that--."
"When did you? How did you?"
"Called your Mom. And I got a friend in San Antonio, so I got him to take Sadie and Harley on a flight early this morning, and then--"
"You called my mom?"
Jensen nodded.
"You called my mom."
"Was that bad?" Jensen asked, suddenly feeling stupid.
“Oh man, please tell me you taped that. Because you talking to my mom was probably awesome.” Harley nudged Jared’s leg and dropped a toy at his feet. “Hey boy,” Jared said, picking up the squeaky hamburger and throwing it into the living room. “Go get it!” He looked back at Jensen. “And you flew them out here this morning? And,” he looked around the room at the rawhide bones and squeaky rabbits and balls that were strewn around the floor, “bought them toys?”
Jensen shrugged.
“You’re amazing,” Jared whispered. “Thank you, Jen. You know how much I missed them.”
“Yeah,” said Jensen, looking down. “You’re welcome, man. I just. You know,” he nodded at the floor. Looking up, he cleared his throat. “Well, all right, let’s not ignore the guests of honor today. Whaddaya say we go out in the back and run a few plays with the new recruits!”
Jensen rubbed his hands together and jogged towards the back of the house, Sadie and Harley at his heels as he opened the sliding door and led them out. Jared picked up a squeaky football and followed.
*-*
Later, when the dogs were asleep on Jensen’s couch, all tired out from running and playing in the backyard, Jared put his finger to his lips and quietly led the way up the stairs. Once in the bedroom, Jared drew Jensen close, leaning down to brush Jensen’s lips with his own.
“I don’t know how to thank you, Jen.”
“I’m just glad you liked it. That you didn’t think it was too weird or over-the-top.”
“Well, hell, it is over the top and that is what’s so fucking great about it. My dogs are here. And you talked to my Mom on the phone. And you played with Sadie and Harley all afternoon, and you let them dirty up your couch-sorry about that, by the way-and you bought them food and squeaky toys. It’s just… really… awesome.”
Jensen smiled. “Good,” he said, reaching his fingers up under the hem of Jared’s t-shirt. He felt the hard planes of muscle there, closed his eyes like he was memorizing them. Jared shuddered at the delicate touch.
“Jen,” Jared whispered, pulling back to kiss Jensen’s mouth, deep and slow.
They lay down on the bed, kissed for Jensen couldn’t say how long. By the time Jensen let his hands stray down Jared’s body, the ache in his cock-brutally hard since the first brush of Jared’s lips-was becoming insistent.
Jared took Jensen’s hips-still clad in jeans-and slotted them against his own. The way Jared rubbed against him was so good it made Jensen hiss out a breath. Jesus, he was so hard, he thought he might come just from the friction. He gasped and willed himself to breathe. “Got you, baby,” Jared whispered into his ear. “I got you.”
They moved slowly, almost painfully so, but it made their every motion that much more intense. By the time their clothes were off, Jensen wasn’t sure Jared would even have to touch him to make him come.
“Oh my God, Jen. You just… you feel so perfect,” Jared said, digging his fingers into the flesh of Jensen’s hips and ass. “Can’t wait to be inside you.”
Jensen sat up, throwing his leg over Jared’s hip and straddling him. “C’mon then,” Jensen said. He reached under the pillow for the lube and condoms he conveniently left there for easy access, and bent down to kiss Jared again, wanting to go slow and enjoy every second.
Jared stretched Jensen with his fingers for ages, pushing in and teasing out. Every time Jensen thought the sensation was going to pitch him over the edge, Jared slowed his movements, begged wordlessly for Jensen to stay with him. By the time Jensen lowered himself onto Jared’s cock, they were both so incredibly close to coming, they stopped moving all together, just looking into each other’s eyes, Jensen’s hand on Jared’s chest to steady himself, the insistent thrum of Jared’s heart strong underneath his fingers.
Jared finally broke the silence. “Jen,” he whispered, bringing one of his hands to caress Jensen’s face, Jensen turning his head and placing a soft kiss to Jared’s palm.
Jensen slowly rocked forward and then sat back, bringing Jared’s huge cock a fraction of an inch deeper inside him. And yet it still wasn’t enough. Jared rolled his hips up, meeting Jensen’s at a point in the middle. “Jay,” Jensen moaned, the single syllable drawn out in his voice, thick with desire, with need.
“Right here,” Jared said, thrusting up and pulling Jensen’s mouth down to meet him in a kiss.
This was different. It was never like this before. Never this slow, never this intense. Never like this with anyone before.
Jared reached up and wrapped his hand around Jensen’s cock. He had barely stroked up once and twice, and that was it. Jensen gasped and tried to say something, anything, but his voice hitched in his throat and he came, painting Jared’s chest with ropes of sticky white that seemed to never stop. Jared tilted his chin up, let Jensen’s come make wet, warm trails on his skin, the muscles in his chest and shoulders tensing as Jensen rode out the aftershocks.
“Oh God, Jay,” Jensen managed to pant out, looking down and seeing Jared, a work of art, mouth parted, eyes glassy black but still focused on him, only on him. Jared gave one last deep thrust up and cried out, loud and low, the sound rumbling from that broad chest. He froze, Jensen still moving, milking every drop from him. When it seemed he was done, Jared took in a quick breath, then another, and another. He shuddered out a long exhale, eyes still wide, and trembled a bit as Jensen leaned down to take Jared into his arms.
They lay like that for a long time, not willing to speak, not wanting to move. Just breathing together, until they inhaled and exhaled in tandem. Jared’s cock softened and slipped out of Jensen, and they rolled so that the two of them lay side by side in the growing darkness of dusk. Jared pulled some tissues from the box on the side table and cleaned himself and Jensen off.
“Jen,” Jared whispered, voice hoarse and gravelly.
“Yeah, Jay,” Jensen said, staring at the shadows on the ceiling.
“I just-I never,” he shook his head, and shrugged, looking at the same shadows as Jensen.
“Me either,” Jensen said matter-of-factly.
Jensen turned, kissed along Jared’s jaw, brushed the hair off Jared’s moist forehead. He thought about all the secrets they were going to have to keep. The logistics of taking separate cars to practice and games. All the arriving and leaving at different times. The fucking pronouns. He thought about all the other things they’d have to figure out, all the things they’d have to hide. For God knows how long.
“Worth it,” he said out loud.
“What is?” Jared asked.
“You are,” he answered.
Jensen just looked at him for a while and then picked up one of Jared’s hands. “I wonder how many passes you’ve caught with this hand.”
“A lot,” Jared said.
Jensen brought Jared’s hand up to his chest and placed it over his beating heart.
Smirking a little, Jared said: “You’re not gonna say something corny like ‘you caught my heart,’ right?”
Jensen smiled and shook his head. “No. M’not gonna say that.”
“Good.”
“I was gonna say that I love football.”
“Yeah? Well, I love football too,” Jared said.
And they meant it, but they meant more, too. Football was their life, their job. How they ran and threw and caught was important not just to them, but to their team, their coaches, and thousands of fans. Moving the ball inches, feet, and yards towards the goal, blocking the other team’s advance, finding that rhythm on the field, that connection… well, that was why they were here. Jensen was grateful for it, hopeful that this connection between them on the field-and off-would grow stronger and last.
Just then Sadie and Harley bounded up the stairs and stood in the doorway, waiting for an invitation.
Jared looked at them and then looked over at Jensen.
Patting the foot of the bed, Jensen called out to them. “Come on,” he said, not caring that the dogs were filthy, not caring that sleeping with the dogs AND Jared probably meant he’d never fully stretch out again. Sadie and Harley came up and snuggled with them, and Jared heaved a contented sigh. The sigh of a man who had everything he wanted. Jensen knew the feeling.
~Fin
Epilogue
“Holy shit, who do you have to fuck to get a beer around here?” Mike yelled from the living room.
“Hold your horses, Mikey!” Jensen called from the kitchen. Pulling out a few beers from the bottom shelf of the refrigerator, he looked around for the opener. “Jay, where’s the opener?’
“In the drawer, where it always is,” Jared answered, mixing guacamole in a clay bowl.
Jensen opened the drawer. “Um, no it’s not.”
“Well, where else could it be?”
Jensen walked over to the corner of the kitchen where Sadie and Harley were curled up in their fleece beds for an afternoon nap. Kneeling down next to the bed, he lifted up Harley’s sleepy face under which he found the bottle opener.
“Don’t pretend to be asleep, Mister,” Jensen said, holding Harley’s face up to his own and showing him the opener. “This is not a toy.”
“But Daddy,” Jared said in his Harley voice, “it looks like a toy to me!”
Jensen leaned down and kissed Harley’s head. “Go back to sleep, you monster,” Jensen whispered.
Tom leaned in the kitchen door. “Game’s about to start,” he said. “Can I help with anything?”
Jared handed him the guacamole and a bowl of chips. “Here, take these in to His Majesty,” he said, smiling.
“Will do.”
Jared brought more munchies and a tray of sandwiches out to the living room while Jensen followed with the beer.
As soon as they started digging in to the food, the doorbell rang.
“I’ll get it,” Jared said, already stepping over Mike and Tom’s legs.
When Jared opened the door, Chad yelled, “March MADNESS!” He walked in, carrying a twelve pack of Pabst Blue Ribbon. “Hey guys,” he said to Jensen, Tom, and Mike.
“Hey Chad, shut up and sit down or you’re gonna miss the tip off,” Mike said.
“Dude, calm down,” Chad said, sitting on the floor in front of the couch. “Tell your boyfriend over here to chillax,” he said to Tom, indicating Mike with his thumb.
Tom got back at Chad the best way he knew how. “Hey Mikey,” Tom purred, suggestively leaning in to Mike. “Chad over here thinks you’re too tense.”
“Oh yeah?” Mike asked, quirking an eyebrow.
“Yeah,” Tom answered. “Any ideas about how we can relieve that tension?”
“Well sure,” Mike said, closing the distance between them and kissing Tom extremely sloppily.
“Gross,” Chad said, but he didn’t look away.
Jensen suspected it was sloppy for effect, but he was pretty sure Mike wasn’t all that much neater in private.
“Break it up, guys,” Jared said. “Game’s about to start.”
Everyone’s attention snapped to the television as the ref threw the ball up in the air and the two center forwards jumped to grab it.
“Oh man, Washington is unbelievable. Did you see his reach?” Jared said.
“I think you’re taller than him by, like, a foot,” Jensen said.
“Well, basketball has never been my game,” Jared said. “Personally, I love football.”
Jensen looked over at him, flicked the condensation from his beer bottle at his face. “Me too.”
“Oh God, they’re doing that cute thing again,” Mike said, throwing pretzels at them.
“What?” Jared asked, all innocence.
“You know, that thing where you say you love football and then you give each other the googly eyes?” Mike said. “It’s sickening.”
“Pot calling the kettle black,” Chad said.
“We do not do things like that,” Tom said.
“Look, I’ve only been a member of this secret club for a couple of months now, but all four of you? Are sickening. And by the way, those matching rings don’t mean you’re married to football or to each other.”
“Yeah, cause if it did, you’d be married to all four of us,” Jared said.
“Exactly. This ring simply means that we are Super Bowl Champions. And that means we are manly fucking men on the Dallas Fucking Cowboys. So can we all keep our hands to ourselves and watch some damn basketball?”
“Well, I didn’t think I’d ever say this,” Jensen said. “But Chad over here, has a point. Pass the guacamole and the chips.”
Chips and guac, beer, and his best friends. Jensen looked over at Jared and nodded. Jared nodded back. They both understood.
~fin
There are two more ficlets in the same 'verse
Weight Training and Three Days Without Jared
Part: Part 4: "Quarterback Sneak"
Author: bksncleverness
Rating: NC-17
Pairing: J2, implied Jensen/Tom, Mike/Tom (Chad is single)
Summary: Jensen Ackles is the quarterback of the Dallas Cowboys. Jared Padalecki is a newly drafted receiver on the team. With Welling on the injured list, Padalecki steps up to play, but there's some tension on and off the field.
Word Count: for the whole 4 parts: 23,000+
Disclaimer: I own nothing but my smutty imagination. Also, this is an alternate universe, so it may be happening *somewhere* but it ain't here.
Betas who rule: stephanometra (mistress of all things Texas), juice817 (mistress of grammar), mooncharm (mistress of my heart).
Part 1a
Part 1b
Part 2
Part 3
You are reading Part 4 (and the epilogue)
There are also two more ficlets in the same 'verse
Weight Training and Three Days Without Jared
Jared and Jensen spent most nights together at Jensen's place and left for practice in the mornings together--driving separate cars--but arriving at different times. Said good morning to each other in the locker room like they hadn't spent the night tangled up in each other's limbs.
Jensen had started getting used to waking up before his alarm in the morning and snuggling up closer to Jared and then sighing back to sleep. He was getting used to waking up to an empty bed when his alarm finally went off, Jared already downstairs drinking coffee in the kitchen and chatting in Spanglish with Rosalita.
It had only been a couple of weeks, but Jensen started to hate those mornings when he woke up alone. Those mornings when Jared wasn't in his kitchen with fresh coffee, and he started to hate the nights that Jared went back to his own place.
Jensen was good at keeping secrets, even if it was something he wished he didn't have to do. But it was the reality of the situation and there wasn't much Jensen could do about changing it. A pro quarterback having sex with one of his receivers was bad enough. But they were on the Dallas Fucking Cowboys, and that shit just wouldn't fly in the Lone Star State. If he thought about it too much, it hurt his head; Jensen resolved to spend more time with Jared, because that boy was a great distraction.
*-*
"The Cowboys are clicking today, Eric. With Welling back, especially, the Cowboys' offense is unstoppable."
"The Chargers' defense is just melting down under the pressure."
"Cowboys in the shotgun... and Ackles passes to Welling. It's incomplete and there's a flag on the play."
"Looks like pass interference to me, or maybe that was holding?"
"Let's look at the replay, Eric. Okay, see number 84 following Welling and yeah, that's definitely holding. See his hands there on Welling's arms."
"Bob, this Chargers' defense is just running out of ways to stop the Cowboys' offense. Looks like this is gonna be yet another ten yard penalty on the Chargers. Here's the call by the ref."
"Number 84 on the defense. Ten yard penalty. Holding. Repeat first down."
"Well, there's no doubt the Chargers are running out of options. And the Cowboys are doing a bang up job keeping the Chargers away from Ackles."
"That's right. Even with Rosenbaum still out with that knee injury, the line is holding. Chargers have been trying to sack Ackles all night."
"And they’re having no success there."
"Cowboys back in formation. There's the snap, Ackles fades back and looks for an open man. He throws to Padalecki and he's got it. He's running to the thirty, and he's forced out of bounds. That's a gain of about five yards--"
"Wait. Late hit by two Chargers. Ouch. That was just brutal."
"Padalecki's helmet flew off from the force of that hit. Flag on the play. That's gotta be a late hit and unsportsmanlike conduct on both those Chargers."
"Yet another penalty for the Chargers. I think they have more penalty yards than they do rushing yards. It looks--"
"Hang on. Padalecki's down. We're gonna take a time out while the doctors go out onto the field."
*-*
Jensen saw Jared catch the ball, and he felt that familiar satisfaction that went with a completed play. He didn't even flinch when Jared took the hit because he knew the kid was tough and strong, even if Walton and Smith were assholes and sore losers. But when Jared didn't get up and Jensen saw his helmet rolling five yards down the field, something like panic welled up in him. His first instinct was to run to Jared's side, but Jensen managed to remember where he was--and how many cameras were on him--and stopped himself from taking off to the sideline. He reminded himself: when Tom got injured, Jensen didn't run out onto the field; when Mike busted up his knee, Jensen stayed back and let the doctors do their jobs.
But this wasn't Mike or Tom or any other player. This was Jared and all of Jensen's instincts told him to get his ass over to where he was lying. He tossed his helmet to one of the guys on the bench and walked as calmly as he could manage over to the sideline where the team doctor knelt next to Jared's crumpled form. Chad was already there. Jensen's mouth went dry and he walked faster when he saw Jared was still not moving. He wondered what his own expression looked like, sure that worry was lining his face. He tried to remain as neutral as possible, knowing the television cameras and the eyes of about eighty thousand fans were trained on the spectacle. When Jared stirred and turned his head toward the doctors, Jensen could feel relief wash over him.
Jared had been unconscious for maybe thirty seconds, but it seemed like an hour. When Jensen finally got to where Chad was standing it was only through sheer force of will that he kept himself from kneeling down. He stared at Jared's face.
"Hey, Jay," Jensen said.
Jared smiled back, looking with glassy eyes up at Jensen. "Hey."
"You all right, man?"
"Think so," he said.
The doctors checked him out and Jared moved all of his limbs just like they asked, but because he'd been unconscious, they thought he might have a concussion. The Chargers game was over for him. When he got up, the crowd at the stadium got to its feet and cheered. Jared and Jensen stood face to face for a minute, Jared leaning on one of the assistant coaches. Jensen fought the urge to reach out and grab Jared, let him lean on him and walk him off the field. Instead, Jared nodded and Jensen nodded back, and Jensen knew it had to say everything.
Coach Morgan called Jensen back to the sidelines and made the decision to put Carlson in for Jared. Glancing up at the clock, Jensen realized they had a quarter and a half still to play and he knew he'd have to get his head in the game or the Cowboys were going squander their lead.
Jensen spent the rest of the game trying not to think about Jared, trying not to wonder how bad he was hurt and whether or not he'd be back to play in the next game.
When the Cowboys failed to convert on third down late in the fourth quarter, Chad--in his first game appearance ever--punted to the Chargers and Jensen headed for the sidelines. In between plays, the offensive line coach got a call on the field telling him how Jared was doing. Jensen didn't know until he overheard the coach calling Chad over for the news. Jensen hated to admit it, but for news about Jared, Jensen would have to stick close to Chad. Everyone knew Chad and Jared were buddies even though Chad had been an Aggie and Jared a Longhorn.
"Murray."
"Yeah, coach."
"Just got off the phone with the doc. Padalecki's got a concussion. Nothing serious. But they're gonna wanna keep him overnight at Medical City."
"Hey, what's going on?" Jensen said, as casually as he could manage.
"Hey, Ackles," Chad said, almost sounding surprised that Jensen was talking to him. "Um, yeah. Jared's in the hospital overnight. A concussion," Chad stuttered.
"Coach, is Padalecki gonna play next week?" Jensen asked.
"Didn't ask. Don't know. Shit. Get back on the field, Ackles. We just intercepted."
After the game, Jensen walked up to Chad in the locker room.
"Chad, you going over to the hospital tonight?"
"Yeah, you wanna go?"
"Sure. It's just I have to do the press conference, so--"
"I'll wait. Yeah. Meet you outside the press room?"
"Great." Jensen jumped in the shower to rinse off the sweat and pull his head together. He wasn't thrilled about going to the hospital with Chad, but at least it would seem more like teammates visiting if there were two of them. And Chad was Jared's best friend. Jensen just wanted to see Jared, make sure he really was okay. He hated to admit it to himself, but he'd been really worried.
*-*
Jensen was honored to be the QB of the Dallas Cowboys. Every little boy who grew up throwing passes in the backyard with Dad dreamed about having Jensen's job. He was rich and he was famous and when the Cowboys won--which they'd been doing almost all season long--folks treated him like a king. He never had to wait for a table in restaurants, never had to wait in line for anything. And women threw themselves at him just about everywhere he went. Most of the time, Jensen took this in stride, trying not to let the attention go to his head, being gracious to fans and respectful to women, just like he was raised. But when everyone in the hospital wanted to talk to him (and Chad) about the game and the nurses wanted to flirt, preventing them from getting up to Jared's room, Jensen wanted to tell them all to fuck off.
When Chad and Jensen finally got up to Jared's room, the game had been over for two hours, but it was still light out. They knocked and went right in. Jared was up, watching ESPN. "Hey Chad! Jensen! Come on in!" he said, muting the TV. Jared was wearing a pale green gown, looking huge in the small hospital bed.
"Jared, man. You scared the crap outta me," Chad said, shaking his head and clasping Jared's hand.
"Sorry about that. I'm fine, really. Doc says so."
"Yeah, well, you didn't look too fine when you were unconscious," Jensen said.
"S'not my fault Walton and Smith are idiots."
"Those assholes hit you so hard, I thought your head was still in the helmet when it flew off," Chad said.
"Come on, man. You know I'm tougher than that," Jared said, but Jensen noticed he wasn't moving his head all that much.
"Didja see any of the rest of the game?" Chad asked, like an eager puppy.
“Sure did. Saw most of the last quarter in here. Good punt, Chad."
"You saw that?"
"Of course I did. Also saw some good plays by the QB here," Jared said, tapping Jensen on the arm.
Jensen opened his mouth to speak, but couldn't think of anything to say that was generic enough to say in front of Chad. He was saved from having to answer by a knock at the door.
"Padalecki!" Coach's voice boomed.
"Hi, Coach. Thanks for coming by," Jared said, waving.
"Just talked to the doctors, Padalecki. They say you'll be back in the saddle by the next game," Coach said, more an order than an observation.
"Yes sir. Wouldn't want to miss anything."
"We beat the Chargers," Coach said.
"I saw most of the fourth quarter. Sportscenter's been talking about the all the penalty yards the Chargers racked up," Jared said, nodding up at the television on the wall. Footage of Jensen and the coach at the press conference was on.
Mike and Tom walked in the door. "Jay-red!" Mike called out.
"Hey guys!" Jared said, smile splitting his face wide.
Jensen stood back and let Mike and Tom fuss over Jared for a while. God, he wanted everyone to leave.
They talked about the game, talked about plays Jensen made--talked about him like he wasn't even there. They talked at length about Tom's first game back and whether or not his groin injury was completely healed. Coach didn't stay long, telling everyone to be on time for practice on Tuesday, and shaking Jared's hand.
Mike and Tom left soon after, Chad and Jensen staying a little later. Jensen started to think of reasons why he'd have to stay when Chad left, but he couldn't think of anything. He glanced at Jared, desperate look in his eye. Jared yawned.
"Hoo boy," Jared said. "I am sleepy. You guys better go and let me sleep."
"All right, Jared. No problem," Chad said.
"Yeah. So, see you at practice on Tuesday?" Jensen asked.
"Sure. Tuesday. Thanks for coming by, guys."
Jared shook hands with them both and Jensen nodded at him as they left. He rode down in the elevator with Chad and once at the bottom, Jensen claimed he forgot his cell phone in Jared's room.
“Okay, I’ll go get my car and pick you up out front.”
Fuck. He forgot that Chad had driven them there. “No, man. You go on ahead. I’ll grab a cab from here,” Jensen said as the elevator doors closed in front of Chad’s confused face, ending the discussion.
He jogged back down the hall to Jared's room, sighing in relief when he walked in and found Jared alone.
"Hi," Jared said.
"Hi," Jensen answered, a smile he could hardly control splitting his face.
"C'mere," Jared said, and with a glance towards the closed door, Jensen went over to Jared. He sat down at Jared's side and leaning in, kissed him on the mouth. He wasn't rough, he didn't even use his tongue, he just wanted the warm press of Jared's lips on his. When Jared put his arms around him, Jensen felt something inside him just give. How ridiculous was it that it felt this good? They’d only been doing this-whatever it was-for six weeks. How the hell did Jared’s arms suddenly feel like home?
Jensen pulled away after a minute, not wanting to push anything physical, and certainly not wanting to do anything in this unlocked hospital room. "I'm glad you're okay," he said.
"Me too. I'd have been pissed if this kept me out of the game. Sucks I even had to miss a quarter."
"I know."
"Hey Jen, can I use your cell to call my mom? I couldn't get back to the locker room to get my stuff before they brought me here."
"Sure. Why didn't you use this phone?" he pointed to the phone on the table.
"Dude, I don't know who's gonna get this bill. I don't want the team to pay my long distance."
"You'd rather have me do it?" Jensen laughed.
Smirking, Jared leaned in close, "You, I can pay back."
Jensen bit back the moan in the back of his throat. When Jared looked at him like that, Jensen was just fucking undone.
He cleared his throat. "So, um, you want me to pick up your stuff and bring it to your place?"
"Sure. Unless..."
"Unless what?"
“Unless you bring it to your place. I mean, if you don't mind having me there tomorrow."
"No, I don't mind. You know I don't," he said, putting one hand on Jared's thigh. With the other, he reached into his pocket. "Here's my phone."
Jared took the phone and started dialing. "One more thing. Can you pick me up tomorrow when they spring me?"
"Yeah, I'll pick you up, you pain in the ass," Jensen said, smiling.
"Hey Mom. I'm okay. Sorry it took me so long to call you. I'm in the hospital overnight. Yeah, well, it's not my first concussion now is it?" Jared laughed at something his Mom said. Jensen walked around the room, looking at the signs posted about hand-washing, but really he was listening to Jared talk, heart melting at all the cute endearments and kissy noises he gave to his mom. He listened to Jared talking to his dogs, telling them how much he missed them. When Jared told his mom about the guys visiting him, he noted that Jensen was still there. Jensen turned and waved at the mention of his name, and Jared said, "Hey Mom, Jensen says hi." Jared pulled the phone away, "Mom says hi back. And she says you played real well tonight."
"Thanks Mrs. Padalecki," Jensen said loudly enough for her to hear.
"Yeah, they're letting me out tomorrow. I'll call you when I get home. Ok, Mama, I got to go. I love you too. Kiss Sadie and Harley for me. Okay, bye." Jared snapped the phone shut and gave it to Jensen.
"All right," Jensen said, "I guess I should let you rest."
"I wish you could stay," Jared said.
“Me too. You look hot in that color," Jensen said, smirking as he indicated the pale green gown. "Brings out your eyes." A quick knock made them both jump, even though they were across the room from each other. A pretty young nurse stepped in.
"All right guys, I have to break the party up," she said, smiling kindly at Jensen.
"Okay," he said. "Call me in the morning and let me know what time to come by," Jensen said to Jared.
"Will do," Jared said.
They looked at each other and at the nurse who was making notes on a chart. As before, they nodded to each other and then Jensen was out the door, riding down the elevator, catching a cab at the roundabout by the emergency room
As he rode back to the stadium to get Jared's things, he looked at the time on his phone and then flipped it open. Jensen had an idea. A surprise for Jared. It was going to require a lot of phone calls and probably most of the night, but it would totally be worth it.
*-*
The next day, Jared called around 10 to say he was ready to go whenever Jensen was, and could he possibly bring him some clothes. Jensen made some excuse about not being showered yet, but promised to be there within the hour. Whining about being bored, Jared sounded like a kid, but Jensen resisted to urge to tell him there was a surprise waiting for him. They hung up with a simple goodbye.
This was crazy, yes. A crazy idea. A wild and utterly over-the-top thing to do. In truth, it was something Jared would have done for someone he cared about, and that thought carried Jensen through even when he wondered if Jared would read too much into it.
Resolving to tell him that the arrangement was just temporary--just for the day, even--Jensen wanted to be sure Jared wouldn't freak out about the whole thing. Still, he was pretty sure Jared was going to fucking love this.
Jared was sitting reading an ancient Sports Illustrated in the chair of his room when Jensen arrived.
"Dude. Jesus. Where have you been?" Jared said, just this side of pissed off.
"Sorry, had to get some shit done at home before I came to get you."
"Please tell me you ordered Dwayne's and it's in the car. I am starving."
"No, but we can order it on the way if you want."
"Unless you want to take me out for a steak," Jared said, pulling his pants on.
"Whatever you want. But we have to stop at my place first," Jensen said, unable to keep the smile out of his voice.
Jared looked at him for a minute. "You look like the cat that ate the canary. What's up?"
"Nothing. Let's get out of here," Jensen said.
"With pleasure."
As they got closer to the house, Jensen started to feel worry creep in over his excitement. What if Jared did read too much into it? What if he wasn't happy? Well, it was too late now, he supposed. He swallowed his doubts and drove on.
They walked up the front path and Jensen got out his key, looked at Jared and pushed the key into the lock.
Jensen could have sworn he saw Jared's ears go up at the sound. The sound of two dogs barking like crazy and running up to the door. "Jen?" Jared said, a puzzled look on his face.
Swinging the door open, Jensen allowed Sadie and Harley to jump onto their master. Jensen thought for sure they'd knock him over, but instead, Jared just walked in a little ways with them and sank to the floor, burying his face in their fur, letting them lick him all over, telling them how much he missed them and loved them. Jensen managed to get them all far enough into the house to close the door behind them. Leaning against the door, he watched Jared enjoy being with Sadie and Harley. He felt like Santa Claus; it felt like Christmas and Easter and Super Bowl Sunday all mixed up together.
Sadie, Harley, and Jared rolled around on the floor for a while, Jensen just standing back and enjoying it. And then Jared stood up, and turned to Jensen. Maybe Jensen was seeing things, but it looked like Jared was misting up. While the dogs sat at Jared’s feet and looked up at him, he pulled Jensen close and kissed him hard, hugged him harder.
When Jared finally let him go, Jensen was quick to explain, "You know, we can take them back to your place as soon as you want. Or you can leave them here until you find someone to take care of them while you're working. You know, I just thought that--."
"When did you? How did you?"
"Called your Mom. And I got a friend in San Antonio, so I got him to take Sadie and Harley on a flight early this morning, and then--"
"You called my mom?"
Jensen nodded.
"You called my mom."
"Was that bad?" Jensen asked, suddenly feeling stupid.
“Oh man, please tell me you taped that. Because you talking to my mom was probably awesome.” Harley nudged Jared’s leg and dropped a toy at his feet. “Hey boy,” Jared said, picking up the squeaky hamburger and throwing it into the living room. “Go get it!” He looked back at Jensen. “And you flew them out here this morning? And,” he looked around the room at the rawhide bones and squeaky rabbits and balls that were strewn around the floor, “bought them toys?”
Jensen shrugged.
“You’re amazing,” Jared whispered. “Thank you, Jen. You know how much I missed them.”
“Yeah,” said Jensen, looking down. “You’re welcome, man. I just. You know,” he nodded at the floor. Looking up, he cleared his throat. “Well, all right, let’s not ignore the guests of honor today. Whaddaya say we go out in the back and run a few plays with the new recruits!”
Jensen rubbed his hands together and jogged towards the back of the house, Sadie and Harley at his heels as he opened the sliding door and led them out. Jared picked up a squeaky football and followed.
*-*
Later, when the dogs were asleep on Jensen’s couch, all tired out from running and playing in the backyard, Jared put his finger to his lips and quietly led the way up the stairs. Once in the bedroom, Jared drew Jensen close, leaning down to brush Jensen’s lips with his own.
“I don’t know how to thank you, Jen.”
“I’m just glad you liked it. That you didn’t think it was too weird or over-the-top.”
“Well, hell, it is over the top and that is what’s so fucking great about it. My dogs are here. And you talked to my Mom on the phone. And you played with Sadie and Harley all afternoon, and you let them dirty up your couch-sorry about that, by the way-and you bought them food and squeaky toys. It’s just… really… awesome.”
Jensen smiled. “Good,” he said, reaching his fingers up under the hem of Jared’s t-shirt. He felt the hard planes of muscle there, closed his eyes like he was memorizing them. Jared shuddered at the delicate touch.
“Jen,” Jared whispered, pulling back to kiss Jensen’s mouth, deep and slow.
They lay down on the bed, kissed for Jensen couldn’t say how long. By the time Jensen let his hands stray down Jared’s body, the ache in his cock-brutally hard since the first brush of Jared’s lips-was becoming insistent.
Jared took Jensen’s hips-still clad in jeans-and slotted them against his own. The way Jared rubbed against him was so good it made Jensen hiss out a breath. Jesus, he was so hard, he thought he might come just from the friction. He gasped and willed himself to breathe. “Got you, baby,” Jared whispered into his ear. “I got you.”
They moved slowly, almost painfully so, but it made their every motion that much more intense. By the time their clothes were off, Jensen wasn’t sure Jared would even have to touch him to make him come.
“Oh my God, Jen. You just… you feel so perfect,” Jared said, digging his fingers into the flesh of Jensen’s hips and ass. “Can’t wait to be inside you.”
Jensen sat up, throwing his leg over Jared’s hip and straddling him. “C’mon then,” Jensen said. He reached under the pillow for the lube and condoms he conveniently left there for easy access, and bent down to kiss Jared again, wanting to go slow and enjoy every second.
Jared stretched Jensen with his fingers for ages, pushing in and teasing out. Every time Jensen thought the sensation was going to pitch him over the edge, Jared slowed his movements, begged wordlessly for Jensen to stay with him. By the time Jensen lowered himself onto Jared’s cock, they were both so incredibly close to coming, they stopped moving all together, just looking into each other’s eyes, Jensen’s hand on Jared’s chest to steady himself, the insistent thrum of Jared’s heart strong underneath his fingers.
Jared finally broke the silence. “Jen,” he whispered, bringing one of his hands to caress Jensen’s face, Jensen turning his head and placing a soft kiss to Jared’s palm.
Jensen slowly rocked forward and then sat back, bringing Jared’s huge cock a fraction of an inch deeper inside him. And yet it still wasn’t enough. Jared rolled his hips up, meeting Jensen’s at a point in the middle. “Jay,” Jensen moaned, the single syllable drawn out in his voice, thick with desire, with need.
“Right here,” Jared said, thrusting up and pulling Jensen’s mouth down to meet him in a kiss.
This was different. It was never like this before. Never this slow, never this intense. Never like this with anyone before.
Jared reached up and wrapped his hand around Jensen’s cock. He had barely stroked up once and twice, and that was it. Jensen gasped and tried to say something, anything, but his voice hitched in his throat and he came, painting Jared’s chest with ropes of sticky white that seemed to never stop. Jared tilted his chin up, let Jensen’s come make wet, warm trails on his skin, the muscles in his chest and shoulders tensing as Jensen rode out the aftershocks.
“Oh God, Jay,” Jensen managed to pant out, looking down and seeing Jared, a work of art, mouth parted, eyes glassy black but still focused on him, only on him. Jared gave one last deep thrust up and cried out, loud and low, the sound rumbling from that broad chest. He froze, Jensen still moving, milking every drop from him. When it seemed he was done, Jared took in a quick breath, then another, and another. He shuddered out a long exhale, eyes still wide, and trembled a bit as Jensen leaned down to take Jared into his arms.
They lay like that for a long time, not willing to speak, not wanting to move. Just breathing together, until they inhaled and exhaled in tandem. Jared’s cock softened and slipped out of Jensen, and they rolled so that the two of them lay side by side in the growing darkness of dusk. Jared pulled some tissues from the box on the side table and cleaned himself and Jensen off.
“Jen,” Jared whispered, voice hoarse and gravelly.
“Yeah, Jay,” Jensen said, staring at the shadows on the ceiling.
“I just-I never,” he shook his head, and shrugged, looking at the same shadows as Jensen.
“Me either,” Jensen said matter-of-factly.
Jensen turned, kissed along Jared’s jaw, brushed the hair off Jared’s moist forehead. He thought about all the secrets they were going to have to keep. The logistics of taking separate cars to practice and games. All the arriving and leaving at different times. The fucking pronouns. He thought about all the other things they’d have to figure out, all the things they’d have to hide. For God knows how long.
“Worth it,” he said out loud.
“What is?” Jared asked.
“You are,” he answered.
Jensen just looked at him for a while and then picked up one of Jared’s hands. “I wonder how many passes you’ve caught with this hand.”
“A lot,” Jared said.
Jensen brought Jared’s hand up to his chest and placed it over his beating heart.
Smirking a little, Jared said: “You’re not gonna say something corny like ‘you caught my heart,’ right?”
Jensen smiled and shook his head. “No. M’not gonna say that.”
“Good.”
“I was gonna say that I love football.”
“Yeah? Well, I love football too,” Jared said.
And they meant it, but they meant more, too. Football was their life, their job. How they ran and threw and caught was important not just to them, but to their team, their coaches, and thousands of fans. Moving the ball inches, feet, and yards towards the goal, blocking the other team’s advance, finding that rhythm on the field, that connection… well, that was why they were here. Jensen was grateful for it, hopeful that this connection between them on the field-and off-would grow stronger and last.
Just then Sadie and Harley bounded up the stairs and stood in the doorway, waiting for an invitation.
Jared looked at them and then looked over at Jensen.
Patting the foot of the bed, Jensen called out to them. “Come on,” he said, not caring that the dogs were filthy, not caring that sleeping with the dogs AND Jared probably meant he’d never fully stretch out again. Sadie and Harley came up and snuggled with them, and Jared heaved a contented sigh. The sigh of a man who had everything he wanted. Jensen knew the feeling.
~Fin
Epilogue
“Holy shit, who do you have to fuck to get a beer around here?” Mike yelled from the living room.
“Hold your horses, Mikey!” Jensen called from the kitchen. Pulling out a few beers from the bottom shelf of the refrigerator, he looked around for the opener. “Jay, where’s the opener?’
“In the drawer, where it always is,” Jared answered, mixing guacamole in a clay bowl.
Jensen opened the drawer. “Um, no it’s not.”
“Well, where else could it be?”
Jensen walked over to the corner of the kitchen where Sadie and Harley were curled up in their fleece beds for an afternoon nap. Kneeling down next to the bed, he lifted up Harley’s sleepy face under which he found the bottle opener.
“Don’t pretend to be asleep, Mister,” Jensen said, holding Harley’s face up to his own and showing him the opener. “This is not a toy.”
“But Daddy,” Jared said in his Harley voice, “it looks like a toy to me!”
Jensen leaned down and kissed Harley’s head. “Go back to sleep, you monster,” Jensen whispered.
Tom leaned in the kitchen door. “Game’s about to start,” he said. “Can I help with anything?”
Jared handed him the guacamole and a bowl of chips. “Here, take these in to His Majesty,” he said, smiling.
“Will do.”
Jared brought more munchies and a tray of sandwiches out to the living room while Jensen followed with the beer.
As soon as they started digging in to the food, the doorbell rang.
“I’ll get it,” Jared said, already stepping over Mike and Tom’s legs.
When Jared opened the door, Chad yelled, “March MADNESS!” He walked in, carrying a twelve pack of Pabst Blue Ribbon. “Hey guys,” he said to Jensen, Tom, and Mike.
“Hey Chad, shut up and sit down or you’re gonna miss the tip off,” Mike said.
“Dude, calm down,” Chad said, sitting on the floor in front of the couch. “Tell your boyfriend over here to chillax,” he said to Tom, indicating Mike with his thumb.
Tom got back at Chad the best way he knew how. “Hey Mikey,” Tom purred, suggestively leaning in to Mike. “Chad over here thinks you’re too tense.”
“Oh yeah?” Mike asked, quirking an eyebrow.
“Yeah,” Tom answered. “Any ideas about how we can relieve that tension?”
“Well sure,” Mike said, closing the distance between them and kissing Tom extremely sloppily.
“Gross,” Chad said, but he didn’t look away.
Jensen suspected it was sloppy for effect, but he was pretty sure Mike wasn’t all that much neater in private.
“Break it up, guys,” Jared said. “Game’s about to start.”
Everyone’s attention snapped to the television as the ref threw the ball up in the air and the two center forwards jumped to grab it.
“Oh man, Washington is unbelievable. Did you see his reach?” Jared said.
“I think you’re taller than him by, like, a foot,” Jensen said.
“Well, basketball has never been my game,” Jared said. “Personally, I love football.”
Jensen looked over at him, flicked the condensation from his beer bottle at his face. “Me too.”
“Oh God, they’re doing that cute thing again,” Mike said, throwing pretzels at them.
“What?” Jared asked, all innocence.
“You know, that thing where you say you love football and then you give each other the googly eyes?” Mike said. “It’s sickening.”
“Pot calling the kettle black,” Chad said.
“We do not do things like that,” Tom said.
“Look, I’ve only been a member of this secret club for a couple of months now, but all four of you? Are sickening. And by the way, those matching rings don’t mean you’re married to football or to each other.”
“Yeah, cause if it did, you’d be married to all four of us,” Jared said.
“Exactly. This ring simply means that we are Super Bowl Champions. And that means we are manly fucking men on the Dallas Fucking Cowboys. So can we all keep our hands to ourselves and watch some damn basketball?”
“Well, I didn’t think I’d ever say this,” Jensen said. “But Chad over here, has a point. Pass the guacamole and the chips.”
Chips and guac, beer, and his best friends. Jensen looked over at Jared and nodded. Jared nodded back. They both understood.
~fin
There are two more ficlets in the same 'verse
Weight Training and Three Days Without Jared