Rules of Engagement 3/4
Part 2
Jensen wakes up the next morning with his nose pressed into the pillow less than an inch from Jared’s cheek. Jensen’s first instinct should be to roll over, get away, but he doesn’t move except to back up a little, in order to see Jared’s face more clearly. He’s still deeply asleep, in the same position as last night. He looks young and sweet and even more relaxed than he did on the plane, his face smooth and clear, cheeks tinged pink from his time in the sun lately. Jensen’s never seen him like this and he has to admit, he really likes it. He looks gorgeous in the weak sunlight leaking around the edges of the curtains, even more so than usual. Jensen traces over Jared with his eyes, from the line of his eyebrows down the slope of his nose, across his broad shoulders and firm biceps and down his flat stomach barely visible from the sheet bunched at his waist. His hair is a mess, tousled and hanging in his eyes. Jensen’s fingers itch to brush it away for him, to comb the tangles out of his silky curls. He fists his hands and buries them under the pillow instead.
Jared snuffles quietly and shifts, and Jensen holds his breath, waiting for him to wake up. He only rolls slightly to his back, though, so Jensen slowly exhales. He should probably get up, take a shower and get ready. It’s going to be a busy day and a stressful one, if Jared gets angry with him, but he can’t bring himself to move just yet.
This is the first time Jensen’s had the opportunity to just unabashedly stare at Jared. He’s used to sneaking glances when Jared’s not paying attention, admiring him from afar and hoping Jared doesn’t catch him at it. He still hopes Jared stays asleep now. If nothing else, he’s not done looking yet. He really is gorgeous and not at all what Jensen always expected of him. For one brief, heart-stopping moment, Jensen wishes they really were in a relationship and not just pretending to be engaged.
Jensen’s still reeling from that thought when Jared blinks awake, rolling fully onto his back.
“Mornin’,” Jared says, voice husky and sleep-rough.
“Morning,” Jensen answers.
“So.” Jared stretches his whole body in increments, starting with his toes and working up, then curls back up on his side facing Jensen. “Tell me the truth. This was a lot better than sleeping on the floor, right?” Jared grins, dimples cutting deep into his cheeks.
“I suppose.”
“Liar. Come on, Jen. I know that floor couldn’t have been comfortable.”
“It was actually.” Jared tilts his head disbelievingly, and Jensen smiles. “But, yeah. The bed is better.”
“I figured so. Thank you, though, for letting me have the bed from the beginning. My back appreciates it,” he adds with a smirk.
“No problem.”
Jared’s face softens, and they lie there in silence for a few moments, until there’s a knock on the door, followed quickly by Donna’s voice calling, “Boys? You awake? And decent?”
Jensen rolls his eyes at his mama’s quiet laughter, and Jared grins.
“Yes, Mama. Come on in.”
He wonders what’s going on. She’s left them alone in the mornings so far, which is good, considering they haven’t been sleeping in the same bed till now and that’d look awfully suspicious. Jensen startles as Jared scoots closer and wraps an arm around Jensen’s waist.
“What are you doing?” Jensen hisses. He can see the doorknob turning, and the last thing he wants is his mama to hear them talking about this.
“Making it look real. We’re supposed to be engaged.”
“So?”
“So engaged people snuggle in bed. We’ve talked about this. Now stop squirming.”
He just can’t quite get used to Jared touching him like this. He can’t get used to how much he likes it or that he’s starting to crave this closeness. “Jared-”
“Good morning, Donna,” Jared interrupts, pinching Jensen’s side.
“Morning, boys.” She bustles in with two plates piled high with pancakes and bacon. “Did you sleep well?”
“Great.” Jensen attempts to sit up, but Jared’s hold on him is too tight. He gives Jared a narrow-eyed look over his shoulder, though it doesn’t have any effect on him. “Mama, what’s with the breakfast in bed thing?”
“Who cares? Are those chocolate chip pancakes, Donna?” Jared finally lets him go and reaches out for one of the plates.
“Of course it is, sweetie,” Donna says, handing Jensen the other plate.
“Why are you trying to butter us up, Mama? Pancakes are only supposed to be for Sundays.” Jensen sits cross-legged and digs into the pancakes. He remembers so many Sunday mornings with all of them crowded on the couch in the living room in their pajamas, eating so many pancakes he felt sick and later, when he was older, helping to mix the batter. He hasn’t had this particular kind in years, since she made the blueberry ones this past Sunday.
Donna settles on the edge of the bed and picks at the bedspread for a moment before answering. “I’ve been thinking. With so many people still in town for our party and you boys said you didn’t want to wait too long, why don’t we have your wedding this weekend?”
Jensen chokes on a mouthful of bacon, Jared helpfully patting him on the back, then rubbing between his shoulder blades. “What?” he croaks.
“When will the whole family be in Texas again?” she asks, and Jensen ducks his head guiltily. He’s been just as busy as Jared these last few years and even though he goes home when he can, it’s still not enough. “Besides, Jared seems awfully anxious to marry you, baby.”
“Definitely,” Jared agrees with a soft smile, and Jensen fights not to roll his eyes.
“It’s Thursday,” Jensen points out. “How do you expect us to plan a wedding in the next couple days?”
“We don’t need anything big or fancy, right, Jen?”
“Yeah.” Jensen had made a promise to marry Jared. That promise was forced out of him, and a small part of him always hoped to get out of it somehow. There’s no way to avoid it now, not with his entire family there watching. “You sure you don’t mind doing it here or rushing like this, Jay?”
“I’m sure we can pull it off. And when you find the right person, you know it. Why wait longer to make it official?” Jared knocks their shoulders together and gives Jensen an overly exaggerated sappy look. Donna must buy it, though, since she coos at them and clutches her heart.
“All right. If you think you can do it. I don’t wanna put you out, Mama.”
“Nonsense. Just leave it to me. I’ll get everything squared away. With your approval first, of course. Don’t give me that look, Jensen Ross.”
“Okay, Mama.” Smiling, Jensen leans over to kiss her cheek. “I trust you.”
“Great!” she claps her hands and stands up. “Well, looks like I have a lot of work to do. I’ll be downstairs. This’ll be amazing, boys!”
When she leaves, Jensen turns to Jared. “I don’t know if this is a good idea. I feel like shit, putting my family through this, having Mama go to all that trouble for a marriage that isn’t even real.”
“Jensen, you promised,” Jared says quietly. Jensen’s not sure if he means the promise he made to Jared a week ago or the one he just made to let his mama plan their wedding. Either way, he’s stuck.
*****
Logan and Ryan’s regular babysitter has a dentist appointment or something today, so the boys come over for the day. They mainly hang out with Jared and Jensen, playing Wii and watching TV. It’s actually a nice, relaxing day, which Jensen hasn’t gotten to enjoy much this past week.
Though he is anxious for his plan from last night to come to fruition.
As soon as the doorbell rings that afternoon, Jensen’s palms start to sweat. It’s ridiculous to be so nervous, but he really has no clue how Jared will react. It seemed like a good idea last night, but now he’s not so sure.
Logan hops off the couch to go answer the door, then comes back a minute later. “Jared, you have visitors,” Logan tells Jared as he settles back next to Ryan.
“Me?” Jared asks, perplexed frown crinkling his forehead. “Who is it?”
“Dunno,” Logan replies offhandedly. He’s already engrossed in the movie again, completely oblivious to everything else.
Jared frowns again and pushes up off the couch. Jensen follows quietly, then rests against the wall at the end of the hallway where he can watch but stay unobtrusive. There are two people waiting by the door, a man and a woman. When they turn around, Jared stumbles to a stop a couple feet away from them. Jensen really wishes he could see Jared’s face right now, to better gauge his reaction.
“Mama? Dad? What are you doing here?” Jared asks, voice wavering. His hands are in fists at his sides, and Jensen can tell how much he’s shaking from all the way down the hall.
“A little birdie called and mentioned you were here,” Jared’s mama answers, smiling broadly. She has Jared’s hazel eyes. “We couldn’t let the opportunity to see you pass by.”
“You- you’re really here?” Jared wonders aloud in a small voice, sounding unsure and all of five years old. It makes Jensen’s heart ache for Jared, and he rubs his hand over his heart to soothe the hurt.
“Of course we are, honey.”
“Where else would we be?” his dad adds.
Jared lets out a strangled noise and surges forward, falling into his parents’ open arms.
When Jared hugs his parents, Jensen imagines he can see the last shreds of Mr. Padalecki fall away. Jensen’s heart turns over in his chest. He’s just about to head back into the living room to give Jared some privacy when Jared lets go of his parents and spots him hovering in the background.
“Sorry. Didn’t mean to intrude,” Jensen tells them, taking a step back.
“No, it’s okay.” Jared scrubs a hand over his face and smiles shakily, then beckons Jensen forward. “C’mere, Jen.”
“Is this Jensen then?” his mama asks, and Jared nods, his smile growing.
Jared slips an arm across Jensen’s shoulders and brings him up closer. ”Mama, Dad, this is Jensen. Jensen, these are my parents, Sherry and Gerry.”
“It’s great to meet you,” Jensen says, shaking each of their hands.
Sherry smiles at him, big and bright, and it’s obvious that’s where Jared gets his dimples. “I am so glad to meet you, Jensen. I’m a little mad at Jared for trying to hide his boyfriend from us, but I’m happy to meet you.”
Jared looks guilty, then confused that she knows about their, albeit fake, relationship. Before he can say anything, though, Donna enters the hallway, phone tucked under her chin. She ends the call as she sees them gathered by the door, curious frown on her face.
There are more introductions. Jared’s voice is steadier now, but he still seems shell-shocked.
“Your parents? Oh, this is perfect! They’ll be here for the wedding then!” Donna gushes.
“Wedding? Who’s getting married?” Sherry wonders, glancing at Jared.
Jensen mentally facepalms. He knows his mama’s just excited and expects Sherry to be the same, but he wishes just once they could break it to people gently.
“Um, Jensen and I are actually,” Jared replies meekly, flinching at the hurt look Sherry gives him.
“You’re getting married and you didn’t tell us?”
“I was going to. It all happened kinda quickly this morning, but I swear I was gonna call you.”
“I didn’t even know you were dating anyone until yesterday.”
Jared pales, swallowing. Jensen assumes he’s silently berating himself for not keeping in touch with his family more. Jensen squeezes Jared’s arm and smiles, and Jared relaxes somewhat. He’s never seen Jared this hesitant before. Jared’s never anything less than fully confident.
“Nobody did. The boys were being secretive,” Donna says with an exasperated eyeroll.
“We didn’t want it getting out. It’s not exactly against the rules at work, but it’s definitely frowned on, especially when it’s your boss,” Jensen explains.
“Let’s just,” Jared pauses, ducking his head and exhaling loudly. “Let’s go sit and we’ll tell you all about it,” he suggests.
Everyone agrees, so Jared leads the way into the living room. Logan and Ryan take one look at their tense faces and scatter and a minute later, Jensen hears the back door slam shut. Mac’s been outside planting rose bushes as an anniversary present for their parents; no doubt the boys went out to join her.
“Man, we’ve been terrible hosts,” Jensen laments suddenly, breaking the awkward silence. It’s true, but he mostly just wants to get Jared out of the room for a minute. The poor guy looks like he’s about to fall apart, and Jensen wants to give him a chance to process everything and calm down. “You guys had a long drive. Do you want something? Drinks maybe?”
“Sweet tea would be lovely. Thank you, Jensen,” Sherry answers.
Jensen waves Donna back down when she moves to get up. “Jared and I will go, Mama. Don’t worry about it.”
In the kitchen, Jared takes three steps toward the fridge, then freezes, spinning around to face Jensen.
“You did this, didn’t you? You called them?”
He sounds happy and overwhelmed, not angry like Jensen feared he might. He took a large gamble putting this in motion, and he’s glad it seems to be working out okay.
Jensen shrugs one shoulder casually, though his heart is trip-hammering in his chest. “I thought, we’re in Texas and this close, I can’t let you leave without at least seeing your parents.”
“Jensen, that- God, I don’t know what-” Jared stops, obviously struggling for words. “Thank you.”
Jensen’s all prepared to dismiss it as no big deal until he hears the gratitude and sincerity in Jared’s voice. It catches him by surprise, but it shouldn’t, not after the last few days. “You’re welcome. I know how much you miss them.”
“You have no idea how much this means to me, so just, thank you.”
Jared moves closer to Jensen, though there’s not much space separating them now, and reaches out a hand to Jensen. Jensen unconsciously sways forward and-
“Oh. Whoa, sorry! I didn’t realize anyone was in here,” Mac apologizes, shifting uncertainly, amusement curving her mouth up at the corners. “I’m just gonna grab some Coke and then I’m gonna leave so you guys can get back to whatever you were doing.” She points vaguely at the fridge, stifling a giggle.
Jensen watches her go, still standing inches away from Jared, and resists the urge to bang his head on the nearest cupboard. She clearly assumes she interrupted an intimate moment between them. Jensen’s mad at himself for thinking the same thing, for wanting Jared to what? Kiss him?
Jared steps away, blushing slightly and refusing to meet Jensen’s eyes.
“We should get those drinks.”
“Yeah.” Except Jensen is suddenly having trouble remembering which cupboard the glasses are in. He shouldn’t let Jared fluster him like this.
Eventually, he crosses to the fridge while Jared gathers the glasses.
It feels like something has changed, though he doesn’t know how.
Jensen’s not sure what startles him out of a sound sleep, but he’s definitely awake now, even though it’s too early, according to the glowing red numbers on the clock. He carefully extracts his leg from where it’s pinned under Jared’s thigh, then softly pads out of the room.
It’s unsettling how quickly he got used to sharing a bed with Jared.
Downstairs, he finds Donna and Sherry in the kitchen, quietly talking over steaming cups of coffee. After pouring some for himself, he joins them at the table.
“Mornin’, Mama, Sherry.”
“Good morning, baby. You’re up early,” Donna says, reaching over to pat his hand.
“Yeah,” he agrees. “Guess I’m just anxious about everything. There’s so much yet to get done.” And he’s still not sure about this whole thing, with their families there and so many witnesses. It’d be easier to get through with just Jared and a judge at City Hall. Easier to pretend it’s not really happening.
“Oh, don’t worry about that. Sherry and I made lists, and we know you boys don’t want anything elaborate.”
“Thank you. Jared and I really appreciate all the work you’re putting into this.”
“Do you think we’d let you guys get married without getting involved?” Sherry asks, grinning.
Jensen snorts a laugh. “I guess not. I remember Mama driving Josh and Zoe crazy with her involvement in their wedding.”
“Oh, hush,” Donna protests. “They valued my input.”
“Of course, Mama.” Jensen smiles and leans over to kiss her cheek while she gives him the flat-eyed stare he used to fear as a kid. “Where are Dad and Gerry, by the way?” Things had gone amazingly well yesterday once the shock of it all wore off. Their parents get along like long lost friends.
“Golfing. Your dad said he wanted to get to know your new father-in-law, but I don’t entirely believe him.”
“Maybe because they’re actually staying away as much as they can so you don’t rope them into helping?”
Sherry laughs, while Donna rolls her eyes, shaking her head.
Jensen’s not really sure what their dads would need to do anyway. It’s gonna be small and simple, because Jensen feels bad wasting everyone’s time and effort on a sham marriage.
They talk over ideas and what’s already been done and while Jensen has the occasional holy shit, I’m about to marry Jared thought, it’s not as bad as it used to be a few days ago. They’re narrowing down hotels to hold the ceremony and reception in when Jared wanders into the kitchen, looking sleepy-eyed and tousled. Jensen knows Jared was up a lot last night, hard to miss with his tossing and turning and stiff-bodied position. He looks like a little kid now, hair sticking up all over his head and cheeks red with pillow creases. Jensen kinda wants to smooth down his hair and give him a hug, but that seems too intimate, even with all the touching they’ve been doing to act like a couple.
Instead, he stands up and pours Jared some coffee, adding the sugar and cream he knows Jared likes, then presses the mug into Jared’s hand. Jared flashes him a grateful, if tired, smile, and Jensen squeezes his hand for a second before letting go. Settling next to Jensen against the counter, Jared mumbles a good morning. He really does seem half asleep still. Jensen’s tempted to tell him to go back to bed for a couple hours.
Jared perks up after a couple cups of coffee. Between them, they choose a hotel and color scheme for the wedding. They are definitely keeping it small and simple, with a modest guest list and understated decorations. They don’t exactly have time to do anything on a big scale anyway.
It’s not what Jensen pictured whenever he thought about maybe getting married someday, but he’s learning to live with his decision.
*****
“So what do you think? Cummerbund or vest?” Jensen asks, holding up one of each for Jared to see.
“Um, I don’t know. Whichever you want,” Jared answers distractedly. He tugs at the sleeves on his jacket, frowning in the mirror. The sleeves fall slightly short of his wrists, but it’s not that noticeable. And they can’t exactly be picky when they’re renting tuxes the day before a wedding. Luckily, they found, and agreed on, matching tuxes.
“Hey. You okay, man?” Jared’s been unusually quiet all afternoon and letting Jensen take the lead on most of the decisions. It’s the complete opposite of the Jared he knows, and it has him concerned.
“Yeah. I’m just tired, I guess.” Removing his jacket, Jared steps back into the dressing room. “Go with the vest. It’ll look better on you,” he calls before he shuts the door.
Jensen frowns and slowly puts the vest and cummerbund down. He goes to stand by the dressing room, leaning against the wall with his ankles and arms crossed. “You sure you’re all right, Jay?”
“Yeah. It’s just been a long couple of days. And my parents coming and everything. It’s just. I’m fine.” He doesn’t sound fine. He sounds completely drained.
“Okay,” Jensen concedes, deciding to drop it. Jared obviously won’t talk to him about what’s wrong. “Then next question. Plain black vest or one that matches the ties?”
Jared remains silent for a long moment. Jensen can hear movement, rustling and muffled bangs, as Jared gets undressed. Only his feet are visible under the door, his white socks contrasting oddly with the fancy black pants. Jensen finds himself staring at the flex and stretch of Jared’s arches as he slides the tux off and puts his jeans back on.
“Black,” Jared says finally, and it takes Jensen a second to remember what the question even was.
“It’s probably more subtle that way anyhow.”
Jared unlocks the door, and Jensen jumps back quickly so he won’t get hit when Jared opens it. Jared’s back in his jeans and t-shirt, looking rumpled and still so tired. He was gorgeous in the tux, of course, but Jensen’s starting to really like this casual version of Jared the best.
“Are we done here?” Jared asks. “We’re finished after this, right?”
And okay, this is getting too weird. Shouldn’t Jared be happy about finally getting this done so he won’t have to worry about the whole deportation thing anymore?
“I think we’re done here, yeah. Just need to pay and all that.” Jensen trails Jared up to the counter.
“And then we can go back to the house, right?” Jared glances over his shoulder at Jensen. He has dark circles under his eyes that Jensen wants to smooth away.
“No. We still need to stop by the bakery about the cake.”
“Oh.” He visibly perks up, shoulders straightening and smile curving his lips. “Do we get to try samples?”
Jensen grins at the enthusiasm in Jared’s voice. “Probably. And if you’re good, I’ll buy you a cookie before we leave.”
“Aw, Jen, that’s really sweet of you.”
Rolling his eyes, Jensen takes the receipt from the cashier and nudges Jared out of the store. Maybe Jared’s blood sugar is just low. Come to think of it, they haven’t eaten much today. Jensen’s sure cake will make everything better.
When Jensen wakes up the next morning, Jared’s already up and out of the room. Jensen lies there for awhile, arms behind his head and staring at the ceiling. He can hear people moving around downstairs, his mama’s calmly commanding voice the most distinct.
He’s getting married today. He should feel nervous or still angry at Jared for putting him in this position, but he’s strangely calm. Maybe it’s shock or denial or giving in to the inevitable or the burst of adrenalin coursing through him. Whatever it is, he’s ready to marry Jared.
Eventually he can’t laze around in bed any longer and has to get up. He wanders downstairs and finds chaos erupting in the living room and kitchen. There are flowers and decorations everywhere, people running around like headless chickens, and Donna in the middle of it all, the calm at the eye of the storm. Donna spots him and waves him over, so Jensen carefully picks his way over to her, trying not to step on anything.
“Morning, Jensen!” she exclaims happily.
Jensen bends to kiss her cheek. “Morning, Mama.” Looking around at the commotion, Jensen shakes his head. “Are you sure you can get this done on time? I don’t want you pushing yourself.”
“Oh, hush! Of course we can. I have lots of help, baby.”
“I know. There just seems like so much left to do.”
“We’ve got it covered, Jensen. Don’t you worry.”
He nods and kisses her cheek again, then heads into the kitchen for coffee and breakfast. Most of the people in here have cleared out, except Mac, who’s at the table finishing up the last few wedding favors. Unlike everyone else, she doesn’t appear to be in any hurry, which is usual for her. Jensen pours himself some coffee and joins her at the table, idly playing with one of the finished favor bags.
“Have you seen Jared this morning?” he asks, tossing the bag back onto the table with the others.
Mack flushes and looks down, concentrating extra hard on tying a bow around the top of the bag. “He said he was going to the hotel early to eat breakfast with his parents.”
Jensen eyes her for a second over his mug. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing!” she answers quickly.
“Mac.”
“It’s nothing, Jensen. Just stressed from everything. And jealous that you’re gonna have such a hot husband,” she adds, grinning, and Jensen rolls his eyes. “I’ve gotta run home and get ready. See ya at the hotel later.”
A few minutes later, Jensen finishes his coffee and goes upstairs to shower.
*****
Jensen rides to the hotel with Josh and his dad, but they leave him soon after to track down Donna and see what else needs to be done. He changes into his tux mostly in silence. The pool is right outside his fifth floor balcony, so he can hear the occasional whoop and squeal and splash, but it’s quiet other than that. He prefers it that way anyhow, though he would like some company right now, just another presence in the room so he knows he’s not alone.
He puts on the pants, vest, and snowy white dress shirt but leaves the jacket for now. After tying his shoes, he stands in front of the balcony doors and watches the happy people below, playing around and seemingly carefree. He’s not sure if he’d rather be down there with them or right where he is.
Jensen’s messing with his bowtie when Josh slips into the room, a worried frown creasing his forehead.
“Hey, Jenny. I need to tell you something.”
Josh’s serious tone takes Jensen aback. He’s usually a happy guy, and anything else from him always throws Jensen off.
Abandoning his tie, Jensen focuses on his brother. “What is it?”
He clears his throat, hesitating for a long moment. “Jared’s not here, and no one’s been able to find him so far.”
“Oh.” Jensen hadn’t expected anything in particular, but he never would’ve guessed this. “Do you mean he’s not in the hotel?”
“He’s not anywhere. He’s not back at the house or in the other prep room, and his phone goes straight to voicemail.”
“He’s not answering his phone?” Josh shakes his head, and Jensen’s heart beats extra fast. Jared would never leave his phone off. Not for more than a few minutes anyway and especially not today.
“Do you have any idea where he’d be?”
“I don’t-” He’d gotten to know Jared a lot better this week, but he still has no clue where Jared would go.
“Let me just try calling him again,” Jensen says. He doesn’t miss the slightly pitying look on Josh’s face as he turns to grab his phone off the bed. There aren’t any messages from Jared, and Jensen’s anxiety kicks in nearly full-force. He hopes nothing happened to Jared, that he’s not hurt and lying alone in a hospital somewhere.
Jared’s phone rings right to voicemail, so he leaves a quick message. “Hey, Jay. It’s me. Please call me when you get this.” He flips his phone closed and holds it to his forehead for a second.
“Do you want to be alone?” Josh asks gently.
“No. I- I think I’ll go downstairs.”
“You sure? Guests have started arriving.”
“Yeah. I wanna be around people.”
“All right. I’ll walk down with you.”
Jensen doesn’t bother finishing getting dressed. He leaves behind the jacket and tie, just stuffs his phone in his pants pocket and walks out the door, Josh following closely. His hand shakes as he reaches out to push the elevator button. If Josh notices, he doesn’t say anything. They’re quiet in the elevator, Jensen resting his head against the wall with his eyes closed.
“Jenny? Come on, man. The doors are open,” Josh says softly, squeezing Jensen’s shoulder and nodding toward the elevator doors.
“Right,” Jensen replies, but it comes out all funny. Clearing his throat, Jensen jams his hands in his pockets and heads toward the small ballroom where they’re having the wedding. Zoe’s standing outside the door with Ryan, and she startles when she sees Jensen in his shirtsleeves, undoubtedly looking highly distressed.
“You’re early! What are you doing down here?” She glances between them but quickly falls silent as Josh draws her to the side. The next time she looks at Jensen, her eyes are full of sympathy, and he turns away so he won’t have to see it anymore.
“Are Mama and Dad inside?” Jensen asks.
“Yep. They’re with Jared’s parents, talking to everybody as they show up,” Ryan answers. He’s apparently oblivious to the tension, since he beams at Jensen and announces, “Daddy says I have to wear dress shoes even though they pinch my toes, but all the flowers smell nice, and we’re gonna have so much fun! Right, Uncle Jensen?” He wraps his arms around Jensen’s waist in a tight hug, and Jensen can’t help smiling, his mood lifted by Ryan’s enthusiasm.
“Right, kiddo. Let’s go talk to your grandparents, okay?”
“Okay!”
Josh lays a hand on Jensen’s arm to keep him back, so Jensen sends Ryan in ahead of him.
“Zoe and I will keep looking and trying to call Jared. We’ll let you know if we hear anything,” Josh tells him.
“Thanks, guys. I’m sure he’s just running late or something,” he lies, not very convincingly.
“Of course, sweetie,” Zoe says as she hugs him gently.
His parents and Mac are talking to Sherry and Gerry when Jensen walks in. He stops to talk to a few people on his way up to the first row of chairs where everyone’s sitting. Jensen wants to run up to Sherry and Gerry and ask them about Jared, but he holds himself back, hugs his mama and shakes his dad’s hand. No one seems to know what’s going on, which means Josh is being quiet and cautious for once in his life. Finally, though, Jensen can’t take it anymore.
“Have you seen Jared today?” Jensen asks, trying to mask his anxiety.
“Is something wrong, baby?” Donna wonders, and Jensen nods curtly.
“He, uh, seems to be missing, so I was hoping you’d seen him,” he explains, trying not to let Donna’s “oh, baby, I’m sorry” get to him.
“Not since breakfast this morning,” Gerry replies easily. He doesn’t seem concerned, but Sherry exchanges a loaded glance with Donna.
“How did he seem? Was he okay?”
“He was…distracted. I assumed it was wedding jitters.”
Wedding jitters. That makes absolutely no sense considering this was Jared’s idea in the first place, plus the fact that he needs this if he wants to stay in the country.
Jensen rubs a hand over his face. “Just distracted? He wasn’t acting weird or anything?”
Sherry lays a hand on his arm and surprisingly, it calms him down a little. “Honey, I’m sure he’ll be here. Jared is not the type to break a promise.”
“And he loves you,” Donna adds. “He wouldn’t run out on your wedding.”
Jensen snorts. If only they knew the truth.
Something’s wrong. Something’s really, really wrong, but Jensen’s not ready to admit it out loud yet. There’s still time. Jared could have any number of reasons for being late and until Jensen has proof either way, he’s going to cling to that fact.
Everyone assures him that it’ll be okay, that Jared will be here soon, and it’ll all work out. As the time passes and he doesn’t hear anything from Josh or Zoe, Jensen’s losing more and more faith. What happens if he doesn’t show up?
“He’s coming, Jensen. Don’t worry,” Mac insists, though she’s starting to look just as anxious.
Jensen knows she’s wrong when Zoe walks in with Josh, looking grim and carrying a folded piece of paper.
“He’s gone, isn’t he?” Jensen asks quietly as she stops in front of him.
Zoe hands him the paper and nods. “I think so, yeah. He left this at the front desk for you. I’m so sorry, Jensen.”
He lets Zoe hug him, body and mind suddenly frozen. A week ago, Jensen could barely stand Jared and now he’s so shaken and upset he doesn’t know how he’s going to make it through the next few minutes. He could really use the calming effect Wagner has on him right now, but that only causes him to think of their fake proposal story and oh, God. Jensen sways on his feet, only kept upright by Mac’s hand on his elbow.
He wants to punch something. He wants to be alone, no more concerned eyes watching his every move. He wants Jared in front of him, right now.
He wants Jared.
“Maybe there’s a good reason, son,” Alan says gently, nodding toward the paper in Jensen’s hand. “Read the note he left you, see what he has to say.”
Jensen carefully unfolds the note. Jared’s familiar handwriting covers the page. It’s short, but he supposes “Hey, I’m not gonna marry you after all” wouldn’t take too long to write. He reads it quickly once, then more slowly the second time, something close to hope abruptly flaring in his chest. He reads it again one more time, unconsciously mouthing the words silently.
Jensen, I’m sorry I’m doing this in a note instead of face-to-face, but I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to do what I have to if I actually saw you. I can’t go through with this. I can’t let you go through with this. You’ve been unexpectedly great about the whole situation, especially given the way I’ve treated you these past three years, but you deserve to marry someone that you choose for yourself, someone you love, not a man that forces you into it. I’m going back to New York. My plane leaves this afternoon. I’ve already talked to INS. Ms. Ferris will be waiting for me in New York. I explained what happened, that it was my idea and I threatened to fire you if you didn’t go along with the plan. She assured me you won’t face any charges. I am so sorry, for everything. You’re amazing, Jen, and I only wish I’d realized that sooner. Tell your family thank you for welcoming me into their home and lives, and tell my parents I love them. -Jared.
Feeling lightheaded, Jensen sits on the floor. More like falls down actually, since his legs are numb and he no longer has control of his body. He buries his head in his hands, the paper crinkling uncomfortably against his cheek. He’s not sure what to feel but so far, hurt and disappointed are winning out, and that only confuses him even more. Dammit, Jared. Someone tugs on the paper, and Jensen lets it go, not caring who takes it or who knows the truth about his engagement to Jared. After a couple minutes, he glances up and watches Josh hand the note to their dad. He’s sure that the rest of the room will quickly learn what happened. He’s grateful, in a way, that he won’t have to explain it himself. He doesn’t know what he’d say anyway.
“What do I do now?” he murmurs, not really expecting an answer. He has no idea what he wants, but getting drunk and forgetting the whole mess sounds good.
“It’s obvious, Jensen. Go after him,” Alan says.
Jensen snaps his head up at that, his heart suddenly hammering for reasons he doesn’t want to examine.
“Wh-what?” he stammers. He’s surprised his voice isn’t shaking more.
Alan stares at him like Jensen’s gone insane. “Jensen, you aren’t going to just let him go, are you?”
“I don’t-” Jensen stops, pressing a hand to his chest. He thinks about the past three years and fulfilling Mr. Padalecki’s every demand. He thinks about the past week and getting to know the real Jared behind the mask. He thinks about Jared going back to Canada and never seeing him again, and Jensen’s heart aches so much that he can’t breathe for several moments.
When he recovers, Jensen stands slowly and holds out his hand. “Josh, can I borrow your car?”
Josh eyes him for a moment, then shakes his head. “No, I’ll drive. The way you are now, you’ll end up crashing halfway there.”
Jensen nods, because Josh is right. His hands are shaking, and his mind is filled with one thought: Get to Jared now. “All right.” He turns to his family and Jared’s parents, who are all clustered together. “I’m sorry. For lying and leading everybody on and just- I’m really sorry.”
“It’s all right, honey,” Donna and Sherry both say in near unison.
But Mac rolls her eyes and says, “Dude, we don’t care. Just shut up and let’s go get your boy!”
Jensen flashes her a grateful smile and rushes out to Josh’s car, Josh and half his family on his heels.
*****
Jared won’t answer his phone. Jensen’s afraid that means he’s already on a plane and starts freaking out, until Josh grabs his shoulder in an iron grip and grounds him.
“He doesn’t have that much of a head start on us, dude. Calm down,” he insists, then puts his other hand back on the steering wheel.
“Right.” Jensen knows this, of course, but everything in him is aching to get to Jared, to hold him and tell him how he feels. Every delay drives him a little crazier.
He calls Jared a dozen more times during the ride to the airport. Jared doesn’t pick up at all. By the time Josh parks and they all pile out of the car, Jensen’s frantic and second-guessing this whole go-after-Jared plan. Josh and Mac don’t give him an opportunity to back out, though, since they each grab one of his arms and haul him through the parking deck and into the airport. Jensen’s glad he convinced everyone to stay home- except Josh and Mac, since they refused to be left behind. That way, only strangers will witness his possible humiliation and not his entire family.
They race through the building, only slowing down when Jensen yanks his arm free for one last, desperate phone call. This time, by some miracle, Jared answers.
“Jensen, what are you-”
Jensen doesn’t let him finish, just plows right over him. “Jared, thank God!” he pants, dodging a man with a large rolling suitcase. “Where are you?”
“I told you. I’m going back to New York.” He sounds drained, not angry, which Jensen half expected.
“No, where exactly are you in the airport?”
“In line for security, but what does that-”
Jensen hangs up, because he suddenly spots a familiar head of shaggy hair, standing inches above everyone else around him in line.
“Jared!” he yells, and Jared whips around to stare in his direction, as do plenty of other people nearby, many of them eyeing his disheveled tux. Jensen ignores everybody else. He has eyes only for Jared. He skids to a stop in front of Jared, separated by the ropes surrounding the security area, bent over with his hands on his knees while he recovers his breath.
Jared slowly lowers his phone, then stuffs it in his front jeans pocket, looking completely dumbstruck. “Jensen? What are you doing here?”
Jensen sucks in air and stands up straight, not really sure how to answer Jared’s question. He was focused so much on stopping Jared from getting on a plane, he never really thought about what he’d say when he found him.
“Don’t go to New York!” he blurts.
Jared smiles, but it looks anything but happy. There’s regret and a million other emotions Jensen refuses to acknowledge in Jared’s eyes. “Jen-”
“Please.” He steps closer to Jared, noticing for the first time how they’re creating a bottleneck in the line. A young woman laden down with bags glares at him. Smiling in apology, Jensen moves Jared out of the way, keeping his hand on Jared’s arm afterward. The line immediately flows past them, and Jensen quickly forgets the people he pissed off.
“When you didn’t show up today, it hurt. I don’t know how it happened or when exactly, but sometime over the last week I-” Jensen stops, taking a deep breath. He decides to change tack and just tell Jared how he feels, plainly. “I’m kinda in love with you.”
Jared’s eyes widen, and he gapes for a moment before the most brilliant smile spreads across his face. “That’s good, because I’m kinda in love with you, too,” he replies quietly, and Jensen’s heart skips a couple beats.
Overwhelmed, Jensen closes his eyes and presses a hand to the tightness in his chest. It’s stupid, but he feels like he might start crying, like he needs a release from the heartbreak of Jared not showing up and the unexpected elation of the last couple minutes. He startles at hands suddenly cupping his cheeks and looks up to find Jared smiling softly at him. Even after a week of discovering so many things about Jared, this smile is completely new, and Jensen’s breath hitches at the depth of emotions in Jared’s eyes. He’s never had anyone look at him like that.
“I love you,” Jensen murmurs. Jared’s smile turns even softer at that. Jensen’s already getting addicted to it.
Bending close enough that Jensen can feel Jared’s breath ghosting across his cheek, Jared whispers, “Love you, too.”
Jensen threads his fingers into Jared’s silky hair and pulls him down to close those last few millimeters separating them.
When Jensen finally kisses Jared for the first time, nothing clichéd happens. Angels don’t sing. Fireworks don’t explode. The whole airport doesn’t burst into applause. But it still feels right somehow. Jared’s lips are soft and warm, still curved into a smile that Jensen meets with his own mouth. Jared sucks gently on Jensen’s bottom lip, moaning faintly. It goes on for a long time, everything else fading into the background, and he’s a little dazed when Jared pulls away.
“Don’t go back to New York,” Jensen begs fervently. “Not yet. Stay here with me.”
“I can’t,” Jared murmurs, then groans as Jensen kisses him again. “Ms. Ferris is waiting for me. I can’t not show up. I have to go or I’ll face charges. I’m sorry, Jen.”
Jensen makes a negative noise in the back of his throat. This is so unfair. He can’t lose Jared now. There are so many things they need to say yet, so many things he wants to do to Jared. He feels like stomping his feet and throwing a fit like a two-year-old. Jared smoothes Jensen’s frown away with his thumb and rests their foreheads together. Jensen loves how big Jared’s hands feel on his face.
“Come to New York with me. We’ll figure something out. I don’t care what we do. I just want you with me, Jen.”
Jensen melts. It’s embarrassing, but there’s really no other word for it. When he searches Jared’s eyes, he sees absolutely no hint of the cold, demanding Mr. Padalecki he used to know. His eyes are clear and bright and so full of love Jensen’s afraid he’s dreaming. Jensen realizes then that he hasn’t seen Jared’s cold smile in days. Distantly, he hears Josh and Mac saying something, but it’s only a muffled buzz in the background.
“Okay,” he says, grinning. There’s really no other option for him. Jared’s it for him. Who could’ve predicted that? “You realize we’ll have to get married if you want to stay in New York?”
“Mm, true.” Jared nuzzles his cheek and asks in a low voice that makes Jensen’s skin tingle, “What do you say, Jen? Will you marry me?”
“Yeah, I will,” Jensen replies, wrapping his arms around Jared’s waist. “Since you asked so nicely.”
Jared laughs, bright and happy. Jensen swallows it with his mouth, so happy he feels lit up on the inside.
Epilogue
Jensen wakes up the next morning with his nose pressed into the pillow less than an inch from Jared’s cheek. Jensen’s first instinct should be to roll over, get away, but he doesn’t move except to back up a little, in order to see Jared’s face more clearly. He’s still deeply asleep, in the same position as last night. He looks young and sweet and even more relaxed than he did on the plane, his face smooth and clear, cheeks tinged pink from his time in the sun lately. Jensen’s never seen him like this and he has to admit, he really likes it. He looks gorgeous in the weak sunlight leaking around the edges of the curtains, even more so than usual. Jensen traces over Jared with his eyes, from the line of his eyebrows down the slope of his nose, across his broad shoulders and firm biceps and down his flat stomach barely visible from the sheet bunched at his waist. His hair is a mess, tousled and hanging in his eyes. Jensen’s fingers itch to brush it away for him, to comb the tangles out of his silky curls. He fists his hands and buries them under the pillow instead.
Jared snuffles quietly and shifts, and Jensen holds his breath, waiting for him to wake up. He only rolls slightly to his back, though, so Jensen slowly exhales. He should probably get up, take a shower and get ready. It’s going to be a busy day and a stressful one, if Jared gets angry with him, but he can’t bring himself to move just yet.
This is the first time Jensen’s had the opportunity to just unabashedly stare at Jared. He’s used to sneaking glances when Jared’s not paying attention, admiring him from afar and hoping Jared doesn’t catch him at it. He still hopes Jared stays asleep now. If nothing else, he’s not done looking yet. He really is gorgeous and not at all what Jensen always expected of him. For one brief, heart-stopping moment, Jensen wishes they really were in a relationship and not just pretending to be engaged.
Jensen’s still reeling from that thought when Jared blinks awake, rolling fully onto his back.
“Mornin’,” Jared says, voice husky and sleep-rough.
“Morning,” Jensen answers.
“So.” Jared stretches his whole body in increments, starting with his toes and working up, then curls back up on his side facing Jensen. “Tell me the truth. This was a lot better than sleeping on the floor, right?” Jared grins, dimples cutting deep into his cheeks.
“I suppose.”
“Liar. Come on, Jen. I know that floor couldn’t have been comfortable.”
“It was actually.” Jared tilts his head disbelievingly, and Jensen smiles. “But, yeah. The bed is better.”
“I figured so. Thank you, though, for letting me have the bed from the beginning. My back appreciates it,” he adds with a smirk.
“No problem.”
Jared’s face softens, and they lie there in silence for a few moments, until there’s a knock on the door, followed quickly by Donna’s voice calling, “Boys? You awake? And decent?”
Jensen rolls his eyes at his mama’s quiet laughter, and Jared grins.
“Yes, Mama. Come on in.”
He wonders what’s going on. She’s left them alone in the mornings so far, which is good, considering they haven’t been sleeping in the same bed till now and that’d look awfully suspicious. Jensen startles as Jared scoots closer and wraps an arm around Jensen’s waist.
“What are you doing?” Jensen hisses. He can see the doorknob turning, and the last thing he wants is his mama to hear them talking about this.
“Making it look real. We’re supposed to be engaged.”
“So?”
“So engaged people snuggle in bed. We’ve talked about this. Now stop squirming.”
He just can’t quite get used to Jared touching him like this. He can’t get used to how much he likes it or that he’s starting to crave this closeness. “Jared-”
“Good morning, Donna,” Jared interrupts, pinching Jensen’s side.
“Morning, boys.” She bustles in with two plates piled high with pancakes and bacon. “Did you sleep well?”
“Great.” Jensen attempts to sit up, but Jared’s hold on him is too tight. He gives Jared a narrow-eyed look over his shoulder, though it doesn’t have any effect on him. “Mama, what’s with the breakfast in bed thing?”
“Who cares? Are those chocolate chip pancakes, Donna?” Jared finally lets him go and reaches out for one of the plates.
“Of course it is, sweetie,” Donna says, handing Jensen the other plate.
“Why are you trying to butter us up, Mama? Pancakes are only supposed to be for Sundays.” Jensen sits cross-legged and digs into the pancakes. He remembers so many Sunday mornings with all of them crowded on the couch in the living room in their pajamas, eating so many pancakes he felt sick and later, when he was older, helping to mix the batter. He hasn’t had this particular kind in years, since she made the blueberry ones this past Sunday.
Donna settles on the edge of the bed and picks at the bedspread for a moment before answering. “I’ve been thinking. With so many people still in town for our party and you boys said you didn’t want to wait too long, why don’t we have your wedding this weekend?”
Jensen chokes on a mouthful of bacon, Jared helpfully patting him on the back, then rubbing between his shoulder blades. “What?” he croaks.
“When will the whole family be in Texas again?” she asks, and Jensen ducks his head guiltily. He’s been just as busy as Jared these last few years and even though he goes home when he can, it’s still not enough. “Besides, Jared seems awfully anxious to marry you, baby.”
“Definitely,” Jared agrees with a soft smile, and Jensen fights not to roll his eyes.
“It’s Thursday,” Jensen points out. “How do you expect us to plan a wedding in the next couple days?”
“We don’t need anything big or fancy, right, Jen?”
“Yeah.” Jensen had made a promise to marry Jared. That promise was forced out of him, and a small part of him always hoped to get out of it somehow. There’s no way to avoid it now, not with his entire family there watching. “You sure you don’t mind doing it here or rushing like this, Jay?”
“I’m sure we can pull it off. And when you find the right person, you know it. Why wait longer to make it official?” Jared knocks their shoulders together and gives Jensen an overly exaggerated sappy look. Donna must buy it, though, since she coos at them and clutches her heart.
“All right. If you think you can do it. I don’t wanna put you out, Mama.”
“Nonsense. Just leave it to me. I’ll get everything squared away. With your approval first, of course. Don’t give me that look, Jensen Ross.”
“Okay, Mama.” Smiling, Jensen leans over to kiss her cheek. “I trust you.”
“Great!” she claps her hands and stands up. “Well, looks like I have a lot of work to do. I’ll be downstairs. This’ll be amazing, boys!”
When she leaves, Jensen turns to Jared. “I don’t know if this is a good idea. I feel like shit, putting my family through this, having Mama go to all that trouble for a marriage that isn’t even real.”
“Jensen, you promised,” Jared says quietly. Jensen’s not sure if he means the promise he made to Jared a week ago or the one he just made to let his mama plan their wedding. Either way, he’s stuck.
*****
Logan and Ryan’s regular babysitter has a dentist appointment or something today, so the boys come over for the day. They mainly hang out with Jared and Jensen, playing Wii and watching TV. It’s actually a nice, relaxing day, which Jensen hasn’t gotten to enjoy much this past week.
Though he is anxious for his plan from last night to come to fruition.
As soon as the doorbell rings that afternoon, Jensen’s palms start to sweat. It’s ridiculous to be so nervous, but he really has no clue how Jared will react. It seemed like a good idea last night, but now he’s not so sure.
Logan hops off the couch to go answer the door, then comes back a minute later. “Jared, you have visitors,” Logan tells Jared as he settles back next to Ryan.
“Me?” Jared asks, perplexed frown crinkling his forehead. “Who is it?”
“Dunno,” Logan replies offhandedly. He’s already engrossed in the movie again, completely oblivious to everything else.
Jared frowns again and pushes up off the couch. Jensen follows quietly, then rests against the wall at the end of the hallway where he can watch but stay unobtrusive. There are two people waiting by the door, a man and a woman. When they turn around, Jared stumbles to a stop a couple feet away from them. Jensen really wishes he could see Jared’s face right now, to better gauge his reaction.
“Mama? Dad? What are you doing here?” Jared asks, voice wavering. His hands are in fists at his sides, and Jensen can tell how much he’s shaking from all the way down the hall.
“A little birdie called and mentioned you were here,” Jared’s mama answers, smiling broadly. She has Jared’s hazel eyes. “We couldn’t let the opportunity to see you pass by.”
“You- you’re really here?” Jared wonders aloud in a small voice, sounding unsure and all of five years old. It makes Jensen’s heart ache for Jared, and he rubs his hand over his heart to soothe the hurt.
“Of course we are, honey.”
“Where else would we be?” his dad adds.
Jared lets out a strangled noise and surges forward, falling into his parents’ open arms.
When Jared hugs his parents, Jensen imagines he can see the last shreds of Mr. Padalecki fall away. Jensen’s heart turns over in his chest. He’s just about to head back into the living room to give Jared some privacy when Jared lets go of his parents and spots him hovering in the background.
“Sorry. Didn’t mean to intrude,” Jensen tells them, taking a step back.
“No, it’s okay.” Jared scrubs a hand over his face and smiles shakily, then beckons Jensen forward. “C’mere, Jen.”
“Is this Jensen then?” his mama asks, and Jared nods, his smile growing.
Jared slips an arm across Jensen’s shoulders and brings him up closer. ”Mama, Dad, this is Jensen. Jensen, these are my parents, Sherry and Gerry.”
“It’s great to meet you,” Jensen says, shaking each of their hands.
Sherry smiles at him, big and bright, and it’s obvious that’s where Jared gets his dimples. “I am so glad to meet you, Jensen. I’m a little mad at Jared for trying to hide his boyfriend from us, but I’m happy to meet you.”
Jared looks guilty, then confused that she knows about their, albeit fake, relationship. Before he can say anything, though, Donna enters the hallway, phone tucked under her chin. She ends the call as she sees them gathered by the door, curious frown on her face.
There are more introductions. Jared’s voice is steadier now, but he still seems shell-shocked.
“Your parents? Oh, this is perfect! They’ll be here for the wedding then!” Donna gushes.
“Wedding? Who’s getting married?” Sherry wonders, glancing at Jared.
Jensen mentally facepalms. He knows his mama’s just excited and expects Sherry to be the same, but he wishes just once they could break it to people gently.
“Um, Jensen and I are actually,” Jared replies meekly, flinching at the hurt look Sherry gives him.
“You’re getting married and you didn’t tell us?”
“I was going to. It all happened kinda quickly this morning, but I swear I was gonna call you.”
“I didn’t even know you were dating anyone until yesterday.”
Jared pales, swallowing. Jensen assumes he’s silently berating himself for not keeping in touch with his family more. Jensen squeezes Jared’s arm and smiles, and Jared relaxes somewhat. He’s never seen Jared this hesitant before. Jared’s never anything less than fully confident.
“Nobody did. The boys were being secretive,” Donna says with an exasperated eyeroll.
“We didn’t want it getting out. It’s not exactly against the rules at work, but it’s definitely frowned on, especially when it’s your boss,” Jensen explains.
“Let’s just,” Jared pauses, ducking his head and exhaling loudly. “Let’s go sit and we’ll tell you all about it,” he suggests.
Everyone agrees, so Jared leads the way into the living room. Logan and Ryan take one look at their tense faces and scatter and a minute later, Jensen hears the back door slam shut. Mac’s been outside planting rose bushes as an anniversary present for their parents; no doubt the boys went out to join her.
“Man, we’ve been terrible hosts,” Jensen laments suddenly, breaking the awkward silence. It’s true, but he mostly just wants to get Jared out of the room for a minute. The poor guy looks like he’s about to fall apart, and Jensen wants to give him a chance to process everything and calm down. “You guys had a long drive. Do you want something? Drinks maybe?”
“Sweet tea would be lovely. Thank you, Jensen,” Sherry answers.
Jensen waves Donna back down when she moves to get up. “Jared and I will go, Mama. Don’t worry about it.”
In the kitchen, Jared takes three steps toward the fridge, then freezes, spinning around to face Jensen.
“You did this, didn’t you? You called them?”
He sounds happy and overwhelmed, not angry like Jensen feared he might. He took a large gamble putting this in motion, and he’s glad it seems to be working out okay.
Jensen shrugs one shoulder casually, though his heart is trip-hammering in his chest. “I thought, we’re in Texas and this close, I can’t let you leave without at least seeing your parents.”
“Jensen, that- God, I don’t know what-” Jared stops, obviously struggling for words. “Thank you.”
Jensen’s all prepared to dismiss it as no big deal until he hears the gratitude and sincerity in Jared’s voice. It catches him by surprise, but it shouldn’t, not after the last few days. “You’re welcome. I know how much you miss them.”
“You have no idea how much this means to me, so just, thank you.”
Jared moves closer to Jensen, though there’s not much space separating them now, and reaches out a hand to Jensen. Jensen unconsciously sways forward and-
“Oh. Whoa, sorry! I didn’t realize anyone was in here,” Mac apologizes, shifting uncertainly, amusement curving her mouth up at the corners. “I’m just gonna grab some Coke and then I’m gonna leave so you guys can get back to whatever you were doing.” She points vaguely at the fridge, stifling a giggle.
Jensen watches her go, still standing inches away from Jared, and resists the urge to bang his head on the nearest cupboard. She clearly assumes she interrupted an intimate moment between them. Jensen’s mad at himself for thinking the same thing, for wanting Jared to what? Kiss him?
Jared steps away, blushing slightly and refusing to meet Jensen’s eyes.
“We should get those drinks.”
“Yeah.” Except Jensen is suddenly having trouble remembering which cupboard the glasses are in. He shouldn’t let Jared fluster him like this.
Eventually, he crosses to the fridge while Jared gathers the glasses.
It feels like something has changed, though he doesn’t know how.
Jensen’s not sure what startles him out of a sound sleep, but he’s definitely awake now, even though it’s too early, according to the glowing red numbers on the clock. He carefully extracts his leg from where it’s pinned under Jared’s thigh, then softly pads out of the room.
It’s unsettling how quickly he got used to sharing a bed with Jared.
Downstairs, he finds Donna and Sherry in the kitchen, quietly talking over steaming cups of coffee. After pouring some for himself, he joins them at the table.
“Mornin’, Mama, Sherry.”
“Good morning, baby. You’re up early,” Donna says, reaching over to pat his hand.
“Yeah,” he agrees. “Guess I’m just anxious about everything. There’s so much yet to get done.” And he’s still not sure about this whole thing, with their families there and so many witnesses. It’d be easier to get through with just Jared and a judge at City Hall. Easier to pretend it’s not really happening.
“Oh, don’t worry about that. Sherry and I made lists, and we know you boys don’t want anything elaborate.”
“Thank you. Jared and I really appreciate all the work you’re putting into this.”
“Do you think we’d let you guys get married without getting involved?” Sherry asks, grinning.
Jensen snorts a laugh. “I guess not. I remember Mama driving Josh and Zoe crazy with her involvement in their wedding.”
“Oh, hush,” Donna protests. “They valued my input.”
“Of course, Mama.” Jensen smiles and leans over to kiss her cheek while she gives him the flat-eyed stare he used to fear as a kid. “Where are Dad and Gerry, by the way?” Things had gone amazingly well yesterday once the shock of it all wore off. Their parents get along like long lost friends.
“Golfing. Your dad said he wanted to get to know your new father-in-law, but I don’t entirely believe him.”
“Maybe because they’re actually staying away as much as they can so you don’t rope them into helping?”
Sherry laughs, while Donna rolls her eyes, shaking her head.
Jensen’s not really sure what their dads would need to do anyway. It’s gonna be small and simple, because Jensen feels bad wasting everyone’s time and effort on a sham marriage.
They talk over ideas and what’s already been done and while Jensen has the occasional holy shit, I’m about to marry Jared thought, it’s not as bad as it used to be a few days ago. They’re narrowing down hotels to hold the ceremony and reception in when Jared wanders into the kitchen, looking sleepy-eyed and tousled. Jensen knows Jared was up a lot last night, hard to miss with his tossing and turning and stiff-bodied position. He looks like a little kid now, hair sticking up all over his head and cheeks red with pillow creases. Jensen kinda wants to smooth down his hair and give him a hug, but that seems too intimate, even with all the touching they’ve been doing to act like a couple.
Instead, he stands up and pours Jared some coffee, adding the sugar and cream he knows Jared likes, then presses the mug into Jared’s hand. Jared flashes him a grateful, if tired, smile, and Jensen squeezes his hand for a second before letting go. Settling next to Jensen against the counter, Jared mumbles a good morning. He really does seem half asleep still. Jensen’s tempted to tell him to go back to bed for a couple hours.
Jared perks up after a couple cups of coffee. Between them, they choose a hotel and color scheme for the wedding. They are definitely keeping it small and simple, with a modest guest list and understated decorations. They don’t exactly have time to do anything on a big scale anyway.
It’s not what Jensen pictured whenever he thought about maybe getting married someday, but he’s learning to live with his decision.
*****
“So what do you think? Cummerbund or vest?” Jensen asks, holding up one of each for Jared to see.
“Um, I don’t know. Whichever you want,” Jared answers distractedly. He tugs at the sleeves on his jacket, frowning in the mirror. The sleeves fall slightly short of his wrists, but it’s not that noticeable. And they can’t exactly be picky when they’re renting tuxes the day before a wedding. Luckily, they found, and agreed on, matching tuxes.
“Hey. You okay, man?” Jared’s been unusually quiet all afternoon and letting Jensen take the lead on most of the decisions. It’s the complete opposite of the Jared he knows, and it has him concerned.
“Yeah. I’m just tired, I guess.” Removing his jacket, Jared steps back into the dressing room. “Go with the vest. It’ll look better on you,” he calls before he shuts the door.
Jensen frowns and slowly puts the vest and cummerbund down. He goes to stand by the dressing room, leaning against the wall with his ankles and arms crossed. “You sure you’re all right, Jay?”
“Yeah. It’s just been a long couple of days. And my parents coming and everything. It’s just. I’m fine.” He doesn’t sound fine. He sounds completely drained.
“Okay,” Jensen concedes, deciding to drop it. Jared obviously won’t talk to him about what’s wrong. “Then next question. Plain black vest or one that matches the ties?”
Jared remains silent for a long moment. Jensen can hear movement, rustling and muffled bangs, as Jared gets undressed. Only his feet are visible under the door, his white socks contrasting oddly with the fancy black pants. Jensen finds himself staring at the flex and stretch of Jared’s arches as he slides the tux off and puts his jeans back on.
“Black,” Jared says finally, and it takes Jensen a second to remember what the question even was.
“It’s probably more subtle that way anyhow.”
Jared unlocks the door, and Jensen jumps back quickly so he won’t get hit when Jared opens it. Jared’s back in his jeans and t-shirt, looking rumpled and still so tired. He was gorgeous in the tux, of course, but Jensen’s starting to really like this casual version of Jared the best.
“Are we done here?” Jared asks. “We’re finished after this, right?”
And okay, this is getting too weird. Shouldn’t Jared be happy about finally getting this done so he won’t have to worry about the whole deportation thing anymore?
“I think we’re done here, yeah. Just need to pay and all that.” Jensen trails Jared up to the counter.
“And then we can go back to the house, right?” Jared glances over his shoulder at Jensen. He has dark circles under his eyes that Jensen wants to smooth away.
“No. We still need to stop by the bakery about the cake.”
“Oh.” He visibly perks up, shoulders straightening and smile curving his lips. “Do we get to try samples?”
Jensen grins at the enthusiasm in Jared’s voice. “Probably. And if you’re good, I’ll buy you a cookie before we leave.”
“Aw, Jen, that’s really sweet of you.”
Rolling his eyes, Jensen takes the receipt from the cashier and nudges Jared out of the store. Maybe Jared’s blood sugar is just low. Come to think of it, they haven’t eaten much today. Jensen’s sure cake will make everything better.
When Jensen wakes up the next morning, Jared’s already up and out of the room. Jensen lies there for awhile, arms behind his head and staring at the ceiling. He can hear people moving around downstairs, his mama’s calmly commanding voice the most distinct.
He’s getting married today. He should feel nervous or still angry at Jared for putting him in this position, but he’s strangely calm. Maybe it’s shock or denial or giving in to the inevitable or the burst of adrenalin coursing through him. Whatever it is, he’s ready to marry Jared.
Eventually he can’t laze around in bed any longer and has to get up. He wanders downstairs and finds chaos erupting in the living room and kitchen. There are flowers and decorations everywhere, people running around like headless chickens, and Donna in the middle of it all, the calm at the eye of the storm. Donna spots him and waves him over, so Jensen carefully picks his way over to her, trying not to step on anything.
“Morning, Jensen!” she exclaims happily.
Jensen bends to kiss her cheek. “Morning, Mama.” Looking around at the commotion, Jensen shakes his head. “Are you sure you can get this done on time? I don’t want you pushing yourself.”
“Oh, hush! Of course we can. I have lots of help, baby.”
“I know. There just seems like so much left to do.”
“We’ve got it covered, Jensen. Don’t you worry.”
He nods and kisses her cheek again, then heads into the kitchen for coffee and breakfast. Most of the people in here have cleared out, except Mac, who’s at the table finishing up the last few wedding favors. Unlike everyone else, she doesn’t appear to be in any hurry, which is usual for her. Jensen pours himself some coffee and joins her at the table, idly playing with one of the finished favor bags.
“Have you seen Jared this morning?” he asks, tossing the bag back onto the table with the others.
Mack flushes and looks down, concentrating extra hard on tying a bow around the top of the bag. “He said he was going to the hotel early to eat breakfast with his parents.”
Jensen eyes her for a second over his mug. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing!” she answers quickly.
“Mac.”
“It’s nothing, Jensen. Just stressed from everything. And jealous that you’re gonna have such a hot husband,” she adds, grinning, and Jensen rolls his eyes. “I’ve gotta run home and get ready. See ya at the hotel later.”
A few minutes later, Jensen finishes his coffee and goes upstairs to shower.
*****
Jensen rides to the hotel with Josh and his dad, but they leave him soon after to track down Donna and see what else needs to be done. He changes into his tux mostly in silence. The pool is right outside his fifth floor balcony, so he can hear the occasional whoop and squeal and splash, but it’s quiet other than that. He prefers it that way anyhow, though he would like some company right now, just another presence in the room so he knows he’s not alone.
He puts on the pants, vest, and snowy white dress shirt but leaves the jacket for now. After tying his shoes, he stands in front of the balcony doors and watches the happy people below, playing around and seemingly carefree. He’s not sure if he’d rather be down there with them or right where he is.
Jensen’s messing with his bowtie when Josh slips into the room, a worried frown creasing his forehead.
“Hey, Jenny. I need to tell you something.”
Josh’s serious tone takes Jensen aback. He’s usually a happy guy, and anything else from him always throws Jensen off.
Abandoning his tie, Jensen focuses on his brother. “What is it?”
He clears his throat, hesitating for a long moment. “Jared’s not here, and no one’s been able to find him so far.”
“Oh.” Jensen hadn’t expected anything in particular, but he never would’ve guessed this. “Do you mean he’s not in the hotel?”
“He’s not anywhere. He’s not back at the house or in the other prep room, and his phone goes straight to voicemail.”
“He’s not answering his phone?” Josh shakes his head, and Jensen’s heart beats extra fast. Jared would never leave his phone off. Not for more than a few minutes anyway and especially not today.
“Do you have any idea where he’d be?”
“I don’t-” He’d gotten to know Jared a lot better this week, but he still has no clue where Jared would go.
“Let me just try calling him again,” Jensen says. He doesn’t miss the slightly pitying look on Josh’s face as he turns to grab his phone off the bed. There aren’t any messages from Jared, and Jensen’s anxiety kicks in nearly full-force. He hopes nothing happened to Jared, that he’s not hurt and lying alone in a hospital somewhere.
Jared’s phone rings right to voicemail, so he leaves a quick message. “Hey, Jay. It’s me. Please call me when you get this.” He flips his phone closed and holds it to his forehead for a second.
“Do you want to be alone?” Josh asks gently.
“No. I- I think I’ll go downstairs.”
“You sure? Guests have started arriving.”
“Yeah. I wanna be around people.”
“All right. I’ll walk down with you.”
Jensen doesn’t bother finishing getting dressed. He leaves behind the jacket and tie, just stuffs his phone in his pants pocket and walks out the door, Josh following closely. His hand shakes as he reaches out to push the elevator button. If Josh notices, he doesn’t say anything. They’re quiet in the elevator, Jensen resting his head against the wall with his eyes closed.
“Jenny? Come on, man. The doors are open,” Josh says softly, squeezing Jensen’s shoulder and nodding toward the elevator doors.
“Right,” Jensen replies, but it comes out all funny. Clearing his throat, Jensen jams his hands in his pockets and heads toward the small ballroom where they’re having the wedding. Zoe’s standing outside the door with Ryan, and she startles when she sees Jensen in his shirtsleeves, undoubtedly looking highly distressed.
“You’re early! What are you doing down here?” She glances between them but quickly falls silent as Josh draws her to the side. The next time she looks at Jensen, her eyes are full of sympathy, and he turns away so he won’t have to see it anymore.
“Are Mama and Dad inside?” Jensen asks.
“Yep. They’re with Jared’s parents, talking to everybody as they show up,” Ryan answers. He’s apparently oblivious to the tension, since he beams at Jensen and announces, “Daddy says I have to wear dress shoes even though they pinch my toes, but all the flowers smell nice, and we’re gonna have so much fun! Right, Uncle Jensen?” He wraps his arms around Jensen’s waist in a tight hug, and Jensen can’t help smiling, his mood lifted by Ryan’s enthusiasm.
“Right, kiddo. Let’s go talk to your grandparents, okay?”
“Okay!”
Josh lays a hand on Jensen’s arm to keep him back, so Jensen sends Ryan in ahead of him.
“Zoe and I will keep looking and trying to call Jared. We’ll let you know if we hear anything,” Josh tells him.
“Thanks, guys. I’m sure he’s just running late or something,” he lies, not very convincingly.
“Of course, sweetie,” Zoe says as she hugs him gently.
His parents and Mac are talking to Sherry and Gerry when Jensen walks in. He stops to talk to a few people on his way up to the first row of chairs where everyone’s sitting. Jensen wants to run up to Sherry and Gerry and ask them about Jared, but he holds himself back, hugs his mama and shakes his dad’s hand. No one seems to know what’s going on, which means Josh is being quiet and cautious for once in his life. Finally, though, Jensen can’t take it anymore.
“Have you seen Jared today?” Jensen asks, trying to mask his anxiety.
“Is something wrong, baby?” Donna wonders, and Jensen nods curtly.
“He, uh, seems to be missing, so I was hoping you’d seen him,” he explains, trying not to let Donna’s “oh, baby, I’m sorry” get to him.
“Not since breakfast this morning,” Gerry replies easily. He doesn’t seem concerned, but Sherry exchanges a loaded glance with Donna.
“How did he seem? Was he okay?”
“He was…distracted. I assumed it was wedding jitters.”
Wedding jitters. That makes absolutely no sense considering this was Jared’s idea in the first place, plus the fact that he needs this if he wants to stay in the country.
Jensen rubs a hand over his face. “Just distracted? He wasn’t acting weird or anything?”
Sherry lays a hand on his arm and surprisingly, it calms him down a little. “Honey, I’m sure he’ll be here. Jared is not the type to break a promise.”
“And he loves you,” Donna adds. “He wouldn’t run out on your wedding.”
Jensen snorts. If only they knew the truth.
Something’s wrong. Something’s really, really wrong, but Jensen’s not ready to admit it out loud yet. There’s still time. Jared could have any number of reasons for being late and until Jensen has proof either way, he’s going to cling to that fact.
Everyone assures him that it’ll be okay, that Jared will be here soon, and it’ll all work out. As the time passes and he doesn’t hear anything from Josh or Zoe, Jensen’s losing more and more faith. What happens if he doesn’t show up?
“He’s coming, Jensen. Don’t worry,” Mac insists, though she’s starting to look just as anxious.
Jensen knows she’s wrong when Zoe walks in with Josh, looking grim and carrying a folded piece of paper.
“He’s gone, isn’t he?” Jensen asks quietly as she stops in front of him.
Zoe hands him the paper and nods. “I think so, yeah. He left this at the front desk for you. I’m so sorry, Jensen.”
He lets Zoe hug him, body and mind suddenly frozen. A week ago, Jensen could barely stand Jared and now he’s so shaken and upset he doesn’t know how he’s going to make it through the next few minutes. He could really use the calming effect Wagner has on him right now, but that only causes him to think of their fake proposal story and oh, God. Jensen sways on his feet, only kept upright by Mac’s hand on his elbow.
He wants to punch something. He wants to be alone, no more concerned eyes watching his every move. He wants Jared in front of him, right now.
He wants Jared.
“Maybe there’s a good reason, son,” Alan says gently, nodding toward the paper in Jensen’s hand. “Read the note he left you, see what he has to say.”
Jensen carefully unfolds the note. Jared’s familiar handwriting covers the page. It’s short, but he supposes “Hey, I’m not gonna marry you after all” wouldn’t take too long to write. He reads it quickly once, then more slowly the second time, something close to hope abruptly flaring in his chest. He reads it again one more time, unconsciously mouthing the words silently.
Jensen, I’m sorry I’m doing this in a note instead of face-to-face, but I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to do what I have to if I actually saw you. I can’t go through with this. I can’t let you go through with this. You’ve been unexpectedly great about the whole situation, especially given the way I’ve treated you these past three years, but you deserve to marry someone that you choose for yourself, someone you love, not a man that forces you into it. I’m going back to New York. My plane leaves this afternoon. I’ve already talked to INS. Ms. Ferris will be waiting for me in New York. I explained what happened, that it was my idea and I threatened to fire you if you didn’t go along with the plan. She assured me you won’t face any charges. I am so sorry, for everything. You’re amazing, Jen, and I only wish I’d realized that sooner. Tell your family thank you for welcoming me into their home and lives, and tell my parents I love them. -Jared.
Feeling lightheaded, Jensen sits on the floor. More like falls down actually, since his legs are numb and he no longer has control of his body. He buries his head in his hands, the paper crinkling uncomfortably against his cheek. He’s not sure what to feel but so far, hurt and disappointed are winning out, and that only confuses him even more. Dammit, Jared. Someone tugs on the paper, and Jensen lets it go, not caring who takes it or who knows the truth about his engagement to Jared. After a couple minutes, he glances up and watches Josh hand the note to their dad. He’s sure that the rest of the room will quickly learn what happened. He’s grateful, in a way, that he won’t have to explain it himself. He doesn’t know what he’d say anyway.
“What do I do now?” he murmurs, not really expecting an answer. He has no idea what he wants, but getting drunk and forgetting the whole mess sounds good.
“It’s obvious, Jensen. Go after him,” Alan says.
Jensen snaps his head up at that, his heart suddenly hammering for reasons he doesn’t want to examine.
“Wh-what?” he stammers. He’s surprised his voice isn’t shaking more.
Alan stares at him like Jensen’s gone insane. “Jensen, you aren’t going to just let him go, are you?”
“I don’t-” Jensen stops, pressing a hand to his chest. He thinks about the past three years and fulfilling Mr. Padalecki’s every demand. He thinks about the past week and getting to know the real Jared behind the mask. He thinks about Jared going back to Canada and never seeing him again, and Jensen’s heart aches so much that he can’t breathe for several moments.
When he recovers, Jensen stands slowly and holds out his hand. “Josh, can I borrow your car?”
Josh eyes him for a moment, then shakes his head. “No, I’ll drive. The way you are now, you’ll end up crashing halfway there.”
Jensen nods, because Josh is right. His hands are shaking, and his mind is filled with one thought: Get to Jared now. “All right.” He turns to his family and Jared’s parents, who are all clustered together. “I’m sorry. For lying and leading everybody on and just- I’m really sorry.”
“It’s all right, honey,” Donna and Sherry both say in near unison.
But Mac rolls her eyes and says, “Dude, we don’t care. Just shut up and let’s go get your boy!”
Jensen flashes her a grateful smile and rushes out to Josh’s car, Josh and half his family on his heels.
*****
Jared won’t answer his phone. Jensen’s afraid that means he’s already on a plane and starts freaking out, until Josh grabs his shoulder in an iron grip and grounds him.
“He doesn’t have that much of a head start on us, dude. Calm down,” he insists, then puts his other hand back on the steering wheel.
“Right.” Jensen knows this, of course, but everything in him is aching to get to Jared, to hold him and tell him how he feels. Every delay drives him a little crazier.
He calls Jared a dozen more times during the ride to the airport. Jared doesn’t pick up at all. By the time Josh parks and they all pile out of the car, Jensen’s frantic and second-guessing this whole go-after-Jared plan. Josh and Mac don’t give him an opportunity to back out, though, since they each grab one of his arms and haul him through the parking deck and into the airport. Jensen’s glad he convinced everyone to stay home- except Josh and Mac, since they refused to be left behind. That way, only strangers will witness his possible humiliation and not his entire family.
They race through the building, only slowing down when Jensen yanks his arm free for one last, desperate phone call. This time, by some miracle, Jared answers.
“Jensen, what are you-”
Jensen doesn’t let him finish, just plows right over him. “Jared, thank God!” he pants, dodging a man with a large rolling suitcase. “Where are you?”
“I told you. I’m going back to New York.” He sounds drained, not angry, which Jensen half expected.
“No, where exactly are you in the airport?”
“In line for security, but what does that-”
Jensen hangs up, because he suddenly spots a familiar head of shaggy hair, standing inches above everyone else around him in line.
“Jared!” he yells, and Jared whips around to stare in his direction, as do plenty of other people nearby, many of them eyeing his disheveled tux. Jensen ignores everybody else. He has eyes only for Jared. He skids to a stop in front of Jared, separated by the ropes surrounding the security area, bent over with his hands on his knees while he recovers his breath.
Jared slowly lowers his phone, then stuffs it in his front jeans pocket, looking completely dumbstruck. “Jensen? What are you doing here?”
Jensen sucks in air and stands up straight, not really sure how to answer Jared’s question. He was focused so much on stopping Jared from getting on a plane, he never really thought about what he’d say when he found him.
“Don’t go to New York!” he blurts.
Jared smiles, but it looks anything but happy. There’s regret and a million other emotions Jensen refuses to acknowledge in Jared’s eyes. “Jen-”
“Please.” He steps closer to Jared, noticing for the first time how they’re creating a bottleneck in the line. A young woman laden down with bags glares at him. Smiling in apology, Jensen moves Jared out of the way, keeping his hand on Jared’s arm afterward. The line immediately flows past them, and Jensen quickly forgets the people he pissed off.
“When you didn’t show up today, it hurt. I don’t know how it happened or when exactly, but sometime over the last week I-” Jensen stops, taking a deep breath. He decides to change tack and just tell Jared how he feels, plainly. “I’m kinda in love with you.”
Jared’s eyes widen, and he gapes for a moment before the most brilliant smile spreads across his face. “That’s good, because I’m kinda in love with you, too,” he replies quietly, and Jensen’s heart skips a couple beats.
Overwhelmed, Jensen closes his eyes and presses a hand to the tightness in his chest. It’s stupid, but he feels like he might start crying, like he needs a release from the heartbreak of Jared not showing up and the unexpected elation of the last couple minutes. He startles at hands suddenly cupping his cheeks and looks up to find Jared smiling softly at him. Even after a week of discovering so many things about Jared, this smile is completely new, and Jensen’s breath hitches at the depth of emotions in Jared’s eyes. He’s never had anyone look at him like that.
“I love you,” Jensen murmurs. Jared’s smile turns even softer at that. Jensen’s already getting addicted to it.
Bending close enough that Jensen can feel Jared’s breath ghosting across his cheek, Jared whispers, “Love you, too.”
Jensen threads his fingers into Jared’s silky hair and pulls him down to close those last few millimeters separating them.
When Jensen finally kisses Jared for the first time, nothing clichéd happens. Angels don’t sing. Fireworks don’t explode. The whole airport doesn’t burst into applause. But it still feels right somehow. Jared’s lips are soft and warm, still curved into a smile that Jensen meets with his own mouth. Jared sucks gently on Jensen’s bottom lip, moaning faintly. It goes on for a long time, everything else fading into the background, and he’s a little dazed when Jared pulls away.
“Don’t go back to New York,” Jensen begs fervently. “Not yet. Stay here with me.”
“I can’t,” Jared murmurs, then groans as Jensen kisses him again. “Ms. Ferris is waiting for me. I can’t not show up. I have to go or I’ll face charges. I’m sorry, Jen.”
Jensen makes a negative noise in the back of his throat. This is so unfair. He can’t lose Jared now. There are so many things they need to say yet, so many things he wants to do to Jared. He feels like stomping his feet and throwing a fit like a two-year-old. Jared smoothes Jensen’s frown away with his thumb and rests their foreheads together. Jensen loves how big Jared’s hands feel on his face.
“Come to New York with me. We’ll figure something out. I don’t care what we do. I just want you with me, Jen.”
Jensen melts. It’s embarrassing, but there’s really no other word for it. When he searches Jared’s eyes, he sees absolutely no hint of the cold, demanding Mr. Padalecki he used to know. His eyes are clear and bright and so full of love Jensen’s afraid he’s dreaming. Jensen realizes then that he hasn’t seen Jared’s cold smile in days. Distantly, he hears Josh and Mac saying something, but it’s only a muffled buzz in the background.
“Okay,” he says, grinning. There’s really no other option for him. Jared’s it for him. Who could’ve predicted that? “You realize we’ll have to get married if you want to stay in New York?”
“Mm, true.” Jared nuzzles his cheek and asks in a low voice that makes Jensen’s skin tingle, “What do you say, Jen? Will you marry me?”
“Yeah, I will,” Jensen replies, wrapping his arms around Jared’s waist. “Since you asked so nicely.”
Jared laughs, bright and happy. Jensen swallows it with his mouth, so happy he feels lit up on the inside.
Epilogue