Summer Lovin' J2 AU Chapter 1
Jared pushed the familiar back door open. Donna Ackles rocked at the sink to the music blaring across the kitchen. Jared smiled, knowing that his neighbor loved blasting music when she did her daily chores. As she turned, fingers covered in bubbles from the sink, she jumped at the sight of the young man. “Oh!” She grabbed a red dish towel and tapped at the radio to turn off the music. “Jared. Hi hun. What can I do for you?”
Jared fidgeted for a moment and then flashed his dimples at her. “I heard Jensen was coming back today. I thought I’d come over and welcome him home.”
Donna poured two glasses of lemonade and sat one in front of the boy. They both took a chair at the kitchen table.. “His dad went to get him at the airport. They should be back soon. You’re welcome to wait.”
Jared nodded and drank the lemonade. Donna shouldn’t have been surprised to see Jared in her kitchen today. She’d known Jared had a crush on Jensen for a long time. She could pinpoint the moment it happened. It was the summer she’d decided to buy a pool, reasoning she could keep her children safe if they were in her own backyard. It was late July and they had thrown a get together for the neighborhood kids. Eleven year old Jared was splashing in the pool with a few others. Jensen came out of the house, new swim trunks slung low on his fourteen year old tanned form. Donna remembered standing at the grill, watching Jared’s jaw drop as he watched Jensen jump into the water.
And now she sat across from a seventeen year old Jared, newly graduated from high school, watching his eyes light up at the idea of seeing Jensen again. “So, did you enjoy your Easter holiday? Your mother mentioned at your graduation party that you went to Georgia to visit her parents?”
Jared’s hazel eyes seemed apologetic. “Yeah, it was a nice visit. Sorry I missed Jen’s visit though.”
Donna felt sorry for the boy for a moment. “I’m sure he’ll be happy to see you.” At that, the front door creaked. Donna heard Alan’s good natured laugh as he ushered their son past the threshold. “In the kitchen.” She called to them, winking at Jared whose face suddenly grew a bright crimson. He stood in expectation.
Alan entered first, a smile crinkling the corners of his eyes, followed by Jensen, tall and graceful as ever. Behind him a petite brunette crept in, shy and uncertain.
Jensen ran to his mom, hugging her and starting introductions. “Mom, this is Danni, she’s visiting with me for a few weeks.”
Donna seemed a bit taken aback by the news. “Well, welcome Danni, it’s nice to meet you. I wish Jensen would have mentioned you’d be with us.” She shot a glare at her youngest son.
That was the moment that Jensen noticed Jared. Jen’s mouth felt dry as he stared at the boy who had suddenly become all man in the few months they hadn’t seen each other. He was taller than Jensen now, towering over the older man’s 6’1” frame. His scrawny adolescent body had filled out. Jensen fought the urge to ask him if he’d been lifting weights. “Jared? Wow. Hi! I mean, yeah, hi.”
Jared lifted his arm for an awkward hug, breathing in a quick waft of Jensen’s cologne. “Hi Jen. I hadn’t seen ya. Didn’t want to miss you this time.”
Jensen continued to stare at the boy before him, breath suddenly a little shallow. “Well, I’ll be here all summer. I’m sure we can get together. Shoot some hoops or . . . .something.”
The brunette cleared her throat, waiting for Jensen to acknowledge her again.
He fumbled for a moment then gained his bearings. “Oh, Jared, this is Danni. Danni, Jared and I grew up together. He lives down the street.”
“Nice to meet you.” The girls voice held a shot of nasal, and felt accusatory in it’s greeting.
“You too.” Jared nodded, feeling uncomfortable. “Well, I should go. I . . . . should go.” He backed into the screen door and stumbled down the two stairs outside. “Bye.” He shot over his shoulder as he ran through the yards to his two story brick house.
“Well,” Donna sighed, worried for the young boy who had just left her home. “Let’s get Danni set up in Mac’s room and then talk about lunch.”
Danni’s eyes narrowed. “I’m staying in Jensen’s room.” She argued.
“No, you either stay in Mac’s room or you find a hotel.” Donna smiled, sugar sweet that could cause a diabetic coma.
Jensen jumped in, fear of where this would lead. “You’ll love Mac. It’ll be like having a slumber party.”
Danni gave in begrudgingly, shoulders slumped. She had hoped that this would be the opportunity she had been waiting for the get Jensen past second base. He always had some excuse to send her back to her own dorm room at school. Of course, she smiled a naughty grin as they carried her bags up the stairs, sneaking behind the folks backs could fuel the passion nicely.
Lunch was awkward, Danni and Donna finding less and less in common as they chatted over grilled hot dogs and hamburgers with Mackenzie, Jensen and Alan. That evening found Jensen in the family room fumbling with the game controller on the couch while Danni took a shower. He knew when she got out she’d curl up next to him, skin still damp and smelling of vanilla. She always felt so soft and her mouth tasted of cherries. Jensen leaned into his game, shooting some alien outbreak on the screen. He didn’t hear the light footsteps in the doorway. Or hear the sigh of breath that tried to break past the gun blaring.
“Hey, need back up?” Jared lingered in the space between the family room and kitchen.
“Always.” Jen snickered, a little surprised to see the boy again so soon. “Come on, I’ll set ya up.”
Jared threw himself across the couch, his large frame taking much more room then it had in past summers. “Cool.” His smile knocked Jensen back into the plush pillows a bit.
When Danni finally joined them, tight white tank stretched across her bare chest, hair blown dry and smoothed down her back, she snorted loudly to draw their attention.
Jensen threw a quick glance over his shoulder, then focused back on the game. “Hey Danni.”
Jared didn’t look up. “Hi.” He checked Jen lightly with his shoulder and chuckled. “Nice shot.”
Donna wandered out of the kitchen, a large bowl of popcorn in her hand. She ignored Danni’s attire, figuring Jensen had already noticed the scantily clad girl anyway. “I brought out some snacks for you guys. Sodas are in the fridge. Jared, do you need to call your mom? She knows you’re here right?”
“Yes Mrs. Ackles. I told her I was hanging out here. She told me to call if I want to stay past midnight.” Jared answered.
“Hey,” Jensen ‘s green eyes lit up. “How about you crash here? We can have one of those all night game fests like we used to.”
Jared turned to Donna with hope painting his hazel eyes. “Sure, you guys can stay down here. Just keep it down. Your dad has to work in the morning.”
Every one smiled except for Danni, she rolled her eyes in disbelief. She followed Donna back into the kitchen to grab a soda. Donna smiled at her and tried to explain. “I guess this isn’t the Jensen you’re used to. They kinda regress back to kids when they come home.” She nodded knowingly.
Danni’s pout grew deeper as she dug her nail under the can’s tab. “Nope, this is exactly the Jensen I know. I just thought eventually, he’d knock off the knight in shining armor act and start being a real man.”
Donna fought the urge to get angry. “Enjoying friends and family is part of being a real man.”
“Just wish he’d enjoy me a little more.” Hurt flashed in Danni’s eyes and for a moment Donna felt for the young girl that bit her full bottom lip as she fidgeted in the kitchen.
A loud commotion from the family room broke the spell. They both jogged into the adjoining room to see the boys, wrestling on the shag brown carpet, popcorn scattered around them. Donna bit her tongue as she watched Jared pin Jensen with his legs into the skirt of the couch. She knew for Jared’s sake, she should stop them, but she couldn’t quite come up with an excuse that didn’t scream Jared’s feelings for her son. Over the years, the Ackles household, consisting of Jensen, Mac and their older brother Josh, had become a haven for the neighborhood kids to hang out. Alan had a good job, so Donna was able to stay home and care for their kids. She knew not all families were so lucky. Their home became a place working parents in the neighborhood knew was safe.
Jared’s mom worked long hours. She and Donna had become friends over the years and Jared was a welcome fixture when his mother and father were busy. Wrestling matches, all night video game wars and popcorn throwing contests were all part of raising boys. It had always seemed so innocent before, Jared’s scrawny frame leaning into Jensen a moment longer than necessary, his hand brushing across Jensen’s leg as they sat side by side, game controllers loose in their fingertips. But now, large thighs squeezed Jensen’s hips, huge hands pinned his wrists down as he squirmed underneath the large man, it seemed. . .different. Even Danni swallowed in surprise at the almost writhing forms that whimpered and moaned across the family room floor.
Danni’s voice finally escaped her tight throat. “Jensen! What are you doing?”
The boys froze, Jared flipped back his bangs to get a better look at the women in the doorway.
“Just playin.” Jen was suddenly aware of the weight of his friend pushing into the sensitive parts of his body.
Jared didn’t move, he basked in the feel of Jen’s body under him, hoping no one noticed the sheen of sweat building at his temple.
Danni huffed then turned on her heel to stomp toward the stairs and up into Mac’s room.
“Danni!” Jensen called after her, pushing at the solid mass of his friend as he tried to shift out from under him. Jared moved reluctantly, curling up onto the couch with a strange air of embarrassment. Jenson followed his girlfriend trying to figure out what exactly he had done wrong.
Donna leaned on the arm of the couch next to Jared, unsure of what to say. “You’re all growing up. Things are bound to be different. Take your time. It’ll work itself out.” She hoped the vague air of her voice was enough to sooth the young man.
Jared’s sad smile painted his face. He grabbed the controller again and set up a new game. He lost himself in the aliens on the screen as Donna headed back into the kitchen. She was surprised to realize she was glad Jared had stayed. She figured he would run out the door in an uncomfortable ramble. Donna decided not to dwell on her own reaction and waited to see exactly how this summer’s fiasco would play out. She knew someone’s heart was bound to be broken.
* * * *
Jensen and Danni talked for what seemed like days to Jared. When Jensen returned he was happy to see Jared was still planning to stay. Jen wasn’t sure if Danni was better or worse. She complained about the stand still of their relationship and the belief she had that meeting his family would bring them closer. He promised her that as soon as he had spent some time with Jared, a friend he hadn’t seen for a long time, that they would spend their time visiting all his old hang outs and getting to know his family.
* * * *
The clock in the hall chimed three am as the boys scrounged around the kitchen for more food. Jensen had just preheated the oven and thrown in a frozen pizza when he caught sight of Jared bending inside the fridge. He was wearing the nylon shorts that he’d ran home to grab. They hugged his ass like a glove and made Jensen choke a little on the swallow of soda he had just taken.
“Oh, found some fruit salad! I love your mom’s fruit salad.” The dimples peered over the fridge door.
Jensen turned, trying to focus on anything other than the round sway of hips that jutted into the kitchen at him almost in 3D. “Yeah, fruit sounds good. Pizza’s got ten minutes. Let’s grab spoons and head in the family room while we wait.” He rummaged through the silverware drawer and ran to the comfort of the couch, trying to hide the confusing stirrings in his groin.
They dug into the fruit salad, juices shining Jensen’s full pout. Jared couldn’t resist the urge to touch a drop at the corner of Jen’s lips and brush it away. The room stood still. Jensen thought the air must have been sucked out of his lungs and that he would never breath again. A moment, and then it passed, Jared looked at the bowl in embarrassment, a giggle bubbling in his throat. “Sorry, I guess I’m getting slap happy.”
Jensen’s voice escaped in a deep growl. “Yeah, me too.” He studied the curve of Jared’s mouth as they chewed through another few bites. Jen felt his neck bend, lips searching out the warmth of the man next to him. He felt his shoulder push into the mass of chest that felt like a brick wall. For a moment a picture of Danni shot through his head. She was soft and pliable, tiny under his large hands. But then he was back, feeling the hard body next to him and feeling small in it’s wake.
Jared’s voice broke his thoughts. “Can I ask you something?”
Jensen popped another bite of banana into his mouth and nodded. “Sure.”
The television cast a blue glow to the young man’s skin. “Did you miss me?”
Jensen choked down the fruit in surprise. “Um well, I was really focused on settling in. I barely had a chance to think about home. I mean, I’m really glad to see you now.”
“Yeah, sure. That’s cool.” Jared snagged the spoon and bowl from Jensen and sat it on the side table. “Ready to play?”
* * * *
The tumble of legs and arms taunted Donna as she drank her morning coffee in the kitchen. She smiled at Jared’s large body sprawled across her couch, feet dangling down onto Jensen’s stomach, bare where his t-shirt had ridden up. She had heard them softly clammering well into the morning, much like they had as children, eating her out of house and home while the rest of the family slept. A twinge squeezed her heart, reminding her that they were no longer the sweet little boys playing innocent games.
Donna kissed Alan as he flew out the door to his car. She stretched and made her way upstairs, deciding to wake the girls and take them out shopping, leaving the boys to sleep the day away in peace. Danni was weary of the invitation, but went along with it to get to know Jensen’s family. When they were ready, they scrawled a quick note for the table and tossed a couple twenty dollar bills down in case the boys really had eaten all the house’s food.
At one o’clock, Jensen felt the cotton of his tongue stick to the roof of his mouth. He tried to roll over but a pressure held his arm to the floor. The green eyes searched for what was holding him. The bottom half of his friend had slithered off the couch. Jensen’s hand was pinned under Jared’s hip, his head and torso barely laying on the furniture.
Jensen pulled and twisted, desperately trying to work his tingling hand free. “Jar?”
Jared flipped, body suddenly parallel with Jen. Hot breath bathed the older man’s face.
“Jar?” Jen attempted again, leaning his face as far back as the small family room would allow.
“Jen.” The voice was breathy and lilt. Then Jared’s body went ridged with awareness. “Jensen!” Eyes flew open to meet Jensen’s questioning gaze.
“Are you hungry? I’m hungry.” Jen yanked his hand free and scrambled into the kitchen. He found the note and money and peeked back at Jared with a slow smirk. “Lunch is on me Giant.”
Jen took a quick shower and met Jared down the street at his house. Jared’s hair was still dripping when he opened the door to let Jen into the living room. A cloud of soap filling his lungs as he stepped across the threshold. “Hey,” Jared jogged back into the kitchen. “Just gotta grab my keys and put on my shoes.” He returned and threw himself on the couch to tie his laces. “I hope you’re thinking tacos.”
“Of course.” Jensen scoffed, suddenly feeling seventeen again himself. “Burt’s, tacos and fries. My mouth is watering just thinking about it.”
Jared led Jensen to an old beat up truck in the driveway. “This is my baby.”
Jensen smiled, recognizing the pride Jared had for his first car. “Nice! Love the color. Did you paint her?” The orange paint job screamed Padalecki.
“Yes I did.” Jared nodded, still grinning ear to ear.
They climbed into the cab, fidgeting a moment so both of them could fit comfortably.
The ride was quiet until Jared finally blurted out. “So. Danni’s your girlfriend huh?” He bit his tongue as the words hung between them sharply.
“Um, yeah. For a few months. Not really serious yet, but it’s nice to have someone up at school.” Jen’s hand slapped at Jared’s thigh. “Come on. You’ve got to have a girl right? I mean, you have really grown up. I can’t imagine any of them turning a good looking guy like you down.”
Against his will, Jared’s face began to redden. He fidgeted in his seat seeing his opening to confess to Jensen. “Not really interested.” He murmured under his breath.
Jensen laughed uncomfortably, searching for the taco joint slightly up the road. “Well, you’ll find the right girl.”
Jared twisted again in his seat as they pulled into the parking lot of the taco joint. “I don’t know.”
When the car stopped Jensen turned toward his friend. “Get your heart broken did ya?” Jen’s smirk brightened his face.
“Um,” Jared huffed. “The person I like kinda has someone else.”
“I won’t admit I said this, but all’s fair in love and war.” Jen nudged at the larger man. “Married?”
“No! NO!” Jared giggled uncontrollably. “Just, seeing someone. Nothing too serious.”
“Then go for it. Someone can’t be stolen unless they want to be.” Jensen winked as he grabbed for his door handle.
Jared leaned in a half inch, head swimming as he inhaled Jensen’s aftershave. His hand flittered toward Jen’s cheek, wanting to feel the warmth of lips across his own. Jensen flung the door open and the draft of summer heat broke the spell.
Lunch was wonderful. Jared remembered all the tacos they had shared over Jensen’s senior year. Jared had been a freshman, struggling through a few classes. Jensen helped him out, guiding him through the newness of high school.
This lunch was filled with stories of Jared’s senior year and Jensen’s college antics.
Jensen choked on a swallow of Coke. “And, Rocco is like, bigger than you!! And the tutu was for a very small woman.”
Jared’s loud laughter rumbled through the tiny restaurant. “Oh God. I can’t imagine!”
Jensen’s green eyes shined up at Jared, tears shining in them from the sodas trip up his nose. “It was fun. Rocco is a great guy. You’d like him.”
Jared chuckled. “Sounds like it. Brad and I still hang out a lot. He’s cool.”
“Wow, I haven’t thought about Brad in months. How is he?” Jen stabbed at a French fry with his plastic fork.
“Dude!” Jared smacked at Jen’s arm. “He’s having a party Saturday! You should totally come!”
“Danni is supposed to go home Sunday.” Jensen hesitated.
Jared shrugged, face buried in his nachos. “She could come, I guess.”
“Well,” Jen nodded. “She wants to know my friends here. Yeah, we’ll go with ya. Sounds fun.”
Jared fidgeted for a moment and then flashed his dimples at her. “I heard Jensen was coming back today. I thought I’d come over and welcome him home.”
Donna poured two glasses of lemonade and sat one in front of the boy. They both took a chair at the kitchen table.. “His dad went to get him at the airport. They should be back soon. You’re welcome to wait.”
Jared nodded and drank the lemonade. Donna shouldn’t have been surprised to see Jared in her kitchen today. She’d known Jared had a crush on Jensen for a long time. She could pinpoint the moment it happened. It was the summer she’d decided to buy a pool, reasoning she could keep her children safe if they were in her own backyard. It was late July and they had thrown a get together for the neighborhood kids. Eleven year old Jared was splashing in the pool with a few others. Jensen came out of the house, new swim trunks slung low on his fourteen year old tanned form. Donna remembered standing at the grill, watching Jared’s jaw drop as he watched Jensen jump into the water.
And now she sat across from a seventeen year old Jared, newly graduated from high school, watching his eyes light up at the idea of seeing Jensen again. “So, did you enjoy your Easter holiday? Your mother mentioned at your graduation party that you went to Georgia to visit her parents?”
Jared’s hazel eyes seemed apologetic. “Yeah, it was a nice visit. Sorry I missed Jen’s visit though.”
Donna felt sorry for the boy for a moment. “I’m sure he’ll be happy to see you.” At that, the front door creaked. Donna heard Alan’s good natured laugh as he ushered their son past the threshold. “In the kitchen.” She called to them, winking at Jared whose face suddenly grew a bright crimson. He stood in expectation.
Alan entered first, a smile crinkling the corners of his eyes, followed by Jensen, tall and graceful as ever. Behind him a petite brunette crept in, shy and uncertain.
Jensen ran to his mom, hugging her and starting introductions. “Mom, this is Danni, she’s visiting with me for a few weeks.”
Donna seemed a bit taken aback by the news. “Well, welcome Danni, it’s nice to meet you. I wish Jensen would have mentioned you’d be with us.” She shot a glare at her youngest son.
That was the moment that Jensen noticed Jared. Jen’s mouth felt dry as he stared at the boy who had suddenly become all man in the few months they hadn’t seen each other. He was taller than Jensen now, towering over the older man’s 6’1” frame. His scrawny adolescent body had filled out. Jensen fought the urge to ask him if he’d been lifting weights. “Jared? Wow. Hi! I mean, yeah, hi.”
Jared lifted his arm for an awkward hug, breathing in a quick waft of Jensen’s cologne. “Hi Jen. I hadn’t seen ya. Didn’t want to miss you this time.”
Jensen continued to stare at the boy before him, breath suddenly a little shallow. “Well, I’ll be here all summer. I’m sure we can get together. Shoot some hoops or . . . .something.”
The brunette cleared her throat, waiting for Jensen to acknowledge her again.
He fumbled for a moment then gained his bearings. “Oh, Jared, this is Danni. Danni, Jared and I grew up together. He lives down the street.”
“Nice to meet you.” The girls voice held a shot of nasal, and felt accusatory in it’s greeting.
“You too.” Jared nodded, feeling uncomfortable. “Well, I should go. I . . . . should go.” He backed into the screen door and stumbled down the two stairs outside. “Bye.” He shot over his shoulder as he ran through the yards to his two story brick house.
“Well,” Donna sighed, worried for the young boy who had just left her home. “Let’s get Danni set up in Mac’s room and then talk about lunch.”
Danni’s eyes narrowed. “I’m staying in Jensen’s room.” She argued.
“No, you either stay in Mac’s room or you find a hotel.” Donna smiled, sugar sweet that could cause a diabetic coma.
Jensen jumped in, fear of where this would lead. “You’ll love Mac. It’ll be like having a slumber party.”
Danni gave in begrudgingly, shoulders slumped. She had hoped that this would be the opportunity she had been waiting for the get Jensen past second base. He always had some excuse to send her back to her own dorm room at school. Of course, she smiled a naughty grin as they carried her bags up the stairs, sneaking behind the folks backs could fuel the passion nicely.
Lunch was awkward, Danni and Donna finding less and less in common as they chatted over grilled hot dogs and hamburgers with Mackenzie, Jensen and Alan. That evening found Jensen in the family room fumbling with the game controller on the couch while Danni took a shower. He knew when she got out she’d curl up next to him, skin still damp and smelling of vanilla. She always felt so soft and her mouth tasted of cherries. Jensen leaned into his game, shooting some alien outbreak on the screen. He didn’t hear the light footsteps in the doorway. Or hear the sigh of breath that tried to break past the gun blaring.
“Hey, need back up?” Jared lingered in the space between the family room and kitchen.
“Always.” Jen snickered, a little surprised to see the boy again so soon. “Come on, I’ll set ya up.”
Jared threw himself across the couch, his large frame taking much more room then it had in past summers. “Cool.” His smile knocked Jensen back into the plush pillows a bit.
When Danni finally joined them, tight white tank stretched across her bare chest, hair blown dry and smoothed down her back, she snorted loudly to draw their attention.
Jensen threw a quick glance over his shoulder, then focused back on the game. “Hey Danni.”
Jared didn’t look up. “Hi.” He checked Jen lightly with his shoulder and chuckled. “Nice shot.”
Donna wandered out of the kitchen, a large bowl of popcorn in her hand. She ignored Danni’s attire, figuring Jensen had already noticed the scantily clad girl anyway. “I brought out some snacks for you guys. Sodas are in the fridge. Jared, do you need to call your mom? She knows you’re here right?”
“Yes Mrs. Ackles. I told her I was hanging out here. She told me to call if I want to stay past midnight.” Jared answered.
“Hey,” Jensen ‘s green eyes lit up. “How about you crash here? We can have one of those all night game fests like we used to.”
Jared turned to Donna with hope painting his hazel eyes. “Sure, you guys can stay down here. Just keep it down. Your dad has to work in the morning.”
Every one smiled except for Danni, she rolled her eyes in disbelief. She followed Donna back into the kitchen to grab a soda. Donna smiled at her and tried to explain. “I guess this isn’t the Jensen you’re used to. They kinda regress back to kids when they come home.” She nodded knowingly.
Danni’s pout grew deeper as she dug her nail under the can’s tab. “Nope, this is exactly the Jensen I know. I just thought eventually, he’d knock off the knight in shining armor act and start being a real man.”
Donna fought the urge to get angry. “Enjoying friends and family is part of being a real man.”
“Just wish he’d enjoy me a little more.” Hurt flashed in Danni’s eyes and for a moment Donna felt for the young girl that bit her full bottom lip as she fidgeted in the kitchen.
A loud commotion from the family room broke the spell. They both jogged into the adjoining room to see the boys, wrestling on the shag brown carpet, popcorn scattered around them. Donna bit her tongue as she watched Jared pin Jensen with his legs into the skirt of the couch. She knew for Jared’s sake, she should stop them, but she couldn’t quite come up with an excuse that didn’t scream Jared’s feelings for her son. Over the years, the Ackles household, consisting of Jensen, Mac and their older brother Josh, had become a haven for the neighborhood kids to hang out. Alan had a good job, so Donna was able to stay home and care for their kids. She knew not all families were so lucky. Their home became a place working parents in the neighborhood knew was safe.
Jared’s mom worked long hours. She and Donna had become friends over the years and Jared was a welcome fixture when his mother and father were busy. Wrestling matches, all night video game wars and popcorn throwing contests were all part of raising boys. It had always seemed so innocent before, Jared’s scrawny frame leaning into Jensen a moment longer than necessary, his hand brushing across Jensen’s leg as they sat side by side, game controllers loose in their fingertips. But now, large thighs squeezed Jensen’s hips, huge hands pinned his wrists down as he squirmed underneath the large man, it seemed. . .different. Even Danni swallowed in surprise at the almost writhing forms that whimpered and moaned across the family room floor.
Danni’s voice finally escaped her tight throat. “Jensen! What are you doing?”
The boys froze, Jared flipped back his bangs to get a better look at the women in the doorway.
“Just playin.” Jen was suddenly aware of the weight of his friend pushing into the sensitive parts of his body.
Jared didn’t move, he basked in the feel of Jen’s body under him, hoping no one noticed the sheen of sweat building at his temple.
Danni huffed then turned on her heel to stomp toward the stairs and up into Mac’s room.
“Danni!” Jensen called after her, pushing at the solid mass of his friend as he tried to shift out from under him. Jared moved reluctantly, curling up onto the couch with a strange air of embarrassment. Jenson followed his girlfriend trying to figure out what exactly he had done wrong.
Donna leaned on the arm of the couch next to Jared, unsure of what to say. “You’re all growing up. Things are bound to be different. Take your time. It’ll work itself out.” She hoped the vague air of her voice was enough to sooth the young man.
Jared’s sad smile painted his face. He grabbed the controller again and set up a new game. He lost himself in the aliens on the screen as Donna headed back into the kitchen. She was surprised to realize she was glad Jared had stayed. She figured he would run out the door in an uncomfortable ramble. Donna decided not to dwell on her own reaction and waited to see exactly how this summer’s fiasco would play out. She knew someone’s heart was bound to be broken.
* * * *
Jensen and Danni talked for what seemed like days to Jared. When Jensen returned he was happy to see Jared was still planning to stay. Jen wasn’t sure if Danni was better or worse. She complained about the stand still of their relationship and the belief she had that meeting his family would bring them closer. He promised her that as soon as he had spent some time with Jared, a friend he hadn’t seen for a long time, that they would spend their time visiting all his old hang outs and getting to know his family.
* * * *
The clock in the hall chimed three am as the boys scrounged around the kitchen for more food. Jensen had just preheated the oven and thrown in a frozen pizza when he caught sight of Jared bending inside the fridge. He was wearing the nylon shorts that he’d ran home to grab. They hugged his ass like a glove and made Jensen choke a little on the swallow of soda he had just taken.
“Oh, found some fruit salad! I love your mom’s fruit salad.” The dimples peered over the fridge door.
Jensen turned, trying to focus on anything other than the round sway of hips that jutted into the kitchen at him almost in 3D. “Yeah, fruit sounds good. Pizza’s got ten minutes. Let’s grab spoons and head in the family room while we wait.” He rummaged through the silverware drawer and ran to the comfort of the couch, trying to hide the confusing stirrings in his groin.
They dug into the fruit salad, juices shining Jensen’s full pout. Jared couldn’t resist the urge to touch a drop at the corner of Jen’s lips and brush it away. The room stood still. Jensen thought the air must have been sucked out of his lungs and that he would never breath again. A moment, and then it passed, Jared looked at the bowl in embarrassment, a giggle bubbling in his throat. “Sorry, I guess I’m getting slap happy.”
Jensen’s voice escaped in a deep growl. “Yeah, me too.” He studied the curve of Jared’s mouth as they chewed through another few bites. Jen felt his neck bend, lips searching out the warmth of the man next to him. He felt his shoulder push into the mass of chest that felt like a brick wall. For a moment a picture of Danni shot through his head. She was soft and pliable, tiny under his large hands. But then he was back, feeling the hard body next to him and feeling small in it’s wake.
Jared’s voice broke his thoughts. “Can I ask you something?”
Jensen popped another bite of banana into his mouth and nodded. “Sure.”
The television cast a blue glow to the young man’s skin. “Did you miss me?”
Jensen choked down the fruit in surprise. “Um well, I was really focused on settling in. I barely had a chance to think about home. I mean, I’m really glad to see you now.”
“Yeah, sure. That’s cool.” Jared snagged the spoon and bowl from Jensen and sat it on the side table. “Ready to play?”
* * * *
The tumble of legs and arms taunted Donna as she drank her morning coffee in the kitchen. She smiled at Jared’s large body sprawled across her couch, feet dangling down onto Jensen’s stomach, bare where his t-shirt had ridden up. She had heard them softly clammering well into the morning, much like they had as children, eating her out of house and home while the rest of the family slept. A twinge squeezed her heart, reminding her that they were no longer the sweet little boys playing innocent games.
Donna kissed Alan as he flew out the door to his car. She stretched and made her way upstairs, deciding to wake the girls and take them out shopping, leaving the boys to sleep the day away in peace. Danni was weary of the invitation, but went along with it to get to know Jensen’s family. When they were ready, they scrawled a quick note for the table and tossed a couple twenty dollar bills down in case the boys really had eaten all the house’s food.
At one o’clock, Jensen felt the cotton of his tongue stick to the roof of his mouth. He tried to roll over but a pressure held his arm to the floor. The green eyes searched for what was holding him. The bottom half of his friend had slithered off the couch. Jensen’s hand was pinned under Jared’s hip, his head and torso barely laying on the furniture.
Jensen pulled and twisted, desperately trying to work his tingling hand free. “Jar?”
Jared flipped, body suddenly parallel with Jen. Hot breath bathed the older man’s face.
“Jar?” Jen attempted again, leaning his face as far back as the small family room would allow.
“Jen.” The voice was breathy and lilt. Then Jared’s body went ridged with awareness. “Jensen!” Eyes flew open to meet Jensen’s questioning gaze.
“Are you hungry? I’m hungry.” Jen yanked his hand free and scrambled into the kitchen. He found the note and money and peeked back at Jared with a slow smirk. “Lunch is on me Giant.”
Jen took a quick shower and met Jared down the street at his house. Jared’s hair was still dripping when he opened the door to let Jen into the living room. A cloud of soap filling his lungs as he stepped across the threshold. “Hey,” Jared jogged back into the kitchen. “Just gotta grab my keys and put on my shoes.” He returned and threw himself on the couch to tie his laces. “I hope you’re thinking tacos.”
“Of course.” Jensen scoffed, suddenly feeling seventeen again himself. “Burt’s, tacos and fries. My mouth is watering just thinking about it.”
Jared led Jensen to an old beat up truck in the driveway. “This is my baby.”
Jensen smiled, recognizing the pride Jared had for his first car. “Nice! Love the color. Did you paint her?” The orange paint job screamed Padalecki.
“Yes I did.” Jared nodded, still grinning ear to ear.
They climbed into the cab, fidgeting a moment so both of them could fit comfortably.
The ride was quiet until Jared finally blurted out. “So. Danni’s your girlfriend huh?” He bit his tongue as the words hung between them sharply.
“Um, yeah. For a few months. Not really serious yet, but it’s nice to have someone up at school.” Jen’s hand slapped at Jared’s thigh. “Come on. You’ve got to have a girl right? I mean, you have really grown up. I can’t imagine any of them turning a good looking guy like you down.”
Against his will, Jared’s face began to redden. He fidgeted in his seat seeing his opening to confess to Jensen. “Not really interested.” He murmured under his breath.
Jensen laughed uncomfortably, searching for the taco joint slightly up the road. “Well, you’ll find the right girl.”
Jared twisted again in his seat as they pulled into the parking lot of the taco joint. “I don’t know.”
When the car stopped Jensen turned toward his friend. “Get your heart broken did ya?” Jen’s smirk brightened his face.
“Um,” Jared huffed. “The person I like kinda has someone else.”
“I won’t admit I said this, but all’s fair in love and war.” Jen nudged at the larger man. “Married?”
“No! NO!” Jared giggled uncontrollably. “Just, seeing someone. Nothing too serious.”
“Then go for it. Someone can’t be stolen unless they want to be.” Jensen winked as he grabbed for his door handle.
Jared leaned in a half inch, head swimming as he inhaled Jensen’s aftershave. His hand flittered toward Jen’s cheek, wanting to feel the warmth of lips across his own. Jensen flung the door open and the draft of summer heat broke the spell.
Lunch was wonderful. Jared remembered all the tacos they had shared over Jensen’s senior year. Jared had been a freshman, struggling through a few classes. Jensen helped him out, guiding him through the newness of high school.
This lunch was filled with stories of Jared’s senior year and Jensen’s college antics.
Jensen choked on a swallow of Coke. “And, Rocco is like, bigger than you!! And the tutu was for a very small woman.”
Jared’s loud laughter rumbled through the tiny restaurant. “Oh God. I can’t imagine!”
Jensen’s green eyes shined up at Jared, tears shining in them from the sodas trip up his nose. “It was fun. Rocco is a great guy. You’d like him.”
Jared chuckled. “Sounds like it. Brad and I still hang out a lot. He’s cool.”
“Wow, I haven’t thought about Brad in months. How is he?” Jen stabbed at a French fry with his plastic fork.
“Dude!” Jared smacked at Jen’s arm. “He’s having a party Saturday! You should totally come!”
“Danni is supposed to go home Sunday.” Jensen hesitated.
Jared shrugged, face buried in his nachos. “She could come, I guess.”
“Well,” Jen nodded. “She wants to know my friends here. Yeah, we’ll go with ya. Sounds fun.”