Gone Away Awhile 2/?
Title: Gone Away Awhile 2/?
Pairing: Jared/Jensen
Word Count: ~7000
Rating/Warnings: NC-17 for sexual situations, MPREG, and medical/health problems
A/N: This story is based off a prompt by the amazing imogen_lily . Thank you so much for the gorgeous banner and for letting me play with this idea! I appreciate all the help and nudging sweetie!!! You are an amazing person to work with!
Summary: Jensen has it all…great job, lots of money, the love of his life…and NO kids, just the way he wants it. Everything seems perfect, until one night following a big fight Jensen comes home to find Jared has left, turning his world upside down. Four years down the line, he might finally find the answers to all his questions…in the form of two little boys who look a lot like him and Jared…
His long bangs fell down into his face, nearly skewing his view. His eyes skimmed over the words, red rimmed and tired. His normally tanned skin was nearly as pale as the pages of the books spread out in front of him. He should be reading them, preparing for his classes tomorrow. Instead, his focus was on the magazine beside them. The with Jensen…his Jensen…displayed prominently on the cover with his arm wrapped around some other guy’s waist…some guy that wasn’t Jared.
Jared sighed and ran his hand over his face, barely suppressing a cough. His damn cold just didn’t want to go away. He’d have to remember to down some more Nyquil when he got home…whenever that would be. The hotel was fairly dead for the night, but he was sure his boss, Matt, would find some reason to keep him longer. With another sigh, he pulled his textbooks closer to him, trying to focus. He had an essay on proper use of technology in the classroom due by tomorrow evening and still had to grade his own students’ essays. He should be working. But his traitorous eyes kept finding their way back to the damn tabloid…
“Yo Jay!” Misha called as he approached Jared’s front desk. “Is there any way I can get you to convince Matt to give me some help back in the kitchen tonight? I’ve got some party comin’ in about two hours so…”
Jared didn’t look up from the magazine.
“Jay!” Misha all but yelled.
Jared startled and finally looked up from the picture of Jensen. “Huh?” he said, slightly breathless.
Misha’s eyes flickered across the page, instantly recognizing Jensen with the stranger…the very attractive stranger. “Aww…Jare I’m-“
“It’s ok,” he quickly interrupted.
With a sigh, Misha pushed himself up on top of the counter top. If Matt came around the corner, he’d surely catch hell for it. But for now, he really could care less. Wasn’t like there were many patrons milling about the lobby. “You know that stuff is mostly bullshit, Jay. They’re always photoshopping…make this bigger here,” Misha held out his hands in front of his chest as if he was adjusting imaginary breasts, “make this smaller,” he reached down as if to smack Jared on the ass.
“Ok,” Jared laughed, slapping Misha’s hand away. “I get it. I know it could be photoshopped. But…” Jared’s eyes flickered back to the magazine.
“But if it isn’t…screw it. His loss Jare.”
“You don’t know him,” Jared practically whispered.
“No,” Misha said, hopping down from the counter to stand beside Jared on the other side. “But I know you. So, his loss. But seriously Jay, it’s probably crap anyway. See, there,” Misha pointed towards Jensen’s hand, which was precariously close to the other guy’s ass. “His hand’s all wonky and shit.”
“Huh,” Jared said in awe. He’d missed that; he’d been too caught up in playing the “what if” game. It was hard not to given his situation. He missed Jensen more than he ever imagined possible. Some days he would wake up in the mornings and roll over, expecting to collide with a sleep warm body, only to be met with nothing. Other days he’d come home from work wanting nothing more to share his hellish day with someone else. Most days he hated it…but he didn’t have the time to dwell on it too much.
“Anyway Jay, can you do what I asked earlier?”
Jared closed his eyes and mentally shook himself back to the present. “Sorry, I didn’t hear you bud.”
“It’s ok…figured you didn’t. But was hoping you could convince Cohen to give me some extra hands tonight. I’ve got a party booked in the dining room in a couple hours and could use a few extra to help serve them while I’m stuck in the kitchen. Please,” Misha pleaded, batting his eyelashes dramatically.
“Fine,” Jared laughed. “He’ll be making his rounds soon. I’ll talk to him. But you so owe me…”
“I know…I hate asking. But you know he’ll do anything for you!”
“Misha…”
“I-“ Misha was interrupted by a buzzing noise at his hip. He grumbled incoherently and picked his phone from his pocket. “Son of a bitch,” he grit out. “I’m going to kill that kid! I swear!”
“What did Jake do now?” Jared asked, not bothering to hide the amusement from his voice.
“Damn kid knocked the lobsters out of the tank I set up in the back of the kitchen. They spilled out all over the floor and are now flopping around pinching everyone’s ankles. None of the other chefs will pick them up…they say it should be my job because I’m the head chef. Can’t get them to acknowledge that any other day of the week…no…just when they are getting pinched by freaking lobsters that Jake let out. I swear…he probably did it on purpose too! I’ve seen the way he glares every time I cook the little monsters and…why are you laughing?”
Jared was doing his best to keep from laughing at Misha’s ranting, biting his lip and everything. But he couldn’t hold it in any longer. He was nearly rolling out of his chair at this point. “Are you listening to yourself right now?” Jared finally asked in between gasps for air and snickers.
“I don’t find this funny! I have a kitchen full of little red fiends crawling all over my beautiful workspace and ruining my co-chefs ankles!”
It only caused Jared to laugh harder.
“I hate you,” Misha pouted. He jumped the little gate that separated Jared’s side of the desk from the patron’s side. Jared couldn’t stop laughing the whole time Misha stormed off towards the kitchen. For the first time that night, Jared wasn’t thinking about Jensen wrapped in some other man’s arms, kissing some other man’s lips, curling up in bed…
Jared shook his head at Misha before trying to turn back to his textbooks. He really needed to get his work done. Keeping up with grad school and his 5th grade classroom was never easy. Add in juggling the hotel job and his personal life…
“Hey Jare,” Matt smirked, suddenly at his desk.
Jared did his best not to sigh. “Hey Matt…how are you tonight? Seems like a pretty slow and easy night.”
“Yeah…we got a couple registrations for tomorrow though. And a dinner party later. But-“
“Speaking of the dinner party,” Jared quickly interrupted, knowing where the conversation was going. “Misha could use some extra hands on deck. He’s got enough chefs, but he could stand to have a few more waiters. Think you could swing it?”
“I don’t know Jay…”
“Come on Matt! Our bellhops aren’t exactly going to be busy tonight. Just shuffle a few here and there and we’ll be golden. And Misha won’t throw a shit fit on you in his kitchen…or better yet…in front of the dinner party I know for a fact will be full of big businessmen you want to impress. So…”
Matt started to smile and came around the side of the desk to where Jared was sitting. “Did anyone ever tell you how hot you are when you are trying to get your way?”
“I’m not trying to get my way…I’m trying to get Misha off my back…and yours…”
“Semantics…whatever you want to call it Jared,” Matt slid his hand onto Jared’s shoulder and down his back a little, “you look pretty damn good doing it. You know we should-“
“Matt are you going to give him the extra help or what?” Jared huffed, really not having the time to deal with Matt’s unwanted flirting. He wasn’t that he didn’t like his boss; Matt was a good guy. He just didn’t know when to stop with the flirting and the touching.
“Fine,” Matt sighed. “I’ll get I’ll get Rob and Gabe to go back there for the night. Happy?”
“Loads,” Jared quipped with fake enthusiasm. He started to turn back to his books, but Matt grabbed his chair and spun it back to face him. “Matt! Stop! I need to get this done and-“
“And why don’t you take your break with me. We could go that Italian place across town that I know for a fact you’ve been dying to go to but never will take yourself. Come on Jay! Just one date…my treat! It would be so much fun!” Matt was now leaning down onto the arms of the chair, putting himself close to Jared.
Jared squirmed at the proximity. “Matt I-“
“Daddy!”
Jared head snapped up at the sound of the two little voices he knew so well. He brushed past Matt and hopped over the gate. He was met with two sets of little Chuck Taylor’s leaving tiny muddy prints on the tiled floor. He knew the cleaning staff would give him hell for it, but the boys would get him out of it. With their bright green eyes and long light brown hair, no one could stay mad at them for too long or resist their charming nature. That same nature Jared had found so hard to resist so long ago himself.
Jared knelt down and grabbed his twin boys into his arms, pulling them close to his chest. He hated working the two jobs and going to school, but holding his boys close and knowing they were being taken care of because of it made it worth it.
“What are you guys doing here?” he asked, pushing them away just enough so that he could look at them a little better. His oldest, Remy, had his worn Metallica shirt on and a small iPod in his back pocket. Jared could still remember the look on his face when he’d unwrapped it back at Christmas. Remy definitely shared Jensen’s love of all things music. His youngest, Dimitri, had a simple striped hoodie on over a t-shirt. The pocket safely held his furry stuffed dog; he rarely went anywhere without it.
“Sandy said we could come eat with you!” Remy replied enthusiastically, his little body practically bouncing.
“Where is Sandy?” Jared hoped the boys hadn’t completely worn his friend out.
“Aunt Sandy is coming,” Dimitri answered. “She let us out by the door so she could park.”
“I see. So you guys want to get some dinner with Daddy huh?”
“Yeah!” they shouted in unison.
“Well Matt, looks like I already have plans for dinner. Sorry.” He wasn’t really sorry of course; spending time with his sons beat out spending an awkward dinner with Matt just to get him to shut up.
“I understand,” Matt placated, holding up his hands. “I know my good looks are no match for those boys. You’re gonna have little heart breakers on your hands there, Jay.”
Dimitri blushed a bit and turned towards Jared. Remy didn’t embarrass easily; in fact, he was much more likely to be the one to cause the embarrassment.
“Daddy,” Remy started, “why was Mr. Matt so close to you earlier? Was he going to kiss you or something? Cause that would be gross.” Remy pulled a face, and Jared had to bite his tongue to keep from laughing. Matt on the other hand was practically blood red in the face with embarrassment.
“Of course not!” Matt said too quickly. “I…I was just…I gotta go tell Rob and Gabe their new jobs for the night. You boys don’t forget to make sure Misha gives a slice of his famous chocolate cake that I know he has hidden away in the back.” With that, Matt retreated, still blushing slightly.
“There you two are!” Sandy called, out of breath. Her usual high heels had been traded for a pair of simple flats, and her normally perfect hair was pulled up into a messy ponytail. “Was starting to think they’d decided to explore the hotel…again.”
Jared laughed at the memory that brought up. While he loved his boys, he wasn’t blind to their mischievous ways. Remy loved getting into trouble, and Dimitri tended to follow along. So of course running wild around a hotel while Sandy had desperately tried to chase them down without Jared knowing was considered fun for them. Jared could still picture the look on her face when she found him carrying both boys out of the kitchen, completely covered in flour.
“Naw,” he finally said. “They just decided to come find me instead of waiting. They know where my desk is, don’t you boys?” The each nodded. “What do you say I go ahead and take my break…go see if Misha can’t rustle up some grub for us before he gets busy with the dinner crowd?”
“And cake right?” Remy asked with a grin spreading across his face.
“Dinner food first then cake.”
The boys took off towards the kitchen and dining rooms of the hotel.
“Don’t run! And don’t touch anything in the kitchen unless Misha says you can!”
Sandy sidled up to his side and wrapped an arm around his slender waist. “You hate me don’t you?”
“What are you talking about?” Jared huffed.
“You are allowing your four year old twins to eat chocolate cake before sending them back home with me…”
“Come on…they aren’t that bad! Dimitri doesn’t really get hyper from sugar. He stays pretty calm no matter what.”
“Not Dimi I’m worried about,” Sandy pouted. “I remember the time Remy got into the kitchen here and ate all of Misha’s chocolate icing.” She shuddered slightly at the memory.
“Sandy, he ate like three jars…of course he was on a sugar high. Hell, we would be too.”
“Fine,” she said, still pouting.
Jared couldn’t help but laugh, but it soon turned into a slight coughing fit. Sandy moved her hand from his waist and rubbed his back as it shook through the fit. “Th-thanks,” he finally stuttered once the coughs subsided.
“Can’t shake that cold, can you sweetie?”
“N-no…sucks…” His breaths were still coming out shakily and his hands were trembling a little.
“Should go see Al. She could probably give you something to get over it.”
“She’s just going to tell me to get some rest and take it easy for a few days. That’s all, Sandy. It’s just a cold.” Jared started walking back off towards the dining room of the hotel. His long legs took him farther than Sandy in seconds, but her worry outweighed her stature.
“Jare,” she chastised softly when she caught up to him and grabbed his wrist. “You can’t blow off your health like this. Not anymore. You know that!”
“I do,” he sighed, stopping momentarily and turning to Sandy. “I know I have to be careful. Alona’s told me a hundred times. But I don’t have a choice right now. I have evaluations at the school next week. Those will tell me if I get to stay on another year, even though I don’t have my masters or doctorate yet. I need that year. I won’t be able to afford the boys’ tuition if I don’t. You know that. And then I’ve got midterms in my own classes soon. I’ve got A’s and I’d like to keep them up so I don’t lose my own scholarships. You know how hard it is to get funding for grad school. I can’t lose that and-“
Sandy pulled him into a hug, cutting off his words. “I know sweetheart. I just want you to be ok too.”
“I…I will be,” he replied shakily, not really sure if he believed it.
“You better.” She gave him a look as they walked into the dining room. The boys were by the kitchen, dangling from Misha’s arms as he spun them around. Their happy giggles echoed through the empty room, causing Jared to smile and relax some more. They soon spotted their dad in the room and jumped off Misha to head over to him.
“Daddy! Uncle Misha said we could have noodles for dinner!” Dimitri bounced up and down in front of Jared.
“He did, did he?” Dimitri nodded. “You fixed the boys spaghetti Misha?”
“Of course…it’s their favorite. I’ll be back with five plates…I can take my break too.”
“Thank you Uncle Misha,” Dimitri politely replied before Remy followed suit.
“Come on boys.” Jared ushered them towards one of the tables off to the side, knowing it was one that wouldn’t be used in Misha’s dinner party later that night. He hoisted each of them up into their chairs, smoothing down their unruly hair and making sure Remy’s iPod and Dimitri’s dog were both tucked away so as not to get splattered with any sauce.
A moment later, Misha came out with a cart filled with their plates of pasta and bowls of salads. A breadbasket was perched on top, loaded with garlic bread. Misha unloaded everything before taking a seat to Remy’s left. Jared was perched on the other side of Dimitri while Sandy was next to him. They tucked into the food quickly, knowing their breaks wouldn’t last long.
The boys ate well, like always. Jared had never had to worry about that much, thankfully. On the other hand, he wasn’t feeling up to really eating much. He toyed with the noodles, taking small bites here and there. When the boys proudly announced they were finished and ready for cake, Jared dismissed his own plate in favor of helping them clean up. Sandy eyed him, but refrained from commenting. Misha was too busy with some elaborate story with the boys.
The spaghetti plates were soon cleared from the table. The boys looked at Misha expectantly. “Ok,” Misha laughed. “You two can have your dessert now. But you’ve gotta come back in the kitchen to eat it. The guests will down here soon for a party.”
“Ok,” Remy said, hopping down from his chair before Misha could offer help. He turned towards his brother and helped him down, catching Dimitri when he nearly fell from the higher chair.
“Thanks,” Dimitri mumbled, casting his eyes to the floor in embarrassment. Remy didn’t answer but grabbed his brother’s hand and dragged him off towards the kitchen. He talked a mile a minute just to make his brother smile and forget about nearly falling in front of everyone. It made Jared smile himself.
“Either of you two want some of the cake?” Misha asked Sandy and Jared. “There’s plenty.”
“No thank you,” Sandy replied. “Think I’ve had enough tonight.”
“Me too,” Jared answered.
“Alright…just means more for the boys,” Misha smirked.
“The hell it does!” Sandy called after him as he took off towards his kitchen. “Don’t overdo it Misha! Hey!” He ignored her until he reached the doors. He then sent her another grin and disappeared into the kitchen to find the boys. “Ugh,” she huffed. “You boys are going to be the death of me.”
“What did I do?” Jared sighed. He took his seat again, slouchy tiredly into the wood.
“Well…you barely ate, you look like death warmed over…”
“Thanks,” he huffed.
“And it’s obvious you’re sick.”
“It’s just a cold. I-“
“Just a cold can knock you on your ass, babe. You know that.”
“I’ll be fine Sandy. Tomorrow’s Saturday, so I won’t have any type of school to go to. I just have to send in an essay that’s due and I promised the boys I’d take them out to the park and then I have work. Misha’s going with me, so they’ll end up chasing and tackling him for a couple hours.”
“Fine…I just worry about you.” She reached over to take his hand in hers. She squeezed it gently. The moment was broken a second later when the boys came crashing back out towards them. They each had chocolate smeared across their mouths.
“Looks like you two enjoyed your cake,” Jared smiled at his sons. He grabbed them both and hoisted them on his lap. He found a couple of clean napkins still on the table and proceeded to clean them off. They squirmed some, but for the most part were content to lean back against their dad’s warm chest. “There you guys go,” he said once they were finally clean. He glanced up at the clock on the wall and mentally cursed. “Ok, you two have to go back home with Sandy so I can finish up here.”
“But Daddy-“ Remy started.
“I know kiddo.” Jared hugged them tighter. “You’ll see me all morning and afternoon tomorrow and all day long on Sunday. We’ll have lots of fun. And guess what we’re doing tomorrow?”
“What?” they asked in unison.
“Well…we’re going to the park with Uncle Misha…”
“Really?”
“Yes boys.”
“Can Sadie and Harley come too?” Dimitri asked hopefully.
“Of course buddy.” Jared gave them each a kiss to their foreheads and allowed them to give him one last hug. “I’ll be home in a couple hours.” He was talking more to Sandy at this point but he knew the boys would want to know anyway. “Be good,” he warned before nudging them to slide off his lap.
The boys reluctantly took Sandy’s hands and left the hotel. Jared ran a hand through his hair and suppressed another couch. His break was up and his sons had already left for the night. And all he wanted was to go home with them and crash on the couch.
“Jay!” Matt yelled in, signaling that Jared had to get back to work.
He sighed again and finally pushed himself out of the chair. He had to do what he had to do…
***********
It was pitch black outside by the time Jared finally pulled into his building’s parking lot. He knew his eyes were probably blood shot and his face paler than earlier. He’s body felt weighed down as he climbed out of his car and made it to the front door. His hands trembled as he tried to put the key into the lock. He felt the coughs building against the cool night air, making him curse the fact that he had forgotten his sweatshirt.
He took a moment to try to compose himself before he approached the elevator. He normally preferred the stairs, but he was just way too damn tired to climb up four flights tonight. Fridays were always his most tiring. He taught his 5th graders from eight AM to three PM and then had to rush to the hotel and work the late shift while finishing up his homework for grad school.
He reached his apartment after a few minutes and slowly entered, knowing the kids were probably asleep. He found Sandy passed out on the sofa while infomercials droned on in the background. Harley and Sadie were on either side of her. The sight made him smile, but he knew he had to break the moment. He dumped his messenger back onto the recliner and walked over to her. He leaned down and kissed her forehead. “Sandy?”
She blinked awake at him. “Hey Jay,” she slurred tiredly as she sat up, rubbing her eyes. “What time is it?”
“A little after three,” Jared replied around a large yawn. He’d been up for nearly twenty-four hours straight and he was crashing hard.
Sandy had been going for a while too. She taught at the prep school with Jared, teaching the 1st graders. “God…you’ve gotta be exhausted hun.”
“You to San…come on…let’s get you home.” He hauled her off the sofa and walked her to the door. “The boys good for ya?”
“Yeah…Remy was a little hyper but once I got his toy cars down for him he was fine. Dimitri fed off Remy’s energy at first, but he calmed quicker. He played with his brother for a while then curled up with me for a movie. Got him to take his meds then put them both to bed.”
“Good…and Dimi didn’t fuss over his medicine? He always hates taking that Asthma treatment.”
“Yeah, he was sleepy and fussed some. But Remy helped me get him to settle long enough for it.”
“That’s my boy,” Jared yawned. He leaned against the doorframe. “So I can take them with me tomorrow. We have some big clients coming in, but nothing really too bad. They can play behind my counter with me or stay back with Misha. He doesn’t have any parties going on.”
“Are you sure? I mean…I can cancel tom-“
“You’ve been wanting to go to that concert for months. I can manage. I just appreciate you watching them when you can.”
“You know I love it.” She yawned again. “Alright, I’m going to bed. I’ll see ya Jaybird.”
“Thanks again!” He watched as she crossed the hall and unlocked her own apartment. Once she was inside, he closed his door and locked up for the night. He knocked back a dose of Nyquil and changed into a pair of sweats. His body desperately wanted sleep, but he knew he had to check on the boys first.
He crossed the hallway and creaked open their door. Remy was fast asleep in the top bunk. Dimitri, however, was tossing and turning like crazy on the bottom. He let out a whimper and Jared quickly took the few steps over towards his son. “Dimitri? Hey buddy…wake up sweetheart.” He put his hand on his son’s shaking back, rubbing and shaking gently. Dimitri woke with a gasp, eyes darting every which way until finally landing on Jared.
“D-daddy?” His bright green eyes were swimming in unshed tears.
“Shh…it’s ok kiddo. Just a nightmare. You’re ok.”
Dimitri sniffled and launched himself at Jared. He wrapped his arms around his dad’s neck. One hand still held onto his dog while the other fisted Jared’s hoodie.
“It’s ok, bud. Shh…I’m here. Daddy’s gotcha.” Jared felt a few tears soak through his shirt. It was obvious his baby wasn’t going to be letting go any time soon. “Wanna sleep with me tonight, Dimi?”
“P-please,” Dimitri whispered.
Jared held onto him tight and stood up from his spot on the bunk bed. He carried Dimitri out and into his bedroom down the hall. He crawled into his bed and pulled the covers up over the both of them. Jared shifted his son a little so that he was cradled against his chest. Dimitri clung to him the whole time.
“You want to talk about it bud?”
After a beat of silence his son started talked in a hushed voice. “They took you away again.”
Jared felt his emotions clog his throat, remembering instantly what Dimitri was talking about. About a year and a half ago Jared had caught a nasty version of the flu; he had ended up calling an ambulance at one point in the whole ordeal. Remy, who was not sick, had been staying with Sandy. Dimitri, who was sick, had seen the whole thing and still had the occasional nightmare about Daddy being taken away.
“It’s ok kiddo. I’m right here. Always will be.” He hugged his son closer and kissed the top of his head. They stayed that way for the longest time. Dimitri’s fingers clutched at his shirt while Jared just held him close. After awhile, Jared assumed his son had fallen asleep, but he was wrong.
Dimitri pulled on the chain around Jared’s neck, revealing Jared’s wedding ring. He toyed with it for a few minutes before finally speaking. “Daddy…what…what my other dad like?”
Jared took a deep breath, trying to steal himself. “I’ve told you about him baby.”
“Please…”
“Fine buddy. Lay down.” Dimitri slotted himself against Jared’s side. “Well, he looks like you a bit. He has the same eyes as you and your brother. But his attitude…Remy definitely got that,” he laughed. “He was all charm and was so sure of himself. He walked into the coffee shop I worked at and we just clicked. I didn’t think it would work out, but he was so sure of it. He always was…”
Jared went on and on for some time, until he was completely sure that Dimitri had fallen back asleep. Jared carefully pulled his ring out of his son’s lax fingers. He toyed with it in his own, allowing the memories he tried so hard to keep at bay to overcome him. Despite how tired his body was, he knew he wasn’t going to get any reprieve from the past…not yet…
***********
“Ow! Shit!” Jensen cursed, rubbing his head and glaring at the drawer. He was currently sprawled out in the floor under his desk searching for the right documents that someone had decided to spread out all over the floor and under his desk. And of course he just had to sit up just enough to slam his head on the open drawer and knock it off track and onto the floor as well. It really wasn’t going to be his day…
Still rubbing his head with one hand, he reached over and pulled the drawer towards him. A few items had fallen out so he began cleaning up yet another mess. His fingers closed around a cool metal like object…his wedding band. With a sigh, he pulled it towards him, spinning it between his fingers. His eyes stayed locked on the ring as he began to throw the rest of the items back into the drawer. They were mainly old photos of him and Jared.
Something slammed above him onto the top of the desk, pulling him out of his thoughts. He looked up to see his sister, Mack. She had her daughter Alli on one hip with her arm firmly around her. Her other hand was pressing a magazine down onto his desk.
“So is this true?” she asked, still pointing at the magazine.
Jensen grumbled from his place on the floor, knowing he would have to get up in order to see whatever she was talking about. “Is what true?”
“That you have some new fella in your life?” Her voice sounded half annoyed and half teasing.
“What are you talking about?” Jensen finally climbed to his feet and leaned over the desk. He saw the picture of himself with his arm wrapped around some muscled waist of a guy he vaguely remembered. “Oh…”
“So…”
“It’s completely bullsh-“
Mack fixed him with a glare and looked at her daughter, reminding him not to cuss in front of her four year old.
“I mean…no…it’s not true, Mack. I don’t know that guy like that. He just was some guy Tom found for me to go with the other night.”
“So you two didn’t…”
“Hell no!”
“Jen!” She tried to cover up Alli’s ears but the little girl just giggled. “Don’t act like it isn’t a reasonable question!”
“I haven’t…I don’t get around like that anymore. I did for awhile after Jare…after everything that happened.”
“Good,” Mack sighed. She then handed Alli over to Jensen. “Hold her and I’ll take care of these. You need the McLann files for the trip?”
“Yeah,” he said, adjusting his squirming niece on his hip. “You don’t have to-“
“Just watch her and I’ll get this. It’s fine.”
Jensen gave her a smile of his thanks before turning his attention to his niece, who was busy pulling and toying with his ear. “Stop that, Alli,” he huffed.
“You said a bad word,” the little girl replied.
“Apparently,” Jensen sighed. “And you did a bad thing too.”
Alli buried her head into his neck, knowing she was in trouble for playing with his files. “I’m sorry Uncle Jen,” she mumbled.
“I know you are kid.” Jensen did his best to hide his exasperation. He really did love his niece, but he hated when she got into his things, especially his work related things. “Just stay out of my desk…ok?”
She nodded against his shoulder. “Are you mad at me?”
Part of his brain screamed yes but he couldn’t say that to her, not when she obviously felt that he was. “No…just don’t do it again, sweetie.”
“Found them!” Mack happily proclaimed from the floor. “Switch ya.” She held out her arms for Alli.
Jensen could tell his niece was still worried he was mad, so he gave her a quick hug and blew a raspberry on her cheek. It elicited the giggle he’d hoped for. He handed her back over to his sister and went back to gathering up everything he needed.
“When is your flight?”
“Gotta be at the airport in about an hour.” He placed the files into his briefcase before gathering up some clothes. He slotted a couple suits into his suitcase and threw some casual clothes and sweats in as well. “Should be in Denver a couple hours later and headed towards the hotel.”
“Are you staying in the city?”
“More or less. The hotel’s just on the outskirts, more towards the residual area. I’ve heard it’s nice. Never been there before though. I’ve never been able to meet with McLann. Every time we set up the meeting there’d be a big storm that would shut down the airports. And he doesn’t want to come to me so…”
“You’ll do great, bub.” She reached up and squeezed his neck affectionately. She gave him a peck on the cheek. “Well, I guess we better let you get back to it. I’ll see you in a couple days when you get back?”
“Yeah…I should be back in time for next week’s dinner with mom and dad.”
“Alright, well I’m going to take the munchkin home so she can play with Daddy.” Mack nuzzled at Alli’s hair and the girl smiled brightly. “Tell Uncle Jen bye.”
“Bye bye Jen.” She leaned forward towards him and wrapped her arms around his neck. “Love you.”
“Love you too kiddo. I’ll see you guys when I get back.”
“You sure you don’t need any help getting to the airport?”
“Nah…I’ve got it. I’m just taking a few bags. I’m not going to be gone that long.”
“Ok…be careful and try to have fun.”
“It’s a business meeting, Mack.”
“Doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy it.” With that, she turned and let herself out, leaving Jensen alone to finish up everything. He quickly grabbed the luggage and laptop bag so that he could take them down the stairs. When he came back up to grab his briefcase, he found one of the photos still on the floor. It must have gotten stuck under his briefcase.
In the picture, Jensen was standing next to Jared on the beach. The sun was setting behind them and the waves were lapping at the sand. No one else was around. They were each just looking at each other like nothing else mattered. Back then, it didn’t. Everything was perfect…
Jensen sighed to himself and wanted nothing more than to stuff the picture back into the drawer. But he couldn’t...not today. He ended up stuffing the photo into his briefcase just as Chris pulled up outside, honking the horn to get Jensen’s attention. Jensen gathered up his stuff and headed out, hoping the trip would get his mind off the past.
***********
So far the trip had not gone as planned…not in the least bit…
The flight had been delayed due to weather conditions. The airport had been packed, mainly with screaming children. When Jensen finally did get onto the plane, he had the misfortune to sit in front of one of these screaming little monsters. And now that the plane had touched down, things were still going downhill. His driver had already left, thinking that the flight had been cancelled. So here he was, wondering around outside the airport, waiting…
He had switched from his faded jeans into a more respectable suit before leaving his luggage with the chauffeur service. To kill time, he had decided to wander around outside. Despite the weather that had delayed his flight, it was a beautiful day outside. He almost regretted putting the stuffy suit on.
He ended up at a café near a local park. The coffee was surprisingly amazing, bold and perfect for Jensen. The sun was bright, showcasing the people milling about in the grass. Some families were running around, throwing Frisbees and sliding down slides. A few had set up picnic areas. Others had dogs jumping around. They all looked happy.
Out of the corner of his eye, he caught sight of two little boys running around with a dog chasing after each of them. A man, a little shorter than Jensen, was following along behind them, allowing the boys to win in the game of chase. Another man joined the game, scooping up one of the boys in a blur. His long legs and shaggy hair reminded Jensen so much of Jared that he had to turn away. His phone started vibrating in his pocket, and he’d never been more grateful.
“Ackles,” he answered rather curtly.
“Hello Mr. Ackles. This is Angela with Braxton Chauffeurs. We have a driver available for you now if you’d like for them to pick you up from your current location.”
“Yeah…that’s fine. I’m at,” he paused to look at the park’s name on the sign across from him, “at Archer’s Park. Can you just send my luggage with the car as well so I don’t have to double back? I’m already going to be cutting it tight for my meeting thanks to your other driver…”
“Of course sir. We’re very sorry for the inconvenience. We’ll make sure to remedy the problem with our employee.”
“Good. I’ll be waiting.” He hung up the phone and took a seat at a nearby bench. His eyes scanned the park again, but couldn’t see the man who resembled Jared again. He shook his head and chalked it up to seeing that photo earlier. It couldn’t have been Jared.
After a few more minutes, a car pulled up and a driver stepped out to greet Jensen. “Mr. Ackles?”
“That would be me,” Jensen said, standing from his seat.
“Alright. Your entire luggage is in the trunk. Would you like me to take your briefcase, sir?”
“I’ve got it.” Jensen smiled at the driver as he opened the door for him.
“Would you like me to take you to your hotel, sir?”
“No time…I’ll have to go straight to my first meeting. I need to be at the McLann place out on…shit…it’s at…”
“I know where it is sir. Grew up in that part of the region. Is nice country out there.”
“So I’ve been told,” Jensen smiled. The car pulled away from the curb and Jensen started going through his files once more.
“Are you in the horse business then?”
“Yeah…and ranching equipment,” Jensen responded. He wasn’t unfriendly, but he made it clear that he wanted to work on the drive. A pleasant silence settled in, offering Jensen some peace to work. It was what he needed. It would help take his mind off everything else.
***********
The driver finally pulled into the hotel’s parking lot, right by the door. Jensen was half asleep in the backseat. The meeting had gone about as well as expected. McLann himself didn’t like the idea of the upgraded equipment while his sons adored it. He was getting through to the man, but it would take a few more tries to get the deal sealed. He had already set up another meeting for tomorrow morning. They had settled on brunch at one of the nicer restaurants in town.
But right now, all Jensen wanted was to crawl under the sheets and sleep for hours. He sighed to himself and climbed out of the car. His body felt like lead as he moved to the back of the car where the driver…who’s name he never did catch…was busy gathering Jensen’s bags. “Thanks,” Jensen muttered, handing over a few bills for a tip.
“Thank you, sir. I’ll be back tomorrow at 9:30 sharp.”
Jensen nodded; taking the cart the guy had placed his luggage onto. “I’ll see ya then.” His drawl came out and he was too tired to care about the thicker accent. He slowly started pushing the cart into the hotel. A bellhop came over to relieve him of it while he walked towards the counter. His eyes were killing him; he desperately needed to take his contacts out. All they did now was blur his vision.
He made it to the front desk without bumping into much thankfully. There was a guy sitting at it, busy writing notes out in a notebook. A few textbooks were scattered around him. Jensen cleared his throat, trying to get his attention. But the guy didn’t notice, too wrapped up in whatever he was working on. Jensen felt his annoyance grow, aggravated by his sheer exhaustion. He rang the little bell on the counter to his side.
The guy jumped at the sudden noise and whipped his head up. His bangs flew back from his face and Jensen’s heart nearly stopped.
“Jared…”
Next Chapter -->
Masterpost
A/N: Thank you all for the amazing reviews! I’m pretty much blown away by the response!