Gone Away Awhile 6/?
Title: Gone Away Awhile 6/?
Pairing: Jared/Jensen
Word Count: ~9100
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…
The doctor’s office was decorated with reds and greens in almost every corner. Bright lights wrapped around the windows and greenery lined the front desk. A little tree sat off to the side, covered with glass balls and ribbons. The cheeriness was a start contrast to the otherwise hectic waiting room where various patients sat. Jensen made his way through them and hurried to the front desk.
“Hello, can I help you?” the receptionist asked, not looking up.
“Is that any way to greet me, Soph?”
Sophia looked up to see Jensen smirking at her. “Jen! Oh my God! I haven’t seen you in forever!” Sophia leaned over her desk and wrapped her arms around him. “How are you?”
“Good…really good actually,” he replied with a smile. “How about you?”
“Good…working like crazy. Been busy around here…everyone gets sick this time of year.”
“I noticed. So…um…is Danni in here office or with a patient?”
Sophia furrowed her brow. Jensen hadn’t talked much with Danneel since Jared had left him. She grabbed the appointment book and flipped through it. “Office…no one is due in for another hour for her.”
“Can I go back there?”
“Sure…”
“I’ll be good; I promise.” He knew he hadn’t been that nice to Danneel the last time he had seen her. She had been one of the last people to see Jared before he had left and Jensen felt she was keeping something from him. Now he understood. “See?” he continued, holding up the small bouquet of flowers he had picked up for Danni.
“Alright…just don’t make me have to come drag you out again.”
“I won’t.” He leaned over and gave her a kiss on the cheek before he took off towards Danni’s office. He found it easily, and the door was already cracked open. He knocked and leaned against the door jam. He put on his best smile as Danneel looked up from her files.
“Jensen?” she gasped. “What are you-“
“Before you throw me out,” he paused to hold up the flowers he had for her, “I came to apologize.”
“You what?” She stood from her desk and sauntered over to Jensen, still skeptical. “You came to apologize? After all this time…”
“I did,” Jensen sighed. “I shouldn’t have blamed you like I did. I was hurt and I took it out on you.”
Danneel took the flowers from Jensen, sniffing them slightly. “What made you do this now?”
Jensen bit his lip and rubbed at the back of his neck. “I…I found Jared while I was in Colorado.”
“You did?” Danneel sounded shocked. “I…how is he?”
“He’s ok. So are his sons.”
“Twins?”
“Yeah,” Jensen laughed.
“How…how are you taking it?”
“Honestly? Still scared shitless. But they’re growing on me.”
“Kids tend to do that.” Danneel’s hand played absently with the flowers. “I couldn’t tell you. I-“
“Could’ve lost your job. I know that now.” Jensen squeezed her shoulder. “Sorry I put you in that position back then.
“I’m sorry I couldn’t tell you.” She gave Jensen a hug. “So are we good?”
“We’re good,” Jensen whispered into her hair. “I missed having you around.”
“I am the life of the party,” she teased. “So you’re handling everything ok? How about Jared and the kids?”
“Took some time but the boys seem to be ok with it. I mean, they aren’t calling me papa yet, which is fine. Not sure I could handle that at the moment. But they like me enough. Here.” He dug his phone out and flipped through to find a picture of the twins to show her.
“They’re adorable,” she squealed. “They are a good mix of you two.”
“You think?”
“Definitely…can see a lot of both you and Jensen in them.”
Jensen smiled at that. He knew the boys favored him in ways, but he wasn’t sure that is was that obvious to others. It made him unexpectedly proud.
“How your parents takin’ it?”
“Well…”
“Jensen?”
“I haven’t exactly told them…I’ve kinda been avoiding them since I got back.”
“Jen!”
“I don’t want them to jump to conclusions or be pissed at Jay. We’re working on things but I don’t know how it is all going to go yet. I want…”
“You look happy, Jen.”
“I think I am.”
“Then you should share that with them.”
“I guess…shit!” Jensen noticed the time as he took his phone back from Danneel. “I better go. I’m supposed to be back at the office in like ten minutes!”
“Don’t be a stranger, babe.” Danneel kissed Jensen on his cheek.
“I won’t. I’ll see ya.” Jensen headed back out of the office and waved at Sophia before leaving. He hurried back to his car and drove back off to his own work. He knew he would be late, but being the boss did have perks.
“You’re late!” Gen yelled once Jensen came inside.
“I know…”
“Give him a break, Gen. He’s the boss! He can do what he wants,” Tom teased as he threw his arm around Jensen’s neck.
“See…now why can’t you be like him?” Jensen joked.
“Oh yes…a kiss ass who has been stuck in the same position for five years…sounds amazing,” Gen said with fake enthusiasm. “I’m going back to my desk. Yell if you need anything.”
“Ouch,” Tom said with a shudder. “I wasn’t trying to piss her off.”
“She isn’t, she’s just messing with you Tommy. If she were pissed, you’d know it. Trust me!” Jensen invited Tom into his office. “So what’s up Tom?”
“Just came by to see if you have the papers for the McLann deal so that I can copy them into the database.”
“Shit…I still have to finish up a few parts,” Jensen cursed.
“It isn’t a big deal. Just figured you’d be finished by now.”
“Sorry…it just slipped my mind.”
Tom took a seat on the edge of Jensen’s desk. “I swear…if I didn’t know any better I’d say Jenny boy was in love again.”
Jensen blushed brightly and turned away from Tom.
“Oh my God! I’m right aren’t I?!?”
“Damn…if you’re gonna scream shut the door, Tom!”
Tom hopped off Jensen’s desk and shut the door. “So…I’m right! Who is it? Please tell me it isn’t that tool you took to that charity banquet last month? I mean, he was hot enough but-“
“It isn’t him,” Jensen huffed. “I didn’t do anything with him. He was just someone to have on my arm for the night. You know that.”
“So who was it then, hotshot?” Tom prodded.
“I…well…you know how I was in Colorado longer than I had planned?”
“Yeah…you dog! You hooked up with someone up there!”
“No…Tom I-“
“Come on! Spill! I need details, man!”
“I found Jared,” Jensen blurted out, getting aggravated with the way his friend was interrupting him.
“You what?” Tom gasped, his mouth falling open. “H-how?”
“He works night at the hotel Gen booked me in.”
“Wow…that’s…wow.”
“You don’t know the half of it,” Jensen sighed.
“So…did you get your answers? Why he left you like that? I mean…it just about killed you and-“
“He was pregnant Tom.”
“Excuse me?”
“He’d found out that morning. We had fought about how I didn’t want kids. I’d said some shit I shouldn’t and he panicked. He knows he messed up, but it isn’t like we can go back and change it.”
“Jared has a kid?”
“Jared and I have two kids…he was pregnant with twins.”
Tom stayed quiet for a minute, biting his lip nervously. “Jen…I hate to say this, but are you sure they are even yours? I mean, think about it. He left without even telling you. I just-“
“Don’t! You know Jared!”
“Thought I did! But the Jared I knew wouldn’t leave you! So who’s to say that he wouldn’t have lied to you about them?”
“Get out…”
“Jensen, don’t get pissed I’m just trying to warn you. I don’t want you to get hurt. I mean, you said he worked nights at a hotel. He can’t be in great financial shape and it’s obvious you still care about him. I don’t want-“
“I said get out, Tom!”
“Jensen, be reasonable!”
Jensen jumped up from his chair and grabbed onto Tom’s suit jacket. He dragged him off the desk and towards the door. “They are mine! Don’t you dare say that about Jared!” Jensen shoved Tom back into the hallway.
“Jensen-“
“Stay away from me for awhile.” With that, he slammed the door against Tom and the other coworkers’ eyes. He pulled out the pictures on his phone again and flipped through them. The boys were his. They had his eyes…that wasn’t just a coincidence. He breathed a sigh of relief and went back to work.
***********
Jensen’s hand shook at he turned into his parents’ driveway. He knew he shouldn’t have put this off. He’d been home for over a week now and would have to leave again in just a few more to go back to Jared’s for Christmas. He had to tell his parents about the boys and Jared. He couldn’t put it off any longer.
He sighed in relief when he noticed that his brother and sister’s cars were absent. He really didn’t want to have to deal with everyone’s reaction tonight. He knew Josh would be pissed and in full big brother mode. Mackenzie would probably just be hurt and upset. His parents though…he couldn’t even begin to assume how they were going to react.
He knocked on the door and waited for his mom to come let him in.
“Jensen!” Donna greeted excitedly. “It’s about time you showed your face, young man. I’ve missed you baby!” She pulled him into the house and into her arms.
“Hey, Mom.”
“Where have you been? First you ignore our calls then you don’t even come over for Sunday dinner?”
“It’s…it’s a long story.”
“Are you gonna share?”
Jensen nodded. “Dad home?”
“He’s in the den. Come on, kiddo. You want some coffee?”
He really wanted a shot of whiskey. “Coffee’s fine, Mom.”
“Jensen,” Alan said in shock. “Was beginning to think you’d lost our address, son.”
“Yeah…sorry Dad,” Jensen apologized sheepishly. Donna left to go get fresh coffee for them all. “How are you?” Jensen took a seat across from his dad’s recliner.
“Good…should be asking you that son. Heard about your…tiff…with Tom this afternoon. Isn’t like you to do that in the workplace.”
“You had a fight with Tom at work?” Donna asked. “Jensen?”
“He…he said some things he shouldn’t have.”
“Son, you can’t let your temper get the better of you, no matter how bad you want to, buddy. I know it’s hard but-“
“You don’t know what he said…”
“Jensen-“
“Um…I came over here to talk to you guys about something important.” He dug his cell phone out of his pocket and fumbled through for the right picture. He then fidgeted with it while he explained everything. “You asked me why I stayed so long in Denver. Why I fought with Tom today…” He handed his phone over with a shaky hand. “Here’s why.”
“Oh my God,” Donna gasped as she saw a picture of Jared with the twins. “You found Jared?”
“He works nights and weekends at the hotel Gen booked for me.”
“Wow,” Alan said, just as shocked as he took a closer look at the picture. His eyes settled on the little boys and studied them for a moment. They definitely were Jared’s, that he had no doubt whatsoever. But there was more. “Jensen…are these…these boys…are they…y-ours?”
Donna gasped again as she too made the connection. “Jensen?”
“Jared was pregnant when he left,” Jensen started to explain. “We had had a fight the night before, when Mack told us she was pregnant. Jared hinted at wanted to start trying again and I blew up. He panicked when he found out the next morning.”
“Oh God Jen,” Donna muttered. “So you have two little boys…wow…”
“And before you ask, I know that they are mine. That’s what Tom and I got into it over. He said Jared could be lying to me to get money when they aren’t mine. But-“
“They have your eyes,” Alan interrupted.
“And mouth,” Donna continued. “They are a good mix of you and Jared.” Jensen smiled at his mom. “So, how are you handling all this?”
“I’m ok. Jared introduced me to them and I ended up getting to know them.”
“That’s why you were so long in Denver,” Alan assumed.
“Partially. Not sure I would have stayed as long with them if Jared hadn’t gotten sick. He had pneumonia and ended up in the hospital. He collapsed at the hotel and I was with him. I watched the boys during his stay and then stayed with him for a while when he got released.”
“Jared was in the hospital?” Donna asked with worry.
“Yeah…he had some complications during his pregnancy. He’s more prone to infections now.”
“What about the boys?” Donna continued.
“Remy,” Jensen pointed to him on the left, “didn’t have any lasting complications. Dimitri,” Jensen pointed to him on the right, “he has asthma but Jared doesn’t know if it is because of complications or just one of those things.”
“It’s hard to tell,” Alan sighed. “Josh had asthma when he was really little.”
“I forgot about that,” Jensen replied.
Alan and Donna continued to look at the picture, not really saying anything. After a few minutes, Donna finally broke the silence. “So they are around three or four then?”
“Four…Jared was three months along when Danni told him he was pregnant.”
“They’re adorable, Jen,” Donna says. She has tears in her eyes and won’t let go of his phone. “C-can…I mean…will we every m-meet them?”
“I’m going to be a part of their lives so…” Jensen smiled at his mom again.
“I didn’t…I was just…”
“I know, Mom. I’m sorry.”
“Don’t apologize, baby.” Donna finally let go of the phone and went to her son. She sat beside him and wrapped an arm around him. “Are you happy sweetheart?”
Jensen nodded against her shoulder. “I really care about them and I just met them.”
“That’s how it goes, son,” Alan chimed in as he walked over to join his wife next to Jensen. “I didn’t know I could care about someone so much until the doctor handed me Josh for the first time.”
The doorbell rang and Donna left to go answer it. It was probably Josh or Mack anyway. And Jensen did need to tell them everything as well.
“Hey, dad,” Jensen said softly. “Were…were you every afraid of screwing up with us? Because…I’m kinda terrified that I’m going to.”
“Oh, Jen…of course I did! I still do sometimes and you all are grown up with children of your own. That’s what makes you a parent. You worry you’re going to mess up. Its natural, son.”
“But…I’m not cut out to be a dad. I’ve never-“
“Jensen, who was the one who always stood up to Mack’s bully’s for her and cleaned up her scrapes when she fell? Who was the one who always reached for her hand when you crossed the street? Who glared daggers at Andy when he first came to take her on a date?”
“Dad I was just being her brother.”
“Maybe…but that always told me you’d make a good dad.”
“But-“
“Jensen, stop second guessing yourself and doubting it. You need to just go with it. You’re going to be fine. And if you mess up here and there…it will be fine. Lord knows your mom and I made our mistakes. And I’m assuming Jared will be there to help you along the way.”
“We’re working things out. I still love him,” Jensen quietly admitted.
“With you and Jared…love was never a problem, buddy.” Alan squeezed his shoulder. “You’ll work things out. I believe in that.”
And so did Jensen.
***********
“Jared? Come on kid! Jay!”
“Huh?” Jared blinked open his eyes, feeling papers stuck to the side of his face and a painful crick in his neck from the awkward position he was in. His upper body was completely slumped over his desk, where he had been grading essays during his lunch. He looked up to see the principal, JD Morgan leaning over his desk with a concerned expression on his face.
“Are you ok, Jay?”
“Sorry…damn it! Did I sleep past-“
“The kids are still at recess. It’s ok. But are you? It isn’t like you to sleep at your desk. Your students being little monsters today, kid? I mean, I know they were all pretty excited for break to start.”
“No,” Jared sighed. “They’re fine.”
“What about you?” JD asked again. “I came looking for you when you didn’t show up in the lounge for lunch. Isn’t like you.”
Jared scrubbed a hand over his face and stifled a yawn. “I wasn’t hungry. My stomach’s been bothering me so I figured I better just stay in here.”
“You ain’t getting sick again are you?” JD went to check Jared’s temperature but the younger man leaned away.
“I don’t know…I hope not,” Jared huffed. “I just got back to work and all again. Plus Jensen’s coming in to spend Christmas with us.”
“Maybe you should take the rest of the day off and go see the doctor, son. I can cover your classes for you.”
“No, JD, you’ve got your own work to cover.”
“Jared-“
“And I have an appointment with Al tomorrow anyway. It’s a follow up to make sure my lungs are clear, but I can always mention it to her too.”
“You should. Tell her about that migraine you’re sporting too, Jare.”
“How’d you-“
“You’ve been squinted since you woke up and wincing whenever the sun hits your face.” JD sat down on Jared desk. “Seriously, are you ok?”
Jared rubbed at his face again. “I don’t know, but I think so.”
“That’s convincing,” JD huffed. “At least let me cover for a few minutes so you can go get something to eat.”
“I don’t think I can JD,” Jared sighed. “Went into the lounge earlier and thought I was going to be sick. I don’t know if they were brewing a different type of coffee or if there was something someone had brought…”
“Not that I know of. But I can check.”
“It’s ok, JD. I’ll be fine. Beside, we let out in a few hours. I can get something to eat later.”
“You should bring the boys over and eat with me and Sam. She’s been wanting to give you and the boys your presents anyway.”
“You two shouldn’t have gone to the trouble.” Jared blushed. JD and his wife Sam always did so much for Jared and the twins. They were more his parents than the people who had given birth to him ever were.
“Nonsense…Sam loves it. You know she considers you three part of the family. And she hates that she isn’t going to be spending Christmas with you this year.”
“Her sister is really excited about you guys traveling to Canada to see her though.”
“I know…but she still feels like she’s leaving her babies.” JD reached over and squeezed Jared’s shoulder. “But you better believe she wants to meet Jensen in the near future.”
“I know,” Jared said with a laugh. “Just makes sure she goes easy on him. He’s already had to deal with meeting Misha, who nearly hit him. Matt, who tried to whore me out to him. Richard and Seb who were half naked. And-“
“God…poor guy,” JD interrupted with a shudder.
“Yeah…not to mention he had to deal with the twins while I was in the hospital”
“You said he did well…and that the boys like him.”
“They love him. They still call him Jensen, but they accepted him much quicker than I had expected.”
“They know you’re happy around him.”
“Maybe…”
“Jay…”
Jared smiled a little and went to stand from his chair. A wave of vertigo hit him and he would’ve fallen back down if it weren’t for Jeff’s hand grabbing him. “Woah, Jared!” Jeff guided him back to a sitting position in his chair. Jared kept his eyes closed the whole time. “Deep breaths. You ok?”
“Y-yeah,” Jared said a little shakily a moment later. “I’m fine.” He stood up again, and was happy that the vertigo seemed to have passed. “Must have stood up too fast, JD. I’ll be ok.” Jared patted his boss and friend on the back. “Thanks.”
“Still think you should take the day off,” JD grumbled.
“I appreciate it, but it’s really ok.” The bell rang and the students started to rush back into the room. “I’ll see you around five?”
“Sounds good. Call me if you need anything.” With that, JD took his leave, stopping to talk to a few of the kids on his way out of the classroom.
“Ok guys,” Jared said to rein his students back in. They were all highly intelligent children; they had to be to get into the school. But they were still kids and were all extremely excited for Christmas break. It was going to be a long day…
***********
After a few hours of trying to get his students on task, Jared had eventually given up and allowed them to have a free day. Most of the children ended up just talking, but a few of them did work on their readings. By the time the bell rang for the end of the day, Jared was even more exhausted. He was half tempted to call JD and call off dinner…but he knew that would just worry JD all the more. Plus the boys were excited about seeing Sam, and being able to see JD outside of school. They were always forced to address their principal as Dr. Morgan while on campus, but were of course allowed to call him JD outside of school.
Jared decided to suck it up and le the boys have their fun tonight. They were officially on Christmas break and would be allowed to open presents at Sam and JD’s tonight. With a sigh, Jared pulled into his apartment’s parking lot and got the boys out of their car seats. He stomach was still cramping, and he prayed that he wasn’t coming down with some other bug so soon. He really didn’t want to be sick over Christmas. He was looking forward to spending it with Jensen and their sons this year.
He managed to avoid Stephen on the way up the stairs. Jared had turned in his rent the other day to Stephen’s secretary in the office downstairs, but he knew Stephen would still find a way to corner him if he could. It never failed. Making it up to his apartment without having to deal with his landlord was a win though.
“Go get changed guys,” Jared said to the twins once inside. He knew they hated wearing the school uniforms longer than they had to. “I told JD we’d be at his house in a couple hours, so change and play if you’d like while I take care of the dogs.”
“Ok, Daddy.” The twins scampered off to their room to change into jeans and more comfortable shirts. Jared did the same. He slid out of his slacks carefully, still feeling a little dizzy. He almost had to sit down on the bed just to put his jeans on. His body protested his movements, but he managed to slide them on and change into a warmer sweater. He threw his coat back on and took the dogs outside.
The wind was bitter and snow would probably start falling by morning. It would be nice to have a fresh layer for Christmas. But right now, he was freezing and hurrying the dogs up so he could be back inside for the warmth.
It wasn’t long after that that Jared was herding the boys back down to the car. He had their gifts for JD and Sam tucked under his arms and the boys carried the smaller ones they had picked out the other day. Jared may not ever have a huge paycheck, but he knew how to make it stretch, especially for Christmas. The gifts may not be extravagant, but he knew everyone would like them.
The boys rambled on a mile a minute in the backseat, mainly telling Jared what they thought Santa would bring them and asking when Jensen would be back. Jared couldn’t help but smile at how excited they were about seeing Jensen again. They had talked with him every couple of nights, but it wasn’t the same. Jared had never seen them this taken with someone, and Jared loved it. He had to admit he was still quite taken with Jensen as well.
“There you are!” Sam greeted as Jared stepped out of the car.
“Hey,” he called over to her. “I just have to get the boys out of their seats. Can you get the presents out of the front for me?”
“You didn’t have to do that for us, kid.”
“I wanted to…and so did the boys.”
Sam squeezed his arm and walked to the other side to gather up the gifts while Jared collected his sons from the back.
“Sam!” the boys yelled excitedly. They ran over to her and hugged her around her legs.
“Hey munchins,” she smiled down at them. “Why don’t you follow me and we can open these after dinner?”
“Really?” Remy asked, practically bouncing up and down.
“Really!” Sam mimed back at him. “Might have something for that dad of yours too.”
The twins giggled and jumped around the snow piles on their way into the brightly decorated house. Jeff and Sam didn’t have any children of their own, but always loved decorating for the holidays and seeing the twins’ excited over it all.
As soon as they were inside JD grabbed both the boys into his arms, dipping them dramatically then hugging them close, eliciting more giggles from Remy and Dimitri.
“Easy with them JD,” Jared laughed.
“Always am…aren’t I kiddos?”
The boys continued to laugh and roughhouse with JD until Sam yelled for them to come to the table. The smell of pot roast and vegetables hit Jared hard, and he felt as if he would be sick for a moment. He stood back while JD ushered the boys to the table, trying to collect himself.
“Still not feeling well, sugar?” Sam asked, rubbing his arm. He gulped, trying not to be sick, and shook his head. “Why don’t you go lie down for a bit then? I’ll leave a plate for you in the oven. You look like you’re about to fall down.”
“But the kids want-“
“JD and I can take care of them while they eat and then wake you up for gifts. It isn’t a big deal, Jay.” Sam pushed him towards their bedroom and onto their bed. “It’s ok.”
“Sam I-“
“Hush,” she said sternly yet motherly. She guided him down onto the bed and ran her fingers through his hair. The more she did it, the sleepier he became. Maybe sleeping for a minute wouldn’t hurt…
The next time Jared awoke, Sam once again by his side, only this time she was gently shaking him. He glanced over at the clock and saw that he had been asleep for nearly two hours. He still didn’t feel all that rest. “Hey,” he muttered, voice still raspy from sleep.
“Maybe we should take you over to the doctor, Jare.”
“I feel a little better thanks to you Nurse Ferris.” He sat up and gave her a kiss on the cheek. She gave him a concerned look nonetheless. “I’m going to see Alona for a follow up tomorrow. I’ll talk to her, I promise. But right now, I’m pretty sure I have two hyper kids who really want to open presents.”
“And they won’t do it without you watching,” Sam sighed with a smile. “Come on then. You ok to move to the other room?”
“I’m not a total invalid,” Jared huffed. However, it did take him longer than he would have liked to get into the living room. His sons were already sitting in the floor by the tree, patiently waiting. They had the small pile of gifts laid out in front of them and were fidgeting with the bows while they waited. “Whatcha got there?” Jared asked Dimitri as he sat down on the carpet next to him.
“Daddy!”
“Hey buddy…you read to open that gift you got there?”
Dimitri shook his head. “This is yours.” He placed the box into Jared’s lap before scampering back to the tree to collect more gifts for himself and brother.
“You guys didn’t-“
“Just open it,” JD interrupted from his place in the recliner. He had the gifts from the twins sitting on his lap while Sam was sitting on the arm of the chair.
Jared smiled his thanks before tearing into the package. “Woah…”
“Found it in a used bookstore the other day. Knew you’d love it,” Sam told him.
“I do.” Jared flipped the old book over to get a better look. It was a leather bound edition of the complete stories of Sherlock Holmes. The front had an intricate design along the borders that ended with an outline of the famous detective in the corner. It was a beautiful book.
Jared finally tore his eyes away from it to watch his sons rip through their gifts. Remy opened an iTunes gift card, a remote controlled motorcycle, and a Discovery rocket ship that would end up being as tall as him once he put it together. Dimitri ended up with a plush sea turtle that projected stars out onto the ceiling from it’s back, an interactive dinosaur, and book on dogs. Both were practically vibrating with excitement when they ran over to hug Sam and JD.
Not long after the gifts were exchanged, Jared shepherded the twins into the car to go home. All three of them were exhausted, the twins from playing and Jared…Jared didn’t have a clue why he was feeling so tired. He hoped that maybe Alona could give him some answers in the morning…
***********
Jared breathed a sigh of relief that Alona wasn’t very booked. She had him back in a room within minutes of him arriving. He had changed into a rather unfortunate gown and was now lying on the table waiting for her to return. He felt as if he was about to succumb to sleep once more when the door finally reopened.
“Hey, Jare,” Alona said. “How are you doing this morning? Cough still lingering? Any pain in your chest?” She took out her stethoscope and began listening to his lungs.
“No…none of that,” he sighed.
“Deep breath, sweetie. Good. I don’t hear anything rattling anymore. Your x-ray came back pretty clean, so I think you should be good. Is there anything else that’s been bothering you?”
“Um…yeah…actually there has been. My stomach has been cramping really bad lately. And I’ve been dizzy and exhausted.”
“Any vomiting?”
“Some…I get real nauseous but have only been sick maybe once or twice. I’ve had migraines the last couple of days too.”
“Hmm…lay back for me again. You said you’ve had some cramps? You might have a bug or something else hun.” She pulled a blanket onto his lower half then pulled the gown up so she could feel his stomach better. She palpitated around his abdomen, pausing along the lower part when he gasped a little. “That hurt?”
“Some,” Jared sighed.
“Ok…I think I better do a quick ultrasound on you. You could have something else going on I can’t see.” She called for a nurse to bring in the machine and within a few minutes she had it hooked up. “Just relax, Jay.”
He tried to relax under her hands, but he was still tense. He was worried something was going on and he really didn’t want to be hospitalized again, especially with Jensen coming in tomorrow.
“Oh my God,” Alona suddenly gasped, making Jared tense up all the more.
“Wh-what?”
“Jared…you’re pregnant sweetheart.”
“I’m what?!?”
“Pregnant…”
“But…”
“See that right there?” She pointed to a little blackish gray blob. “That’s what will eventually be a baby, Jay.”
Jared stared at the spot on the screen, utterly speechless. He felt tears build in his eyes as he thought back to the night before Jensen had left. That had gotten so carried away and never thought to use protection…
“You look like you are about four or five weeks.”
“Five,” he muttered. Hell, he could tell her the exact day if she needed.
“Jensen?”
Jared nodded, not sure what else to do.
“You’ll be fine. I saw the way he looked at you…he still loves you. You two will work this out.”
Jared nodded. “Does…is the baby ok?”
Alona gave him a small smile. “Well…right now it seems fine. I’d say the cramps you have been having were from the implantation and all. If that doesn’t go away soon, or you start to have a lot of bleeding, you should come in.”
Jared nodded, feeling eerily cold. “I have a history of miscarriages…”
“That doesn’t mean you will now, sweetheart.” Alona cleaned up the gel from Jared’s stomach and pulled down the gown. “I’ll do everything within my power to see to that. For now, we’ll just have you come in once a week until you hit the second trimester, just to keep an eye on everything for you. Try to get some rest and don’t overdo things. I know it’s hard with the twins, but it might help some.”
“I’ll do whatever I have to,” Jared stuttered out with determination. His hand unconsciously settled on his stomach.
“Well, for now, we’ll plan on that. You know the drill of what to avoid and what you should try to do. I’ll give you a prescription for vitamins and some pamphlets before you leave.” She handed him his clothes and got ready to leave. “And figure out a way to tell Jensen. You can’t take on all that stress like last time. Ok?”
“I’ll try,” he mumbled before she closed the door. He had no idea how he was going to break this to Jensen. The man had just learned that he was a father to twins and now Jared had to find a way to tell him that he was about to have another child? Jensen was going to flip! Jared didn’t know what he was going to do…
These thoughts plagued him the whole way back home. He trudged up the stairs and headed straight to Sandy’s where the twins were staying. He knocked softly and waited a moment before Sandy opened the door. “Jared! Hey I…” She cut herself off when she took a better look at Jared. “Oh God…is something wrong? What did Al tell you? Come in!” She pulled Jared into her apartment and guided him into her bedroom so that the twins wouldn’t see him. They were in the back of the apartment playing a game with her mom.
“Sandy,” he muttered softly once he was sitting on her bed.
“Jay? You’re scaring me.”
He shook his head to clear his thoughts. “Sorry hun.” He pulled her in for a hug.
“What did Al say? What’s wrong?”
Jared stayed silent for a moment before finally answering. “I’m pregnant…”
Sandy pushed away from his grasp and gaped up at him. “Oh my God, Jay! Is she sure?”
“Did an ultrasound…and Jensen and I weren’t exactly careful so…”
“Jared!” Sandy hugged him tight. “Congrats babe!”
Jared leaned into her hug and sniffled. “Sandy…I’m scared.”
“Oh…honey! Don’t be.”
“But what if Jensen-“
“He won’t. You have to trust him.”
“I’m just-“
“Stop being so insecure! You and Jensen both need to. You two care about each other more than anyone else I know. And he adores those boys.” She settled her hand on Jared’s stomach. “I’m sure he’ll learn to love this one too.” She sent him a smile as his eyes started to tear up again.
They ended up sitting there for a few minutes before Jared finally pulled apart. He gave Sandy a kiss on the forehead. “Thank you.”
“Any time Jay.” He started to walk off. “Oh! I was going to ask you…the kids want to come out with me to the mall today. They want to see Santa again.”
“Sure,” Jared laughed. “I need to walk across the street to the pharmacy to pick up some things. Al sent some prenatal vitamins in for me. And I need to grab some stocking stuffers for the munchins. Is easier if they aren’t there to see.”
“I bet,” Sandy giggled. She picked up her purse. “I’ll walk out with you. The boys have been itching to go.”
Jared walked into the room where the boys were waiting and grabbed them both into his arms. They babbled excitedly while they walked downstairs. “You two better slow down or you’re gonna talk your Aunt Sandy’s ears off before you even make it to Santa.”
“No we won’t!” Remy huffed.
“That’s impossible!” Dimitri giggled.
“Just be good you two. I’ll see you when you get back.”
They parted ways and Jared crossed the street to head into the local pharmacy. With the boys with Sandy, it took him only minutes to find their favorite candies and little trinkets for their stockings. He paid for them and picked up his vitamins before heading back upstairs. He was so preoccupied with everything, he didn’t even think to look out for Stephen…
“Well…haven’t seen your pretty face around in a few days,” Stephen said, suddenly right in front of Jared.
Jared inwardly groaned but tried not to show his discomfort. “Sorry Stephen, been busy with Christmas and finals.” He tried to slither around Stephen, but the older man completely blocked his path. “I already paid the rent,” Jared sighed. “I don’t have anything else you’d want so-“
“Oh…but you do, Jared.” He looked Jared up and down, eyes lingering too long in certain places.
“I’ve gotta go, Stephen,” Jared said with determination. He pushed past his landlord, but Stephen grabbed him around the bicep and pushed him against the wall. Stephen placed his own body against Jared’s, keeping him in place. His hand was still painfully tight around Jared’s arm. “Stephen…let me go,” Jared gritted out, anger flaring up in him. His landlord had gone too far before, but this really took the cake. Jared was used to the lingering looks and the inappropriate comments. But being forceful? That was a whole new level.
“You know, Jare…I’m getting sick of you brushing off all my advances like I’m nothing. How many times have I let you slide in the rent here and there? Hmm? I never asked for anything in return.”
“The hell you didn’t! You always tried to get in my pants so don’t even-HMPH!” Jared grunted as Stephen pressed against him even harder. One hand was still keeping him pinned while the other started to roam down Jared’s stomach. Panic flared up in Jared almost instantly. Stephen was normally easy to fight off…Jared had done it in the past. But now…he couldn’t risk the baby…
“Well…maybe it’s time you finally paid up then?” Stephen rubbed at Jared’s waist and the younger man felt as if he was going to be sick. Stephen started to dip his hand under but it was quickly removed. In fact, all of Stephen was removed, causing Jared to slide down the wall to the ground. He still felt sick and dizzy, but he managed to finally blink open his eyes.
“You son of a bitch!! Don’t you dare touch him!”
“Jensen?”
Jensen spared a quick glance at Jared before turning his attention to back to Stephen. He punched him hard across the jaw, holding him in place against the wall like Stephen had been doing to Jared moments ago.
“That’s my husband! You have no right…” Jensen was seething with anger and was ready to rip the guy apart. “Do you have any idea who I am? What I can do to you?” To his credit, Stephen actually looked afraid. Jensen hit him again, this time in the gut and then again in the face.
“Jen!” Jared had finally managed to stand and walk over to them. He was a little unsteady on his feet, but he was able to grab Jensen’s arm before he caused more damage to Stephen. “He isn’t worth it. Please!”
Jensen wanted to beat the guy senseless, but he stopped when Jared came over to him. Jared needed him more, that much was obvious by his shaking frame. Jensen turned to Stephen one last time. “This isn’t over…” He let the bastard fall to the ground as he grabbed Jared’s arm. “You ok?”
Jared didn’t really answer. “C-can you help me get those bags and just go to my place? P-please?”
Jensen just nodded. He helped Jared grab the bags from the pharmacy and then guided him back to the apartment. It took Jared a few seconds to get the trembling in his hands to stop so that he could unlock his door. Once he did, he sunk down onto the couch while Jensen set the bags down on the table.
“Where are the twins?” Jensen asked as he came back into the family room.
“Sandy took them to the mall,” Jared answered. “Wh-what are you doing here so early?”
“Decided to surprise y’all.” Jensen glanced down at Jared, noticing his shirt had ripped sometime during the incident. He sat down on the coffee table so that he was facing Jared. He reached up and brushed the torn material. “Good thing I did, huh?” Jared closed his eyes and nodded. “Why didn’t you tell me that guy was like that?”
“Never that bad…normally can handle it?”
“Well…you weren’t handling it that great, Jay.”
“Jen-“
“I mean, you could have taken him, babe! I don’t understand.”
“Jensen I-“
“You know how to fight back. I taught you self-defense years ago…back when you still lived with your parents. You are better than that! And-“
“I couldn’t fight back!” Jared snapped.
“Why not? Don’t give me some bullshit about him being your landlord or-“
“I’m pregnant, Jen!” Jared blurted out, not even realizing what he was saying until the words had left his mouth.
“Jared…”
“I couldn’t fight back and risk hurting the baby. I knew he wouldn’t hurt me if I didn’t fight him much.” Jared had tears in his eyes and wouldn’t look up at Jensen.
Jensen was shocked, that was obvious. But he was more worried. He moved to the couch and took Jared into his arms. “How long have you known?”
Jared hesitantly laid his head on Jensen’s shoulder. “This morning…went to see Alona for a follow up. I…I’ve been having some symptoms…headaches, nausea, cramps…she did an ultrasound and found out.”
“Cramps? Like when-“
“No…cramps can be normal at first. She’s going to monitor me though.” Jared paused for a moment. “I was going to tell you, I swear! I just found out and-MMPH!” Jensen cut Jared off with a kiss.
“Are you ok, Jay? That bastard didn’t hurt you did he? We could go see Alona and check?” Jensen fired off the questions as soon as their lips parted.
“I’m fine…just shaky. Just need to calm down and I’ll be fine. Besides, the twins will be here soon. They’ll be so excited to see you.”
“Come here then.” Jensen pulled Jared back until the younger man was lying on top of him and stretched out on the couch.
“Thanks,” Jared sighed. “Are you…are you ok? I mean…”
“I’m in shock,” Jensen sighed. He paused for a few moments, considering his words, before continuing. “But…I’d like to be apart of this. Don’t know what to do. But I want to try.”
“I’d like that,” Jared replied with a smile before melting into Jensen’s touch and relaxing for the first time in nearly a month. He closed his eyes and fell into a peaceful sleep.
***********
“Daddy!! Jen!!” The twins came barreling into the bedroom bright and early. They managed to wiggle their tiny bodies onto the bed on their own so that they could shake their dads awake. “Santa came!!”
Jensen and Jared groaned as they awoke. The boys had started bouncing, too excited to hold it in. “Pretty sure it isn’t going anywhere munchins,” Jensen sighed, wanting to sleep in. “Let’s sleep a little longer.”
“But it’s Christmas!!”
“Nice try, Jen,” Jared laughed, much more awake. “Come on, they want to open presents.”
Jensen rolled over, becoming slightly more awake. Remy was about to jump onto Jared so Jensen grabbed him midair, worried what it could do to their baby. They had decided to not tell anyone else, not even Jensen’s parents or the twins. Jared remembered all too well the disappoint and sadness of a miscarriage and didn’t want anyone else to know just yet.
“Alright,” Jensen said, a small smile forming at his sons’ eagerness. “We’re coming.”
“YAY!” The twins climbed off the bed and took off again.
“God…I’m going to need coffee. It’s not even six AM yet!”
“Hey…I can’t have it so suck it up,” Jared teased. “I seem to remember your mom telling me you used to wake her up at four after Santa came.”
“Maybe…”
“Come on.” Jared climbed out of the bed, pausing to crack his back. A second later, he felt Jensen’s hand on it. “Merry Christmas.” He leaned back into Jensen’s touch and gave him a kiss.
“Merry Christmas. How you feeling?”
“I’m good…really good.” With that, they walked into the living room. The boys were standing behind the couch, waiting for Jared and Jensen. “Thank you two for waiting,” Jared said as he came in. “Now,” he grabbed the camera from the shelf, “you ready to see what Santa brought you and open our gifts to you?”
“Yes!”
“Alright…you can go to the tree now…”
The words were barely out of his mouth and the boys were already scurrying to the tree. Their faces lit up at the packages and toys sitting around. The Santa presents were displayed against the wrapped ones that were from Jared and Jensen.
“What did Santa leave you guys?” Jensen said, kneeling down next to his sons.
“Cars!!” Remy exclaimed. He carried a giant box of toy cars, all which were small versions of the ones in the Disney film Cars. He also had a stuffed Lightning McQueen stuck under his arm.
“Wow! Those are pretty cool, little dude!” Jensen inspected the cars for a moment before turning to Dimitri. “What about you Dimi?”
“I got a zoo!” Dimitri held out a bigger box that contained a Lego zoo set, complete with zookeeper and animals. He also had a small stack of books beside him.
“Very cool, kiddo.”
The boys went back to look through the smaller items Santa had brought before turning their attention to the wrapped presents.
“Why don’t you two give Harley and Sadie their gifts?” Jared instructed the boys. They grabbed the bones, both of which had bright ribbons wrapped around them, and gave them to the dogs. They giggled as they were licked and tickled by the two. They ran back to the tree and grabbed more presents, handing them to Jared and Jensen. The wrapping was awful…it was obvious the boys had done it themselves.
Jared and Jensen opened the gifts to find pictures the boys had drawn framed. Jensen’s was of him playing in the snow with the two of them while Jared’s was the park. “Thank you,” Jared was finally able to say around his emotions. He wanted to chalk it up to being pregnant, but he wasn’t sure he could. His sons were showing how thoughtful they were and he couldn’t help but be a little emotional. He gave them a hug then handed them over to Jensen who did the same.
“Aunt Sandy helped us!”
“She did great,” Jared added.
“I think you guys have some of your own under there,” Jensen prodded. Before long, there was wrapping paper being thrown in every direction. The first present Remy unwrapped was from Jensen, and it was a toy replica of the Impala Jensen drove himself. The little boy looked up at him in wonder. It was motorized and would be perfect for Remy to drive around in. “I figured you’re still a little too young to have one the size of mine. Thought it might work for now.”
“Love it,” Remy squeaked out before launching himself at Jensen. Remy ended up unwrapping some Lego kits of his own from Jared and various other toys and books. Dimitri received more books and toys of his own. Jared had gotten him a remote controlled snake and various playsets. He was now pulling off the wrapping paper from the toy Jensen had gotten him. He pulled the paper away to reveal a stuff horse that was bigger than him.
“It moves,” Jensen said sheepishly. “You bounce on top of it and it will trot along.”
“Wow!”
“Figured…one day…maybe you guys could come visit my ranch. Ride one of the horses for real. This could be good practice…”
“Thank you Jen!” Dimi replied as he wrapped his arms around Jensen.
“Your welcome, kiddo.” Jensen held onto Dimi tightly. He was enjoying this more than he had imagined possible. Seeing his sons so excited was amazing. It made him wish he had seen this the other years…all the holidays he’d missed. But he was here now and he wasn’t going away.
The rest of the morning was spent in pajamas while playing with the twins. Remy had one of his remote controlled cars out and while Dimi had his snake. They were trying to chase the other to see which was the faster of the toys. Jensen and Jared were trying to help them. They spent nearly an hour on it before finally deciding they needed to clean up and get some food.
The afternoon was spent at Sandy’s with her and her mom. Sandy had prepared a large meal for everyone and had handed out gifts afterwards. Jared was pleased to note that he didn’t seem to have a reaction to any of the food. He was able to actually eat, something he’d been struggling with lately. It was nice to be able to enjoy the dinner as well as the company. Jensen’s hand hadn’t left his thigh the whole time.
Jensen was handling the pregnancy much better than Jared had originally expected. He was still unsure and nervous, but he was trying to get over it and just enjoy the idea of seeing everything this time around. Jensen adored his sons more and more each day; Jared knew that. It probably was helping with this.
After leaving Sandy’s with their arms full of new gifts and leftovers, they headed back to Jared’s place to unwind. Jared had to clean up the boys a little, who had Sandy’s famous fudge cake smeared all over their faces. He didn’t mind; they had enjoyed themselves and that was what mattered. Once they were cleaned off, they all decided to relax with some Christmas movies. The twins chose A Charlie Brown Christmas and A Muppet Christmas Carol. They all piled onto the couch to watch them. Jared and Jensen were snuggled together in the middle with the one boy on each side of them. It was pretty much perfect. By the time the music for the credits of the second movie was playing, the twins were fast asleep against their dads.
“Thank you, Jay,” Jensen said softly. Jared turned slightly so that he could see Jensen and furrowed his brow. “For giving me this. I…just thanks.”
“Don’t have to thank me. You should have had it all along.”
“Maybe…but I’m good. Really good.” Jensen gently tugged on Jared until he had his arm wrapped around the younger man. He rested his hand against Jared’s flat stomach. “Can’t believe you’re pregnant.”
“Neither can I,” Jared laughed. “But that is what happens when you forget condoms so…”
“True,” Jensen laughed back. “For what it’s worth, I’m excited to see this you know. Scared shitless…but still excited.”
“Thank you, Jen.” Jared gave him a kiss. “That means a lot.” Jared reached down under the couch and pulled up a package. “Um…I wanted to give you this.”
“Jay you-“
“Just open it…”
Jensen ripped the paper from the box until he revealed a smaller photo frame. He took it out of the box and saw that it was already loaded with pictures. The boys at various ages flashed across the screen along with some from when Jared and Jensen were together. “Wow…”
“I…I know you have to go back to Texas in a few days so I just thought you might like a piece of us with you. It might be stupid but-“
Jensen cut him off with a kiss that lasted quite a while and left them breathless. “I love it,” Jensen finally rasped out when they broke apart. “Why don’t we take the boys to bed and I can thank you properly.”
“Mmm,” Jared groaned with a slight smirk. “That sounds like a plan.”
***********
Jensen looked up at the frame sitting on his desk; he was missing Jared and his sons so much more now that he had come back from the holidays. He wasn’t sure exactly when he would get the chance to go back to Colorado. Jared’s classes had started back, as had the twins’. It made things harder. They still talked every day, normally during Jared’s lunch break or when he was home in the evenings. He was still working at the hotel, but he had cut back on his hours. He didn’t really have a choice with the pregnancy and all.
Jensen still couldn’t believe that Jared was pregnant. He still looked as he always had, granted that would soon change if everything went well. Jared had updated him just the other night about it all, saying that he was doing ok and so was the baby. He was about eight weeks along now and morning sickness had hit him hard. Jensen hated that he wasn’t there for him…
The phone rang beside, drawing him out of his thoughts. “Hello?”
“Jensen!”
“Sandy? What’s up?”
“We were at the school and…I don’t know what happened but Jared just got taken to the hospital sweetie…”
Next Chapter -->
Masterpost
A/N: I hope you guys liked the chapter and enjoy the holidays! For those of you who celebrate Christmas, I hope you have a Merry Christmas on Sunday! I will be celebrating with my family this weekend but will hopefully have a chapter for you guys around Mon/Tues. Happy Holidays and thank you all again!