Schmoop Bingo - Blackout
Title: Let Your Heart Be Light
Author: Redsirenfiction
Fandom: CWRPS (J2)
Schmoop: Blackout
Prompt: Baby - 1st holiday/celebration.
Medium: Fic
Rating: PG-13.
Warnings: Will rot your teeth. I'm not paying for your dentist bills. Brush your teeth.
Disclaimer: Don't own them. This is all a mirage.
Summary: The ranch looks like something out of a Hallmark card. |SOUNDTRACK| | INSPIRATION PAGE|
Notes: Last one! For now...
Word Count: 3417
Traveling with twins is not fun. The plane is packed and even in first class, every seat is taken.
Gabby starts fussing as soon as the plane starts climbing and when Jensen feels his ears pop, she lets out a pitiful whimper before throwing up all over his chest. He has a spare shirt and she has a second outfit, but no matter how much he cleans, the smell still lingers.
“Baby's a stinker.” Jared chuckles as he lets Jensen go through the hotel room door first. With four in their family now, they've decided that it'll be easier to rent a room than try and find a spot in the big, bustling house just outside Dallas.
They've managed to talk their families into spending Christmas together and since Mr. and Mrs. Ackles' place is the bigger of the two, it's only reasonable to pack the group of twenty or more into the big ranch.
“We're gonna go shower. You wanna order some food?” Jensen asks, his voice gentle but weary as he takes their carry-on along with Gabby to the bathroom.
“Chicken-Fried Steak, mashed and veggies?” Jared calls a she sets to work popping open their portable crib and setting Olivia inside, her eyes wide and her chatter incessant.
“I love my husband!” Jensen calls back, Gabby giggling sweetly at the loud words. Jared's reaction is much the same as he throws his head back and laughs warmly.
Looking at his watch, Jensen realizes that it's nearly time to head over to his parents' and taking a look down at Gabby, figures it'll be easier to kill two birds with one stone. She stays wrapped around his leg as he takes off his clothes, making quick work of her's as well. Hopping over the side of the tub, he turns on the water, intent on showering the both of them at once.
Gabby babbles and claps as he wets down her hair in the warm water, Jensen singing softly to her as he always has whenever either of his girls are taking a bath.
Have yourself a merry little Christmas, let your heart be light. From now on our troubles will be out of sight...
Once she's smelling more like coconut, lemon and orange than puke, Jensen lets her curl up against his chest and sleep a little as he washes himself as best he can. She's been drawn to water since day one, and Jensen knows the sound of the water falling from the shower head calms her down better than anything else; It's why he set the iPod in the girls' room at night, the Nature Sounds app set to waterfall or shower, or sometimes even storm. She sucks her thumb, slow and soothing as he makes sure to keep the water from pooling in the crook of his arm, not wanting her to get any up her nose.
“My little angel belongs in the seas, not the skies.” He whispers as though she'll actually respond coherently, a small smile tugging at the corner of Jensen's lips as he presses a kiss to her soaked hair, enjoying a quiet moment with his daughter away from the stress of the airport and plane.
By the time they're washed up and toweled off, Jared's got the food sitting on the small table by the window, Gabby and Jensen's clothes laid out on the bed for them, and Olivia half-fed. He flashes a big grin up at Jensen when they come out and when Jensen realizes that his husband has taken care of nearly everything, he can't help but lean over and give Jared a kiss of appreciation.
“Love you too.” Jared whispers fondly, his hand smoothing through Jensen's wet hair, thumb brushing gently over his cheek.
Olivia eats quietly, little hums of enjoyment coming out between bites as Gabby coos while being put into a clean diaper and fresh clothes. Once they're both dressed, Jensen starts in on feeding her, both his and Jared's plates going cold on the tray.
Jensen's so focused on feeding Gabby without making a new mess that he actually starts a little when the fork with a piece of fried steak comes near his mouth. Jared laughs warmly, kisses his cheek and then tries again, this time with more success.
“Fank yuf!” Jensen grins around the mouthful, looking down to find Olivia playing with her toys and both his and Jared's plates balanced on the bed, his husband taking a bite and then grabbing a forkful for him, so that they can both get their meals in.
Their rental car thankfully allows for the car seats to be hooked up without much trouble and the girls doze off about ten minutes out from the hotel, the low hum of the engine putting them to sleep.
“Guess she just doesn't like flying.” Jensen shrugs as he leans back in his seat, watching the familiar streets pass by. One hand on the wheel and one tangled with Jared's, he looks peaceful and content, despite the stress of the trip.
“I'll take her on the flight home. It's no fun getting puked on twice in one trip.” Jared assures, giving Jensen's hand a squeeze as they turn the final corner towards their destination.
“You're too good to me.” Jensen replies, kissing the back of Jared's hand fondly. “Thanks for taking care of everything back at the room.”
“No sweat, babe.” Jared grins, his eyes widening when he takes in the sight of the house.
The old ranch looks like something out of a Hallmark card, the Christmas lights giving everything a soft, almost ethereal glow. Jared can practically smell the stuffing, cranberry sauce and eggnog. It sends a rush of warm, happy feelings from the top of his head all the way down to his toes, which are admittedly a little cold until he started remembering his own family's holiday celebrations.
“You weren't kidding...” He murmurs, eyes still glued in awe to the scene before him.
“Go big or go home.” They both share a laugh, parking the SUV on the hard-packed dirt driveway.
It seems like everyone is already there, judging by the number of cars in the drive and the shadows against the windows, but just as they ring the doorbell, Chris comes skidding up behind them, Steve and his dad following suit.
“Time to hand 'em over!” Chris hoots, all smiles as he reaches for a still-sleepy Olivia, her little fists curling into his shirt as soon as she's settled.
Gabby's still sleeping when Steve making a move to take her from Jensen, so with a apologetic smile, he mouths 'sorry', too reluctant to move her lest she wake up upset. Steve just gives him a big smile, understanding, and kisses her little cheek softly. Jensen doesn't have time to hold his hand out in warning as the door swings open and two sets of parents descend on them, all crying out their greetings and effectively waking the girls from any notion of a nap they might have been having.
Their youngest fusses a little, but calms again as soon as she's cuddled up in her grandmother's arms, the older woman whispering soothingly to her as she kisses Jensen and her son warmly.
It takes a few minutes, but they finally manage to shuffle everyone inside, hugs kisses, and high-fives given all around. Jensen however, stops mid-fistbump, nose lifting into the air and sniffing before he looks slyly at his mother.
“You didn't.”
“Oh, I so did.” She smirks, and suddenly Jensen's five years old again, hugging her happily and pressing a loud, wet kiss to her cheek.
“I don't see you for a year and you think I'm gonna skip out on all the compliments I'll get from you while you're enjoying your favorite dish?” She grins, rubbing his back in the hug. Jensen thanks her with another big 'ol kiss before moving on to say hi to everyone else.
Christmas Eve dinner has been an Ackles family tradition for as long as Jensen can remember and this year is no less spectacular than the year before it. Finger foods and drinks are passed around first, everyone catching up, cooing over the twins-who lap it up-and just being a family.
Neither Jared nor Jensen joins in however, as they're accosted the minute they sit down on the couches by all the women at the gathering, all of them wanting to know how in the hell Jared made it through the labor without committing manslaughter or doing something equally heinous.
“I could've never done it without an epi!” Jeff's wife crows, shaking her head in a shiver of mock horror.
“I hope I don't burst anyone's bubble, but...It didn't really hurt for me. I was a little distracted, admittedly, but yeah, it didn't really feel any worse than a really bad charlie horse for me.” Jared confesses with a blush, his eyes floating towards Jensen with nothing but adoration.
“Oh my GOD! You had SEX! You can't do that while you're in labor!” Mackenzie shrieks, covering her eyes at the mere thought of it. Jensen winces and Jared just laughs at her, shaking his head and remembering full well just how amazing it had been.
“Sex is okay right up to the point where the water breaks, actually. But what made it painless wasn't just that. I was home, I wasn't strapped to a bed, I wasn't on a clock and no one but Jensen could tell me what to do. Even then though, he knew better than to try.” Everyone including Jensen has a laugh at that one, Jared leaning over and kissing Jensen him sweetly, his own way of letting his husband know that he's only joking.
The conversation moves from the birth to the twins and when both girls reach out for their relatives, enthralled by the shiny jewelry the girls are wearing, Jared and Jensen finally get a few minutes to themselves.
“Hey you.” Jensen grins, head back against the soft leather of the couch, eyes gazing sideways over at his husband.
“Hey yourself.” Jared returns, one arm extending to reach the nape of Jensen's neck, fingertips curling slowly in the thick hair. Jensen's eyes close and he yawns softly, leaning into towards Jared as soon as he's done.
“Take a little nap, Jen. I've got the girls.”
Jensen merely nods, kisses Jared softly, and promptly nods off, exhausted.
“Pass the sweet potatoes!”
“Can I get the stuffing please?!”
“Who's a guy gotta shoot to get some Turkey around here?!”
“Where're the veggies!?”
“Hey guys?” Jared stands, fork clinking gently against the wine glass he's holding, a feat considering Gabby's being held in his other arm. His eyes sweep around the large table, everyone sitting down a familiar face, all of them giving him warm and attentive smiles.
“Before we all dig in, Jensen and I just wanted to say a few things; We won't ramble, we promise...” Everyone laughs softly, light in their eyes, not a single person in the room objecting to the speech.
“We just wanted to thank all of you. A lot of you were up in Vancouver earlier this year, helping us through the worst time of our lives as a family. Jensen and I couldn't have made it through without all of your love and support. I apologize to anyone I was curt, or rude, or downright mean to during that time; I was hurting both mentally and physically, and y'all got the brunt of it.” Jared looks down, ashamed as he remembered some of the barbs that spat from his mouth during the first few weeks after they lost their first child.
“We're so grateful to y'all for your understanding, your patience and your selflessness during that time. Y'all went above and beyond, and we can't even begin to describe just how much that meant to us. Without your kind words, your gentle encouragement, and your shoulders to cry on, Jared and I would probably still be mourning; And while they'll never be forgotten, no matter how brief their time in our family, your constant presence allowed us to grieve properly, and begin the slow journey to trying again. So to all of you, blood or not...Thank you. You guys are the best family in the world and we're lucky to have you all in our lives.”
There isn't a dry eye in the house when Jensen finishes their speech, pressing a kiss to Olivia's head as he sits back down. Neither him nor Jared expect their fathers to stand next, both men sharing a soft laugh at their parallel actions.
“First off, I wanted to thank the Padalecki's for joining us this year. It's been a pleasure getting to know all of you better and all of you, without question, are invited back any time. I wanted to especially thank our boys for making time out of their busy schedules to come down for a few days and celebrate with us. It's nice having the superstars home again.” He winks at Jared and Jensen, everyone getting the little tease as it's intended; Nothing more than harmless fun.
“When Jensen called me last May to tell me I was going to be a grandpa, overjoyed couldn't begin to cover it. His mother and I ran out that day and bought a bunch of things for the new arrival, absolutely thrilled that we were going to be grandparents again.” Alan pauses, looking down at his plate, his face saddening slightly. “In February we flew up, everyone teeming with excitement that we were finally going to get to meet this new face, the first generation of two amazing families, this little miracle that had been such a long time coming for our boys. My heart....” He clears his throat, shaking his head and looking towards Jared's father as though asking for him to pick up the words.
“None of you need explaining on how we all felt walking out of the hospital late that night. Everyone, without exception, left with a broken heart and a sense of devastation the likes of which I personally, have never felt and never hope to feel again.
“Despite what they may say, the boys were each others pillars of strength throughout that whole terrible time, taking turns in supporting one another when the weight became too much to bear. I think all of us realized then and there, just how much love there was in that burgeoning family. Through it all, there was never any lack of affection, devotion and adoration between them. Sitting in front of you all is pure love; The rare gem that all of us are looking for, but very few of us find. It has weathered storms of devastating proportions and survived, intact. “
“Basically, boys, I think what we're trying to say is that we love you. Both of you are an inspiration to us, and we are ecstatic that your wish for a family has finally come true and in the most surprising and beautiful of ways.” Alan finishes, the entire room silent in agreement and appreciation of the words.
Jensen's shoulders shake hard as he cries in absolute silence, the amount of respect and love he feels for his family overwhelming him. Face tucked against his chest, and eyes squeezed tightly closed, he doesn't see his father come around the table, doesn't hear him approach, and it's not until those familiar arms, filled with strength and unconditional love are engulfing him, that he let's go of the soft sob that's been trapped in his throat, one hand tugging his father down closer.
“I love you, dad.” He whispers, every last emotion filtered through those simple words.
“I love you too, son. I love you too.”
Beside them, Jared is getting a very similar treatment from his own father, his face buried in the crook of his dad's neck, the two hugging as tightly as they can given Gabby's place in Jared's lap.
“Don't you ever give up on them, you hear me?” Gerald says, voice rough with emotion, his hand rubbing Jared's back in a firm, warm grip.
“I won't. I promise.” Jared answers, giving his dad one last squeeze before letting go.
“Enough mushy! Can we eat?!?” It's Jeff's son, Kyle, that breaks the reverent silence in the room, his little voice exasperated and huffy. The comment is just what everyone needs to get back to the business at hand, and the entire table cracks up much to the small boy's confusion. Soon enough, the sounds of dinnerware and excited bits of conversation are all that can be heard throughout the entire house, the warm glow of the dining room visible from the outside, despite the frost-covered windows.
“And this one is for Olivia...” Jared's mom says with excitement, everyone focusing their cameras on the little girl as a big red box is put in front of her, her eyes going wide and her hands clapping erratically as she reaches for the colorful ribbon on top.
“What is it, baby girl? Open it.” Jensen says softly to her, smiling as the flashes go off from cameras all around them; They're going to have a ton of pictures when all is said and done.
”Poobah!” She nearly screams, patting the box with her little hands lightly as soon as she gets the wrapping paper off and sees the familiar yellow bear.
Everyone laughs and coos, enthralled by how spirited she is. Gabby for her part, looks on patiently, taking her sister's hand on one pat and flopping her head onto Olivia's shoulder, calming her enough to let Jensen get the box open. No one misses the exchange, every heart melting by just how sweet the two girls are to one another.
“What about you, sweetheart? You gonna open your present?” Jared asks Gabby, the little girl sitting back up and scrunching up the wrapping paper in her tiny fists, her own body bouncing on the hardwood floor as her fingers reveal a new version of her favorite stuffed toy.
“Petarab!” She whispers, keeping her little hands curled up tight around the wrapping paper as Jared takes the bunny from the box, the paper dropping only when she's handed her new stuffed animal.
More pictures are snapped, and more gifts are showered on the girls, some practical and some too big to go back on the plane with. By the time they're finished, it's nearing on midnight and the boys apologetically say their goodbyes, hating the fact that they have to leave so soon, but knowing that the girls need to sleep in proper beds.
They decide it's easiest to sandwich the girls between them since neither twin has ever slept well in the portable version of their crib. Jared's eyes are only half open as he gathers up the pillows on one of the beds in the room, arranging them so everyone gets one before moving to get Gabby into her PJ's.
Jensen's so out of it, he tries to put Olivia's onesie on inside out, unable to understand why she's fussing until he sees that the stitching is facing out.
“Sorry, sweetie, I know. I know.” He whispers, getting it right the second time before checking her clean diaper one final time and setting her down on the cool sheets and flat mattress; They're still a little leery of giving the girls pillows, neither of them wanting to risk the girls getting suffocated somehow.
Jared's weight lowers the mattress a little as he climbs in, setting Gabby down so she's facing her sister and he's facing Jensen. Leaning in as close as he can, he smiles gently and then presses his lips to Jensen's.
“Merry Christmas, baby.”
“Merry Christmas, babe. Love you.”
“Love you too.”
“Goodnight.”
“Goodnight.”
“Night girls.”
“Night, Olive. Night Gabby.” Jared's the last to speak, kissing his girls' gently on their pink cheeks before settling in for the night, his eyes gazing lovingly at his husband.
This has been, by far, the best Christmas ever.
Author: Redsirenfiction
Fandom: CWRPS (J2)
Schmoop: Blackout
Prompt: Baby - 1st holiday/celebration.
Medium: Fic
Rating: PG-13.
Warnings: Will rot your teeth. I'm not paying for your dentist bills. Brush your teeth.
Disclaimer: Don't own them. This is all a mirage.
Summary: The ranch looks like something out of a Hallmark card. |SOUNDTRACK| | INSPIRATION PAGE|
Notes: Last one! For now...
Word Count: 3417
Traveling with twins is not fun. The plane is packed and even in first class, every seat is taken.
Gabby starts fussing as soon as the plane starts climbing and when Jensen feels his ears pop, she lets out a pitiful whimper before throwing up all over his chest. He has a spare shirt and she has a second outfit, but no matter how much he cleans, the smell still lingers.
“Baby's a stinker.” Jared chuckles as he lets Jensen go through the hotel room door first. With four in their family now, they've decided that it'll be easier to rent a room than try and find a spot in the big, bustling house just outside Dallas.
They've managed to talk their families into spending Christmas together and since Mr. and Mrs. Ackles' place is the bigger of the two, it's only reasonable to pack the group of twenty or more into the big ranch.
“We're gonna go shower. You wanna order some food?” Jensen asks, his voice gentle but weary as he takes their carry-on along with Gabby to the bathroom.
“Chicken-Fried Steak, mashed and veggies?” Jared calls a she sets to work popping open their portable crib and setting Olivia inside, her eyes wide and her chatter incessant.
“I love my husband!” Jensen calls back, Gabby giggling sweetly at the loud words. Jared's reaction is much the same as he throws his head back and laughs warmly.
Looking at his watch, Jensen realizes that it's nearly time to head over to his parents' and taking a look down at Gabby, figures it'll be easier to kill two birds with one stone. She stays wrapped around his leg as he takes off his clothes, making quick work of her's as well. Hopping over the side of the tub, he turns on the water, intent on showering the both of them at once.
Gabby babbles and claps as he wets down her hair in the warm water, Jensen singing softly to her as he always has whenever either of his girls are taking a bath.
Have yourself a merry little Christmas, let your heart be light. From now on our troubles will be out of sight...
Once she's smelling more like coconut, lemon and orange than puke, Jensen lets her curl up against his chest and sleep a little as he washes himself as best he can. She's been drawn to water since day one, and Jensen knows the sound of the water falling from the shower head calms her down better than anything else; It's why he set the iPod in the girls' room at night, the Nature Sounds app set to waterfall or shower, or sometimes even storm. She sucks her thumb, slow and soothing as he makes sure to keep the water from pooling in the crook of his arm, not wanting her to get any up her nose.
“My little angel belongs in the seas, not the skies.” He whispers as though she'll actually respond coherently, a small smile tugging at the corner of Jensen's lips as he presses a kiss to her soaked hair, enjoying a quiet moment with his daughter away from the stress of the airport and plane.
By the time they're washed up and toweled off, Jared's got the food sitting on the small table by the window, Gabby and Jensen's clothes laid out on the bed for them, and Olivia half-fed. He flashes a big grin up at Jensen when they come out and when Jensen realizes that his husband has taken care of nearly everything, he can't help but lean over and give Jared a kiss of appreciation.
“Love you too.” Jared whispers fondly, his hand smoothing through Jensen's wet hair, thumb brushing gently over his cheek.
Olivia eats quietly, little hums of enjoyment coming out between bites as Gabby coos while being put into a clean diaper and fresh clothes. Once they're both dressed, Jensen starts in on feeding her, both his and Jared's plates going cold on the tray.
Jensen's so focused on feeding Gabby without making a new mess that he actually starts a little when the fork with a piece of fried steak comes near his mouth. Jared laughs warmly, kisses his cheek and then tries again, this time with more success.
“Fank yuf!” Jensen grins around the mouthful, looking down to find Olivia playing with her toys and both his and Jared's plates balanced on the bed, his husband taking a bite and then grabbing a forkful for him, so that they can both get their meals in.
Their rental car thankfully allows for the car seats to be hooked up without much trouble and the girls doze off about ten minutes out from the hotel, the low hum of the engine putting them to sleep.
“Guess she just doesn't like flying.” Jensen shrugs as he leans back in his seat, watching the familiar streets pass by. One hand on the wheel and one tangled with Jared's, he looks peaceful and content, despite the stress of the trip.
“I'll take her on the flight home. It's no fun getting puked on twice in one trip.” Jared assures, giving Jensen's hand a squeeze as they turn the final corner towards their destination.
“You're too good to me.” Jensen replies, kissing the back of Jared's hand fondly. “Thanks for taking care of everything back at the room.”
“No sweat, babe.” Jared grins, his eyes widening when he takes in the sight of the house.
The old ranch looks like something out of a Hallmark card, the Christmas lights giving everything a soft, almost ethereal glow. Jared can practically smell the stuffing, cranberry sauce and eggnog. It sends a rush of warm, happy feelings from the top of his head all the way down to his toes, which are admittedly a little cold until he started remembering his own family's holiday celebrations.
“You weren't kidding...” He murmurs, eyes still glued in awe to the scene before him.
“Go big or go home.” They both share a laugh, parking the SUV on the hard-packed dirt driveway.
It seems like everyone is already there, judging by the number of cars in the drive and the shadows against the windows, but just as they ring the doorbell, Chris comes skidding up behind them, Steve and his dad following suit.
“Time to hand 'em over!” Chris hoots, all smiles as he reaches for a still-sleepy Olivia, her little fists curling into his shirt as soon as she's settled.
Gabby's still sleeping when Steve making a move to take her from Jensen, so with a apologetic smile, he mouths 'sorry', too reluctant to move her lest she wake up upset. Steve just gives him a big smile, understanding, and kisses her little cheek softly. Jensen doesn't have time to hold his hand out in warning as the door swings open and two sets of parents descend on them, all crying out their greetings and effectively waking the girls from any notion of a nap they might have been having.
Their youngest fusses a little, but calms again as soon as she's cuddled up in her grandmother's arms, the older woman whispering soothingly to her as she kisses Jensen and her son warmly.
It takes a few minutes, but they finally manage to shuffle everyone inside, hugs kisses, and high-fives given all around. Jensen however, stops mid-fistbump, nose lifting into the air and sniffing before he looks slyly at his mother.
“You didn't.”
“Oh, I so did.” She smirks, and suddenly Jensen's five years old again, hugging her happily and pressing a loud, wet kiss to her cheek.
“I don't see you for a year and you think I'm gonna skip out on all the compliments I'll get from you while you're enjoying your favorite dish?” She grins, rubbing his back in the hug. Jensen thanks her with another big 'ol kiss before moving on to say hi to everyone else.
Christmas Eve dinner has been an Ackles family tradition for as long as Jensen can remember and this year is no less spectacular than the year before it. Finger foods and drinks are passed around first, everyone catching up, cooing over the twins-who lap it up-and just being a family.
Neither Jared nor Jensen joins in however, as they're accosted the minute they sit down on the couches by all the women at the gathering, all of them wanting to know how in the hell Jared made it through the labor without committing manslaughter or doing something equally heinous.
“I could've never done it without an epi!” Jeff's wife crows, shaking her head in a shiver of mock horror.
“I hope I don't burst anyone's bubble, but...It didn't really hurt for me. I was a little distracted, admittedly, but yeah, it didn't really feel any worse than a really bad charlie horse for me.” Jared confesses with a blush, his eyes floating towards Jensen with nothing but adoration.
“Oh my GOD! You had SEX! You can't do that while you're in labor!” Mackenzie shrieks, covering her eyes at the mere thought of it. Jensen winces and Jared just laughs at her, shaking his head and remembering full well just how amazing it had been.
“Sex is okay right up to the point where the water breaks, actually. But what made it painless wasn't just that. I was home, I wasn't strapped to a bed, I wasn't on a clock and no one but Jensen could tell me what to do. Even then though, he knew better than to try.” Everyone including Jensen has a laugh at that one, Jared leaning over and kissing Jensen him sweetly, his own way of letting his husband know that he's only joking.
The conversation moves from the birth to the twins and when both girls reach out for their relatives, enthralled by the shiny jewelry the girls are wearing, Jared and Jensen finally get a few minutes to themselves.
“Hey you.” Jensen grins, head back against the soft leather of the couch, eyes gazing sideways over at his husband.
“Hey yourself.” Jared returns, one arm extending to reach the nape of Jensen's neck, fingertips curling slowly in the thick hair. Jensen's eyes close and he yawns softly, leaning into towards Jared as soon as he's done.
“Take a little nap, Jen. I've got the girls.”
Jensen merely nods, kisses Jared softly, and promptly nods off, exhausted.
“Pass the sweet potatoes!”
“Can I get the stuffing please?!”
“Who's a guy gotta shoot to get some Turkey around here?!”
“Where're the veggies!?”
“Hey guys?” Jared stands, fork clinking gently against the wine glass he's holding, a feat considering Gabby's being held in his other arm. His eyes sweep around the large table, everyone sitting down a familiar face, all of them giving him warm and attentive smiles.
“Before we all dig in, Jensen and I just wanted to say a few things; We won't ramble, we promise...” Everyone laughs softly, light in their eyes, not a single person in the room objecting to the speech.
“We just wanted to thank all of you. A lot of you were up in Vancouver earlier this year, helping us through the worst time of our lives as a family. Jensen and I couldn't have made it through without all of your love and support. I apologize to anyone I was curt, or rude, or downright mean to during that time; I was hurting both mentally and physically, and y'all got the brunt of it.” Jared looks down, ashamed as he remembered some of the barbs that spat from his mouth during the first few weeks after they lost their first child.
“We're so grateful to y'all for your understanding, your patience and your selflessness during that time. Y'all went above and beyond, and we can't even begin to describe just how much that meant to us. Without your kind words, your gentle encouragement, and your shoulders to cry on, Jared and I would probably still be mourning; And while they'll never be forgotten, no matter how brief their time in our family, your constant presence allowed us to grieve properly, and begin the slow journey to trying again. So to all of you, blood or not...Thank you. You guys are the best family in the world and we're lucky to have you all in our lives.”
There isn't a dry eye in the house when Jensen finishes their speech, pressing a kiss to Olivia's head as he sits back down. Neither him nor Jared expect their fathers to stand next, both men sharing a soft laugh at their parallel actions.
“First off, I wanted to thank the Padalecki's for joining us this year. It's been a pleasure getting to know all of you better and all of you, without question, are invited back any time. I wanted to especially thank our boys for making time out of their busy schedules to come down for a few days and celebrate with us. It's nice having the superstars home again.” He winks at Jared and Jensen, everyone getting the little tease as it's intended; Nothing more than harmless fun.
“When Jensen called me last May to tell me I was going to be a grandpa, overjoyed couldn't begin to cover it. His mother and I ran out that day and bought a bunch of things for the new arrival, absolutely thrilled that we were going to be grandparents again.” Alan pauses, looking down at his plate, his face saddening slightly. “In February we flew up, everyone teeming with excitement that we were finally going to get to meet this new face, the first generation of two amazing families, this little miracle that had been such a long time coming for our boys. My heart....” He clears his throat, shaking his head and looking towards Jared's father as though asking for him to pick up the words.
“None of you need explaining on how we all felt walking out of the hospital late that night. Everyone, without exception, left with a broken heart and a sense of devastation the likes of which I personally, have never felt and never hope to feel again.
“Despite what they may say, the boys were each others pillars of strength throughout that whole terrible time, taking turns in supporting one another when the weight became too much to bear. I think all of us realized then and there, just how much love there was in that burgeoning family. Through it all, there was never any lack of affection, devotion and adoration between them. Sitting in front of you all is pure love; The rare gem that all of us are looking for, but very few of us find. It has weathered storms of devastating proportions and survived, intact. “
“Basically, boys, I think what we're trying to say is that we love you. Both of you are an inspiration to us, and we are ecstatic that your wish for a family has finally come true and in the most surprising and beautiful of ways.” Alan finishes, the entire room silent in agreement and appreciation of the words.
Jensen's shoulders shake hard as he cries in absolute silence, the amount of respect and love he feels for his family overwhelming him. Face tucked against his chest, and eyes squeezed tightly closed, he doesn't see his father come around the table, doesn't hear him approach, and it's not until those familiar arms, filled with strength and unconditional love are engulfing him, that he let's go of the soft sob that's been trapped in his throat, one hand tugging his father down closer.
“I love you, dad.” He whispers, every last emotion filtered through those simple words.
“I love you too, son. I love you too.”
Beside them, Jared is getting a very similar treatment from his own father, his face buried in the crook of his dad's neck, the two hugging as tightly as they can given Gabby's place in Jared's lap.
“Don't you ever give up on them, you hear me?” Gerald says, voice rough with emotion, his hand rubbing Jared's back in a firm, warm grip.
“I won't. I promise.” Jared answers, giving his dad one last squeeze before letting go.
“Enough mushy! Can we eat?!?” It's Jeff's son, Kyle, that breaks the reverent silence in the room, his little voice exasperated and huffy. The comment is just what everyone needs to get back to the business at hand, and the entire table cracks up much to the small boy's confusion. Soon enough, the sounds of dinnerware and excited bits of conversation are all that can be heard throughout the entire house, the warm glow of the dining room visible from the outside, despite the frost-covered windows.
“And this one is for Olivia...” Jared's mom says with excitement, everyone focusing their cameras on the little girl as a big red box is put in front of her, her eyes going wide and her hands clapping erratically as she reaches for the colorful ribbon on top.
“What is it, baby girl? Open it.” Jensen says softly to her, smiling as the flashes go off from cameras all around them; They're going to have a ton of pictures when all is said and done.
”Poobah!” She nearly screams, patting the box with her little hands lightly as soon as she gets the wrapping paper off and sees the familiar yellow bear.
Everyone laughs and coos, enthralled by how spirited she is. Gabby for her part, looks on patiently, taking her sister's hand on one pat and flopping her head onto Olivia's shoulder, calming her enough to let Jensen get the box open. No one misses the exchange, every heart melting by just how sweet the two girls are to one another.
“What about you, sweetheart? You gonna open your present?” Jared asks Gabby, the little girl sitting back up and scrunching up the wrapping paper in her tiny fists, her own body bouncing on the hardwood floor as her fingers reveal a new version of her favorite stuffed toy.
“Petarab!” She whispers, keeping her little hands curled up tight around the wrapping paper as Jared takes the bunny from the box, the paper dropping only when she's handed her new stuffed animal.
More pictures are snapped, and more gifts are showered on the girls, some practical and some too big to go back on the plane with. By the time they're finished, it's nearing on midnight and the boys apologetically say their goodbyes, hating the fact that they have to leave so soon, but knowing that the girls need to sleep in proper beds.
They decide it's easiest to sandwich the girls between them since neither twin has ever slept well in the portable version of their crib. Jared's eyes are only half open as he gathers up the pillows on one of the beds in the room, arranging them so everyone gets one before moving to get Gabby into her PJ's.
Jensen's so out of it, he tries to put Olivia's onesie on inside out, unable to understand why she's fussing until he sees that the stitching is facing out.
“Sorry, sweetie, I know. I know.” He whispers, getting it right the second time before checking her clean diaper one final time and setting her down on the cool sheets and flat mattress; They're still a little leery of giving the girls pillows, neither of them wanting to risk the girls getting suffocated somehow.
Jared's weight lowers the mattress a little as he climbs in, setting Gabby down so she's facing her sister and he's facing Jensen. Leaning in as close as he can, he smiles gently and then presses his lips to Jensen's.
“Merry Christmas, baby.”
“Merry Christmas, babe. Love you.”
“Love you too.”
“Goodnight.”
“Goodnight.”
“Night girls.”
“Night, Olive. Night Gabby.” Jared's the last to speak, kissing his girls' gently on their pink cheeks before settling in for the night, his eyes gazing lovingly at his husband.
This has been, by far, the best Christmas ever.