Remnants - Ch. 8
chapter seven
“Jesus! This thing weighs more than you, Jay!” Jensen grunts, both he and Jared staggering under the weight of the kitchen table that Mindy had so generously donated to their new place. The old heavy door turned out to be older and heavier than anyone save Mindy could have predicted and despite Jared's impressive bench press weight, they're still taking two steps back for each step forward they get up the narrow staircase.
“I think...she's trying...trying...to kill us!” Jared pants, unable to see how much further they have to go since he's bringing up the rear, blind to everything but the deep mahogany-colored table in front of him.
“Just two more steps and we're...good! Set it down, Jay. Careful, careful. Perfect. Holy crap! Never again, dude, I don't care how much she gives us the puppy dog eyes!” Jensen's face is so red, that Jared questions whether they're moving or working out at Gold's.
“That's the last piece of furniture. Now we just got to run the boxes up. There's one left in the truck. I'll go get it,” Jared offers, hands on his knees as he too catches his breath, still not quite sure what possessed them to lug the archaic table down four flights of stairs and up another flight and a half.
“I'll start bringing the ones downstairs up, so we can eat on real plates instead of pizza boxes. We have any wine left over?”
“Yup. Full bottle in the fridge,” Jared nods, giving their new place a good look. It's the top floor of the Dog's Bone and is twice the size of Mindy's apartment. With enough windows to give them nearly a full view of the city and enough bedrooms to have company over, it's the perfect spot for both men.
Once he feels like he can breathe again, Jared can't stop himself from moving towards his boyfriend. Jensen seems to have the same idea as they meet in the middle of the dining room, tired smiles nearly identical.
“This is our new place. Can't believe it,” Jared murmurs as he pulls Jensen in close, their forehead touching despite their overheated conditions.
“And we moved in just in time. It's supposed to snow tomorrow,” Jensen agrees, his own arms wrapping around Jared fondly.
“I'm glad you said yes,” Jared whispers against Jensen's lips, his words almost a song, he's so happy.
“Like I'm gonna say no to a guy that can crush me like a bug,” Jensen jokes, hiding his face in Jared's chest as he laughs, pulling away only to correct himself. “I wouldn't say no to the guy I love for anything.”
The kiss is tender and quiet, Jared forgetting all about his sore back, and all the boxes still left to unpack. Jensen's with him, and he's happy; it's more than he can ever ask for.
Reluctantly, he pulls away, wanting to get the last box out of the truck so they can return it to rental company. Jared pressed another quick peck to Jensen's cheek before taking the stairs down two at a time, his energy renewed.
So focused is he on emptying the truck and closing the door back up, that Jared doesn't notice the cold, the slight win, or the clouds overhead; to him, it might as well be summer as he's dripping with sweat and wearing nothing but his painting jeans and a t-shirt. It's only when he gets back upstairs and finds Jensen sitting in the bay window, journal in hand, that Jared really stops to look outside.
“It just started,” Jensen marvels, his green eyes sparkling with wonder as he watches the fat flakes begin to fall on the city below them. “You're saved by the bell,” he adds, winking at Jared, Jensen moving without a word to let Jared take a seat behind him.
“Looks like we're right on schedule, huh?” Jared grins, settling in behind his boyfriend and pulling him back against his chest. The two fall silent as they watch the first snow of the season, Jared silently hoping for many more to come with Jensen by his side.
“Where are we going, you nut? It's like eighty below out, we're gonna freeze to death.”
“First of all, you're a pussy. Second, we're taking a cab, so we'll be warm. Third, it's a surprise, which means you can ask all you want and you'll never find out. I've been trained to withstand CIA interrogations, Jay. There's no breaking me.”
“No sex for a week.”
“Central Park for a sleigh ride and I will say no more!” Jensen relents, Jared laughing in absolute delight as they walk down to the end of the street arm in arm, their scarves bundled up high around their necks.
“You're just lucky it's not windy out, otherwise your little plot to take over the world would be ruined,” Jared grins, sticking out his hand for a moment before pulling off his glove and finger-whistling loudly. A livery cab shows up within seconds, snow tires pushing slush out of the way as it stops.
“Not the world. Just your heart,” Jensen replies quietly once they're inside, his eyes locked on Jared's as the cab pulls away from the curb, going as fast as it dares in the slippery conditions.
They reach the park in record time, the taxi nearly splashing both of them as it peels off for its next fare. Both Jared and Jensen can only shake their heads and laugh; nothing is going to ruin their date night, especially not a little slush.
“Okay, so we're here. Now what?” Jared chuckles, a little confused about how dinner and a play turned into a freezing walk through Central Park at night.
“Now, we take a ride,” Jensen grins proudly just as a horse-drawn carriage pulls up behind him, Jared's boyfriend crossing his arms over his chest triumphantly.
“You didn't.” Jared murmurs, amazed at the production.
“Oh, I so did. Now come on, we've got dashing to do.”
“You're such a nerd! God, how am I in love with you again?” They both laugh as Jared helps Jensen into the carriage and then gets in himself, both of them nearly diving under the thick blankets provided on the seats.
The settle in just as the carriage pulls away, the top up half way to shield them from the snow. Jared keeps an eye on Jensen, noticing that for the first time since they began dating, his boyfriend looks nervous. Nevertheless, he manages to give Jared a huge smile and more than a few kisses as they slowly ride around the park. Never once does Jared's hand leave Jensen's and to say that he's happy is an understatement of massive proportions.
Jared looks up as the carriage slows and bright lights blind him momentarily. Blinking a few times, he squints and finally makes out the Wollman Rink, numerous people skating around to carols and smooth jazz as though they're extras in a Christmas movie. Jared looks at Jensen and his breath leaves him all together. In the time it took him to take in the scene at the rink, Jensen's pulled a small black box out of his pocket and has it sitting neatly on his coat.
“It doesn't mean we have to do it tomorrow, but...do you wanna spend a few more winters with me? Say, like a million more?” The words are soft, vulnerable, and imbued with Jensen's usual whip-sharp humor; in short, it's the perfect proposal. Jared laughs wetly, ignoring the tears of joy that immediately blur his vision.
“Just a million though. After that I get to trade you in, got it?”
“Got it.”
Well, a lot has changed since the day that Jared showed up at the Green Bean, looking for me and not even knowing what I looked like. It's been two years and every day seems better than the last.
We expanded the Dog's Bone to a second store and promoted Mindy's crazy ass to manager. In all the years I've known her, she's never been happier, especially since Chris showed up with his Mastiff, his muscles, and that Texas twang of his for good. Those three have been inseparable from day one, which isn't far off the mark from how Jared and I started.
We moved into a new place, right above the new store. Mindy and Chris took Donna's old place when we moved out, so we're keeping it the family. It's bigger than the last one which is just as well since the kids are only gonna keep growing.
Oh, yeah. Did I mention the kids? Chloe and Evie just turned two and Parker is about to turn one. They're awesome and I don't think I could ever be as happy as I am nowadays. I thought I was happy before I met Jared, but now I can see that my happiness then pales in comparison to what I feel now. Life can't get any better than this. And if it does? Then I'm the luckiest guy alive.
We got married last year, too, after we got the girls. A little backwards, but our families were more than cool with being grandparents, especially Jared's. They're just happy to see him living again, married, raising a family.
Jensen stops writing as a squeal follows a bark, his oldest daughter chasing their dog, Dusty, towards the car, her princess mirror in one hand and little purse in the other. He catches her as she passed, right before she takes a header into the truck.
“Hello, Princess Chloe.” He grins, hugging her close and showering her little cheeks in kisses, Chloe laughing heartily as she hugs him back.
“Hi, Daddy. Twip time!”
“Yes, it's trip time, baby girl. Do you remember where we're going?”
“Diney!” The answer comes in stereo as Evie comes out of the store with her little back pack resting comfortably on her shoulders, both girls more than excited for the trip.
“That's right! Disney!” This time it's Jared who speaks, Parker patting his dad's cheek as the words come out, his own nonsensical babble joining in the conversation.
“Everything good to go?” Jensen smiles at his husband, setting Chloe in her car seat and buckling her up before doing the same to Evie.
“Bags are packed, diapers are changed, lights are off, alarm is on, clients are informed, and the tank is full. Missing anything?”
“Nope, sounds like next stop is Florida.”
“You guys ready?” Jared enthuses, a chorus of cheers-including Parker-coming from inside the truck, everyone ready to make the trip. He takes a look at everyone in turn, doing one final check, pride visible in his face.
“What'cha thinking, babe?” Jensen asks softly as they close the door to the car, the windows already rolled down to let the breeze in for the kids.
“That we've come a long way and that there's nowhere I'd rather be than right here, with you guys.”
Jared leans in for a kiss, Jensen grinning as someone honks at them from the street. It doesn't even matter because they've both got their family, their happiness, and yet another road trip to write about.
The End
notes| art| master post
“Jesus! This thing weighs more than you, Jay!” Jensen grunts, both he and Jared staggering under the weight of the kitchen table that Mindy had so generously donated to their new place. The old heavy door turned out to be older and heavier than anyone save Mindy could have predicted and despite Jared's impressive bench press weight, they're still taking two steps back for each step forward they get up the narrow staircase.
“I think...she's trying...trying...to kill us!” Jared pants, unable to see how much further they have to go since he's bringing up the rear, blind to everything but the deep mahogany-colored table in front of him.
“Just two more steps and we're...good! Set it down, Jay. Careful, careful. Perfect. Holy crap! Never again, dude, I don't care how much she gives us the puppy dog eyes!” Jensen's face is so red, that Jared questions whether they're moving or working out at Gold's.
“That's the last piece of furniture. Now we just got to run the boxes up. There's one left in the truck. I'll go get it,” Jared offers, hands on his knees as he too catches his breath, still not quite sure what possessed them to lug the archaic table down four flights of stairs and up another flight and a half.
“I'll start bringing the ones downstairs up, so we can eat on real plates instead of pizza boxes. We have any wine left over?”
“Yup. Full bottle in the fridge,” Jared nods, giving their new place a good look. It's the top floor of the Dog's Bone and is twice the size of Mindy's apartment. With enough windows to give them nearly a full view of the city and enough bedrooms to have company over, it's the perfect spot for both men.
Once he feels like he can breathe again, Jared can't stop himself from moving towards his boyfriend. Jensen seems to have the same idea as they meet in the middle of the dining room, tired smiles nearly identical.
“This is our new place. Can't believe it,” Jared murmurs as he pulls Jensen in close, their forehead touching despite their overheated conditions.
“And we moved in just in time. It's supposed to snow tomorrow,” Jensen agrees, his own arms wrapping around Jared fondly.
“I'm glad you said yes,” Jared whispers against Jensen's lips, his words almost a song, he's so happy.
“Like I'm gonna say no to a guy that can crush me like a bug,” Jensen jokes, hiding his face in Jared's chest as he laughs, pulling away only to correct himself. “I wouldn't say no to the guy I love for anything.”
The kiss is tender and quiet, Jared forgetting all about his sore back, and all the boxes still left to unpack. Jensen's with him, and he's happy; it's more than he can ever ask for.
Reluctantly, he pulls away, wanting to get the last box out of the truck so they can return it to rental company. Jared pressed another quick peck to Jensen's cheek before taking the stairs down two at a time, his energy renewed.
So focused is he on emptying the truck and closing the door back up, that Jared doesn't notice the cold, the slight win, or the clouds overhead; to him, it might as well be summer as he's dripping with sweat and wearing nothing but his painting jeans and a t-shirt. It's only when he gets back upstairs and finds Jensen sitting in the bay window, journal in hand, that Jared really stops to look outside.
“It just started,” Jensen marvels, his green eyes sparkling with wonder as he watches the fat flakes begin to fall on the city below them. “You're saved by the bell,” he adds, winking at Jared, Jensen moving without a word to let Jared take a seat behind him.
“Looks like we're right on schedule, huh?” Jared grins, settling in behind his boyfriend and pulling him back against his chest. The two fall silent as they watch the first snow of the season, Jared silently hoping for many more to come with Jensen by his side.
“Where are we going, you nut? It's like eighty below out, we're gonna freeze to death.”
“First of all, you're a pussy. Second, we're taking a cab, so we'll be warm. Third, it's a surprise, which means you can ask all you want and you'll never find out. I've been trained to withstand CIA interrogations, Jay. There's no breaking me.”
“No sex for a week.”
“Central Park for a sleigh ride and I will say no more!” Jensen relents, Jared laughing in absolute delight as they walk down to the end of the street arm in arm, their scarves bundled up high around their necks.
“You're just lucky it's not windy out, otherwise your little plot to take over the world would be ruined,” Jared grins, sticking out his hand for a moment before pulling off his glove and finger-whistling loudly. A livery cab shows up within seconds, snow tires pushing slush out of the way as it stops.
“Not the world. Just your heart,” Jensen replies quietly once they're inside, his eyes locked on Jared's as the cab pulls away from the curb, going as fast as it dares in the slippery conditions.
They reach the park in record time, the taxi nearly splashing both of them as it peels off for its next fare. Both Jared and Jensen can only shake their heads and laugh; nothing is going to ruin their date night, especially not a little slush.
“Okay, so we're here. Now what?” Jared chuckles, a little confused about how dinner and a play turned into a freezing walk through Central Park at night.
“Now, we take a ride,” Jensen grins proudly just as a horse-drawn carriage pulls up behind him, Jared's boyfriend crossing his arms over his chest triumphantly.
“You didn't.” Jared murmurs, amazed at the production.
“Oh, I so did. Now come on, we've got dashing to do.”
“You're such a nerd! God, how am I in love with you again?” They both laugh as Jared helps Jensen into the carriage and then gets in himself, both of them nearly diving under the thick blankets provided on the seats.
The settle in just as the carriage pulls away, the top up half way to shield them from the snow. Jared keeps an eye on Jensen, noticing that for the first time since they began dating, his boyfriend looks nervous. Nevertheless, he manages to give Jared a huge smile and more than a few kisses as they slowly ride around the park. Never once does Jared's hand leave Jensen's and to say that he's happy is an understatement of massive proportions.
Jared looks up as the carriage slows and bright lights blind him momentarily. Blinking a few times, he squints and finally makes out the Wollman Rink, numerous people skating around to carols and smooth jazz as though they're extras in a Christmas movie. Jared looks at Jensen and his breath leaves him all together. In the time it took him to take in the scene at the rink, Jensen's pulled a small black box out of his pocket and has it sitting neatly on his coat.
“It doesn't mean we have to do it tomorrow, but...do you wanna spend a few more winters with me? Say, like a million more?” The words are soft, vulnerable, and imbued with Jensen's usual whip-sharp humor; in short, it's the perfect proposal. Jared laughs wetly, ignoring the tears of joy that immediately blur his vision.
“Just a million though. After that I get to trade you in, got it?”
“Got it.”
Well, a lot has changed since the day that Jared showed up at the Green Bean, looking for me and not even knowing what I looked like. It's been two years and every day seems better than the last.
We expanded the Dog's Bone to a second store and promoted Mindy's crazy ass to manager. In all the years I've known her, she's never been happier, especially since Chris showed up with his Mastiff, his muscles, and that Texas twang of his for good. Those three have been inseparable from day one, which isn't far off the mark from how Jared and I started.
We moved into a new place, right above the new store. Mindy and Chris took Donna's old place when we moved out, so we're keeping it the family. It's bigger than the last one which is just as well since the kids are only gonna keep growing.
Oh, yeah. Did I mention the kids? Chloe and Evie just turned two and Parker is about to turn one. They're awesome and I don't think I could ever be as happy as I am nowadays. I thought I was happy before I met Jared, but now I can see that my happiness then pales in comparison to what I feel now. Life can't get any better than this. And if it does? Then I'm the luckiest guy alive.
We got married last year, too, after we got the girls. A little backwards, but our families were more than cool with being grandparents, especially Jared's. They're just happy to see him living again, married, raising a family.
Jensen stops writing as a squeal follows a bark, his oldest daughter chasing their dog, Dusty, towards the car, her princess mirror in one hand and little purse in the other. He catches her as she passed, right before she takes a header into the truck.
“Hello, Princess Chloe.” He grins, hugging her close and showering her little cheeks in kisses, Chloe laughing heartily as she hugs him back.
“Hi, Daddy. Twip time!”
“Yes, it's trip time, baby girl. Do you remember where we're going?”
“Diney!” The answer comes in stereo as Evie comes out of the store with her little back pack resting comfortably on her shoulders, both girls more than excited for the trip.
“That's right! Disney!” This time it's Jared who speaks, Parker patting his dad's cheek as the words come out, his own nonsensical babble joining in the conversation.
“Everything good to go?” Jensen smiles at his husband, setting Chloe in her car seat and buckling her up before doing the same to Evie.
“Bags are packed, diapers are changed, lights are off, alarm is on, clients are informed, and the tank is full. Missing anything?”
“Nope, sounds like next stop is Florida.”
“You guys ready?” Jared enthuses, a chorus of cheers-including Parker-coming from inside the truck, everyone ready to make the trip. He takes a look at everyone in turn, doing one final check, pride visible in his face.
“What'cha thinking, babe?” Jensen asks softly as they close the door to the car, the windows already rolled down to let the breeze in for the kids.
“That we've come a long way and that there's nowhere I'd rather be than right here, with you guys.”
Jared leans in for a kiss, Jensen grinning as someone honks at them from the street. It doesn't even matter because they've both got their family, their happiness, and yet another road trip to write about.
The End
notes| art| master post