We Made it Through the Rain, Chapter Four
Title: We Made it Through the Rain
Author: tcs1121
Artist: bluefire986
Characters and Pairing: Jensen/Jared, Felicia Day, DJ Qualls, Chad Michael Murry, Misha Collins, Osric Chau, Jim Beaver, OCs
Cameos and mentions: Genevieve Cortese, Rob Benedict, Alona Tal, Aliana Huffman, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Bryan Norcross
Rating: NC-17
Genre: J2 AU, hurt/comfort. Timestamp to my 2019 Big Bang Marconi Plays the Mamba. This timestamp is pure, self-indulgent, Jensen hurt/Jared comfort.
Word Count: ~30,120
Beta: kee, who understands me and makes me better. Cheers to us, bb!
Warnings: H/C with an NC-17 rating (and some humor)
Disclaimer: Untrue story. Character names are being used without permission. No money changes hands.
A/N 1. I suggest you read Marconi Plays the Mambafor the full context. It's a fun story. Some of the early dialogue is straight from Marconi, but this story is from Jared's point of view.
A/N 2. This is Jensen's rescue plus the four-month recovery/rehab left out of the original story. It is all Hurt!Jensen/Caring!Jared all the time.
A/N 3. This timestamp begins during the storm, seconds before the defenestration. I can't help it. I love that word and I probably won't ever be able to use it in a story again.
Summary:
"I get congratulated for every little, normal thing, like getting toothpaste on my toothbrush instead of all over my clothes. I get recognized and thanked a dozen times a day, but Jared, you know what? I don't feel strong or brave, and I sure as hell don't feel lucky. I feel damaged, like, everywhere. Every piece of me is moving in a way that hurts. I don't deserve their appreciation, I don't want their platitudes, I just want to be normal and not broken all to bits."
~~*~~*~~
Back to Part Three
After that unfortunate incident, Jensen was as good as gold. He returned to Bay Sun Rehab and was both happy and sad to discover that Derrick had gone home. In his place was an elderly gentleman who slept most of the time.
When Jared came for his Thursday visit, to his surprise, he was directed to the therapy department.
"I've never been to any of his therapy sessions, and I'm not sure Jensen wants me there. It's okay, I'll wait in his room."
"I don't know," a young woman dressed in purple scrubs said. "I'm one of Jensen's caregivers and he specifically asked me to keep a lookout for you and get you to therapy."
"He did?" Jared smiled so hard his face crackled. "Well, please lead the way."
Even in the late afternoon, the large therapy gym was bustling with therapeutic activities. Over in the corner, on a mat table, Jensen lay supine, lifting weights with his left arm. There were weighted cuffs on his left ankle. The young therapist, Dee, whom Jared had met in the hospital in tears, was instructing Jensen.
Jared casually sauntered over. "Hey, you."
Jensen lit up. "Oh, good. You're here." He glanced at Dee. "Are you ready?"
"Sure am."
"What's going on?" Jared asked, still smiling.
"I'm going to show you how best to help Jensen transfer into and out of the wheelchair." She removed the weights and put them aside. "He's non-weightbearing on the right leg, and weight bearing as tolerated on the left."
Jensen looked both smug and shy as he sat up, without help, on the edge of the mat.
She continued, "Then I'm going to show you how to maneuver his wheelchair up steps and curbs. And then, we're going to practice automobile transfers, so you'll have to bring your car around."
"Jeep," Jensen said.
"You'll have to bring your Jeep around."
"Don't get me wrong," Jared said. "I think this is all great, but why now. I mean, why this afternoon?"
Jensen looked at the therapist, then to Jared. "It's so you'll know what to do when you take me home tomorrow."
All the air rushed out of Jared's lungs. He sat heavily next to Jensen on the mat. "Is that true? You're not shitting me, are you?" He clapped his hand over his mouth, looked at Dee and said, "I'm sorry."
He turned back to Jensen, "Please don't be shitting me."
"I'm not, I swear."
"Oh, thank God." Jared threw his arms around Jensen, hugging him so hard he almost lifted him up off the mat. "Finally."
"Whoa, whoa, wait for all the manhandling until we get home." Jensen was smiling ear to ear.
"Home. Oh my God, Jensen, you're coming home. That sounds amazing." But then, Jared looked at Jensen, his knee brace immobilizing his right knee, the casted arm and braced right elbow, and the wheelchair he was expected to help Jensen get into and out of. It all looked so frightening, but to have Jensen home with him, Jared could do anything.
"You're looking scared," Jensen said, playfully. "Having second thoughts about me renovating the master bedroom?"
Jared shook himself out of it. "Never. Just make it match our new bathroom."
When the therapist went to get Jensen's wheelchair. Jared leaned in close. "Don't let me hurt you. Make sure I don't hurt you."
"You won't." Jensen leaned up and nuzzled into his neck. "But I'll make sure."
"This is awesome. It's like a dream come true." Jared chuckled, "God, I am a sap. I'm the sappiest sap whoever sapped."
"Yeah, but, you're my sap." Jensen grinned.
"I am." Jared kissed him again. "I really, really am."
"So, if you think you're ready to take me on," Jensen beamed up at him. "then, take me home."
"That was great, Jay. You're like an old pro at this." Jensen smoothed the sheets around him. "It feels so good to be clean and comfortable and here."
Jared's arms were still shaking. Not from exertion, but from the fear that he'd make a wrong move and drop Jensen. However, Jensen was right. It all went surprisingly well.
Jared cleared his throat. "Aw, that's because you're so easy. And I might add, that that's one of your most charming qualities." He sat carefully on the edge of the bed. "Hey, you want a pop tart? I got your favorites. You know, the frosted kind."
"No, I'm good. I'm great, honestly. You handled all the transfers and bathing and helping me dress exactly right. And that rainfall showerhead is amazing."
"I did everything right?" Jared tried not to sound too proud.
"You did. I was afraid that I'd feel embarrassed or shy or helpless with you helping me, but I didn't. You put me at ease, let me call the shots and you… you just went with it. You were awesome."
Jensen swallowed and said, softly, "Have I told you lately that I love you? Van Morrison version this time."
Jared lay down on top of the covers next to him. "I can't believe you're finally here. I'm so glad you're home." He ran his fingertips over the hairline scar where the stitches were and gently rubbed his thumbs high on Jensen's cheeks where there were still the light yellow and green hints of bruising. When he looked into Jensen's clear, green eyes, his own eyes suddenly blurred. His breaths started coming in short, sharp gasps.
"What is it, Jared? What's wrong?" Jensen sat up.
"Stop, stop. It's okay. Everything's okay." Jared couldn't halt the huge, gulping sobs. "It's okay, It's okay. It's all okay."
"Not believing you here, Jay."
"We almost lost you. I almost lost you." Jared gave into the tears as Jensen pulled Jared's head onto his chest. "You almost died."
"Shh, shh, I'm here and I'm not going anywhere," Jensen crooned. "The scary part is over, it's only the work that's left. But we'll be okay. I'll be okay. We got this."
Jared threw his arms around him, and Jensen rocked them back and forth making shushing sounds and giving gentle kisses.
"I know, I know. I'm sorry." Jared buried his head in Jensen's chest.
"No, babe, I'm sorry." Jensen brushed Jared's hair away from his eyes. "I am so sorry."
Jared wiped his eyes and nose on his shirt sleeve. "Don't say that. You have nothing to be sorry for. Nothing."
"Yes, I do. All this time you've been worried about me, staying with me, supporting me, talking to the doctors and therapists and nurses. Taking care of me. Every day you put up with my moods, my aches, and my general snarkiness." Jensen smiled sadly. "And nobody has been taking care of you."
"That's not true."
"No, I can't imagine what it must have been like for you after they dug me out and got me to the hospital. Then one surgery after another. I don't remember any of the early ones, but you do."
Jared looked down. "I do. Everything. I remember everything."
"Then, you spent hours driving to see me, sometimes just sitting with me, then making the drive back. And because you spent your days with me, you had to stay up all night working on your projects to make a living. Then, I go and do something stupid that sets me back, and there you are when I wake up, ready to pick up the pieces and move forward." Jensen wiped at his eyes. "I mean, you even invoked The Batman. You have been my rock, Jared, my anchor in this storm, and I haven't been there for you at all."
"You have been there. All along, working hard to get better. Now, all you have to do is just be here."
"You're wrong. We're a team, and I haven't been pulling my weight. But I swear to you that I'll do better from now on. I'll be there for you. Making you feel safe, making you feel special, making you pop tarts."
"I wish with all my heart that this hadn't happened to you."
"I know."
"I can't help but wish I didn't help you." Jared's mouth was running off on its own, and he was powerless to stop it. "Chad said you'd never have forgiven me if I didn't help you with the broadcast, especially if someone had died. But, when I think about them bringing in heavy machinery to get you out from under the wreckage…when I see you wince when you move the wrong way, and when you try hiding your pain from me, I wonder if I made the right choice. Knowing that making that choice not to help you, you probably would have left me.
"Seeing you here, so glad you're and alive and in my bed, I feel as though I've traded your well-being for my desire to have you with me. Am I pathetic, or plain insane?"
"Neither, Jay. You just love me." Jensen cocked his head to the left and gave a half smile. "Which is fortunate since I love you right back. How did we get so lucky?" Jensen shrugged. "Whatever choices we made in the past are past. I do know we made a good choice with us, because now we have our whole future to look forward to. You said something about grand kids, remember?"
"I remember."
"Then get your pajamas on, get under the covers with me and let's get this future started."
"You're on."
"Well, Jensen, welcome to your eight-week check-up. I have some good news for you."
Doc Brown sat at his desk. Jensen sat in his wheelchair with Jared standing nervously behind him.
"You can sit down now, Jay. He said it was good news." Jensen canted his head to his right indicating the chair next to him.
Jared took his beanie off, jammed it in his pocket and sat.
"We've poked and prodded you and found that, overall, you're healing nicely."
"Overall?" Jensen asked.
"That's right. How does your pelvis feel? Pretty good, right?"
"Now that you mention it, it does."
"And the headaches, are they gone?"
"Yes, they are."
Jared nodded next to him.
"That's good. There doesn't look like there's been any repercussions regarding your chest or spleen surgeries at all." The doctor clicked through the computer screens, reading without looking up. "Your pelvis, ribs and fingers are almost all healed. We're going to remove the plaster cast from your right wrist and fingers and replace it with a removable wrist support so that you can start moving it and using it again. You'll probably only need the new splint for a couple of weeks. We're going to replace the cast on your left ankle with an air splint and a walking boot. You are full weight bearing as tolerated on that, now." He looked up and smiled.
Jared smiled back. Jensen looked pensive.
"The skin damage shows total granulation-that's skin healing-and the right femur is knitting well, although it's taking longer to fully mend due to the non-weight bearing status of your knee. That's expected, and I don't foresee any problems with the femur or the healing process." He paged down the screen.
"Now, your right elbow is healing well, but it is still healing, so we don't want you bearing any weight on that, yet. However, we're ready for therapy to get it going. That elbow was dislocated pretty severely, and you will feel a twinge when you ask it to do too much, but I don't anticipate a whole lot of inconvenience after the healing is complete."
The doctor removed his reading glasses and faced them. "Which brings me to the status of your right knee. "
Jensen tensed and Jared lay his hand on his shoulder.
"I'll be honest, when I first repaired that knee, shortly after the accident, I crossed my fingers for luck, hoping it would remain stable and heal well. Deep down, I always felt that sooner or later, we'd have to do some tissue replacement surgery, possibly using synthetic materials for grafts for the ligaments. After your fall in the parallel bars, I had no choice but to rebuild the stabilizing structures. It is healing, and appears to be healing well-slowly, but surely. Unfortunately, you need to remain non-weight bearing on that leg, and, without the use of your right arm to support you-even a platform walker would put too much pressure on your elbow-you'll need to stay in your wheelchair for at least three, possibly four more weeks."
While Jared was silent, digesting the information, Jensen asked, "What about after? Is my knee permanently screwed? Will I be able to walk like a normal human being, or will I continue to be a ball and chain to those I love?"
Jared swung his head around to stare at Jensen. Where the hell did that come from?
Dr. Brown sat back in his chair and crossed his arms. "I expect you will do well enough to walk without an assistive device. Although, you probably won't be able to do things like mountain biking or rock climbing. But," he shifted his eyes between Jared and Jensen, "you're young. You have friends and family; you'll figure it out without the rock climbing."
Jared stared at the floor, while Jensen nodded to himself.
"You're doing well, son. Certainly, considering how banged up you were when you first got here. Do either of you have any more questions? "
Jared looked up to speak, but one look from Jensen silenced him.
"Not at this time, doc. Thank you." Jensen used his left arm and two wheel-rims to wheel himself out the door and down the hall.
Doc Brown clapped Jared on the back and left, leaving Jared standing alone in the orthopedist's office wondering if the news they'd gotten was good or bad.
Jensen's home physical therapist came around nine in the morning, three days a week. Even though Jensen had graduated from the intensive in-patient Bay Sun rehab, Jared driving Jensen to an outpatient clinic three times a week was still too much on him. So, his doctor arranged for therapy to come to the home until he could manage the drive without ending up a sweating, shaking mess.
On Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, Jared woke early to put the coffee on before helping Jensen shower and dress.
Jensen picked up his finger-sized piece of the toasted Everything bagel with veggie cream cheese when he looked up.
"What?" Jared wore a tentative smile. Jensen looked particularly intense this morning. He had hardly spoken, except to softly thank Jared over and over for every little thing.
"These are the perfect size for me to pick up with one hand. They have the exact amount of cream cheese and the coffee is just right."
"The coffee is black. What's up with you?"
"The shower was the perfect temperature. You helped me transfer to the shower chair and into my wheelchair exactly right. You helped me dress, put my braces and splints on and didn't bat an eye. Did I mention that you were perfect?"
"No, I'm not calling Shayna to tell her not to come."
"I don't want you to." Jensen paused, blinking up at Jared. "You put me first every day, and I just…I've interrupted the flow of your whole life. I don't know how I can…"
Jared stood like a shot. "You'd better not say that you don't know how you can thank me, or worse yet, how you can repay me. You'd better not say anything like that."
Jensen played with his bagel piece.
"Jensen, how many times do I have to tell you? We're a team, remember? You said that. A team. I'm getting sick and tired of you thinking you're somehow putting me out. I'm also a hair annoyed having to reassure you all the time, too. What more do I have to say to convince you?"
Jensen looked away.
Jared took a breath and counted to ten. In a calm, measured way, he lowered himself back into the chair.
"Jensen, we'll work through this. Okay? There's no doubt that you're going to have to help me through some tough situations during the course of our lives together. So, can it. Please."
"You're mad." Jensen's voice hitched. "I'm sorry."
"No, man, I'm not mad, but I am frustrated. I don't get how you don't get that caring for you is not a chore. I help you out, yeah, but I still work in the office, I meet with the team, and communicate with clients about improving our products. I tele-meet with Misha and Jeff, and discuss how we can expand our business. Your being here hasn't stopped any of that."
"I slow you down."
"Only in the shower. As far as helping you out, Jensen, each day you improve is a win. So, I repeat: Can it."
The doorknocker boomed and Jared got up to let Shayna, the physical therapist, in. She was short and stocky, with tight black curls and a laugh that rebounded throughout the house.
"Hey, guys. How are y'all doing this morning? Ready to rock and roll, Jensen?"
"I guess."
"I got good news, your doctor said that it was time to start working on weight bearing through your elbow so you can use crutches. And, we get to work your knee."
Jared perked up at that. "We do?"
"Yep. I'm going to be taking off the knee brace and starting some range of motion exercises. Then, we'll begin some light resistance and then on to weight bearing." Shayna put her equipment bag down and knelt down to Jensen's level. "I'll be moving your knee passively at first and then you'll be moving it with me. Easy does it, though. Let me know if it starts to hurt, and we'll stop. Pretty soon, though, you'll be getting out of this wheelchair."
"Will I still have to wear the brace every day?" Jensen asked, softly.
"For a while." Shayna looked out the picture window at the ocean and Jared's private pool. "However, you'll be able to take it off to use the pool if Jared helps you in and out. That's a great way to exercise your joints."
"I don't know," Jensen peeked up at Jared. "I'm pretty heavy to be getting in and out of the pool."
Of course, Jared couldn't let that pass. He looked at Shayna and then to Jensen and sang, "But, I'm strong. Strong enough to carry him. He ain't heavy…he's my lover."
"Oh, no, you did not just say that." Shayna dissolved into high pitched giggles.
Jared saw how hard it was for Jensen to work up a smile. Something was bothering him. Jared resolved that he would let Jensen talk it out the next time they sat down together. But, honestly, he was tired of assuring and reassuring Jensen after every little thing he did for him. Taking care of Jensen wasn't a burden. Surely his singing made that clear?
He probably shouldn't've snapped at Jensen, though.
Jared didn't know what woke him. The full moon brightened the sleep-cool bedroom, the ceiling fan whirred silently and Jensen was snoring softly beside him.
Except that Jensen wasn't snoring.
"Hey, Jen," Jared whispered. "What's up? Is everything okay?"
Jensen was lying on his left side, propped up by the pillows Jared placed to keep him comfortable. He was facing Jared with his eyes closed and tears streaming down his cheeks.
"Hey, hey, I'm going to put the light on, okay."
"No, don't. Please." Jensen's voice was so soft Jared could barely hear it.
"Okay, okay." He scooted closer a couple of inches, but only a couple as Jensen flinched.
"You're hurting. Let me get you something." Jared carefully stood without disturbing him. Sometimes Jensen had break-through pain when the weather was damp or if he had a tough PT session. Today, it was both. Another half dose of his pain meds was needed to knock it back.
He measured out the dosage, filled a glass of water and knelt on one knee by the bedside.
"Here, babe. This'll help you get back to sleep."
Jensen shook his head again.
"What? What is it, Jen?"
"You're gonna…you're not…and then you won't…" and to Jared's dismay, Jensen dissolved into uncontrollable sobs.
"Jensen, what's wrong? Is it your knee? Is the pain that bad?" Jared's hands began shaking. "Do we need to go to the ER?"
Jensen looked miserable. "N-no. No hospital." But the crying was physically hurting him so Jared needed to make it stop.
He forced himself to be calm. "Please then, please, talk to me. Was the workout too rough today? Tell me what's going on, sweetheart, so I can fix it."
Sweetheart?
Jensen looked up at Jared with wide, wet eyes. "You're going to leave me."
Well, that wasn't what Jared was expecting.
"Where am I going?"
"Look at me. I can't get dressed, can't prepare food, or even go to the bathroom without help. After a whole three months, you still have to do everything for me. Everything."
Still not understanding what Jensen was getting at, Jared latched onto one thing that made sense.
"Oh, the bathroom. Do you need to use the bathroom?" Jared got up to get the wheelchair. "'I'll help you with that right now."
"No. Stop. No." Jensen's sobs became intense, interspersed with little gasps of pain.
Jared paced around the darkened room. "Don't cry, Jensen. Please tell me what's wrong."
"Stop it. You-you're doing it again. You always do that." Jensen brought his splinted wrist up to cover his face.
"I'll stop, babe. If you tell me what I'm doing, I swear I'll stop it."
Jared was completely lost.
"You're going to get so tired, and I don't blame you." Jensen sniffed and said, "I won't blame you, Jared. I want you to know that I won't blame you. I'll understand and I won't hold it against you."
"You won't?" Jared needed to get a clue out of him, and that question seemed to calm him down.
"No, Jay, no. I won't. I'll understand. I will." He nodded vigorously. "I really will."
Jared ran back bits and pieces of the conversation in his head, but came up empty.
"You really will, what?"
Jensen huffed, which made Jared happy because that huff was Jensen's huff.
"I will understand."
"You will understand…" Jared made a go on gesture.
The corners of Jensen's mouth turned down, and his chin quivered, but he was able to keep calm and carry on. He gave Jared a sad smile and said, "I know you're glad I didn't die when I got blown out of my house and dropped two stories. I know you think you can handle what has happened to me, but these injuries could affect me for the rest of my life. The doc's not sure my knee will ever heal properly, and we really don't know how well I'll heal at all. I'm afraid that I'll end up becoming a burden to those around me, especially you. So, I think it would be best if you and I ended this relationship now before you're…before you are forced to…I love you and never want to hurt you and I know asking me to leave will hurt you, so I'll go without you asking." Jensen couldn't continue as soft sobs overtook him.
Jared felt ice water run through his veins as he slumped to the floor next to the bed.
Huh?
What?
Jensen was breaking up with him?
This time Jared took a moment and ran the entire conversation over in his head starting from the I won't blame you.
Oh.
Oh.
"Christ, Jensen. You scared me." Jared wished he had a paper bag to breathe into. How did he not realize until this very moment, that Jensen was a giant dummy?
He rolled up to his knees and stared Jensen in the eye. "Jesus H. Christ, man, I thought you were dying."
"I feel like it sometimes."
Jared found the water glass and the pill and handed them to Jensen.
"Take this and listen."
Jensen huffed again, wiped his eyes, and dutifully took the pain medication.
Jared got up and sat cross legged on the bed facing Jensen.
"Now, let me get this straight."
"Jared, I know that…"
"You had your turn. Let me talk."
Jensen glanced away, tears still leaking from his eyes. Well, Jared couldn't have that, so he took the pads of his thumbs and brushed them away.
"Okay, now listen to me and see if I'm getting this straight."
Jensen waited.
"You think I will break off our relationship, at some undetermined time in the future, because of the help you currently need. You are afraid that your knee, and maybe other body parts, won't heal properly, and I'll consider you a burden, so, because you love me and don't want to hurt me, you'll leave now so I won't have to go through the emotionally painful process of kicking you out later. That sound right?"
Jensen blinked twice. "Yes, that was very, uh, succinct. Yeah." Jensen said, impressed.
Jared could tell that the stress levels were going down to manageable levels, so maybe they could have this conversation.
"So, do you see a flaw in this plan?"
Jensen looked pensive. "No. Do you?"
"You're missing a long string of code in this program."
"I don't think so. See, you might not think…"
"I'm doing the talking."
"But you asked a question."
"It was rhetorical."
"No, it wasn't."
"Yes, it was."
"No, it wasn't."
"Jensen. I love you. I. Love. You. That's the factor you left out when forming your big, let's-save-Jared-the-trouble-of-kicking-me-out, plan. I am so fucking glad that you are here, huffing at me, that I don't care how long it takes you to get on your feet again. I don't care if you never get on your feet again because you know what?"
"No, what?" Jensen was dewy eyed but no tears.
"When you first got hurt, and all the doctors and nurses were trying so hard to keep you…" Shit, now where did that lump in his throat come from? "…alive, I asked outright if you would ever walk again. When they said that you probably would, do you know what I said?"
"No," Jensen said in a tiny voice.
"I said I was glad that I wouldn't have to haul your heavy ass around, but that I would. I would gladly push, pull, lift, haul or do anything to keep you with me. I said I'd buy you a bitchin' set of wheels if you needed them."
"You did?"
"I said to Doc Brown, and I'll say to you, that I'm in this for the long haul. Unless," a sad thought occurred to him. "unless you've had enough of me, and that's why you want to leave."
Jared's eyes went wide. "Oh, God, Jensen, have I been overbearing? Have I been thoughtless because I was trying to be supportive, when actually I was diminishing your sense of independence, dignity, and self-worth?"
"You're a fool." Jensen interrupted.
Jared blinked. Jensen's eyes had dried up, and there was faint amusement in the turn of his lips.
"I'm a fool?"
"If you think I'm anything but grateful for all the care you've given me, then yes. You are a fool."
"Well, so are you."
"Am not."
"Are too."
"You're right, I am." Jensen deflated. "I don't want to be a drain on you and that's what I feel I am. Nothing you have ever done or said has made me feel anything but loved." He smiled warmly at Jared. "These feelings are all internal, but they're real to me. I feel useless, and can't imagine ever walking properly or using my limbs right, or living without something hurting. But the most excruciating pain would be you telling me that you'd had enough. I don't want to go through that, but more than that, I don't want you to go through that."
"Then, let's cross that off our list. I'm sure we'll have our ups and downs, but I ain't goin' nowhere." Jared became serious, "Do you feel like you're dying sometimes?"
"Only when I imagine you leaving me, and I buy into it."
"That's why we're crossing it off."
"You're sure?" Jensen asked in that tiny voice again.
"I'm sure."
"Then I'll cross it off. "
"Well, good. I'm glad we have that settled. Even though I thought that was settled a while back." Jared smiled and forced his dimples on Jensen.
"I didn't factor in," Jensen closed his eyes-when the pain meds had kicked in, they made him sleepy-"I also didn't factor in how much I love you and would miss you if I made you leave."
Pain meds also made him sappy.
"You'll heal, Jensen. You're healing now. You will get better. Even if you don't get all better, we'll be good. We'll be better than good, we'll be golden."
"You mean it?" Jensen's eyes were drooping.
"We'll be walking in fields of gold." Jared scooted up and kissed him gently until Jensen began snoring.
I know it's true because we're golden right now.
"Okay. Time to get your heavy ass out of the pool. You're turning into a prune."
"My heavy ass? My heavy ass? You're the one, uh, with the heavy ass."
"Snappy comeback, man," Jared snickered.
Jensen had begun using crutches, but only sparingly. The tenderness he still felt in his elbow and forearm, and the fear of hurting his knee again, made him skittish. Which suited Jared just fine. However, Jensen was able to transfer everywhere all on his own, even into and out of the Jacuzzi.
Getting out of the pool still required some additional manpower, though. And some strategically placed towels.
Once Jensen was showered and safely seated, Jared said, "So, it's early, and we should take a drive."
"We should?"
"You know, for fun. Like a fun ride. Possibly ending with ice cream. And hey, you could use your crutches to do what your therapist said about walking in less familiar and unfamiliar environments."
"I would do that for ice cream. And a fun ride? You know, I can't remember the last time we went anywhere for fun. No doctor visits, no outpatient therapy, just out for a ride." Jensen said, "It's about time."
"Don't forget the ice cream part."
"I didn't. Can we go to What's the Scoop? I love their maple walnut ice cream with wet walnuts, Oreo pieces and walnut halves." Jensen looked off into the ocean dreamy eyed.
"You're a walnut whore. I was thinking Ice Cream Fundae. I'm in the mood for some hot salted caramel poured over French vanilla ice cream with sliced bananas, fresh blueberries and pineapple." Jared was drooling already.
"Naw, too healthy with all that fruit, but you know who makes the best double churned mocha ice cream with caramel glaze, pecans and whipped cream?"
They looked at one another and said, "The Dreamery Creamery."
"As long as I can have walnuts added to it, I'm in. Let's go." Jensen reared back on the wheels and jetted out of the house, Jared jogging close behind.
Jared had traded in his old green Jeep Wrangler for a white Jeep Grand Cherokee. Jensen's car, a BMW Z4 convertible, sat safely in Jared's garage waiting for when Jensen could use the stick again.
Jared had Jensen's crutches, and Jensen loaded into the car when his phone burst into a chorus of Margaritaville. Jared's Jeep let Jared talk and drive, as he backed out of his driveway.
"Hey Chad, what's up?"
"Jayman, I'm at the WBB station tweaking one of the software patches Osric uploaded."
"And?"
"See, the thing is, uh, I mean it's not a big thing, but there's still a thing."
"English Chad. Full sentences." Jared hung a left, pointing the wheels towards The Dreamery Creamery.
"I need you for five minutes. That's all. Eight minutes tops. With that big brain of yours, you'll be out in four."
Jared sighed and snuck a peek at Jensen. "How about tomorrow? Jen and I are finally out for fun."
Jensen patted Jared's arm. "It's okay. Swing by the station and give Chad eight minutes."
"Eight minutes, Chad. Got it?"
"Cross my pirate-loving heart."
*click*
"I'm really sorry about this, man." Jared took the next right. "I'm setting the timer on my watch. At the eight-minute mark, I am out of there."
"Well, I might want to, I don't know…" Jensen bit his lip.
"What? Hey, I just realized that you haven't been back to the station yet." Jared grinned wide. "Let's surprise your friends and co-workers by suddenly showing up. And you walking in. Oh my God, Jensen, that would be awesome." Jared's knees were bouncing, even the one on the accelerator. "I know they would love to see you. Do you want to? Do you feel up to it?"
"I think I do." Jensen said, surprised.
"Then let's do it." Jared swung right again and picked up the pace.
"You never intended for us to get ice cream, did you?"
"Nope." Jared's eyes glittered.
"And you did this in such a way, that our coming here," Jensen waved his hands, "seemed like my idea?"
"Yes, and it's at your peril lest you forget how smart a genius I am."
Jensen adjusted his golden party crown, up over his eyes to glare at Jared.
The music selection changed from the Scorpion's Rock You Like a Hurricane to Jimi Hendrix singing The Wind Cries Mary.
The entire news crew and staff from WBB (sans the Marks and Dick IT team), and Jared's tech team had amassed at the studio to surprise Jensen and celebrate his homecoming.
Big Jim Beaver was there with some guy Jared had never seen before, but he was told gave the market report and whose name was Alexander.
Genevieve, wearing glittery black leggings, a gray sleeveless silk shirt under a black leather bomber jacket, and motorcycle boots, seemed very interested in what Alexander was saying.
Amidst the food, drinks and music, Jared felt a wave of grateful affection and shared happiness. When Jensen crutched his way into WBB, they all, finally heaved a collective sigh of relief.
Even Alaina Huffman was dancing in the cleared-out computer console room. She and Misha made a surprisingly handsome couple.
"Jensen, Jensen, look over here, look over here." Osric hopped up on a high stool, having had completed tacking up a banner saying:
Whether it was Monday, Wednesday or Sunday, every moment was boring and gloomy when you were away. We missed you, Jensen.
That was in addition to the one that read: The cocoNUTS at WBB are glad you're home, Jensen!
And:
Come back, come back, back to Jamaica
Don't chu know we made a big mistaica
We'd be so sad if you told us good-bye
And we promise not to shoot you out of the sky.
We Missed You, Cap'n JenBird!
Jensen gave Osric a thumbs-up from sidelines where he sat watching his friends lurch and flail for what was passing for dancing. Dancing was off the table for him for at least several more months. Jared saw that Jensen's glass was empty. "Hey, I'll get you a refill."
"Thanks," he smiled. "Iced tea, please."
Joe Cocker started growling out that There's a Storm Coming.
"With one sugar and extra ice. Got it." Jared stood.
"Oh, and ask Chad to come over. I want to talk to him."
Jared blinked a couple of times, "Okay."
Jared gave Chad the message, and if Jensen wanted a private conversation, he didn't expressly say so, so Jared remained within earshot.
"Hey, Jensen. How you doing, man? Were you surprised that we surprised you?"
Jensen held out his hand. Chad squinted at it before reaching out with his. Jensen firmly shook Chad's hand and said, "Thank you for being Jared's friend and supporting him through all this. I was in no shape to be any comfort when he needed someone, and you were. You were there for him. You let him lean on you, and you gave him the emotional strength and," Jensen swallowed before continuing, "hope he needed to carry on through the dark days. You held him together and took care of him when I couldn't. And, for that, I will be forever grateful to you."
Chad was silent. Jared's eyes watered, but he blinked hard and shouldered his way back to them.
"Here's your drink," Jared said with fake peppiness.
"So, uh, Jensen," Chad sniffed and scratched his nose. "Did you know that the average cloud, even though it looks light and fluffy, weighs over a million pounds?"
"That's a whole lot of cloud," Jensen smiled. "Adds up to almost a hundred Asian elephants."
"Whoa, shit, man. You know about weather and elephants?"
"He's a keeper," Jared said.
Milli Vanilli had just stopped blaming it on the rain when Jimmy Buffett began crooning Tryin' to Reason With Hurricane Season.
They all took sips from their respective drinks when Jensen began humming. Then he looked at Chad and sang softly, "And now I must confess, I could use some rest. I can't run at this pace very long."
Chad smiled and joined in, "Yes, it's quite insane. I think it hurts my brain."
They sang the chorus in sweet harmony. "But it cleans me out, then I can go on."
"Oh, and Jensen?"
"Yes, Cap'n ChadBird?
"You didn't have to thank me for that." He winked. "Not even a little bit."
Katie walked up, but before she spoke, Chad took her by the arm and said, "Dance with me m'lady?"
"Okay, sure."
And they wandered off to dance to Bruno Mars predicting that It Will Rain.
"You doing okay?" Jared asked, placing his arm around Jensen's shoulders.
"I am, but…"
"But what?"
"I don't think I'm going to be coming back here. I feel like my time here is over and I'm ready to move forward."
"With me, I hope." Jared nudged his shoulder.
"Of course, with you." Jensen took Jared's hand.
"You know," Jared squeezed Jensen's hand. "I've been thinking that after we get back from Venezuela, we should see for ourselves if East Carolina University still stands in Greenville, North Carolina. That way, you'll get to forecast rather than broadcast the weather."
"Do you think I could do it?"
"I know you can." Jared kissed Jensen's knuckles.
Jensen looked down and swiped at his eyes. Without looking up, he said, "When was the last time I told you that you were the best boyfriend ever?"
"I think it was around Lard Have Mercy." Jared ruffled Jensen's hair.
"Oh man, those fried, bacon-wrapped chicken strips were the best." He leaned in and kissed Jared softly. "I love you, you know."
"I want to thank y'all for coming in to celebrate Jensen's return to the station," Big Jim boomed. "Much as I'da liked to keep dancin' and drinkin', some of us gotta go back ta work. But it would be shoddy of me, and not to mention rude, not to single out my friend Osric for setting the stage, amassing the crowd, bringing in the food and getting the decorations, including that crown you're wearin', son." He pointed at Jensen.
"Let's give him a round of applause for his hard work."
The station got loud with whooping and hollering. Osric blushed when they all began clapping like fools.
Except Jensen. Jensen was looking at his hands with dismay.
"What's wrong?" Jared asked.
"I, uh, I don't know. Something is keeping me from clapping." He looked up wildly. "I'm afraid to clap. Why am I afraid to clap?"
A lump formed in Jared's throat that he had to clear before saying, "Because I told you not to."
Jensen cocked his head to the side quizzically. "You what?"
"When you were in the hospital, I told you not to clap because you were holding my heart in your hands."
Jensen grinned. "No way."
Jared nodded. "I told you never to clap, but it's okay, now. You're here with me, and we're planning a future together. So, go ahead and applaud. I trust you with my heart now."
Jensen shook his head. "We actually are MFEO, you know."
"I know," Jared gave Jensen a lop-sided grin. "We are such nerds."
Then, they clapped.
"Come on, Jared. Let's do it again. The ceremony is in two days." Jensen banged his cane on the floor for emphasis.
"Are you sure that there's only four stairs to get up onto stage?" Jared asked.
"Yes, yes, yes, and I want to practice because I don't want to look like I'm drunk going up to accept my award." Jensen banged his cane again.
"Bitchy, bitchy, bitchy." Jared shook his head.
"Call me that all you want, but I intend to make a good impression on my boyhood hero." Jensen blushed furiously. "Can you believe they got Bryan Norcross to give me a medal?"
Of course, Jared could believe it. Unbeknownst to Jensen, Jared had made a personal written plea to the awards committee requesting that Bryan Norcross be the presenter. Plus, he paid to have railings constructed on both sides of the steps Jensen would have to climb to get on the stage.
"Up and at 'em, Jay. Let's go again."
"Okay, okay. Remember what your therapist said. Up with the good foot, down with the bad."
"I don't have a good foot," Jensen huffed. And dear God, how Jared adored that huff.
"So, go up with the bad foot and go down with the terrible one. Are you sure you don't want to use your crutches, because I can hand them to you when you get up on stage?"
Jensen thought a second. "No, I want to use the cane. Even though I have a little trouble getting my balance with I first stand up, I'm okay after that. I think it'll actually be easier than crutches for the stairs."
"All righty then. Let's take it from the top, or, well, the bottom." Jared looked around. "Wait a minute, where's Medardus? I don't want you tripping over her."
"DJ came by to get her. He said Scout missed her." Jensen laughed. "DJ has always wanted me to get a dog so we could have play dates. I don't have the heart to tell him that kidnapping my dog does not count as a play date."
"Our dog. Meddie is our dog."
"Our dog," Jensen conceded.
One day last month, Jared came home and found Jensen and DJ playing with two balls of fur in the living room. Scout was play-bowing beside Jensen's wheelchair, and this cute little brown and white girl was sitting in his lap. They had just gotten back from The Last Chance Rescue and Jared fell instantly in love with Meddie's one brown ear and two brown paws.
"So, let's do this." Jared indicated the staircase.
Jensen made it up and down four steps without a snag, and when he reached the bottom, he raised his arms in victory shouting, "Boo-Ya!"
Fortunately, Jared was close enough to grab him before he landed on his ass.
"Except for the almost-fall just now," Jared rolled his eyes, "I think you're ready, man. Hardly even a hitch in your stride. How do you feel?"
"I feel good." Jensen walked over to the breakfast bar and sat. "Barely a twinge, I still need to get stronger, but I feel good."
By habit, Jared kissed the top of his head before sitting next to him. "Bryan will be impressed, but you'd better not forget who you came with." Jared smiled his 1000-watt smile. "And who's taking you home."
"I won't forget." Jensen stroked Jared's arm, "Besides, Bryan is way too old for me." He leaned in, "And you aren't," and tried to kiss Jared's left dimple off before sucking on Jared's tongue.
"No," Jared said, standing with intent. "In fact, I'm younger than you."
He pulled Jensen to stand. Hugging him gently but firmly, Jared crowded him up against the wall, "I think a little dynamic standing practice is in order." He held him tight while he ravaged Jensen's lips and tongue.
Jared came up for air. "You know, so you won't get out of practice."
They turned in each other's arms, Jared bearing some of Jensen's weight, until Jensen pushed Jared into the kitchen chair and sat across his lap, sidesaddle.
"I think some dynamic sitting balance," Jensen bounced lightly in Jared's lap, "is in order as well."
Jensen dug his fingers into Jared's hair and aimed Jared's head just so. The attack Jensen made with his lips, teeth and tongue was what legends were made of.
"You are so fucking sexy," Jared gasped. "Like a fucking sexy sex machine."
"Boy, how I've missed your sweet talk." Jensen dove in for another round, and God, the things he was doing to him drove Jared insane.
"I can't wait, man." Jared worked his own tongue down Jensen's neck and up behind his ear.
"Can't wait for what?" Jensen asked, nipping at Jared's collarbone.
"You know," Jared pulled Jensen's tee shirt up and attacked, his left nipple, circling and sucking madly. The little whimpers Jensen made were angel music.
"What do I know?" Jensen returned the attack by pulling Jared's green tank top up over his head and leaving small bites down his chest.
Jared did some musical whimpering of his own.
"You know when we can…" Jared pressed his tongue into Jensen's mouth, using the tip to outline the bumps and ridges of Jensen's teeth and gums until they both came up for air.
"Oh, you mean go to the windfarm," Jensen panted before pouncing.
Jared advanced, then pulled back. "Go to the windfarm? No, no, that's not what I meant at all."
Jensen's cheeks were adorably flushed and his eyes were shining. "Have sex, I mean."
Jared scrunched his eyebrows together, then remembered that Jensen's mind had wandered to the Biglow Canyon windfarm during one of their first sexual encounters. He barked a laugh.
"Yes, have sex, I mean."
Jared suddenly felt shy, but he wanted to ask, "Do you think it would hurt if we made love?"
Jensen's head whipped around. "If?"
"I mean, I'll be gentle and will, of course, stop if anything feels bad, but, man, you look so good right now and taste so good right now, and I'd really like to put my mouth all over you."
"You would, huh?" Jensen's boyish grin turned into something decidedly steamier.
"Yeah. Right now." Jared loomed large. "You, lying there naked, on my nice cool sheets, and me, tasting you everywhere."
Jensen cocked his head sideways. "I can't see how that could hurt."
"We could incorporate both static and dynamic transitional movements into the mix."
"And then we would have sex, right?" Jensen asked.
"Give the word." Jared wrapped his arms around Jensen and helped him stand.
Jensen nipped small kisses along Jared's face and worked his way up to his ear. "The word is given."
There was a decided advantage to having the master bedroom on the first floor. Jared hooked one arm around Jensen, and hooked Jensen's cane around the other and brought them all into the bedroom.
Jensen sat on the edge of the bed watching Jared strip naked.
"Jesus," Jensen said. "Talk about a sexy sex machine."
Jared dropped to his knees and crawled between Jensen's legs. Jensen used his hands to heft his right leg over to give Jared more room. Jared immediately got to work on removing Jensen's shirt.
"When is DJ coming back?"
"Late, late, very late." Jensen pulled both arms out of the sleeves.
"I want you naked." Jared said, undoing Jensen's belt buckle and relieving him of his jeans and briefs. Nothing was sexier to Jared than Jensen naked except for his socks.
Jared nuzzled the curls surrounding Jensen's hardening cock. Jensen lay back on his elbows to watch.
"Wait, here, let me." Jared lifted Jensen's legs, spun him around and propped him up against the headboard with pillows behind him.
"You're good at this manhandling thing." Jensen lay back against the pillows and bent his knees up and out.
Jensen's cock was now fully hard, and his face was flushed. There was the barest circle of green in his eyes as he licked his lips and waited.
Jared had seen a lot of naked Jensen over the past months. Up until recently he had to help him toilet, bathe and dress. But today, he let himself stare.
Jensen had lost a fair amount of weight and muscle mass. His skin was pasty white from being out of the sun, and there were pink/red scars crisscrossing his body. Jared kissed them one by one.
He may never walk without a limp. He will always feel the weather in his bones.
He slowly worked his way up and down the healed surgical incisions crossing his chest and ribs.
No blood in his chest anymore, his spleen is whole, the broken ribs and pelvis are all healed.
His hand cradled Jensen's head and his thumb caressed his hairline where the twelve stitches had scarred over.
No blood on his face. No bruising. No swelling. Only my beautiful, beautiful boy.
"Jared."
Jared kissed down Jensen's right hip to his knee, paying special attention to where Dr. Brown had twice repaired the damage. Feather light touches of his lips to the mottled skin of his back that had been shredded off but healed now to a healthy pink.
The skin looks burned and thin. But no pain, no pain, so I don't care.
"Jay? Come on, come up here."
Jared smoothed his hands over the fractured ankle.
His ankle will always pain him when the weather is damp. He's been through so much.
… and kissed along the right elbow, wrist and hand. Salty wet streaks were left in his wake and he wrapped his arms around Jensen and sobbed softly with his head on Jensen's chest.
"Oh, no. No more." Jensen said, harshly. "That's enough of that, Jared, and not enough of this."
Using his strong left arm, Jensen pushed Jared off and rolled him to his side. Jensen snuck up behind and pressed his hard cock under Jared's balls and between Jared's legs and pumped his hips.
Jared was stunned by how, in the blink of an eye, his mood transformed from brooding and sad to wanting and horny.
"Holy shit, Jensen. How did you do that?" he moaned as Jensen's hard-on pressed relentlessly against Jared's hole and balls.
"It's at your peril lest you forget that I've been lifting weights with that arm for four months." Jensen bit down on the back of Jared's neck.
Jared thrust backwards seeking out the friction of Jensen's cock. "I did, I did," Jared panted. "My peril, my peril."
Jensen wrapped his arms around Jared's chest and pinched his nipples before reaching down to take Jared's cock firmly in hand.
"Well don't forget again, Oh, and Jared?"
"Shit, what, Jensen? What?" Jared pumped his dick into Jensen's hand.
"I ain't gonna break. I did that already. Now where's the lube?"
Jared moaned, ran his hand under his pillow and slapped a small bottle into Jensen's hand.
Jensen's smooth, moist hands were pulling and tugging at Jared's dick in a way that made Jared's eyes cross.
"Squeeze your legs together," Jensen panted into Jared's ear.
Jared obliged and felt Jensen's lubed erection pumping in and out between them, running a delicious friction against Jared's balls and ass.
Jensen pulled Jared back against him and continued his punishing rhythm until he felt Jensen stiffen and gasp, "Yesss."
Jensen came hot and hard between Jared's legs, shooting all over Jared's thighs, ass and nice, cool sheets.
Jared was caught by surprise by the sheer hotness of it, that he grabbed his own hard-on and had his way with himself, adding his load to Jensen's on his stomach.
Heavy panting and the gurgling of the Keurig in the bathroom were the only sounds in the bright mid-afternoon bedroom.
"Wow, Jen. I didn't know you were a take-charge kind of guy. "
"I know." Jensen winked. "I'm awesome."
Jensen rolled on his back and Jared rolled onto his. They turned and stared at each other.
"I feel so naughty," Jensen giggled.
"Give me ten minutes to recoup and I'll show you what naughty really feels like," Jared said, grinning.
"I needed to take the edge off before we got down to business. Now, we can take our time, because, uh," Jensen cleared his throat and turned away.
"What?"
"Well, I can't get up on my knees yet, or be too athletic. But we can work with the side-lying, right?"
"You'd better believe it, and I hate to call you a liar, but you were pretty athletic just now."
Jensen shrugged, proudly. "I don't want you to have to relive the accident when you look at my scars. Do you think you could try to put it behind us and not make it a ghost in our bed?"
"I can try." Jared nudged closer and kissed Jensen's nose, then his eyes, then the scar on his forehead. "Not all the way yet, but someday I will. Especially if every time I see your scars, some kind of hot sex is involved."
"You drive a hard bargain, tech guy."
"I have layers, Jen. Architectural abstraction layers, but layers nonetheless. I also have meta elements, semantic elements and structural elements…"
Jensen shut him up by sucking on Jared's tongue. After coming up for air, Jensen asked, "D'ya think maybe you could stop geeking out long enough to fuck me?"
Jared leered, "That I can do."
He rolled Jensen gently onto his left side and moved behind him. He propped pillows around Jensen's legs to help keep his thighs open. Jensen grabbed the headboard with both hands and tested its strength.
"All systems are go, Jay. Let the thunder roll and the lightning strike."
"I am the God of Thunder," Jared replied, pouring lube into his hand. "And rock and roll."
Jensen barely flinched as Jared stroked across Jensen's hole with a wet, probing finger. Pressing in gently past the first ring of muscle, Jared felt when Jensen relaxed into it.
Jared gently crooked his finger before adding a second one. Jensen sighed, "Keep it rolling, keep it rolling."
Finally, three fingers deep up to the second knuckle. Jared worked more lube and began a pumping rhythm.
"Ready. I'm ready already." Jensen said pumping back into Jared's fingers. "Do it."
Jared stopped long enough to remove his fingers and apply pressure to slow down his own enthusiastic erection. He slid his hand way under his pillow and came back with a condom which he hurriedly applied.
"Ready?" Jared panted, pushing in slowly. "Tell me to stop if it gets too much."
Although Jared wasn't sure he could actually stop at this point.
Jared heard Jensen snicker before he groaned loud and long. He had forgotten how loud Jensen could get. Music to his ears.
"God Jay, hold up a minute."
Jared stopped his progress waiting for Jensen to adjust. "You okay?" he croaked.
"Yeah, doing good. Just waiting for my bones to stop creaking. Jesus, you're big."
Jared held still before stuttering, "Don't, don't let me hurt you."
"Won't. Doing okay, now take it home." Jensen pushed back as Jared moved forward until fully seated.
A calm came over Jared as he lay there as close to another person as one could get. A contentment that had nothing to do with sex washed through him. Jensen let out a breath ending on a chuckle.
"Something funny, dude?" Jared smirked.
"No, not funny, not exactly, I just, I just," Jensen hesitated. "I feel like I'm home. Okay? God, now, I sound like the sap." Jensen pumped his hips carefully then nodded. "You're rubbing off on me."
"No, not today, today I'm fucking you, and I don't think you can possibly out-sap me, sweetheart." Jared pumped back, with intent, this time. "You good?"
"I'm good." Jensen pushed back twice as hard. "Move."
Taking that as the challenge it was, Jared let loose, still mindful of Jensen's creaky bones. Jensen held onto the headboard like the Titanic was sinking. Rocking up and down with the crashing waves as Jared shifted and swayed. Jared took Jensen's cock in hand and began a punishing rhythm.
"Yes, Jay, yes. There, there," Jensen muttered. "Right there, right there."
As the wave crested, Jensen let go of the headboard and arched back in almost a perfect bow.
Jensen looked surprised as he shuddered, coming hard into Jared's hand. Jared worked him through it and then set his own course. Perhaps not as carefully as he first intended, Jared pumped hard into Jensen one, two, three, and closing his eyes as his orgasm overtook his senses.
They both lay unmoving for many hours, or seconds. Jared wasn't sure.
"Wow," Jensen panted. "Sex good."
"Sex fantastic," Jared agreed.
Jensen hissed as Jared pulled out. Tying off the condom, Jared walked to the bathroom for a warm washcloth and an even warmer towel.
Jensen lay back letting Jared clean and warm him. His eyes were sleepy, but happy when he said, "Best. Boyfriend. Ever."
"And you said that without me feeding you fried chicken tenders." Jared rolled Jensen on his side and wrapped his arms around him.
Jared felt Jensen yawn, deep and sleepy. "You know what?" Jensen mumbled.
"What?"
"We did it, Jay."
"Yes, I know. I was right here."
"No, I mean we weathered this storm and made it through the rain. Together. I don't know what I would have done without you."
"You'll never have to know, because I'm always going to be here."
Jensen cuddled closer.
"You, know," Jared ran his fingers through Jensen's hair, "I never told you this, but PMC had a choice of two jobs when we signed on at WBB. We didn't have enough manpower for both, so it was up to me to decide which contract to take. I knew you were the weatherman at the station, and way out of my league," he scratched the top of Jensen's head, "but the prospect of working on upgrading all the weather feeds coming into the station was the reason I chose WBB. I didn't expect to find the one I wanted to spend the rest of my life with."
Jensen closed his eyes and hummed.
"Jensen, meeting you, knowing you, and loving you are the best things that have ever happened to me. While there are bound to be bad times, I know that the good times will always outweigh them. Right? Jensen?"
Jared rose up on his elbow and looked over to see Jensen drooling on the pillow sound asleep.
"Guess your stamina still needs work, huh?"
~~*~~*~~
On to the Epilogue
Author: tcs1121
Artist: bluefire986
Characters and Pairing: Jensen/Jared, Felicia Day, DJ Qualls, Chad Michael Murry, Misha Collins, Osric Chau, Jim Beaver, OCs
Cameos and mentions: Genevieve Cortese, Rob Benedict, Alona Tal, Aliana Huffman, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Bryan Norcross
Rating: NC-17
Genre: J2 AU, hurt/comfort. Timestamp to my 2019 Big Bang Marconi Plays the Mamba. This timestamp is pure, self-indulgent, Jensen hurt/Jared comfort.
Word Count: ~30,120
Beta: kee, who understands me and makes me better. Cheers to us, bb!
Warnings: H/C with an NC-17 rating (and some humor)
Disclaimer: Untrue story. Character names are being used without permission. No money changes hands.
A/N 1. I suggest you read Marconi Plays the Mambafor the full context. It's a fun story. Some of the early dialogue is straight from Marconi, but this story is from Jared's point of view.
A/N 2. This is Jensen's rescue plus the four-month recovery/rehab left out of the original story. It is all Hurt!Jensen/Caring!Jared all the time.
A/N 3. This timestamp begins during the storm, seconds before the defenestration. I can't help it. I love that word and I probably won't ever be able to use it in a story again.
Summary:
"I get congratulated for every little, normal thing, like getting toothpaste on my toothbrush instead of all over my clothes. I get recognized and thanked a dozen times a day, but Jared, you know what? I don't feel strong or brave, and I sure as hell don't feel lucky. I feel damaged, like, everywhere. Every piece of me is moving in a way that hurts. I don't deserve their appreciation, I don't want their platitudes, I just want to be normal and not broken all to bits."
~~*~~*~~
Back to Part Three
After that unfortunate incident, Jensen was as good as gold. He returned to Bay Sun Rehab and was both happy and sad to discover that Derrick had gone home. In his place was an elderly gentleman who slept most of the time.
When Jared came for his Thursday visit, to his surprise, he was directed to the therapy department.
"I've never been to any of his therapy sessions, and I'm not sure Jensen wants me there. It's okay, I'll wait in his room."
"I don't know," a young woman dressed in purple scrubs said. "I'm one of Jensen's caregivers and he specifically asked me to keep a lookout for you and get you to therapy."
"He did?" Jared smiled so hard his face crackled. "Well, please lead the way."
Even in the late afternoon, the large therapy gym was bustling with therapeutic activities. Over in the corner, on a mat table, Jensen lay supine, lifting weights with his left arm. There were weighted cuffs on his left ankle. The young therapist, Dee, whom Jared had met in the hospital in tears, was instructing Jensen.
Jared casually sauntered over. "Hey, you."
Jensen lit up. "Oh, good. You're here." He glanced at Dee. "Are you ready?"
"Sure am."
"What's going on?" Jared asked, still smiling.
"I'm going to show you how best to help Jensen transfer into and out of the wheelchair." She removed the weights and put them aside. "He's non-weightbearing on the right leg, and weight bearing as tolerated on the left."
Jensen looked both smug and shy as he sat up, without help, on the edge of the mat.
She continued, "Then I'm going to show you how to maneuver his wheelchair up steps and curbs. And then, we're going to practice automobile transfers, so you'll have to bring your car around."
"Jeep," Jensen said.
"You'll have to bring your Jeep around."
"Don't get me wrong," Jared said. "I think this is all great, but why now. I mean, why this afternoon?"
Jensen looked at the therapist, then to Jared. "It's so you'll know what to do when you take me home tomorrow."
All the air rushed out of Jared's lungs. He sat heavily next to Jensen on the mat. "Is that true? You're not shitting me, are you?" He clapped his hand over his mouth, looked at Dee and said, "I'm sorry."
He turned back to Jensen, "Please don't be shitting me."
"I'm not, I swear."
"Oh, thank God." Jared threw his arms around Jensen, hugging him so hard he almost lifted him up off the mat. "Finally."
"Whoa, whoa, wait for all the manhandling until we get home." Jensen was smiling ear to ear.
"Home. Oh my God, Jensen, you're coming home. That sounds amazing." But then, Jared looked at Jensen, his knee brace immobilizing his right knee, the casted arm and braced right elbow, and the wheelchair he was expected to help Jensen get into and out of. It all looked so frightening, but to have Jensen home with him, Jared could do anything.
"You're looking scared," Jensen said, playfully. "Having second thoughts about me renovating the master bedroom?"
Jared shook himself out of it. "Never. Just make it match our new bathroom."
When the therapist went to get Jensen's wheelchair. Jared leaned in close. "Don't let me hurt you. Make sure I don't hurt you."
"You won't." Jensen leaned up and nuzzled into his neck. "But I'll make sure."
"This is awesome. It's like a dream come true." Jared chuckled, "God, I am a sap. I'm the sappiest sap whoever sapped."
"Yeah, but, you're my sap." Jensen grinned.
"I am." Jared kissed him again. "I really, really am."
"So, if you think you're ready to take me on," Jensen beamed up at him. "then, take me home."
"That was great, Jay. You're like an old pro at this." Jensen smoothed the sheets around him. "It feels so good to be clean and comfortable and here."
Jared's arms were still shaking. Not from exertion, but from the fear that he'd make a wrong move and drop Jensen. However, Jensen was right. It all went surprisingly well.
Jared cleared his throat. "Aw, that's because you're so easy. And I might add, that that's one of your most charming qualities." He sat carefully on the edge of the bed. "Hey, you want a pop tart? I got your favorites. You know, the frosted kind."
"No, I'm good. I'm great, honestly. You handled all the transfers and bathing and helping me dress exactly right. And that rainfall showerhead is amazing."
"I did everything right?" Jared tried not to sound too proud.
"You did. I was afraid that I'd feel embarrassed or shy or helpless with you helping me, but I didn't. You put me at ease, let me call the shots and you… you just went with it. You were awesome."
Jensen swallowed and said, softly, "Have I told you lately that I love you? Van Morrison version this time."
Jared lay down on top of the covers next to him. "I can't believe you're finally here. I'm so glad you're home." He ran his fingertips over the hairline scar where the stitches were and gently rubbed his thumbs high on Jensen's cheeks where there were still the light yellow and green hints of bruising. When he looked into Jensen's clear, green eyes, his own eyes suddenly blurred. His breaths started coming in short, sharp gasps.
"What is it, Jared? What's wrong?" Jensen sat up.
"Stop, stop. It's okay. Everything's okay." Jared couldn't halt the huge, gulping sobs. "It's okay, It's okay. It's all okay."
"Not believing you here, Jay."
"We almost lost you. I almost lost you." Jared gave into the tears as Jensen pulled Jared's head onto his chest. "You almost died."
"Shh, shh, I'm here and I'm not going anywhere," Jensen crooned. "The scary part is over, it's only the work that's left. But we'll be okay. I'll be okay. We got this."
Jared threw his arms around him, and Jensen rocked them back and forth making shushing sounds and giving gentle kisses.
"I know, I know. I'm sorry." Jared buried his head in Jensen's chest.
"No, babe, I'm sorry." Jensen brushed Jared's hair away from his eyes. "I am so sorry."
Jared wiped his eyes and nose on his shirt sleeve. "Don't say that. You have nothing to be sorry for. Nothing."
"Yes, I do. All this time you've been worried about me, staying with me, supporting me, talking to the doctors and therapists and nurses. Taking care of me. Every day you put up with my moods, my aches, and my general snarkiness." Jensen smiled sadly. "And nobody has been taking care of you."
"That's not true."
"No, I can't imagine what it must have been like for you after they dug me out and got me to the hospital. Then one surgery after another. I don't remember any of the early ones, but you do."
Jared looked down. "I do. Everything. I remember everything."
"Then, you spent hours driving to see me, sometimes just sitting with me, then making the drive back. And because you spent your days with me, you had to stay up all night working on your projects to make a living. Then, I go and do something stupid that sets me back, and there you are when I wake up, ready to pick up the pieces and move forward." Jensen wiped at his eyes. "I mean, you even invoked The Batman. You have been my rock, Jared, my anchor in this storm, and I haven't been there for you at all."
"You have been there. All along, working hard to get better. Now, all you have to do is just be here."
"You're wrong. We're a team, and I haven't been pulling my weight. But I swear to you that I'll do better from now on. I'll be there for you. Making you feel safe, making you feel special, making you pop tarts."
"I wish with all my heart that this hadn't happened to you."
"I know."
"I can't help but wish I didn't help you." Jared's mouth was running off on its own, and he was powerless to stop it. "Chad said you'd never have forgiven me if I didn't help you with the broadcast, especially if someone had died. But, when I think about them bringing in heavy machinery to get you out from under the wreckage…when I see you wince when you move the wrong way, and when you try hiding your pain from me, I wonder if I made the right choice. Knowing that making that choice not to help you, you probably would have left me.
"Seeing you here, so glad you're and alive and in my bed, I feel as though I've traded your well-being for my desire to have you with me. Am I pathetic, or plain insane?"
"Neither, Jay. You just love me." Jensen cocked his head to the left and gave a half smile. "Which is fortunate since I love you right back. How did we get so lucky?" Jensen shrugged. "Whatever choices we made in the past are past. I do know we made a good choice with us, because now we have our whole future to look forward to. You said something about grand kids, remember?"
"I remember."
"Then get your pajamas on, get under the covers with me and let's get this future started."
"You're on."
"Well, Jensen, welcome to your eight-week check-up. I have some good news for you."
Doc Brown sat at his desk. Jensen sat in his wheelchair with Jared standing nervously behind him.
"You can sit down now, Jay. He said it was good news." Jensen canted his head to his right indicating the chair next to him.
Jared took his beanie off, jammed it in his pocket and sat.
"We've poked and prodded you and found that, overall, you're healing nicely."
"Overall?" Jensen asked.
"That's right. How does your pelvis feel? Pretty good, right?"
"Now that you mention it, it does."
"And the headaches, are they gone?"
"Yes, they are."
Jared nodded next to him.
"That's good. There doesn't look like there's been any repercussions regarding your chest or spleen surgeries at all." The doctor clicked through the computer screens, reading without looking up. "Your pelvis, ribs and fingers are almost all healed. We're going to remove the plaster cast from your right wrist and fingers and replace it with a removable wrist support so that you can start moving it and using it again. You'll probably only need the new splint for a couple of weeks. We're going to replace the cast on your left ankle with an air splint and a walking boot. You are full weight bearing as tolerated on that, now." He looked up and smiled.
Jared smiled back. Jensen looked pensive.
"The skin damage shows total granulation-that's skin healing-and the right femur is knitting well, although it's taking longer to fully mend due to the non-weight bearing status of your knee. That's expected, and I don't foresee any problems with the femur or the healing process." He paged down the screen.
"Now, your right elbow is healing well, but it is still healing, so we don't want you bearing any weight on that, yet. However, we're ready for therapy to get it going. That elbow was dislocated pretty severely, and you will feel a twinge when you ask it to do too much, but I don't anticipate a whole lot of inconvenience after the healing is complete."
The doctor removed his reading glasses and faced them. "Which brings me to the status of your right knee. "
Jensen tensed and Jared lay his hand on his shoulder.
"I'll be honest, when I first repaired that knee, shortly after the accident, I crossed my fingers for luck, hoping it would remain stable and heal well. Deep down, I always felt that sooner or later, we'd have to do some tissue replacement surgery, possibly using synthetic materials for grafts for the ligaments. After your fall in the parallel bars, I had no choice but to rebuild the stabilizing structures. It is healing, and appears to be healing well-slowly, but surely. Unfortunately, you need to remain non-weight bearing on that leg, and, without the use of your right arm to support you-even a platform walker would put too much pressure on your elbow-you'll need to stay in your wheelchair for at least three, possibly four more weeks."
While Jared was silent, digesting the information, Jensen asked, "What about after? Is my knee permanently screwed? Will I be able to walk like a normal human being, or will I continue to be a ball and chain to those I love?"
Jared swung his head around to stare at Jensen. Where the hell did that come from?
Dr. Brown sat back in his chair and crossed his arms. "I expect you will do well enough to walk without an assistive device. Although, you probably won't be able to do things like mountain biking or rock climbing. But," he shifted his eyes between Jared and Jensen, "you're young. You have friends and family; you'll figure it out without the rock climbing."
Jared stared at the floor, while Jensen nodded to himself.
"You're doing well, son. Certainly, considering how banged up you were when you first got here. Do either of you have any more questions? "
Jared looked up to speak, but one look from Jensen silenced him.
"Not at this time, doc. Thank you." Jensen used his left arm and two wheel-rims to wheel himself out the door and down the hall.
Doc Brown clapped Jared on the back and left, leaving Jared standing alone in the orthopedist's office wondering if the news they'd gotten was good or bad.
Jensen's home physical therapist came around nine in the morning, three days a week. Even though Jensen had graduated from the intensive in-patient Bay Sun rehab, Jared driving Jensen to an outpatient clinic three times a week was still too much on him. So, his doctor arranged for therapy to come to the home until he could manage the drive without ending up a sweating, shaking mess.
On Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, Jared woke early to put the coffee on before helping Jensen shower and dress.
Jensen picked up his finger-sized piece of the toasted Everything bagel with veggie cream cheese when he looked up.
"What?" Jared wore a tentative smile. Jensen looked particularly intense this morning. He had hardly spoken, except to softly thank Jared over and over for every little thing.
"These are the perfect size for me to pick up with one hand. They have the exact amount of cream cheese and the coffee is just right."
"The coffee is black. What's up with you?"
"The shower was the perfect temperature. You helped me transfer to the shower chair and into my wheelchair exactly right. You helped me dress, put my braces and splints on and didn't bat an eye. Did I mention that you were perfect?"
"No, I'm not calling Shayna to tell her not to come."
"I don't want you to." Jensen paused, blinking up at Jared. "You put me first every day, and I just…I've interrupted the flow of your whole life. I don't know how I can…"
Jared stood like a shot. "You'd better not say that you don't know how you can thank me, or worse yet, how you can repay me. You'd better not say anything like that."
Jensen played with his bagel piece.
"Jensen, how many times do I have to tell you? We're a team, remember? You said that. A team. I'm getting sick and tired of you thinking you're somehow putting me out. I'm also a hair annoyed having to reassure you all the time, too. What more do I have to say to convince you?"
Jensen looked away.
Jared took a breath and counted to ten. In a calm, measured way, he lowered himself back into the chair.
"Jensen, we'll work through this. Okay? There's no doubt that you're going to have to help me through some tough situations during the course of our lives together. So, can it. Please."
"You're mad." Jensen's voice hitched. "I'm sorry."
"No, man, I'm not mad, but I am frustrated. I don't get how you don't get that caring for you is not a chore. I help you out, yeah, but I still work in the office, I meet with the team, and communicate with clients about improving our products. I tele-meet with Misha and Jeff, and discuss how we can expand our business. Your being here hasn't stopped any of that."
"I slow you down."
"Only in the shower. As far as helping you out, Jensen, each day you improve is a win. So, I repeat: Can it."
The doorknocker boomed and Jared got up to let Shayna, the physical therapist, in. She was short and stocky, with tight black curls and a laugh that rebounded throughout the house.
"Hey, guys. How are y'all doing this morning? Ready to rock and roll, Jensen?"
"I guess."
"I got good news, your doctor said that it was time to start working on weight bearing through your elbow so you can use crutches. And, we get to work your knee."
Jared perked up at that. "We do?"
"Yep. I'm going to be taking off the knee brace and starting some range of motion exercises. Then, we'll begin some light resistance and then on to weight bearing." Shayna put her equipment bag down and knelt down to Jensen's level. "I'll be moving your knee passively at first and then you'll be moving it with me. Easy does it, though. Let me know if it starts to hurt, and we'll stop. Pretty soon, though, you'll be getting out of this wheelchair."
"Will I still have to wear the brace every day?" Jensen asked, softly.
"For a while." Shayna looked out the picture window at the ocean and Jared's private pool. "However, you'll be able to take it off to use the pool if Jared helps you in and out. That's a great way to exercise your joints."
"I don't know," Jensen peeked up at Jared. "I'm pretty heavy to be getting in and out of the pool."
Of course, Jared couldn't let that pass. He looked at Shayna and then to Jensen and sang, "But, I'm strong. Strong enough to carry him. He ain't heavy…he's my lover."
"Oh, no, you did not just say that." Shayna dissolved into high pitched giggles.
Jared saw how hard it was for Jensen to work up a smile. Something was bothering him. Jared resolved that he would let Jensen talk it out the next time they sat down together. But, honestly, he was tired of assuring and reassuring Jensen after every little thing he did for him. Taking care of Jensen wasn't a burden. Surely his singing made that clear?
He probably shouldn't've snapped at Jensen, though.
Jared didn't know what woke him. The full moon brightened the sleep-cool bedroom, the ceiling fan whirred silently and Jensen was snoring softly beside him.
Except that Jensen wasn't snoring.
"Hey, Jen," Jared whispered. "What's up? Is everything okay?"
Jensen was lying on his left side, propped up by the pillows Jared placed to keep him comfortable. He was facing Jared with his eyes closed and tears streaming down his cheeks.
"Hey, hey, I'm going to put the light on, okay."
"No, don't. Please." Jensen's voice was so soft Jared could barely hear it.
"Okay, okay." He scooted closer a couple of inches, but only a couple as Jensen flinched.
"You're hurting. Let me get you something." Jared carefully stood without disturbing him. Sometimes Jensen had break-through pain when the weather was damp or if he had a tough PT session. Today, it was both. Another half dose of his pain meds was needed to knock it back.
He measured out the dosage, filled a glass of water and knelt on one knee by the bedside.
"Here, babe. This'll help you get back to sleep."
Jensen shook his head again.
"What? What is it, Jen?"
"You're gonna…you're not…and then you won't…" and to Jared's dismay, Jensen dissolved into uncontrollable sobs.
"Jensen, what's wrong? Is it your knee? Is the pain that bad?" Jared's hands began shaking. "Do we need to go to the ER?"
Jensen looked miserable. "N-no. No hospital." But the crying was physically hurting him so Jared needed to make it stop.
He forced himself to be calm. "Please then, please, talk to me. Was the workout too rough today? Tell me what's going on, sweetheart, so I can fix it."
Sweetheart?
Jensen looked up at Jared with wide, wet eyes. "You're going to leave me."
Well, that wasn't what Jared was expecting.
"Where am I going?"
"Look at me. I can't get dressed, can't prepare food, or even go to the bathroom without help. After a whole three months, you still have to do everything for me. Everything."
Still not understanding what Jensen was getting at, Jared latched onto one thing that made sense.
"Oh, the bathroom. Do you need to use the bathroom?" Jared got up to get the wheelchair. "'I'll help you with that right now."
"No. Stop. No." Jensen's sobs became intense, interspersed with little gasps of pain.
Jared paced around the darkened room. "Don't cry, Jensen. Please tell me what's wrong."
"Stop it. You-you're doing it again. You always do that." Jensen brought his splinted wrist up to cover his face.
"I'll stop, babe. If you tell me what I'm doing, I swear I'll stop it."
Jared was completely lost.
"You're going to get so tired, and I don't blame you." Jensen sniffed and said, "I won't blame you, Jared. I want you to know that I won't blame you. I'll understand and I won't hold it against you."
"You won't?" Jared needed to get a clue out of him, and that question seemed to calm him down.
"No, Jay, no. I won't. I'll understand. I will." He nodded vigorously. "I really will."
Jared ran back bits and pieces of the conversation in his head, but came up empty.
"You really will, what?"
Jensen huffed, which made Jared happy because that huff was Jensen's huff.
"I will understand."
"You will understand…" Jared made a go on gesture.
The corners of Jensen's mouth turned down, and his chin quivered, but he was able to keep calm and carry on. He gave Jared a sad smile and said, "I know you're glad I didn't die when I got blown out of my house and dropped two stories. I know you think you can handle what has happened to me, but these injuries could affect me for the rest of my life. The doc's not sure my knee will ever heal properly, and we really don't know how well I'll heal at all. I'm afraid that I'll end up becoming a burden to those around me, especially you. So, I think it would be best if you and I ended this relationship now before you're…before you are forced to…I love you and never want to hurt you and I know asking me to leave will hurt you, so I'll go without you asking." Jensen couldn't continue as soft sobs overtook him.
Jared felt ice water run through his veins as he slumped to the floor next to the bed.
Huh?
What?
Jensen was breaking up with him?
This time Jared took a moment and ran the entire conversation over in his head starting from the I won't blame you.
Oh.
Oh.
"Christ, Jensen. You scared me." Jared wished he had a paper bag to breathe into. How did he not realize until this very moment, that Jensen was a giant dummy?
He rolled up to his knees and stared Jensen in the eye. "Jesus H. Christ, man, I thought you were dying."
"I feel like it sometimes."
Jared found the water glass and the pill and handed them to Jensen.
"Take this and listen."
Jensen huffed again, wiped his eyes, and dutifully took the pain medication.
Jared got up and sat cross legged on the bed facing Jensen.
"Now, let me get this straight."
"Jared, I know that…"
"You had your turn. Let me talk."
Jensen glanced away, tears still leaking from his eyes. Well, Jared couldn't have that, so he took the pads of his thumbs and brushed them away.
"Okay, now listen to me and see if I'm getting this straight."
Jensen waited.
"You think I will break off our relationship, at some undetermined time in the future, because of the help you currently need. You are afraid that your knee, and maybe other body parts, won't heal properly, and I'll consider you a burden, so, because you love me and don't want to hurt me, you'll leave now so I won't have to go through the emotionally painful process of kicking you out later. That sound right?"
Jensen blinked twice. "Yes, that was very, uh, succinct. Yeah." Jensen said, impressed.
Jared could tell that the stress levels were going down to manageable levels, so maybe they could have this conversation.
"So, do you see a flaw in this plan?"
Jensen looked pensive. "No. Do you?"
"You're missing a long string of code in this program."
"I don't think so. See, you might not think…"
"I'm doing the talking."
"But you asked a question."
"It was rhetorical."
"No, it wasn't."
"Yes, it was."
"No, it wasn't."
"Jensen. I love you. I. Love. You. That's the factor you left out when forming your big, let's-save-Jared-the-trouble-of-kicking-me-out, plan. I am so fucking glad that you are here, huffing at me, that I don't care how long it takes you to get on your feet again. I don't care if you never get on your feet again because you know what?"
"No, what?" Jensen was dewy eyed but no tears.
"When you first got hurt, and all the doctors and nurses were trying so hard to keep you…" Shit, now where did that lump in his throat come from? "…alive, I asked outright if you would ever walk again. When they said that you probably would, do you know what I said?"
"No," Jensen said in a tiny voice.
"I said I was glad that I wouldn't have to haul your heavy ass around, but that I would. I would gladly push, pull, lift, haul or do anything to keep you with me. I said I'd buy you a bitchin' set of wheels if you needed them."
"You did?"
"I said to Doc Brown, and I'll say to you, that I'm in this for the long haul. Unless," a sad thought occurred to him. "unless you've had enough of me, and that's why you want to leave."
Jared's eyes went wide. "Oh, God, Jensen, have I been overbearing? Have I been thoughtless because I was trying to be supportive, when actually I was diminishing your sense of independence, dignity, and self-worth?"
"You're a fool." Jensen interrupted.
Jared blinked. Jensen's eyes had dried up, and there was faint amusement in the turn of his lips.
"I'm a fool?"
"If you think I'm anything but grateful for all the care you've given me, then yes. You are a fool."
"Well, so are you."
"Am not."
"Are too."
"You're right, I am." Jensen deflated. "I don't want to be a drain on you and that's what I feel I am. Nothing you have ever done or said has made me feel anything but loved." He smiled warmly at Jared. "These feelings are all internal, but they're real to me. I feel useless, and can't imagine ever walking properly or using my limbs right, or living without something hurting. But the most excruciating pain would be you telling me that you'd had enough. I don't want to go through that, but more than that, I don't want you to go through that."
"Then, let's cross that off our list. I'm sure we'll have our ups and downs, but I ain't goin' nowhere." Jared became serious, "Do you feel like you're dying sometimes?"
"Only when I imagine you leaving me, and I buy into it."
"That's why we're crossing it off."
"You're sure?" Jensen asked in that tiny voice again.
"I'm sure."
"Then I'll cross it off. "
"Well, good. I'm glad we have that settled. Even though I thought that was settled a while back." Jared smiled and forced his dimples on Jensen.
"I didn't factor in," Jensen closed his eyes-when the pain meds had kicked in, they made him sleepy-"I also didn't factor in how much I love you and would miss you if I made you leave."
Pain meds also made him sappy.
"You'll heal, Jensen. You're healing now. You will get better. Even if you don't get all better, we'll be good. We'll be better than good, we'll be golden."
"You mean it?" Jensen's eyes were drooping.
"We'll be walking in fields of gold." Jared scooted up and kissed him gently until Jensen began snoring.
I know it's true because we're golden right now.
"Okay. Time to get your heavy ass out of the pool. You're turning into a prune."
"My heavy ass? My heavy ass? You're the one, uh, with the heavy ass."
"Snappy comeback, man," Jared snickered.
Jensen had begun using crutches, but only sparingly. The tenderness he still felt in his elbow and forearm, and the fear of hurting his knee again, made him skittish. Which suited Jared just fine. However, Jensen was able to transfer everywhere all on his own, even into and out of the Jacuzzi.
Getting out of the pool still required some additional manpower, though. And some strategically placed towels.
Once Jensen was showered and safely seated, Jared said, "So, it's early, and we should take a drive."
"We should?"
"You know, for fun. Like a fun ride. Possibly ending with ice cream. And hey, you could use your crutches to do what your therapist said about walking in less familiar and unfamiliar environments."
"I would do that for ice cream. And a fun ride? You know, I can't remember the last time we went anywhere for fun. No doctor visits, no outpatient therapy, just out for a ride." Jensen said, "It's about time."
"Don't forget the ice cream part."
"I didn't. Can we go to What's the Scoop? I love their maple walnut ice cream with wet walnuts, Oreo pieces and walnut halves." Jensen looked off into the ocean dreamy eyed.
"You're a walnut whore. I was thinking Ice Cream Fundae. I'm in the mood for some hot salted caramel poured over French vanilla ice cream with sliced bananas, fresh blueberries and pineapple." Jared was drooling already.
"Naw, too healthy with all that fruit, but you know who makes the best double churned mocha ice cream with caramel glaze, pecans and whipped cream?"
They looked at one another and said, "The Dreamery Creamery."
"As long as I can have walnuts added to it, I'm in. Let's go." Jensen reared back on the wheels and jetted out of the house, Jared jogging close behind.
Jared had traded in his old green Jeep Wrangler for a white Jeep Grand Cherokee. Jensen's car, a BMW Z4 convertible, sat safely in Jared's garage waiting for when Jensen could use the stick again.
Jared had Jensen's crutches, and Jensen loaded into the car when his phone burst into a chorus of Margaritaville. Jared's Jeep let Jared talk and drive, as he backed out of his driveway.
"Hey Chad, what's up?"
"Jayman, I'm at the WBB station tweaking one of the software patches Osric uploaded."
"And?"
"See, the thing is, uh, I mean it's not a big thing, but there's still a thing."
"English Chad. Full sentences." Jared hung a left, pointing the wheels towards The Dreamery Creamery.
"I need you for five minutes. That's all. Eight minutes tops. With that big brain of yours, you'll be out in four."
Jared sighed and snuck a peek at Jensen. "How about tomorrow? Jen and I are finally out for fun."
Jensen patted Jared's arm. "It's okay. Swing by the station and give Chad eight minutes."
"Eight minutes, Chad. Got it?"
"Cross my pirate-loving heart."
*click*
"I'm really sorry about this, man." Jared took the next right. "I'm setting the timer on my watch. At the eight-minute mark, I am out of there."
"Well, I might want to, I don't know…" Jensen bit his lip.
"What? Hey, I just realized that you haven't been back to the station yet." Jared grinned wide. "Let's surprise your friends and co-workers by suddenly showing up. And you walking in. Oh my God, Jensen, that would be awesome." Jared's knees were bouncing, even the one on the accelerator. "I know they would love to see you. Do you want to? Do you feel up to it?"
"I think I do." Jensen said, surprised.
"Then let's do it." Jared swung right again and picked up the pace.
"You never intended for us to get ice cream, did you?"
"Nope." Jared's eyes glittered.
"And you did this in such a way, that our coming here," Jensen waved his hands, "seemed like my idea?"
"Yes, and it's at your peril lest you forget how smart a genius I am."
Jensen adjusted his golden party crown, up over his eyes to glare at Jared.
The music selection changed from the Scorpion's Rock You Like a Hurricane to Jimi Hendrix singing The Wind Cries Mary.
The entire news crew and staff from WBB (sans the Marks and Dick IT team), and Jared's tech team had amassed at the studio to surprise Jensen and celebrate his homecoming.
Big Jim Beaver was there with some guy Jared had never seen before, but he was told gave the market report and whose name was Alexander.
Genevieve, wearing glittery black leggings, a gray sleeveless silk shirt under a black leather bomber jacket, and motorcycle boots, seemed very interested in what Alexander was saying.
Amidst the food, drinks and music, Jared felt a wave of grateful affection and shared happiness. When Jensen crutched his way into WBB, they all, finally heaved a collective sigh of relief.
Even Alaina Huffman was dancing in the cleared-out computer console room. She and Misha made a surprisingly handsome couple.
"Jensen, Jensen, look over here, look over here." Osric hopped up on a high stool, having had completed tacking up a banner saying:
Whether it was Monday, Wednesday or Sunday, every moment was boring and gloomy when you were away. We missed you, Jensen.
That was in addition to the one that read: The cocoNUTS at WBB are glad you're home, Jensen!
And:
Come back, come back, back to Jamaica
Don't chu know we made a big mistaica
We'd be so sad if you told us good-bye
And we promise not to shoot you out of the sky.
We Missed You, Cap'n JenBird!
Jensen gave Osric a thumbs-up from sidelines where he sat watching his friends lurch and flail for what was passing for dancing. Dancing was off the table for him for at least several more months. Jared saw that Jensen's glass was empty. "Hey, I'll get you a refill."
"Thanks," he smiled. "Iced tea, please."
Joe Cocker started growling out that There's a Storm Coming.
"With one sugar and extra ice. Got it." Jared stood.
"Oh, and ask Chad to come over. I want to talk to him."
Jared blinked a couple of times, "Okay."
Jared gave Chad the message, and if Jensen wanted a private conversation, he didn't expressly say so, so Jared remained within earshot.
"Hey, Jensen. How you doing, man? Were you surprised that we surprised you?"
Jensen held out his hand. Chad squinted at it before reaching out with his. Jensen firmly shook Chad's hand and said, "Thank you for being Jared's friend and supporting him through all this. I was in no shape to be any comfort when he needed someone, and you were. You were there for him. You let him lean on you, and you gave him the emotional strength and," Jensen swallowed before continuing, "hope he needed to carry on through the dark days. You held him together and took care of him when I couldn't. And, for that, I will be forever grateful to you."
Chad was silent. Jared's eyes watered, but he blinked hard and shouldered his way back to them.
"Here's your drink," Jared said with fake peppiness.
"So, uh, Jensen," Chad sniffed and scratched his nose. "Did you know that the average cloud, even though it looks light and fluffy, weighs over a million pounds?"
"That's a whole lot of cloud," Jensen smiled. "Adds up to almost a hundred Asian elephants."
"Whoa, shit, man. You know about weather and elephants?"
"He's a keeper," Jared said.
Milli Vanilli had just stopped blaming it on the rain when Jimmy Buffett began crooning Tryin' to Reason With Hurricane Season.
They all took sips from their respective drinks when Jensen began humming. Then he looked at Chad and sang softly, "And now I must confess, I could use some rest. I can't run at this pace very long."
Chad smiled and joined in, "Yes, it's quite insane. I think it hurts my brain."
They sang the chorus in sweet harmony. "But it cleans me out, then I can go on."
"Oh, and Jensen?"
"Yes, Cap'n ChadBird?
"You didn't have to thank me for that." He winked. "Not even a little bit."
Katie walked up, but before she spoke, Chad took her by the arm and said, "Dance with me m'lady?"
"Okay, sure."
And they wandered off to dance to Bruno Mars predicting that It Will Rain.
"You doing okay?" Jared asked, placing his arm around Jensen's shoulders.
"I am, but…"
"But what?"
"I don't think I'm going to be coming back here. I feel like my time here is over and I'm ready to move forward."
"With me, I hope." Jared nudged his shoulder.
"Of course, with you." Jensen took Jared's hand.
"You know," Jared squeezed Jensen's hand. "I've been thinking that after we get back from Venezuela, we should see for ourselves if East Carolina University still stands in Greenville, North Carolina. That way, you'll get to forecast rather than broadcast the weather."
"Do you think I could do it?"
"I know you can." Jared kissed Jensen's knuckles.
Jensen looked down and swiped at his eyes. Without looking up, he said, "When was the last time I told you that you were the best boyfriend ever?"
"I think it was around Lard Have Mercy." Jared ruffled Jensen's hair.
"Oh man, those fried, bacon-wrapped chicken strips were the best." He leaned in and kissed Jared softly. "I love you, you know."
"I want to thank y'all for coming in to celebrate Jensen's return to the station," Big Jim boomed. "Much as I'da liked to keep dancin' and drinkin', some of us gotta go back ta work. But it would be shoddy of me, and not to mention rude, not to single out my friend Osric for setting the stage, amassing the crowd, bringing in the food and getting the decorations, including that crown you're wearin', son." He pointed at Jensen.
"Let's give him a round of applause for his hard work."
The station got loud with whooping and hollering. Osric blushed when they all began clapping like fools.
Except Jensen. Jensen was looking at his hands with dismay.
"What's wrong?" Jared asked.
"I, uh, I don't know. Something is keeping me from clapping." He looked up wildly. "I'm afraid to clap. Why am I afraid to clap?"
A lump formed in Jared's throat that he had to clear before saying, "Because I told you not to."
Jensen cocked his head to the side quizzically. "You what?"
"When you were in the hospital, I told you not to clap because you were holding my heart in your hands."
Jensen grinned. "No way."
Jared nodded. "I told you never to clap, but it's okay, now. You're here with me, and we're planning a future together. So, go ahead and applaud. I trust you with my heart now."
Jensen shook his head. "We actually are MFEO, you know."
"I know," Jared gave Jensen a lop-sided grin. "We are such nerds."
Then, they clapped.
"Come on, Jared. Let's do it again. The ceremony is in two days." Jensen banged his cane on the floor for emphasis.
"Are you sure that there's only four stairs to get up onto stage?" Jared asked.
"Yes, yes, yes, and I want to practice because I don't want to look like I'm drunk going up to accept my award." Jensen banged his cane again.
"Bitchy, bitchy, bitchy." Jared shook his head.
"Call me that all you want, but I intend to make a good impression on my boyhood hero." Jensen blushed furiously. "Can you believe they got Bryan Norcross to give me a medal?"
Of course, Jared could believe it. Unbeknownst to Jensen, Jared had made a personal written plea to the awards committee requesting that Bryan Norcross be the presenter. Plus, he paid to have railings constructed on both sides of the steps Jensen would have to climb to get on the stage.
"Up and at 'em, Jay. Let's go again."
"Okay, okay. Remember what your therapist said. Up with the good foot, down with the bad."
"I don't have a good foot," Jensen huffed. And dear God, how Jared adored that huff.
"So, go up with the bad foot and go down with the terrible one. Are you sure you don't want to use your crutches, because I can hand them to you when you get up on stage?"
Jensen thought a second. "No, I want to use the cane. Even though I have a little trouble getting my balance with I first stand up, I'm okay after that. I think it'll actually be easier than crutches for the stairs."
"All righty then. Let's take it from the top, or, well, the bottom." Jared looked around. "Wait a minute, where's Medardus? I don't want you tripping over her."
"DJ came by to get her. He said Scout missed her." Jensen laughed. "DJ has always wanted me to get a dog so we could have play dates. I don't have the heart to tell him that kidnapping my dog does not count as a play date."
"Our dog. Meddie is our dog."
"Our dog," Jensen conceded.
One day last month, Jared came home and found Jensen and DJ playing with two balls of fur in the living room. Scout was play-bowing beside Jensen's wheelchair, and this cute little brown and white girl was sitting in his lap. They had just gotten back from The Last Chance Rescue and Jared fell instantly in love with Meddie's one brown ear and two brown paws.
"So, let's do this." Jared indicated the staircase.
Jensen made it up and down four steps without a snag, and when he reached the bottom, he raised his arms in victory shouting, "Boo-Ya!"
Fortunately, Jared was close enough to grab him before he landed on his ass.
"Except for the almost-fall just now," Jared rolled his eyes, "I think you're ready, man. Hardly even a hitch in your stride. How do you feel?"
"I feel good." Jensen walked over to the breakfast bar and sat. "Barely a twinge, I still need to get stronger, but I feel good."
By habit, Jared kissed the top of his head before sitting next to him. "Bryan will be impressed, but you'd better not forget who you came with." Jared smiled his 1000-watt smile. "And who's taking you home."
"I won't forget." Jensen stroked Jared's arm, "Besides, Bryan is way too old for me." He leaned in, "And you aren't," and tried to kiss Jared's left dimple off before sucking on Jared's tongue.
"No," Jared said, standing with intent. "In fact, I'm younger than you."
He pulled Jensen to stand. Hugging him gently but firmly, Jared crowded him up against the wall, "I think a little dynamic standing practice is in order." He held him tight while he ravaged Jensen's lips and tongue.
Jared came up for air. "You know, so you won't get out of practice."
They turned in each other's arms, Jared bearing some of Jensen's weight, until Jensen pushed Jared into the kitchen chair and sat across his lap, sidesaddle.
"I think some dynamic sitting balance," Jensen bounced lightly in Jared's lap, "is in order as well."
Jensen dug his fingers into Jared's hair and aimed Jared's head just so. The attack Jensen made with his lips, teeth and tongue was what legends were made of.
"You are so fucking sexy," Jared gasped. "Like a fucking sexy sex machine."
"Boy, how I've missed your sweet talk." Jensen dove in for another round, and God, the things he was doing to him drove Jared insane.
"I can't wait, man." Jared worked his own tongue down Jensen's neck and up behind his ear.
"Can't wait for what?" Jensen asked, nipping at Jared's collarbone.
"You know," Jared pulled Jensen's tee shirt up and attacked, his left nipple, circling and sucking madly. The little whimpers Jensen made were angel music.
"What do I know?" Jensen returned the attack by pulling Jared's green tank top up over his head and leaving small bites down his chest.
Jared did some musical whimpering of his own.
"You know when we can…" Jared pressed his tongue into Jensen's mouth, using the tip to outline the bumps and ridges of Jensen's teeth and gums until they both came up for air.
"Oh, you mean go to the windfarm," Jensen panted before pouncing.
Jared advanced, then pulled back. "Go to the windfarm? No, no, that's not what I meant at all."
Jensen's cheeks were adorably flushed and his eyes were shining. "Have sex, I mean."
Jared scrunched his eyebrows together, then remembered that Jensen's mind had wandered to the Biglow Canyon windfarm during one of their first sexual encounters. He barked a laugh.
"Yes, have sex, I mean."
Jared suddenly felt shy, but he wanted to ask, "Do you think it would hurt if we made love?"
Jensen's head whipped around. "If?"
"I mean, I'll be gentle and will, of course, stop if anything feels bad, but, man, you look so good right now and taste so good right now, and I'd really like to put my mouth all over you."
"You would, huh?" Jensen's boyish grin turned into something decidedly steamier.
"Yeah. Right now." Jared loomed large. "You, lying there naked, on my nice cool sheets, and me, tasting you everywhere."
Jensen cocked his head sideways. "I can't see how that could hurt."
"We could incorporate both static and dynamic transitional movements into the mix."
"And then we would have sex, right?" Jensen asked.
"Give the word." Jared wrapped his arms around Jensen and helped him stand.
Jensen nipped small kisses along Jared's face and worked his way up to his ear. "The word is given."
There was a decided advantage to having the master bedroom on the first floor. Jared hooked one arm around Jensen, and hooked Jensen's cane around the other and brought them all into the bedroom.
Jensen sat on the edge of the bed watching Jared strip naked.
"Jesus," Jensen said. "Talk about a sexy sex machine."
Jared dropped to his knees and crawled between Jensen's legs. Jensen used his hands to heft his right leg over to give Jared more room. Jared immediately got to work on removing Jensen's shirt.
"When is DJ coming back?"
"Late, late, very late." Jensen pulled both arms out of the sleeves.
"I want you naked." Jared said, undoing Jensen's belt buckle and relieving him of his jeans and briefs. Nothing was sexier to Jared than Jensen naked except for his socks.
Jared nuzzled the curls surrounding Jensen's hardening cock. Jensen lay back on his elbows to watch.
"Wait, here, let me." Jared lifted Jensen's legs, spun him around and propped him up against the headboard with pillows behind him.
"You're good at this manhandling thing." Jensen lay back against the pillows and bent his knees up and out.
Jensen's cock was now fully hard, and his face was flushed. There was the barest circle of green in his eyes as he licked his lips and waited.
Jared had seen a lot of naked Jensen over the past months. Up until recently he had to help him toilet, bathe and dress. But today, he let himself stare.
Jensen had lost a fair amount of weight and muscle mass. His skin was pasty white from being out of the sun, and there were pink/red scars crisscrossing his body. Jared kissed them one by one.
He may never walk without a limp. He will always feel the weather in his bones.
He slowly worked his way up and down the healed surgical incisions crossing his chest and ribs.
No blood in his chest anymore, his spleen is whole, the broken ribs and pelvis are all healed.
His hand cradled Jensen's head and his thumb caressed his hairline where the twelve stitches had scarred over.
No blood on his face. No bruising. No swelling. Only my beautiful, beautiful boy.
"Jared."
Jared kissed down Jensen's right hip to his knee, paying special attention to where Dr. Brown had twice repaired the damage. Feather light touches of his lips to the mottled skin of his back that had been shredded off but healed now to a healthy pink.
The skin looks burned and thin. But no pain, no pain, so I don't care.
"Jay? Come on, come up here."
Jared smoothed his hands over the fractured ankle.
His ankle will always pain him when the weather is damp. He's been through so much.
… and kissed along the right elbow, wrist and hand. Salty wet streaks were left in his wake and he wrapped his arms around Jensen and sobbed softly with his head on Jensen's chest.
"Oh, no. No more." Jensen said, harshly. "That's enough of that, Jared, and not enough of this."
Using his strong left arm, Jensen pushed Jared off and rolled him to his side. Jensen snuck up behind and pressed his hard cock under Jared's balls and between Jared's legs and pumped his hips.
Jared was stunned by how, in the blink of an eye, his mood transformed from brooding and sad to wanting and horny.
"Holy shit, Jensen. How did you do that?" he moaned as Jensen's hard-on pressed relentlessly against Jared's hole and balls.
"It's at your peril lest you forget that I've been lifting weights with that arm for four months." Jensen bit down on the back of Jared's neck.
Jared thrust backwards seeking out the friction of Jensen's cock. "I did, I did," Jared panted. "My peril, my peril."
Jensen wrapped his arms around Jared's chest and pinched his nipples before reaching down to take Jared's cock firmly in hand.
"Well don't forget again, Oh, and Jared?"
"Shit, what, Jensen? What?" Jared pumped his dick into Jensen's hand.
"I ain't gonna break. I did that already. Now where's the lube?"
Jared moaned, ran his hand under his pillow and slapped a small bottle into Jensen's hand.
Jensen's smooth, moist hands were pulling and tugging at Jared's dick in a way that made Jared's eyes cross.
"Squeeze your legs together," Jensen panted into Jared's ear.
Jared obliged and felt Jensen's lubed erection pumping in and out between them, running a delicious friction against Jared's balls and ass.
Jensen pulled Jared back against him and continued his punishing rhythm until he felt Jensen stiffen and gasp, "Yesss."
Jensen came hot and hard between Jared's legs, shooting all over Jared's thighs, ass and nice, cool sheets.
Jared was caught by surprise by the sheer hotness of it, that he grabbed his own hard-on and had his way with himself, adding his load to Jensen's on his stomach.
Heavy panting and the gurgling of the Keurig in the bathroom were the only sounds in the bright mid-afternoon bedroom.
"Wow, Jen. I didn't know you were a take-charge kind of guy. "
"I know." Jensen winked. "I'm awesome."
Jensen rolled on his back and Jared rolled onto his. They turned and stared at each other.
"I feel so naughty," Jensen giggled.
"Give me ten minutes to recoup and I'll show you what naughty really feels like," Jared said, grinning.
"I needed to take the edge off before we got down to business. Now, we can take our time, because, uh," Jensen cleared his throat and turned away.
"What?"
"Well, I can't get up on my knees yet, or be too athletic. But we can work with the side-lying, right?"
"You'd better believe it, and I hate to call you a liar, but you were pretty athletic just now."
Jensen shrugged, proudly. "I don't want you to have to relive the accident when you look at my scars. Do you think you could try to put it behind us and not make it a ghost in our bed?"
"I can try." Jared nudged closer and kissed Jensen's nose, then his eyes, then the scar on his forehead. "Not all the way yet, but someday I will. Especially if every time I see your scars, some kind of hot sex is involved."
"You drive a hard bargain, tech guy."
"I have layers, Jen. Architectural abstraction layers, but layers nonetheless. I also have meta elements, semantic elements and structural elements…"
Jensen shut him up by sucking on Jared's tongue. After coming up for air, Jensen asked, "D'ya think maybe you could stop geeking out long enough to fuck me?"
Jared leered, "That I can do."
He rolled Jensen gently onto his left side and moved behind him. He propped pillows around Jensen's legs to help keep his thighs open. Jensen grabbed the headboard with both hands and tested its strength.
"All systems are go, Jay. Let the thunder roll and the lightning strike."
"I am the God of Thunder," Jared replied, pouring lube into his hand. "And rock and roll."
Jensen barely flinched as Jared stroked across Jensen's hole with a wet, probing finger. Pressing in gently past the first ring of muscle, Jared felt when Jensen relaxed into it.
Jared gently crooked his finger before adding a second one. Jensen sighed, "Keep it rolling, keep it rolling."
Finally, three fingers deep up to the second knuckle. Jared worked more lube and began a pumping rhythm.
"Ready. I'm ready already." Jensen said pumping back into Jared's fingers. "Do it."
Jared stopped long enough to remove his fingers and apply pressure to slow down his own enthusiastic erection. He slid his hand way under his pillow and came back with a condom which he hurriedly applied.
"Ready?" Jared panted, pushing in slowly. "Tell me to stop if it gets too much."
Although Jared wasn't sure he could actually stop at this point.
Jared heard Jensen snicker before he groaned loud and long. He had forgotten how loud Jensen could get. Music to his ears.
"God Jay, hold up a minute."
Jared stopped his progress waiting for Jensen to adjust. "You okay?" he croaked.
"Yeah, doing good. Just waiting for my bones to stop creaking. Jesus, you're big."
Jared held still before stuttering, "Don't, don't let me hurt you."
"Won't. Doing okay, now take it home." Jensen pushed back as Jared moved forward until fully seated.
A calm came over Jared as he lay there as close to another person as one could get. A contentment that had nothing to do with sex washed through him. Jensen let out a breath ending on a chuckle.
"Something funny, dude?" Jared smirked.
"No, not funny, not exactly, I just, I just," Jensen hesitated. "I feel like I'm home. Okay? God, now, I sound like the sap." Jensen pumped his hips carefully then nodded. "You're rubbing off on me."
"No, not today, today I'm fucking you, and I don't think you can possibly out-sap me, sweetheart." Jared pumped back, with intent, this time. "You good?"
"I'm good." Jensen pushed back twice as hard. "Move."
Taking that as the challenge it was, Jared let loose, still mindful of Jensen's creaky bones. Jensen held onto the headboard like the Titanic was sinking. Rocking up and down with the crashing waves as Jared shifted and swayed. Jared took Jensen's cock in hand and began a punishing rhythm.
"Yes, Jay, yes. There, there," Jensen muttered. "Right there, right there."
As the wave crested, Jensen let go of the headboard and arched back in almost a perfect bow.
Jensen looked surprised as he shuddered, coming hard into Jared's hand. Jared worked him through it and then set his own course. Perhaps not as carefully as he first intended, Jared pumped hard into Jensen one, two, three, and closing his eyes as his orgasm overtook his senses.
They both lay unmoving for many hours, or seconds. Jared wasn't sure.
"Wow," Jensen panted. "Sex good."
"Sex fantastic," Jared agreed.
Jensen hissed as Jared pulled out. Tying off the condom, Jared walked to the bathroom for a warm washcloth and an even warmer towel.
Jensen lay back letting Jared clean and warm him. His eyes were sleepy, but happy when he said, "Best. Boyfriend. Ever."
"And you said that without me feeding you fried chicken tenders." Jared rolled Jensen on his side and wrapped his arms around him.
Jared felt Jensen yawn, deep and sleepy. "You know what?" Jensen mumbled.
"What?"
"We did it, Jay."
"Yes, I know. I was right here."
"No, I mean we weathered this storm and made it through the rain. Together. I don't know what I would have done without you."
"You'll never have to know, because I'm always going to be here."
Jensen cuddled closer.
"You, know," Jared ran his fingers through Jensen's hair, "I never told you this, but PMC had a choice of two jobs when we signed on at WBB. We didn't have enough manpower for both, so it was up to me to decide which contract to take. I knew you were the weatherman at the station, and way out of my league," he scratched the top of Jensen's head, "but the prospect of working on upgrading all the weather feeds coming into the station was the reason I chose WBB. I didn't expect to find the one I wanted to spend the rest of my life with."
Jensen closed his eyes and hummed.
"Jensen, meeting you, knowing you, and loving you are the best things that have ever happened to me. While there are bound to be bad times, I know that the good times will always outweigh them. Right? Jensen?"
Jared rose up on his elbow and looked over to see Jensen drooling on the pillow sound asleep.
"Guess your stamina still needs work, huh?"
~~*~~*~~
On to the Epilogue