Memoirs of a Texan Abroad (8/14)

[texankate]

Title:  How Jensen Ackles Hated Mr. Right, Shagged Mr. Wrong, and Finally Got a Clue
Author:  texankate 
Pairings/Characters:  J-squared, Jensen/ Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Jared/Sandy, Chris/Steve, Usual Suspects  OFCs, OMCs.  S1 'The Tudors', S1 'Primeval'.
Rating:  Up to NC17 in places

Disclaimer: If we shadows have offended, Think but this, and all is mended, That you have but slumber'd here While these visions did appear. And this weak and idle theme, No more yielding but a dream,. In other words: complete and utter fiction. I own nothing but my twisted and sordid little brain. I even had to borrow my disclaimer.

Summary:  When Jensen left everything behind for his big shot overseas assignment, he only wanted a life of adventure.  Will he choose passion with a sexy foreigner?  Or will he realize that true love was in his back yard the whole time?

Chapter 8
Jared grabbed Jensen's hand and pulled him out into the gardens. They paused at the path, unsure of which way to turn. Jared opened the guidebook and flipped through.

"It says here that they have certain walks designed for each season," he said, studying the map.

"Which way do we go for the summer walk?" Jensen asked, looking over his shoulder.

"This way," Jared said, taking Jensen's hand again. They turned to their right and walked down the path toward a huge tower.

"It's called the Campanile," Jared said, checking the book. Next to the tower was a replica of a Greek temple. Jensen pulled his camera out of his backpack; it seemed like he'd be taking lots of pictures.

"Go stand on the steps," he said, pushing Jared toward the temple. He paused dramatically on the steps, and as soon as Jensen stopped laughing, he snapped a photo. As they continued on, they came to a large pond, with a fountain at one end. It was a mostly naked, very muscular man, who was wrestling with a snake.

"It's like a big euphemism," Jensen said. "Wrestling the snake."

"Kinda makes you want to go cover those kids' eyes, doesn't it," Jared said, tilting his head to one side and wrinkling his brow. They continued on, past a large building and yet another temple. This time, Jared prodded Jensen to pose on the steps. He mimicked a pose he'd seen on a Grecian urn, and gave Jared a saucy grin. He snapped a picture, and they walked on.

In another section of the gardens, they entered a long pergola, covered with different varieties of roses. A spectacular spray of yellow climbing roses marked the entrance, and Jensen stopped for more pictures.

"Have you been to the Antique Rose Emporium in Brenham?" Jared asked. Jensen shook his head. Jared leaned in to the flowers and breathed in the scent of the flower. He grabbed a tendril, and waved a flower under Jensen's nose. It smelled wonderful, and Jensen smiled at him. Jared brushed the flower across the bridge of Jensen's nose and grinned.

"My mom has a thing for roses," he said. "She must have two dozen bushes in her yard, and climbing roses along the fence in the back yard."

"What does she do?" Jensen asked. They turned from the pergola into a bedded garden.

"She teaches algebra," Jared said. He knelt down next to a bed. "This is squash plant," he said, fingering a leaf. "Not one you normally see in the supermarket, but it's edible."

Jensen knelt down beside him. "Your mom into vegetables too?" he asked.

"No. My father," Jared said. "He was a biology teacher, and he loved the sections on botany. I used to tag along after him when he would go out and collect specimens."

"You said he was a teacher? Is he retired?" Jensen asked.

"No, he died when I was fifteen," Jared said, quietly.

"I'm sorry," Jensen said. "That had to be rough."

"My mom had it tough," Jared said, standing. He gave Jensen his hand and helped him to his feet. "She had three kids to raise, all by herself."

"You're the middle?" Jensen asked as they continued down the path.

"Yep. I have a brother Jeff, who is a couple years older than me. Megan is a couple years behind me. She just finished her freshman year of college. Jeff and I help out with her tuition and stuff. It was hard on Mom trying to put three kids through school on a teacher's salary, even with scholarships."

"So does she know you're…?"  Jensen wasn't sure how to put it. He was pretty damned certain that Jared was interested in him, but he didn't know if was just into guys or if he liked girls too.

"That I'm bi?" Jared finished. "Yeah. I told her when I was in college. She took it pretty well, even if the rest of the family wasn't so great. She took a lot of blame from some of them for not remarrying and giving me a 'good male role model'."

Jensen didn't want to push him, but when Jared talked about his family, Jensen could see a heavy weight on his shoulders. He hoped that talking about it would help. If not, maybe just being there for him would be enough. Jensen squeezed his hand and pulled Jared along.

"Let's go," he said. "There is still a lot to see."

A new wonder lay around every turn, and Jensen quickly burned through a whole roll of film. They stopped and bought bottles of water at the Orangery, and Jensen stopped to change out the film.

The path took them back toward the pond, and the enormous greenhouse that sat across from the fountain. Jensen broke off the path and walked down to the shore. He wanted to take pictures of the fountain from a different angle, but he was an unwelcome intruder to some who strolled around the lawn.

He was on his third picture when he heard and evil hissing behind him. He slowly turned around, and saw a goose advancing on his position. Soon enough, another feathered friend joined him, and Jensen found himself being backed up to the water's edge by two angry waterfowl.

"A little help, please?" he called, glancing behind him to make sure he wasn't about to get an unexpected bath. Jared laughed.

"Of course, fair maiden. Your knight in shining armor is at your service," he said. He stepped in between Jensen and the militant birds, and shooed them away. Jensen poked his head around Jared's torso, and watched the birds, who suddenly developed an interest in another trespasser.

"I think we should get out of here while we can," Jared whispered, as the geese waddled away. Jensen let him lead the way back up to the path, both of them laughing the entire way.

"My hero!" Jensen said. "Kind sir, how can I ever repay you?"

"I am sure that we can figure something out," Jared said. He moved closer to Jensen, until there was barely a centimeter between them. Jensen tilted his head back until he was looking into Jared's eyes. They were a mix of blue, and green, and a little golden brown, and utterly mesmerizing. Jensen's breath quickened, and he could feel a blush stealing its way up his neck and spilling onto his cheeks. He stepped back, and looked away. Jared didn't push; he walked back to the path and looked back expectantly.

"Come on," he said, smiling. "Unless you're rather hang out with the geese."

They looked in on the Water Lily House, where they saw lily pads large enough for Jared to stretch out on it full length. Across the path, in the Palm House, they saw enormous palms, imported from all over the world. They even had the world's oldest potted plant, brought to Kew before the American Revolution. Jensen was very impressed; he had been known to kill fake plants.

They opted to take the long route, so after leaving the Palm House, they turned west, towards the long lake that stretched out through the gardens. At the far end of the lake, they turned back to the south, towards the Japanese gardens. Jensen checked the map, and noticed that Queen Charlotte's Cottage was close by. It wasn't on their path, but it looked lovely in the guidebook. He dragged Jared along, and eventually found it nestled in an out of the way glade. There were benches in the shade, and Jared pulled Jensen over to sit and rest for a while.

They didn't see any other people at the cottage. Jared took advantage of the seclusion, and swung Jensen's legs across his lap. His hand rested on Jensen's legs, with his thumb tracing abstract patterns on the sensitive skin. They didn't really talk, just enjoyed the sun and the cool breeze that stirred the trees.

Eventually, Jensen looked up at Jared, and smiled. He didn't even think of protesting when Jared picked him up and moved him into his lap. It gave Jensen a little bit of a thrill to be manhandled like that. Jared's hand moved to Jensen's face, holding it like it was precious to him. Jensen knew that he had to say no at that moment, or he wouldn't be able to. Before Jensen could change his mind, Jared tipped Jensen's face up and brought his lips down to brush them across Jensen's. All thoughts of saying no fled.

The kiss deepened, and Jensen's arms reached up to pull Jared closer. Just when Jensen was getting used to one thing, Jared switched, keeping him off balance, and panting for more.

"So sweet," Jared said, stopping to rub their cheeks together. Jensen smiled up at him and pulled him down for another kiss. It wasn't the kind of kissing that ended with tearing each other's clothes off. It was like being a teenager, and necking in the back of a movie theater. When kissing itself was the point.

Eventually, someone else wandered into their glade, and they guiltily jumped up from the bench. They left the glade, trying not to look like they were slinking away, but the knowing looks they got from several of the older people made Jensen's cheeks turn scarlet.

"You're cute when you blush," Jared whispered, leaning close. Now they were walking close together, Jensen with an arm around Jared's waist and Jared with an arm slung over Jensen's shoulders.

They wandered around the Pagoda, and then up to the Japanese Gateway. Jensen saw another secluded spot, and pulled Jared over to if they could snatch a few more minutes of privacy. This time, Jensen was backed up to a tree while they kissed, with Jared's body pressing up against his own. It was different, more deliberate on Jared's part. At that point, Jensen was ready to tear Jared's clothes off, and might have if a dog hadn't run through, chased by a young boy.

They were nearing lunchtime, and as hungry as Jensen was for more kisses, he was also hungry for lunch. They found the coffee shop, and bought sandwiches and sodas. Neither of them could wipe the smiles off of their faces, and Jensen kept forgetting to eat as he watched Jared. He felt sixteen all over again.

They saw some lovely things on the rest of their walk, but when pressed, Jensen couldn't really describe any of them. The exception was the Temple of Bellona, where a helpful visitor took a picture of the two of them, standing close together in front of the marble columns. Jensen had his arms wrapped around Jared's waist, and his head leaning forward against Jared's muscular chest. Jared's arms were wrapped around him, and his chin rested on the top of Jensen's head. It was comfortable, and it felt right.

They made one more stop before leaving. Jensen had already warned Jared about his love affair with gift shops. They wandered through, looking at art books, souvenirs, and gift items.

"I really should find something for my mother," Jared said. "She would love this place." They were, at that moment, wandering through the book section.

"Would she like a book? Or would she prefer a knick-knack?" Jensen asked. "They have some lovely books on roses over here."

Jared paged through one of the books, and tucked it under his arm. "This will work," he said. "Thanks."

They walked back over to the other section, where Jensen picked up a magnet, a tea towel, and a small watercolor of the Palm House. At the last moment, he added one of Queen Charlotte's Cottage. It had happy memories.

They made their purchases, and walked back out of the Victoria Gate, towards the Tube station. They browsed through several little shops on their way back, until we finally ended up on the platform, ready to head back to the hotel. Jensen was a little nervous about what would happen when they got there. As good as the kissing was, now that his head was a little clearer, he realized that he wasn't ready to go any farther.

When they got back to the hotel, he followed Jared up to his room to grab his overnight bag. While Jared was in the bathroom, Jensen stowed his bags from Kew in his luggage, and got ready to leave. He needed to head home; the longer he stayed, the more likely he was to do something rash. As much as he never would have expected it, he liked Jared. He didn't want to screw things up by going too fast.

"I really ought to get going," he said, when Jared walked back into the main room.

"You've had a busy week," Jared agreed. "You need your rest."

Jensen nodded. "I had an amazing time," he said, reaching up to kiss Jared on the cheek. Jared's arms snaked around his waist and held him close. Jared allowed the peck, and then switched to something much more pleasurable. It was several minutes before they came up for air.

"Me too," Jared said, nuzzling Jensen's neck. "I fly back tomorrow morning. Can we meet for coffee before I leave?"

"I have to prep for a presentation tomorrow," Jensen said, with sincere regret. "When will you be back?"

"In a couple of weeks," Jared said. "So rest up. I'd really like to spend more time with you." He dropped a chaste kiss on Jensen's forehead.

"Me too," Jensen said, hugging Jared just a little bit tighter.

"Want me to walk you to the station?" Jared asked.

"It's probably better that you don't," Jensen said. I might not be able to get on the train, he thought to himself.

"I'll email you when I get back," Jared promised. "Don't you go falling for some other guy while I'm away?" He kissed Jensen again. Jensen really didn't want to leave.

"I'll try to behave," he said. "I really need to go, before I decide to stay." He pulled away and grabbed his suitcase and backpack. Jared opened the door and stood close as Jensen stepped into the hallway.

"See you soon," Jensen said.

"Not soon enough," Jared said, and gave him one last kiss. Jensen walked to the elevators, and gave Jared a wave before stepping into one of them.

The train ride home was uneventful. Jensen didn't think anything could top what had already happened that day. Back in his flat, he took a long bath, and fell asleep. His dreams were pleasant, and heated, and full of Jared.

Despite being back in the office, Jensen was in a jubilant mood the next morning. He logged on and emailed Ally that he had news. Good news, at that. Not five minutes later, she was sitting on the corner of his desk, rubbing her hands together in glee. He sped through a quick description of the trip with the family, playing up his general forbearance, and then told her about the message Jared had left on his answering machine.

"When I called his office, he said he had a big favor to ask," he explained. "He said his client had invited him out for dinner and a show, kind of as a big thank you for all of his work. There was one catch, though. He needed a date."

"What about someone from the office?" Ally asked.

"That's what I said. But he said that all they had were ditzy secretaries that would embarrass him in front of one of their biggest clients. He said he'd rather have someone who could carry on a conversation yet still look good in a suit," Jensen explained.

"Do you have a suit?" Ally asked.

"I do now," he grinned. "After I said that I'd help him, Natalie and I went into town and did a little shopping. I'll have to show you the suit once it gets back from the cleaners."

"So what happened?" Ally prodded.

"Well, he booked a room for me at his hotel, so after the family left, I went into London," Jensen said. "The place was fantastic. Engineering must pay pretty well, because this place was, wow! I checked in, had some lunch, and then hit the spa."

"That must have cost a fortune," Ally said.

"The concierge said Jared left instructions that everything was to go on his tab," Jensen said. "I did feel a little guilty, but it was so much fun! I had a massage; I haven't felt that relaxed in ages."

"It seems like he's really trying to get on your good side," Ally said.

Jensen grinned.

"And he was doing a really good job of it, let me tell you. I got ready, and he swung by my room to pick me up. I looked pretty damned good, if I do say so myself," Jensen said. "Jared was all stuttery and shy. We went to dinner and I met his client Gerard, and his wife, Eugenia. They were so cute. We had a great meal, and then we went to the show. It, however, sucked. Sucked big time. We went out for a drink afterwards, and then Jared and I went back to the hotel."

"Anything good happen?" Ally asked, grinning evilly.

"Sleep. Just sleep. We got up the next morning, and Jared had breakfast sent up to my room. I was all prepared to head on home and do laundry, but he asked if I wanted to go see the sights. I told him I was a little tired of London, after just having spent three days there with my family. He suggested Kew Gardens.   It was such a lovely day that I just said yes," Jensen said.

"That sounds nice," Ally said. "And at least he listened to you. Aaron just tries to talk me into what he wants to do. Usually, it's just easier to go along."

"No, Jared was really thoughtful, the entire time. We grabbed a guidebook and found one of their suggested tours, and we just spent the day walking, and looking at plants. His mom loves gardening, apparently, and his dad was into botany. Jared knows a ton about plants. Me, I can't keep a cactus alive," Jensen said. "We talked about his family, and I get the feeling things were pretty tough growing up. He's a really good guy."

"Sounds like he's grown on you quite a bit," Ally said. "Are you sure all you did was look at the pretty flowers?" Jensen blushed. "Aha!" she crowed. "Okay, spill it."

"Well, we found this out of the way cottage, with this nice shady bench. We sat down for a while, and just enjoyed the quiet. Then, well, he kissed me."

"And?"

"And he kept kissing me."

"How was it?" Ally asked.

"It was, fantastic," Jensen admitted. "He's an amazing kisser. Plus, you know, the surroundings were romantic, the day was beautiful. You can hardly blame me."

"Not blaming you," Ally said. "Applauding you. What happened after the kissing?"

"Well, this little old couple wandered into the glade, so we left. We finished the tour, had lunch, did a little more kissing, and left. Oh, and we stopped by the gift shop. He wanted to get something for his mom."

"Hmm. A mama's boy, maybe?" Ally asked.

"I'm hoping not. It's not necessarily a bad thing for a son to be close to his mother. I didn't get Norman Bates vibes. Anyway, we went back to the hotel, I got my things, and then I came home."

"Any more kissing?" Ally asked.

"Kinda sprinkled all through," Jensen said. "I felt like a teenager, sitting in the back row of the movie theater, making out with his boyfriend."

"I love that kind of kissing," Ally said, sighing dreamily.

"What are you two on about?" James asked, walking into their area. He tossed his briefcase and umbrella on his desk.

"I was just telling Ally about my vacation," Jensen said.

"You survived, then?" he said. "Douglas was a little worried about you after your call from Bath."

"No, it was fine. I just needed a little break from them. I love my family, but there is a reason we don't live together anymore."

"Amen to that," Ally said.

"What's wrong?"

"I have news, too," she said. "Aaron's dad is coming for a visit."

"When?"

"In September," she said.

"Is Aaron coming with him?" Jensen asked.

"No. Just Mick and his sister, Joanna," Ally said. "Listen, I know this is asking a lot, but could you help me out? I need someone there to act like a buffer. I like Mick, but I'm liable to kill him after a couple of days."

"What about Joanna?" Jensen asked.

"I really don't know her that well," Ally said. "She lives in Denver, and we've met twice. Once at the wedding, and then when Aaron's grandmother passed away."

"Okay, don't worry. I can't do much during the week, but I'll hang out on the weekends. How long are they supposed to be here?" Jensen asked.

"Two whole weeks," she groaned. "I can't thank you enough. And remember that whole deal we had about bail money, should you push your brother off a mountain? I assume you'll do the same for me."

"Of course. We have to stick together in this," Jensen said, crossing his heart.

"Thanks."

Jared emailed as soon as he got back to Houston. He said he was due back in two weeks, and he'd let Jensen know his schedule as soon as it got worked out. Jensen replied that even if they just met for coffee, he'd really like to see Jared again. Desperate? Maybe. But he was already missing Jared, and he wanted to see him again as soon as possible.

As the week went on, Jared's emails changed a little. He said things were looking really hectic, and he didn't know if he'd be able to get away. Jensen tried to be understanding, but he was starting to get an odd vibe. Then he would remember the way Jared looked at him, and he told himself that he was imagining things.

One morning, on the way into work, he stopped at the convenience store in the airport to grab a muffin and a bottle of water, as well as some snacks for the rest of the day. He sat down on a bench to put everything in his backpack. Just as he was about to stand up, he saw Jared, waiting at the end of the arrivals gauntlet, with a luggage carrier piled with way more luggage than he normally carried.

Jensen stood up and was about to flag him down when a tiny brunette walked over to Jared and linked her arm through his. Jensen's heart started pounding, and he felt sick to his stomach. The brunette smiled up at Jared, adoringly, and laid her head on his shoulder.

It couldn’t be Jared. He must have a twin. That was the only thing that made sense. Jensen thought about his emails over the last couple of days, each more distant than the last. God. He was an idiot.

He stood up, clutching the wall for support. He looked over at Jared again, and that was when Jared finally looked in his direction. His eyes grew wide, and he tried to disentangle himself from the tiny woman. Jensen lurched back toward the exit, and his feet actually cooperated. He ducked around the corner, and hid behind one of the unused counters. He heard Jared come around the corner, calling his name.

"Jensen? Jensen, where are you?" he said. Jensen pulled his knees up to his chin, and prayed for Jared to go away. "Damn it!" Jared cursed. Jensen heard footsteps retreat, and he finally poked his head back out. The coast was clear, so he hurriedly dashed down to the taxi stand.

He couldn't handle work in his current condition. He grabbed a taxi home, and climbed back into bed. He called Douglas to tell him he wasn't feeling well, and then buried himself under the duvet and pillows.

Ally called around lunchtime, to check on him. He told her the barest detail of what had happened, and she said she'd be over after work. He managed to crawl out of bed to watch daytime television. It was mostly DIY shows and game shows, but it was better than nothing.

Around six o'clock, Ally and Natalie both showed up at his back door. Apparently Ally had gone upstairs first, to seek reinforcements. They had a couple of bottle of wine, videos, and chocolate. Jensen wasn't really in the mood for anything but the wine, but he was as gracious as he could be.

At least they hadn't rented anything romantic. He'd told Ally about his love affair with Mel Brooks, and she had rented 'Blazing Saddles' and 'History of the World: Part I'. By the second bottle of wine, he was even laughing, a little.

In between films, they actually acknowledged the white elephant in the corner.

"I can't believe Jared would do that," Natalie said. "I really got the feeling that he was into you."

"He might have been," Jensen shrugged. "He's just into her, too. He told me he was bi, so it shouldn't have been such a shock."

"You don't know who she is," Ally argued. "You said he had a sister."

"She was too old. His sister is in college. This chick was my age, at least. Although, she did look older than me," he added, viciously.

"Still, it could have been anyone. A coworker, maybe?" Ally said.

"You didn't see them. She was hanging on him," Jensen said.

"Kind of like you hang on Chris?" Ally asked.

"No. She looked like she was claiming her territory," Jensen said. "You weren't there. You didn't see it."

"Okay there, love," Natalie said, patting his leg. "Let's not think about him and his little tart. Have another glass of wine."

"Yes ma'am," Jensen said, holding his glass out for a refill.

By the time they were done with the second movie, he was well beyond drunk. Natalie and Ally tucked him in bed, and left him alone. He cried some more, and finally fell asleep.

Jensen felt like hell the next morning, but he didn't want to spend another day at home. He didn't want to give Jared that kind of power. So he showered, got dressed, and went in. He turned his head away from where he'd seen Jared the day before as he walked through the terminal.

Once in the office, he logged on and turned on his computer. He pulled out his iPod and put on the headphones. He was doing something that required concentration and no one would think it odd if he spent the entire day not talking and chained to his terminal.

He had at least a dozen emails from Jared, which he immediately deleted. He pulled up the spreadsheet he was working on, and lost himself in the numbers. He barely registered Douglas and James coming in and sitting down at their desks. Sometime around noon, he saved his work locked his screen. He grabbed his journal and went down to the canteen and bought lunch. He found a table in the corner, and settled in.

He was done with lunch and had moved onto his journal when someone sat down next to me. He winced when he saw that it was Johnny.

"Hello, Jensen," he said, leaning in.

"Hello, Johnny," Jensen said. "What can I do for you?" He wondered what else could go wrong.

"I just wanted to clear the air," Johnny said. "We left things in a bad way, and I hate leaving it like that."

"Okay, what do you want to say?" Jensen asked.

Johnny tilted his head to one side and gave Jensen an engaging smile. "I understand why you were so upset with me in Paris," he said. "I promised to spend time with you, and I didn't come through for you. I expected you to be the one to compromise, and that wasn’t fair of me."

"Sounds accurate so far," Jensen said. "Go on."

"I guess I've traveled so much that I take a lot of that stuff for granted," he said. "But I love that you're curious, and that you want to learn. I just have to learn to be supportive. Please give me that chance."

"You're asking for a second chance?" Jensen snorted. "At work. Where anyone could hear what we're talking about? Have you lost your mind?"

"Okay, maybe not the best idea. But I didn't know how else to get you to listen to me and not storm off," he explained.

"Not the best idea you've ever had," Jensen said, frowning.

"I see that now. Well, if I asked, would you have dinner with me later this week? Let me plead my case in private?" he asked.

"I don't think that would be a good idea," Jensen said. Strangely enough, even though he and Jared had spent less time together, and they'd never had sex, that situation was too upsetting for him to focus on anything else. Separation from Johnny hadn't hit him that hard. It had hurt his pride, but his heart had remained frighteningly intact.

"I've rushed things," he said. "Just think about what I've said." He stood. "I really think that we were good together. I think we could be good together again. I hope you do too."

Ally emailed him that afternoon. She'd gone to lunch with her boss, which was why he'd been alone and why Johnny had pounced. He told her about Johnny's weird attempt at making up, and she immediately emailed back and told him not to do anything rash while he was so angry with Jared. Although his thoughts had been running in that same direction, he resented her tone, just a bit. He was a big boy, and he could look out for himself.   Even if he didn't feel like it at the moment.

Next.