Memoirs of a Texan Abroad (12/14)
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 12
They carried the food upstairs, and Jared went to work on the dough for the tortillas. Natalie and Jensen set out the plates and silverware, and opened the bags of tortilla chips. Jared had brought some of his mother's homemade salsa as a gift for Jensen, who magnanimously volunteered to share it.
Ally and Joanna arrived around six. Jensen liked Joanna immediately. She had a dry wit, and wasn't above getting her hands dirty. He asked her to mash up avocado for the guacamole while he and Ally started on the margaritas.
Jensen had brought up his iPod for some mood music. He had a pretty good selection of Texas music, from Willie Nelson to Lyle Lovett, to Los Lonely Boys. Natalie put on a selection, and they bopped around the kitchen as they cooked. Jensen laughed breathlessly as Jared swung him into an improvised jitterbug.
"Where did you learn how to dance," Ally asked him, impressed.
"Texas Hall of Fame," he said, naming one of the more famous dance halls in College Station. "It was the law, or damn near to it. Besides, everyone loves a guy that can dance without stomping on their feet."
"You're not wrong about that," Jensen said.
"Oy, you two. Break it up or get a room," Natalie said, good-naturedly. Jared spun Jensen around one last time, and then set him down in front of the margarita pitcher. Ally added a measure of Cointreau, and stirred the mix. She poured a generous sip into the 'taste test glass', and handed it to Jensen.
"What do you think?" she asked. "Without the recipe sitting in front of me, this is as close as I can get to 'Knock'em Nekkid' margaritas." Jensen tossed back the drink, and coughed. Now THAT was a margarita.
"Absolute perfection," he said. "A couple more pitchers should do the trick. Maybe I should go get my camera, just in case the opportunity for blackmail arises."
"Don't you dare," Ally said. "Unless you promise to leave me out of them."
"I make no promises," Jensen said.
Joanna was done with the avocados, so he dumped in the rest of the ingredients and stirred them together. He covered it with plastic wrap, and set it down by the bowls of tortilla chips.
Jared started cooking the tortillas, while Jensen waited for the indoor grill to heat up. Natalie, Ally, and Joanna poured themselves margaritas and watched the two men work. Jensen put the chicken on the grill to cook, and picked up his checklist. He handed Ally a chunk of cheese and a grater, with a hopeful smile on his face.
"Better do this now, before the tequila kicks in," she said. "I'll keep all of my fingers, that way."
Jared finished one batch of tortillas, and let the rest of the dough sit until they needed more. The chicken and vegetables finished cooking, and Jensen sliced it and put it on a large platter. He stood back and surveyed the spread, happy with the results. They were pretty much on schedule and ready to party when the first guest rang the doorbell.
James and Nadia were the first to arrive. Jensen gave them both hugs, and invited them to come on back to the garden. It was a little cool, but not nearly as bad as he'd feared. Natalie had lit garden torches, and there was a fire pit in the middle of the patio, so they'd be fine.
Jensen brought them margaritas, and introduced them to Jared and Joanna. James, who had heard first hand about Jensen's first run in with Jared, gave him a quizzical look.
"You say this is the bloke you were bitching about on your first day in the office?" he said.
"Yeah," Jensen grinned. "He's much better at second impressions."
"More like third or fourth, but who's counting," Jared said. The doorbell sounded again, and Jensen excused himself to answer the door.
Douglas and Lucy swept in, bearing a box that looked suspiciously like something from a bakery.
"You didn't mention dessert," Douglas said, handing Jensen the box. He led them back through the kitchen. Douglas shook Jared's hand, and Lucy reached up and gave him a hug.
"Hello darling boy," she said, smiling. Jared blushed, which made Jensen grin.
"We're glad you could make it," he said. He handed them drinks, and went to check on something in the kitchen. Jensen followed him in.
"You're blushing," he said, hopping up on the countertop. Jared shrugged.
"You know, they've given you the seal of approval," Jensen said. "Douglas told me on Monday morning. He said 'That bloke of yours, he's all right.'"
"Glad to hear it," Jared said, making sure the tortillas were still warm. He turned back to Jensen.
"So why are you blushing," Jensen asked.
"Darling boy?" Jared asked, wincing.
"You are darling. Listen, it's a British thing. Don't worry about it. It means she thinks you are just that: darling."
"If you say so," Jared sighed.
"I most certainly do," Jensen said, planting a chaste kiss on his lips. The doorbell rang again.
"Oy, you two. Knock it off or I grab a hose. I swear, it's like Victoria Station in here," Natalie said, sailing into the kitchen. She passed through, on her way to the door. Jensen helped Jared load all of the bits and pieces onto trays, until he heard an angry commotion at the front door. They exchanged a puzzled look, and went to see what was wrong.
Hannah and Andrew were standing in the entryway. Natalie stood in the door, barring a third person from entering. The other two looked guilty, and Jensen started to get sick to his stomach. He had a feeling he knew who she was yelling at.
"Shove off," Natalie hissed, glancing back at them.
"Keep your wig on," Johnny slurred, looking in the doorway. Drunk, why was Jensen not surprised.
"Sorry about this, Jensen," Andrew said. "He was in town, and we went for a drink. We tried to slip out, but he must have known we were coming over here, so he tagged along." He looked truly sorry, so Jensen shrugged. He sent the three of them on out to the garden.
"Just want to see him. Stupid bastard," Johnny said, leaning in. Natalie firmly pushed him back onto the top step.
"I'm quite certain he doesn't want to see you," Natalie said. Johnny finally got angry enough to shove her back from the doorway. She hit the wall, hard. He stepped inside, and looked right at Jensen, who rushed to Natalie's side and helped her up.
"Seems he does want to see me," he sneered. He took a step toward Jensen and Natalie, but Jared quickly moved in between them.
"I don't think so," he said.
"Who the fuck are you?" Johnny asked.
"I'm his boyfriend," Jared said, through clenched teeth.
"Right, the American cowboy. Oy, you move fast, slut," Johnny sneered at Jensen. Jared balled his hands into fists, and Natalie put her hand on his arm.
"Jared, let me take care of this," she said. "You two go back into the party."
"Party?" Johnny asked. "Where's the party? Jen don't like parties. Rather be at a fucking museum." He moved to push Jared out of the way, but Jared grabbed Johnny's arm and twisted it behind his back.
"I think you had better leave," Jared said. "You're drunk, and you'll just get hurt. Leave."
"Not likely, mate," Johnny said. He drove his elbow back into Jared's midsection. Jared loosened his grip enough for Johnny to twist out, and round on him. Johnny swung his fist, connecting with Jared's jaw, sending him stumbling backwards, more out of surprise than anything. Jared launched himself at Johnny, spearing him in the midsection and driving him back into the door jamb.
Jensen heard noises behind him, and turned slightly. Douglas and Andrew had come back, and started prying Jared and Johnny apart. Johnny wedged his foot behind Jared's leg, and pulled, sending Jared crashing into the table that sat next to the door. His head caught the edge, and Jensen cried out in fear. He rushed to Jared's side as he tried to sit up. Enough already.
"Excuse me, gentlemen," he said, pushing Douglas and Andrew aside. He punched Johnny in the stomach and when he doubled over, he rammed his knee into Johnny's face, all the while smiling in satisfaction as his ex crumpled to the floor. Douglas and Andrew stood back and watched in amazement. Jensen knelt down in front of Johnny.
"Listen up, because I'm only going to say this once," he hissed. "Come near me, my friends, or the man I love again and you will regret it. Remember, I'm from Texas. We know what to do to folk who threaten us." Johnny glared up at Jensen with hate filled eyes.
"Why don't I call him a cab," Natalie said, heading into the kitchen to grab the phone.
"Please do," Jensen called after her. "Would you two keep and eye on him?" he asked Douglas and Andrew. They nodded. Jensen smiled gratefully and turned his attention back to Jared. He helped him stand up, and got a closer look at the gash on his head, which was bleeding.
"C'mon, love. Let's get you cleaned up," Jensen said, leading Jared to the downstairs bathroom. When Natalie was done calling the cab, he asked her if she had any first aid supplies. She ran upstairs to grab her kit.
Jared sat down on the toilet while Jensen sponged off the blood. It didn't look like it would need stitches, but it was fairly nasty.
"Here you go," Natalie said, passing Jensen the box of supplies.
"Thanks. Are you okay? Do we need to patch you up, too?" he asked.
"No, I'm fine. Angry as hell at that twat, but otherwise okay," she said.
"Good. Could I ask a big favor? Could you make sure that everyone is okay back there?" he asked.
"Sure thing."
He cleaned off the blood, and dabbed antiseptic on the wound. Jared winced, but didn't pull away. Ally poked her head in.
"How's the patient?" she asked.
"I think he'll live," Jensen said, dropping a kiss on the top of Jared's head. He smiled, winced, and thought better of it.
"Joanna used to be a nurse, would you like me to send her in?" she asked.
"Yeah, if you don't mind. I'd like to make sure he doesn't need stitches," Jensen said.
"I'm fine, really," Jared protested.
"Sorry, buddy," Jensen said. "I have a vested interest in keeping you healthy. Don't make me get persuasive." He kissed Jared lightly on the lips.
"If that's being persuasive, I'm all for it" he chuckled.
Joanna stepped into the tiny room. "Let me have a look," she said. "It's not too bad. Head wounds tend to bleed a lot."
"Do you think he'll need stitches?" Jensen asked.
"I think he can get by without them," she said. She applied an antiseptic cream and a bandage, and left Jensen to clean up.
"Thank you," he said, wiping blood off of Jared's cheek.
"For what? Bleeding all over you?" Jared sighed.
"For sticking up for me. For looking out for me. For being you," Jensen said. This time, the kiss was a little deeper. Jared grabbed him around his waist and pulled Jensen onto his lap.
"At least now I know not to piss you off," Jared said, when they finally came up for air. "The look on his face when he was sprawled out on the floor was priceless."
"Well, if he wants to play dirty, he'll have to deal with the consequences," Jensen said. "I was just so angry. He pushed Natalie, and then pulled that little stunt with you. I just wanted him to understand that I wasn't going to put up with his shit."
"You were an avenging angel," Jared said, nuzzling Jensen's neck. "Like I said, I know not to piss you off."
"I wouldn't have done anything if he was just being nasty," Jensen said. "But he got violent. You would never do that. You'd never push a girl like that. You don't have that kind of meanness in you." He cradled Jared's head in his hands. "You'd never hurt me."
"Never," he agreed, solemnly. Jensen kissed him again, and stood up.
"Feel like going to a party?" he asked.
"Well, aside from the fact that my boyfriend just rescued me from his ex…"
"Shut up. I know for a fact you damaged him, too. I saw blood on the door jamb," Jensen said.
"It was nice to get a lick or two in," Jared said, as they walked back into the living room.
"Yeah, I'd love to knock your ex on her ass," Jensen said. Jared looked at him, and burst out laughing. "If I didn't have a moral objection to hitting girls. Maybe I could just be mean and make her cry."
"Oh, from what I've seen, she wouldn't stand a chance."
"You're damn straight."
Johnny was bundled off in a cab, and they all rejoined the party in the back yard. The women fussed over Jared, and the men shook their heads and were very nice to Jensen. They passed out plates and drinks, and dove into dinner.
The non-Texans raved over the food. Jared's tortillas were a big hit, and he ended up going back to cook up the rest of the dough. Jensen offered to do it, and let him rest, but he said his honor as a chef was on the line.
After dinner, Natalie served up the dessert Douglas and Lucy had brought, a chocolate cake with a raspberry filling. When everyone had eaten their fill, they moved inside, and ended up in the kitchen and dining area, listening to music and chatting. Ally and Jensen cleaned up, putting the leftovers away in the fridge. Natalie put the kettle on, and they sat around for at least another hour.
Finally, folks started drifting out. The youngsters left first, apologizing again for Johnny. Then James and Nadia. Ally and Joanna left next, after promising to return the dinner favor in the next week. Douglas and Lucy lingered the longest. Douglas pulled Jensen aside before they left.
"I'm sorry about that," he said.
"Why? You had nothing to do with it," Jensen said.
Douglas looked decidedly uncomfortable.
"Tell me you had nothing to do with that," Jensen said.
"Well, he started emailing me earlier in the week. He asked if you had softened towards him, any, and if he might have a chance of getting back in your good graces," Douglas said. "I might, and I mean might, have mentioned that you were seeing someone." He winced.
Jensen chuckled, tiredly. "Don't worry about it," he said. "If he was set on causing trouble, he would have found a way, no matter what anyone else said. I'm really glad he's in Oslo, though."
"Does that mean you'd think about a permanent position here?" Douglas asked.
"I don't know. Things have changed a bit," Jensen said, looking at Jared.
"Well, whatever you decide, I hope you're happy," Douglas said.
"Thanks. And thank you for coming tonight," Jensen said. "Dad."
"You're welcome," he said.
He and Lucy said goodnight, leaving the three of them in the kitchen, staring at a pile of dishes.
"Go to bed, you two," Natalie said, yawning. "We can tackle this lot tomorrow."
"You don't think Johnny will come back tonight and try to start something, do you?" Jared asked. "He doesn't have a key to your place?"
"No. I was never that dumb," Jensen said.
"I don't think he'll be back," Natalie said. "If he does show up, however, I've got my brother's cricket bat. As long as you promise to help me move the corpse, we should be fine."
"It would be my pleasure," Jared said, giving Natalie a huge hug. She grinned at Jensen.
"Hold on to this one, love," she said. "I think he might be a keeper."
"I'm fairly certain he is," Jensen grinned. He held out his hand to Jared. "Come on, my knight in shining armor. I think I promised to thank you in a very special way."
He leered at Jensen. "Your wish is my command," he said.
They went downstairs and got ready for bed. They were huddled around the sink and brushing their teeth when Jared asked Jensen a question.
"Did you mean what you said earlier, when you said that I was the man you loved?" he asked, quietly. Jensen paused, trying to remember what he had said. Then he realized that it didn't matter what his exact words had been, because he did love Jared.
"Yes," he said.
"Are you sure it's not just the sex talking? I mean, the sex is pretty amazing," Jared said, sounding vulnerable and unsure.
"Well, that's the question, isn't it? Is it love because the sex is good, or is the sex good because it's love? I can't say for certain, but I know that I'd rather hang out with you on the couch, watching boring documentaries than go out with anyone else," Jensen said. "I know it's quick, but don't you just know, sometimes?"
"I think you do," Jared said, kissing Jensen until his heart pounded. He was standing in the middle of his bathroom, wearing an old tee shirt and flannel pajama bottoms, with a glob of toothpaste on the corner of his mouth, yet he'd never felt sexier in his life. He dropped his toothbrush in the sink, and wrapped his arms around Jared. He led Jared into the bedroom, and proceeded to show him just how much he was loved.
Jared flew back to the states on Monday, leaving Jensen alone and moping. To cheer him up, Ally invited him to dinner on that Wednesday, saying that Joanna wanted to repay him for Saturday night.
"I don't know. I'm starting to get used to having a show with dinner. Can you promise me a brawl?" Jensen asked.
"You haven't met my father-in-law yet," she said. "There is always that distinct possibility."
Joanna had asked Jensen what he missed from home. Without a moment's pause he'd said fried chicken and mashed potatoes. So his mouth immediately began to water when he and Ally walked into the flat on Wednesday evening, and he smelled just that.
"Oh my God, that smells wonderful," Jensen sighed. Joanna laughed.
"We're having to make due on a couple of things," she said. "But I think it'll turn out okay."
It was more than okay. Ally and Jensen both gorged on fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and apple crisp. He didn't think he'd be able to move, much less walk back to the station.
"Don't even think about walking," Bob said. He must have been on his best behavior that night, because Jensen thought he was perfectly charming.
"Yeah, we have the rental car, and we'd be happy to take you home," Ally said.
"Thank you!" Jensen said. "Man, a good dinner and a ride home. It's my lucky day."
They talked about what all they'd seen so far, and Joanna mentioned that she still hadn't been to Glastonbury. Ally and Jensen exchanged looks. It was one of the places they'd talked about going, but hadn't had the time for yet. With her trip a couple of weeks from being done, it might be her last chance.
"Do you have a day free this weekend?" Jensen asked. "Because, if you do, I'd love to tag along if you don't mind."
"Well, we have plans for Saturday, but what about Sunday?" Joanna asked.
"That would be perfect!" Jensen said. They made plans to pick Jensen up around eight that morning, and then Bob and Ally drove him home. Jensen figured this would be the best plan to making Jared's absence go by quickly. Fill his time, and maybe he wouldn't miss him so much. So far, it hadn't been working too well, but he was determined to try.
They picked him up right on time, and gave him the navigator's seat. Ally had been driving while they were visiting, so she was comfortable behind the wheel. They didn't take the route Bob planned out, opting to take something a little more direct. Even though they got a little turned around it was a beautiful drive.
They did the Abbey and the Tor, and had lunch in a lovely restaurant in town. Ally and Joanna dragged Jensen out for shopping, and he ended up finding a couple of things for folks back home. It was a perfectly lovely day until the ride home.
"So when is your young man due back?" Joanna asked.
Jensen sighed. "Not until next week. His project is wrapping up."
"So once it's over, he won't be here as much," Joanna said.
"Yes ma'am. It's going to suck not seeing him until I get home," Jensen said.
"So you're definitely not taking Douglas and Everett's offer, then?" Ally asked.
"I can't," Jensen said. "Jared lives in Houston."
"Couldn't he move here?" she asked. "If he has client's here, I'm sure they could work something out. Jen, you love being here."
"Yeah, it's nice. But I have to settle down sometime," Jensen said with a shrug. It sounded false, even to his own ears. "And Jared likes travel. We'll still have vacations."
"Are you sure about this?" Ally fretted.
"What the hell? I thought you liked Jared?" Jensen snapped.
"I do. But I like you more. I want you to be happy, and I'm not sure giving up your dream job and settling down in suburban Houston will do that, even if it is with Jared," she said.
"Whatever. I don't want to talk about it any more," Jensen said, turning to stare out of the car window.
"Fine," Ally said. The drive back was quiet and tense, and not the way Jensen wanted to end the day. Ally walked him to his door when they got back to his flat.
"I'm sorry," she said. "I was out of line. I'm sure you'll do whatever is best."
"It's okay. I'm sorry I jumped down your throat," Jensen said. "I know you just want what's best for me."
"I do," she said. "I just want you to really think about it and not jump into anything head first."
"I promise I'll think it over," Jensen said. "Thanks, kiddo." He hugged her tight.
"See you tomorrow," she said, and then climbed back up to the street.
The weeks passed quickly, if tortuously. Mick and Joanna flew back, and soon enough Jensen was seeing Ally off. There were a few tears shed, and Jensen took the day off to mourn the loss of his travel buddy. Jensen's own time was running short, and he had little over a month left. Douglas and Everett made a formal offer for a permanent position, giving Jensen an offer letter and a contract to look over. He knew he wasn't going to take it, but it couldn't hurt to see what international contracts looked like.
Jared flew in for his project closeout on a Tuesday morning. Jensen met him at the airport ushered him back to his flat to sleep off the jet lag so they could have dinner that evening. When he got home at a little past six o'clock, he found Jared pacing in the dining room.
"Hey love, what's up?" Jensen asked carefully. He set his backpack down on the table.
"When were you going to tell me?" Jared asked, his voice dull.
"Tell you what?" Jensen asked. He was getting more and more confused by the minute.
"You fucking leave the papers out for me to find and then have the gall-" Jared thrust the papers in his hand at Jensen.
Jensen grabbed the documents and glanced down. It was the offer letter and contract from Douglas and Everett.
"They offered me a permanent position," Jensen said, neutrally. "I haven't accepted it, if that's what you're thinking."
"The contract is dated from a week and a half ago, Jen," Jared said, throwing himself down onto a chair. "Why is this the first time I'm hearing about it?"
"I didn't think it would matter. I'm turning it down."
"Then why do you still have the paperwork?" Jared asked. "I know you love it here, don't even try to say that you don't."
"Of course I love it here," Jensen said. "But I love you more, and if moving back to Texas is what it takes for us to be together then I'm okay with making that sacrifice."
Jared stared at him for long minutes. "I can't move away from Texas, Jen. My mom needs me. My sister needs me. I feel guilty enough spending as much time here as I do."
"I'm not asking you to move, Jared," Jensen said.
"But I'm asking you to give up what you want," Jared said, staring at his hands. "Maybe this isn't such a good idea?"
"What? After everything we've gone through to get here, you're giving up?" Jensen yelled.
"I'm not giving up, Jen. I'm saying that maybe we are rushing in to this without thinking how it's going to affect our lives," Jared said.
Champagne, Jensen thought. He'd bought champagne that they were supposed to be drinking before going to bed to make love. How in the hell had things gone so far off course?
"Jared, okay, so maybe we slow down," Jensen said, trying to get control of the situation. "But I still want to be with you. Only you."
"I don't think I can do this, Jen," Jared said, standing back up. "I don't think I'll make you happy. I don't want us to both end up angry and resentful."
Jensen felt his heart shatter. "You fucking bastard," he snarled. "What was this? Some game? You pushed and pushed, never leaving me be. Now that I've given in? What's wrong, the thrill of the chase gone? I fucking love you, don't you get that? Fuck it. Stop hiding behind your family and just admit that once the reality of us being together full time in the same city sunk in, you freaked. What? Not into it once I'm no longer some piece of ass you can pick up on a business trip and ignore the rest of the time."
"Jensen, that's not it. I'm not doing this to hurt you," Jared said, desperation clouding his voice. "I love you. I do. I just want you to be happy."
"No you don't, Jared," Jensen said, suddenly exhausted. "If you loved me, you wouldn't have been looking for the first excuse to bail. Just get your shit and get out." And with that, he pushed past Jared to go through the kitchen and into his bedroom. He slammed the door behind him and threw himself on the bed, hitting the cool sheets about the same time as the first teardrop.
Next.