Chasing Prince Charming [FIC]
Title:Chasing Prince Charming
Author: yahnknshadows
Rating: NC-17
Warnings: slash, drug use, abuse, AIDS scare, drag shows, language
Pairing Jared/Jensen, J2/OMC
Total World Count About 75k
Disclaimer: Lies, all lies!
Summary: Full summary to be found with Master Post
Music: Why Don't You and I? by Carlos Santana featuring Chad Kroeger
Beta: Let's all give a rousing round of applause to Sarah <3 <3 <3 <3! Thanks so much for your help, honey!
Master Post
Prologue Chapter One pt.I Chapter One pt.II Chapter 2
Author's Note: All questions concerning Terry will be answered in time. Please be patient. <3 Thank you.
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Chapter 3: To the Rescue
Another week or two went by and Jensen went about his usual business. He didn't see Jared at the bar, not that he expected to or anything and in some ways, he was glad he didn't. He only got to know his friends and the good ones he didn’t sleep with because then it got all types of personal. It got way too uncomfortable and personal led to….
Jensen was still there though, a party was a party and it meant getting laid which made him happy. Misha was already drunk off his ass and giggling next to Terry by the fire. "Man, if you are actually stupid enough to take that many of them, Terry, I'm going to shove you into the ocean," Misha warned, reaching over and pulling something from Terry's hand before popping them into his mouth. He was serious but his tone said differently.
Music blared from the speakers set up on the deck surrounding Jared and Terry’s house, set back a bit from the beach where the party was in full swing. “Damn it, thief!” Terry grumbled at Misha, kicking him in the calf with a bare foot. “I wanted those.” He stared morosely down at what was left in his palm and then poured the rest into his mouth, chugging beer to wash it down. It was then that he caught sight of Jensen. “Dude! Hey, what are you doing here?”
Misha grinned and shrugged as he popped a few more into his mouth. "Yeah, I know you did." He sat back and looked up at whoever Terry was talking to. "I think I want him, too," he added with interest in his eyes.
Jensen was working on his second beer already. He found Terry and the weird little man sitting next to him. Okay, he wasn't that drunk just yet. "I hear the word party I come running."
“Yeah, maybe, but you never come here to party.” Terry frowned at Jensen, wobbling a little bit, and then shrugging before he went back to lounge on Misha.
"Yeah, well I was bored. Why else would I come to one of your parties?" Jensen shot back before sitting down and rolling his eyes.
“Least he’s not gonna be a wet blanket,” Terry said to Misha, dropping his head to rest on Misha’s thigh. It was much more comfortable than the sand.
"I can tell that from just looking at him." Misha looked down at Terry. "You know, since you're down there…" He grinned, raising his eyebrows suggestively.
“Dude,” Terry groaned and smacked Misha’s thigh. “I’m not blowing you. I’d send you off to get Jared to do it-god, that boy can suck dick-but you know how he is.”
Misha laughed and rolled his eyes. "Yeah, well, if I could shove Jared down on his knees I would but he's way too much of a tight ass, and not in the good way." He grabbed his drink and downed it.
"Is he always like that?" Jensen asked looking at the other two. "He was at the bar a few weeks ago and actually went home alone. I’ve never heard of such a thing in South Beach."
Terry nodded and pushed himself up so he could see Jensen without his vision swimming. Well, so it wouldn’t swim so much. “He’s pretty much the only single guy in South Beach that doesn’t fuck anyone. Jack really fucked his head up.” He scooted back to lean against Misha’s side, happy and drunk and floaty, snuggling into Misha’s side.
Misha turned back to Terry and grinned as he dropped his head to nuzzle the other male. "Yeah, Jared’s about the only gay man not into having sex; it’s kind of a waste if you ask me."
That was the third time Jensen had heard that name and he got the picture; Jared had an ex, everyone had a freaking ex, but Jensen knew better than anyone just how vital they could be to a person's personality. Asking about it would only lead to him having more of an understanding about Jared and he didn't want that. "So… he doesn't normally do the one-night stand thing?" he asked before taking a large gulp of his drink, trying to keep himself from asking more questions.
"Has he ever?" Misha asked, rolling his eyes upward.
“Not really. Maybe once since Jack, but before that Jared made Jensen seem like a blushing virgin.” Terry mouthed at Misha’s cheek, the pills and alcohol hitting him pretty hard. “Remember that? He fucked half the town before Jack roped him in, broke him down, and then left him like he didn’t matter. Think I’d be a bit fucked in the head about it, too.”
Misha nodded his head. "Yeah, I came in right on the tail end of it so I didn't even get to enjoy it. It sucked." He moved a little, urging Terry to move to his neck. E did amazing shit to your body.
Jensen finished off his drink and licked his lips as he watched the other two as they started to get all over one another. He didn't say anything though he heard them, instead he just looked away more than a little uninterested in what those two were doing now.
"Dude, you’re fucked in the head." Misha gripped Terry’s face, directing his sloppy mouth.
Terry licked and bit along the column of Misha’s throat, sloppy and imperfect, giggling after each kiss. “M’fucked in the head, but you’re gonna end up fucked in the ass tonight.” Misha giggled and turned to capture Terry's mouth, Jensen a distant memory.
Jensen just sighed and got up, not one to talk but that was one he wasn't touching with a ten foot pole. He wasn't that drunk just yet. He moved off to grab another beer.
Jared sat on the porch with a beer dangling from his fingers, arms hooked over the middle rung of the banister, just staring out at the water. He didn’t seem particularly drunk, just relaxed and a bit distant, lost in his thoughts as the party raged around him. He sipped his beer and grinned or waved briefly at people that staggered by him, called out to him. Three empty beer bottles sat in a neat row beside Jared’s hip and he swung his feet carelessly, gaze focused on the ocean instead of the party going on.
Jensen had wandered around for a bit before finding Ryan and sort of making a run for it. He liked his friends but Ryan tended to be on his ass, at least since he had settled down he swore up and down that Jensen needed to do the same. He moved through the wave of people before finding Jared sitting alone and took it as an escape, or so he would explain later if he was questioned about it. He had a fresh beer in his hand and he headed up the steps to join Jared. "Looking for the other mermaids?" he joked.
Confused, Jared turned to look up at Jensen, expression and eyes lost and uncomprehending for a few moments before it connected in Jared’s head and one corner of his mouth quirked up in amusement. “Hey, Prince Charming,” he said just loud enough to be heard over the loud music pouring out of the windows behind him.
Jensen smirked. "Howdy, Princess," he answered as he sat down semi-away from Jared. Ryan came looking for him but didn't say anything when he saw Jensen with Jared, instead he just moved on to find Nelson. "Am I interrupting your deep thoughts? I can leave you alone, you know."
“Nah, man, I’m okay,” Jared replied, cheeks flushing bright red at the nickname. “I was just looking at the ocean. Kind of hard to have a conversation when I’m the only sober person here, you know?”
Jensen shifted a bit. "I have another three beers or so before I'm jacked up." He took a drink anyway. "Besides it’s a party, you should be getting drunk, right? That's what they're for." He smiled.
“Yeah, I know, and I was all for having it tonight. Just, a certain person is here and if I’m drunk I’m going to trail after him like a lost puppy, and no one wants to see that shit. It’s just fucking sad.” Jared shook his head and took a long gulp of his beer and set the empty down beside his hip. “Anyway, enough of that shit; how’re you liking the party so far? Misha and Terry have some Ecstasy if you’re into that type of thing, and there’s a guy wandering around with a pound of weed, selling it cheap if you smoke a bowl with him.”
Jensen nodded his head and bit his bottom lip. "Ouch, kind of ruins a party," he said and took another drink from his beer. He looked back at Jared and pressed his lips together. "Nah, I um…" he cleared his throat and went slightly pink, "I never touch drugs." He moved on from that quickly and smirked. "I already ran into those two, anyway. I'm pretty sure they finished it all off between the two of them." He smirked. "Terry is amusing no matter what he's on, I swear to God."
“Misha and Terry are quite the pair. I was actually surprised he brought you over the other night and not Misha. Those two tend to make the rounds together. I wish they’d just fucking start dating or whatever. They get so touchy feely when they’re together, it’s kind of sickening.” Jared leaned over and dragged a small cooler that was up against the side of the house over to his side and put it between himself and Jensen, popped it open and dragged a fresh beer out.
"Yeah, I noticed that," Jensen said. "I mean fucking around is one thing but they were actually laying all over each other, kind of, you know… endearing." He shook his head and leaned back, getting comfortable. Why was he sitting here, talking to Jared, when he really should be cursing around for a hook-up? He settled back a little.
Jared grinned fondly, a bit wistful, and draped his arms over the middle rung of the banister. “I think you mean they’re disgustingly happy together. But, maybe that’s why they won’t just go ahead and date; afraid of shitting rainbows and causing random strangers to fall in love and live happily ever after.” If his tone was a little bitter, well, surely he’d be forgiven.
Jensen looked at Jared a little confused at the last part of his statement or, rather, more the tone. "No one falls in love with a complete stranger," he replied before cocking his head to the side a little. Besides, when did happily ever after actually happen to anyone-he had the feeling Jared knew that from what Terry said and Jared's tone alone. "I think someone needs another beer." He tried to smile but it didn't work. "You okay?" he asked, a little concerned and never one to hide it well.
“Jared!”
“Oh fuck me sideways,” Jared groaned and resolutely refused to acknowledge the half-naked blonde stumbling over towards him. “Just ignore him.” The guy was thin and sort of petite, boyish despite the stubble darkening his jaw. The guy had twink written all over him, and he had eyes only for Jared.
“Jay-baby,” the guy gushed, reaching up to slide his hands up and down Jared’s legs where they dangled off the edge of the porch, suspended about four feet from the ground. “I said I was sorry. Come on, baby. I know you still love me.”
Looking over for the voice that easily reached over top of the music Jensen raised an eyebrow. Twinks were an easy find at any party on South Beach. He had half a mind to just get up and leave Jared to whoever this guy was, but Jared seemed to be unhappy with the guy so Jensen stayed put, just for the time being. "Um, might be a little hard to do that."
“Jack, please, just go the fuck away,” Jared muttered, almost too soft in the lull between tracks on the stereo. He still hadn’t looked at the blonde, his eyes trained resolutely on the ocean.
The blonde, Jack, apparently, wriggled his hands up the legs of Jared’s shorts, grinning sweetly. “Please, Jay-baby? Just let me explain?”
“No.” Now Jared’s voice was hard and angry and he shoved Jack away with a foot, hands immediately gripping the legs of his shorts to pull them tight around his thighs. “You can’t explain away running off with a woman, asshole.”
Jensen moved to get up because this wasn't his business and he wasn't about to make it his either. He got the general idea of who and what the little blonde was but he didn't think that Jared wanted him to hear his story. Hell, Jared hadn't ever even brought it up; Terry had spilled the beans. He reached down to grab his beer when he saw the blonde reach for Jared's shorts and that struck him as annoying, not because he thought he had any kind of claim but you didn't just grab on someone who wasn't welcoming the contact. "Hey, jackass, keep your hands to yourself unless someone invites you," he growled, giving Jack a push back.
“Hey, this is none of your business!” Jack yelled, shoving at Jensen in return. “He’s my goddamn boyfriend and I’ll touch him if I fucking want to!”
“Leave him alone, Jack. I’m not your goddamn boyfriend, either.” Jared pushed himself up and leaned his elbows on the banister, glaring down at Jack below him. “You gave that up a year ago, to go off with your wife and leave me the hell alone.”
Jensen was about ready to punch this asshole right in the face before Jared spoke up. He knew that Jared and Jack weren't together but the word ‘boyfriend’ being thrown around sort of got under his skin. He narrowed his eyes, looking at the little blonde like he would like to kick him in the teeth. "Well, you got told," he said as he reached for his beer again, that smug look on his face as always.
“Get lost, Jack,” Jared growled when Jack opened his mouth to start in on Jensen again. The blonde looked at Jensen with such an expression of hatred that Jared tensed, ready to jump in should Jack start trying to swing. He might’ve been a tiny little fucker, but he was pretty damn strong, especially when he was drunk.
But, Jack didn’t swing, didn’t say another word, he just spun on his heel, staggered a bit, and then stalked away, drunk and pissed off and looking for more alcohol. Jared sighed and sat back down, slumping against the banister with his head down. “Sorry about that, Jensen. I didn’t think he’d come over here.”
As Jack left Jensen just rolled his eyes. He just shrugged looking back at Jared. "Eh, I've dealt with worse. A lot worse." Yeah, Jack didn't even make Jensen bat an eyelash. He leaned down to grab Jared's beer and handed it over him as he settled again. "I think you need to drink more." He smirked, nudging Jared a little.
Jared chuckled and shook his head, taking the beer from Jensen’s hand. “If I didn’t know better, I’d say you’re trying to get me drunk so that I’ll go back to thinking that I’m a mermaid. Not that I can blame you, of course; mermaids are much happier people.”
"Yeah well, I don't want that asshole to ruin the great mood you were in." Jensen grabbed his own beer and took a long drink from it. "Come on, it is a party; you're supposed to be having fun."
That got a much wider smile out of Jared. He turned his head so that his cheek rested against his forearm, propped on the middle rung of the banister. “Thanks, Jensen. You’re a great friend,” he said quietly, his smile huge and bright for the first time that night.
He couldn't help himself; Jensen’s smile matched Jared's within a half of second. "Anytime, Jared," he replied as he shifted a bit. When Jared looked at him with that look in his eyes, something twisted inside Jensen, an uncomfortable feeling that he forced himself to swallow down against his better judgment.
~*~
“No, no, no; I want the peaches, not the apples. Dude, seriously?” Jared complained and shifted his basket over to the other hip and leaned in, grabbing the peaches himself rather than letting the vendor hand them over. “These are peaches.” Jared sighed and shook his head. This was why he needed to learn Spanish; he couldn’t communicate with the vendors if neither of them spoke the same language.
Jared handed over the money for the peaches and put them in his basket, moving down the walkway towards some of the bigger vendors that he frequented more often. “Carl!” he said cheerily as he stepped up to the cart arrayed with a multitude of different flowers. “Be a dear and find me some of your most fragrant lilies?”
“Lilies again, Jay? Rich and Eric get another vase or are you replacing some?” Carl asked, the straw hat bobbing around his round face as he shook his head at Jared.
“Replacing some of the wilted ones. Oh, and can you get me a separate bunch of carnations? I’m decorating Terry’s birthday cake and need a guide. He’s going to be so pissed.” Jared laughed and Carl joined in, gathering up the requested flowers.
Ryan was out in the market with Nelson when he spotted the guy that Jensen had been hanging out with during one of the recent parties. Ryan had been taken aback to say the least because not only did his younger cousin not try and jump this guy's bones right there on the beach but he had also spent almost the whole night with him just talking. He hadn't taken an interest in someone like that since Max and though Ryan understood why he just didn't agree with it in the slightest. If someone had Jensen's attention Ryan would do a dance, seriously; he did not like that his cousin slutted around. At the same time, though, if he was interested in someone, Ryan needed to make sure it wasn't another dick. This one hung around with Terry and Misha on top of it so God knew.
Nelson rolled his eyes as Ryan parted ways with him, promising he would be right back. "Baby, Jen is an adult…. Okay, just ignore me," he mumbled shaking his head and going back to shopping. Ryan was not at all shy; it seriously ran in their family. He could be somewhat casual though.
As Ryan passed Jared, he half bumped into him, knocking one of the flowering bunches from Jared's hand. "Oh shit, I'm sorry," he lied as he reached down to pick them up and handed them back to the other male. "You’re Jared, right?" he asked, a warm smile on his face with a bit of a look of surprise.
“Um, yeah, I’m Jared. Do I know you?” Jared asked, head tipped to the side as he laid the bunch of flowers in his basket on top of his other purchases. “If it’s from a party, then I’m sorry but I rarely remember everyone who comes to them.”
"Something like that," Ryan answered. "To be honest with you, I only know your name because I saw you with my cousin Jensen last weekend. I've never seen him sit still and actually talk to someone for that long." He half laughed, sometimes he swore Jensen had ADD but only when it came to other human beings.
“Oh, yeah, I wasn’t having the best night and Jensen decided to keep me company.” Jared grinned and shook his head, laughing. “I’m surprised he didn’t tell you my name is princess,” he joked and blushed bright red the moment the nickname had passed his lips. “He’s a good guy, a really good friend.”
That didn't surprise Ryan; Jensen did tend to wear his heart on his sleeve on most days but he also knew his cousin like the back of his hand. "Yeah he is," he agreed. Jensen, admitting it or not, had a thing for Jared. Ryan’s brow quirked with confusion. "Princess?" he asked. "Do I even want to ask?"
That got a laugh out of Jared and he shook his head. “First night I met him, we were wasted on the beach and he said I was waiting for a prince; he’s called me princess ever since. I tease him and call him Prince Charming because of it.”
Ryan had to laugh at that one. "The prince and the princess, huh? Oh, I'm going to have to remember that one." He bit his bottom lip.
Jared shrugged, smile blindingly bright, wide and happy. “What can I say? He’s an adorable dork and I’m glad I’ve got him as my friend.” He slowly started moving to another stall, glancing over the wares, but made sure that the guy didn’t think he was walking off. “So, I never caught your name.”
Jared seemed friendly and he didn't come off like a druggie like Terry tended to so Ryan guessed so far the other male had his approval. A little much for him to think it mattered but he always looked out for Jensen and this wasn't any different. "Yeah, he seems to feel the same way about you. He's talked about you a few times. Seems to really like you; you're part of the theater right? I seem to remember your name in a bunch of reviews and stuff."
“Um, yeah, I’m with the South of Normal theater troupe.” Jared ducked his head and blushed darker, hiding behind his shaggy hair. “But, um, w-what did Jensen say about me? Not-he didn’t tell you anything embarrassing, did he?”
Ryan shrugged. "Nah, nothing embarrassing; just really your name and stuff like that. I know Jensen very well so most of my take on how he feels about you just comes from reading his face, and, like I said, the fact that he'd rather hang around you than get drunk and…" He made a bit of a face; he was sure Jared, like everyone else, knew how Jensen was. "I think I overheard him telling my boyfriend that you were amusing when drunk if that counts."
“Amusing, yeah, you could call it that.” Jared’s brows were tugged together thoughtfully, distracted, and then his expression cleared and he smiled again. “First time he met me, I was naked and lying in the sand and waiting for a prince. Of course it’s amusing.”
Laughing Ryan nodded his head. "Yeah, that's about how I would describe it, I guess." He moved to follow Jared as they talked. "Jensen is pretty amusing when he's drunk, too; starts giggling and telling really bad jokes most of the time."
“I don’t remember what he was like when he was drunk. I’m such a big guy that the amount of alcohol required to get me drunk is enough to black out my memory of it. But, I’ve already warned Jen that I’m going to get him drunk and record him giggling like a five year old girl.” Jared turned and started looking over the fresh fish laid out on ice, debating over which one to pick out. “So, really, man, what’s your name? I can’t call you ‘Jensen’s cousin’ in my head all the time.”
"Oh, Christ, I'm coming off as an asshole, huh?" Ryan shook his head. He was too interested in learning about Jared to answer questions about himself. "Sorry, I'm Ryan. Do me a favor, whenever you do get a video of it make me a copy? I used to have one but then it disappeared, I'm pretty sure Jensen had something to do with it too."
“Nice to meet you, man.” Jared motioned to one of the fish and the vendor took it and wrapped it up for him. “I will. I’ll probably make a few copies if it’s likely that he’ll throw ‘em away. I bet he’s cute when he laughs.” Jared paid for the fish and tucked it into his basket beneath the flowers.
Ryan raised an eyebrow. He was reading too much into anything Jared said; he had been watching Jensen sleep around the way he did since he got to South Beach and that was about a year ago. He had been the same way before moving here and honestly, playing mother hen or not, he knew Jensen wasn't happy with it. He needed a nice guy, even one to just be his friend. He smiled. "Yeah, he is and he would, but just get him drunk and he won't even notice you taking the video until it’s too late." He half rolled his eyes. "You know, I think my cousin is right about you; you seem like a really great guy."
Jared smiled shyly, biting his lower lip and blushing bright red all the way up into the tips of his ears. “I’m just like everyone else; I’m just really tall and goofy.” He rubbed the back of his neck, embarrassed at being complimented. “W-were you shopping?” he asked, changing the subject awkwardly. “I’m sorry, I’ve been babbling. I should probably get back to work and let you shop.”
Ryan shook his head; no Jared was different, he could tell. He shrugged. "Nah, my boyfriend is the shopper of the relationship." He shook his head. "Believe me, don't be sorry. I really wanted a chance to talk to you, actually. I'll leave you in peace though; nice meeting you, Jared," he said as he turned to leave Jared to his shopping and rejoin Nelson.
Jared watched him go, still embarrassed but feeling a spark of happiness; Jensen told people about him. Just family, of course, but that was still something. He was feeling pretty good about his friendship with Jensen now, more relaxed knowing that he hadn’t just become another face Jensen forgot about as soon as he wasn’t right there anymore. Jared smiled wide and happy while he finished his shopping.
Chapter 4
Author: yahnknshadows
Rating: NC-17
Warnings: slash, drug use, abuse, AIDS scare, drag shows, language
Pairing Jared/Jensen, J2/OMC
Total World Count About 75k
Disclaimer: Lies, all lies!
Summary: Full summary to be found with Master Post
Music: Why Don't You and I? by Carlos Santana featuring Chad Kroeger
Beta: Let's all give a rousing round of applause to Sarah <3 <3 <3 <3! Thanks so much for your help, honey!
Master Post
Prologue Chapter One pt.I Chapter One pt.II Chapter 2
Author's Note: All questions concerning Terry will be answered in time. Please be patient. <3 Thank you.
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Chapter 3: To the Rescue
Another week or two went by and Jensen went about his usual business. He didn't see Jared at the bar, not that he expected to or anything and in some ways, he was glad he didn't. He only got to know his friends and the good ones he didn’t sleep with because then it got all types of personal. It got way too uncomfortable and personal led to….
Jensen was still there though, a party was a party and it meant getting laid which made him happy. Misha was already drunk off his ass and giggling next to Terry by the fire. "Man, if you are actually stupid enough to take that many of them, Terry, I'm going to shove you into the ocean," Misha warned, reaching over and pulling something from Terry's hand before popping them into his mouth. He was serious but his tone said differently.
Music blared from the speakers set up on the deck surrounding Jared and Terry’s house, set back a bit from the beach where the party was in full swing. “Damn it, thief!” Terry grumbled at Misha, kicking him in the calf with a bare foot. “I wanted those.” He stared morosely down at what was left in his palm and then poured the rest into his mouth, chugging beer to wash it down. It was then that he caught sight of Jensen. “Dude! Hey, what are you doing here?”
Misha grinned and shrugged as he popped a few more into his mouth. "Yeah, I know you did." He sat back and looked up at whoever Terry was talking to. "I think I want him, too," he added with interest in his eyes.
Jensen was working on his second beer already. He found Terry and the weird little man sitting next to him. Okay, he wasn't that drunk just yet. "I hear the word party I come running."
“Yeah, maybe, but you never come here to party.” Terry frowned at Jensen, wobbling a little bit, and then shrugging before he went back to lounge on Misha.
"Yeah, well I was bored. Why else would I come to one of your parties?" Jensen shot back before sitting down and rolling his eyes.
“Least he’s not gonna be a wet blanket,” Terry said to Misha, dropping his head to rest on Misha’s thigh. It was much more comfortable than the sand.
"I can tell that from just looking at him." Misha looked down at Terry. "You know, since you're down there…" He grinned, raising his eyebrows suggestively.
“Dude,” Terry groaned and smacked Misha’s thigh. “I’m not blowing you. I’d send you off to get Jared to do it-god, that boy can suck dick-but you know how he is.”
Misha laughed and rolled his eyes. "Yeah, well, if I could shove Jared down on his knees I would but he's way too much of a tight ass, and not in the good way." He grabbed his drink and downed it.
"Is he always like that?" Jensen asked looking at the other two. "He was at the bar a few weeks ago and actually went home alone. I’ve never heard of such a thing in South Beach."
Terry nodded and pushed himself up so he could see Jensen without his vision swimming. Well, so it wouldn’t swim so much. “He’s pretty much the only single guy in South Beach that doesn’t fuck anyone. Jack really fucked his head up.” He scooted back to lean against Misha’s side, happy and drunk and floaty, snuggling into Misha’s side.
Misha turned back to Terry and grinned as he dropped his head to nuzzle the other male. "Yeah, Jared’s about the only gay man not into having sex; it’s kind of a waste if you ask me."
That was the third time Jensen had heard that name and he got the picture; Jared had an ex, everyone had a freaking ex, but Jensen knew better than anyone just how vital they could be to a person's personality. Asking about it would only lead to him having more of an understanding about Jared and he didn't want that. "So… he doesn't normally do the one-night stand thing?" he asked before taking a large gulp of his drink, trying to keep himself from asking more questions.
"Has he ever?" Misha asked, rolling his eyes upward.
“Not really. Maybe once since Jack, but before that Jared made Jensen seem like a blushing virgin.” Terry mouthed at Misha’s cheek, the pills and alcohol hitting him pretty hard. “Remember that? He fucked half the town before Jack roped him in, broke him down, and then left him like he didn’t matter. Think I’d be a bit fucked in the head about it, too.”
Misha nodded his head. "Yeah, I came in right on the tail end of it so I didn't even get to enjoy it. It sucked." He moved a little, urging Terry to move to his neck. E did amazing shit to your body.
Jensen finished off his drink and licked his lips as he watched the other two as they started to get all over one another. He didn't say anything though he heard them, instead he just looked away more than a little uninterested in what those two were doing now.
"Dude, you’re fucked in the head." Misha gripped Terry’s face, directing his sloppy mouth.
Terry licked and bit along the column of Misha’s throat, sloppy and imperfect, giggling after each kiss. “M’fucked in the head, but you’re gonna end up fucked in the ass tonight.” Misha giggled and turned to capture Terry's mouth, Jensen a distant memory.
Jensen just sighed and got up, not one to talk but that was one he wasn't touching with a ten foot pole. He wasn't that drunk just yet. He moved off to grab another beer.
Jared sat on the porch with a beer dangling from his fingers, arms hooked over the middle rung of the banister, just staring out at the water. He didn’t seem particularly drunk, just relaxed and a bit distant, lost in his thoughts as the party raged around him. He sipped his beer and grinned or waved briefly at people that staggered by him, called out to him. Three empty beer bottles sat in a neat row beside Jared’s hip and he swung his feet carelessly, gaze focused on the ocean instead of the party going on.
Jensen had wandered around for a bit before finding Ryan and sort of making a run for it. He liked his friends but Ryan tended to be on his ass, at least since he had settled down he swore up and down that Jensen needed to do the same. He moved through the wave of people before finding Jared sitting alone and took it as an escape, or so he would explain later if he was questioned about it. He had a fresh beer in his hand and he headed up the steps to join Jared. "Looking for the other mermaids?" he joked.
Confused, Jared turned to look up at Jensen, expression and eyes lost and uncomprehending for a few moments before it connected in Jared’s head and one corner of his mouth quirked up in amusement. “Hey, Prince Charming,” he said just loud enough to be heard over the loud music pouring out of the windows behind him.
Jensen smirked. "Howdy, Princess," he answered as he sat down semi-away from Jared. Ryan came looking for him but didn't say anything when he saw Jensen with Jared, instead he just moved on to find Nelson. "Am I interrupting your deep thoughts? I can leave you alone, you know."
“Nah, man, I’m okay,” Jared replied, cheeks flushing bright red at the nickname. “I was just looking at the ocean. Kind of hard to have a conversation when I’m the only sober person here, you know?”
Jensen shifted a bit. "I have another three beers or so before I'm jacked up." He took a drink anyway. "Besides it’s a party, you should be getting drunk, right? That's what they're for." He smiled.
“Yeah, I know, and I was all for having it tonight. Just, a certain person is here and if I’m drunk I’m going to trail after him like a lost puppy, and no one wants to see that shit. It’s just fucking sad.” Jared shook his head and took a long gulp of his beer and set the empty down beside his hip. “Anyway, enough of that shit; how’re you liking the party so far? Misha and Terry have some Ecstasy if you’re into that type of thing, and there’s a guy wandering around with a pound of weed, selling it cheap if you smoke a bowl with him.”
Jensen nodded his head and bit his bottom lip. "Ouch, kind of ruins a party," he said and took another drink from his beer. He looked back at Jared and pressed his lips together. "Nah, I um…" he cleared his throat and went slightly pink, "I never touch drugs." He moved on from that quickly and smirked. "I already ran into those two, anyway. I'm pretty sure they finished it all off between the two of them." He smirked. "Terry is amusing no matter what he's on, I swear to God."
“Misha and Terry are quite the pair. I was actually surprised he brought you over the other night and not Misha. Those two tend to make the rounds together. I wish they’d just fucking start dating or whatever. They get so touchy feely when they’re together, it’s kind of sickening.” Jared leaned over and dragged a small cooler that was up against the side of the house over to his side and put it between himself and Jensen, popped it open and dragged a fresh beer out.
"Yeah, I noticed that," Jensen said. "I mean fucking around is one thing but they were actually laying all over each other, kind of, you know… endearing." He shook his head and leaned back, getting comfortable. Why was he sitting here, talking to Jared, when he really should be cursing around for a hook-up? He settled back a little.
Jared grinned fondly, a bit wistful, and draped his arms over the middle rung of the banister. “I think you mean they’re disgustingly happy together. But, maybe that’s why they won’t just go ahead and date; afraid of shitting rainbows and causing random strangers to fall in love and live happily ever after.” If his tone was a little bitter, well, surely he’d be forgiven.
Jensen looked at Jared a little confused at the last part of his statement or, rather, more the tone. "No one falls in love with a complete stranger," he replied before cocking his head to the side a little. Besides, when did happily ever after actually happen to anyone-he had the feeling Jared knew that from what Terry said and Jared's tone alone. "I think someone needs another beer." He tried to smile but it didn't work. "You okay?" he asked, a little concerned and never one to hide it well.
“Jared!”
“Oh fuck me sideways,” Jared groaned and resolutely refused to acknowledge the half-naked blonde stumbling over towards him. “Just ignore him.” The guy was thin and sort of petite, boyish despite the stubble darkening his jaw. The guy had twink written all over him, and he had eyes only for Jared.
“Jay-baby,” the guy gushed, reaching up to slide his hands up and down Jared’s legs where they dangled off the edge of the porch, suspended about four feet from the ground. “I said I was sorry. Come on, baby. I know you still love me.”
Looking over for the voice that easily reached over top of the music Jensen raised an eyebrow. Twinks were an easy find at any party on South Beach. He had half a mind to just get up and leave Jared to whoever this guy was, but Jared seemed to be unhappy with the guy so Jensen stayed put, just for the time being. "Um, might be a little hard to do that."
“Jack, please, just go the fuck away,” Jared muttered, almost too soft in the lull between tracks on the stereo. He still hadn’t looked at the blonde, his eyes trained resolutely on the ocean.
The blonde, Jack, apparently, wriggled his hands up the legs of Jared’s shorts, grinning sweetly. “Please, Jay-baby? Just let me explain?”
“No.” Now Jared’s voice was hard and angry and he shoved Jack away with a foot, hands immediately gripping the legs of his shorts to pull them tight around his thighs. “You can’t explain away running off with a woman, asshole.”
Jensen moved to get up because this wasn't his business and he wasn't about to make it his either. He got the general idea of who and what the little blonde was but he didn't think that Jared wanted him to hear his story. Hell, Jared hadn't ever even brought it up; Terry had spilled the beans. He reached down to grab his beer when he saw the blonde reach for Jared's shorts and that struck him as annoying, not because he thought he had any kind of claim but you didn't just grab on someone who wasn't welcoming the contact. "Hey, jackass, keep your hands to yourself unless someone invites you," he growled, giving Jack a push back.
“Hey, this is none of your business!” Jack yelled, shoving at Jensen in return. “He’s my goddamn boyfriend and I’ll touch him if I fucking want to!”
“Leave him alone, Jack. I’m not your goddamn boyfriend, either.” Jared pushed himself up and leaned his elbows on the banister, glaring down at Jack below him. “You gave that up a year ago, to go off with your wife and leave me the hell alone.”
Jensen was about ready to punch this asshole right in the face before Jared spoke up. He knew that Jared and Jack weren't together but the word ‘boyfriend’ being thrown around sort of got under his skin. He narrowed his eyes, looking at the little blonde like he would like to kick him in the teeth. "Well, you got told," he said as he reached for his beer again, that smug look on his face as always.
“Get lost, Jack,” Jared growled when Jack opened his mouth to start in on Jensen again. The blonde looked at Jensen with such an expression of hatred that Jared tensed, ready to jump in should Jack start trying to swing. He might’ve been a tiny little fucker, but he was pretty damn strong, especially when he was drunk.
But, Jack didn’t swing, didn’t say another word, he just spun on his heel, staggered a bit, and then stalked away, drunk and pissed off and looking for more alcohol. Jared sighed and sat back down, slumping against the banister with his head down. “Sorry about that, Jensen. I didn’t think he’d come over here.”
As Jack left Jensen just rolled his eyes. He just shrugged looking back at Jared. "Eh, I've dealt with worse. A lot worse." Yeah, Jack didn't even make Jensen bat an eyelash. He leaned down to grab Jared's beer and handed it over him as he settled again. "I think you need to drink more." He smirked, nudging Jared a little.
Jared chuckled and shook his head, taking the beer from Jensen’s hand. “If I didn’t know better, I’d say you’re trying to get me drunk so that I’ll go back to thinking that I’m a mermaid. Not that I can blame you, of course; mermaids are much happier people.”
"Yeah well, I don't want that asshole to ruin the great mood you were in." Jensen grabbed his own beer and took a long drink from it. "Come on, it is a party; you're supposed to be having fun."
That got a much wider smile out of Jared. He turned his head so that his cheek rested against his forearm, propped on the middle rung of the banister. “Thanks, Jensen. You’re a great friend,” he said quietly, his smile huge and bright for the first time that night.
He couldn't help himself; Jensen’s smile matched Jared's within a half of second. "Anytime, Jared," he replied as he shifted a bit. When Jared looked at him with that look in his eyes, something twisted inside Jensen, an uncomfortable feeling that he forced himself to swallow down against his better judgment.
~*~
“No, no, no; I want the peaches, not the apples. Dude, seriously?” Jared complained and shifted his basket over to the other hip and leaned in, grabbing the peaches himself rather than letting the vendor hand them over. “These are peaches.” Jared sighed and shook his head. This was why he needed to learn Spanish; he couldn’t communicate with the vendors if neither of them spoke the same language.
Jared handed over the money for the peaches and put them in his basket, moving down the walkway towards some of the bigger vendors that he frequented more often. “Carl!” he said cheerily as he stepped up to the cart arrayed with a multitude of different flowers. “Be a dear and find me some of your most fragrant lilies?”
“Lilies again, Jay? Rich and Eric get another vase or are you replacing some?” Carl asked, the straw hat bobbing around his round face as he shook his head at Jared.
“Replacing some of the wilted ones. Oh, and can you get me a separate bunch of carnations? I’m decorating Terry’s birthday cake and need a guide. He’s going to be so pissed.” Jared laughed and Carl joined in, gathering up the requested flowers.
Ryan was out in the market with Nelson when he spotted the guy that Jensen had been hanging out with during one of the recent parties. Ryan had been taken aback to say the least because not only did his younger cousin not try and jump this guy's bones right there on the beach but he had also spent almost the whole night with him just talking. He hadn't taken an interest in someone like that since Max and though Ryan understood why he just didn't agree with it in the slightest. If someone had Jensen's attention Ryan would do a dance, seriously; he did not like that his cousin slutted around. At the same time, though, if he was interested in someone, Ryan needed to make sure it wasn't another dick. This one hung around with Terry and Misha on top of it so God knew.
Nelson rolled his eyes as Ryan parted ways with him, promising he would be right back. "Baby, Jen is an adult…. Okay, just ignore me," he mumbled shaking his head and going back to shopping. Ryan was not at all shy; it seriously ran in their family. He could be somewhat casual though.
As Ryan passed Jared, he half bumped into him, knocking one of the flowering bunches from Jared's hand. "Oh shit, I'm sorry," he lied as he reached down to pick them up and handed them back to the other male. "You’re Jared, right?" he asked, a warm smile on his face with a bit of a look of surprise.
“Um, yeah, I’m Jared. Do I know you?” Jared asked, head tipped to the side as he laid the bunch of flowers in his basket on top of his other purchases. “If it’s from a party, then I’m sorry but I rarely remember everyone who comes to them.”
"Something like that," Ryan answered. "To be honest with you, I only know your name because I saw you with my cousin Jensen last weekend. I've never seen him sit still and actually talk to someone for that long." He half laughed, sometimes he swore Jensen had ADD but only when it came to other human beings.
“Oh, yeah, I wasn’t having the best night and Jensen decided to keep me company.” Jared grinned and shook his head, laughing. “I’m surprised he didn’t tell you my name is princess,” he joked and blushed bright red the moment the nickname had passed his lips. “He’s a good guy, a really good friend.”
That didn't surprise Ryan; Jensen did tend to wear his heart on his sleeve on most days but he also knew his cousin like the back of his hand. "Yeah he is," he agreed. Jensen, admitting it or not, had a thing for Jared. Ryan’s brow quirked with confusion. "Princess?" he asked. "Do I even want to ask?"
That got a laugh out of Jared and he shook his head. “First night I met him, we were wasted on the beach and he said I was waiting for a prince; he’s called me princess ever since. I tease him and call him Prince Charming because of it.”
Ryan had to laugh at that one. "The prince and the princess, huh? Oh, I'm going to have to remember that one." He bit his bottom lip.
Jared shrugged, smile blindingly bright, wide and happy. “What can I say? He’s an adorable dork and I’m glad I’ve got him as my friend.” He slowly started moving to another stall, glancing over the wares, but made sure that the guy didn’t think he was walking off. “So, I never caught your name.”
Jared seemed friendly and he didn't come off like a druggie like Terry tended to so Ryan guessed so far the other male had his approval. A little much for him to think it mattered but he always looked out for Jensen and this wasn't any different. "Yeah, he seems to feel the same way about you. He's talked about you a few times. Seems to really like you; you're part of the theater right? I seem to remember your name in a bunch of reviews and stuff."
“Um, yeah, I’m with the South of Normal theater troupe.” Jared ducked his head and blushed darker, hiding behind his shaggy hair. “But, um, w-what did Jensen say about me? Not-he didn’t tell you anything embarrassing, did he?”
Ryan shrugged. "Nah, nothing embarrassing; just really your name and stuff like that. I know Jensen very well so most of my take on how he feels about you just comes from reading his face, and, like I said, the fact that he'd rather hang around you than get drunk and…" He made a bit of a face; he was sure Jared, like everyone else, knew how Jensen was. "I think I overheard him telling my boyfriend that you were amusing when drunk if that counts."
“Amusing, yeah, you could call it that.” Jared’s brows were tugged together thoughtfully, distracted, and then his expression cleared and he smiled again. “First time he met me, I was naked and lying in the sand and waiting for a prince. Of course it’s amusing.”
Laughing Ryan nodded his head. "Yeah, that's about how I would describe it, I guess." He moved to follow Jared as they talked. "Jensen is pretty amusing when he's drunk, too; starts giggling and telling really bad jokes most of the time."
“I don’t remember what he was like when he was drunk. I’m such a big guy that the amount of alcohol required to get me drunk is enough to black out my memory of it. But, I’ve already warned Jen that I’m going to get him drunk and record him giggling like a five year old girl.” Jared turned and started looking over the fresh fish laid out on ice, debating over which one to pick out. “So, really, man, what’s your name? I can’t call you ‘Jensen’s cousin’ in my head all the time.”
"Oh, Christ, I'm coming off as an asshole, huh?" Ryan shook his head. He was too interested in learning about Jared to answer questions about himself. "Sorry, I'm Ryan. Do me a favor, whenever you do get a video of it make me a copy? I used to have one but then it disappeared, I'm pretty sure Jensen had something to do with it too."
“Nice to meet you, man.” Jared motioned to one of the fish and the vendor took it and wrapped it up for him. “I will. I’ll probably make a few copies if it’s likely that he’ll throw ‘em away. I bet he’s cute when he laughs.” Jared paid for the fish and tucked it into his basket beneath the flowers.
Ryan raised an eyebrow. He was reading too much into anything Jared said; he had been watching Jensen sleep around the way he did since he got to South Beach and that was about a year ago. He had been the same way before moving here and honestly, playing mother hen or not, he knew Jensen wasn't happy with it. He needed a nice guy, even one to just be his friend. He smiled. "Yeah, he is and he would, but just get him drunk and he won't even notice you taking the video until it’s too late." He half rolled his eyes. "You know, I think my cousin is right about you; you seem like a really great guy."
Jared smiled shyly, biting his lower lip and blushing bright red all the way up into the tips of his ears. “I’m just like everyone else; I’m just really tall and goofy.” He rubbed the back of his neck, embarrassed at being complimented. “W-were you shopping?” he asked, changing the subject awkwardly. “I’m sorry, I’ve been babbling. I should probably get back to work and let you shop.”
Ryan shook his head; no Jared was different, he could tell. He shrugged. "Nah, my boyfriend is the shopper of the relationship." He shook his head. "Believe me, don't be sorry. I really wanted a chance to talk to you, actually. I'll leave you in peace though; nice meeting you, Jared," he said as he turned to leave Jared to his shopping and rejoin Nelson.
Jared watched him go, still embarrassed but feeling a spark of happiness; Jensen told people about him. Just family, of course, but that was still something. He was feeling pretty good about his friendship with Jensen now, more relaxed knowing that he hadn’t just become another face Jensen forgot about as soon as he wasn’t right there anymore. Jared smiled wide and happy while he finished his shopping.
Chapter 4