Remembrances (8/14)

[dephigravity]

Title: Remembrances
Pairing: Jensen/ Jared
Characters: Tom Welling, Justin Hartley, and various other CW folks
Rating: PG-13
Word Count: 2339
Summary: Tom Welling is a college student that is asked to spend time with an elderly Jensen Ackles. Jensen is slow to come around but realizes the company is just what he needs




Acceptance In The Harsh World Of Ignorance


“Feeling any better today?” Thomas asked the elderly Texan.

“I slept, still have this God damned cough though. I'll be fine though Tom. Don't worry, you'll get wrinkles.” Jensen shifted in his chair.

“Yeah, I should look so good when I'm your age!”

Jensen smiled as he leaned back. “You are too young to be flirting with such an old ogre.”

Tom rolled his eyes as he shifted back himself. “Where's the nurse?” Tom noticed that they were alone.

“She had to run to the office to get some supplies I think.” Jensen said.

Tom nodded understanding. A few seconds went by before he started talking again. “So you never did tell me about this big date with you and Jared.”

“I don't know that I would call it a date. For the most part we kept to ourselves, we already lived together so there wasn't really much of a courtship exactly. Sure we went out to dinner, the occasional movie, shopping, but you have to remember it was a different time. The sight of two men holding hands in public wasn't exactly common place or welcomed. Outside the home we we're best of friends, at home we were ourselves. We did get out a little later on. Jared started to get very involved with activism, social injustices and the like.”

“Wow, I can't imagine. I mean it's hard enough coming to terms with it on a personal basis but publicly too. Justin is very comfortable with PDA, I guess I just take it for granted. We just are having issues telling our friends.”

“It is the best way to find out who your true friends are, unfortunately it can hurt like a son of a bitch too!”

“We will tell 'em eventually... I think. Just not ready for all that stuff right now. I am perfectly happy just being with him for now.”

Jensen erupted in laughter.

Through a confused grin Tom asked “What's so funny?”

“Nothing, I'm sorry Tommy boy.” Jensen tried to compose himself. “It's just that I never realized how so alike we are!”


~~~

Jared snuggled tightly up to his sleeping lover. Jensen moaned softly into his pillow and pulled in the arms surrounding him, even closer.

“Morning...” Jared whispered softly.

“No, no morning, not yet.” Jensen refused to open his eyes.

“Afraid so...” he kissed the back of his head. “I was thinking you should maybe call in today.”

Jensen grinned in his sleepy wakening. “Why's that?”

“Mmmm... so I can stay home and ravish you all day long!” Jared teased suggestively.

“Wish I could... Jeff would have a shit fit though.” Jensen slowly opened his eyes and turned into his partner's hug.

“It's construction... I am sure they can handle it.”

“We have a deadline you know... As per the bid we have to finish by Tuesday! If I'm not there we won't make it...” Jensen said in all seriousness. “Trust me I would rather be here with you.”

Jared pouted. “Fine... meet me for lunch then?”

“I will try hon.” he kissed Jared softly on the cheek just above his mole and then tapped lightly on his nose before getting up for the shower.


Jensen was pounding heavily at the shingles, pausing only to wipe away the salty sweat trying to blind him. Just past his line of sight the tall man in the suit walked up to the foreman.

“Yo Ackles! Ya got a suit down here wants to yack at ya!”

Jensen leaned back, trying not to fall off the side of the house. A smile came across his face at the sight of his Jared. “Be right down.”

Jensen quickly slid down the roof to the ladder. When he reached the ground he picked up the checkered button down shirt he had tossed aside earlier and quickly covered his grime and sweat drenched 'A' shirt. He laid the work gloves on the truck and approached the two men.

“Mr Padalecki? What brings you here? Jeff... this is Jared Padalecki... my ...erm... lawyer.”

“Good to met you.” Jared shook hands with the foreman while giving a slightly put off expression to Jensen. “We have some business to discuss Jensen... umm family stuff.”

Jensen looked to Jeff. “Mind if I step away for a bit?”

“Whatever, you're staying till it's done regardless Ackles.”

“Of course.” Jensen put on his fake happy face.

The two hurried over to the car and climbed in.

“He's kind of a hard ass isn't he?” Jared muttered as he pulled away.

“Now you know why I didn't call out today.”

“So I'm your lawyer now?” Jared asked.

“I'm sorry... it was the quickest thing to come to mind.” Jensen shrugged as he messed with the air conditioning controls.

“How about roommate? Best friend? Boyfriend? Partner?” Jared said flatly.

“I'm sorry Jay. You know how I feel about this stuff... I would love to shout it from the rooftops and all but...”

'I get it Jen... but you don't have to always be on the defensive about it!”

“I will try.” Jensen leaned over to kiss Jared on the cheek.

“Eww you're all sweaty! And you kind of stink!” Jared playfully mocked as he squirmed away as far as he could.

“Since when is that a problem exactly?” Jensen teased back.

“Since I still have a quick board meeting in two hours and I don't want to smell like man funk!”

“Technicalities!”

Jared pulled into a favorite little cafe of his. They were quickly seated out on the semi crowded patio. They ordered their food and devoured it quickly. The waitress then brought over a small bowl of ice cream, compliments of the house.

“Want some?” Jared asked as he licked the back of his spoon.

“Nah I'm good. Got to watch my figure you know.”

“I do, every night.” the dark haired man shifted his eyebrows.

Jensen tried his damnedest not to blush.

“Come on, try it... it's really good.” he took another swipe at the chocolate and lifted it slowly across the small table. Jensen coyly looked around and let the spoon slide through his lips.

“Fucking faggots! Makes me wanna hurl.” came from somewhere to their left. A large man quickly arouse and approached the lovers.

“Excuse me?” Jared asked as he sat down the spoon.

”Why don't you queer bent ass pirates keep it to you damned selves and let decent folks enjoy their meals in peace.”

“What did you just say?” Jared asked angrily. Jensen tried to remain calm and reach across to do the same to his boyfriend.

“You heard me you fucking fairy!” the man spit on in Jared's face.

Through a clenched face Jared wiped the saliva off with his napkin and then slowly stood to his full height, towering over the rude man. “You got a problem with me Bubba? I will knock you back on your ass to teach your red-necked ass a good fucking lesson. You like that? Huh? You wanna see how tough this fucking faggot is?” Jared growled fiercely.

The man refused to back down and the tension built exponentially. Jensen got up and tried to pull Jared back even as the tall man's knuckles grew whiter by the second. The waitress quickly ran over with the manager.

“Sir, I'm afraid we are going to have to ask you to leave.” The short Latino man informed the ignorant bastard.

“Me?” he asked in surprise. “Toss these God damned abominations out on their butt fucking little asses.”

“Sir, please leave now. These two delightful young men have done nothing wrong and are loyal patrons unlike yourself.”

“Fine!” he swore. “I'm gonna tell everyone about this though! Your little restaurant is gonna be burnt to the ground when we're done with you.” The man stormed out of the restaurant with his wife in tow.

___

“Thank You.” Jared said shyly. As he put handed the ticket and money to the waitress.

“Sorry about the show.” Jared added in embarrassment.

The manager waved it off. “Never you mind that. You two are like family to us here. That asshole deserved the ass whooping you would have given him. Just not in my place!”

Jared smirked. “Thanks again Emmanuel.”

~~~

“That wasn't exactly the fluffy warm date story I was expecting Jensen.” Tom crossed his arms in concentration.

“I know, It's the reality of back then though.” Jensen said somberly. “it wasn't an easy life to live but with Jared in my life it made it so worth every minute.”

Tom waited for more. Never saying a word, knowing that Jensen would easily pick up on the silent cue.

“Not all public situations were bad. Jared drug me out to one of those silly pride celebrations once. Not really my cup of tea. Drag queens, scantily clad men pulsating around, flaunting their sexualities. Call me a prude but I like to be a tad more subtle.” Jensen chuckled. “ But that was where we met Misha and Matt.”

~~~

Jensen pouted and whined as Jared pulled him out of the car.

“Do we have to?”

“Come on Jensen, these are our people! It only happens once a year! It'll be a blast. We can be ourselves for once!”

“Fine! But if so much as one, ONE, stranger's hand touches my ass I'm gone!”

Jared quickly cupped his lover's perfectly rounded cheeks. “If anyone touches your ass they will have to deal with me!”

They glided through the crowded sidewalks, pausing to see the floats and marchers. Jensen rolled his eyes as a voluptuous queen blew him a kiss and threw a handful of condoms his way. His cheeks reddened as his boyfriend hugged him securely from behind. “I think she like you Jen.”

“I think I am good right here thank you.” he said with a squeeze and reached into shove the protection into Jared's front pant pocket.

“Come on.” Jensen pulled away.

The two walked, hands clasped as they passed the throngs of people. In the park they had all sorts of booths and events going around. A massive stage was set up. A folksy woman strummed at a guitar, playing loudly through large speakers.

A competing drag show raged on the other side of the park. Strobe lights flashed rather ineffectively in the sunlight. “This is weird...” Jensen decided.

“I don't know I think it's kind of refreshing. All these people expressing themselves openly, unafraid of who they are or what others' think.”

Jensen grumbled softly. “I am more than happy to express myself to you... at home!”

“I know you are uncomfortable with all this... this.. stuff. Just try to relax a little and enjoy it while we can.”

Jared was shoved from behind, making him knock the beer in his hand over Jensen. “What the hell?” he whined as Jensen turned to hold up his now soaked hands, his white tee shirt was now soaked with the sudsy amber liquid. A shorter dark haired and scruffy man looked up at him.

“Holy God you are huge!” the man said as Jared just gazed down at him with astonishment.

“Forgive my boyfriend he hasn't been completely housebroken...” another man apologized. “Sorry about the drink and umm your shirt.” he said approaching Jensen.

“It's okay...” Jensen grimaced at the malted barely smell encompassing his body.

“You totally have to let us get you a new shirt...” The other man quickly whirled away from Jared.

“I'm Matt by the way... and my worser half here is Misha.” he pointed at the scruffy one.

“Heard that!” Misha said loudly as he circled Jensen to inspect the damage.

Jared turned around. “Really guys we appreciate the offer but I think we can find a new shirt, no harm no foul...”

“We insist.” Matt declared.

Jensen slapped away at Misha's hands. Misha just smiled and quickly ripped off the wet shirt, not an easy task with the struggling and now exposed Jensen. Jensen shot a pleading look at his boyfriend. Misha ran quickly away, tee shirt in hand.

“Guys really it's no big deal.” Jared expressed again.

“Come along. They have some awesome shirts down here.” Matt walked away in the direction of his hyper man child of a boyfriend.

Jared shook his head and wrapped an arm around his half naked Jensen. Jensen glared at the plethora of whistles and cat calls.

“I'm never leaving the house with you again.” he grimaced.

“Sorry, I can't help it if everyone thinks you are as gorgeous as I do.”

Jensen smirked and pinched Jared over the ribs. A few minutes later Jensen was stretching a much too small tee over his torso.

Jared got a kick out of the black tee with hot pink writing broadcasting “Back off bitch! I'm with tall, dark, and handsome.”

Jensen pouted once again at the shirt, vowing to burn it when they got home. Considering the other options, he was not about to wear the massive penis with the raincoat shirt, he settled on this one.

Misha and Matt had somehow gotten them to accompany them to dinner and by the end of the night the couples were like a bunch of old high school buddies. The new friends also invited them up to their cabin in Colorado for a skiing trip. Jared jumped at the chance, Jensen reluctantly agreed.


~~~


Tom laughed. “That would have been quite the sight!”

“If you say so.” Jensen laughed along, the laugh turning quickly into a fit of deep and worrisome coughs. He gasped for air. Tom immediately launched himself to the old man's side.

“Jensen? Jensen? Come on breathe..” he didn't know what to do. He removed the hand he'd been using to rub the old man's back. He quickly raced towards the phone and dialed.

“911, what is your emergency?” a young women's voice came across the line.

'Please, help. He can't breathe.” Tom yelled desperately into the phone.

“Okay calm down sir, who can't breathe?”

“My friend. He.. he... was coughing and he..” tears streamed down the tall man's cheeks. “Please...?”


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