Paths Not Taken

Title: Paths Not Taken
Author: Bj Jones
Rating: FRAO/NC-17
Disclaimer: Don’t own a thing.  They are their own persons and I don’t have any claim on their real life. This is all a figment of my imagination.
Summary: Jared humiliated Jensen and broke his heart right before filming the Series Finale… now two years later Jensen finds out he’s being called back to Supernatural to give the Winchester Boys their happy ending – can he find his?
Pairings/Characters: Jensen/Jared; Robert Downey Jr; Christian Kane…
Series: Timestamps

~ Captain America – Movie Premiere ~

Jensen Ackles stepped out of the limo, bracing himself for the lights and flashes of cameras.  The past two years since Supernaturalhad ended had been a wild ride.  His smile faltered slightly, thinking about the last week of filming.  With a mental slap upside the head, he straightened his shoulders and waved to the screaming fans as he headed down the red carpet.

He still couldn’t believe he was attending a mega monster of a movie premiere.  Jensen had attended the premiere of Iron Man 2, but as more of a guest and even that was larger than anything he had attended previously.  It made Bloody Valentinelook like a joke.  Jensen blinked a few times from all the flashes.

Compared to this, Bloody Valentine in 3D, was a joke.

The screaming got louder; he glanced back down the red carpet to see Robert Downey, Jr. and his wife stepping out of another limo.  God he owed that man a hell of a lot.  More than anyone would ever really know.

It was Robert who had showed up at his apartment in Los Angeles tossing him a script and inviting himself in.  Jensen had glanced down to see Captain Americaon the front.  He stared between the two and like the amazing actor he was… acted like a bad guppy.

Robert had laughed, stating that if he could pull off half of what he did in the finale of Supernaturalthen he could easily take on the role of ‘Captain America’.  Yet Jensen stood there staring in shock.

“Mr. Ackles, I’ve heard good things about you, don’t ruin that now.”

Jensen’s mouth closed, a smirk appearing on his face. “So, Mr. Stark…”

Robert just laughed and the two slipped into an easy friendship.  Over the next months of pre-production and then filming, Robert had been a mentor, really pulling out of Jensen the skills he had been developing.  Through it all he had relied on Bob not just professionally but also personally.  There weren’t many who knew how badly everything had crashed and burned at the end of Supernatural.  It had been a relief to be able to talk to someone who had seen worse shit and dealt with it badly and then eventually the right way.

If what had happened with Supernaturalhad led him down this path, then, despite the heartache, Jensen would do it all again in a heartbeat.  Two, almost three years later, he was stronger within himself, and was standing at the premiere of Captain Americaas the leading man.  He had a splendid career ahead of him, and new friends that made the turmoil of Hollywood worth it in the end.

Jensen Ackles smiled at the cameras and focused on what was in the future instead of what was behind him.  He still hated public speaking and half the time the reporters scared the shit out of him.

He smiled at the E! Online reporter, talking about how great it was to work with a strong cast, and the experience was amazing.

Then the bomb dropped on him.

“What?”  Jensen leaned forward, not sure he had heard her right.

“Supernatural the Movie, it’s just been announced, are you looking forward to playing Dean Winchester again?”

Why hadn’t he heard about this until now? His manager had some serious explaining to do.  It wasn’t like he could pull out; the only reason they hadn’t gotten pressured into a season six was that they signed an agreement that they would come back for a movie.

Honestly, with the tension that last week of filming, he had seriously doubted that Eric would wantto do a movie.  He had publicly stated all he wanted was to sleep a year and not think about the Winchesters Boys for a while.

Two years, he guessed, was long enough.

He felt Robert next to him talking with the reporter. ‘Great Jensen, what a way to freeze up and feed the rumors of a falling out on the Supernaturalset.’

“So Jensen how do you feel about going back?” She smiled at him, giddy with the exclusive.

“I love Dean, he’s a bad ass with huge complex. It will be like slipping on that worn leather jacket you just love too much to toss.”

“Okay let the cute boy go, so we can get into the theatre.” Susan Downy smiled at the cameras pulling both Jensen and her husband down the runway.

“Dude, she totally owns you,” Jensen smirked over at the shorter man, who just grinned.

They got into the theatre without too much hassle, Susan pulling Jensen away from the crowds to a back corner.

“You know you’re not my type.” He smiled at her.

Susan just shook her head, laughing slightly. “No, but my husband is.”

“Don’t go there, just don’t.” Jen looked out over the milling crowd.  He still had a hard time believing all of this was for him.  It was just something awe inspiring.

“I take it you didn’t know about the movie?” She asked, her hand on his arm pulling him back into the conversation.

“Not a clue, though I’m not surprised Eric would want to do something just to show that the brothers are alive and well.” He sighed as he pinched the bridge of his nose.  “I just wish I had had some warning.”

“Have you spoken to any of them?” Susan asked concerned.  She remembered when Bob had talked about the other actor.  He had seen some traits in him, that he had himself.  Traits that Bob had worked hard to get rid of. It had been easy to become friends with Jensen.  It took a while for him to trust them with the story.  Despite the situation, they were both proud of him and amazed that Jensen never crossed lines or walked down dark paths.

As Robert put it, he was a hell of a lot smarter and stronger than most men in Hollywood twice his age, let alone at thirty-four.

“From time to time.” Jensen shook his head.  “Though after being publicly humiliated by…” He dropped the subject. “I can’t believe Eric would go ahead with the movie knowing what happened, he was fucking there.  He saw.  How could he think I could be Dean again??”

“Maybe he thinks you’ll rely on your professionalism.” Susan suggested trying to calm him down before they went into the screening.

“More like the CW is milking the fact Captain Americais coming out, then we’re set for The Avengers; they might as well see if they can get Supernaturalin the can between them to cash in.”

“Wow, that’s cynical and so very accurate.” Robert stepped up to them.  “Show’s starting, let’s go see you become a star.”

~ Premiere Party ~

Robert looked around to see if he could find the missing star.  Neither of them had seen him since they had arrived at the premiere party.

‘Captain America’ was missing in action.

One thing was for sure, he was going to call his manager and get him to woo Jensen away from the idiot he had now.  There was no excuse for Jensen to be blindsided by the Supernaturalnews.  He frowned when he still couldn’t locate Jensen in the crowd.

He startled when a hand landed on his shoulder. Robert turned, his eyebrow going up. “Ben?”

“I dropped your name to get in to see the movie, was hoping to finally meet the all mighty Hunter…” Stiller paused, his head tilting slightly to the side. “Isn’t that Jared Padawacky or something?”

Robert spun around searching the room, and sure enough Padalecki was working through the crowd, his eyes glued on the other side of the venue.  Robert followed the gaze then cursed when he couldn’t see past the crowd.

“Gotta go.”

“Need back up?” Stiller asked.

Robert loved him for the main fact he was actually serious.  “If you see Mr. Padatwit fall off the roof, I was with you all night.”

“Got it!” Ben gave him the thumbs up sign then turned to search out Mrs. Robert Downey Jr. mainly because he was pretty sure Bob wasn’t kidding.

Jensen laughed as Samuel told in great detail about a stunt gone totally wrong on Snakes on a Plane.  He had let go of the earlier stress, making himself enjoy the movie and everyone’s reactions. Once Jen had arrived at the party, he had been snagged by a variety of actors and producers, complimenting him on the movie and a few even wanting to talk about upcoming projects.

He even got a text from Chris, ‘Hey Captain America don’t forget us little guys’; to which he promptly texted back,‘who are you again?’.

He was laughing at the response when Jackson snagged him to talk shop.  Jensen was still getting caught up on the twists and turns of the whole Marvel Universe, so he wasn’t quite sure how all this was going to come together, but was looking forward to the ride.

His first clue that the night wasn’t going to end in his favor was when he got snagged and dragged off to the side by none other than Chad Michael Murray.

“Look, don’t kill me or send your fuckin’ bodyguards to kill me.” Chad held up his hands looking around the room. “Do you know who I had to fuck to get into this premiere, Ackles? Damn, you’re not easy to find or contact.  It’s like you joined a cult or was inducted into the ‘Family’.”

“Is there a point to this kidnapping?” Jensen glared at the blonde.  Chad was Jared’s friend and in all honesty Jensen wanted nothing to do with anything or anyone associated with one Jared Padalecki.

“Look, Jay man is my buddy. Doesn’t mean I didn’t want to smack the shit out of him for what happened, but he’s been by my side through my moments…”

“Chad.” Jensen glared at him. “I’m willing to call in the ‘Family’.”

“Dude would that be Stark or Eliot? ‘Cause I’ve got to think my options of coming out of this…” He paused, eyes going wide then he pulled Jensen further down the room and out of the main ballroom.

“Let me go you crazy fucker!” Jensen ripped his arm out of Chad’s grip.  He sure as hell hadn’t lost any of his fighting skills since Supernatural; hell he’d even added a few new moves.

“I’m trying to warn you.” Chad flung his arms out in frustration.

“I know about the damn movie…” He turned when he heard the door open and stood frozen.

“Fuck, Jared I told you not to come in here.” Chad moved past Jensen towards the taller man. “You do realize that there are people out there that will likely kill you andme, and I have a lot of life to live.”

“Chad I know what I’m doing.” Jared motioned towards the door.  “Cover for me will ya?”

Murray looked between the two. “I’m runnin’ if Downey shows up with his posse.” He muttered something about crazy fuckers and went back into the ballroom hoping to God he didn’t get killed at the Captain Americapremiere ‘cause that would just be fuckin’ wrong.

“Jen…”

“Get the fuck out of here.” Jensen pulled himself together.

“Jen, we need to talk.”

“No we do not…” He moved to get past his former lover, former friend, former everything.  Jared blocked his path, pushing him away from the door. “Dude, touch me again and I’ll have you arrested.”

Jared startled at the pure hatred in Jensen’s voice.  “Jen. Please.”

“Jensen, you lost the right to call me Jen.” Ackles looked at him, a sneer on his face. “Now step aside.”

“Jensen, you never let me explain.” Jared moved once again, making sure the door was blocked.  He had to talk to Jensen, especially now that CW was pushing the fucking movie.

“What was there to explain, Jared?  Speaking of which, shouldn’t you be at home with your family?” Jensen looked up at the taller man, fighting back all of the emotion he had felt that day and everyday since. Once again he tried to push past, but only to have Jared grab him and push him against the wall.  “Don’t start something you aren’t ready to finish, Padalecki.”

“You will listen.  I’m sorry okay? I’m so fucking sorry.  I’ve tried to talk to you for two years but your manager, your P.A., hell the fucking president of your damn fan club wouldn’t let me near you.  But now…” Jared pushed against Jensen emotions swamping him as old feelings surfaced.  The feel of the tight body against his. “They’re doing the movie, we have a panel at Comic-Con…”

“I suggest you step away from him, before I do something about it.”

Jared jumped and looked behind him to see Robert Downey Jr. standing there with a look of contempt and annoyance on his face.  Chad gave him a half smile then disappeared into the crowd.  Jared could see the rest of the Marvel family moving towards them.

Fuck.

He let Jensen go and stepped back. “This is between me and Jensen.”

“No.” Robert’s tone indicated he was talking to a five year old. “This is a private party, one you were not invited to. If you need to speak to Mr. Ackles, call his manager; until then you will be escorted off the property and you better hope to God, Mr. Padalecki, that the press doesn’t see you being tossed out on your ass.  Especially since your career has been doing so well the past couple of years, what was the last film you did? Oh yes,Friday the 13th the Sequel.”

Jared looked behind him only to see Jensen walking down the long corridor away from all of them.  He turned back to find Samuel L. Jackson behind Downey.  Jared sighed, ran a hand through his hair and walked back into the crowd towards the side exit.

‘Chad was right, it’s like the fucking mob.’ He thought as he slammed through the door.  At least at Comic-Con Jensen would have to talk to him. ‘I could always kidnap him. Fuck. When did my life become a bad fanfic? Oh that’s right Jared, when you got drunk off your ass and fucked everything up.’

“Let’s go.”

Chad gave him a salute then hailed a taxi.  “So now what?” He asked curious at how far his friend was going to take this.

“Plan B.”

“Do I want to know what Plan B is?” Murray asked seriously.

“Probably not.” Jared shrugged as he got into the cab.

“Do I need bail money?”  When Jared didn’t answer Chad tried to calculate how much had in savings and what good lawyers he knew.

***

Jensen stood on the roof of the hotel and looked out over New York City.  His brain was still trying to figure out what exactly had just happened.  He hadn’t seen or spoken to Jared since the day his world crashed around him.  All his plans just scattered to the winds.  Not even during the last days of filming had he seen Jared; Kripke had made sure of it, not wanting bloodshed on the set.

And now suddenly not only did Jen have to deal with all that went down during the last week of filming, but face working with all of them.  He was seriously tempted to see if his lawyer could get him out of the contract…

If he did, then was he going to let Jared ruin Dean Winchester for him, or even his career?

He ran his hands over his face, cursing the Winchesters.  He blinked when he saw a glass of scotch in front of him.  Jensen looked sideways to see Robert holding the glass.

“Sometimes you just need a drink.”

Jen took the glass and downed the smooth liquid, and then set the glass down on the edge of the roof. “Did you kill him?”

“No, but I’m thinking about leaking his whereabouts to Kane.” The shorter man smiled evilly.  “He’s gone though.”

“Doesn’t really matter, I’m going to have to do this movie.” Jensen looked back out over the city. “And there’s no way Kripke is going to let Dean kill Sam.”

“How about a righteous Angel? I think I would make a good pissed off Angel. Smite the bastard in the name of God.” Robert gave him a grin.

“What I love about that statement is you’re not kidding,” he laughed.  “You know, who gives a shit.  I’ll do the movie, then film Avengersand go on with my life.  I need to move on. I have to.  It’s time I man up and deal with this, even if that means talking with him.”

“Or we could just have him killed.”

Jensen turned and smiled, “Nah.  What’s that line, revenge is living well.”

“You are too well rounded emotionally to be a big movie star, you have to be fucked up somewhat or it just doesn’t work.” Robert shook his head a small smile on his face.

When the Twitterers started messaging everyone within a twenty mile radius of Marvel Comics suggesting one Jensen Ackles for the lead in Captain America, it was decided to at least look at the guy before they got run over by the fans.

Robert, and John Favreau sat down and watched Supernatural, expecting to just shrug it off and move on.  A week later, they were Tivoing the damn show in their last season.  Favreau figured out how they could write bowlegs into the storyline when Steve Rogers was supposed to be a perfect physical specimen.

Robert had watched the finale and instantly known something was off.  First, the fact that Sam and Dean weren’t in the last half of the show.  Well they were, but not in the same scenes.  Considering how the show to that point had led up to a happy ever after for the Winchester Boys that was quite surprising.

Then the rumors hit the streets.

Kripke had changed the ending.

Six weeks later Robert had showed up at Ackles’ place and tossed him the script.  The dark circles under the eyes, the haggard look, almost full beard, said that somethinghad gone down, but it was the dull green eyes fangirls raved about that caught Robert’s attention. Jensen had looked as if Dean had just climbed out of Hell.

Through pre-production, filming, and then post-production, Robert and everyone else had gotten to know the actor.  Jensen never talked about Supernatural.  He never badmouthed anyone.  And many times he had drinks or dinner with Jim Beaver or Misha Collins, even Eric Kripke once, but it was obvious that he wasn’t speaking to or about his co-star.  The one he had lived with.  The one who was like a brother to him.  The one, Robert had found out later, who had been his lover.

No one at Marvel ever mentioned the names Jared Padalecki or Sam Winchester.  Hell, even one of the side characters got a name change, ‘cause no one wanted to deal with Jensen if he had to scream out Sam, while watching the guy die.

Every day he expected a breakdown, it never came.  Even now, Jensen held his emotions together while dealing with Jared face to face, even with the thoughts of filming the movie.

Robert admired him.

He suspected he was a Cylon.

Wait.  Wrong show.

“Come on, let’s get back to the party, we’ll deal with this later.” He motioned to the door.  “Can’t have Captain America hiding away.”

“Especially with Iron Man missing at the same time, don’t want to fuel the fangirls.”

“Don’t go there.” Robert laughed as they walked towards the door.

~ Next Day – Jensen’s Hotel ~

Jensen glared at his phone, resisting every temptation to throw it across the room. “Maybe you don’t understand me. I was blindsided at last night’s premiere about the movie.  Why the fuck didn’t I know about this weeks ago?”

‘It wasn’t confirmed.’

“Bullshit!” He looked up when the door opened to his hotel room.  His eyebrow went up when Robert tossed the key onto the table.  “There’s no way you didn’t have a clue about it until yesterday.  Fucking Jared knew about it so why didn’t I?!”

Robert took a seat at the table that had breakfast laid out on it, and fixed himself a cup of coffee.  It was kinda fun watching Ackles rip his manager to shreds.

“Well grow some fucking balls, you’re fired.” Jen clicked off and tossed the phone onto the bed. “He knew weeks ago but was too chickenshit to tell me.”

Robert slid him his manager’s card. “Call Paul, he’s all set to take over, as a matter of fact he’s probably already called the CW to make demands.”

“What demands?” He fixed a cup of coffee and grabbed a bagel.

“I had this great idea, Sam gets hit by a bus while going to court one day, and Dean just keeps hunting with Castiel.” Downey grinned wickedly. “Kripke didn’t go for it though.”

“I’m going to have to face this sooner or later.” Jensen pointed out. “And while I appreciate the effort trying to make sure I don’t have to deal with this, I can’t hide behind you forever.  Besides you’re too short.” He grinned trying to lighten the mood, but the grin faded at the serious expression on Robert’s face.

He set his coffee down. “I’ve done some serious shit in my day, and hurt the people I love.  And many would say I have no right to judge, and I probably don’t.  But with that said, I was fucked up during those years, on drugs and alcohol, and I’m trying now to make up for those years.  Jared. Jared wasn’t drunk, or high, what he did to you was of his own free will.  He deliberately made each decision that led to the moment he broke your heart in front of everyone.  I fucked up my life with drugs; he did it all on his own.”

Jensen tried to smile but really couldn’t. He knew how difficult it was for Robert to even mention his past with drugs.  “Have I said thank you recently?”

“No, but that’s okay I’m just that awesome.” A grin formed. “And I’m not short, you’re just overly tall.”

Both laughed, easing the tension in the room. “It seems Jared wasn’t kidding about the Comic-Con Panel.  It’s the day after Marvel’s.”

“Your manager needs to die.”

“Oh it gets better.” Jensen sighed, slumping down in the chair hating the fact how his emotions were fluctuating between ‘Yes I can face him and get on with my life’ to ‘Run away and hide and let Kane and Downey do their mafia thing’.

Robert frowned at his friend, his head tilting as he tried to figure out what would make it worse than having to sit with an ex and be all happy…

“Oh fuck no!”

“Misha and Jim will also be there, and I’ve been ‘assured’ by Eric that I won’t have to associate with the demon bitch.” Jensen bit back a growl.  Even if he could come to terms with and face Jared during all of this, there was no way in fucking hell he’d be able to play nice with Genevieve. He’d likely put a bullet in her head, and not really care if it took out the demon or not.

“I’m calling my manager; you’re fucking Captain America, she’s a demon for god’s sake! They can get someone else.”

“Wow, were you channeling Kirk or Tony there?”

“Fuck off.” Robert grabbed a roll and stormed out of the room, ignoring Jensen’s laughter as he flipped him off and slammed the door.

Jensen sighed and got to work packing his bags.  He was going to fly back to Los Angeles, hide out with Steve and Chris, then drive down to San Diego.  He hoped within a week’s time period he could figure out how to deal with everything.

He couldn’t help but let his mind drift back to those last weeks on set.  Replaying each moment with Jared trying to see if he missed the signs.  If there was a clue of what was to come.  He knew Jared was off those weeks, they both were.  So much was going on; the show ending, new projects.  They were exhausted from filming but that was par for the course.  Even the night before the end Jared had held him, made love to him…

~ Flashback ~

Jensen knelt down to pet the dogs as they entered the house.  He glanced back at Jared who was quiet, but smiling down at the three of them.  Jen rolled his eyes. “Sappy much?”

“Dude you’re the one greeting our kids.” Jared smiled as he got tackled by the dogs.  “It’s hard to believe only a few more days of filming and it’s over.”

Jen stood up, his hand brushing over Jared’s shoulder. “I know.  It was a good ride and I love the brothers, but I’m also glad to see them finally happy.”

“Yeah.” Jared responded softly.  “At least they’ll have each other, ridin’ in the Impala and hunting evil sons of bitches.”

Jensen slipped off his shoes and jacket, looking over at his boyfriend. “What’s bothering you?”

Jared just shook his head. “Nothing, I think it’s just all getting to me.”

He smiled slipping his arms around his lover, pulling him close. “We’ll have our own happy ending whatever we decide, to stay here or go back to LA.  Just you and me.”

Jared leaned down and kissed him deeply. “Need you.”

They stumbled up the stairs, clothes falling around them until they were naked and panting on the bed.  Jared caressed every inch of skin, kissed and licked each freckle until he had Jensen sobbing with need and desire.  He then slowly slipped inside of him, and when he was buried balls deep he kissed Jensen with hot need.

***

At the time, Jensen had never felt so loved, but he realized now it had been goodbye.

He tossed the jeans onto the bed, and wiped his face.  He had cried enough for the fucking bastard.  Jared Padalecki didn’t deserve the tears or the remorse.

Jensen slumped onto the bed.

How the fuck was he going to do this? Sit next to him at the panel and smile prettily at the cameras, while dodging questions from too damn observant fangirls.  Let alone spend ten weeks filming the happy ever after that got tossed in the last days of filming.

“Suck it up Jensen.”

He stood back up and finished packing.  “You’re just going to have to smile and hold a civil tongue.  And not let the world know that seeing Jared with his wife and kid isn’t tearing your already broken heart into shreds.”

~ JFK ~

He had thought getting through the airport was difficult when he was filming Supernatural, that was mild compared to the hassle it was to get through it now.  It didn’t help that the Captain Americaposters were everywhere. Jensen couldn’t help but feel slightly creeped out over seeing himself larger than life.

Thank God for first class lounges.

Jensen slumped down into the chair, enjoying the peace and quiet.  He had the assurance of airline personnel that he wouldn’t be disturbed and would be escorted to the plane when it was time for boarding.  Jen was just about ready to fall asleep.  The press tour was exhausting and had ended with the premiere and party.

Add in the other stress, and he hadn’t slept in days.

A shadow fell over him, and even with his eyes closed Jensen knew that shadow.

Fuck.

He opened his eyes and stared straight up at Jared.

“What the fuck are you doing here?” Jensen demanded, his voice sharp and low.  He glanced around to see a few other passengers looking curiously.

Damn it.  Jared knew he couldn’t make a scene.

“I made sure to get not only the same flight but the seat next to you.” Jared sat down next to him. “I’ve got six hours of your undivided attention and I plan on using it.”

Jensen turned and glared at him, keeping his voice low and very deadly. “I don’t know your game Jared, but I’m not playing it.”

“No game.” Jared told him sincerely. “I just want to talk.  We need to.”

“What is there to talk about?” He demanded. “You made it quite clear what you felt.”

“I didn’t love her.”

“Obviously you didn’t love me either!” Jensen bit back his voice.  “Fuck this.” He stood up and headed for the counter to see about changing flights.  He didn’t give a shit if it cost him double the money.  He wasn’t having this argument or talk trapped in the air.

When he reached the counter Jared was next to him. “You’re going to have to talk to me sooner or later.  Now is as good a time as any.”

“Excuse me.” Jensen ignored Jared and talked to the clerk.  “I need to change my ticket.”

“I’ll just change mine,” Jared didn’t look away from Jensen. “We can’t go on like this.”

“Attention all passengers, due to the Department of Homeland Security raising the terror alert level to Severe because of a credible threat to national security, all flights have been canceled.”

“What the hell?!” Jensen looked around to see two security officers enter the first class lounge.  He turned to the clerk. “What’s going on?”

“All flights have been grounded.  It just came across the system, that Homeland Security has issued a Severe Alert, it’s the highest threat level,”  she informed him trying to keep her tone friendly.

“How the hell am I supposed to get to California?” Jensen asked slightly in shock.

“There’s a phone booth to the left of the bar, if you need to make other arrangements.” She smiled.  “I’m sorry, sir.”

“Has there been a terrorist attack?” he asked concerned, remembering in detail 9/11.

“There’s nothing on the news that I know of sir.”

Jensen nodded then stepped away from the desk, a line already forming behind him. He glanced out the glass doors to see the airport full of people.  Great, if he was going to get a train or something he needed to do it now.

He snagged his ringing phone, “Hello.”

‘I take it you’re grounded?’

“Yeah, I’m thinking a train.” Jensen answered as he grabbed his bag, thankful he had packed light and everything was in his carry on luggage.

‘Don’t even try.’

“What’s going on Bob?” He paused at the bank of phones.

‘Some whack job broke into CNN’s signal and took over the transmission saying that the US needs to learn not to pollute the air and in the next few days he’ll cause the worst transportation disaster ever seen in the US.’

Jensen pulled the phone away and stared at it. “What the fuck!?”

‘Yeah, that was pretty much everyone else’s reaction.  All airports and train stations are closed. The only way you’re getting out of New York is by car.’Robert sighed.  ‘Just find a damn car and get to San Diego.’

“I’ll do what I can, but I’m at JFK, and everyone else just discovered they can’t fly or take the train…” Jensen was seriously tempted to beat his head on the wall.  “Wonder if I could drive up to Canada?”

‘All flights inbound to the US have been grounded.’

“Jen.”

‘Who’s that?’ Robert demanded.

“Don’t ask.”

‘What the hell? Put the asshole on the line.’

Jensen looked over at Jared, too tired and stressed to really care at the moment. “I’ll call you when I get on the road.”  He hung up on Robert who he knew was going to make him pay later. “What?”

“I got us a car.” He showed the email confirmation on his iPhone. “We’ve got twenty minutes to get to it, or we lose it.”

“No way in hell.” Jen shook his head. “I’m not traveling across the US with you in a fucking compact.”

“Give me some credit dude, it’s an SUV.  I can’t fit in a compact.” Jared grinned at him hoping to get some emotion out of his ex-lover. “There are no other cars.  It’s go with me or start walking.”

The two stared at each other for a few moments Jared sighing, “You would rather walk than be near me.”

“Do you blame me?” Jensen asked honestly.

“No.” He sighed again. “I…”

Jensen shook his head. “Not now. Let’s get this car before we lose it.”

And as if the day couldn’t get any worse…

The moment they stepped out of the First Class Lounge they were mobbed by fans asking questions about the new movie, and how happy they were to see them together.  It took NYPD Officers to get them out of the airport and down to the rental car place.

Jensen dropped his bag next to the car and looked at Jared. “Nice SUV, dude.”

Jared growled at the car, “I ordered the SUV. Paid for it.  But somehow it got rented by someone else, and some soccer mom who’s five foot nothing is driving my SUV.” He stopped mid rant when he heard something he hadn’t heard in years.

Jensen laughing.

Jared just stared at him, his heart aching.

He had never stopped loving the other man, and he knew Jensen still loved him.  He had no romantic notions that they would just magically be better, he had fucked up good.  But this moment, seeing Jensen lean against the car laughing openly, those small crinkles around his eyes bunched up, his face looking so much younger, gave him hope that he’d get this back.

Jensen wiped the tears, and grabbed his bag and tossed it into the trunk.  “Get in Sasquatch, it’s better than a Cobalt.”

“Or it’s fate.” Jared gave him a tentative smile.  His hand gestured to the trunk, the model displayed for all to see.

Jensen closed the trunk and looked down at it, he couldn’t help the true smile that formed.

Impala.

“It’s even black.” Jensen moved to the passenger seat. “I’ll have to baby my gal when I get back to LA.”

“You have the Impala?” Jared asked tossing his own bag into the backseat before getting behind the wheel.

“She’s in my garage,” Jensen said.

“You sold the condo?”

Jen looked at the other man. “I’ve done a lot since Supernatural.   Sold the condo, bought a house, made a few movies, tried to make a life for myself.” He turned away from Jared. “Let’s just go. The sooner we get out of the city the better.”

Fuck.

Jared didn’t push it, just started the car and pulled out of the rental place and made his way through traffic.  It took most of the afternoon but by evening they were out of the city and on their way to California.

***

Jared pulled over at a hotel and parked. “You want to rest or keep going?”

Jensen looked over at the hotel. “Let’s rest for the night and get an early start. Tomorrow we can take turns driving to get closer to San Diego.”

“I’ll get us a room.” He reached for the handle when he heard Jensen.

“Two rooms.”

He looked back at Jen. “It would be cheaper…”

“Not like I have a problem with paying for my own room, especially at a Holiday Inn.” Jensen got out of the car.  “I’m in this car only because we have to get to San Diego, and if I didn’t know better I would almost think you came up with this whole ridiculous scenario just to make me drive with you to San Diego.”

Jared had gotten out of the car and stared at him over the roof of the car. “You honestly think I would do something like that?”

“Dude.” Jensen just gave him that look. “This coming from the guy who convinced Chad that being a Singing Telegram would be fun.”

Jared grinned. “It was hilarious.”

A smile crept onto Jen’s face. “Not the point.  Come on, it sounds like one of your bad schemes.”

“Does not.” Jared crossed his arms over his chest.

“This idiot just shut down all major airports and train stations because he’s threatened to create the worst transportation accident ever to prove that we pollute too much.” Jensen pointed out.

“I wouldn’t take out the airports, just the bridges in Los Angeles.” Jared smirked.

“Oh god don’t even…” Jensen’s eyes widened in pure unadulterated fear of what a traffic jam that would cause. “That’s just wrong.”

“Come on, let’s get a room.” Jared smiled closing the door and heading for the lobby.

Jensen followed him into the lobby stepping up next to him at the counter.  He smiled at the young woman behind the desk. “We would like two rooms please.”

“I’m sorry we only have one available, we’ve got an influx of people traveling through the area.” She gave them a caring smile.  “It’s a double, would you like it?”

“Yes.” Jared answered quickly.  “We’ll take it.”  He pulled out his credit card, only to have Jensen put his hand over the card and hand the girl his own card.  “Jensen, I can pay…”

“You got the rental car, I can get the room.” Jensen put down his American Express.  He wasn’t going to allow Jared to pay for everything. He didn’t need to be indebted to the man.  “Hell, as much as they paid me for the last role, I can buya room at the Holiday Inn.”

***

Jared sat against the headboard, watching the news reports about the closed airports and the US being brought to a stand-still transportation wise.  Gas prices had shot up in some areas, then came back down when there were threats of arrest for extortion.

It was slightly crazy out there, and he was stuck in a mid-size car with his ex.

An ex that hated him.

At the rate Jared was going his ex’s could form a hate group.  When Sandy found out what had happened, he had never seen her so pissed.  The yelling over their own breakup was bad, but it was nothing compared to the tirade she unleashed on him.

He glanced over to see Jensen at the table on his laptop; he had his glasses on and was looking through some scripts.  The moment he had stepped out of the bathroom, in sweat pants and a t-shirt, with his glasses perched on his nose, Jared had gone instantly hard.  It was a good thing Jen was ignoring him, because he really didn’t want to explain the tent in his own sweatpants.

“The TSA and FBI are working together to try and find this idiot.” Jared said hesitantly trying to break the silence in the room.

Jensen looked over at him, then back at his laptop. “Hopefully they can find the asshole and open the airports.”

Jared frowned then clicked off the TV turning towards his former friend.  “Jen…”

With a sigh Jensen slammed the lid down on his laptop. “Are we really going to do this?”

“No matter what we do, we’re going to have to make this movie.  I know from talking to Eric that we’re going to have to make nice.” Jared pointed out.  “And besides I want to explain…”

“Explain?” Jensen glared at him. “You don’t have to explain.”

“I do…” Jared stood up and moved towards the other side of the room.

“No, Jared you don’t.” He looked up at his ex. “It’s quite easy to figure out. You fucked her.  She got pregnant.  A ready made family that didn’t include me so I was tossed out of my own home without a thought or a goodbye.  So no need to explain Jared…”

Jared ran a hand through his hair, frustrated and not sure if he wanted to hit something or cry.  “It wasn’t like that.”

Jensen stood up and got up into Jared’s face. “Really? Dude, should I remind you of the big announcement right at the start of filming for the finale episode?  That demon bitch standing up and grinning manically saying that you and she had just gotten married?  The morning after you fucked me in our bed…”

~ Flashback ~

Jensen couldn’t keep the grin off his face.  Jared had played his body expertly the night before; he lost count of how many times they had come.  They fell asleep some time around three, and despite the few hours’ sleep he couldn’t help but feel content and ready to face the world.

The last episode of the Winchester Brothers.  The script was amazing, Kripke blowing them all away.  Sam and Dean driving off into the open road together doing what they do best – killing evil sons of bitches.

“You look like you ate the canary and the cream.” Misha smirked over at him as he walked up with his own coffee.  He was already in costume, the same suit and trench coat.  The man swore after this he would never ever wear another trench coat.

“Well I did get some cream.” He smirked back chuckling as Misha choked on his coffee. “Dude, after two years you should be used to it by now, especially considering how you tease the fangirls.”

“You’re in a good mood.” Misha laughed.  “Usually it’s Jared who’s all smiles and bouncing around before we start, while you read and brood.”

“Dean’s happy. He’s got his Sammy. He’s got his car. The world is safe.  Nothing can touch him.” Jen grinned enjoying Dean’s giddiness.

“And what are Jensen’s plans?” he asked grinning at his friend.

Jen frowned slightly. “That, I admit, has me worried. Jared seems to be avoiding the conversation.  But given the last week of filming we’re all tired, stressed, sad and right now it’s not a priority.”

“Jensen, Misha, Eric’s calling everyone to the set.” One of the PAs called out to them.

Jensen threw his empty coffee cup into the trash and followed Misha into the soundstage.  He had some mixed feelings.  This soundstage had been five years of his life.  He had learned so much and it was going to be hard not to come here every morning before dawn.

They had a wonderful crew and he was going to miss them.  He paused at the framed picture at the doorway.  He gave Kim a quick salute and hoped he liked how they were wrapping up the Winchesters’ life.

Eric stood up on an apple box they used constantly to give the poor actresses some height around the Winchester brothers.  Jensen stepped towards the front, looking around for Jared, frowning when he couldn’t see him.

Jim nudged him. “Where’s your buddy?”

“Don’t know,” he looked around again then focused on Eric.

Eric looked out over the cast and crew. “Five years.”  There were yells and cheers from the crowd.  “I can’t thank you guys enough for the hard work everyone has put into Supernatural.  This has been more than a show, it’s a family and I admit I’ll miss you guys.  But I can honestly say I will be happy not to think about the Winchester brothers for a while and maybe sleep for a year.”

“Preaching to the choir.” Jensen smirked over at him.

“We wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for the heart and soul you and Jared put into Dean and Sam,” He looked up and waved towards someone.  Jensen looked over his shoulder to see Jared and Genevieve walking into the room.  He frowned slightly, when Jared didn’t move to come stand next to him.  “This is it guys.  The final episode.  Let’s send the boys off in style!”

There were more cheers and applauding.  As Kripke stepped down, Genevieve stepped up onto the apple box, one she used frequently in her scenes with Jared.  “If you don’t mind Eric, I want to steal a little thunder and make an announcement.”

Jensen looked over at Jared to see him looking at the floor.  He had a very bad feeling about this.  Misha looked at him questioningly; he just shook his head.  Jensen had no idea what was going on.

“I just want to say though today is historic for the beginning of the last episode.” She grinned over at Jared. “It’s even more special since Jared and I just got married.”

The world stopped.

Jensen shook his head as his hearing faltered.  There was nothing but silence around the room.  Tension creeping into the once relaxed atmosphere.  Jensen could sense everyone trying not to look at him.  Trying not to see his reaction.

He looked towards Jared, who was still looking down.  His eyes drifted to Gen who stood on the box shocked at the lack of response from the cast and crew.

Jensen pulled out every reserve he had, looked her in the eyes, gave her a big smile. “Congrats and good luck.  He’s hard to handle.  I should know since I’ve been living with him the past couple of years.”

And with that he turned and walked out of the soundstage, his hearing returning as the group erupted, Kripke the loudest as he threw the script down to the ground and demanded to know what the fuck had just happened.

***

All the emotions came rushing back.

Jensen grabbed his phone and pushed past Jared, tore open the hotel door and stormed out.  Jared slumped into the chair.  The one thing he had never gotten out of his head was the deadly silence that had followed Genevieve’s announcement.

He hadn’t wanted to say anything to the crew.  Just finish the episode and then talk to Jensen.  But she had pushed, said that they were their family and would be supportive.  Accused him of hiding their relationship.

What relationship?

He should have just grown a pair of balls and told her to go fuck herself and beg Jensen to forgive him.

Should’ve.

Could’ve.

Would’ve.

Yeah that pretty much described his life the past two years.

Jared turned the laptop towards him, curious to see what Jen had been working on.  He wanted to cry at that moment, in happiness and regret.  Jen was going to get the chance to do what he wanted to do, direct.

So many nights he had listened to Jensen talk about wanting the opportunity to direct. His giddiness when Eric let him direct a Supernaturalepisode.  How carefully he planned, and how he asked Eric if he could personally dedicate the episode to Kim Manners, who had inspired and encouraged him to try directing.

Now Jensen was getting the chance to direct a small indie film.  A simple story about lovers trying to make it in a world that was set against them.  From the little of the script Jared could see it was an amazing story and he had no doubt Jensen would make it perfect.

Jared moved the laptop back over and got up, crawled into his bed.  He had spent the past two years with regret and hatred for himself.  But now it was time for him to make this right.  He had a lot to make amends for, and he hoped that this spontaneous road trip would help pave the way.

***

Jensen walked across the street into the small park.  He slumped down onto one of the benches, his anger draining away leaving just the weariness of it all.  He pulled up his knees to his chest and rested his arms and head on them.

He had replayed that scene so many times in his head, trying to find the moment when he should have known it was going to happen.  There wasn’t a clue, not for a second had Jensen ever thought that Jared would run off and get married, only hours after Jensen left for the set.

Jensen had hid in his trailer most of the morning too numb to really do anything. He had heard Misha and Jim come by, but in time they gave up and left.  He sat there waiting, expecting Jared to show up, smiling and saying it was all a joke.

He never did.

Jen refused to let his personal life interfere with his professional one.  He stood in front of the mirror and took in Dean’s outfit.  The worn blue jeans; t-shirt; over shirt; leather jacket and amulet.  He walked out the trailer door, ignored the looks and stares.  Walked straight up to Kripke and told him let’s start filming, they had a show to wrap.

The crew went to work, acted like nothing was wrong which he was tremendously grateful for and they got the beginning scenes shot.  He never lost his characterization of Dean, and as far as he could tell Jared never lost his of Sam.

Between takes Misha blocked anyone from getting to Jensen, he was taking the role of Guardian Angel seriously.  In all honestly he wasn’t sure how they got through that day or the one after that, but it was probably some of his best work.

Kripke was just happy the episode wasn’t ruined.

Jensen jerked when he felt his phone vibrate, sighing he answered, “I’ll come back to the hotel when I feel like it, Jared.”

‘Excuse me?’

Fuck!

Jensen looked at the phone to see Chris’s face smiling at him.  “Hey Chris.”

‘Let’s get back to the hotel and Jared. What the fuck is going on?’ Chris demanded. ‘It’s bad enough I get cryptic texts from fucking Iron Man, then add in the psycho environmental treehugger asshat who shut down the airports and now you’re talking to Jared.  The bigfoot I plan on huntin’ down and killin’.’

“Is there another Jared we know?”

‘Don’t get snarky on me asshole!’

Jensen cringed.  Chris was pissed off.  When he was worried or got scared, he got pissed.  The fact he was screaming into the phone pretty much meant he’s terrified and ready to rip someone’s head off.  He hoped to God that Chris was nowhere near wherever the hell they were.

“He showed up at the airport when everything went down.” Jensen tried to calm his friend down. “I needed a lift to San Diego, and here we are.”

Silence on the other end either meant Chris was so pissed he was destroying the room or so shocked that he was staring at the phone wondering if Jensen had been possessed…

‘Khristos.’

“Dude.” Jensen laughed despite the situation. “I’m not possessed.  I’m fine.  He hasn’t molested me.  I’m fine.  You and Papa Stark can calm down. I’ll be fine.”

‘I get dibs on killin’ him. I’ve known you longer.  I told that short goateed mega star that Jared was my kill.’

Jensen opened his mouth to respond, but really, what do you say to something like that?  “Dude you’re only an inch taller than him.”

‘Fuck you.’  Chris paused. ‘Okay explain to me why you’re on the road trip again?’

“Tree hugging asshat shut down the airports.  He had a car.  We both have to be in San Diego by end of week.” Jensen reminded him.

‘And you couldn’t drive on your own?’he demanded. ‘Or better yet run him over with the car?’

He loved his friends.

He did.

And at times he just had to keep reminding himself that he loved them, and they were annoying assholes because they cared.

“Chris…” Jensen sighed. “I’m a big boy who can take care of myself, which I’ve repeatedly pointed out to you, Steve, Mike, Tom, Bob, and everyone else on the planet.”

‘So why are you outside and Jared’s in the hotel?’

“Because….”  He wasn’t going to prove he really was alright if he broke down now. “Things are getting hashed out and I just…”

‘So what does the idiot have to say for himself?’

“So far just that it wasn’t like I thought it was.”  He was really disappointed in Jared even more.  “How can it not be exactly what I thought?  He married the bitch because he fucked her and got her knocked up.  Tell me how that can be anything more than that!”

Chris paused on the other end. ‘Jen, maybe you should hear what he has to say.  And I can’t believe I just said that… but you need to put this behind you.  Maybe you need to know why in order to do that.’

“I don’t want to think about it.”

‘I know, but you haven’t stopped thinking about it since it happened.’

“I gotta go, Chris.” Jensen hung up the phone and wrapped his arms back around his legs.  He didn’t want to cry.  He didn’t want to feel anything.  He was tired of hurting and trying to find the one thing he did wrong.

“Jensen.”

He sighed and looked up to see Jared standing in front of him, “What?”

“Come inside, it’s late.”  He held out a hand to the older man.  He had startled awake only to see that Jensen still hadn’t come back.  It didn’t take him long to find him in the park.  He watched for a few moments, just taking in the sight of him.  “We’ve got a long day ahead of us, and you need some sleep.”

Jensen slid his feet back to the ground; he hesitated, then took Jared’s hand and let him pull him up from the bench.  They made their way back to the hotel.  Something had shifted, the tension had lessened.  Jared crawled back into the bed, hoping that maybe, just maybe he could fix this.

“Night Jen.”

After a moment of silence.

“Night Jay.”

~ Next Morning ~

 Living with Jensen had pretty much prepared Jared for the bitchy, half asleep walking zombie that emerged the next morning.

He was prepared for it.

There was coffee.

Lots of it.

Jensen muttered something and drank down the first cup before hitting the shower.  Jared handed him the second when he stepped out of the bathroom.  He was rewarded with a half smile and a thank you.

Jared barely resisted doing a happy dance.

They packed up quietly and headed out to the car.  Jensen grabbed the keys from Jared, “I’ll drive first…” He sighed when his phone went off.  He glanced down at the display. “Steve.”

‘Interesting phone call I got from Chris.’

He rolled his eyes and got into the car. “I bet you did.  I’m fine.”

‘You haven’t been fine since it all went down, but then that is an old discussion you keep changing.’ Steve was always one for being blunt.

“Why are you calling?” Jen asked as he started the car.

‘See, changing of the subject.’

“Steve.”

‘I’ll admit this is probably the stupidest idea you ever had, but at the same time it will probably be good for you in the long run.’

Jensen pinched the bridge of his nose, feeling a headache coming on.  “Is there a point to this conversation? Got to hit the road.”

‘Stubborn ass, get some closure.’

Jen clicked the off button and set the phone in one of the cup holders.  “Shall we grab food on the way out of town?”

“Let me guess, the bodyguards upset you slipped their leash?” Jared tried to bite back his tone, but the last thing he needed was Chris and Steve interfering.

“The only reason they aren’t here beating the shit out of you, is because some whacked out treehugger decided to shut down the airports.” Jensen snapped back at him. “You don’t get to be pissed or angry or annoyed that my friends care enough about me that they are willing to kill someone who tossed me aside like yesterday’s trash.”

“If you had given me half a chance to explain two years ago…”

Jensen turned off the car and looked over at Jared. “Excuse me?” His voice dropped low and deadly.  “When was I supposed to give you this chance? During filming when your WIFE was hanging all over you? Or when I showed up at my home only to find my stuff on the porch waiting for me?  When the fuck was I supposed to give you time to explain to me why you fucking broke my heart?”

Jared just looked at him, his mouth open but no words came out. Jensen shifted back in his seat and started the car up.

***

They pulled up to a small diner, neither having spoken since the incident earlier that morning.  There was so much Jared wanted to say, to explain but he wasn’t sure how to start the conversation without Jensen blowing up at him.

Jensen had always been a private person.  Since they met that first day in Kripke’s office.  He could see that the older man was reserved, and Jared had taken upon himself to pull Jensen out of his shell.

They clicked so quickly, had become fast friends.  In time, Jensen would drop the shields around Jared, letting him see the man behind the shyness.

Neither quite knew what to do when the relationship began to change.  His relationship with Sandy had fallen apart, between the distance and no time for each other.  Though the rumors that there was something going on with Katie Cassidy weren’t quite true they weren’t quite false either.  The rumors were that he had dumped Sandy for a chance with his co-star, and everyone thought it was Katie.

Jensen confronted Jared about Katie and the rumors, and in typical Jared fashion he just told him everything.  It wasn’t Katie that he wanted the chance with but Jensen.  Katie had been the one he had opened up to, and told her about Jensen. She also took the flack for the break up so pressure wouldn’t be on Jared and Jensen.

Jen had gone quiet on the phone, then told Jared he would talk with him later.  The next day at the convention Jen’s family showed up to support him.  Donna had smiled and hugged him, told him to give her boy some time.

When they had spent their first Christmas as a couple visiting both families, Donna had hugged him tight and welcomed to the family. Two years later she called and in a soft tone that reminded him so much of Jensen, she had told him if he went near her boy she would castrate him.

Jared looked across the table at Jen taking everything about him in.  There were more lines around the eyes, and he looked stressed and tired.  What hurt was that tiny spark that was always in Jen’s eyes was gone.

And he had done that.

“I’m sorry.”

Jensen looked up at him, a tired expression on his face. “You’ve said that, many times now.  I get that you’re sorry but it doesn’t change anything.”

“What can I do?” Jared asked.

The question caught him off guard.  He opened his mouth then closed looking back down at the menu.  He didn’t know how to answer that question.  The waitress came up to the table, she startled when she saw them but kept her professionalism and took their orders.  Jensen was still staring at the menu, when Jared ordered for both of them.

Jen handed over his menu and looked at Jared.  He could see the honesty in his eyes, realizing that this whole time Jared had looked him in the eyes.  He didn’t shy or turn away like that week of filming.

“Where’s your wife?”

Chris was right in some aspects.  Jensen needed to put this behind him.  Facing Jared and asking the hard questions were what it was going to take to move on.

Jared blinked a few times, it seemed today was full of surprises.  “Genevieve is in Los Angeles, but she’s not my wife.”

What the fuck?

Jensen stared at him, “I was there when she announced your marriage.  I was also there when she politely told me to get the fuck out of my own home so you could get ready for your expanding family… so what the fuck do you mean she’s not your wife?”

“The marriage was annulled due to false pretenses.” Jared explained.

“False pretenses?” He was getting confused and pissed pretty quickly.

“The baby wasn’t mine.”

Jensen got up and walked out of the diner.  This was all too much.  He stalked past the rental car and started walking down the street.  The past few years he had lived with certain simple facts:

Jared cheated on him.

The bitch ended up pregnant.

Jared married said bitch.

Who kicked Jensen out of his home and life.

Only to learn it wasn’t that way.

Everything was starting to hit him, two years of emotions.  He took calming breaths, refusing to break down in the middle of fucking nowhere.  He grabbed his phone and just dialed out not really caring who he got.

‘You killed him and need help to bury the body?’

Jensen choked back a sob and then laughed on the edge of hysteria. “He’s not married to the bitch, and the kid wasn’t his.”

‘I need you to calm down and say that again.’

Jensen stopped walking and just stared at the cracks on the sidewalk.  He wondered how he ended up in some small town in freakin’ Kansashaving a mental breakdown on the phone with one Robert Downey Jr.

“I talked to Chris last night and he suggested maybe for me to move on I had to find out what happened so I can put it behind me.”

‘Gee that sounds awfully familiar.’

Jensen snorted, “Yeah well.  So I decided to grab the Padalecki by the horns and demanded to know where his wife was.  And he promptly informed me that he wasn’t married and the marriage was annulled because she lied about the baby.”

‘And I swore you left Days of our Lives years ago,’Robert snarked.

“Oh God… my life is a bad Soap Opera.” Jensen moaned as he turned and headed back towards the diner.  “I don’t know what to do.”

Robert paused on the other line,‘Chris is right.  And if you tell him I said that I’m having Captain America taken out in the next film.  As much as I want to beat the shit out of the guy, there’s obviously more here than just a romp in the sack.  Find out what the fuck happened.  Then can you decide what to do.’

Jensen stared across the parking lot to see Jared leaning against the car, two to go boxes sitting on the hood of the car.  “What happens if I still love him?”

‘It’s not ifyou still love him, you do.  I’ve known you now for two years, and despite the pain in your eyes every time someone mentions Jared you can still see the feelings you have for the idiot.’

Jensen sighed, “I just…”

‘I know.’ Robert’s voice softened.

He hung up the phone and walked across the parking lot. “Sorry about running out on you.” Jared just looked over at him and nodded. Jensen took a deep breath, “It’s… just it hurt.  Really hurt Jared, and it still hurts.  These years of thinking, knowing you had wanted to be with her over me and to find out…”

Jared closed his eyes, his heart breaking at the pain in Jen’s voice.  Pain he put there.  “Let me explain.  We both need to move past this, not just to be Sam and Dean again, but just to be…”

Jensen nodded. “Yeah we do.”

~ Night – Hotel ~

“How does Eric plan on fixing Sam and Dean’s separation?” Jensen asked over pizza and beer.  It was so normal for them, and part of him could feel the old emotions and sank into that comfort.

“No idea, he’s being hush hush on the whole thing. He just called me, threatened my life and said I had to fix it before filming or Sam was going to get hit by a bus or smited by a pissed-off Angel.”  Jared smirked at Jen.  He couldn’t blame Kripke, since it was his fault the ending had had to be changed in the first place.

He had never seen Eric so pissed before.  They had got the first part of the episode down, despite the tension and death glares he was getting from Misha, and the disappointed looks from Jim.  They had managed to get Sam and Dean into a settled moment.

Then it all went to shit.

Again.

~ Flashback ~

Kripke had just caught him as he was ready to leave for home.  He knew Jensen was heading to the house to pick up some of his stuff.  The last thing he needed was for Genevieve and Jensen to meet.

“Explain to me what the fuck just happened?” Eric demanded.  He had been trying to get Jared alone for two days, but the demon wouldn’t let go.  “You know the whole Sam and Ruby connection was just on paper.”

“It’s complicated.” Jared ran a hand through his hair. “Can we talk about it later…”

“You do realize you fucked up my finale!” Kripke glared at him.  “The chemistry is off completely.  Sam and Dean are supposed to go off into the sunset, in the Impala hunting evil sons of bitches, continuing the family business.”

“I know…”

“Do you!” His voice rose. “Couldn’t you wait until after we filmed the finale before announcing your marriage?!  Normally I don’t get into your personal lives.  But what the hell Jared? I mean… I pushed for no season six so you two can be well, you two…”

“I didn’t have a choice.” Jared answered simply.

“We all have choices.” Kripke pointed out.  “Hell this whole series has been about making choices, good and bad and the consequences of them.  I just wish you would have come to me or waited to have your big personal freak out moment next week.”

“Her parents were coming and we had to…”

“What?” Eric stared at him. “What the hell does my filming schedule have to do with the demon’s parents!”

“Her name is Genevieve.” He pointed out.

“Do I look like I care?” Eric snapped back. “What does any of this have to do with my finale?!”

“They wanted to come see her film…”

“And?”

“You fucking asshole!” Jensen’s voice rang out as he stalked up to the two of them.  And before any of them knew it, Jared was on the ground, holding his bleeding nose looking up at his former lover. “Threw me out of my fucking home Jared!  Just tossed my stuff on the porch.  Does your fucking PREGNANT wife know that I ownhalf that house?”

“Pregnant?” Eric stared at Jared then a seething Jensen.  It was only with the five years of knowing the man that he could see the breaking point.  “She’s pregnant?”

“That’s why we had to get married.” Jared said his voice filled with pain.

Jensen stared at him, holding back the tears. “I never want to see you again.”  He stormed off towards his trailer.

Kripke looked down at Jared wanting nothing but to kick the bastard.  “So you fucked her, got her pregnant and instead of her maning up and telling her parents she’s knocked up, you married her and threw Jensen out of his home.”

Jared looked away from him, focusing on his bleeding nose.

“Fuck!” Eric glared then stormed off, grabbing his phone. “Sera, we’ve got to change the script. Now!”

***

And that is how they ended up with Sam’s memory wiped by Castiel, living a simple life as a lawyer in New York.  While Dean rode around in the Impala hunting evil sons of bitches with an Angel by his side.

Now Eric Kripke wants to fix it.

Make sure Sam and Dean have their happy ending.

And he didn’t care how he had to do it, and demanded Jared man up and deal with Jensen.

Jensen looked over at him, “I think I know who wants the part of the Smiting Angel.”

“I can guess – there’s a list.” Jared snorted.  “I’m not sure which one scares me the most.”

“Robert.  Dude’s scary and has some connections you don’twant to know about.” Jensen drank down his beer.  “Let’s get this over with shall we.”

“I swear Chad was right about the ‘Family’, getting to you through Marvel was like dealing with the Mafia.  Hell even Stan Lee threatened me.” Jared got up and grabbed two beers, handing one to Jensen.  “I know I’ve said it a hundred times, but I am sorry.  Eric was right. I had choices and made all the wrong ones.”

“I’m here, listening.  Just tell me, what the fuck did I do wrong?” Jensen asked the thought he’s harbored for two years.

Jared set the beer down, his eyes closing at the thought. “Jensen it was never you.  You did nothing wrong.  Nothing.  I was the naive moron who was a coward.”

“I don’t understand how you could just walk away from us.” Jen pulled his legs up onto the chair, wrapping an arm around his knees.

He looked small and so fragile.  Jared picked at the beer bottle. “When you were out of town to see your parents, when your dad got sick…” Jensen nodded. “We went out for beers.  Genevieve, Misha and I.  Misha left early, there were lots of shots and I didn’t realize how much I drank.  I woke up in bed with Genevieve.”

Jensen flinched.  “Okay.  Not that I’m happy but you were drunk and it still hurts but why didn’t you just tell me?  I would have been pissed but… Damn it Jay, I loved you, enough to work through…”

“I was scared shitless.” Jared answered honestly. “I thought I would lose you.  Then she showed up saying she was pregnant.  I panicked.  I wanted to just tell you, but she kept going on about my responsibility and it wasn’t fair she would have to face her family while I ran off and played movie star…”

“Bitch.”

Jared snorted. “Well yeah… then her parents arrived to ‘watch their little girl perform’ and she demanded I marry her on the spot.  And well, you know how that went.”

“Kicked me out of my own home.”  Jensen looked at him. “Out of everything that hurt the most, Jared.”

Jared downed more of his beer.  “It was a rare moment when I almost hit a woman.  I got home minutes after you actually broke my nose.”  Jensen didn’t seem remorseful, not that Jared didn’t blame him. “I reminded her that it was my house and that we weren’t married out of anything but a fucked up responsibility.” He paused. “A few weeks later Katie showed up at my door, and man I had forgotten why she played a damn good demon.”

~ Flashback ~

Jared opened the door and blinked when Katie pushed past him, turning in the living room and stared at him with hands on her hip.

“Wow, hello Ruby.”

“Dude, so don’t want to go there right now.” She glared at him. “What the fuck are you doing?”

“Look she’s pregnant…”

“Tell me you aren’t that fucking stupid.” Katie stared at him. “Oh my God you are.  Two words for you idiot: Paternity Test!”

He had opened his mouth to protest then closed it, before responding. “I’m the only one she slept with.”

“Really?” She gave him a look. “You do realize she pulled this stunt with a costar from that stupid ABC Family series?”

“What the fuck?!” Jared stared at her slightly in shock.

“Damn it Jared, you threw what you had away with Jensen for what? Why didn’t you just be like a normal man and do child support, once the paternity test came through?” She walked into the kitchen and grabbed a beer. “Speaking of which, where is the dear wife?”

“Doctor’s appointment.” He sat at the kitchen table. “My momma taught me to take care of my responsibilities.”

“Marrying the bitch is not taking care of your responsibilities.” Katie pointed out. “Jensenwas your first responsibility.  You could do right by her and the baby and still have Jensen.  And speaking of your momma, what does she have to say about this?”

“I haven’t told her.” Jared looked down at the table, with a sigh.

Katie shook her head, set the beer down on the counter. “Don’t do this to yourself.  Find out the truth about the baby; if it’s yours divorce her ass, set up custody with a lawyer, and go find Jensen and beg for forgiveness. If it’s not your kid, let me know. I’ll beat the shit out of the very badly acting demon, and thenyou can go beg Jensen for forgiveness.”

“Why would she lie?” Jared asked confused.  “What does she get from breaking me and Jen up?”

“You are probably one of the few true gentleman out there that would have married her pregnant ass,” Katie said.  “And she obviously has her own family issues if she can’t face her parents. I mean come on, she’s an adult, buck up and tell your parents you’re pregnant and move on.”

“Jared I’m home!”

“Speaking of…” Katie smirked at Jared.  She smiled at Genevieve when she walked into the room. “I hear congrats are in order.”

Gen startled when she saw Katie. “Thanks.”

“Take my advice Jared.” She gave him a salute then walked by the other woman ignoring her completely.

“What’s her problem?” Genevieve asked sitting across from her husband.

“Nothing.” Jared sighed and leaned back in his chair. “How was the check up?”

She grinned and pulled out an ultrasound and handed it to him.  “That’s our baby.”

Jared picked up the print out, then tossed it onto the table.  Emotions raging through him as he looked at her.  “You fucking lying bitch.”

Genevieve startled and looked at him. “Jared?”

He pushed the printout towards her and pointed to the top. “Sixteen weeks. We slept together eight weeks ago.  You fucking lied to me.  Why?”

“Does it matter?” She grabbed the ultrasound.  “We’re married and happy with a baby on the way…”

Jared stood up, chair being thrown back. “Happy!  At the moment the only thing keeping me from lashing out is that you are pregnant.  Why me?  Why break Jensen and me up just so you can have a ‘daddy’?”

“What?” She stared up at him confused. “What about you and Jensen?”

“I broke up with Jensen to marry you…” He stared at her scoffing at her innocent expression.

“You were with Jensen?” She asked even more confused. “I thought you were roommates… you were single, and what about Sandy?”

“I told you not to mention the marriage at the set, told you not to pack his stuff up, there were reasons for that, ones I thought you knew.” Jared couldn’t believe all of this was for nothing.  He should have just told Jensen, and they wouldn’t be here.

“You said you were roommates!” She stood up and yelled back.

“You packed his stuff up, did you not notice his stuff in my ROOM!” Jared yelled.

“I just packed what was in the spare room.” She sniffled, tears starting to come to her eyes. “I didn’t know the two of you were fags!”

Jared went deathly quiet. “Get the fuck out of my house.  You will hear from my lawyer tomorrow. This marriage is over, and you better hope to God I never see your face again.”

Gen came around the table. “Jared we can work this out.”

“No we can’t.” He stepped away from her. “Did I even fuck you?”

She looked down then back up at him. “No.”

“Get out.”

***

Jensen stared at him, not sure what to say.  “Wait, she didn’t know about us? How?”

“She thought they were rumors.” Jared was still pissed off about the whole thing, but he was learning to let it go. If he was going to have a chance to fix anything with Jensen he had to move on himself.

“Well that explains why half my clothes weren’t in the boxes.” Jen snorted and drank down the rest of the beer.  He looked over at Jared, then sighed. “All this could have been avoided if you just had come to me.”

“Not the brightest moment in my life.”

“I would say not.” Jensen agreed.

“I haven’t spoken to her; my lawyer took care of everything.” Jared said. “Then I went home to mom and told her everything; she actually smacked me.”

“Dude I can’t believe you just took her word for it.”  Jensen shook his head.  Though it was a very Jared thing to do.  He trusted too easily.  He had a feeling Jared had lost a lot of that easy trust, maybe even grew up and was probably a bit more cynical from the situation.

He didn’t know what to do now.

In the end Jared had never cheated on him, but he had still just about broke Jensen.  The fact he hadn’t slept with her didn’t change the fact that he had been humiliated in front of the cast and crew.  That he had been thrown out of his home.  That he had lost everything.

“Jen?”

Jensen got up to toss the bottles away. “What do you want me to say?”

“I don’t know actually.  I’ve been just trying so hard these past months to see you…”

“Really?” He snorted. “So why is it this is the first time I’ve seen you?”

“Have you seen your fucking bodyguards?” Jared snapped back. “Your manager wouldn’t let me near you.  I tried through other means, hell your mom threatened to castrate me.”

He couldn’t help but smile, he loved his momma.  “I didn’t join the so called ‘Family’ for six weeks after Supernatural.  Yet you just told me it all went to hell soon after the Finale.  I was a fucking mess, Jared.  I didn’t eat.  I couldn’t sleep.  As Robert put it, Dean looked better coming out of Hell than I did when he gave me the script for Captain America.  Fuck Jared, if you had showed up during that time I would have just been thrilled to see you.  I fucking missed you, and hated myself for it.”

“I was chickenshit okay?” Jared stood up and moved towards him.  “I didn’t know what to do.  Then Sandy showed up in Vancouver wondering why you were in LA with Chris and Robert Downey Jr. and I told her everything.”

Jensen stared at him expectantly.

“She smacked me silly, then called me a fucking coward and walked away.” Jared admitted.  “It was soon after that I got myself back together, went home and dealt with my own issues, because I couldn’t come to you and beg for forgiveness if I didn’t deal with my own shit.  By that time you were filming Captain America and damn that movie had tight security.  By the way congrats on that… You make a good Steve Rogers.”

“Thanks.” It was all he could say.  There were too many thoughts and feelings fighting in his head to say anything else.

Jared reached out and cupped Jen’s cheek. God he felt good.  He bit back a soft sob when Jensen leaned into the touch.  “Jen…”

“Don’t, please,” he begged.

“Jen.” Jared leaned forward and kissed him softly, just a touch of lips.  His hand slid into the short hair and held Jensen close, their breath mingling.  Jared moaned as Jen’s lips pressed back into his, the kiss slowly deepening.

The tentative kiss transformed into desperation.  It didn’t take long before Jared had Jensen up against the wall, their bodies pressed against each other.

This they knew.

This was never the problem.

They knew each other’s bodies, where to touch.

Jensen wrapped his leg around Jared’s thigh and pulled him close rubbing his hardening erection against Jared’s matching one.

“Need you so bad.” Jared breathed kissing along Jen’s neck.

“Please,” was all the smaller man could get out.

Clothes were shed as they made their way to one of the beds.  Jared laid Jensen out on the bed like he was something precious and fragile.  His hands ran over smooth skin, finding the spots that drove Jen insane with pleasure, and learning the new muscles and lines.  His mouth followed the same paths, tasting every inch of skin.

Jensen spread his legs, arching into the touch, wanting to be filled.  He shut down the part of his brain that knew this was a bad idea, right now he just wanted to feel again.  He moaned with pleasure as Jared took his aching cock into his mouth.  His hands gripped Jared’s hair when he felt the cold lubed fingers push into him.

“Fuck.”

Jared pulled off his cock, positioning himself at Jensen’s entrance.  He looked down at his lover, seeking permission.   Jensen wrapped his legs around him arching up just as Jared pushed in.

It burned, but it was perfect.

It was too much; too strong to last long.  The moment Jared touched his cock Jensen screamed out his release, Jared soon followed.

~ Next Morning ~

Jared woke up to the sound of the door opening.

Fuck!

He sat up, eyes quickly searching the room, finding exactly what he thought he would; Jensen walking out the door.  He grabbed his jeans and pulled them on then followed him out the door.

“Jensen!”

Jen looked up as he tossed the bag into the back of the taxi, shook his head then climbed into the back.  Jared yelled then kicked the hotel door back open.

Sleeping with Jensen hadn’t been the smartest thing, but it showed him that they were meant for each other.  No one else could make him feel the way Jensen did.  He pulled on a t-shirt then grabbed up all of his stuff, tossing it into the bag when his phone chirped at him.

He flipped it open.

‘Treehuger caught.  Flying to Comic Con.  Need time – please.’

He sat down on the bed, then texted back.

‘See you at the panel?’

Jared waited, the room deathly quiet until the phone chirped.

‘Dean needs his Sammy’

He wasn’t sure if Jensen was saying something with the comment or if he was just being his professional self.  Jared finished packing, checked out and drove to the nearest airport.

It was now up to Jen.

~ San Diego Airport ~

“You look like shit.”

Jensen dropped his bag in front of Chris. “Fuck you.”

Chris looked his friend over, and didn’t like what he saw. “What happened?”

“I don’t want to talk about it Chris. Let’s just go to the hotel.” He reached for his bag only to sway slightly.  The lack of sleep and stress was starting to finally get to him.

Chris grabbed Jen’s arm. “I got it.”

The ride was quiet to the hotel, and luckily Jensen’s new manager made sure everything was taken care of, the staff was extra helpful knowing that Jensen Ackles had got caught in the whole airport closure nightmare.  His room was ready, when Jen felt like it he could just call down for some food.  Chris tipped the guy and then slammed the door in his face, turning to lean against it and watch his friend.

Jensen stood in the middle of the room, head down, shoulders shaking.  Chris moved the moment he saw his knees buckle, catching Jensen before he slammed into the floor.  His first thought was that Jensen had fainted until he heard the sob break through.

He pulled Jen into his arms and held him as he finally broke down.  He had expected it soon after everything had gone down, but he never broke.  Just kept working, pushing it aside, saying he was alright.

Whatever happened on the road trip had broken through his barriers.

Yet in typical Jen fashion it was the worst possible time for him to breakdown.  Chris got him up from the floor, stripped and into the bed.  He was out before his head hit the pillow.

He grabbed his phone and dialed out.  Sometimes he wondered how he ended up sharing Mother Bear role with Robert Downey Jr.

‘Is he at the hotel?’

“Yeah,” Chris looked over to see his friend out cold on the bed.  He could see the lines and bags under his eyes.  He looked stressed even in his sleep.  “He finally broke down.”

‘I’m on my way.’

He’d barely shut his phone when there was a knock on the door.  Chris opened the door and eyed the movie star. “Wow that was fast.”

“I’m next door,” Robert pushed into the room and stopped at the sight of Jensen sleeping.  “So what happened?”

“Picked him up, he didn’t say much and then the moment the hotel staff left he just started sobbing.  It took me a while to get him calm, and before I knew it he was asleep.”  Chris sat down on one of the couches.

“Where’s the idiot?” he asked taking a seat across from the musician.

“No idea.” Chris shrugged. “Something happened, and I’m not sure if I should hunt the bastard down yet.”

“No killing Jared.” They both turned to see Jensen sitting on the edge of the bed. “Sorry about…” He waved his hand around.

“Shouldn’t you be sleeping?” Robert pointed out. “You look like shit.”

“Yeah well fuck you too.” Jensen stood up and moved towards the bathroom. “I need a shower and some food, maybe some alcohol, then sleep.”

“You are going to tell us what happened somewhere in there?” Chris asked.

“Welcome to the Days of Our Lives.” Jensen muttered heading to the bathroom.  “Shower and food, then I’ll talk.”

Chris ordered some food and a few beers, they arrived just as Jensen emerged from the shower looking slightly more human.  He grabbed a beer and the hamburger, sitting down in one of the chairs.  He ate in silence, his mind still mulling over everything.  He had done a lot of thinking during the flight.  Coming to terms with what Jared told him, his own feelings, and what he wanted.

“The baby wasn’t his,” he said out of the blue. “As a matter of fact he never even slept with her.”

Chris looked at him confused. “He married her just on her word that the baby was his?” Jensen nodded. “That idiot, and it’s so Jared.”

“She didn’t know about us.” Jensen downed the beer then set the bottle on the table.  “Thought Jared was a good husband with father potential.”

“How the hell did she not know?” Robert asked. “Hell, yeah everyone joked but dude it was obvious.”

Jen snorted. “No clue.”

“And now?” Chris asked the big question.

They turned when there was a knock on the door. Jensen looked over at them, they both shrugged, Robert getting up to answer the door.

He stared at the guest and couldn’t help but hear Dean Winchester in his head.

‘Dude, really?’

“Dude, really?” He shook his head and stared at her. “What the fuck are you doing here?”

“I’m here to talk to Jensen.”

Robert looked down at the child she held in her arms, “Good thing Padalecki discovered that he wasn’t the father before the rugrat popped out, ‘cause that might have been hard to explain.”

The little girl was beautiful, with perfectly blended coca skin, thick brown curls and dark eyes.

“This is really none of your business, so can get out of my way.” Genevieve’s tone was sharp. She really didn’t need to deal with this.  Jared’s lawyers were steps away from destroying her if she ever went public about anything.  When word got out about Supernatural the Movie, the same lawyers made it clear that she would cooperate and make things work on the set.  She was playing the body the demon was inhabiting at the moment.

Robert looked over to Chris and Jensen. “She did not just sass me.”

“She did,” Chris smirked at him.

“You do realize if you had a career I would destroy it just on principle.” Robert opened the door and let her in.  “You’ve got five minutes, then I call security.”

Jensen looked over at her but didn’t move from his spot. “Say it then go.”

“Look… I didn’t know.” Genevieve started off.  She held her daughter’s tiny hand, trying to keep a straight face. She didn’t give a shit about Jensen Ackles, but she did give a shit about the fact this movie could fix her career.

“How the fuck did you not know?” Chris stared at her incredulously. “They shared a house, a mortgage… I love my friends but not enough to buy a house together.”

“That’s not the point here…” Genevieve tried to ignore the other two but it wasn’t easy.

“The point is you set out to trap a man into marriage ‘cause you’re too much of a coward to tell your parents you were having pre-marital sex.” Robert pointed out. “So say your piece and get out.”

“I just wanted to say if I had known I wouldn’t have done it.” She wasn’t apologizing, not if she could help it.

“You shouldn’t have done it in the first place,” Jensen stood up, his voice hard.  “Jared was a friend to you and you fucking lied and used him.  You hurt him and me, and in one fell swoop destroyed the ending for Supernatural.  The kicker is, if you had just told Jared that you got pregnant by some random hook up he would have stood by you as a friend, we both would have.  But you were being a selfish bitch and only thought of how this affected you.”

She glared at him.  It wasn’t her fault they couldn’t finish the finale, they were supposed to be actors. “I’m trying to make amends.”

“Honestly, I don’t give a shit.” Jensen moved towards the door. “Get out and don’t expect Supernaturalto be your big comeback.”

“You don’t have the power…” Hell no.  This was her chance to get back into the business.

“Honey, I’m fucking Captain America, the man behind you is fucking Iron Man – right now I can make you disappear.” Jensen opened the door. “Get out.”

She picked up her daughter and stalked to the door.  “Maybe you should ask yourself why it was so easy for Jared to walk away.” She glared at him as she walked through the door and turned to finish her sentence only to get the door slammed in her face.

Robert applauded, smiling at Jensen.  “Good job.”

“Bitch.” Chris growled lightly.

Jensen turned and leaned against the door, a small smile on his face.  He knew now what he wanted and what he needed to do.  It wasn’t going to be easy, but it was going to be worth it.

“Do I want to know about that look?” Robert asked curiously, eyebrow raised.

Jensen just smiled in return.

~ Comic-Con Green Room ~

 Jensen walked in with an entourage of security personal.  The Marvel Comic Panel had been insane.  The flashes of lights.  The questions.  The fans.  He could barely believe he was part of something so huge.  Robert had just laughed, patted him on the shoulder and told him to get used to it.

There was a huge party after the panel, with a showing of Captain America.  Jensen still didn’t like standing in front of crowds and actually wished for a six foot four Padalecki to hide behind.  Robert was just too damn short to hide behind, and Samuel enjoyed tormenting him just a little too much.

But it was fun. Exciting. Exhilarating.  Jensen felt truly alive for the first time in a long time.

The room stopped when he walked in.  Everyone looking over at Jared then back at Jensen.  The older man took the room in; Eric was standing next to Sera watching them intently.  Misha and Jim were also watching, while Genevieve was in the corner trying to ignore the situation.

Jensen just walked up to Jared.

“Hi, I’m Jensen. I’m going to be playing your big brother.”  He held out his hand, a smile on his face.

Jared took it, returning the smile. “I’m Jared. I’m going to be your little brother.”  With a gruff laugh he pulled Jensen into his arms and hugged him tight.

“Oh Thank GOD!” Kripke breathed quietly with relief. “I was really wondering if we were going to have to put Iron Man or Eliot Spencer into the damn movie!”

“I had an idea for Iron Man and it actually worked…” Sera added to the conversation.

Jensen laughed then turned to Kripke. “I’m only asking for one thing.”

“Anything.” Eric answered and meant it.  He knew that Jensen could have just walked away.  The CW was threatening with lawyers, but at the moment Jensen had more power than anyone on the set.  He could demand anything and the CW would give it to him.

He said simply, “Dean shoots Ruby in the head in the first five seconds of the film.”

“Deal.” Eric smiled then cackled evilly, he already had ideas forming in his mind that included lots of blood – and probably a little gore – it was a movie after all.  No one really noticed or cared when Genevieve left the green room.

Sera ran over and pulled him into a quick hug.  “By the way, looking damn fine in those tights Mr. America.”

He blushed and ducked his head away. “Thanks.”

“Congrats on the movie,” Misha stepped up to them.  He looked between them and smiled brightly. “Does this mean Castiel will have to give up his seat in the Impala?”

Jared slipped his arm around Jensen, biting back the tears when Jensen didn’t pull away. “Dude, Sammy’s coming home.”

Jensen turned to him giving him the brightest smile. “Yeah he is.”

~ Epilogue: Supernatural: The Movie Premiere ~

Jensen Ackles stepped out of the limo, bracing himself for the lights and flashes of cameras.  The past year since Captain Americahad been a wild ride.  He gave himself a mental slap upside the head when he found his thoughts wandering towards Jared. Now was notthe time to pop a hard on.  He straightened his shoulders and waved to the screaming fans as he stepped away from the limo.  Then the sound escalated as Jared stepped out behind him.

The past year hadn’t been without it’s hardships.

Jensen had obligations to Marvel Comics which took him away from his time with Jared.  At times it put strain on both of them, but the one thing they had learned was to actually communicate with one another.  The past years could have been avoided if just once, one of them had opened his mouth to talk about what was going on.

By the time they started filming they had hit their old groove, easily fitting back into the roles of Dean and Sam.  They had thought Eric was going to cry a few times when they nailed scenes.

Jared had sold the house in Vancouver; they needed to start fresh.  He moved in with Jensen, Harley and Sadie taking to the big backyard instantly along with their master who cooed over the barbecue grill and pool.

They had talked long and hard about their relationship, and after discussing it with their families, friends and managers they agreed that it would just be best if they didn’t make an announcement, but didn’t hide it anymore either.

Jensen looked back at Jared and, with a simple smile and nod, he held out his hand.

Jared took it.

They turned and headed down the red carpet.  They smiled for photos, answered questions and then the roar got louder.

Jensen laughed as Robert stepped out of a limo with his wife.  He still owed the man.  His support for Jensen had been steady; he had become a good and true friend.  And at times he didn’t think he would have made it through it all, if it hadn’t been for him.

He startled when Jared poked at him, then looked over at the E! Online reporter.

“So Jensen, did you enjoy playing Dean Winchester again?”

He couldn’t help but laugh inwardly seeing the irony that it was the same reporter from Captain America‘s premiere, asking almost the same question.

“Dean and Sammy needed their story finished,” Jensen answered.

“And what about yours?” She looked between the two of them, then pointedly at their joined hands.

“Ours is just beginning.”