Say You're Mine Belyste Pairing: J2 Rating: NC-17 Word count: 56,600 Summary: It takes his two best

friends getting engaged to make Jared realize whats missing in his own life, but once he figures it out, hes a man on a mission: find true love or die trying. Hes not asking for much just the perfect soul mate to spend blissful eternity with so when a chance meeting drops Jensen into his life (and his lap), it seems like fate.But either Jensen missed that memo or fate seems to have other ideas, because nothing works out the way Jared planned. Based loosely on S1 of How I Met Your Mother, but you don't need to have seen that to know what's going on. Notes: Written for spn_j2_bigbang. Title from Nerina Pallot. Part One | Part Two | Part Three | Part Four | Part Five | Part Six | Part Seven Awesome art by fallen_for_lost here!

When Jared Padalecki is twenty-six years, six months, twelve days and just over sixteen hours old, he has a revelation. Its not because Adrianne gets down on one knee and holds out a sparkling engagement ring that parts really not that surprising. Well, the kneeling part is, because Jareds always thought one of the perks of being in a lesbian relationship is that you dont have to do the traditional gender roles thing, but whatever, Allies totally going to love it. But no, Adrianne finally getting up the guts to ask Allie to marry her after eight years of dating is not really that

shocking. What is, though, is just how jealous it makes Jared. Not because hes in love with Adrianne or anything like that. Shes been his best friend since the first day of college (when she said Orientation blows. Want to skip and get some ice cream? and won Jareds heart in a totally platonic way), and besides that, shes head over heels for Allie, and they have the kind of freakishly perfect relationship that would be sickening if it wasnt so adorable. Its more that he wants what she has what they have. For some reason, the two of them making it official makes Jared realize just how much he wants that kind of love for himself. He wants someone to kiss and cuddle and wake up to every day. He wants to be lovey-dovey and gooey-sweet. He wants to stand at the kitchen counter half-awake and half-dressed and share a cup of coffee with someone who knows him so well they dont have to say a word. Well, actually, he kind of does that last one with Adrianne and Allie already, but thats just because they know exactly how he likes his coffee after eight years, and none of them are really morning people, so theres an apartment-wide ban on verbal communication before eight a.m. But still.

Because Jared dates and everything. Hes had girlfriends (in high school, when he was still kind of clueless) and boyfriends (in college, when the proverbial light bulb finally came on) and everything in between friends, friends with benefits, onenight-stands, two-week flings, unrequited love, unrequited lust, drunken hook-ups, mistakes and missed opportunities the works. He just hasnt found that one person that puts an end to it. That person that makes him say, Finally, the one that means hes stopped wandering and finally arrived. The problem is, hes not even sure if that person exists in the first place. Its not like Im asking for much, he tells Adrianne as she lines candles up along the mantle. Okay, so I do have some requirements, but theyre not impossible. Oh, totally, Adrianne says. Complete and total perfection? Not asking for much at all. He doesnt have to be totally perfect, Jared argues. Just, you know. In the ballpark would be nice. Close enough to visit occasionally. Jared thinks the look Adrianne gives him can probably best be described as pitying, but he makes

a point of not translating her faces during arguments. It helps him convince himself hes right. Jared, if there was actually a man who met your requirements, you wouldnt even be able to date him. Jared makes a face of his own. Are you saying Im not good enough for perfect? Adrianne sighs, nearly blowing out the candle she just lit. Im saying that hed be too busy winning Nobel prizes or saving the world or being cloned. It might help if your standards werent roughly the height of the Empire State Building. But then Id be settling, Jared points out. Arent I a little young for that? I thought I was supposed to have wrinkles first. Or a beer gut or saggy manboobs. Adrianne sets the lighter down. Okay, listen. You are never, ever allowed to repeat this to anyone else, but heres the truth: everyone settles. What? No. Youre not settling for Allie. A little, Adrianne says, and Jared maybe panics a

little, because what the fuck. Allie and Adrianne are like, the foundation his belief in love is built on. If theyre not really as in love as he thought, then his whole worlds crumbling. Not like that, Adrianne says hastily. Not in a bad way. Just, like well, okay. When I was fourteen I had this massive, ridiculous crush on Jennifer Aniston. If I had to imagine the perfect girlfriend, it would have been her. She unwraps a bouquet of flowers and dumps them in a vase, fanning them out. And Allie isnt Jennifer Aniston. Yeah, I kind of knew that, Jared says. Shes not perfect, Adrianne says. Thats what Im trying to say. She isnt a figment of my teenage imagination or some kind of two-dimensional daydream. She does things that piss me off and she has freakishly cold toes and the occasional bad hair day. She pinches off a browning leaf. So, yeah. Shes not that perfect girlfriend I imagined. She meets Jareds eyes squarely. But shes still the best thing thats ever happened to me, and theres no one else in the world Id rather be with. Not even Jennifer Aniston?

Thats what Im trying to say. Even if the most perfect woman in the world walked up to me on the street and offered me a lifetime of happiness, Id still pick Allie. She has faults, yes, but that just makes me love her even more. She tweaks one last stem, leaning back to take in the arrangement. When she turns to Jared, she raises an eyebrow at his silence. What? Whats that face? Im pretty sure that to preserve my manhood I have to at least act like thats disgustingly sappy, Jared tells her. But theres this giant awww deep inside me that just wont be smothered. Im torn. Adriannes mouth twitches. Wait, since when are you worried about your manhood? Hey! Okay, okay. She slings an arm around his waist. Its all right. I wont tell anyone youre a big gooey marshmallow of a man. Thank you.

Youre welcome. Its really just because everyone we know already knows it, but youre welcome anyway, she says with a smirk. Jared glares at her. Its a good thing youre getting engaged today and theres some kind of universal law about being mean to almost-engaged people, or Id have something very mean to say right now. Sure you would, Adrianne says, grinning. Marshmallow. Ill have you know, I have a very mean side, Jared tells her. Its legendary. People quake with fear. Its very mean. And I look forward to seeing it, Adrianne replies. Especially if its anything like that time you helped a lady carry her bags right after she budged in front of you in line. But right now Im going to work my own well-developed mean side and kick you out before my girlfriend gets home. Fine, Jared says, sighing. Ill go. Ill just keep on looking for Mr. Almost-Perfect and hope hes not too busy saving the world or donating his DNA. Or out of my league.

Adrianne pats him on the shoulder. You do that. Kay. Good luck with the proposing, Jared tells her. And with the celebratory sex. Please dont burn down the apartment or defile anything I eat or sleep on. Adrianne snorts. What does that even leave? Jared grins. I think theres a corner of the bathroom floor thats safe. Maybe the piano. And that beanbag chair in the cor oh, nope. Tuna sandwich last week. Sorry. She shakes her head. Just leave already, would you? Go hunt down Romeo and leave me to panic in peace. Okay, okay, Jared says, grabbing his coat and keys. You totally dont have anything to panic about, though, he tells her, pulling Adrianne into a quick hug. Allies going to say yes before you even get the question out. Hope so. Know so, Jared says firmly. The power of Asquared will not be denied.

You are such a geek, Adrianne says fondly. Now get out. She shoves him toward the door. Yeah, yeah, Im going. And who knows, Jared calls over his shoulder, I might come back with my own Mr. Right. Its not likely, given that his plans for the night involve hanging out with his other best friend at a bar, but hope springs eternal and all that. Well, until Jared gets to the bar and finds Mike already happily situated in the middle of a bachelorette party and realizes its going to be one of those nights. The ones where Mike says horribly inappropriate things to women whove had a few too many pina coladas and Jared tries to act like he doesnt actually know Mike. Which is a lot harder than it sounds, because Mike has a bad habit of trying to pimp Jared out at every opportunity, and its not easy to act like hes an innocent bystander when Mikes throwing complete strangers at him. Literally, because Mike is prone to shoving the occasional guy into Jareds path. He seems to think dating men is pretty much a contact sport. Hes not totally wrong, its just like Jared sort of likes

to meet people in a more stationary setting. Mike says its the perfect set-up (causing someone to spill their drink pretty much guarantees theyll let you buy them another, which is a victory in Mike-land), but Jared generally likes to reserve full-body tackles for the second date. Or at least until after some flirting or eye contact or something. Luckily, Mikes too involved in the bachelorette party to worry much about getting Jared laid at the moment. Unluckily, this means Jareds been ditched and has no one to talk to. He finds an empty booth near the bar and watches baseball on one of the TVs for a while, but even that gets boring after three beers and ten handfuls of peanuts. And Jared keeps thinking about Adrianne and Allie and what theyre doing. Well, not the sex part, because thatd be kind of weird. Plus, hes spent so much time around them over the years that he could probably picture it in extremely accurate detail at this point, which is not something he ever really wants to do. No, mostly hes thinking about how right now theyre probably stupidly, deliriously happy and planning the rest of their lives together, right up until theyre old and gray, and Jareds sitting in a bar eating peanuts and waiting for his Prince Charming to magically appear.

And it wasnt really realistic to expect that his Mr. Right would just stroll through the door and introduce himself, or something. That would have been nice, but its not as easy as that you cant just wish for someone smart, gorgeous and funny to just fall into your lap. But, strangely enough, thats exactly how it happens. Jareds wondering just how soon he can go back to the apartment without seeing something potentially scarring when he hears Mike say, Excuse me, large tray of girly drinks coming through! and looks up just in time to see a guy step back out of the way, trip over Jareds outstretched foot, and land squarely in his lap. Jareds arm comes out automatically to stop his fall, and hes already halfway through an apology and helping the guy up when he realizes that hes got a lapful of extremely hot guy. Like, scary gorgeous, and judging by the way hes currently spread out all over Jared, also clearly very well put-together. God, Im so sorry, the guy says. That asshole nearly ran me over, but I didnt mean to do a total backflop on you. Are you okay? Its kind of worrying just how okay Jared is right now. Um. Fine, he manages, bobbing his head. Fine.

Yep. It isnt until the guy says, Um, can you Im kind of that Jared realizes hes got his fist clenched tightly in the back of the guys shirt and instead of helping him up hes settled for staring hungrily. Oh, god, sorry, he says, letting go. Here, let me He pushes the guy up to his feet, starting to follow and stand himself, but the guy picks that exact moment to turn around and nearly pitch them both over again. Shit, sorry! Jared says, grabbing his arms. The guy throws out his hands to balance himself against Jareds chest, and they sway there for a second, just trying to keep themselves standing. When its evident theyre not going down, the guy tilts his head up a little, and oh, god. Theyre so close that Jared can count every adorable freckle on his extremely hot nose (and seriously, noses arent even hot Jareds pretty sure hes never had a lustful thought about one before, or really any kind of thought) and Jareds exhale is maybe a little shaky. Um, he says stupidly. Hi. The guy blinks, then the corners of his mouth quirk up a little. Hi. Thanks for catching me there. Both

times, I mean. Oh, sure, Jared says. No problem. Youre totally welcome. He gives the guy his best grin, hoping its obvious just exactly how welcome this guy is. The guy returns the smile, almost automatically like he doesnt even know hes doing it, but after a long moment he shakes himself a little and clears his throat, looking down. Which is when Jared realizes hes still holding the guys arms, keeping him pressed up against his chest, and while thats pretty awesome, the two of them close enough to share body heat, its also a little awkward. He drops his hands, letting the guy put a little space between them. But theres no way hes letting this guy go, not without at least getting his name and number and possibly his address (because Jared may have his pride, but he is definitely not above stalking, not if the ass involved is as fabulous as the one that landed on his lap), so he puts on his most charming smile and says, I think a need another drink after all that excitement. Can I get you something? I dont think so, the guy replies, which, okay, ouch.

But before Jared can do more than process that rejection, the guy grins again and says, That wouldnt be fair, given the way youve saved me from myself twice already. I should be the one buying you a drink. Oh, hell yeah. Well, if you insist, Jared says, grinning. It only seems right, the guy replies. And Im Jensen, by the way. Jared. Nice to meet you, Jensen says, dragging out the handshake just a second longer than necessary, and Jareds thinking its a little more than just nice. And then Jensen turns around to lead the way to the bar, and oh, yeah. Its definitely better than nice. This is shaping up to be the best night hes had in a long, long time. * An hour later, Jareds totally revised his opinion

this is looking like it might be the best night of his entire freaking life. Because one drink quickly turned into three and theyve spent the past hour sharing the booth, talking and getting to know each other, and Jareds pretty sure Jensen is completely and totally perfect. Well, okay, not perfect perfect, because hes real and all, but when it comes to all those standards everyone tells Jared are ridiculously high, Jensen blows them all out of the water. Its just god. Every time Jensen opens his mouth something comes out that makes Jared like him even more, and by the time theyre on their fourth beers and Jensen makes an offhand reference to Harry Potter (and then looks adorably embarrassed to have brought it up) Jareds pretty sure theyre made for each other. Because Jensens smart and funny and nice and freaking gorgeous, and Jared must have saved a herd of kittens or helped an entire senior center cross the road or done something pretty fucking awesome in a past life, because its looking like the universe has decided to gift wrap the man of his dreams and drop him right into his lap. And best of all, Jensen definitely returns the interest. Jared wasnt totally sure at first, thinking Jensen

might be buying him a drink out of actual gratitude, but as theyve gotten steadily more drunk hes made it more and more clear that hes into Jared, flirting and leaning closer and giving Jared that bright, happy smile, and yeah. Jareds pretty much in heaven. If he can get Jensens number and a date next week before the end of the night, hell be golden. Fate, however, has other plans. Mike gets kicked out of the bachelorette party around eleven (somewhere around the time he pitches a threesome to the brideto-be and her maid of honor and finds out theyre sisters and take monogamy very seriously) and grabs Jared on his way back. Theyre standing in the bathroom well, Mikes standing as he tries to mop off the margaritas hes currently wearing, Jareds leaning against the wall enjoying the way the tiles are spinning slowly around him and Mike throws a heap of sodden paper towels at the trash can with a disgruntled sigh. At least someones getting laid tonight, he says. I still wish it was me, dont get me wrong, but if I scored every single time youd be crippled by self-doubt, so. Ill take one for the team this time and let you be the successful one.

It takes Jareds fuzzy brain a long minute to realize exactly what Mikes saying there (and to skate past the utter bullshit, because yeah. No way Mike gets lucky enough to give Jared a complex). Wait, what? Im getting laid? This is news to him. Dude, you totally are, Mike says firmly. Guys practically drooling already all you gotta do is seal the deal. He claps Jared on the back. Do me proud, buddy. No way, Jared thinks to himself. Theres no way hes that lucky. He already struck the jackpot just meeting Jensen. Theres no way fate would bend over backwards and hand him sex with Jensen, too. Its just not possible. And when he makes his way back out to the booth and finds it totally empty, he feels justified. Well, and pissed, because what the hell, who just takes off after a totally awesome night like that? but definitely justified. Hes just about to go find Mike and rub his nose in Jareds complete and utter failure when a couple things happen in rapid succession. One is Jensen reappearing, because he pretty much

comes out of nowhere one second hes MIA and the next hes sliding into the booth next to Jared, holding two beers. And thats another thing he slides in next to Jared. Not a nice healthy distance across the table, but a close-enough-to-feel-thevery-well-developed-muscles-in-his-thighs close. And just when Jareds adjusting to that fact (by which he really means adjusting himself in his pants, because jesus christ, having body parts he desperately wants to lick pressed up against him when hes drunk and horny is the worst temptation ever), another thing happens. The aforementioned drunkenness and horniness causes him to take a desperate gulp of beer in an attempt at distraction, and when he puts the glass down with an awkward thump, Jensens watching him. Not just looking, watching, eyes dark and mouth just slightly open, and Jared licks his lips without thinking, tasting foam on his tongue. Jensen swallows hard. Youre, he breathes. Youve got He makes a vague motion with his hand. Jared blinks, not following, but then Jensen says, Fuck, and leans up, and before Jared can even move Jensens tongue is swiping across the corner

of his mouth. It takes him a long second to react (mostly because hes trying to remember how to fucking breathe) but when he opens his eyes (which he doesnt even remember closing), Jensens watching him warily. You had, on your, he says nonsensically, doing the hand-waving thing again, and thats just Jared just does not care. He reaches out, hands finding Jensens head and jaw, and pulls him into a kiss. Jensen reacts immediately, tiny moan slipping out of his mouth as he presses up into it, licking at Jareds mouth like hes desperate to taste it, and god, Jared doesnt even care that theyre making out in the middle of a bar, he just wants more. He doesnt care about anything else at this point not Mike, wherever he is, not the rest of the people in the bar, not even air (because seriously, fuck that breathing shit, hes making out with the hottest guy hes ever seen). He gets a hand on Jensens back, pulling him in even closer, half in his lap, and hes ready to just suffocate right there and die an extremely happy man. Jensen saves him, though, pulling back to laugh a little breathlessly. God, didnt think youd ever, he says.

Yeah? is all Jared can think to say. Yeah, Jensen replies, voice sliding low. He bites his lip, looking up at Jared from under those insanely long lashes. Do you maybe want to get out of here? Go back to my place? Theres no maybe about it. Hell, theres no anything about it, theres no way Jareds saying anything but yes please to a question like that. Actually, all he gets out is a whimper, but Jensen seems to get the idea. He grins and wraps a hand in the collar of Jareds shirt, tugging him up and out of the booth. He keeps his hand twisted there the whole way across the bar, dragging Jared behind him, and Jared barely has time to grin at the salute Mike tosses him before theyre through the door. The cab ride is kind of interesting, in the sense that whats probably a ten minute ride feels like it takes an hour. But thats mostly because Jensen has trouble remembering just what street he lives on, which is in turn mostly because Jared cant stop sucking on his neck long enough to let him have a coherent thought. He cant help it its a very nice neck. And its

currently all the skin he can get at, so hes making do until he can strip Jensen and spread him out on his bed like he wants to, have him all laid out for Jareds mouth and hands. Oh, god, Jensen moans, Youre going to kill me before we get there if you keep fucking talking like that, and huh. Apparently he said that part out loud. You definitely did, the cabbie tells him dryly. Really loud. Thankfully, thats when they pull up to a building Jensen claims is definitely his, so Jared doesnt actually have to die of embarrassment, he just has to throw a few too many tens at the guy and climb out the back as fast as he can. They stumble in the front door and down a hallway, and then Jensens laughing as he tries to get the door open, pressed up against the jamb, and Jared cant help framing Jensens hips with his hands, pushing up behind him. Jensen swears and fumbles the key. God, youve gotta let me get inside, at least, he says, shuddering as Jared licks a path up his neck and kisses the skin behind his ear. Jared obediently lets go, but as soon as Jensens

got the key turning in the lock and the door opens, hes back behind him again, hurrying Jensen inside. He doesnt pay much attention to the apartment around him therell be plenty of time for that later just steers Jensen toward the first flat surface he can find. It ends up being a couch, which is not as good as a bed, but whatever. Hes pretty sure hes going to want to have sex with Jensen on just about every surface in this apartment, so they might as well get the couch out of the way while theyre right here. And the couch is plenty nice, once he pushes Jensen down on it and climbs on top of him. They wrestle out of their jackets, getting one layer out of the way, and when Jared settles back down he ends up sliding perfectly between Jensens spread legs, and god, thats good. They fit together perfectly, Jensens cock pressing up against Jareds just right, and for a second Jared cant believe that this is actually happening. That he actually met a guy thats pretty much perfect in every way that matters to him, that said guy is single and interested too, and that as soon as Jared can get Jensen out of the rest of his clothes, theres going to be some very hot sex going on. Jared didnt get rejected or make an ass of himself or use a horribly clichd pickup line (even if thats more a Mike thing anyway), and there wasnt even that awkward period of figuring out who likes

who how much and what to do about it. If he and Jensen can just get married tomorrow and live happily ever after, Jareds life will be pretty much made. But first, sex. And since its been kind of a while and hes really looking forward to seeing Jensen naked, Jared gets to work on that, pulling himself away from Jensens mouth to suck a line of kisses down his neck before he pushes Jensens shirt up and continues his path south. But half a second after he licks around Jensens bellybutton, Jensen swears and arches up sharply. And Jareds good, yeah, but he barely even did anything, so hes kind of confused until Jensen works a hand under him and yanks a vibrating cell phone out of his back pocket. He barely spares a glance at the screen before tossing it on the coffee table, though, sliding both hands into Jareds hair, and Jared turns back to mouthing the thin skin over Jensens hip while his hands are busy at his belt buckle. But hes barely got his fingers around the leather before the phone buzzes to life on the table, doing a little slide toward the edge with each vibration, and Jensen lets out a frustrated breath. Sorry, god, he

says, flinging a hand out to grab the phone. Just let me make sure its not an emergency or something. He pries the phone open and answers it with a growled, Are you dying? Either the person on the other end says no or theyre dying very slowly, because Jensen snaps, Then call me tomorrow, and flips the phone shut, dropping it on the floor next to the couch. Jared grins and ducks in for a kiss, but he barely gets his mouth on Jensens before the phone goes off again. Jesusfuck, Jensen swears, jerking back. Is the whole fucking universe out to stop me getting laid? Jared has to laugh a little, because its kind of funny, in a way where some anonymous person is managing to cockblock him from what could be miles away. Frustrating as all hell, but a little funny. He hides his smile in Jensens neck when Jensen stretches to grab the phone. What, is Jensens answer this time. He listens for a long second as Jared nuzzles into his neck, his own hand trailing absent-mindedly down Jareds back, and then he tenses a little under Jared. Oh. Shit. Okay, well, just no, dont do that. Just push everything back and Ill call you first thing tomorrow.

Ill deal with it then. Theres a pause where Jared sucks a hickey into his neck, and when Jensen says, No, not now, asshole, Im kind of busy, theres a wobble in his voice under the annoyance. Jared grins, biting gently at damp skin, and shifts his hips nice and slow. Fucking duh, Jensen gasps into the phone. What the hell did you think you were interrupting? He pushes up against Jared, a sexy little half-groan slipping out, and then he says, Fuck, why the fuck am I even and hangs up again, throwing the phone halfway across the room. Jared kisses his chin. Problem? No, Jensen says, tipping his head back. I mean, yeah, but it can wait. Sure? Jensens eyes lock on his, dark and hooded. Yeah. Definitely. And its not like Jareds going to say no to that. If Jensens problem isnt urgent enough to need immediate attention, then hes going to do his best

to get Jensens mind off it and onto something much more pleasant. Like getting his hand up underneath Jensens shirt and feeling Jensens stomach muscles tense under his fingers as he skims them upward, for one thing. And kissing, because when is kissing not good. And then the noise Jensen makes when he lets his hand drift back down and steal a friendly grope before landing on his belt buckle, because its right after that that Jensen pulls back for a second to say, Maybe we should, uh. Move this to the bedroom. And Jareds totally on board with that plan, because walking and trying to undress each other is kind of complicated and they mostly end up stumbling into walls and doorframes and making out in between every article of clothing that actually comes off. Finally, Jensen manages to get them both inside the bedroom and shoves Jared onto the bed before kicking his pants off and climbing on himself. Which is good, because the beds a lot wider than the couch and they have a lot more room to work with, and then theres the whole part where theyre both almost totally naked and skin-to-skin contact is awesome, and really, its all just pretty much awesome. Well, until Jensen leans over to grab the necessary supplies from the drawer of the

nightstand, because what should be a two-second operation stretches out into at least two minutes of digging around in the dark. Shit, sorry, I cant find I know its in here, Jensen says, fishing around before he drops something onto the carpet. Fuck. Hang on. He climbs off Jared, flicking on the bedside lamp. God, Im sorry, he mutters, bending over to look all the way back in the drawer. First the phone that wont stop ringing, then random shit about my personal problems, and now I cant find the fucking lube. If one of us gets injured in the next two seconds, this will officially be the most awkward one-night-stand ever. And thats where Jareds heart drops, right along with his stomach. A what? he says dumbly. Thats what this is? Well, yeah, Jensen says absently. I mean, weve known each other for a grand total of two hours and we came back to my apartment for a drunken fuck. Thats, like, the definition of a one-night-stand. Ha! I found it! He straightens up, lube held triumphantly aloft, but pauses when he catches Jareds expression. Oh. Youre not you didnt think it was?

No! Jared says, sitting up. I mean, youre I like you, I think youre awesome. More awesome than anyone Ive met in a long time. Possibly ever. And I know we had a few drinks, but I thought you might that we were, you know He waves his hands, trying to illustrate what hes saying, but they just sort of end up colliding violently. He might be a little more drunk than he previously thought. Oh, Jensen says again. Um. Its just Im not really looking for that right now. I just moved here and started a new job and Im not really, you know, at this moment Im kind of just Looking for someone to fuck and never see again? Jensen winces, sinking down on the edge of the bed. Well. Kind of, I guess. And thats just great. Wow. Jared finally finds a guy that meets all his standards, one that he wants to know as well as Allie and Adrianne know each other, and it turns out the guy is only interested in him for as long as it takes to get laid. But you got my Star Wars references, he says nonsensically. Sorry, Jensen says. I didnt mean to make you

think this was something other than a, you know. One-time thing. But thats youre perfect, Jared blurts out. I mean, you like all the same things I do. We have the same taste in cheesy sci-fi movies. Our music tastes arent exactly the same, but theyre at least complementary, which is maybe even better. You even feel the same way I do about those commercials for cat litter. Well, yeah, Jensen says. Thats because singing cats are fucking creepy. Exactly! We agree on all kinds of stuff, Jared tells him. And there are probably things we dont agree on, and I want to know what they are. I want to know everything about you. Youre awesome and nice and funny and hot and weve clearly got some chemistry going on here, and I want to know where that could go. Dont you want to know where that could go? Jensen scrubs a hand across his face. I dont know. Thats kind of thats a lot, Jared. We just met. Im not saying we have to be naming our children right now or anything, Jared assures him. Im just saying this could be something. And I want to know

what that is. He reaches out, rubbing a thumb along Jensens jaw. Dont you want to know? Jensen doesnt lean into it, though, not the way Jared wants him to. Instead, his eyes widen, a little panicked, and he stands and says, Maybe we shouldnt do this, and starts reaching for his pants, which is really not what Jared wants. But Jensen keeps talking, saying stuff about how hes sorry for misleading Jared and that he didnt mean to give him the wrong opinion, and the mood is pretty much dead at this point, so Jared doesnt really see any point in sitting on the bed half-naked anymore. Jensens nice about everything, but its pretty clear that hes shuffling Jared toward the door. And since the whole situations extremely awkward and Jared just got totally rejected, hes not really averse to the idea. When hes tracked down all the articles of clothing they scattered across the living room, he heads straight for the door. Jensen apologizes once more as hes leaving, but Jared waves him off. It just sounds like Jensens saying hes sorry he brought Jared home in the first place, and thats the last thing he wants to hear right now. He catches a cab outside without much trouble, thankfully, and slouches down in the seat for the ride, hoping if he can get back to his bed soon he

can just crash and forget this entire night even happened. Because, god, isnt it just the perfect irony that he finally met a guy he can see himself falling in love with (and might be halfway there already, if hes being honest) and he ends up picking a guy whos not interested in love at all? Its the like the universe or whatevers in charge of happy endings was giving him a giant middle finger. Hes so wrapped up in his own depression that he totally forgets about why he went out in the first place, and he drags himself into the apartment without even thinking about Allie and Adrianne. That changes fast, though, because theyre sitting at the kitchen table and they jump up as soon as he comes in, all smiles and hugs and happiness. And theyre his best friends who just got engaged, so Jared shakes off his drama and congratulates them, gushing and pulling them into another giant group hug. Allies bursting with the story of the proposal, so after Jared turns down the last of the champagne (because he really doesnt need any more alcohol at this point, mostly sober or not) and accepts the leftovers of dinner (because food is always good, especially when Adriannes cooking), he settles in to hear the whole sappy, romantic retelling. They tell the story together, interrupting to detour on

tangents and argue about details, and after a while Jareds not even listening so much as watching them play off each other. Hes known them for the entire six years theyve been dating, and even after all that time it still strikes him sometimes how incredibly perfect they are for each other. Theres this connection, a synchronicity and fluidity underneath everything they do, and while he doesnt always understand it, he can see it. Its whats always made him want to have what they do, the way they can communicate so effortlessly and exist in each others lives and space so easily. But this is the first time that hes ever really thought about how much time and effort thats taken. They didnt start out like this, comfortable and seamless. It was awkward and embarrassing and there were issues and misunderstandings, and Jared remembers more than one time when both of them were so angry at each other they couldnt even speak. But now theyre here. Because the thing is, hes been expecting this to be easy. Hes been waiting for Mr. Perfect to fall into his lap, and he assumed once that happened things would justflow. Itd happen. He didnt think that there might be a lot of hard work involved. And maybe thats the thing maybe its not supposed to

be easy. Maybe youre supposed to have to work for it. So when Allie and Adrianne finally wrap up the story (which is adorable, of course, and so sweet it makes Jareds teeth hurt just listening to it) and ask how his night went, Jared smiles and says, Pretty good, actually. I think I found him. Found who? Allie asks. The one. What one? What are you talking about? Adrianne asks, but Allies eyes suddenly go wide. The one? You mean, your Mr. Perfect? Jared nods. Oh my god! she squeals, jumping up out of her chair to throw her arms around him. Jared, thats fantastic! Who is he? How did you meet? Whats his name? Tell me all about him! Whoa, relax, Jared says, laughing. We just met a few hours ago. I dont even know that much about him.

But you obviously know something, Adrianne presses. Come on, spill! All right, all right. His names Jensen, Jared tells them. We met at the bar earlier tonight when Chad shoved him into my lap. Hes thirty, a writer, and gorgeous. And? Allie prompts. Did you get his number? A date? She pauses, eyes narrowing. Wait a minute. Did you get laid? Jared takes a minute to answer, trying to figure out how best to explain that little awkward episode, and Allies eyes go wide. You did! I didnt, Jared says quickly. We kind ofwe were heading that direction. But we stopped. Adrianne raises an eyebrow. You stopped? Yeah, itscomplicated. And no, I dont have a date and I dont have his number. I dont have any kind of guarantee Im going to see him again, actually. Jared shrugs, laughing a little. He kind of doesnt know yet that hes the one. Im working on it.

To their credit, neither Allie or Adrianne laugh or roll their eyes at that. Allie just pats his hand, and Adrianne says firmly, Then its only a matter of time before hell be falling head over heels. Youve never exactly had a problem when it comes to determination. Yeah, Allie echoes, grinning. Go after your man. Theres no way he can resist the patented Jared Padalecki charm. I give it a week before hes putty in your hands. I think it might take a little bit longer than that, Jared says, laughing. He was pretty good at resisting my charm when he very politely kicked me out of his apartment. But now you know where he lives! Allie points out triumphantly. Who needs charm when youve got stalking? So, more like two weeks, Adrianne says dryly. Since stalking takes time and all. Yeah, something like that, Jared says, grinning. But thats okay. I can wait for him to figure out just how awesome I am. Well, as long as he comes around sometime before Im old and wrinkled,

because I would like to get laid sometime in the next decade. Just be patient, Allie advises. If hes really Mr. Perfect, hell see just how wonderful you are and youll be having sex all over the place in no time. Yeah, thanks, Jared says. Its about time I returned the favor, considering you two have been dating forever and youre still having sex all over the place. Shut up, Adrianne says, smacking Jareds arm. We just got engaged. Were entitled. And the other 364 days of the year? Well, if youd just get over your hang-ups and agree to a platonic polygamous relationship like we keep suggesting, you wouldnt have to worry about it, Allie tells him, getting up and clearing the plates off the table. Yeah, because it isnt weird enough that Ive shared a living space with one or both of you the whole time youve been dating, Jared points out. Lets throw in a polygamous relationship on top of that. One where I dont even get any sex. Awesome.

All right, fine, Adrianne says with a sigh. Well just keep on living together in awkward tension. We love you anyway, Allie tells him, leaning up to give him a kiss on the cheek. Goodnight, and sweet dreams of Jensen. Thanks. Jared doles out one more round of hugs and congratulations, then heads to his room. Dreams of Jensen sound pretty good, and not just because he knows what Jensen looks like naked and his subconscious can definitely do a lot with that, although hes looking forward to that. No, dreams are also good because Jared needs to get cracking on some strategy, and the more he thinks about the Jensen situation (even if its while hes sleeping and theyre engaged in implausible sex acts) the better. Because Jareds not giving up. He and Jensen pretty much crashed and burned earlier, but that doesnt mean it cant be fixed. So Jared found the guy he wants to have happily ever after (and maybe two point five kids and fluffy dog and a nice house in the suburbs, picket fence optional) with and Jensen doesnt feel the same way so what? Jareds just going to have to get Jensen to fall in love with him,

thats all. He got Jensen to take him home, so its obvious his charms still working. They have similar tastes and thoughts, and definite chemistry. All the essentials are there, they just need a little encouragement and, like Allie said, patience. Jared can do patient. He wasnt kidding about waiting before if its going to get him someone like Jensen, someone amazing and hot and hilarious, then yeah. Jared can wait for as long as it takes.

So let me get this straight, Mike says, finishing off his beer and setting the glass on the bar with a wet smack. You got this guy to take you to his apartment, you got naked, you got halfway to getting laid and thennothing? Pretty much, Jared says, taking a sip of his own beer. Thats justthats sad, is what it is, Mike says, signaling the bartender for another. How is it even possible to get that close and then not seal the deal? Whatd you do, tell him you have herpes or

something? He says it right as the bartender stops in front of them with a fresh beer, and at her horrified look, Jared says hastily, No, because that would be a giant freaking lie, and kicks Mike in the shin before giving the woman his best trustworthy smile. But thanks for the advice. If I ever do find myself in that situation, Ill remember to actually wait for the test results to come back before I go sleep with ten random women. Man, tracking them down is going to be a bitch, huh? Mike chokes on his beer, and the bartender transfers her disgusted look to him before walking away. Mike returns the shin-kick, wiping his eyes. Bastard. You just ruined any chance I had of getting laid in this bar. Hate to break it to you, but you kind of did that yourself, Jared tells him. When you go home with a different woman from a tiny little bar every single night of the week, you run out pretty fast. He looks around at the Monday night crowd, which is pretty damn thin. Unless youre switching teams, I dont

think theres actually anyone in this bar you havent already slept with. Besides the bartender who now thinks youre diseased, I mean. Mike groans. Why the fuck are we even here, then? Weve clearly exhausted all the potential this place has. Lets find somewhere new. We cant, asshole, Jared says. You know that. Right, sorry, Mike says. I forgot. Were in pursuit of true love. He sighs and takes another gulp of beer. Which is clearly worth me dying of sexual frustration. Its been less than twenty-four hours. Somehow, I dont think the lack of sex will kill you quite yet. Its been less than twelve hours, Mike corrects him. Quickie after breakfast. Jared rolls his eyes. Then yes, Jensen is definitely

worth your fatal case of blue balls. Assuming he ever comes back to this bar in the first place, Mike points out. Its been more than a week, dude. Jared knows that. Hes been here every night since last Saturday, just waiting and hoping that Jensen will walk in. Its a slim hope, but right now its all Jareds got as far as leads. He knows where Jensen lives well, he knows what building it is, at least but he was drunk and horny when they got there, and he has no idea what floor or number they ended up in, and knocking on every door in the place sounds kind of like something that should be reserved for a last resort. Allie and Adrianne came the first couple nights, trying to help him out and wanting to see Jensen for themselves, but they gave up by Wednesday, saying the bar was too far away and closing was too late to be out on a work night. Theyre all gooey and couple-y right now anyway, still glowing from the engagement, so Jared understands if they want to be at home with each other instead of in a tiny bar.

Mike comes every night (Jareds pretty sure its written somewhere in Mikes DNA that hes never not up for drinking) but while he claims its to support Jared, he usually leaves with a girl long before close. Mike sighs again. Well, fuck. If Im not getting laid, then Im sure as hell getting wasted. Where the hell is that bartender? Shes down at the other end, pointedly avoiding his eye, but Mikes never let a little thing like disgust get between him and alcohol. He gets up and heads over to where shes standing. Want anything? Jared looks down at his half-empty glass. Nah. He had to limit himself to three drinks a night after the incident last Wednesday, when Mike met a girl five minutes into the night and took off, leaving Jared bored and alone. Theres not really very much to keep you interested when all youre doing is waiting and hoping the love of your life will walk into a bar he just happened to be at last weekend, and when Jared finally stumbled out of the place, hes pretty sure he consumed half the beer in the city.

That theory seemed even more likely when he was still drunk the next morning. Jareds always kind of thought it might actually be easier to teach high schoolers history while intoxicated, but as it turns out? Not so much. He was just a lot more easily distracted by the usual teenage antics, and then when it started to wear off around lunchtime he was tired and fuzzy, and the bells between class (not to mention the kids) were five million times more shrill. It was not fun. He tries to tell Mike this, when it looks like Mike is attempting to consume all the alcohol in the entire state, but Mike refuses to listen. He works for a landscaping company, digging dirt and watering plants all day, so hes probably actually fine if hes hungover as all hell tomorrow morning. Still, alcohol poisoning isnt conducive to any sort of job, so Jared cuts him off around the point that Mike starts having an honest-to-god conversation with his beer. But then Mike gets bored and cranky, and they cant leave yet (theres still an hour before close, so theoretically Jensen could still stop in for a final drink on his way home or something), and for some

reason Jared will never understand, Mike doesnt get sluggish like other drunk people. Instead of being three quarters of the way to passed out, like he logically should be, he gets a second wind and goes all hyperactive on Jared. Which mostly translates into Mike eating every single peanut in the near vicinity and having the exact same conversation with Jared over and over and fucking over. Jared, Mike says, leaning in until his beer breath is warm on Jareds face. Jared. He totally isnt coming. Not coming. Yeah, thanks, Jared says, leaning back as far as he can. I got that the first million times you said it. Thanks for the positive thoughts, buddy. Not coming, Mike repeats, drawing out the vowels to a ridiculous degree. Noooooot. Jared. Love has failed you. Totally fucking failed you. He tries to point at Jared and ends up swinging his finger in a sloppy circle off to the left that veers

dangerously close to a burly looking biker dude in the corner. Jared grabs his hand and grounds it on the bar, just to be safe. Love sucks, man, Mike drawls. Seriously. This is why we should just be bachelors forever. Then thered be none of this crap. Aw, come on, Jared says. Loves pretty awesome. Well. When the other persons actually in love with you, too. That helps a lot. Mike doesnt reply, patting the bar in front of him. Shit, where are the peanuts? Im starving. You already ate them all. Then wheres the bartender? Mike leans over the bar, scanning up and down. I need her to tender me some bar. Beer. Whatever. She was kind of bitchy

before, he says conversationally. Hey bitchtender! he calls out, then realizes what he said and cracks himself up. Jared mentally thanks whatever higher powers are responsible for the bartender being across the room and apparently slightly hard of hearing. Mike, dude, shut up, he mutters, hauling Mike backwards onto his stool. And she was only bitchy because she thought you were spreading herpes to people she knows. I think shes justified. Pah, Mike says, waving a hand. That was the stupidest story ever, by the way. I wouldnt have to track down all those women I slept with to tell them I had herpes. Well, youre probably not legally obligated to, Jared says. But it would be the polite, socially responsible thing to do. No, I wouldnt have to track them down, Mike repeats. Cause if I slept with them, then I have their numbers in my phone. He spreads his arms wide

and almost overbalances and topples off the stool. I could just text them. Jared almost laughs before he realizes Mike isnt even kidding. Oh, god, youre serious, he says, horrified. No, Mike. You cant send someone a text message to tell them about your theoretical case of herpes. Thats not okay. Fine, Mike says, Ill send a card. A card? Isnt that why God invented Hallmark? To tell people important shit. There are several seconds where Jareds mouth is open and absolutely nothing comes out. Finally, he gives up on anything approaching a logical reply (because logic is really not playing a starring role in this conversation in the first place) and says faintly, No. No, it really isnt.

Huh, Mike says thoughtfully. Well, then, someone should invent that. Invent what? Jared asks, a little hysterically. A card that says, Hey, sorry, I may have given you herpes? Exactly! Mike says. Yeah, fucking exactly! He shakes his head in wonder. God, Im a fucking genius. Jared really wishes he hadnt been nursing this same beer for close to an hour, because he could really use some hard liquor right now. Hes not sure he can survive this conversation mostly sober. And then thered be a card that says, Dont fall in love, Mike rambles on. Cause love sucks. Id send that one to you. Thanks, Jared mutters.

Because it does. Love sucks. And fifteen minutes from close on the eighth day in a row Jared has unsuccessfully stalked this bar for the guy he very nearly had a drunken one-night-stand with and is becoming sort of pathetically obsessed with, hes kind of ready to agree that yes, it just might. But just as hes opening his mouth to say so, the door to the bar opens, letting in a cold rush of air. And there, in a dark overcoat dusted with snow, is Jensen. He heads straight for two guys at a table, clapping them both on the shoulders. Hey. Fucking finally, one of the guys says. Weve been here for an hour. I was starting to think you forgot about us. Sorry, Jensen says, laughing. Work stuff. I totally lost track of time.

Well, you also lost your chance to have a drink with us before were gone for six months, the other guy says. Its almost last call. Dude, relax, Jensen says. My apartment is five minutes away and I have a brand new bottle of tequila. Theres still plenty of time to get drunk and do stupid things before you have to leave. Aw, I knew there was a reason were friends with you, the first guy says, laughing. Lead the way. The guys start to stand, reaching for their own coats, and Jared realizes that hes watched the entire conversation without moving, and if he doesnt do something fast, Jensens going to walk out without even seeing him. He jumps to his feet, crosses the bar, and grabs Jensens arm as hes heading for the door. Jensen. Wait.

Jensen turns in his grip, mouth open in question, but when he sees Jared standing there, a flash of surprise crosses his face. Jared. Um, hi, Jared says, suddenly nervous. Jensen blinks. Hey. What are you - ? Oh, um, I just happened to come by here tonight, Jared says quickly. And then I saw you, and I thought I should, um. Say hi. Right, Jensen says. After a minute goes by and Jared doesnt elaborate, he raises his eyebrows. Anything else? Uh, yeah. I just wanted to last week was really awkward, Jared says all in a rush. And I wanted to apologize for that, because I know that sometimes I dont come off the best and that was probably way more intense than you were expecting, and Im sorry. That it got so awkward and weird.

Thats okay, Jensen says, smiling faintly. I mean, yeah, it was kind of awkward. But it wasnt your fault. We both made it weird. Okay, good. Dont worry about it, Jensen says, gently pulling his arm away and motioning to the door, where his friends are waiting. Anyway, I have to Just one more thing, Jared says hastily. Can you this probably sounds really stupid, but is there any way we could try again? Jensen frowns a little. Not the awkward almost-sex part, Jared rushes to assure him. I think we already covered that pretty well. I meant something a little more low-key. Coffee. Dinner. A chance to talk. He shifts his weight from foot to foot nervously. Its just I think last time we went a little too fast for both of us. We were drunk, and we jumped right into the sex part.

And its totally backwards, but I just think that if we could get to know each other a little first and take things slower He shrugs. It could be good. Jensen opens and closes his mouth, then bites his lip. I dont know, he says finally. I mean, I get what youre saying, its just I dont know if you can really start over like that. It sounds He clears his throat. Awkward? Jared supplies. Yeah, I know. But He takes a deep breath and meets Jensens eyes. I really like you, Jensen. And I think that if we just had another chance, this could be really good. I think we could be good. Dont you want to at least find out? Jensen looks at him for a long minute, inscrutable. Jareds pretty sure this is going to end up like the apartment, with Jensen giving him some extremely polite line thats just very thinly veiled rejection, and all of a sudden he doesnt really want to wait for it. Um, you know what, never mind, he says. Sorry. This is probably the last thing you want, some random guy stalking you and asking for a date after a totally awkward and disastrous attempt at sex.

His cheeks are burning, and hes just waiting for Jensen to agree and turn around and walk out so he can go bang his head against something very solid, but Jensen throws a wrench into his plans by not leaving at all. Instead, he just raises an eyebrow and says, Youre stalking me? Uh, no, Jared says quickly. What? Stalking? No. And he means to leave it there, he really does, but Jensens giving him this steady, inquisitive look that makes him kind of nervous, and before he knows it hes rambling. Because if I was really going to stalk you, then Id be waiting for you outside your door or trying to look in your window or something, he points out. Dragging my friends to the bar where I met you every night for a week and a half, thats not stalking. Its just hanging out. Conveniently near where you live. He pauses to take a breath, and lets it out in a sigh. Yeah, okay, its totally pathetic and kind of creepy.

Itssomething, all right, Jensen says, looking a little bemused. Look, Jared And here comes the rejection. Jared braces for something along the lines of you seem really nice and all, but with some kind of lame excuse tacked on the end. But Jensens friends are at the door, waiting, and one of them picks that moment to yell, Jesus, Jensen, you going to keep us waiting all night? Were going to be senior citizens by the time we get home. Oh, shut up, Jensen calls over his shoulder, rolling his eyes. If youre so worried about looking young, get a fucking facelift. Im having a conversation here. Yeah, and thats your problem, the other guy puts in. Cut the flirting shit and give him your damn number already.

Jensen rolls his eyes again, but hes grinning, and he grabs a pen off the bar and a napkin from a nearby table, scribbling something down and pushing it into Jareds hand. Here. Coffee, okay? Call me tomorrow. Jared gapes at him for a second, totally unsure how that just worked out in his favor, but Jensen tosses him a grin over his shoulder as he heads for the door, and okay. Wow. Jared just landed himself an honest-to-god date with the man of his dreams. He still has no idea how, but theres no mistaking the ten digits inked on the napkin in his hand and the scrawled Jensen above it, like Jared might just forget the name of the guy hes spent a week and a half stalking. Hes frozen in place for a good minute after the door slams behind Jensen and his friends, staring between the napkin and where Jensen disappeared, but when it finally sinks in that Jensen said yes, that theyre going to go out soon and Jareds getting another chance at making Jensen see how perfect they are for each other, he turns around to find Mike and celebrate the momentous occasion.

Mike, however, has finally hit the end of his sugar high and is pretty much passed out on the bar. Judging by the puddle of drool, he missed all of Jareds spectacular triumph over adversity. But thats okay. Now Jared can embellish the story all he wants when he tells it to Adrianne and Allie (he thinks it needs some groveling. Every courtship story needs a little groveling), plus he has even more material for the merciless mocking Mikes getting tomorrow along with his hangover. When he reminds Mike of his special STD line of Hallmark cards, he can throw in an extra-sappy tale of love conquering adversity thats sure to make Mikes mood even worse. Its going to be awesome. For now, though, he has to figure out a way to get both of them safely home. He leaves a ridiculous tip for the bartender when he settles his tab, just in case she somehow indirectly contributed to Jensen coming here, and manhandles Mike out into a cab. Mike wakes up a little in the cool night air, leaning on Jared as they wait for the driver to slow down, and asks fuzzily, Hey, did he come?

Yeah, he did, Jared tells him. And I made an ass of myself, but he still agreed to go on a date with me. Awesome, Mike says, then promptly passes out again. But at that point Jared can just unload him into the cab, so its okay. Yeah, considering the fact that he just landed a date with his dream guy and hes getting another chance at eternal happiness with a seriously hot man thats perfect for him? Yeah, Jareds more than just okay. He props Mike up against the door, gives the driver their address, and smiles out the window at the city lights flashing by.

Jensens not exactly sure why he said yes. Well, he never actually said yes, he just gave Jared his number. But when Jared calls him the next day and proposes coffee at a caf and he agrees to show up, its really the same thing. And even after that,

Jensens not totally sure why he did it. He likes Jared. Thats not the problem. Jareds hot and funny and nice and Jensen had a good time when they were hanging out at the bar. Its just that the whole time they were hanging out, Jensen wasnt evaluating the encounter like it was the potential first meeting for a lifelong commitment, like Jared apparently was. Jensen wasnt worried about getting to know every last thing about Jared. He was more concerned with figuring out whether Jared was into him and if hed left anything dirty/embarrassing around his apartment and if he was going to get laid. That was pretty much it. Because what he told Jared was true he just moved to the city, he just started a new job, and hes not really looking for a serious relationship right now. And theres also the part where Jensen kind of has a thing about serious relationships. What thing? Steve asks when Jensen calls him. Like, I dont have them, Jensen says. Ever.

Thats not true, Steve says. You were with that James dude forever. I think a relationship that lasts almost a year counts as serious. But it wasnt, Jensen protests. I mean, yeah, we were together for a year. But we werent together. We were justyou know. He makes a hand gesture thats kind of meaningless when Steve cant see it. But Steve gets it anyway. Just fucking? Pretty much, yeah. Jensen considers. Well, we hung out and stuff. But it was mostly leading up to the fucking part. But its not like youve never dated anyone, Steve points out, trying a new tack. You date. Okay, yes, Jensen admits. But its not because Im looking for someone to settle down with or anything. Its just casual. For fun. Im not thinking every second that we might get married or whatever.

Because you dont want to settle down and get married. Right. Theres muffled conversation in the background, and Jensen can hear Steve laugh at something before telling someone to shut up. Okay, then, he says, uncovering the phone. So dont marry Jared. Not planning on it, Jensen says, rolling his eyes. Problem solved, Steve says. And then, Shit, you were supposed to take a left there. Jensen pauses on the crowded sidewalk outside his building. What? No, I wasnt. No, not you, Steve says. Sorry, Jensen, Chris is in the middle of getting us lost in the wilderness and I have to make sure we get to civilization before our

show. Talk to you later, okay? And then hes gone, and Jensen still doesnt have an answer to his problem. He sighs and flips his phone closed, turning to go into his building. But hes been stationary for a second too long, and the flow of foot traffic around him has diverted, sending him crashing into a tiny girl that goes flying. Oh, Jesus, Im so sorry, Jensen says, dropping the phone and rushing to help her up and gather her things. No problem, she says, brushing herself off and picking up her purse. No harm done. But one of the plastic grocery bags she was holding flew a few feet away, and when Jensen lifts it up its clear that the tomatoes she was bringing home are now closer to tomato sauce. Shit, Im so sorry. Ill pay for new ones. No, really, its okay, the girl says, laughing. I

actually hate tomatoes. I was just buying them for my roommate. Youre actually doing me a favor by smashing them into a pulp. Okay, youre like, so nice its kind of scaring me, Jensen says, handing her the squishy remains of her tomatoes. Are you sure youre okay? Maybe this is the concussion talking. She laughs again. Im fine, seriously. Im just ridiculously happy today, so not even getting clotheslined on the sidewalk can get me down. I guess you picked the right person to slam into. Yeah, lucky me, Jensen says. Out of curiosity, is there a secret to this insane happiness thing youve got going on? Because if it comes in a bottle or a pill or whatever, Im totally sold. I just got engaged, the girl says, flashing a ring. And the nauseatingly happy part is actually about the true love thing, not the diamond, so I dont think you can buy it. Sorry.

Well, that figures. Thats okay, Jensen mutters. Im actually trying very hard not to get married at the moment, so Ill just have to stay cranky. The girl gives him a curious look, but Jensen shakes his head and says, Look, no matter how happy you are, I wont feel right about this until I buy you some new tomatoes. Give me five minutes at the nearest store to make it up to you? Youre really making it up to my roommate, but sure, the girl says, falling into step with him. Im Allie, by the way. Jensen. She gives him an odd look, but theyre already around the corner and at the store Jensen was heading for. As they go through the door and head for the produce, she says, Out of curiosity, is there any particular reason youre so cranky? Relationship issues, Jensen tells her. Or, well,

lack-of-relationship issues. She looks intrigued, and after a seconds hesitation, Jensen finds himself spilling the whole stupid thing to her as they browse the minimal produce selection. Its probably not the best idea to throw his whole dating history at some random stranger he nearly took out five minutes ago, but shes a great listener, and for some reason he just keeps rambling at her. So the thing is, do I go on a date with this guy, knowing its not going anywhere? Or do I just tell him right now what the deal is and call the whole thing off? Jensen asks Allie. Why isnt it going anywhere? she asks, turning it back on him. Because I dont want it to, Jensen says. I dont want something serious. Whats wrong with serious?

Jensen frowns. Its just so it always gets messy and complicated. So then its not worth it? Well, Jensen says. No. Allie just purses her lips, picking up a tomato and checking it for spots, and Jensen remembers again that they know each other, oh, not at all, and this is so weird. Great, he says, shaking his head. Now you think Im a total head case and a jerk who knocks girls down on the street. What I think, Jensen, Allie says, selecting two tomatoes and pulling him toward the front, is that you need to stop thinking so much. She sets the tomatoes down at the register. Go on the date with this guy. Dont worry about where its going or if youre leading him on, just worry about if youre having a good time. And if you are, then go with it. If

it turns out he wants something more serious than you do, then you can decide together what to do about it. She plucks the cash from his fingers, hands it to the cashier, and winks at him as she picks up her tomatoes. Thanks for the tomatoes, Jensen. Uh, youre welcome, he says, a little taken aback by how simple she made the whole mess sound. Thanks for the advice. She grins. No problem. Im pretty sure its my civic duty as a disgustingly happy newly-engaged person to try to help other people find romantic happiness. She pauses, her hand on the door. Plus, I kind of had an ulterior motive. Jensen opens his mouth to ask what it is, but with another grin, Allie waves and ducks through the door and disappears before he can say a thing. He stares at the doorway for a second, then turns back to the guy at the cash register, who shrugs. You heard the woman, he says. Go for it.

Jensen shakes his head, but in the end thats really the best advice hes gotten all day. Hes just going to have to go on the date with Jared and see how it goes.

Awesome, it turns out. Jensens nervous as hell for no reason he can figure out when he ducks out of work that afternoon, but once he gets over the initial awkwardness of it all - sitting at a table to wait, stirring his latte a little more than necessary and glancing up every two seconds Jared strolls in and gives him one of those wide grins, and Jensen feels himself start to relax. And when Jareds got his own drink and settles in across from him, asking about work and his day, they fall into conversation without a problem. Pretty soon Jensen is recounting a story about one of his most bizarre interviews (it involved being dragged to a basement lab and being subjected to weird tests by some random professor, all in the name of crappy fluff journalism) and Jared

is cracking up, grinning at Jensen like its the funniest thing hes ever heard, and Jensen realizes that hey, this is easy. They talk for almost two hours, just back and forth and laughing about their coworkers and jobs and Jareds students and the city, and by the time Jensens phone beeps with a reminder, hes actually kind of stupidly glad he came. So when Jared grabs his wrist and asks if they can get together again later in the week, this time for dinner, he says yes. Not maybe or Ill let you know, just yes. He likes Jared, he had a good time having coffee with him, and he wants to do this again. He gives Jared a brief goodbye kiss, and takes off for his next crazy interview with a smile on his face.

Do I look okay? Jared asks for the millionth time.

Yes, Jared, Allie says, also for the millionth time. Yeah, totally, Adrianne throws in, just for some variety. If I wasnt a completely monogamous engaged lesbian, Id be all over you. Jared blinks. Really? No. Jared sticks out his tongue. Theyre in the bar under their building (well, the one where Jared, Allie and Adrianne live and Mike just happens to spend ninety-five percent of his time, because hes a parasite like that), waiting for Jensen to show up for his date with Jared. Adriannes looking forward to meeting this Jensen guy, because from Jareds description, he has to be some kind of combination of a male model, genius, and genuinely nice guy, and Adriannes not sure such a thing exists in nature. Jared might have dreamed this guy up. Mike shrugs. Hey, if I wasnt a horny and

indiscriminate womanizer, Id be all over you. Really? Allie asks. Eh, probably, Mike admits. I mean, the horny and indiscriminate part still stands, so. Wow, thatsthanks, I guess? Jared says. I dont know if I should be flattered or offended. Either way, youre not freaking out about your clothes, so I think its an improvement, Adrianne puts in. Seriously, Jared, you look fine. Stop worrying about it. Jared looks uncomfortable, fiddling with the cuffs of his shirt. I cant. This is different from our last date. I have to look really good. Adriannes about to ask why (because shes been Jareds best friend for eight years now, but she still cant keep ahead of his random ideas about stuff),

but Mike cuts in before her with a lewd grin. Ah, I know that look, he says, patting Jared on the back. Boys looking to get laid. Jared flushes and sinks down in his seat. Is it that obvious? Mike shrugs. I could just be really familiar with the symptoms. But I thought you already tried that with him and got turned down. That was different, Jared repeats. That was a drunken hookup. This is our second date. Hes actually going to be sober and making good decisions tonight. Well, hopefully. And you think thats going to make him more likely to sleep with you? Mike asks skeptically. Hey, Jared says, punching him in the arm.

Oh, Jared, Allie says. Are you sure thats a good idea? Hes got commitment issues, you know. Jared blinks. Jensen does? Its pretty clear that he does, from what youve told us, Adrianne says quickly, covering Allies slip. Allie shoots her a grateful look, and Adrianne remembers again just how fun it is to have a fiance who cant keep a secret to save her life. It was pretty much a given that Adrianne had to be the one proposing, because Allie would have blurted it out before shed even looked at rings or made a dinner reservation. Okay, maybe, Jared concedes. But there was definite chemistry between us before. And I just thought that if we, you know, reminded ourselves of that, things might be a little easier. Wait, youre saying that youre going to try to get him to sleep with you so hell like you better? Adrianne clarifies.

Jared, he already likes you, Allie says. And sex isnt going to solve his deeper relationship issues. I know, Jared says. I just think that it cant hurt. He already likes me, yeah, so adding in hot sex can only improve things even more. He pauses. Plus, I really, really want to get laid. Cant fault that logic, Mike says, biting down on a fry. If thats what passes for logic in your world, I Adrianne pauses. Wow. I understand a lot more about you now. Really? Allie asks dryly. I didnt think there was that much to understand. Shut up, Im totally complex, Mike says. I have layers. Can we please keep them covered up, then? Jared

interrupts. Because Jensens going to be here in like, ten seconds, and Id really like him to think I have sensible, mature friends. Mike tsks. Lying to the guy already, Jare? That cant be good. Adrianne takes the ketchup and mustard bottles out of Mikes reach (because sometimes when Mike gets bored he likes to create edible art that tends toward the obscene) and pats Jared on the shoulder. Dont worry, well behave. Thanks. Where is Jensen, anyway? Allie asks, sitting up to look over the booths toward the door. Wasnt he supposed to be here at eight? Its only seven fifty-eight, Adrianne points out. And you dont know what he looks like anyway.

Oh, right, Allie says, laughing a little too loud. Thats totally right, I forgot. Adrianne nudges her pointedly under the table, because Allie going for casual lying is pretty much like anyone else shouting the truth through a bullhorn, and Jareds starting to look a little suspicious. But thankfully, Jensen seems to be the punctual type, and before Jared can say anything, hes coming up to the table. Jared stands up to say hi, leaning in to give Jensen an awkward little half-hug, and then he turns to do the introductions. Everyone, this is Jensen. Jensen, this is Mike, Adrianne, and Allie, Jensen finishes for him, sounding a little incredulous. Uh, yeah, Jared falters. You two know each other? Allie beams. Weve met.

Yeah, Jensen says, looking kind of confused. I crushed her tomatoes. Mike snorts. I thought she only let Adrianne touch her tomatoes. Adrianne doesnt think she can be blamed for reaching across the table to smack Mike upside the head. From Jensens look, he doesnt either. No, not that, he says hastily. I knocked her down on the street, and her tomatoes got smashed. And then he bought me new ones, Allie announces. You were very kind, Jensen. And you said you had an ulterior motive for the advice, Jensen says slowly, looking between Allie and Jared. The whole time, you knew - ? Allie shrugs. There cant be that many cute guys

named Jensen wandering around this city worrying about going on a date with a guy whos maybe stalking them. It wasnt that hard to figure out. Jared blinks. Wait, what? You told Jensen to go on a date with me? He turns to Jensen. And you were worried about going out with me? He pauses, then turns back to Allie. And you actually kept that a secret this whole time? Allie nods, beaming. Ive been distracting her a lot, Adrianne puts in, feeling like there should be some explanation here other than Allies iron willpower, which everyone knows is totally nonexistent. You didnt think it was suspicious that I kept coming up with interruptions every time you talked about Jensen in the last week? Jared tilts his head, considering. Oh. No. I just thought you were sick of hearing about him.

My default strategy was throwing whatever food was nearby at your head, Adrianne points out. It worked most of the time because Jared, though remarkably persistent when it came to the topic of Jensen, also hates it when food of any kind goes to waste, and hed inevitably end up trying to catch it instead of talking. Mike shrugs. Im with Jared. I see nothing new here. Whatever, Allie says, waving her hand. Anyway, Jared, the point is, you have Jensen to thank for those tomatoes I brought home. Jared laughs. And apparently I have you to thank for Jensen actually going out with me. He looks over at Jensen, whos been kind of quiet. Which reminds me, we were going to do that same thing tonight. We should probably go. Yeah, Jensen agrees. Im starving. He gives a grin and a little wave to everyone at the table. Nice to meet you guys. Allie, nice to meet you again.

Hey, youve met me before, too, Mike points out. Granted, the first time I was drunk and seducing a bachelorette party and the second time I was drunk and passed out on the bar, but I think it still counts. To his credit, Jensen doesnt even blink. Nice to meet you sober and conscious, then. Mike laughs. I actually kind of like this one. Oh, god, were leaving right now, Jared says, taking Jensens arm. Jensen lets himself be pulled away, but when theyre almost to the door, he turns around one last time. Allie. Yeah? He gives her a tiny, shy smile. Thanks for the advice.

Allie melts, of course, being the ridiculous sap she is, but even Adrianne has to agree with Mike here. Apparently that wonderful guy Jared kept going on about really does exist, and she actually kind of likes him. Thankfully, Mike takes that opportunity to say, I give them a week, tops. And Jareds definitely not getting laid, and Adrianne doesnt have to agree with him for longer than a second, because that would be a little weird. And also thankfully, Allie leans across the table to smack Mike on the arm before Adrianne can do it, adding, Youre just jealous. I think theyre perfect for each other. Mike rolls his eyes, but as Allie settles back into the seat, leaning into Adrianne, Adrianne thinks she might be right. She kind of hopes so, anyway.

And then the Dr. Frankenstein looks up at the giant castle doors and says, What knockers! and she says Why thank you, doctor, Jensen quotes Inga, falsetto. Yes! Jared says, laughing. I thought I was the only person my age whod seen Young Frankenstein. Dude, its a classic. I know! Seriously, that scene with the little girl and the flowers and the well - Cracks me up every single time, Jensen agrees. That scene is the reason I know what it feels like to

snort Dr. Pepper out my nose, Jared says. And if youre wondering? Its horrible. It feels like someone set off fireworks inside your nostrils. Wow, thanks for that image, Jensen says, but hes laughing. And so is Jared. Despite the evening getting off to a slightly awkward start, things are actually going pretty well. They walked to a restaurant one of Jensens coworkers recommended, a little Italian place with funky dcor that Jared keeps threatening to steal and glue to Jensens walls (because what Jensen really needs is a blue French horn losing him his security deposit), and after ordering from the simple menu, they havent had a problem keeping the conversation going. Jared has four classes of hormonal high schoolers, which makes for a lot of crazy stories, and with Jensens job (which can be equally weird, if a little more adult-focused) and now both of their friends thrown into the mix, they have plenty to talk about. And, as Jared was so delighted to discover on their first meeting, they also have a love of cheesy sci-fi movies in common, so theyve spent almost half an hour and trading references over their pasta.

Its nice. More than nice, actually. Jensen feels comfortable with Jared, in a way that he hasnt in a long time. Somehow Jared makes him feel like he can say anything, no matter how stupid Jared just listens and finds something to say in reply, no matter how inane or random Jensens comments seem to him. It makes it a lot easier for Jensen to relax and be himself, and by the time they devour a dish of tiramisu and split the bill, hes feeling pretty good. So when Jared ducks his head and asks Jensen a little shyly if hed maybe like to come back to his place, looking up through his bangs with an adorably hesitant smile, Jensen doesnt bother thinking about it. He just smiles and stands up, holding out a hand, and says, Lead the way. Jared doesnt let go of Jensens hand as theyre walking back to his building, and Jensens okay with that. More than okay, actually, because it gives him an excuse to brush up against Jared while theyre walking, which reminds him just how solid and strong Jared is. Jensen was a little drunk the last time they got naked together, but he remembers what Jared was like hes revisited the memory

enough in the shower to have a pretty good mental picture and hes really hoping theyre going to repeat the naked together part. Judging by the way Jareds sneaking glances out of the corner of his eye as Jensen leans into him, Jensens pretty sure Jareds thinking the same thing. And when they get up to the apartment (which is suspiciously clean and very conveniently roommatefree), Jensens suspicions are all but confirmed. So when Jared takes his coat and says, Um, do you want something to drink? Beer or soda or coffee or something? Jensen just smiles, steps in close enough to take the front of Jareds shirt in his hands, and says, I was thinking more along the lines of some really good sex. Nnngh, Jared says. Jensen raises his eyebrows. That okay? This time Jared responds in actual words, but its

just a fast, breathy Oh god, yes, before he grabs Jensen and hauls him into a kiss. And from there its only too easy to strip each other out of their shirts and stumble their way over to Jareds bedroom. Well, its not totally easy, because walking while youve got your tongue in someone elses mouth is never easy, and when youre not willing to separate for even a microsecond, youre pretty much bound to run into something. But that something turns out to be the wall outside Jareds room, and as soon as Jensens back hits it Jared is pressing him up against it, grinding into him as he sucks a line of kisses along Jensens collarbone, and Jensen is really totally okay with that. In fact, screw the bedroom hes okay with the two of them having sex right up against that wall. Beds are nice and all, but that would require taking his hand out of Jareds pants long enough to actually move, and the noises Jareds making as Jensen jerks him are really not something hes willing to give up, even for a minute. Which is unfortunate, because thats when theres a knock on the door. Jensen is all for ignoring it, and Jared seems to agree, pushing his hips into

Jensens hand and kissing him hard. But then the knock comes again, and childish voices outside the door chorus, Jared? and the man in question stiffens and not in the fun way Jensen would prefer. Shit, he says, pulling away. Jared, dont Sorry, its just if I dont answer, they sometimes just come in, Jared explains hastily, dragging a hand across his mouth as he snags his shirt from the floor and throws it on, dragging the tails down awkwardly over his crotch. Jensens not sure who they are or why theyd burst in (or why the fuck Jared didnt lock the door, which is generally a good thing to do when youre at least hoping to get naked with someone), but since Jareds already heading for the door, he grabs his own shirt off the floor and buttons it up as he sits down on the couch.

He cant see who Jareds talking to when he opens the door, thanks to a wall and a bookcase that blocks everything past Jared from view, but he can tell from the high voices that its kids, two of them. Jared says hi to both of them, staying in the doorway so they cant come in, but they dont seem to notice. Theyre too busy telling him something about school some project they had to do, something about pets and making pictures. Jensen loses the conversation as it goes between the kids as they talk over each other, but Jared seems to understand it just fine, and when it becomes clear that the kids made something for someone named Sadie and Harley, Jared drops down to their height and says, Thanks, guys, this is amazing! and leans in to look. His tone is bright and friendly, nothing to indicate that he just got interrupted in the middle of a handjob, and he takes the time to exclaim about several different details and compliment both artists before promising to pass the present on to the mysterious Sadie and Harley. Theyll love it, he assures the kids. And Ill tell them they have to draw a picture of you, too. The kids giggle, and Jared straightens up as he

gently but firmly sends them on their way, saying goodbye and waving after them as he shuts his door. When he comes back around the corner, hes holding two pieces of construction paper covered in bright, colorful childish strokes and grinning. Sorry, he says as he sees Jensen sitting there. Theyre my neighbors kids, they like to come over sometimes. Its okay, Jensen says. They drew something for you? For my dogs, Jared corrects, holding up the drawings. Jensen looks at the hairy stick blobs on the page, then at the apartment around him. You have dogs? Jared laughs. Yeah, sorry, forgot to tell you. They live with my parents at the moment, actually it didnt seem fair to coop them up in an apartment when they can have a yard. But my parents bring

them up for weekends sometimes, and the kids love to come to the park and play with them. He grins down at the drawings again. Enough that they drew them both pictures to decorate their doghouses, apparently. He waves the drawings at Jensen. Hang on a second, I need to find somewhere safe to put these so I dont forget them. Hes only gone a few seconds, ducking into his bedroom, but its long enough that Jensen realizes something. Its kind of stupid and obvious, but it hits him from out of nowhere he likes Jared. A lot. And he already knew that he wouldnt have gone out with Jared and had a partial-night-stand with him if he didnt but now, suddenly, it strikes him just how much he likes Jared. Because Jared cared enough to pursue him, because Jared makes him laugh, because Jareds a fabulous listener, because they had a great dinner, because Jared takes his neighbors kids drawings seriously because hes Jared. And thats a scary thought, because liking someone

this much only makes it more clear how much it would suck to lose them. Jensen doesnt want to lose Jared. Serious relationships always end messy, and he doesnt want to fuck things up between them or make it so awkward they stop talking to each other. Hes not even sure itd be possible to hate Jared, but he doesnt want to find out. He likes him too much for that. And Jared is well. Jareds sweet and funny and hot and amazing, but hes looking for someone to love and cuddle and have his own adorable kids that will draw pictures of his dogs, and thats just not Jensen. Even if he and Jared sleep together, hes not going to wake up tomorrow morning and suddenly want to be in a serious relationship. Its not going to mean anything. Not like it would to Jared. And that bit of insight right there leads to another (horribly depressing) realization. When Jared comes back, dropping onto the couch next to Jensen and sliding a hand along his thigh and saying, Sorry for the distraction. Where were

we? all deep and husky and unbelievably sexy, Jensen doesnt grab him and kiss him the way he wants to. Instead, after he thinks about just how unfucking fair life really is, he takes a deep breath, leans back, and says, I should probably go. Jared looks like someone just yanked away the very large sprinkle-covered chocolate cupcake theyd been dangling in front of him. What? Why? Jensen sighs. I dont think this is a good idea. Because of the kids? Jared asks. Because theyre not coming back, and I triple-locked the door this time. Im not answering any more doors or phones unless theres some kind of nuclear attack. Its not that. Jensen drags himself to his feet. Then what? Jared asks, following. You have

something against sleeping with people who own dogs? Youre allergic to buildings with children living in them? No, and no. Then what? Jared repeats, hand coming down on Jensens shoulder and turning him to face him, forcing Jensen to meet his eyes. Hes confused and unhappy and it makes Jensen feel like shit, but he doesnt know how to do this any other way. I just dont think we should do this. He waves a hand between them. Us. Jareds shoulders sag. Why? There a dozen things Jensen could say I dont want to lose you, I dont want to hurt you, I dont want to fuck this up that would be true. But instead, when he opens his mouth, he ends up saying, Because I like you.

Jared blinks. You dont want to have sex with me because you like me? He frowns. Do you want me to insult you or something? No, its just Jared, me sleeping with you isnt going to make this work. Its not going to make me ready to settle down, its not going to make us want the same things. Who cares? Jared asks a little desperately. You do, Jensen points out. Jared waves this off. So what? We dont have to think about that right now. Cant we just see how this goes, and worry about the rest later? He starts off hopeful, but by the end of it Jensen can see he doesnt really believe what hes saying. Jared scans his face, then sighs. Yeah, probably not.

Yeah. Well, okay, then, Jared says awkwardly. Um. I guess Ill see you? Around? He rubs at the back of his neck. I promise I wont stalk the bars by your building this time, if that makes you feel any better. Actually, um, Jensen says, surprising himself, I was thinking itd be nice if well. I kind of like us like this, he stumbles, gesturing between the two of them. Jared blinks. Like what? Me making an ass of myself and you turning me down repeatedly? No. Like testing each other on movie references and hanging out and making fun of bizarrely painted musical instruments. Us being friends. Are we friends? Jared asks.

Jensen shrugs. I dont know. But I think maybe we could be. He cant quite meet Jareds eyes, so he drops his gaze to Jareds partially buttoned shirt. I mean, if you havent noticed, the only other people I really know in this city just left on a cross-country tour, so you know. I could kind of use a friend right now. If youre interested. Jared doesnt answer right away, just crosses his arms over his chest (which makes Jensen consider just how much he hates his life, because seriously, doing the right thing is so unfair when he could be doing Jared and his amazingly hot arms), but when he finally responds, its with a rueful laugh. Yeah, I am, he says, giving Jensen a little grin. Friends, then? Its kind of stupid how happy those two little words make Jensen. Yeah, he says, returning the smile. He may have just given up the hottest sex of his life, but he doesnt have to give Jared up anytime soon, and thats worth a hell of a lot.

So, from then on, its just friends. Jared isnt really sure how to be just friends with Jensen (or if thats even going to work, to be honest) but he takes a shot at it and invites Jensen out for drinks with Mike, Allie and Adrianne. Its weird at first, trying to find a balance between paying too much or not enough attention to each other (because if you go with the less is more theory you risk looking like a douche whos awkwardly avoiding the other person, and if you go too far the other way, you end up with creepy, desperate staring), but alcohol helps, as it always does, and by the end of the night Jareds drunk enough to actually talk to Jensen in a semi-normal way, and he starts thinking this friends thing might be okay. You know, occasionally or whatever. Every once in a while. Which is, of course, when Jensen lets it slip that he interviewed someone who does wedding cakes for an article once, and roughly two seconds after he pulls up the girls website on his phone, Allie and Adrianne are squealing over the pictures with girly glee and insisting they have to have one. And when

it turns out Jensen knows this Victoria chick well enough to swing them a discount, there are very nearly declarations of undying love. And just like that, without any say from Jared at all, Jensen is suddenly inextricably involved in the wedding planning. Which is fine. If Allie and Adrianne are going to drag Jared on a tour of every possible wedding location in New York, hed much rather have Jensen along with him than Mike. And spending time with Jensen is good, too. Theyve already proven with several dates that they get along pretty well, and hanging out whether at the bar, at department stores full of potential wedding gifts or at someones apartment is almost the same thing. It even gets comfortable enough that the two of them hang out alone a few times. It doesnt stop Jared from wanting Jensen, of course. Hes pretty sure that whoever said that crap about absence making the heart grow fonder never tried being friends with someone they had unrequited feelings for, because no matter how

much time Jared spends with Jensen, he never ends up liking him an iota less. Exactly the opposite, in fact it seems like every time he discovers a new habit or quirk or hobby of Jensens he likes him even more. And those things that he already knew and liked about Jensen? Those just get stronger. Its hard to be around Jensen, sometimes. Because when he makes Jensen laugh about something stupid a real laugh, not a polite, fake chuckle warmth spreads through Jareds chest. When Jensen grins at him, theres no way Jared can keep an answering smile off his face. When Jensen absent-mindedly says something like, Oh, thanks, youre amazing, Jared cant help the pleased rush he gets. And when Jensen touches his arm or leans into him or falls asleep on his couch after a movie, its hard not to just reach out and touch him, to show him just how much Jared wants. But he doesnt. He keeps his hands and his feelings and his desires strictly to himself, because thats what a friend does. If this is the only way he can have Jensen, then hes taking it.

And if Jensen happens to mention that the website where he publishes his writing is getting a criminally low amount of hits and Jared maybe happens to send a link in an email to his entire school promising donuts at the next faculty meeting if everyone forwards it to their family and friends, well. Thats just being a good friend. The shocked-but-happy look on Jensens face when he tells them about a compliment from his boss on the increased traffic is more than worth it, even if Jared did have to tell people it was a site offering free DVDs instead of fluff journalism. Its still not easy, though. Being Jensens friend sometimes means stepping in as his wingman, if Mike is busy or incapacitated or making one of his lame attempts to use a Halloween costume as an undercover disguise (seriously, how is it fair that the universe rewards Mike with sex for throwing on a jumpsuit and pirating a backstory from Top Gun?), and watching Jensen flirt with another guy is about as much fun as a trip to the dentist. Watching Jensen go home with another guy is like getting a root canal without anesthesia. Its especially hard when Jensen starts dating Ben,

whos movie-star gorgeous and oil-tycoon-rich, but the intellectual equivalent of a baked potato. Or at least thats what Jared assumes, because the one time they hang out, when Ben scores them an invite to some exclusive party, he spends the entire night glued to his iPhone, texting and talking and basically ignoring his extremely hot date. Jared spends the entire night wanting to punch him in the face. But Jensen wasnt kidding about not wanting something serious, and when Jared catches a killer strain of pneumonia from one of his students and has to spend two days in the hospital after the holidays, Jensen almost never leaves his side. He sneaks Jared food hes not supposed to have, mocks daytime talkshows with him, and doesnt make fun when Jared actually gets a little caught up in an improbable paralysis storyline on As the World Turns. His phone rings a few times, and Jared catches Bens name on the screen, but Jensen just shoves it in his pocket. By the time Jareds out of the hospital, Jensen and Ben are over. And thats really the reason Jared ends up being okay with this whole friends thing because it may have broken his stupid heart just a little when

Jensen didnt want something serious with him, but now that Jensens dating other guys, it doesnt bother Jared very much. Jensen goes out with other guys, Jensen sleeps with other guys, and Jensen breaks up with other guys. Jared doesnt get to date Jensen or have sex with Jensen, but he doesnt get dumped. No matter what Jensens love life is like, hes always Jareds friend. The other guys come and go, but Jared keeps his place in Jensens life. And maybe thats a little bit pathetic, to be happy with that little piece of Jensen, but he cant bring himself to regret it. And maybe karmas working for him or his luck is finally turning around, because its his friendship with Jensen thats responsible for Jared meeting the second-most perfect guy hes ever laid eyes on: Michael.

I dont know, I kind of like the pink one, Adrianne says, tilting her head. The gold swirls are really pretty. But the green one has the little rosebuds, Allie points out. Its totally adorable. But that shade of green is a little weird. The blue one might work, actually. Its a little rounder than the others, but it is nice. Its subtle, but its classy. Exactly, Allie nods. Ladies, Jared says. Not to be nitpicking, but you seem to have missed a vital step in the cakechoosing process. Mike raises an eyebrow. Which would be?

What the cake tastes like, Jared says, exasperated. Youve spent half an hour debating what it looks like, but you havent even talked about what kind of cake its going to be! He waves a hand. Lemon? Raspberry? Almond? Vanilla? This is a serious issue! Allie cant help herself one look at Adrianne and she bursts out laughing. Oh, Jared, sweetheart, she says, shaking her head. Youre so nave. Because I think the cake should look good and taste good? No, because youve lived with us for eight years and you think we actually have to discuss what kind of cake its going to be, Adrianne says. Chocolate, Allie tells him when he still looks confused. With a layer of chocolate filling. Jareds grin spreads across his whole face. I knew

there was a reason I liked you girls. Dude, Mike says. If I knew you were this easy, Id have been bribing you with baked goods a long time ago. Adrianne raises her eyebrows. How did you think we con Jared into doing all the dirty chores? Mike grins and opens his mouth, but before he can say anything that Allie will have to smack him for, Jensen throws himself down across the booth from her and says, Fuck, I am so totally screwed. Worst day ever. I dont know, Mike says, looking him up and down. Youve still got all your clothes and I dont see any embarrassing tattoos. Youre still miles away from my worst day. Which is a good thing, Adrianne points out. Besides, she says with a grin, Just because you cant see them doesnt mean theyre not there.

Ooh, do you have a naughty unicorn tattoo? Allie asks, shoving her list of wedding to-dos out of the way. Fairytale animals inked on Jensens ass are way more exciting than the logistics of wedding invitations. No, no, I got it, Jared declares, waving his hands for quiet. Two unicorns. He grins slyly. Two, big, muscular stallions crossing horns. Jensen shakes his head as all four of them crack up. Jesus, you guys. No, no one held me down and forcibly tattooed me. This was more of a case of really bad timing on my bosss part. He sighs. And a really unfortunate choice on my part not to suck it up and tell the truth. Which is what? Adrianne asks. Cmon, cut the theatrics and tell us what happened. My bosss boss invited me to watch a Rangers game in his suite tomorrow night.

Theres a moment of silence after that announcement, which was really not what Allie was expecting. Quite frankly, she likes the sexin ass unicorns better. Wow, Mike says dryly. Whats next, is this asshole going to force a fancy car on you? I dont know how you stand such horrible working conditions. Shut up, Im not done, Jensen says, elbowing Mike. He only invited me because I told him my boyfriend is a huge hockey fan. Adrianne frowns. What boyfriend? Ben. Okay, hang on, Im confused, Jared interrupts. Bens not your boyfriend. Or, at least, not anymore. I know, Jensen says, rubbing his temples. But this

guy my bosss boss he almost never bothers talking to the little people. So when he was a little drunk and friendly at the office holiday party, I told him my boyfriend was really into hockey. So hed notice me. But then you and Ben broke up. Jensen groans. I know. But he doesnt know that. And when he invited me to the game, I was way too psyched that he even knew who I was to think about it. And so I kind of forgot to tell him that the hockeyloving boyfriend is now a hockey-loving exboyfriend. Who no longer acknowledges my existence or answers my phone calls. So tell him you cant go, Adrianne points out sensibly. Whoops, you forgot you had to take your parents out for their anniversary. Problem solved. But I have to go. Not just for the hockey, he amends hastily at her look. This guy could totally make or break my career. Hes the one whos going to decide who replaces my editor when the guy

retires next year. If I can make a good impression, Ill have an edge on a promotion. He grimaces. And seriously, after todays human interest story on geriatric snakes, I could really use some better assignments. Mike snorts. Technically, thatd be a reptilian interest story. He tilts his head. Is there snake porn? Wow, Jared says. It literally took you less than two seconds to go there. Hey, its a talent. Its disturbing, is what it is. Can we get back to my problems, please? Jensen asks plaintively. Allie reaches across the table to pat his arm reassuringly. Of course, Jensen. So, what it comes

down to is that you need to go to this thing. And somehow you need to magically find a hockey-loving boyfriend to go with you. Pretty much, Jensen agrees morosely. Well, the boyfriend part kind of counts out me and Adrianne, Allie admits. But maybe we can find you someone to pretend to be Ben. Mike likes hockey, Adrianne points out. But not men, Mike points out. At her dirty look, he shrugs. Hey, Id totally go if all you needed was someone to eat the food and watch the game. But schmoozing with the boss and making googly eyes and holding your hand? I dont even do that stuff with women. Its a little out of my comfort zone. Jensen shrugs. Fair enough.

Okay, Allie says, determined to find a solution to this problem. So maybe if we just find a way to temporarily brainwash Ben into Ill do it. A long moment of silence follows Jareds announcement. He raises his eyebrows as he looks around the table. What? I like hockey. I like Jensen. Im not afraid to hold his hand and say mushy stuff about our big gay love. He shrugs. I think itd work. And thats just it, because it wouldnt, not really. Allie knows that with just as much certainty as she knows that Adrianne loves her. Jareds trying to do a good thing here, following that giant heart of his, but no matter how comfortable he and Jensen have gotten over the past few months, no matter what Jared might think or say, hes not over Jensen. And this? This has the potential to bring all that buried hurt to the surface and fuck everything up.

Thankfully, Allie doesnt even have to send Adrianne a worried look before she can even react, Adrianne says, But Jared, what about the thing? Jared blinks. Thing? Yeah, Adrianne says. You know. That thing with themeatloaf. Tomorrow. Allie wrinkles her nose. Meatloaf? Oh, shut up, says the look Adrianne levels her. Im on the spot and youre not helping. Thats because meatloaf is gross, Allie says with a roll of her eyes. But when Jared looks quizzically at her, she nods and says, Thats right. Jared, you promised to cook your moms famous meatloaf for dinner tomorrow, remember? To thank us for being such awesome friends. She smiles sweetly.

All three of the men look baffled by this turn of the conversation, but Jareds quick to catch on. Thats okay, he says, waving a hand. Its not a big deal. Well do it some other time. But youve been planning it for Really, Jared says firmly, glaring a little. I appreciate the enthusiasm, but its fine. Really. Jared, I cant ask you to do that, Jensen says reluctantly. Do what? Jared asks. Spend a few hours with you which I do already and watch a hockey game. Which I also do already. Yeah, but All youre asking me for is a favor, Jared says. And friends ask each other for favors all the time. Im pretty sure thats a key part of the whole friend

thing, actually, that you do things for each other. Jensen still looks torn, but its like Jared used a magic word or something when he said friend, because Jensen finally relaxes and says, Well, if youre really sure it wouldnt be too much trouble Positive, Jared says firmly. Thanks, man, Jensen says fervently. Seriously, youre saving my life here. Jared rolls his eyes and waves Jensen off. Yeah, whatever. Save the sappy shit and buy me a drink, bitch. Hes smiling as Jensen grins and jumps up to grab them drinks, but when Jensens out of eyesight, it dims a little.

Jared, Allie starts. Yeah, I know. This really isnt a good I know, Jared repeats. But Im doing it anyway. Can we not talk about this, please? They really cant, not with the way Jared feels about Jensen and the way the situation has serious potential for an all-out trainwreck, but theyre in the middle of a busy bar and Jareds resolutely avoiding her eyes, and Allie supposes it can wait. Shes still going to tell Jared just how many ways this could go wrong (because if Jensen ends up doing something to hurt Jared, Allie will have to kill him, and that will be sad and messy and totally fuck up her perfectly balanced wedding party), but not right now.

Instead, she pastes a smile on and says, So, did we decide on blue? I still like the pink, Adrianne says. I still dont know why it matters, Jared says. Seriously, its chocolate. Its all good. Hes smiling a little, and Allie sighs. Because sometimes, even when youre a totally awesome friend, theres only so much you can do for someone whos bound and determined to get their big dumb heart broken. And sometimes, the only thing you can really do is be there to pick up the pieces after. And theres no question about that no matter what happens, she and Adrianne and Mike (even though hes emotionally stunted) will always be there. She hopes he knows that. Jared gives her a grateful smile over the glossy pages of pastel cakes, and Allie thinks probably he does.

Jared loves Allie and Adrianne, he really does, but they are not subtle. Theyre pretty much the least subtle people he knows, actually, and thats just with everyday stuff like kicking Jared out of the living room so they can have blissfully-engaged-people sex on the couch or something (which they hint at by starting a hardcore makeout session while Jareds still next to them on that couch). When it comes to imparting delicate relationship advice, theyre about as subtle as a nuclear explosion. Which means hes spent most of the week getting thinly veiled warnings with his breakfast cereal and hints about imminent doom every time he so much as mentions Jensens name. Bringing up the actual game gets him twin looks worried enough to give him an ulcer by default. He ends up fleeing the apartment just for a few hours free of anvilicious advice.

They mean well. Jared knows that. Theyre doing this because they care. But if they think that Jareds going to pass up the opportunity to be Jensens pretend boyfriend for a few hours a few hours during which hes free to flirt and look lovesick and touch Jensen as much as he wants then they dont know him very well. Because its fake, yeah, but its also Jareds one chance to have Jensen. And even if its only for a little while, he wants to know what it feels like, to finally be able to know that Jensen is his. So when he and Jensen walk through the giant doors of the arena, he doesnt waste a second. Come on, honey, he tells Jensen, grabbing his hand. I think its this way. Thanks, sweetie, Jensen replies dryly. You do realize my boss is several floors away, right? Just getting into character, Jared says brightly. Jensen snorts, but he doesnt take his hand back. There is no character. My boss doesnt even know

Ben. Youre just supposed to be you. Im supposed to be your hockey-loving boyfriend, Jared corrects him. Dont worry. I know your type by now. Jensen gives him a funny look, like he cant decide if he should say something. Um, he says finally. You do? Sure, Jared says. You go for the professional, puttogether types. Pretty boys. Hey, Jensen says, sounding offended. Well, it kind of makes sense, Jared points out. I mean, youre pretty pretty yourself. Which makes you a pretty, pretty princess for agreeing to fake-date me, Jensen shoots back. Can we be done with the pretty crap now?

Jared rolls his eyes. What I was trying to say, before you interrupted, is that you go for pretty boys with an edge. Theres always something about them thats a little ugly theyre cocky or self-absorbed or whatever. They have asshole tendencies. That is such bullshit, Jensen says as they stop to wait for an elevator. I do not go out with assholes. Ben was not an asshole. Jensen, he dumped you because he wasnt the constant center of your attention. He dumped me because I blew him off, Jensen corrects. Because your friend was in the hospital, Jared points out. Thats pretty much the definition of asshole. Jensen sighs, stabbing the elevator call button. Whatever. Can we worry about bigger things? Like what the hell were going to say to my boss?

The doors slide open, and Jared pushes Jensen inside before pushing the button for the right floor. Dude, he says, noticing how tense Jensens shoulders are under his hands. Relax. Its going to be fine. I dont know, Jensen says, fidgeting as the doors shut. Maybe this wasnt such a good idea. Jared uses his grip on Jensens shoulders to turn him around so theyre facing each other. Hey, he says, I was just messing with you. Seriously, its going to be okay. Your boss probably wont even say two words to me. And if he does, Ill just talk about how awesome you are. Given how completely stupid Jared is over Jensen, that part wont exactly be hard. Thanks for doing this, Jensen says. Really. I know its

Dude, Im getting sweet tickets to a hockey game with free food, Jared deflects. I should be thanking you. He grins, nudging Jensen with an elbow. I wasnt kidding about the asshole part, though. Just so you know. Its going to be really hard to resist me when Im being mean to you, so watch out. Jensen raises his eyebrows, then bursts out laughing. Oh, Jared, he says, shaking his head. Youve never been mean a day in your life. I dont think I have to worry. Why does everyone say that? Jared wonders as they reach their floor and exit the elevator. I am too mean sometimes. When I was a kid, I decapitated all of my sisters Barbies. Did you make her cry? Well, no, Jared admits. She helped. But its not my fault that my sister is smart enough to reject Barbies improbable proportions.

Jensen just shakes his head. Its okay, Jared. Being incapable of being an asshole is a good thing. Dont strain yourself. Its actually not, not when the person youre stupidly in love with has a thing for assholes. I can be a jerk, Jared says stubbornly as they approach the door to the box. If it will make Jensen like him just a little bit more, he can definitely be an ass. Jensen gives him a pitying look. You do realize youre holding the door open for me right now, right? Damn it. Jared pushes Jensen inside. Fine, then. Get me a drink, bitch. Jensen just laughs. Jared decides he needs to work on making his tone more threatening, or at least a little menacing. But then Jensen says, Cmon, I see my boss, and takes Jareds hand to lead him over,

and okay. Jared can live with that. He looks around the box as they make their way across the room, and its really fucking amazing. The front of the room opens out onto the ice, with comfy leather seats with a great view, but there are flatscreen TVs showing the arena all around, so even the people standing at tables or sitting on the leather couches can see whats going on. Theres a full bar on one side of the room, and, best of all, a giant buffet of food that takes up one whole entire wall. Jared thinks just being here has ruined the folddown seats in sticky, narrow concrete rows forever. Jensen slows them to a stop in front of a knot of people and waits a second for the loudest one, a well-dressed guy with thick-rimmed glasses, to notice him. Jensen! the guy exclaims, shifting his drink to shake Jensens hand. Good to see you, kid! Yeah, you too, Jensen says. Thanks for inviting us.

The guy waves it off, pointing at Jared. So, this must be the boyfriend? Yeah, this is Jared. Jared, Grant is the head of marketing and communications. Great to meet you, Jared says, shaking his hand. Thanks so much for the invite, man. No problem, Grant says magnanimously. I heard youre a hockey fan. And since hes supposed to be one of Jensens pretty-boy boyfriends and also a rich asshole, Jared figures what the hell and goes for it. Definitely. I travel too much for season tickets, but I try to catch a game whenever Im in town. Smart man, Grant says, nodding. What do you think of the team this year?

Jared shrugs. Defense is looking a little weak, but Yeah, that game against Capitals last week was painful, Grant agrees. But Ovechkins the best scorer in the league, so hes an exception to any rule. Did you see that goal he made a few weeks back where he bounced it off the goalies legs? He whistles. Pure poetry. Yeah, hes really And the kid can hit, too! Grant goes on. Little cocky, yeah, but hes still young. And thats about where Jared figures out what kind of a guy Grant is, and that he knows exactly how to handle people like him. Because Jared spends a lot of time with teenagers, and if theres one thing hes learned about dealing with people whose social skills are still developing (or totally stunted, in Grants case), its how to nod and smile and act fascinated by what they say.

Of course, its a lot easier when its a fifteen-year-old kid, because they generally mean well (and have egos smaller than the Empire State Building) but whatever. He laughs in the right places and looks duly impressed by Grants analysis of last years playoffs and by the time Jensen interrupts to say that they should go grab some drinks, Grant is eating out of Jareds hand. He doesnt know a single thing about him (or his new fake-boyfriend persona, anyway) but he shakes Jareds hand again before Jensen drags him away and compliments Jensen on landing a good one. Jensen shakes his head as they walk away. Sorry, man, he can go on forever when you get him going. Sokay, Jared says. Allie and Adrianne say the same thing about me. Yeah, but you at least make sure the other person hasnt died of boredom, Jensen points out. Grant would probably strike up a conversation with a houseplant if you left him alone long enough.

Hey, plants are good listeners. Jensen shoots him a look. And you know that because - ? Jared shrugs. Its totally been scientifically proven that they grow better when you give them attention. And just because theyre plants doesnt mean they dont appreciate a little serenading now and then. Everyone needs affection. Jensens mouth quirks like hes trying hard not to laugh. Any particular genre? Jared shrugs. Mine seem to appreciate ABBA. Jensen really does laugh, then. Jared has kind of a serious weakness for Jensens laugh (and a disturbing tendency to make an ass of himself to encourage it) so he does a falsetto version of the chorus of Waterloo along with a little dance, shaking his hips as he mimes watering the plants.

Considering the way the way everyone in a ten foot radius turns to see whats going on and Jensen has to lean against the wall to stay upright while laughing himself sick, Jared thinks hes succeeded on both counts making Jensen laugh and making an ass of himself pretty much equally. Thats right, he says, when Jensen finally stops to wipe his eyes. You landed yourself a winner, baby. How did I ever get so lucky? Jensen wonders. I also won the spelling bee when I was in fourth grade, Jared tells him. Im a man of many talents. I do love a man who can spell, Jensen says. Its just so sexy. Thats me, Jared says. Sexy with a capital S-E-CK-S-Y. I can also use it in a sentence if you want. Thats okay, Jensen says. Just get that sexy

spelling bee champ ass over to the bar and get us some beers, huh? Coming right up, Jared says with a wink, and, just because he can, a nice, firm slap to Jensens ass. Honey. Jensen glares, but Jared just waves as he walks away. This fake-boyfriend thing? Its actually kind of fun.

It gets even more fun, later. Once the game starts some people start migrating over to the seats, and Jared takes the opportunity to attack the buffet. Once he has a plate heaped with an amount of food roughly the size of his head, he snags a table by one of the TVs and stuffs his face with some seriously awesome finger food. Jensens eyes widen at the sheer amount of food Jared has crammed on one

plate, but Jared ignores him. Hell share. Well, a little. After his next plate. And then, since he is actually at a hockey game and in a box with awesome seats, he drags Jensen over to the arena seats and snags them a place right along the railing behind the rows of seats. They start out leaning up against it next to each other, but then Jared remembers that he doesnt have to keep an appropriate distance between the two of them (or, well, as appropriate as he ever gets, anyway) and figures what the hell. Oh-so-casually, careful not to startle Jensen, Jared shifts over to stand close behind him. Jensen turns and blinks up at him, but when Jared gives him a reassuring boyfriendly smile and lets his hands settle on the railing on either side of Jensen, Jensen just turns back to the game. And a few minutes later, when the ref misses a totally obvious hooking call and Jensen turns a little to share his disgust with Jared, he leans back, just brushing up against Jareds chest, and when he turns to face forward again, he doesnt really straighten up. And then Jareds hands migrate toward each other on the railing, sliding in front of Jensens waist, and about then Jared decides they

should just call an apple an apple and admit that theyre pretty much cuddling right there at the hockey game. Because Jensens standing in the circle of his arms, close enough that Jared can smell the aftershave on his skin, touching Jared everywhere from his shoulders to his waist. Its a good thing theres a close game going on in front of them to distract him, because otherwise Jareds pretty sure he wouldnt be able to resist leaning down and tasting Jensens neck, nibbling along that skin to where it disappears under his collar. And, strangely enough, it feels good. Jared thought it would still kind of suck, knowing that he has to give this up at the end of the night, but somehow it doesnt. It just feels right, that he gets to have this. That he doesnt have to stop himself from flirting or looking or touching Jensen. Its comfortable, familiar, like theyve been doing this forever. And when the Rangers even it up in the third and make a short-handed goal to win it in the last five minutes, Jareds honestly not sure the whole night

could get any better. He throws his arms into the air with the rest of the crowd, slaps a high-five from Grant, and presses a kiss to Jensens temple. When Jensen just grins up at him, Jared decides that yep, theres pretty much no way this night could get better. Which is why its a little surprising, when he leaves Jensen in a knot of work people for a minute to grab a little post-game dessert, that it suddenly gets a million times better.

Jensen doesnt believe in karma or superstition, not really. But hes had a weird feeling all night that just wont go away. Its not because hes worried or nervous he was before they came, because this whole set-up just had romantic-comedy-humiliatingmix-up written all over it, but that went away after his boss decided Jared was the best thing since sliced bread its actually kind of the opposite. Things seem to be going far, far too well.

Like the whole thing with Jared and his boss. Grant has the attention span of a gnat on speed, so the fact that he actually talked to Jared for a good five minutes without getting distracted is a little amazing all by itself. The fact that he also remembered Jareds name for the rest of the night is nothing less than incredible. And then theres the whole part with Jared. Because Jensen thought this would be weird or awkward or uncomfortable at the very least, he and Jared acting out something they came so close to before, and hes kind of unprepared for how weird and awkward and uncomfortable its not. Jared touches him almost constantly, a hand at his back when they walk or on his hip when they stop to talk to people, and then theres that whole thing where theyre basically wrapped around each other as they watch the game, and Jensen keeps waiting for it to be too much, and it just never gets there.

Somehow, being almost constantly surrounded by Jared feelsright. As he stands with Jareds arms around him, Jensen finds himself relaxing back into Jareds hold, all his tension melting away. Its like something crooked inside of him finally settles into place. It feels natural. And the stupid thing is, Jared was right about Jensens type. He does go for the asshole pretty-boy types. But thats not Jared. Well, hes definitely pretty, but hes not an asshole. He doesnt have that sharp edge that always catches Jensens interest hes sweet and kind and good all the way through. And somehow, instead of being boring like Jensen would have thought, a good-looking nice guy is actually, wellnice. Surprisingly good. Different, but good. When Jared wanders off after the game ends, Jensen keeps missing bits and pieces of the conversation going on around him, and he finally realizes hes so distracted because hes waiting for Jared to come back anticipating arms around him and warmth behind him and maybe even another repeat of that winning-goal kiss. And thats right about when it hits him, just how much he wants that.

He turns just enough to see the food table, just to check and yep, theres Jared, always easy to find in a crowd. Hes holding an empty plate, obviously waylaid by someone before he could get to the food, but he seems to sense Jensens eyes on him, because he picks that exact moment to glance out across the room and meet his gaze. When Jared sees Jensen, he gives him this totally carefree, happy grin no faking or flirting or artifice, just a bright grin like, oh, there you are! Like no matter what the conversation is about, his thoughts are with Jensen instead, and he cant wait to get back. And that moment when Jensens stomach does a little flip and something warm spreads through his chest thats when he realizes that hes been wanting this for a while. A lot longer than hes let himself admit. And given the way that Jensen doesnt do serious relationships like, ever its kind of scary to realize that he actually wants to date Jared. Date Jared.

Like, spend time with him and cuddle on couches with him and wake up early just to sleep in with him. Its a good thing the conversation dies out and the people wander off, because theres no way Jensens coming up with any kind of intelligent remarks, not while hes having a total existential crisis. Jesus, he doesnt do this. Its not him. But then theres the last two hours that hes spent happily playing boyfriends with Jared, which are undeniable proof that he obviously does do this. And likes it. Fuck. What the hell is he supposed to do?

It takes ten minutes of serious thinking (and watching the zamboni make hypnotizing circles around the ice, because Jensen cant make these kinds of decisions while staring at the wall) before Jensen comes up with some kind of answer. He still

doesnt know what the hell hes going to do (or what the hell is going to happen), but he does know that hed be an idiot to not do something. It might fuck up his friendship with Jared, but it might turn out to be the best thing hes ever done. He has to know. Its nothing short of terrifying, so when Jensen finally sees Jared heading his way, he steels himself to do it right away. He repeats what hes going to say in his head so it cant get messed up, and hes just taking a deep breath to say hey, so, I was thinking that maybe we should give this thing a try when he notices Jareds expression. Its kind of dazed, almost starstruck, like hes been stunned silent. But he hasnt, because as soon as he gets close enough, Jared opens his mouth and says, stunned, I just met the man of my dreams. Jensens heart stutters painfully, but before he can even react, Jared goes on, We both reached for the last brownie, and our hands brushed. And then I offered to let him have it, since Ive already had a ton of food, but he said no, hed never want to deprive someone of chocolate, then he wouldnt be

able to sleep at night. And so he said we should split it, but it turned out to have this amazing gooey melted chocolate center and it got all over both of us, and we were both licking it off our fingers and hands and trying to stop it from spilling everywhere, and then we started laughing at how ridiculous it was, and Jesus, hes gorgeous, the best smile Ive ever seen and bright blue eyes, and it was like this lightning bolt of chemistry zinged between us, like an instant connection. And then he helped me get cleaned up and gave me a handful of Hersheys kisses to make up for it, and oh my god. Jared finally breaks off his epic explanation, and Jensens relieved that he finally realized how ridiculous he sounds, but Jared only pauses for a second before he says, Oh my god, Jensen. I let him get away. What? Jensen asks, more sharply than he intends. I just let him walk away. He flirted and gave me kisses and I just let him walk away without getting his number. Fuck, I didnt even get his name! Jared drops his head into his hands, moaning. Shit, shit,

shit. How the fuck am I going to find him now? Find him? Jensen repeats a little faintly. Yeah, Jared says. I have to find him. Hes like, the most awesome person Ive ever met. I have to find him so that I can thank him and make out with him and propose marriage so we can spend our lives together. And half of that is obviously just drama on Jareds part, but the stupid thing is, Jensen can tell he means the other half that hes totally serious about finding this guy and hopefully having some kind of relationship with him. And thats just shit. Worst timing ever. Do you know who he was? Jared wants to know. Tall, brown hair, blue eyes well, not robins egg, more like grey-blue or cobalt or something, with almost a hint of green Sorry, Jensen interrupts, before Jared can wax

poetic on any more of this guy, who hes pretty sure he already hates. I didnt know most of the people at this thing. Just a few people from work. And you dont know anyone at work with brown hair and bluish-greenish eyes and a perfect smile? Jensen bites down on the sarcastic reply hed like to make. No, he says instead. There are a lot of people at my work that could fit that description. Oh, Jared says, deflating. Jensen kind of hopes thats the end of the whole thing, but the whole time theyre leaving the arena, going down a million flights of stairs with the rest of the people from the game, he can feel Jared searching the crowd for any hint of his mystery guy. And when they get to the parking garage and theyre heading for the bank of elevators to their level, Jared suddenly freezes. Up ahead, a crowd of people are moving forward to get into an arriving elevator, and

Jared grabs Jensens arm in an iron grip and hisses, There he is! He barely wastes a second after that taking off for the elevators, but even Jensen can see that hes not going to be in time. And he also sees something else that his karma is seriously fucked. Because the brown-haired magical-eyed perfect-smile guy Jared is chasing is indeed one of his coworkers, and Jensen recognizes him immediately as one of the departments copy editors. A seriously cute, very nice, very single one who would be perfect for Jared. He only has a second to think about it about staying quiet and pretending he has no idea who Mr. Perfect is and trying to keep Jared from stalking his work, just in case but then Jensen remembers the way Jareds face lit up as he talked about this guy, and after a second of disbelief at the true stupidity of the universe, he gives in. Michael! he yells. Hey, Cassidy! Wait up! Michael stops immediately, just outside the elevator,

and the doors slide closed just as Jared runs up to him. And even from thirty feet away, Jensen can see him grin when he sees Jared coming for him. Jensen stays back as they talk, not wanting any part of it, but he cant stop himself from watching as they pull out their phones and exchange numbers. Jareds uncharacteristically (adorably, his brain puts in unhelpfully) shy, ducking his head and blushing at whatever Michael says, but he cant stop grinning. When they finally part, Jensen moves forward, hoping they can get out of there, but they only get a few steps apart before Michael turns around and drags Jared into a kiss, right there in the parking garage. Jensen feels like punching something. And then theres more quiet talking and smiling, and by the time Jared finally gets back to where Jensens standing, hes smiling so wide it looks like it hurts. Jensen just really wants to go home and forget this night ever happened. Jareds quiet on the cab ride home, which is weird enough, but he keeps rubbing his lips absently, like hes remembering Michael kissing him.

Thanks, man, Jared says sincerely when they get to his building, bent in half as he leans into the cab. Thanks for calling out to Michael. Id have been kicking myself forever if I couldnt find him. No problem, Jensen makes himself say. Thanks for coming and helping with my boss. Dont mention it, Jared says. Well. I guess the night worked out for both of us, huh? Jensen decides his forgetting plan is definitely involving alcohol. A lot of it. Yeah, he says, with a weak smile. Definitely. Jared grins and waves as he closes the door, and Jensen thinks that he really should have paid attention to that bad feeling he had earlier. That weird unease, that feeling like everything was going so right that something must be about to go wrong? Yeah. He definitely should have listened.

* Two weeks later, hes totally revised his opinion. Forget listening to a feeling Jensens pretty sure that when he figured out he wanted to kiss Jared, he should have either just done it (grabbed him, laid one on him and dealt with the consequences) or ran the fuck away (again, grabbing Jared and screwing the consequences). The whole Michael thing should never have been allowed to go any further than a little flirting. Well, Jensens okay with it ending up on craigslist as one of those missed connections, because Michael is the lame type of romantic who would do that. But it should have died there, not snowballed to become the bane of Jensens existence. Stupid Michael. What? Mike asks, turning around. Are you muttering about me? Im plotting your downfall, Jensen tells him. Which is kind of true. Mike has promised him a night of

drinking and insanity to rival a KISS concert, and given the fact that hes actually carrying a wig around in his bag, Jensen thinks an escape plan is definitely in his best interests. So nave, Mike says, shaking his head. I have resources you can only dream of. Jensen snorts. Like what? The uncanny ability to get women to make bad choices? As far as evil powers go, its not that great. Bad choices? Mike asks. Trust him to be offended by that and not the evil part. Well, youre not exactly the most considerate guy. Thats so not true! Ask any girl Ive ever Im not just talking about sex. Mike blinks. What else is there?

Jensen sighs. You just proved my point. Mike mulls that over for a second, but then he shrugs. Whatever. Anyway, this night isnt about me, its about you. Youre the one with the costume, Jensen points out. I think its at least partly about you. Right, whatever, Mike says, looking a little shifty. Where are we going, anyway? Jensen asks. Seriously, are we going to walk across the whole city? Couldnt you find some women to hit on a little closer to home? Quit your whining, Mike says. Were almost there. And youre underestimating how hard it is to meet women when you get as much action as I do. Jensen rolls his eyes. Wow, your life must be so

hard. You do know that you dont have to try to get every woman in this city to sleep with you, right? It is actually possible to meet an attractive woman and not have sex with her. From the look Mike gives him, youd think Jensen just suggested a worldwide ban on fun. And waste my God-given talent? Thats like saying Einstein should have just stuck to multiplication tables because his genius was slightly inconvenient. Theres a serious flaw in that logic, especially around the part where Mike compares himself to Einstein, of all people, but before Jensen can get into it, theyre stopping at a dingy little pub and Mikes pushing him inside. See? Mike says, before Jensen can even take in the dim interior. Plenty of attractive strangers here. You get us drinks while I map out the territory. What, youre not even going to try with the bartender? Thats usually Mikes first strikeout of the night. It sort of gets him warmed up for the rest.

But Mike just shrugs. Later. The nights young and all that. He leaves Jensen at the bar and heads for a table. Jensen shrugs and orders two beers. The bartender turns out to be a married middle-aged man, so it might be a good thing that Mike didnt blow his most outrageous line right off the bat. Hes about to tell Mike that, when he finds him at a table across the room, but then he notices that Mikes not alone. Hes with two women. And while theyre attractive, theyre definitely not strangers. Allie? Adrianne? Hey, Jensen, Allie says, motioning for him to have a seat at their table. When he drops into a chair, confused, Mike pulls the last chair around to sit next to the girls. And thats when Jensen realizes that a) Mike dragged him halfway across the city to meet up with friends that live nearby him, b) said friends keep exchanging meaningful looks, and c) something is definitely up. What is this? he asks suspiciously.

This, Jensen, Adrianne announces, is your intervention. Jensen looks down at his beer, which is still totally full, and blinks. Um, shouldnt you have No, not like that, Adrianne interrupts. We dont care about your drinking. Um, thanks? Jensen tries. No, were just not worried about your drinking, Allie corrects. Okay, Jensen says. Great. Me either. Can I ask what you are worried about? Allie and Adrianne exchange a long look, like theyre trying to figure out the best way to break it to him. Jensen, youve been a littletense lately, Allie says delicately. On edge.

Im a little stressed, okay? Jensen says. I cant always be sunshine and Disney songs. We know, Adrianne reassures him. And honestly, you being cheerful all the time would be a little scary. But this seems like more than just stress. Youre been kind of, well. Grouchy. Jensen can feel himself getting defensive. So what? A person cant have a bad day anymore without getting cornered and interrogated? Whats next, are you going to force-feed me Prozac? He picks up his glass, tilting it into the light. Should I be looking for crushed-up pills? While youre at it, let me know if you find your sanity, would you? Mike asks, rolling his eyes. I miss it. Youre the one whos carrying around a giant wig, Jensen shoots back. Wait, unless the wig was Boys, Adrianne says sharply. If youre done

proving our point for us? What? Jensen asks sullenly. She sighs. Jensen, youve been so cranky over the past two weeks that we can barely talk to you without getting our heads bitten off. Its time to tell us what the hells bothering you so much so we can stop ducking and covering every time you open your mouth. So this is why you dragged me down here? Jensen asks Mike, as it finally sinks in. To ambush me with a conversation about my feelings? Cmon, bitch, Mike says, spreading his arms. Share and care. Jensen sighs. I shouldve known that you werent actually going to hit on a girl while dressed like Cher. It was too good to be true.

Mike shrugs. Not that I wouldnt try it, but no. Im not quite that desperate yet. I was really looking forward to it, too. Mike can dress in drag later, Adrianne says. Right now, weve got an intervention to do. And I think we covered the denial part pretty thoroughly, so lets get right to the confessional, all right? Spill, Jensen. Jensen sighs again, pushing his beer around in circles on the damp table. What good will that do? For one thing, we can try to help, Allie says gently. And for another, we can actually go back to OTooles again, Mike puts in. Seriously, dude, making our favorite waitress cry at our favorite bar that also happens to be the closest available source of alcohol? Thats just cruel. I did not make Katie cry.

There was definite eye welling, Mike argues. Thats just as bad. Total bullshit. And so is you blaming me for not being able to go to OTooles. I dont know what youre talking about, Mike says shiftily. I didnt make you sleep with Katie, Jensen tells him. You upset her! She was vulnerable! And she kept bringing free shots. You know that women and kamikazes are like my kryptonite! So pat her on the back! Give her a hug! You didnt have to take her home. I didnt know she was going to make a thing out of it, Mike mutters. There was a hot, willing woman

right there, and none of the rest of you were going to man up and get it done. He waves a hand at Allie and Adrianne. Or woman up, whatever. Point being, it was a golden opportunity too good to go to waste. Yes, thank god you were there to step up and make it awkward for all of us, Adrianne says, rolling her eyes. And while Mikes inability to keep it in his pants is a wonderful topic for an intervention, were actually supposed to be focusing on Jensens bad habits at the moment. Wait a minute, Jensen says. Wheres Jared? I mean, isnt that how this intervention thing goes? All my friends gang up on me somewhere I cant make a scene? Its not a hostage situation, Allie says dryly. And Jared had parent-teacher conferences he couldnt miss. But he wanted to be here hes really worried about you. Right, Jensen says with a snort. So worried that

he went and permanently attached himself to another guy at the mouth. Im sure hes really broken up. You know, when he gets around to remembering that people other than Saint Michael exist. Whoa, Allie says, eyes wide. Wait a minute. I thought you introduced the two of them. Jensen takes a healthy gulp of beer. They introduced themselves without any help from me. So, Im going go to go out on a limb here and guess the crankiness has something to do with Jared, Adrianne ventures. And judging by the overwhelmingly bitter tone, Im also going to guess that theres some jealousy involved. Which is strange, Allie continues. Because you arent actually interested in Jared. So why would you care that hes dating Michael? Wasnt, Jensen mutters.

Wasnt what? Interested in Jared. I wasnt, Jensen repeats. You know. Before. He can see exactly when Allie gets it. Oh, Jensen, she says sadly, slouching down in her chair. What happened? I dont know. We were at the hockey game and he was being all boyfriend-ish and flirting and touching and looking at me and I justit was nice, Jensen mumbles. I liked it. Wow, Mike says, after a long pause. Good job, man. At Jensens look, he shrugs. You managed to go on real, actual dates with Jared without wanting him, but when the guy takes you on one fake date, youre totally sold. Thats fucked up, man. He raises his glass. Congrats. Youve outissued me.

Mike, you dont have issues, Adrianne says dismissively. Sure I do. Theyre just deeply hidden. Allie rolls her eyes. You just want an intervention of your own. Mike perks up. Can mine have strippers? Its not a bachelor party, dumbass, Adrianne says. And given your actual, painfully obvious issues? That would totally miss the point of intervening. Fine, Mike says. Whatever. Can we be done with this intervention, then? Im not dressing up like a 70s pop icon, but that doesnt mean I cant still try out the wig. Were not done yet. Now that weve figured out the problem, we have to help Jensen fix it.

No, no, Jensen says, waving a hand. Its really fine. Fine? Adrianne asks skeptically. Tell that to the barista you bitched out last week. The kid still twitches when he sees me come in. Okay, so I was kind of harsh. You traumatized him. And then there are the three coffee mugs that went to the great unknown last week alone. I cant help it if Jared talking babytalk to Michael makes me want to throw things, Jensen says reasonably. You could at least try to throw things that belong to you. At your apartment. Yours is more fun.

Adrianne glares, and Jensen raises his hands. Fine, whatever. I owe some apologies. Seriously, though, its fine. No fixing needed. Really? Yeah, sure, Jensen says. Okay, so it kind of sucks that Jared found a new boyfriend right when I figured out I wanted to date him, and it kind of sucks that said boyfriend is one of my coworkers and theyve apparently decided that they cant spend more than two minutes apart in any given day, so theyre always around being disgustingly mushy and happy. But Im fine. A little jealous, yes, but fine. Theres nothing you can do, anyway. And this thing the whole suddenly-wanting-to-date-Jared thing? Jensen waves a hand. Itll probably wear off pretty soon anyway. Its just a stupid thing. Its cool. Im okay. Ill try to drink less caffeine and avoid taking my frustration out on people or cups. He shrugs. No problem. And hes kind of feeling like yeah, it really isnt a problem. If he just concentrates on things that are not Jared (and not his stupid attractive boyfriend and

how goddamn smitten they act around each other, and not how that makes something pull and ache in his chest) then hell be over it in no time. Totally. Mike is nodding, and Adrianne looks a little relieved, but Allie looks at him like someone just kicked the most adorable fuzzy little kitten in the whole world and says, Oh, Jensen. What? he asks. Its more than that, isnt it? Allie asks quietly. Jensen has no idea what shes talking about. None at all. I dont know what you mean. I just told you what it is its fine. I recognize that look, Allie says, ignoring his rambling. She smiles, but its more sad than happy. Ive seen it a million times before. Im used to seeing it on Jareds face, though.

Mike looks back and forth between them. Wait, you mean He groans. No, not you too. What? Adrianne demands. Jensens in love with Jared, Allie announces, totally matter-of-fact. Hopelessly, head-over-heels in love. And that is just so not true that its ridiculous. Jensen opens his mouth to say just that, but when hes got Allie giving him those big, sad eyes and Mike shaking his head and Adrianne looking at him with dawning pity, nothing comes out. Oh, Jensen, Adrianne says. And Jensen can deny it until hes blue in the face, but he just doesnt have the energy anymore. Yeah, he says heavily. Just my luck, right? It only takes Jared falling head over heels in love with someone else to clue me in.

He must sound bad, because Allies up and around the table in a second, wrapping her arms around his shoulders. Its going to be okay, she says, leaning her head against his. Well figure this out. Nothing to figure out, Jensen points out. Just have to get through it. But well help, Adrianne promises, reaching across the table to take Jensens hand. When it gets to be too much, well distract you. And well talk trash about this dude all the time, Mike puts in. Its not even that hard. The guys already trying to steal my name, so hes clearly a douche. He doesnt join in on the hugging or handholding, but he does push his half-finished beer across the table toward Jensen. Coming from Mike, thats practically a declaration of love. And it sucks that Jensen cant have Jared, now that he knows exactly how much he wants that, when its driven home every time he grins at Michael with that stupid lovesick expression, but hes pretty damn

lucky to have Allie, Adrianne and Mike. Thanks, he says quietly. Really. Psh, dont even, Allie says. Youre our friend. Of course were going to do whatever we can. Jensen still doesnt know quite how he ended up with friends as awesome as this generally, walking into someones life and then dashing their friends dreams of happily ever after doesnt make for lasting bonds but yeah, no matter how it happened, hes damn lucky to have them.

If Allie had to make a list of the reasons shes going to marry Adrianne (and she kind of does, since theyre writing their own vows) none of them would have to do with physical things. Which is not to say that Adriannes not hot (because she is, undeniably even Jared agrees on that) or that their sex life

isnt awesome (again, Jared can attest to this). Its just that the reasons Allie said yes when Adrianne proposed arent based on anything tangible. She said yes because she loves Adrianne with all her heart, not because shed get to wear a pretty dress or eat a fancy cake. Those things pale in comparison with a lifetime with the most awesome person shes ever known. But while Allies real motivations for marrying Adrianne are things like the way Adrianne makes her laugh and the way they never run out of things to say, she cant deny that there are some aspects of a wedding that are kind of really fun. Like registering. Because, outside of Christmas or maybe a birthday, when else do you have the opportunity to make a giant-ass list of stuff and ask people to buy it for you? Its basically an excuse to be as deliciously materialistic as they want, with no repercussions. They dont have to spend any of the money, after all. They can put a bright green vacuum so technologically advanced its practically a sentient being on their list, and someone might actually give it to them. Its like magic.

Its consumerism, actually, Adrianne says, prying the price scanner gun out of her hands. And youre a little too into it, babe. But its fun, Allie protests, grabbing for the scanner. This store is full of shiny things and we can put every single one of them on our list if we want to. She sighs happily. Its like I can hear them calling out to me. Pick me! No, me! Okay, youre no longer allowed out of my sight, Adrianne says. And Im keeping the scanner gun. Things are only going on the list if we both agree on them. Youre no fun. Youll thank me when were writing the thank-you notes. Adrianne turns around, finding the rest of their friends waiting near the entrance of the department store. Here, Jensen, you can have this scanner thing.

Sweet, Jensen says, grabbing the gun and squinting down the top like hes 007. Adrianne sighs. Jensen, do not make me repeat the this-is-not-laser-tag lecture I already gave Mike. Jensen rolls his eyes. Okay, mom. I promise not to shoot at anything with brainwaves. Really? Allie asks, skeptical. Of course, Jensen says innocently. Ill only zap things if theyre completely and totally inanimate. Or, you know, life-sized Ken dolls with air for brains. He aims the gun across the room, where Michael and Jared just happen to be standing in front of a display of dishes, and mimes taking a shot at Michaels back. Jensen. What? Its not like its going to hurt him, Jensen

says. Just blind him a little. Temporarily. No attacking Jareds boyfriend, Adrianne says firmly. You so much as point that thing at him, and Ill show you the meaning of pain. She glares. Dont think I wont call your mother. Jensen scowls, but lowers the gun to his side. All right, all right. Im not going to zap him, but that doesnt mean Im going to be all nicey-nicey with a guy who cant keep his tongue out of Jareds mouth for two seconds. He stalks off, and Allie has to give him that one Michael and Jared have apparently already given up on conversation and are making out against the display table. Adrianne sighs. I suppose Id better go pull them off each other before they break something and make us buy it. Allie thinks the real danger is that theyll break

Jensen, because while he seems to be handling Jared and Michaels relationship with all the grace of a toddler seconds away from the screaming-andkicking tantrum, its pretty easy to see that theres real hurt there, underneath the petty jealousy. Yeah, no kidding, says a voice to Allies left, and damn it, she really needs to stop thinking aloud. But its only Genevieve, Adriannes cousin and the fourth member of their wedding party, who came down for the day to help. Seriously, she says, folding her arms. Do all your friends have complicated romantic pasts? Well, not with each other, Allie says, because at least Mikes sordid one-night-stands are usually with people they dont know. Or at least dont hang out with. Usually. But then she realizes shes actually making Mike sound like the normal one here, which is disturbing. Thankfully, Mike picks that moment to jump out from behind a display of crock pots and execute a dive

roll right in front of them, coming up with his gun pointed in whats clearly some kind of attempt at a laser-tag-esque stealth attack. Genevieve, who has no idea who this crazy guy is, promptly freaks out and hits him with the first saucepan lid she can reach. And as Mikes laying on the floor shrieking like a little girl and Genevieves yelling that he deserves it for being such a creepy stalker, and everyone else in the near vicinity is staring at the spectacle. Allie looks around at all the gleaming kitchenware and back at her friends, who seem to be missing the entire point of a store full of shiny new things, and sighs. Its going to be a long day.

Shes right. Allie never would have thought it, but it turns out that trying to pick out things you want but

wouldnt actually buy yourself is completely and totally exhausting. For one thing, she and Adrianne dont always agree on what they want . Allie had no idea their tastes in coffee mugs were so radically different given that until now theyve always had a collection of whatever random, colorful, chipped-butstill-hold-caffeine hand-me-downs they could get their hands on, it never really came up. So a fifteen minute discussion on handles and bowl depth, while interesting in a sort of scientific way, is not really what Allie had imagined for this glorious shopping adventure. And then theres Jared and Michael, who are being disgustingly lovey-dovey all over the place. Allie generally has nothing against lovey-dovey behavior (itd be kind of hypocritical of her, given the ridiculously sappy stuff Adrianne inspires on a regular basis), but at this particular juncture, its getting on her nerves. If anyones going to be working the starry eyes and sneaking kisses stuff on this shopping trip, it should be the couple thats actually getting married. Unfortunately, since Allies already tired and pissed off, the odds arent good.

Besides, Adriannes still kind of cranky about the asyet-unresolved Blender Debate of Aught Nine, and Allie has a feeling there wont be any lovey-doviness until she caves on the giant mixer they do not have the counter space (or culinary talent) for. And then theres Jensen, who keeps up a running commentary on the overly happy couple, keeping his distance just enough to supply his own dialogue. Oh my god, he says, falsetto, watching Jared and Michael stop by a set of tea kettles. Its the perfect teapot to go with our stupidly perfect life. We can put it in our stupidly perfect house and supply our perfect little children with hot, wholesome drinks. Youre right, sweetness, he goes on, switching to a slightly gruffer voice for Michael. And look, it comes in silver! Our blindingly white smiles will reflect so brightly that we wont need to turn any lights on! And we can stare lovingly at our reflections as we sip our tea. I love you, buttercup. I love you more, pumpkin.

No, I love you more. No, I Okay, Im going to cram that teapot over your head if you do that anymore, Mike growls, shoving Jensen aside to zap a row panini grills. Allie doesnt anticipate a great need for panini grills in her and Adriannes married life, since they tend more toward the type of sandwiches that require peanut butter and jelly or cheese and a frying pan, but she doesnt say anything. Mikes eye is steadily darkening from pink to red where Genevieve hit him, heading straight for a shiner, and unfortunately, its not only his physical body thats bruised - earlier, despite a rocky start (or maybe because of the head injury, who knows) he decided to hit on Genevieve anyway, and the result was a pretty big kick straight to his pride. Its his own fault for being such a sleaze when Genevieve asked him for the time, he flipped his

wrist and told her, then mentioned, ever-so-casually, that his watch also informed him she wasnt wearing any underwear. When Genevieve blinked and said, What? Of course I am, Mike smirked and said, Sorry, it must be ten minutes fast. At first, Genevieve looked slightly confused, like she couldnt believe she was hearing Mike right. Then her face cleared, and Allie was pretty sure she was about to give Mike his second shiner of the day. But instead of yelling or hitting, she burst out laughing. Oh my god, she said. You totally had me going I thought you were serious. Youre hilarious. She patted Mike on the shoulder before picking up her scanner and list and walking off, shaking her head and smiling. Jensen nearly fell over laughing. He had to prop himself up against a shelf to avoid rolling around the store floor. It was the first time Jensen was even remotely cheerful all day, so Allie squashed any bit of pity for

Mike (he deserved whatever he got with that line, really) and joined in the laughing. Mike had scowled. Yeah, yeah, laugh it up. That lines worked for me a dozen times before. In that case, my watch says youre probably due for an STD, Jensen told him. Actually, wait. I think my watch is several years slow. Ha, ha, Mike said dryly. Youre hilarious. Not like you, apparently, Jensen shot back, and after Mike growled and dove at him, thats when the epic laser-tag battle throughout the store really began. But now, no one has the energy left to do more than lean up against furniture and make weary sarcastic comments. Well, everyone except Jared and Michael, because they apparently found the special reserves necessary to attach themselves at the mouth. That, or theyre somehow sharing energy

between them. Allie doesnt really want to look closely enough to figure it out. Besides, Jensens keeping a close enough watch for all of them. He says its because theyre so revoltingly lovey-dovey that its snark or puke, but Allie can see the hurt underneath his flip comments. In some ways its only fair, given the time Jared spent pining over Jensen karmic retribution, or whatever but that doesnt make it easy to watch. A pining Jensen isnt any easier than a pining Jared was, and its not like she can be mad at either of them. Its no ones fault, just bad timing. And since everyone is tired and shopped out and Jared is coming dangerously close to rounding third base right in the store, Allie decides that enough consumerist misery is enough. Making a list of material objects with no consideration for how much they cost or how impractical they are might have seemed like a dream come true, but now that theyve done it, all she really wants is to go home and curl up with Adrianne.

Thankfully, Adrianne seems to agree. After they return all the scanners and head out, she says, Screw wedding plans for a while. Were spending the night with bad TV and takeout, and Allie grins, leaning into her, reminded for the millionth time just why shes marrying this girl and exactly how little it has to do with any list of household items. Sounds perfect.

Jensen is lucky to have Mike, Allie, Adrianne and even Jared as friends (when Jareds not stomping all over his heart with some other stupid guy, anyway), but hes also lucky to have Chris and Steve as friends. He kind of maybe forgets that sometimes, but hey, when your two best friends take off for months on a glorified cross-country road trip and your love life takes a sudden bizarre twist (thats more like a u-turn, come to think of it) and you have four other friends with enough drama to keep

Broadway in business, that whole out of sight out of mind thing just happens. Its a survival instinct, or something. Anyway, Jensen is forcibly reminded of his friendship with Chris and Steve when his phone rings one afternoon while hes distracted by a story hes working on. He answers without checking the screen first, so when someone says, Hey, asshole, he says, What? Who is this? before it sinks in. Wow, Chris says. I was going to ask if you forgot that Steve and I exist, but it was supposed to be a joke. Jensen sighs. Sorry, man, Im just kind of out of it. I didnt forget you. You sure about that? I think that would actually be impossible, Jensen tells him.

Really? Yeah, Jensen says. I mean, there are at least a dozen traumatizing moments from the past five years that I havent managed to erase from my brain no matter how hard I tried, so why would I suddenly be able to suppress that shit now? Chris just laughs. Are you saying weve emotionally scarred you? Im touched. Yeah, you should be. Well, all right, Chris says. So you didnt forget us. Did you replace us with new, better friends? Jensen rolls his eyes. No. Hes made new friends, yes, but hes not going to compare. Really? Chris asks. You didnt even manage to make any hot new friends while we were gone? Im disappointed in you, Jensen.

Im starting to change my mind about my new friends being better. Okay, okay, Chris says hastily. Hey, you didnt happen to move while we were gone, did you? No, Jensen says. Why? Going to send me a postcard from East Nowhere? No, dumbass, Chris says. Jensen can hear him say something to someone else then, but its muffled and he cant make out the words. Hey, are you at home right now? Chris asks a second later. Yeah, Jensen says. And again, why? Because we need you to buzz us in, Chris says. Duh. And come down and help us carry up our stuff, you jerk. What the But Chris has already hung up.

Jensen moves over to the window, and sure enough, there they are. Steves van is illegally parked in front of Jensens building, and Steve himself is handing Chris what looks like a guitar case. He sees Jensen and waves. Jensen yanks the window up and finishes his sentence. The hell? Chris shrugs. We had a last minute show come up in the city. And we gave up our apartment when we left, so we need somewhere to stay for the weekend, Steve calls. Its cool, right? Its Friday afternoon, Jensen yells back. You couldnt give me a slight heads-up? Wheres the fun in that? Chris demands. And two hours totally counts as a heads-up. Thats plenty of time to cancel your plans.

Wait, what? You didnt tell me you were coming two hours ago. Not that, idiot, Chris calls. I mean for the show tonight. Youve got two whole hours to clear your schedule and get pretty before you need to help us set up. There are times when Jensen wishes he really didnt know Chris so well (like after Chris has a little too much Jack and confesses to having a sex dream about Martha Stewart), and this, despite being refreshingly free of domestic guru TV personalities, is one of them. If Jensen didnt know Chris so well, he could at least entertain the notion that Chris is kidding. As it is, his only choices are really banging his head on the windowsill, throwing something at Chris, or figuring out how hes going to rearrange his plans. And since head injuries are only likely to make a weekend with Chris and Steve more dangerous, Jensen has to settle for slamming the window and the door as he heads down to help them get their stuff up to his apartment.

Okay, so maybe not quite so lucky.

So thats how Jensen ends up spending his Friday night in a crowded, dingy bar, drinking and listening to Chris and Steve play and hating his life. Not because hes at the bar or drinking or listening to Chris and Steve those parts are pretty good, actually, even if Jensen gets the distinct impression that most of the bars patrons didnt show up specifically for the show. Even if they just ended up there because theyre regulars, theyre still a sizable audience and theyre happy enough to sit and listen as they drink. No, the part about hating his life starts right about when Jared walks in. Or, rather, when he steps aside, because thats when Jensen sees that Michaels right there behind him. Thats also when

Jensen knows its going to be an awesome night. You know, if awesome can be used to mean less fun than slow, painful torture. And the thing is, Jensen knows hes overreacting. If Jared had brought any other guy he was currently seeing, it wouldnt be a big deal at all. But this isnt any other guy its Michael. If It was any other guy, itd be one of Jareds improbable fall-in-love-quick schemes, some guy that scored the perfect 100 on a computer-generated love test or saved a herd of cats from leafy doom or something. Most importantly, theyd be gone within a week. Because the thing about Jared, Jensens come to realize, is that he may have ridiculously high standards, but he balances that out with an insane (and, at times, obtuse) ability to see the best of people. When he first meets someone, hes always gushing about how theyre the best/smartest/hottest whatever. Its only after the brand-new shine wears off that he realizes that theyre not perfect. Sometimes (like in Jensens case) it takes a while. And then, sometimes (like in Michaels case) it

doesnt ever seem to be coming. So far the Michael thing has survived the infatuation incubation period and grown straight into a relationship, all without Jared ever ceasing to think Michael is anything less than awesome. The worst part the really terrifying, horrible part that Jensen can barely admit to himself is that Jared doesnt seem to be wrong. After two months of Michael tagging along with their group, Jensen has yet to see Michael ever be anything other than well, perfect. Which is why he hates Michael, of course because the guys practically a fucking saint. Who wouldnt hate someone so ridiculously perfect? No one can be that nice all the time without being some kind of secret sociopath, and Jensen really has better things to do with his Friday nights than sitting around waiting obsessively for one slip-up. At least, thats what he tells himself. And because Jensens night just wasnt miserable enough to begin with, Mike gets bored half an hour into the set and starts playing one of his games to

get women to sleep with him. And its bad enough that Mike does this enough to conduct an informal research study on which fake career gets him laid the most, but when he forgets all his Wikipedia research and tells one girl hes a whale-ologist and its clearly the inevitable point of the night where Mike is either going to get his ass kicked or earn himself a lawsuit, Jared doesnt even turn to Jensen for a quick paper-rock-scissors like usual. Instead, he just sighs and gets up and takes on babysitting duty on his own, the selfless bastard. And that, of course, leaves Jensen alone with Michael. And since he knows Michael from work, pre-Jared fiasco, Jensen cant act like a total ass and ignore him. He has to at least make some lame conversation in between songs. Thankfully, Michaels a pretty chatty, oblivious guy, so Jensen mostly just has to nod and smile along with his random observations about bar patrons or beer or the weather or Michaels favorite subject, how awesome Jared is. Its not fun, but its easy

enough to do. But then, when Chris and Steve take a short break and Jareds busy dragging Mike away from a knot of murderous-looking women, Michael changes it up, leaning across the table to say, Hey, can I ask you for some advice? Advice? Yeah, Michael says. You know, where I tell you my problem and you tell me Im an idiot and how to fix it? He grins. Or even just that Im an idiot, but since youre Jareds friend and all, Im hoping youll be able to help me. He wants advice about Jared? Funny how theres really no conversation Jensen wants to have less. Uh, I dont know if Nothing big, Michael interrupts, steamrolling right over Jensens protests. Its just coming up on our ten-week anniversary, and I wanted to do a little

something special. Jensen isnt sure whether to be annoyed at Jared and Michael celebrating their anniversaries by weeks (seriously, how sickeningly sweet) or worried that its going to be a question about sex. Not that Jensen would be able to answer it, since the only sex hes had with Jared has taken place in his imagination or his morning showers (or both), but still. Candlelight dinner? he hazards. Flowers? Chocolates? A walk on the beach? Michael gives him an odd look. In March? So spitting out romance novel clichs wasnt the best strategy. Okay, then. The rest of it. Im not sure about the flowers, but Jared does love chocolate, Michael admits. And if it came after a candlelit dinner, that could be fun. Very fun. He smiles to himself.

Jensen tightens his grip around his glass. Glad to have helped. He thinks it comes out sounding relatively truthful, even though he means the complete opposite. Actually, Michael says, coming out of his reverie, I already had a dinner plan. I wanted to get him something small to go along with it. A CD or a book or something. Im just not sure what exactly hed like. Im sure hell like whatever you get him, Jensen says dismissively. Its the thought that counts. No, I want to get him something he likes, Michael stresses. Something he wants. And he always says youre the only one who gets his taste in movies or whatever. Really? Jensen asks, before he can stop himself. I mean, thats he does?

Oh, yeah, Michael says, waving a hand. He said youre the only person he knows who fully appreciates old movies. I tried I watched one of them with him once but it was pretty much torture. I finally understood what the phrase bored to tears really means. He laughs. Dont tell him that, though, okay? I swore up and down it was amazing. Its a sort of unfortunate fact that the more Jensen drinks, the less he can keep his opinion to himself. Considering that hes already downed four beers, its not that surprising that his response is, Wow. Howdishonest of you. But Michael just laughs. I know, he says, shaking his head ruefully. Horrible, right? But he was so adorably geeky about the whole thing that I didnt want to hurt his feelings. And lies are part of every healthy relationship. Michael laughs again. Well, little ones, anyway. So, since you actually like these movies, could you

recommend something? Is there a specific one he wants? There is, actually an old horror film that was just remastered and released on DVD. Jared would love it. But Jared would also love Michael for getting him such a perfect gift, and Jensens not sure hes a big enough person to let that happen. In fact, hes 99% sure hes way too petty. I dont know, he says. Id have to think about it. Okay, Michael says. Well, let me know if you come up with anything. He shakes his head. Sometimes I cant believe how different the two of us are. Isnt it funny that we get along so well? Hilarious, Jensen mutters. I mean, night owl, early bird, old movies, new movies, dogs, cats we disagree on all kinds of stuff. I guess its true that opposites attract.

Jensen nods and forces a smile, taking a big gulp of beer to cover the way its really more of a grimace. But then he realizes exactly what Michael said. Wait, you dont like dogs? Michael makes a face. Not really. Well, the little ones are okay. Big ones, though? Not my thing. Id take a cat any day. By this point Jensens just staring at the guy, and Michael laughs, this time a little nervously. Dont tell him that, either, okay? Jensen wont, but its mostly because he wouldnt even know where to start. Everyone whos met Jared knows how much he loves his dogs, and how important they are to him. Jensen cant even fathom Jared with someone who doesnt like dogs. Dont worry about it, he says. Thanks, Jensen, Michael says with a big grin. And thanks for thinking about a gift for Jared. Im really glad were finally getting the chance to hang out, you know?

Uh, yeah? Jensen replies. Yeah, totally, Michael enthuses. I mean, I knew you from work, but we never really got to know each other. I think its really awesome that me dating Jared has led to us being friends. Friends? Pretty much the only way Jensen would use that word to describe his feelings for Michael would be if they suddenly landed in an alternate universe. Where it was opposite day. But Michaels smiling happily at him, and theres really no polite way to say actually, I hate your guts, and Im better for Jared than youll ever be. Because, whether Jensen can fathom it or not, Jareds with Michael. Jensens forcibly reminded of that fact when Jared returns from wrangling Mike and greets Michael with a happy kiss. And no matter how head over heels Jensen is for Jared, he didnt do such a good job of being good for Jared when he actually had him.

So he just smiles at Michael and echoes, Yeah, totally. Michael beams at him, and Jared, whos resting his arm along with back of Michaels chair as the next set starts, catches it and gives Jensen a happy grin. Jensen finishes his beer in one gulp and decides its official: he hates his life.

* The night gets even more fun later, when Chris and Steve are finally finishing up. Jensens gone through two more beers by that point, which apparently makes him masochistic enough to watch Jared and Michael go through the tipsy version of their usual lovefest as they listen to the music. The only difference is that it seems to involve less coordination and more groping (which is really saying something). But just when Jensens getting a

little nauseated watching the two of them play with each others hands, Jared catches Michaels eye and gives him a lazy smile, slow and ridiculously sweet, and while Jensens stomach turns at the sight of that Jared, completely unguarded directed at someone else, it quickly turns into an ache. Because Michael makes Jared happy. Jensen has no idea how he does it, especially if hes only pretending to like the things Jared does to make him happy, but Jensen doesnt remember Jared ever smiling at him like that. Jensen loves dogs and old movies and has a million things in common with Jared, but all he ended up doing was hurting Jared. Which is why, when Jared and Michael get up to leave the table, Jensen waits a second, kicks the table leg hard enough to bruise his toes, then calls, Michael, wait! When he turns back, Jensen pulls him aside and grabs a bar napkin and a pen, scribbling down the name of the movie for Jared. He hands it over with a shrug.

Thanks, Jensen, this is awesome, Michael says, folding the paper and tucking it into his pocket. Seriously, thank you so much. If you picked it out, I know Jareds going to love it. Yeah, Jensen says, arranging his face into something like a smile. Sure. Michael just grins at him and heads back to the door, where Jareds waiting for him. Jensen sits back down at the table and tries to convince himself it would be a bad idea to bang his head on the table. Its just going to make the headache worse, Steve advises, sliding another beer in front of Jensen. Sos this, but you look like you need it. Jensen looks up at him. Is it that obvious? To someone who knows you? Yeah. Great.

So how long has this been going on? Steve asks, taking a seat next to Jensen. Last I heard, you were barely agreeing to date this guy. Now youre pathetically head over heels for him? He dated him, dumped him, then decided Jared was his one true love, Mike says, staggering over to the table. Hes got lipstick on his neck, a lazy smirk on his face, and his shirt is untucked. Jensen recognizes the signs of a well-bathroom-fucked Mike. Steve frowns. And you were trying not to marry him before all that. I think youve got this whole love thing out of order, Jen. Thats what I said, Mike says, waving his arms around over-emphatically. They still havent got to the sex part. That should always come first. He pauses, then snorts. Come first, get it? Jensen rolls his eyes, but Steve laughs. I like this guy.

You would, Jensen mutters. Can we talk about something else now? Like my amazing conquest of Brittany the marine biologist? Mike asks. Because that, my friends, was epic. She knew everything I was saying about whales was complete bullshit, and I got laid anyway. Wait, that girl in the red dress? Steve asks. Because she hit on me before the first set, and she told me she was a talent scout. Mike blinks. What? No, she was a marine biologist. She loves dolphins! And, like. Shrimp. Steve shakes his head. She, my friend, was feeding you a line. And you fell for it. Hook, line and sinker, Jensen puts in, because a) Mike deserves it after his stupid pun, and b) he shouldnt be the only person feeling like crap tonight.

Mike gapes. Steve pats him on the shoulder. Looks like you got played at your own game, buddy. Well, at least I still got laid, Mike says, although he sounds considerably less happy about it. Can we please talk about something else? Jensen asks again. Like how awesome the show was? Chris asks, dropping down at their table. Oh, wait, we cant. You missed the whole thing because you were moping like a sad, pathetic wet blanket. I was not, you asshole. You totally were. If you were any more of a Debbie Downer, there would actually be a little black cloud following you around.

I wish, Jensen says morosely. Then maybe Id get struck by lightning and put out of my misery. You realize you just proved my point, right? Chris asks. But before Jensen can respond, Mike rouses from his drunken haze long enough to say, Hey, no. You cant leave me alone with Jared and Loverboy. Then Im wingman-less. It takes Jensen a long second to figure out what Mikes trying to say, and even when he gets it, it still doesnt make any sense. Ive never been your wingman. You were tonight! It really cant be a good thing that even Jensen, who is also sort of drunk, cant follow Mikes drunken logic. If anyone can understand alcohol-influenced thinking, it should be other people under the influence of alcohol. Isnt that some kind of law?

Mike, buddy, I barely saw you the whole night, Jensen reminds him. I was all the way across the room when you got lucky. Exactly, Mike says, throwing up his hands. Youre, like, the most amazing wingman Ive ever had. Youre fucking telekinetic or something. How did you do that? I didnt! Fine, keep your secrets, Mike says, wagging a finger. But youre my number one draft pick from now on. You just said Im the only one left! I need a nap, Mike says, and drops his head onto his hands on top of the table. Jensen was just about to give up trying to have a conversation with him (or whack him upside the

head till he saw reason) so its good timing. Chris, whos been watching the entire exchange with interest, just laughs and pats Mike on the back. Have I mentioned that I love this crazy dude? Because I really do. Of course you do, Jensen mutters. Aw, Jen, are you jealous? Chris asks. Dont worry, sweetheart, I still love you, too. Theres room in my heart for both of you fine, handsome men. Happy to hear that, Jensen replies dryly. Mike just snores. Youre really not, Steve observes. Happy, I mean. Youre more like completely and totally miserable. Im in love with a guy who fell in love with someone else after I dumped him for being too in love with

me, Jensen points out. What do you expect? Have you tried telling Jared any of this? Chris asks. You know. Just out of curiosity. Cant, Jensen replies. Hes disgustingly happy with Michael. He might be even more disgustingly happy with you. Except Im still not even sure serious relationships are a good idea, Jensen says. And I really dont think drunk confessions about how much I hate his stupid perfect boyfriend are the way to his heart. Maybe you need to tell him about your musical talents, Chris says with a grin. What, that I can play the guitar? Jensen asks. I dont think thatll be the one thing that wins him over.

Not that, Chris says. Your other musical abilities. My other oh, hell, no, Jensen says sharply. You did not just say that. We agreed never to talk about that! As in, never talking about it. Ever. Did we? Chris asks innocently. Do you remember that, Steve? Yes, we did, Jensen grits. We definitely did, because I told you that if you ever breathed a word about it, Id disembowel you with a rusty fork. Steve tilts his head. Huh. Not ringing any bells. Chris shrugs. Well, then. Guess Jensen wont mind if we tell Jared about a certain fateful song, will he? Jensens eyes narrow. You wouldnt.

Chris grins. Wouldnt I? Steve shrugs. Guess youd better tell him how you feel about him, then. Cause if you dont, hell be getting a link to a music video. One that features a certain someone doing a certain fabulous dance. Its you cant thats blackmail! Jensen sputters. Its for your own good, Chris says solemnly, patting him on the back. Its mean and sadistic, Jensen says weakly. And a bunch of other things Im too drunk to think of right now. As a matter of fact, Im too drunk for this entire conversation. That, my friend, Chris says, is where youre wrong. Youre not drunk enough, Mike agrees, voice

muffled through his arms. Wait, what? Steve demands. I thought you were asleep. He is, Jensen says, when no reply comes from Mikes prone form. He sleep-talks sometimes. Well, and he says that phrase a lot anyway. Awesome, Chris says. The more I get to know him, the more I like him. Now, hows about we get some shots in before this place closes on us? Jensen knows he should say no, but amid his panic over the blackmailing and his already inebriated state and his complete inability to imagine how this night could actually get any worse, he gives in. After all, what does he have left to lose? Its certainly not his dignity or his self-respect, because those disappeared a long time ago. Thats the spirit, Chris says, sliding a shot glass in front of him. Cheers!

I really hate my life, Jensen mutters.

* Dont be stupid, you dont hate your life, Jared tells Jensen, holding the door of his building open. I really do, Jensen says, squinting at the bright light outside. I hate a lot of things right now. Chris. Steve. Sunlight. Hangovers. You, for dragging me out into the sun after Chris and Steve gave me a raging hangover. You dont have a hangover. Jensen gives him a look thats clearly meant to say how dare you use logic against me this early in the morning? Oh, really? A hangover is what you had Saturday morning, Jared explains, pulling Jensen down the sidewalk.

You know, after you drank enough to drown a whale. Thats what kept you miserable and in bed most of yesterday. What you have today, on the other hand, is called a case of crankiness. Jensen scowls. Yeah, well, its well-earned. I think the jurys still out on that one, Jared replies. After all, you never did tell me exactly why you felt the need to consume half the citys alcohol in one night. Jensen mumbles something. What? I made some bad decisions. Well, yeah, Jared says. I think thats kind of obvious. No, I mean separate from the stupid decisions

that led me to outdrink the entire bar. Well, sort of related. Except in the past. Its Jensen waves a hand limply. Never mind. As far as explanations go, its less than stellar. But as far as recent Jensen behavior goes, its right on target. Which is why Jared showed up at Jensens apartment this morning and dragged him out in the first place because Jensen muttering things and giving crap explanations and just generally being less than cheerful has become all too common lately. And while Jared still isnt certain whats behind Jensens recent moodiness, he does know that as Jensens friend, hes morally obligated to do whatever he can to help. And, since he has a guaranteed mood-lifter due to arrive in twenty minutes (two of them, actually) all he has to do is get Jensen within range. Jensen, however, is not thrilled with this plan, if his bitching and moaning are anything to go by. But since Jared didnt actually tell him what the plan is he mostly just barged into Jensens apartment, threw open the shades, stepped over Chris and Steve and hauled Jensen out of bed before shoving him in the shower Jensen might just be pissed

about the fact that Jared is currently taking him on a pointless, dozen-block walk. But Jared doesnt want to spoil the surprise, so he waits until theyre almost to the door of his apartment building before he gently steers Jensen toward the curb, where a familiar car is parked. When Jensen protests, demanding to know whats going on, Jared just motions to the two people climbing out of the car. Jensen, meet my parents. Jensens face does a hilarious little flicker between shock and panic, but before he can settle on an emotion, Jareds moving on. Mom, Dad, Jensen. And then hes opening the back door of the car and grabbing the leashes of the two dogs that jump out. And, he says, thrusting the leashes into Jensens hands, meet Sadie and Harley. Jensen blinks down at the two giant dogs sniffing like crazy at his legs. Uh, Jared, what the But Jareds not giving him time to adjust. Sadie, Harley, he says quickly. Want to go to the park?

Their ears perk up at the sound of their favorite phrase, and Jensen barely has time to say, Park? What park? before Jared leans down, meets the dogs eyes, and says firmly, Park. Go. Its a good thing the park is right next to his building, because the dogs dont hesitate for a second. As soon as the words leave Jareds mouth theyre off like a shot, and Jensen poor, helpless, stillhungover Jensen is dragged behind them. And a long, boring car ride must make for a lot of pent-up energy, because by the time Jared has quickly hugged his parents hello and run off into the park after his dogs and the crazy guy trying to landwaterski behind them, Jensen is no longer being dragged. In fact, hes no longer upright. When Jared finds him, hes spread-eagled out on his back next to a park bench, breathing hard, with both dogs licking his neck and face with abandon as they wag their tails. Jensens also laughing, which proves Jareds theory once again that no one can spend more than five minutes with his dogs and stay angry/sad/upset. Its just not possible to keep from cracking a smile around two huge dogs that will fight

valiantly over a dirty sock one second and try to climb in your lap the next. But its also not humanly possible to withstand the onslaught of two very large, affectionate dogs for more than a few minutes, so Jared finally steps in and pulls Harley and Sadie off Jensen before they suffocate him with love. Come on, guys, let poor Uncle Jensen breathe. He already had one shower this morning, I dont think he needs another quite yet. I dont know about that, Jensen says as he sits up, wiping a string of slobber off his shoulder gingerly. I think all the positive effects of that shower have already been cancelled out. Nah, Jared says. Youre still awake, arent you? And you dont smell like a human keg anymore. Yeah, now I smell like dog drool. Big improvement. Jared shrugs. You just need to dry out a little bit.

He pulls a beat-up tennis ball out of his pocket, backing away as the dogs immediately begin jumping up and down with excitement. Come on, a couple of rounds of dodgeball and youll be good as new. Whats wrong with fetch? Jensen demands plaintively. But telling ruins half the fun, so Jared goes with showing, and chucks the ball at Jensens head. The dogs immediately pounce, and by the time Jareds wrestled the ball away from Harley after a spirited game of chase, Jensens standing in just the right position to get pelted again, starting the whole game over. By the time its finally over (or, well, theyre all too exhausted to care exactly where the tennis ball ended up, and theyre sprawled on the grass in one collective heap, panting and sweaty)Jensens no longer complaining hes dirty and grass-stained and breathing hard, but theres finally color in his cheeks, and even when he closes his eyes against the sun, his face is relaxed in a way it hasnt been

lately. He looks content. Hey, Jared says, when the dogs recover and get up to sniff around the park bench. Jensen turns his head. Mm? I just wanted to say thanks for Friday night. Jensen frowns. Friday? I remember less than half of the night, so youre going to have to be more specific. For hanging out with Michael all night, Jared clarifies. I was busy all night herding Mike away from potential disasters, but Michael still had a good time. Oh, Jensen says, facing the sky. Uh. I didnt really do anything. You did, Jared insists. It was a show with your

friends, and you were the only person Michael really knew. It would have been easy for him to be totally left out, but he wasnt. He takes a deep breath, savoring the way the cool air feels filling his lungs. I know things between us havent always been the greatest, and it means a lot to me that you made him feel welcome. Jensen doesnt say anything, so Jared flops onto his side, so he can see him. Youre a good friend. Jensen snorts. Im really not. What are you talking about? You totally are. Im not, Jensen says again. Jared Youre here, arent you? Jared asks. You didnt want to come, but when I asked you dragged yourself out of bed. Actually, you dragged me out of bed, Jensen

points out. Youre giving me too much credit. You still could have said no, Jared persists. You could have punched me or locked yourself in the bathroom. Jensen rolls his eyes. Okay, so I could have drowned myself in the shower instead of coming. The fact that I didnt doesnt make me a great friend. But the fact that you entertained my boyfriend all night on Friday does, Jared reminds him. And so does the fact that you let me drag you out here, and that you spent half an hour chasing my dogs around a park in the cold. Jensen groans. Just dont mention the Michael thing, okay? Why? It was nice of Jensen to do it. Jared has no idea why you wouldnt want to be reminded of your own good deeds in the name of friendship.

Because Im going to say something that I Jensen exhales, a cloud of white in the chilly air. Never mind. Jared really wants to know what Jensen might say, but his goal today was to make Jensen feel better, not to pick at whatevers bothering him. Okay, he says instead, propping himself up on his elbows to check on the dogs. Theyre over at the other end of the park, where his parents are slowly meandering over, so thats fine. Thanks again for coming today, he says. I know you werent feeling the greatest, but its kind of impossible to manage the dogs with just one person. Jensen snorts. Yeah, I kind of noticed that. He tries to move a little, then groans and flops back down. And if Im a good friend, then youre a crappy one. You couldnt pick any of our other, less hungover and less morning-challenged friends to help you herd the beasts?

And miss seeing you stumble around the park like a crotchety old man? Jared grins. Wheres the fun in that? I hate you, Jensen mutters. I hope you know that. You were actually my only hope, Jared tells him. Allie and Adrianne were busy with wedding stuff, and Mike was getting his monthly manscaping done. Mike gets monthly manscaping? Wait oh, god, Jensen says with a shudder. I just pictured more of Mikes body hair than I ever wanted to think about. I hear he gets fun shapes, Jared says, just to watch Jensen twitch. Its too easy. Anyway, Mike and waxing aside, Michael wanted to come, but he had to work. So you were really my only choice. Thanks, I feel so special. Jensens quiet for a

moment, absently rubbing cold fingers together. Michael had to work? On a Sunday? Yeah, he had some urgent deadline, Jared says. He really wanted to see the dogs, so he was pretty bummed. Really. Jensen does that thing again, where hes silent for a long moment and its clear that hes thinking something that hes not saying. Jareds pretty prone to saying whatever hes thinking right as hes thinking it, so hes not so familiar with this process of actually thinking through ones words before letting them come galloping out of ones mouth, but hes had enough experience with Jensen to know that it cant be forced he has to wait for Jensen to choose the right words on his own. It takes a good five minutes, but sure enough, just when Jareds given up on the conversation and lapsed into a daydream about the house hes going to have someday with a huge yard for the dogs to

run around in, Jensen finally speaks. Jared, he says. Are you sure that Michael is really the But thats all the further he gets, because his cell phone picks that moment to go off. Its obnoxiously loud, and playing some kind of one-hit wonder song ten years out of date that Jared vaguely recognizes, and Jensen jumps like hes been scalded, turning a brilliant scarlet as he hunts through his pocket for the phone. When he finally finds it and silences it, he glares at the caller id before stuffing it back into his sweatshirt pocket, muttering about fucking Chris and fucking Steve and fucking assholes who know whats best for him better than he does. Problems? Jared asks mildly. Jensen scowls. I wish one person I know would actually trust me enough to run my own damned life.

Jared laughs. Ive kind of given up on that. Allie and Adrianne do a way better job of making decisions for me than I do for myself. He pauses. But I do the opposite of whatever Mike tells me. I guess it makes a difference if you trust the persons judgment. Yeah, Jensen says absently. His phone chirps again, this time with a text, and he glances down quickly to read it before shoving it away again. He takes a deep breath, like hes coming to a decision, then sits all the way up. Hey, Jared. Yeah? Can I I need to ask you something. And I need you to be honest with me. Sure, Jared says, puzzled. What would he lie to Jensen about? Jensen tucks the tips of his fingers inside his sweatshirt sleeves, curling his hands into fists. Are

 do you. Um. Are you sure that Michael is really the person you that you should be with? It takes Jared a second to absorb the question, and then a few more to figure out why Jensen would be asking him that in the first place. Jensen, maybe sensing his confusion, rushes on. Because it seems like maybe I dont know, hes said a couple of things that But now Jared finally gets it. Jensen, he cuts him off, Stop. Jensen halts mid-word, watching him carefully. And Jared cant stop the grin that spreads over his face. Yeah, he says, Yeah, Im sure. Im really happy with him. Jensens face changes, almost imperceptibly. You are? Yeah, Jared says. Hes great. Were great. He

leans over and nudges Jensen with his shoulder. Thanks for asking, though. It means a lot to me that youre looking out for me like that. And it really does. It hurt like hell when he wasnt what Jensen wanted, and Jared honestly wasnt sure this just friends thing was going to work out, but now hes more grateful for Jensens friendship than he ever could have imagined. Hell, he was hoping Michael would be the one here today, meeting his parents and playing with his dogs, but thanks to Jensen, Jared hasnt even missed Michaels absence all day. You really are a good friend, you know, he tells Jensen, dragging himself to his feet as his parents and the dogs get nearer. Jensen follows suit, but he doesnt quite meet Jareds eyes. Yeah, sure.

Love is extremely overrated. Its messy and complicated and, most important of all, it radically decreases your chances of getting laid. This is why Mike has absolutely no interest in it. Its all soul-searching and staring deeply into each others eyes and having some mystical connection and all that other bullshit Hallmark tries to feed you, and Mike? Mike would much rather be having fun than analyzing his deepest feelings or worrying about his connection with anyone. Hes not a faulty wire, for fucks sake. Hes a guy that enjoys a little drinking, a little flirting, and a lot of sex. Its all one big game devising a strategy, lining up his moves, taking a risk and waiting for the girl to make her move is the best part. Its always an adventure. But once youve won, once youve slipped past someone elses defenses and taken the board, theres nothing left to do. The boards empty, there arent any moves left. Boring. (Allie and Adrianne are kind of an exception, because theyre in love and they still have tons of sex, but Mike still

doesnt really get the whole hold-hands-and-cuddle junk. He mostly just wants to watch Allie and Adrianne go at it, because theyre hot.) And Mike cant change anyones feelings or convert the world to his way of thinking, but theres one thing he can do. Which is why he and Jensen are sitting at the bar, a line of empty shot glasses in front of them, and Mikes telling Jensen exactly what he has going for him while hes eyeing a couple of guys near the front door who look like possibilities. Wait a minute, Jensen says, interrupting his pep talk. Is this are you trying to make me feel better? He looks bewildered by the very idea. No, Mike says, rolling his eyes. Then why are you telling me that Im a nice guy and not that bad to look at? Jensens eyes suddenly go round. Are you is this your totally demented way

of hitting on me? Jensen, please, Mike says, rolling his eyes. If I was hitting on you, youd know. Youd be wondering why you were even more attracted to me than usual. Im never attracted to you, Jensen says. Because I never hit on you, Mike says. Come on, keep up here. Mikes seen Spiderman, he knows the whole speech about great power coming with great responsibility. He wouldnt use his charm on someone like Jensen, where he has no intention of following through. That would just be mean. Whatever, Jensen says. I just figured maybe you sucked at hitting on guys. Please. I dont suck at hitting on anyone. Even inanimate objects have a hard time resisting his charm. Mike knows, because sometimes he gets friendly and a little confused while drunk.

Jensen snorts, then makes a cough that sounds suspiciously like Genevieve. Dude, Mike says. Jensen spreads his hands. What? Im going out of my way to get you laid here, and thats how you repay me? Youre throwing that in my face right now? Which, lets be clear, was totally a fluke. Oh, Jensen says. Youre trying to get me laid? Obviously! If Jensens usually this slow about potential sex, its no wonder he totally failed to land Jared. Well, um, Jensen says. Thats really nice of you, I guess? But not necessary. Thanks, though.

Jensen, we are getting you laid, Mike tells him. Im going to put all my considerable effort behind your pathetic effort, and together we are going to land you a hot dude whos going to make you forget all about Jared. Are you ready to do this? No, Jensen says. One million times no. I appreciate the effort, but this is not a good idea. Come on, why not? Mike demands. Look, Jared is an awesome guy hes my best friend and all but we can find you someone even more awesome here tonight. He looks around the bar. Or we can get you drunk enough to think you did, anyway. Jensen winces. Yeah. Im just not sure drunken sex with a stranger is the best idea at this point. Thats what got me into this whole mess in the first place. So maybe it can get you out. Or maybe it can get me into an even bigger mess.

Besides, Im not really Jensen sighs. I dont think Im in the right state of mind to do this. Mikes not sure exactly what that means, but hes pretty sure how to fix it. Luckily, my friend, we are in a bar. We can change that. He pats Jensen on the arm, then signals the bartender. More shots, please!

Unfortunately, drunk off his ass is apparently not the right state for Jensen to get laid, either. Mike learns this after two more rounds of shots, when Jensen clings onto him like a boa constrictor and says, I only want Jared. Mike. I only want to have sex with Jared. Thats wonderful, Jensen, Mike says, trying gently to detach him. But unfortunately, hes taken. Why dont you choose one of the other fine men in this

establishment? Jensen doesnt even look, just grips Mikes arm tighter. Dont want them. Just Jared. Mike sighs. This is the worst night ever. Not only is he not getting laid (because lets face it, checking out guys across the bar all night isnt really doing much for his game), hes not getting laid while being whined at by a drunk Jensen. And then Jensen goes and makes it even worse. God, hes hot, Jensen moans, slumping forward to let his head rest against the bar. Shouldve definitely fucked him. Or let him fuck me. Okay, no more shots for you, Mike says, pushing the glasses out of Jensens reach. Damn maudlin drunks, taking all the fun out of drinking. Or at least sucked him off, Jensen says. Totally

wanted to. God, his cock is Okay! Mike says hastily. You win, okay? Ill let you go home right now by yourself if you just stop telling me things about Jared that I really dont want to know. Mm, dont wanna go home, Jensen mumbles into the bar. Wanna stay here. His eyes slide shut. Right here. Mike still has no idea how Jensen is roughly five times drunker than he is, since theyve been drinking at about the same pace, but being sober right now seems really fucking unfair. Okay, come on, buddy, he says, hauling Jensen up by his arm. We have to get you a cab so you can get home. He drops some bills on the bar, then half-walks and half-drags Jensen toward the exit. One of the guys he was scoping out for Jensen gives him a wink as they leave, and Mike really just does not appreciate that kind of irony, not on a cruel, cockblocked night like tonight. And then when they

find a cab and pile in together (because Jensens clearly too far gone to make it on his own, which is still baffling), Jensen giggles and says, Hey, now I found someone to take home with me! Your plan worked! The cabbie gives them an interested glance in the rearview mirror (which is great, because Jensen is currently using Mike as his very own pillow), and that, Mike decides, is it. From here on out, he gives up on trying to help Jared and Jensen do the smart thing and move on. If they want to make themselves miserable, hes just going to let them. Or, well, help them. Because its pretty clear at this point that theyre both too ridiculously hung up on each other to be with anyone else. Jareds got Michael, yeah, but its an infatuation at best. He still looks at Jensen when he thinks no ones looking, and if Jensen made a move, Mikes pretty sure Jared would drop Michael in a heartbeat. Not that Jensen will hes sworn them all to secrecy. But that doesnt mean Mike cant give a hint here or a nudge there. He just has to be a little subtle.

Its still going to suck, because it leaves him without anyone to pick up girls with, but Jared was never that great of a wing man in the first place, and Jensen has monogamy issues. But in the name of friendship, Mike supposes he has to try.

Since Adrianne and Allie are both girls and have most of the same friends (and are both brides), it doesnt make sense to have a bridal shower for one of them and not the other, so instead they throw a joint party and leave the whole shower thing out of it. That way, the girls get to open presents and eat food and hang out with friends, but they dont have to wrap anyone up in a wedding dress made of toilet paper or play pin-the-bowtie on the half-naked cardboard hunk. Jared feels everyone wins in this situation. Especially him, because Adrianne made her famous triple-chocolate cookies, which are so laden with

chocolate that they barely stay together, turning into a gooey mess in your palm. Jared thinks they may be the best things hes ever eaten. Adriannes an amazing baker when she wants to be, but she mostly only does it when shes nervous or anxious about something. Which kind of works out when Jared and Allie wake up to the scent of something decadent baking, they know they need to sit Adrianne down and figure out whats wrong. They also know that theyre going to get a delicious treat while they do it. Its a good balance. And she can occasionally be coerced into baking while shes not freaking out about something, with the right application of pleading and puppy dog eyes, which is why Jareds in the middle of eating his fifth cookie and coming dangerously close to chocolate nirvana when Michael finds him. Hey, Michael says. Mmmf, Jared replies, waving with his nonchocolately hand.

Michael grins and leans up, catching Jareds chin in his hand as he gives him a light kiss. When he pulls back, he licks his lips. You had chocolate on your lip, he explains. Jared mind flashes back to the last time that happened to him, when it was him doing the licking and the mess was on Jensens lips. He brushes it aside. So you only kissed me because I tasted good? Not because Im irresistible? Michael steals a chunk of cookie and pops it into his mouth, grinning. Well. That, too. The chocolate was just an added bonus. He goes for another piece of cookie, but Jared beats him to it, breaking off a gooey hunk and holding it out for him to take. Michaels eyes darken, and he wraps his tongue around Jareds sugary fingers, cleaning them a little more enthusiastically than strictly necessary. Jared has to take a deep breath and remind himself that jumping Michael is not allowed in public places, and definitely not at parties in honor of his friends.

Michaels car downstairs, however? Totally fair game. Jareds just about to grab Michaels hand and drag him down there when Michaels cell phone goes off and he makes the face that means its work and he has to take it. He gives Jared an apologetic look, then goes out into the hallway to answer. Hes only gone long enough for Jared to scoop the rest of the gooey chocolate of his cookie into his mouth before Genevieve comes over. Hey, she says. Wheres Number One? Shes taken to calling both the Michaels in their life by numbers Cassidys Number One, and Rosenbaums Number Two. It drives Mike nuts which is why Jared suspects she does it so he takes a kind of perverse glee in it. Taking a phone call. Ah, she says, turning to the dessert selection. I thought he might have run off after Grandma gave Allie and Adrianne the joys-of-married-sex lecture.

She pops a bite of lemon square in her mouth. Wouldnt have blamed him. Yeah, that was pretty terrifying, Jared admits. Cute little old ladies with white hair shouldnt be able to say the things she did with a straight face. Its just not right. But I dont think weve scared him off yet. She nods. So everythings still good with you two? Yeah, Jared says. Yeah, were great. They really are. Jared had almost given up on finding the perfect guy, after everything with Jensen and all his failed attempts at speed-dating and internet dating and plain old dating. But Michael is everything he could possibly want in a man smart, funny, handsome, nice, awesome in bed and everything with him has just been so easy. They fit together, they have plenty to talk about, they never fight, they have great sex theres really nothing that doesnt work.

Oh, Gen says. Well, thats good. Im glad the crazy family hasnt driven him away. Nah, after hanging out with all of my friends, I think Michaels pretty immune to the crazy. She smiles. Good for him. Well, I promised Jensen Id report back on the dessert situation apparently hes on standby to run out and grab more cookies if need be so Id better let him know hes off the hook. She waves at Jared, grabs a toffee bar, and crosses the room to where Jensens helping organize presents. Jared has just enough time to trawl the table for a rice krispie bar before Michael comes back. Theres an odd look on his face. Hey, um, he says. I need to talk to you. Okay? Somewhere other than here.

Jared lets Michael pull him out into the hallway and shut the door. Whats up? That was work calling, Michael says. Specifically, the head of our division. He had an offer for me. Like a promotion? Jared asks. No, Michael says slowly. Like a better job. They offered me a new job with more responsibilities. Wow, thats great! Jared says. Congratulations, man! Yeah, thanks, Michael says, accepting Jareds hug. The only thing is, its in DC. DC? Jared repeats. Like, Washington DC? Yeah, like The District of Columbia.

Oh, Jared says, leaning back against the wall. Wow. Thats wow. Are you going to take it? I dont know, Michael replies. I mean, its an amazing opportunity. Id love this job, and Id be good at it. But thats a big change, you know? Yeah, Jared says. He knows. Yeah, it is. And I know this is totally sudden, and I dont expect any kind of answer right now, but I need to ask you something, Michael goes on. I was thinking that itd be really awesome if you came with. Came with? Jared asks blankly. You mean If you came to DC, too. Jareds mouth drops open, but Michael holds up his hands to forestall a reply. Just think about it, okay? Thats all Im asking. Just

consider coming with me. Can you do that? Jared thinks he probably looks like a fish, the way his mouth keeps moving with nothing coming out, but thats the way Michaels announcement makes him feel like a fish washed ashore. Um, he says, finally. Uh, yeah. I guess I can think about it? Michael doesnt seem to mind that it comes out as a question. Thank you. He leans in and kisses Jared quickly, then glances at his watch. Hey, sorry to run, but I have to go figure a bunch of stuff out if Im going to have an answer for my boss soon. See you later? Yeah, sure, Jared says. No problem. And as he watches Michael rush down the hallway, he wonders exactly what he just got himself into.

Hes still wondering that an hour later, after all the guests have gone home and Allie and Adrianne have been sent out on a walk so that Jared, Jensen, Mike and Genevieve can take care of the cleanup. Did he really agree to think about moving to DC? It was a big enough change to move to New York, coming from Texas. Not that he doesnt like New York he loves it. But he thought about it and planned it a long time before doing it. He knew that his friends and a job would be waiting for him there. He doesnt know that about DC. Well, he knows Michael will be there, but thats not the same thing. Should it be? Jared needs to talk to someone about this. Allie and Adrianne would be best, since theyve known him forever, but theyre out. Mike and Genevieve are bickering over organizing the presents. That leaves Jensen, so Jared sets down his trash bag of wrapping paper and says, Hey, Jensen, can I talk to you?

Jensen looks up from the pile of dishes hes doing battle with. Right now? Yeah, Jared says, coming into the kitchen and leaning up against the counter. Something happened, and I need to tell someone before I go crazy. Um, sure, Jensen says, switching off the water. Whats up? Michael got a job offer in DC. Jensen goes completely still. Really. Yeah. They called during the shower. Is he taking it? He doesnt know yet, but I think he will, Jared says. It sounds like a really awesome opportunity.

So hes going to be moving away. Yeah, probably. The crazy thing is, he asked me to go with him. Jensen drops a plate into the sink with a loud splash. What? Yeah, I know. Well, technically, he asked me to think about going with him. But, yeah. Youre not, Jensen says. Right? I mean, thats crazy. Youre not actually thinking about going. Well, actually Jared! I know! Its totally crazy, but I think Im actually thinking about it.

Picking up your entire life and moving to Washington DC? For a guy that youve known, what a few weeks? Two months, Jared corrects absently. But yeah. I dont know, it just seems like maybe I should. Michael is hes awesome. And things between us are so good. I just feel like it might be a good thing to see where this could go, and I cant do that when were not even living in the same city. Yeah, but your friends are here, Jensen points out. Your job is here. Your entire life is here. You cant just give that up. Im not giving it up, exactly, Jared says. Just moving it around a little bit. Jensen looks at him like hes just announced that hell be headlining a cabaret show off Broadway. Youre not serious.

I am. Jensen shakes his head and scrapes viciously at a dish before dumping it into the sink for rinsing. I take it you dont think this is such a good idea. Jensen just gives him a look, scrubbing a plate roughly. Look, I know its kind of spontaneous and all, but Kind of? Jensen finally puts down the dishes and turns to face him. Try totally and completely. Jared, you love your job. And youre not even licensed to teach in DC. Youd have to put teaching on hold until you could get a license, and even then, theres no guarantee that youd find another job like the one you have now. Which, let me remind you, you absolutely and totally love.

I know, but And where are you going to live? Youre going to move in with this guy that youve known for two months and plan a happily ever after? Come on, Jared, wake up. And okay, Jared may not be putting the most logical plan on the table here, but thats no excuse for the amount of hostility Jensens bringing to this conversation. What the fuck is your problem? Jared asks. Its just it bothers me. How much youre changing for this guy. Its always Michael likes this or Michaels all about that. You dont even see it, but youre rearranging your whole life for him. Jared folds his arms across his chest. Im not, actually. But even if I were, that would be kind of funny. You didnt seem to care when I was doing it for you.

I never asked you to give up your friends and your job and your entire life for me! Jensen sighs, running a hand through his hair. Jared, someone who really loves you wouldnt do that. Jared thought hed finally gotten to the point where Jensens rejection of him didnt hurt anymore, but apparently he was wrong. So now Michael doesnt love me? Thats not I dont know, Jensen says, rubbing a hand over his face. Im just saying, if he Because, you know, Jared interrupts. Just because you dont? It doesnt mean that no one can. Jensen drops his hand and stares. What? You didnt want me. So excuse me if I dont see where the hell you get off being bothered right now. You had your chance, and you didnt want it. So

now that someone else finally does, you need to just shut the fuck up and let me be happy! He doesnt mean to, but his voice escalates as he goes on, gathering steam, and the final word echoes throughout the kitchen. Thats what Im trying to do! Jensen yells back. Why the hell do you think I havent Havent what? Jensen opens his mouth to reply, but right then the apartment door slams open, and he hears Allie say, What the hell is going on? We could hear the yelling from the stairs. And instead of whatever he was going to say, Jensen growls, Godfuckingdammit, and swipes at a mug sitting on the draining board. It flies across the room to shatter against the wall, and before Jared can even figure out whats going on, Jensens storming out of the kitchen and the apartment.

The door slams behind him, and the apartments completely silent for a long moment. Jared isnt sure what the hell to feel hes still angry, but now hes also confused and freaked out by Jensens mood swing. Hes still staring at the shards of ceramic on the floor when Mike and Gen poke wide-eyed faces around the corner. What the hell just happened? Mike asks, following his gaze to the broken mug. Jensen and I had a fight. Yeah, the screaming and shouting kind of filled us in, Genevieve says. But why? What got him so upset? Yeah, Adrianne echoes, coming around the corner with Allie. What the hell is going on? Jared sighs. Michaels moving to Washington DC. He asked me to go with him. Jensen freaked out.

Okay, no, Allie says. Not the See Spot Run version. The War and Peace version. Complete with explanations, motivations, and possibly reenactment of key moments. Go. Jared has no idea what Jensens motivation for getting so angry was, which is kind of the main problem in a nutshell, but he does his best to recreate the argument for them. He thinks he should probably feel justified, going over what he said and why he said it, since he still thinks he was right, but instead it just makes him even more miserable that he and Jensen were yelling at each other in the first place. Theyre supposed to be friends now theyre supposed to be past the stupid crap where they hurt each other like this. And it doesnt look like his friends are going to be much help. Their faces go steadily more blank as his explanation goes on, and by the time hes finished, no ones looking at him theyre too busy exchanging glances. You said what to him? Adrianne asks flatly after hes done. Jesus, Jared.

What? Jared demands. I didnt say anything worse than he did. But Allie and Adrianne arent even paying attention to him theyre deciding whos going to go after Jensen. Which is ironic, because Jensen? Is not trying to figure out what to do about his boyfriend moving several states away. Jensens not the one who could use some advice right now. But when he tries to hint that the person who needs some good solid friend time is right here in the apartment, Jareds immediately shot down. Jared, I love you, but right now youre being a dick, Adrianne tells him. You dont even know how much of a dick youre being, so you get a little slack there, and I cant tell you why, but just trust me when I say that you need to give Jensen some space here. What? Why? Jared demands. Theyre making it sound like something horrible is going on with Jensen, and if thats the case, Jared should

definitely be in the know. Hes just Allie starts, but before she can even get a verb or adjective in, Adriannes saying sharply, Allie, and Allie closes her mouth, giving Jared a helpless look. Can you at least tell me if hes okay? Jared asks. If Jensens lost his job or gotten a terminal diagnosis or something, Jared doesnt care about the details, he just wants to know if he can do something to help. Theres another round of looks exchanged, and Jared doesnt miss the fact that this time it includes Mike and Genevieve. Finally, Adrianne sighs. Hell live, she says shortly. Thats all I can say. When Jared opens his mouth, she shakes her head. Dont ask me more, Jared. Thats not fair. And it still doesnt make it any clearer to Jared

whats going on with Jensen, but Adrianne is right. Its not fair to ask her more if Jensens specifically asked her not to tell. Its eventually decided that Adriannes going to be the one to go after Jensen, and she leaves shortly after. Mike and Genevieve both make excuses to go home, and Allie waves them off after thanking them for an awesome shower. Which, of course, makes Jared feel guilty. Sorry. I didnt mean to ruin your shower with all this. Dont be silly, youre not. She wanders over to the sink and pulls out a pair of rubber gloves, picking up washing the dishes where Jensen left off. Here, let me do that, Jared says. No, I want to, Allie says, picking up a plate. If you could pick up the broken mug, though, that would be good. She sighs. Its a good thing we put lots of coffee mugs on our registry.

Jared grabs the broom and dustpan out of the closet and starts sweeping. He tries thinking the entire situation through again, looking for an angle where hes being a jerk, but he just cant find it. By the time hes got the whole mess swept up, hes just worked himself up to angry again. Whats his problem? he asks Allie, dumping the broken pieces into the garbage with more force than strictly necessary. I mean, where does he get off telling me what my relationship with Michael should be like? He doesnt know jack about actual serious relationships, but here he is giving me advice like hes goddamn Dr. Phil. Jared, hes just trying to do what he thinks is best for you. Like hed know that. Well, he She stops, pressing her lips firmly together. Never mind.

He what? Nothing, just Allie cuts herself off again with a frustrated noise. Look, you should just talk to Jensen about this. Jared laughs. Uh, kinda tried that already? He motions to the broom. Didnt work out so well. Just give him a chance to tell you whats going on with him, Allie persists. I think it would help. A lot. It would help if I had any idea what kind of trouble hes in. Hes sort of things are oh, for gods sake, Allie says, throwing up her hands. Never mind. Boys. If you could just talk to each other once in a while, you wouldnt get in these stupid messes. Jareds about to roll his eyes and remind her how

many fights hes mediated where she and Adrianne totally failed to communicate, but thats not whats the most important thing here. The important thing is that Allie knows whatevers going on with Jensen. And Jared knows Allie. All the half-sentences and almost-slips and her attempts to cover them with subject changes mean shes trying hard to keep the secret, but shes close to cracking. You know, it would really help if you could just give me a clue, Jared says. No, Allie says immediately. Jared, I cant. Just a hint, Jared cajoles. Just a little, tiny harmless little hint. Allie starts to open her mouth, then slams it shut. Adrianne will kill me. But maybe this is one of the situations where someone asks you to keep a secret, but you shouldnt, Jared suggests. Maybe its actually

better for Jensen if I know whats going on. He follows it up with his best you-can-trust-me-Iminnocent-and-adorable eyes. Allie smacks him with a soapy hand. Jared Padalecki, dont you dare use that face on me. She closes her eyes, chanting to herself. I am Fort Knox. I am Fort Knox. I am Fort Knox. Allie, please, cant you just If tell you, Adrianne will never speak to me again, Allie says. Or possibly just withhold sex. And I love you, you know I do, but I am not sacrificing my fiance or my awesome sex life for this. She opens her eyes and turns to Jared. And you. If you dont stop using your powers for evil, Im going to call your mother. And since that threat is not in any way empty (because Jareds mom both knows and adores Allie, and would totally give Allie license to punish Jared for her if Allie said he was being mean), Jared gives up and turns back to helping with the dishes. Hell

just have to let it go. * Except that he totally doesnt. Jared cant help it thats just not how he works. Once he knows that theres something going on with Jensen, he cant unknow it, and he cant stop thinking about it. He tries to distract himself with other things which, considering that Michaels taking the job in DC means that they have just under two weeks to pack up his entire apartment and have as much sex as possible before he leaves, is pretty damn distracting but even in the middle of labeling boxes and crossing the kitchen counter off his mental list of Places left to defile in Michaels apartment, Jared finds himself going back to the argument and picking it apart in his head, trying to figure it out from a new angle. And since Jensens still pissed at Jared (or, at least, not answering any of Jareds calls or texts), that leaves the rest of his friends as potential sources of information.

Jared goes for Mike first, because well, because its Mike. The guy has nothing even approaching scruples. It doesnt seem that unlikely that hell spill. But apparently Mike is one loyal son of a bitch (or Jensens holding some kind of awesome blackmail material) because even after Jared gets him totally and completely drunk, the only thing he uncovers is Mikes secret ambition to open his own sculpture garden with naked people laying around as art. It would be a peaceful kind of nudity, Jared, Mike tells him, eyes failing to focus. Just a place to enjoy naturein nature. To be at one with the universe and nakedness. Arent you basically describing a nudist colony? Jared asks. Yeah, but they let anyone into those, Mike replies. Id be very selective about my garden. And Id sell popcorn. You are seriously warped, Jared tells him. Next, he tries Adrianne. He figures he can win her

over with a beautifully-crafted logical argument, but hes barely started laying out his basic premise before she starts poking holes in his assumptions. By the time he actually gets to what he was trying to convince her, hes turned around and backwards and proving her point instead of his. And then she just grins, pats him on the arm, and sends him home, totally confused. Damn lawyers. Jared even makes a half-hearted attempt with Genevieve, because its clear that she knows whats going on and she barely knows Jensen, but when she just arches a brow and says, Sorry, sweetheart, I promised my cousin. Besides, what makes you think you can break me, when Mikes five thousand far more annoying attempts havent worked? he has to conclude that she has a point. Anyone who can withstand Mikes constant attempts at come-ons (including his recent favorite, If you were a laser, youd be set on stunning) and not punch him must be made of something ridiculously strong. So then, whether she likes it or not, Allie is back to being Jareds only hope. And when the two weeks run out and Michael leaves for DC (along with a promise from Jared that theyll try out this long-

distance thing), Jared has even less to distract him. Michaels busy figuring out his new job and a new city, so apart from his occasional rushed phone call, Jareds mind is free to obsess over his issues with Jensen. He formulates a plan that includes bribes, chocolate, the much-coveted position of Jareds Favorite Friend, and even a signed statement that hell never tell Adrianne, but it turns out to be unnecessary. Before he can even corner Allie to put his plan into motion, she shows up at his work and says, Fine, but if I never have sex again, its all your fault. Her timing could use a little work Jared happens to be in the middle of teaching thirty sophomores about ancient Sumerian culture, and although hes pretty sure about ninety percent of them were sleeping through it, strangely enough, theyre all wide awake after that announcement but thankfully there are only five more minutes left in the day anyway, and the kids value their free time more than gossip about Jared, so hes able to shuffle them out of the classroom before contributing to Allies sexless marriage. Okay, so, she says, after Jared closes the door

and makes sure no teenage gossip bloggers are lingering in the hallway, This probably makes me a terrible friend, but I cant keep this secret anymore. Okay, Jared says. So tell me. Its not fair! Allie goes on. I mean, some people are just not cut out to keep secrets! And the last time I checked? Not lying was a good thing! Its a very good thing, Jared assures her. Honestys the best policy and all that. So? Right, Allie agrees. So people shouldnt ask me to do things like this. No one would ask Mike to take a vow of celibacy, right? Because it would end very badly and he would probably explode. Jared actually agrees with that statement, although the imagery is slightly disturbing (he doesnt want to think about just what kind of explosions Mike might have while not getting any), but this is getting out of hand.

Allie, he says firmly, taking her gently by the shoulders and meeting her gaze head on. Just tell me. She resists for a second, scrunching up her face and closing her eyes, but then it slips out: Jensenhasfeelingsforyou. Jared blinks. What? Allie lets out a long breath, shoulders sagging under Jareds hands. Wow. I feel a lot better now. Jensen has feelings for me? Jared repeats. What, likefriendly feelings? Feelings people have for their friends? Allie shakes her head. No. Feelings feelings. Feelings people have for people they care about. Oh. Oh. Well, thatstotally and completely

unexpected. Jensen has feelings feelings for Jared? The same ones Jared had pretty badly for him not too long ago? Yeah, that changes the game a bit. He didnt want to tell you, Allie says quietly. Yeah, I kind of got that, Jared says. But why? Because you were with Michael, she says matterof-factly. When did he I mean, how long has he - ? I dont know. The first we heard about it was a few weeks after you met Michael. Fuck, Jared whispers. Allie may be feeling better now, but Jared can honestly claim the opposite. So this whole time, hes been hes had feelings for me. Fuck, he says again. What am I supposed to do?

Allie shrugs. I dont know, Jared. But can I make one suggestion? Always. Think about it, okay? Before you go running to talk to him about it. Think it over and make sure you know what youre doing. Her smile has an edge of sadness. I dont want either of you to get hurt any more than you have already. Yeah, Jared says. Me either.

* So he takes Allies advice. He thinks about it as he packs up his things. He thinks about it the entire subway ride home. He thinks about it as he goes about the motions of making dinner. But when he looks down at the sandwich he made for himself and realizes its a combination of turkey and peanut butter with some leftover mashed potatoes, he

comes to a conclusion. And not a conclusion about what he should do about this Jensen thing, unfortunately a conclusion about himself. Its like Allie said some people are just incapable of keeping secrets. And Jared? Jared is incapable of the kind of calm, logical all-consequencesconsidered thinking-it-through decision-making. He can think about it until hes eighty-five, and hell still come to the same result: that on the one hand, its Jensen the guy hes been head over heels for since day one, the perfect combination of everything he wanted in a boyfriend and on the other, its Michael the sweet, funny guy that cooks him dinner and listens to his stories about work and wants to make their relationship work any way he can, even if that means long distance from DC to NYC. And no matter how many lists he makes or questions he asks an 8-ball or petals he plucks, Michael-loves-me or Jensen-loves-me, hes not going to come to an answer. Thats just not the way his brain works. Hes been going by his gut feelings all his life, and thats not going to change.

So he looks down at his failed sandwich and listens to his gut. And what his gut says (besides that the sandwich could actually be sort of okay, if he could scrape off the peanut butter and add some gravy) is that he needs to talk to Jensen. Now. So Jared sends Allie a silent apology, sticks the sandwich in the fridge for later contemplation, and grabs his coat and keys before leaving the apartment.

He doesnt get far. Whether its fate, destiny, coincidence or just plain luck, Jared happens to glance inside OTooles as hes leaving his apartment building. And there, at a table alone, is Jensen. He looks tired, like he hasnt been sleeping much his face is drawn and his chin is resting in his hand

and hes staring at the beer in front of him like its the most fascinating thing hes seen all day but hes still the most gorgeous man Jareds ever met, and hes surprised by a fierce surge of affection for Jensen. He wants to go over there, wants to see Jensens face light up, wants to make Jensen smile. He wants to touch him, to be close to him, to have him to be the one thats allowed to do those things, to be the one that Jensen wants to do those things. To be able to look at Jensen and think mine in that possessive little place in the back of his brain, because, as hes suddenly realizing, theres never been a time that he didnt belong to Jensen. Hes been happy with Michael, he cares about Michael, but its never been like this. Its never made his chest ache or his stomach do crazy cartwheels. And with Jensen, thats the way its always been. He may have wanted to pretend it was gone, but given the way its all rushing back now, just looking at Jensen, it never left. His feet are moving before he can think about it, and then hes in front of Jensens table and Jensen startles, looking up suddenly from his contemplation

of the beer bottle. Hey, Jared says. Uh, hey, Jensen says. He doesnt look angry or pissed, just surprised. Um. Can we I really need to talk to you, Jared says through a suddenly dry mouth. Please? Jensen blinks, then shrugs. Sure, he says, gesturing at the chair across from him. Upstairs. Jensen shrugs again. Okay. He gets up from the table, all lean grace, and takes a final sip from his beer. Jareds eyes are glued to his throat the whole time, following the movement as he swallows, and its only when he realizes just how much he wants to taste that skin that he starts

thinking about whats going on. Because when they get up to Jareds apartment, once they get past this mess of who feels what and who was with whom when, if theres even the slightest chance of a favorable outcome, Jared is going to take it. Hes going to kiss Jensen and touch Jensen and not even think about letting him go. And since hes still with Michael, that poses a problem. This, Jared realizes, is why that whole thinking-itthrough thing can sometimes come in handy. Uh, he says when Jensen looks at him expectantly. I have to I need a minute. Can I meet you up there? Jensen shrugs, taking the keys Jared holds out, and heads for the stairs. Jared pulls out his phone and goes outside. He knows this is a sucky way to do this, and its sort of a crazy thing to do this spur-of-the-moment, but there

isnt really another way. And then Michael, who always answers his phone, picks this one moment, of all times, to let it go to voicemail, and Jared feels like even more of a jerk. But its not fair to let this go on when hes realized that his heart isnt totally in it, so Jared sucks it up and leaves an awkward voicemail. He doesnt come out and say, Hey, Im breaking up with you, because he cant quite make himself be that horrible, but hes pretty sure its evident in his tone. And honestly, it shouldnt come as that much of a surprise he and Michael have barely talked since Michael got out there, and they only agreed to do this long-distance thing as a sort of test. So he cringes the whole time hes saying We need to talk, and Please call me as soon as you can, but it still feels right. He feels like an ass when hes done, but he also feels relieved. And knowing that Jensen is waiting for him upstairs? That helps. Jared takes the stairs three at a time on his way up, and Jensen looks a little surprised when Jared bursts through the door, breathless. But Jareds tired of waiting and hoping and getting hurt, and he just wants this all out in the

open so they can do something. So, Allie told me, he says, straight off. Yeah, I know, Jensen says. Oh. Well, thats unexpected. You do? Yeah. She called me to tell you that she told you. Jensen smiles a little. She really sucks at keeping secrets. Yeah, I know. But Allie isnt really what Jared wants to talk about. So, he says, searching for the words to ask what he desperately wants to know. You really um. You have I meanfor me? It doesnt make any sense, but Jensen gets it. He meets Jareds gaze, not bothering to hide anything, and Jared has his answer before Jensen says, barely louder than a whisper, Yeah.

And Jared cant just stand there when Jensen says that, admits to having feelings for him. Hes across the room in a second, reaching out before he even knows what he wants, but when he ends up with his hand cupping Jensens face, one thumb stroking along his cheekbone, it feels right. Why didnt you tell me? he asks. He has a million other questions, but thats the biggest. Jensen closes his eyes. Because youre with Michael. Im not, Jared says. When Jensens eyes open, surprised, he repeats it. Im not anymore. How Dont, Jared says. Dont ask. Its not important. Jensen blinks. Okay, but

But what? Im not are you sure that you I mean, is this Jared waits for some sort of concrete question to emerge, but Jensen gives up with a frustrated sigh, like even he doesnt know what to ask. And Jared Jared is ready to be done with questions. Jensen, he says. Do you want this? Me? Jensen takes a slow breath. Yes. Then I dont care. Jared steps closer, using the hand on Jensens face to tilt his chin up, and lets their mouths meet in a gentle kiss. He doesnt take it any further, pulling back after a second and waiting a beat in case Jensen has some objection, but Jensen just makes an impatient noise, wrapping a hand around Jareds bicep to drag him closer, and kisses him back.

And then theyre really kissing, and Jared kind of cant believe it, that theyre here and both on the same page and this is finally, finally happening. Which, of course, is when he hears a key in the door. And he turns around, ready to tell Allie or Adrianne or Mike (who doesnt have a key, but might have learned lock-picking by now) to get the hell out and stop ruining his moment with Jensen, but all the words on the tip of his tongue dry up when the door swings open and its Michael there. Behind him, Jensen sucks in a breath and takes a step away. Jared just gapes. Theres a moment of dead silence, where no one says or does anything, and then Michael tries a cautious smile. Um. Surprise? How did I mean, what are you doing here? Jared asks, maybe a little more sharply than he should.

I came to surprise you, Michael replies, like it should be obvious. And okay, maybe it should, but Jared is still completely in shock, and things are taking a long time to make sense. Surprise me? Yeah, Michael says. I know we havent gotten much time to talk, and I missed you. He flicks a glance at Jensen, like hes not sure how much to say, then goes on anyway. In fact, I really missed you. DCs a great city, its justnot that great without you. I dont know if this move was such a great idea. Jensen makes a noise, some kind of strangled laugh, and Jared spends a moment in sheer disbelief over just how incredibly un-fucking-lucky this is. The universe seriously must have it out for him. So, he says awkwardly. You, uh. You havent checked your voicemail, huh?

No, Michael says, bewildered. I had my phone off for the flight. Why? Whats going on? Jared doesnt know how to begin explaining, or if he even could, but before he can come up with some kind of reply, Jensen does it for him. Nothing, he says flatly. Nothings going on. And then, without looking at Jared or Michael, he leaves the apartment. Michael watches him go with a confused frown on his face. What is he - ? Jared sighs. We have to talk.

And then Michael walked in, Jensen says, and I walked out. End of story.

Wow. Is there a possibility that either you or Jared are or have been cursed in the past? Adrianne asks. Because seriously, theres no other explanation for how much bad luck the two of you seem to have. It defies logic. Theyre having lunch on Saturday, and trading details on the whole fiasco. Adrianne came home just in time to overhear a good portion of Jareds breakup fight with Michael, so shes filling him in on all the bits he missed. And while Jensens glad to know that Jared broke up with Michael anyway, hes not sure that hearing the gory details is really helping. I guess were just special like that. Jensen sighs. I dont know, maybe its some kind of cosmic sign. The universe is trying to tell us that we just dont belong together. No offense, Adrianne says with a small smile, but I kind of hope the universe has bigger things to worry about than you and Jared and the way you keep failing to get together.

Hey, dont underestimate my importance in the cosmic scheme of things. Im pretty damn awesome. She rolls her eyes. And so modest, too. And okay, even if hearing about Jareds messy breakup with Michael isnt the best thing for Jensens mood right now, being out with Adrianne is helping considerably. If he spent one more hour in his apartment going over the whole mess, hed go crazy. It probably says something unflattering about him that he finds being mocked by his friends soothing, but he doesnt really care. So, Adrianne says, dragging a spoon through the remains of her lemon drop soup. Have you talked to Jared since all of this happened? Not really. And are you going to?

Eventually. Eventually? As in? Jensen sighs again. As in, at some yet-to-bedetermined point after I stop beingwhatever. I hate to break it to you, but whatever is not an actual emotion, Adrianne points out. Which, yes, Jensen knows. But right now, its pretty accurate. Hes not sure how he feels about the whole thing. At first he was furious with Jared, because Jared went and dangled everything hed been so desperately wanting in front of him and yanked it away. And then he was angry at Michael, for managing to pick the least opportune moment ever to walk in. And then he was mad at himself for being so stupidly in love with Jared, because he knew, he knew he shouldnt let himself get that tangled up in someone, and then he went and did it anyway.

And when all that anger died away, sometime hours later, he just feltexhausted. Numb. Kind of like he was stuck, just waiting for the universe to serve up a giant told you so. Ah, Adrianne says, So you are mad at him. I dont know, Jensen says. Well, all right, a little. He could have waited to actually break up with his boyfriend before jumping me. I dont even like Michael, but thats a shitty way for things to go down. Adrianne rolls her eyes. You dont like Michael? I totally missed that. Its not like you made entire lists of things about him that drove you crazy. Oh, wait. Shes totally exaggerating. Jensen only made one list, and it was on a series of pink post-it notes after hed had way too many rum and cokes. And it was about why Michael was totally and completely wrong for Jared. He doesnt like dogs! And he lied about it! Anyone would feel compelled to start a list after that. He threw it away the next morning, anyway.

Whatever, Adrianne says. I told Jared that stuff, by the way. If it makes you feel any better. Okay, so maybe Jensen didnt quite forget that list, even after he threw it away. And maybe he tried to convince Allie and Adrianne that, as Jareds loyal friends, they should tell him how wrong Michael was for him. If theyre too principled for their own good, thats not Jensens fault. A little part of him is perversely glad they told Jared now, though. Hes not going to admit it, but its true. I was actually trying to make him feel better about the breakup, Adrianne goes on. But I think I just made it worse. Jensen shrugs. I dont know if the situation could actually get worse. It was pretty much one giant mess to begin with. True, Adrianne sighs. Well, anyway. She pushes her plate away and leans back in her chair. I guess that means you dont want to come to shameless

teen-centric movie night at our apartment tonight. Cant, Jensen tells her. Chris and Steve are staying in the city tonight, and since they actually gave me a weeks notice, like civilized people, I should probably hang out with them at least a little while before my date. She raises her eyebrows. Date? Yeah. Mikes attempt at cheering me up. A blind date with some guy he knows. Adrianne looks like he just told her he was going to try skydiving without a parachute. Um, Jensen. You know thats a really bad idea, right? What, going on a date right now? Or trusting Mikes judgment? Both, pretty much equally.

Yeah, Jensen says with a sigh. But its sort of that or get incredibly drunk all by myself, and thats just too depressing. And clichd. You cant get drunk with Chris and Steve? Theyll try to go beat up Jared to defend my honor. Or Ill end up drunk-dialing Jared and saying something truly pathetic. Im not sure which ones worse. He shrugs. Honestly, I think itll be better if I just go out with this guy and try to forget about all the other crap for a while. Well, Adrianne says. All right. Good luck with that. Try not to feel too sad that youre missing Mean Girls and Sixteen Candles. Thanks. Itll be tough, but I think Ill survive. Adrianne fidgets a little. So. Want dessert? Jensen looks down at the collection of plates and

bowls between them that are all thats left of the giant portions their favorite Greek place serves. No, thanks. Coffee? Uh, thats okay. She still doesnt move to get up, and Jensen raises an eyebrow. Are you stalling, or something? He looks around at the tiny restaurant. Were not having another surprise intervention, are we? Because I think you know why Im cranky this time. No, no interventions, Adrianne says with a sigh. Then is there a reason weve been talking about Jared for almost two hours and you still dont want to leave? Jensen tilts his head. Come to think of it, even the fact that they spent that much time talking about it is kind of weird. Allies usually the one who wants the gossipy details.

Cant I just enjoy hanging out with my friend? Adrianne asks, but she looks a little hunted. Nice try. Did you have a fight with Allie? Adrianne sighs again. There might be a stack of shower thank-you notes that I was apparently supposed to be writing last night, she admits grudgingly. Which, since I didnt even know about them, didnt get done. And there may have been some words exchanged over that that were less than rational. Jensen tries to be sympathetic, he really does, but its just a little bit funny. So now youre hiding? He cant smother a grin. Real mature. Oh, whatever, Adrianne snaps, throwing a straw wrapper at Jensens head. Youre going out on a blind date with one of Mikes friends. Like you can talk about sensible decisions. Jensen laughs. Touch. No judging here.

Thank you. Adrianne lets out a breath, massaging her temples. Its just all the stress, really. All those little details piling up. I swear, getting married is actually designed to drive a person crazy. Maybe its a test. Right now, it seems like something out of Gladiator, Adrianne says heavily. I just hope we both make it out alive. You will, Jensen tells her. And if you need help, you know you just have to ask. Yeah, she says, smiling at him. Thanks. Same goes for you. She takes a deep breath, pushing her chair back. Okay, Im going to go brave the apartment and the thank-you notes. Wish me luck. Good luck, Jensen says. Wish me luck on my blind date.

Yeah, Adrianne says. I hope Mike has awesome taste in men. You know, that hes been hiding all this time. Or that spontaneously developed. She puts a hand on his arm, meeting his eyes. And I wasnt kidding. Anything you need, just let me know. Jensen really just wants to forget about the whole thing for a while, but he nods. And good luck, Adrianne says, grinning. Thanks, Jensen says. I think Im going to need it.

As it turns out, Mikes taste in men is remarkably similar to his taste in women. Which is partly a good thing, because Toms one of the most beautiful people Jensen has ever met. Hes model-gorgeous,

head to toe, and Jensen spends a good part of their date baffled by the sheer, flawless perfection of his cheekbones. But its also mostly a bad thing, because Toms crazy cheekbones end up being the most interesting thing about him. Hes a nice enough guy, hes just not much of a conversationalist. Or a good listener. Or interested at all in ninety percent of whats going on around him. Its a good thing Mike sent them to a pretty lively piano bar, because otherwise Jensens pretty sure they would have spent the night being bored or boring each other by turns. But it does accomplish his goal of getting his mind off things with Jared, even if its only because hes trying to figure out what in the hell Tom could possibly be finding so fascinating about the label hes painstakingly peeling off his beer bottle. It also has the added bonus of taking Jensens mind off the fact that he left Chris and Steve at his apartment under the dubious supervision of Mike, because thats one of those decisions that could lead to a cold sweat if Jensen let himself consider the possible consequences. Mike plus alcohol is only one step away from disaster at the best of times, and throwing Chris and Steve into the mix only increases the likelihood of certain doom.

But when Jensen finally gives up on Tom and comes home around two, the apartment is quiet and still has four walls. Steve, Chris and Mike are all asleep in their own clothes and appear to have all their limbs, so Jensen counts it as a miracle and heads off to bed himself. Its only when he wakes up at noon the next day to his phone ringing that he starts to think somethings going on. And when he answers and Steve says, Hey, I have to tell you something, the vague dread stirring in his stomach only gets worse. Uh, okay, he says, rubbing his eyes and sitting up. Where are you? On the road. We had to leave early. Oh. Yeah. Anyway, I just have to okay. You remember the time we all crashed at that insane house party in college, right after senior year started? The night with all the jello shots?

Jensen blinks. Uh. Vaguely? And there was that stupid crappy futon, and Chris and I ended up both sleeping on it, and in the morning we were all squished together? Oh, yeah. Now Jensen definitely remembers. We called it the Cuddle Couch after that. Didnt someone take pictures? You did, asshole. Oh, yeah. Jensen grins. It was just so adorable. Fuck you, Steve growls. Okay, so. Anyway. yes? All right, so we blamed it on the couch, because the stupid thing was so saggy that you couldnt help

rolling to the middle, Steve says. And you were still in danger of getting dumped off every time you moved, so it was only logical that you needed to get an arm around that other person. Uh huh. Jensens heard all of these excuses before. Whatever you need to tell yourself, man. Is there a point to this story? Theres a long silence, during which Jensen seriously considers hanging up and going back to bed and figuring this out later, but then, all of a sudden I like cuddling with Chris, Steve blurts out. Jensens pretty sure he didnt get drunk enough last night to be hallucinating this kind of shit. What? We said it was an accident and blamed it on the couch, but I actually like it, Steve says, in a rush. He smells good. Sometimes we take naps together, and its like, the most restful sleep Ive ever

had. I dont know, man. Its weird. Uh, understatement, Jensen manages to say. Yeah, Steve says. Okay, well. I just wanted you to know that. Youdid? I mean, really? Yep, Steve says. And you can use that against me anytime you want. No retribution. Id kind of like to keep the pictures off the internet, since I have a reputation to uphold and all, but as far as mocking for the rest of my life? Totally open season. Illkeep that in mind, Jensen says. He gets out of bed and pulls up the shades, but there are no pigs flying or apocalyptic warning signs that he can see. Um. Is there anything else you need to tell me? Nope! Steve says cheerfully. Thats it. Thanks for letting us stay last night. See you in another month

or so. Then he hangs up. Jensen actually checks the caller ID, just to make sure that was really his friend calling, but barring some crazy scenario where someone out there kidnapped Steve and forced him to say all that stuff (or Chris won one hell of a bet, which is a likelier possibility), those words just came voluntarily out of Steves mouth. Jensen tries to think through some kind of plausible explanation for the sudden share-and-care, but it just makes his head hurt. In the end, he gives up and goes back to bed. Hopefully when he wakes up again, this will all have been a crazy dream.

Jared thinks the universe may be out to get him. At the very least, its trying to prove just how many fun, twisted ways Murphys Law can come true

(preferably simultaneously), and Jared, to be quite honest, is not impressed. Hes kind of more like depressed. He thought his life was going pretty good awesome friends, job he loves, city he loves, awesome boyfriend and then, within a matter of minutes, it all went completely to hell. Michaels pissed at him, Jensens pissed at him, and even though Allie and Adrianne are doing their best to stay completely neutral, Jared can sense the disappointment there. Mike isnt pissed (or if he is, hes doing a really good job hiding it), but thats not much consolation. Mike doesnt really do pissed. He says it wastes energy he could be spending elsewhere. And the worst thing is, as good as his life was going before that stupid fight with Jensen, it actually got better, right before things got worse. Because even when Jared felt like an ass dumping Michael over his voicemail and had absolutely no idea what he was doing or if it was the right thing, there was a part of him that was glowing with the knowledge that Jensen had feelings for him. Jensen, the person Jared would have given anything to be with.

And when he dragged Jensen up to his apartment and heard Jensen say that, heard him admit that he wanted Jared, it was like he didnt know exactly how much hed wanted it. Waited for it, hoped for it, but never thought in a million years hed get it. And then they were kissing, and it was amazing. And then well. Then Michael came out of nowhere, and Jared got to watch as Jensens face shut down and things got even more fucked up than theyd ever been. And now its been more than a week, and he hasnt seen or spoken to Jensen. Hes heard a few things he knows Jensens spending time with his friends when hes not around but he has no idea what Jensen is actually feeling. Adrianne and Allie arent saying anything, and Jared only had the guts to make one call to Jensen, which turned into a rambling voicemail explanation/apology. Jensen hasnt returned it. And the stupid thing is, Jared doesnt know what to do. He knew what to do when Jensen left the apartment he knew what he had to say to

Michael. He knew how to explain things to his friends. But Jensen? He doesnt have the first idea about how to make that okay. Or even if he can. Which is why hes so fucking relieved when Jensen basically does it for him. It starts with a phone call. Its a random Tuesday night, and Jared answers without thinking. When Jensen says a hesitant hello and awkwardly asks if they can meet at a bar around the corner, Jared agrees without even pausing to consider. And then hes sitting next to Jensen at a liquor-sticky wooden table in a dim bar, wondering how the hell to start this conversation, but he only gets as far as, Jensen, man, Im really before Jensen holds up a hand, stopping him. Can we just I didnt come here to talk about that, Jensen says. About whatever, with us. That wasnt what Jared was expecting to hear. You

didnt? No. Its look, Jensen says, scrubbing a hand through his short hair. We only have a week and a half until Allie and Adriannes bachelor/bachelorette party, and theres no way we can plan it if we cant even talk to each other. And that goes for everything else, too you cant have a decent wedding when half the wedding party is doing the awkward avoidance thing. Okay, Jared agrees cautiously. What are you saying? Jensen leans back in his chair, sighing. Our friends are getting married in two weeks, Jared. I know that theres a hell of a lot of unresolved stuff between us at the moment, but these are our friends our best friends. I think that, for now, we should put aside our issues and focus on them. Dont you? Jareds first instinct is to say no, because how can they act like this huge, tense thing between them is nothing, especially when their friends know exactly

whats going on? But then he thinks about Allie and Adrianne, and the looks on their faces when he and Jensen had their big fight, how they were torn between the two of them and trying to make it right however they could. He thinks about Allie and how she said she didnt want either of them to get hurt any more than they already were. He thinks about what it would do to their wedding if he and Jensen had another argument or spent the whole day avoiding each other or not speaking. Theyre his best friends. The people closest to him in the whole world. They deserve he and Jensen getting along and acting like actual human beings on whats supposed to be the happiest day of their lives. We can still talk later, if we have to, Jensen says. I just think we should concentrate on making the wedding as awesome as possible. And Jared still isnt even sure thats possible he isnt missing how tense Jensen is right now, the taut line of his shoulders and the stiff way hes holding himself, and no matter how much they act like everythings okay, its very definitely not. Even if they were the best actors in the world, they couldnt

sell a sudden mend in their relationship. But even as chilly and closed-off as Jensen is right now, theyre talking. Theyre getting along. And even if things arent fixed between them, even if he doesnt know if Jensen is angry or hurt or hates him or still has feelings for him, he can wait. He learned his lesson last time jumping head-first doesnt work. Maybe its time to put this aside and think it through before he does anything else. Yeah, he says, finally. Yeah, definitely. He takes a deep breath, forcibly pushing aside everything hes been obsessing over for the past week, and tries to focus on the issue at hand. Um, did you have any ideas about how to throw a good bachelorette party for two bachelorettes? Hopefully one that doesnt involve strippers? Jensens mouth quirks with a shadow of a smile. What, you think its tacky to hire strippers when both the people getting married are going to be at the same party?

I was more worried about Mikes reaction to women taking off items of clothing in front of him, actually, Jared says. Hes bad enough around women that are fully dressed and intelligent enough to say no. Get him in the same room with a woman in her underwear whos paid to be there, and he loses the two brain cells that normally function around attractive women. Jensen arches an eyebrow. Sounds dangerous. Theres a lot of drooling and caveman-like grunting, Jared tells him. Its not pretty. Okay, then, Jensen says, grabbing a pen and a napkin off the bar. No strippers, check. Anything else to cross off the list right away? Pretty much all the standard bachelorette party stuff, I think, Jared says. I mean, cock-shaped confetti is great and all, but relevant at a lesbian party? Not so much.

Jensen frowns a little. So, basically, you and I are the worst possible people to be planning this party. Jared cant hide a grin at that. Lets just stick to finding somewhere we can have a few drinks, listen to some good music, and celebrate our friends getting married. Jensen nods, pulling the napkin toward him and beginning to write down ideas. That, I think we can do.

Jareds not sure he did the right thing. He knows putting the party planning above his personal problems was the right decision, but he cant shake the feeling that he should have grabbed Jensen when he had the chance and talked this out, come to some sort of conclusion. Hes a man of action,

and waiting is not his style at all. Hes even less sure when he walks into the bachelorette party and sees that Jensen brought a date, some tall gorgeous dark-haired guy thats no doubt another of Jensens asshole specials. But Mikes there to distract him, and after a few drinks and watching Mike totally fail to hit on women (because if you were a hamburger, youd be the McGorgeous, is possibly the worst pickup line Jareds ever heard, and thats before Mike adds on the parts about buns and special sauce), Jared feels better about any relationship decisions hes ever made. And theres also karaoke going on, which means Jared gets to watch people whove had a bit too much to drink get up and slaughter their favorite songs. And sometimes even learn new and amazing songs the guy who gets up and does "She Thinks my Tractors Sexy," complete with asswaggling, makes Jared feel slightly better about his life. (Well, and hope that someone got that on camera and can mock the hell out of that guy when

he gets over his hangover tomorrow, because damn.) And when the end of the night rolls around and Allie and Adrianne are dancing together as the party winds down, Jared looks at them happy and laughing and knows that he did the right thing. It doesnt make it any easier to watch Jensen parade Mr. Tall, Dark and Handsome around the room, introducing him to everyone they know, though. Jareds unreasonably glad when the guy makes some excuse about work in the morning and takes off before the night ends. And then, just when Jareds thinking the party is pretty much over and they can count it as a success, it turns out theres a finale. It starts with Allie and Adrianne getting into a stupid fight. Jared misses how it starts, busy talking to Genevieve, but when he catches a snippet of it Allie saying, I never lost them in the first place! he groans.

Jensen, whos wandering by with a fresh drink, pauses. What? Sunglasses and sequined top, Jared replies. Oh, fuck, Jensen says with feeling. What? Genevieve asks with interest. What do sunglasses and sequined tops have to do with anything? Its the stupidest fight in creation, Jared explains. Adrianne swears that Allie borrowed her sunglasses and lost them. Allie swears she returned them safe and sound. He gestures toward the two of them. Then where are they? Adrianne demands. I dont know, I gave them back to you, Allie shoots back. Where did you put them? I never got them back! Adrianne yells.

Genevieve frowns. Okay, so that explains the sunglasses. What about the Just wait, Jared advises. Sure enough, its only a few seconds later that Adrianne says, Youre the one thats always losing things. That is so not true. Oh, yeah? So you didnt lose that sequined top like, two days after I gave it to you, then. No, in fact, I didnt! Then where is it? Adrianne asks again. Somewhere in the apartment, obviously, Allie says. Maybe you put it somewhere during one of

your obsessive cleaning raids. Oh, so cleaning is obsessive now? Jensen sighs. It just goes around and around from there. Wow, Genevieve says. The fact that you guys have a name for it is kind of disturbing. Didnt we already have an intervention for it, too? Jared asks. I thought I remembered that. No, I think that was for the never-ending argument over who put a red scarf in the load of whites. Oh, yeah. The Battle of the Scarlet Scarf is even worse than Sunglasses and Sequined Top Allie and Adrianne only break that one out when theyre really pissed. SaST is more of a bickering argument that comes up when theyre tired or stressed.

Either way, Jensen says, looking over at the girls, Clearly, we need to have another. Soon. In the meantime, though, how about a distraction? Sounds good, Genevieve says. Mike could probably help. She glances around. Where is he, anyway? I havent been subjected to a bad pickup line in nearly an hour. Im starting to feel unattractive. Jensen shrugs. Havent seen him for a while. Well, thats troubling, Jared says. A bored Mike often leads to a scheming Mike, which often leads to things hell need long years of therapy to suppress. Hes been acting weird all day, Jensen says. Every time I see him, he grins at me like a total idiot. Maybe he likes you, Genevieve suggests.

Its a little more sadistic than that, Jensen replies. Like he knows something we dont. Entirely possible, Jared points out. And if thats the case, we probably dont want to know, anyway. True. Jensen shrugs. Steves been acting weird lately, too. Genevieve tilts her head. Awkward drunken hookup? I hope not, Jensen replies. Because Steve called to tell me he likes cuddling with Chris. Itd be sad if he was cuddle-cheating already. Jared doesnt know Jensens friends all that well, but he still has to give that revelation a moment to sink in. Is that some kind of code? For something other than his sudden homoerotic tendencies? Jensen shrugs. Beats me.

Were you playing truth or dare? Long distance? No. Besides, Jensen says, I didnt even ask. He just called me up and volunteered it. And then he said I could use it against him. Like free blackmail. Huh, Jared says. The only reason he can think of for volunteering something embarrassing about yourself is if you feel guilty for spilling someone elses secrets. He didnt tell anyone else one of your secrets or something, did he? Hed better not have, Jensen says automatically. Besides, who would he tell? Pretty much the only person in the city he knows well enough is oh, no. What? Before Jensen can answer, the DJ over at the karaoke stage grabs the mike and says, And for our last song of the night, we have a very special

request. Allie and Adrianne, are you out there? Adriannes in the middle of retorting, Not knowing where something is is the definition of lost! but she cuts herself off when the DJ calls their names. Ah, there you are, the DJ calls. Okay, so I hear you two crazy kids are getting married. Congratulations and all that. One of your friends wanted to give you a bit of an early present. Oh, no, Jensen says again, in a low voice. Hes not going to sing, the DJ goes on. But he promised me one of your other friends would. And apparently hes a big fan of nineties pop. The music starts up then, and a screen descends behind the stage, showing whats obviously the music video. Jared vaguely recognizes the tune some one-hit-wonder boyband from the early nineties but its obvious that Jensen isnt a fan.

Oh, fucking fuck, hes muttering. Im going to kill that motherfucking Jen, what the hell? Jared asks. Its a crappy song and a stupid prank on Mikes part to get Jensen to sing it, but its not that bad. Whats going oh. Because thats when he looks from Jensens murderous face to the screen where the music video is playing and notices a certain similarity between his friend and one of the teen boys bopping around singing Send it during dinner, send it during class, let me know how much you love me every time I ask. Oh my god, Jared says faintly. Jensen, thats you. Right at that moment, mini-Jensen steps to the front of the formation of boys and belts out the idiotic chorus Page me, page me, page me your heart while doing some sort of bizarre dance involving a bulky pager hooked on his belt.

You were in a boyband? Genevieve demands. You sang a song about pagers? Jared demands. "Is that Jessica Simpson in your music video?" Allie asks incredulously. Girl, you push my buttons, baby Jensen says onscreen, running a hand through his frosted hair. Come on, get up here and sing! the DJ yells. Im going to kill that son of a bitch, Jensen says.

Its not clear whether he meant Steve or Mike (or even the obnoxious DJ), but either way, Jensens secret boyband past provides endless fodder for

jokes over the next few weeks. After Jensen finally agrees not to harm Mike or Steve (who swears Mike got him trashed and hypnotized his secrets out of him) and starts laughing at some of the jokes himself, it gets even funnier. Because Jensen, it turns out, has a multitude of horrifying stories from his short boyband days. And even though he still gets cranky when people mock the frosted tips and bizarre pants (It was the nineties, Jensen says a million times. Everyone looked kind of twinky! But not everyone had brick pants, Mike points out, earning himself a kick to the shin), he does eventually spill some details. Like how the band named Fall 2 F8 was known in the industry as All Jailb8, and how they were doomed from the start Everyone was getting cell phones by the time it came out, Jensen says. And they still thought we might be okay, since we were cute and we had a dance, but then the Macarena came out and no one cared about pager dances. He sighs. It was tragic. In any case, the revelation that a guy he spends a lot of time with was once a member of a boyband (and therefore has his awkward puberty years

documented in teen magazine photo shoots) does a lot to take Jareds mind off the fact that things still arent quite good between them. And then the weddings coming up in a week, and there are a million and one things to be done at any given time. Allie and Adrianne ended up picking a picturesque little B&B upstate to have the wedding at, so theres also the added element of travel everyone has to have everything they need ready and packed by the morning of the wedding, so that they can make the trip up there. In the flurry to coordinate the efforts in the city and at the inn, there isnt much time to worry about his love life. Even working with Jensen isnt awkward, because its all business, all the time. Even if they had time to talk about their horrendous luck or bad timing or Jensens asshole boyfriend, itd still get lost under the frantic efforts to make sure the flowers are delivered on time and the chefs making enough meals and everyone who needs a room has one. Adrianne only bakes when shes nervous, so when Jared wakes up before dawn on the morning of the

wedding to an apartment that smells like yeast, he knows that he cant just roll over and go back to sleep. Instead, he hauls himself to his feet, throws on a t-shirt, and heads out to the kitchen. When he finds Adrianne elbows-deep in flour, rolling out dough, he doesnt say anything, just wraps his arms around her from behind. She sighs, hands stilling on the rolling pin, and leans back into him. Hey. Morning, he says, resting his chin on her shoulder. Whatre you making? Cinnamon rolls, she says, smoothing the dough with floury fingers. Mm. You okay? Adrianne laughs a little. Yeah, fine. I do bake for emotionally healthy reasons sometimes, you know.

Hey, Im not complaining, Jared says, releasing her and stepping up to the counter. He knows by now that hes going to have to wait her out. Show me what I can do. Adrianne sets him up with a knife and some walnuts, and Jared chops them into neat pieces for about two minutes before he gives up and starts crushing them with the flat of the blade to speed up the process. Okay, so Im a little nervous, Adrianne says finally, as Jareds scraping nuts into the bowl of filling mixture. When he looks over at her, she shrugs. Not bad nervous, justI dont know. Theres so much planning thats gone into this day, and its all kind of sinking in. And the stupid part is, I dont really care. She catches his surprised look and hastily corrects herself. I mean, I do, obviously I care, but its just out of everything that happens today, the stuff we spent so long planning isnt that important to me. She stirs cinnamon and sugar into the bowl. Even if everything goes horribly wrong and I spill wine all over my dress and the flowers never come and half

our relatives end up sleeping on the floor, at the end of the day, if Im married to Allie? She smiles down at the counter. Then it isnt going to matter. She knocks Jareds hand away and starts sprinkling the filling onto the dough. I kind of just want to fast forward to that part and skip all the stress. Is that horrible? Jared licks sugar off his finger. Of course not. When Adrianne looks over at him, he gives her the best smile he can manage at this unholy hour of the morning. Its sweet. At the risk of my guy card getting revoked, Id even go so far as to call it adorable. Adrianne rolls her eyes. Thats not going to be the one thing that puts your man card in jeopardy, trust me. Whats that supposed to mean? Im very manly. Please, Adrianne says. Ive seen your closet.

You wear enough pink to warrant three X chromosomes. Jared glares at her, flicking a raisin at her arm. Pink is a good color on me. It goes with my complexion. She smacks his hand. Youre proving my point, you dork. Now, be quiet and help me roll this up like a good little kitchen helper. Theyre quiet as they carefully roll the dough and pinch the edges. Jared thinks about how many times hes done this over the years hes known Adrianne how many times hes woken up to find the light on in the kitchen, the room warm with the heat of the oven and the counters covered in ingredients and how its come to be just another part of their friendship. He hasnt thought much about how things will change once Allie and Adrianne are married, but he hopes this will stay the same. Hes not worried about Mike Mikes pretty

constant, no matter what else is going on around him. This Genevieve thing is throwing him for a loop, but hell be okay. Things might be royally messed up with Jensen, but Jared hopes that eventually they can work something out. Go back to being friends, at the very least, because he likes Jensen too much to let him walk out of his life. Its not what he wants, not really, but if its all he can have, hell take it. Adrianne must be thinking along the same lines, because she pauses after handing Jared a sliced roll and says quietly, Im sorry things didnt work out between you and Jensen. Jared shrugs, setting the roll in the pan. Its okay. I guess sometimes things just arent meant to be. Adrianne works the knife through the dough. Yeah, maybe. But you guys seemed like you could be really good together. She hands Jared another roll. Besides, since when does Jared Padalecki give up that easily?

Jared snorts. That easily? Have you been paying attention at all? Easy is not the word Id use to describe any of this. Adrianne sets the knife down and turns to face him. Maybe. But you know what? The good things the really good things? She looks steadily at him. I dont think theyre supposed to be easy. Jared looks back at her, the roll forgotten in his hand, and remembers a night what feels like eons ago, when he thought almost the same thing. His train of thought is interrupted a second later when Allie stumbles into the kitchen, rumpled and bleary, and Adrianne goes over to kiss her good morning. One little kiss turns into a few more, and pretty soon Jareds highly-attuned senses alert him to possible were-almost-married sex coming on, so he finishes arranging the rolls in the pan, covers them to rise, and heads back to his room. He means to think about what Adrianne said, but when he crawls back into his bed, he falls asleep

almost as soon as his head hits the pillow.

* He doesnt forget what she said, though. Throughout the rest of the day, as hes stuffing suitcases into cars and running up and down flights of stairs for forgotten items and calling Mike and Jensen fifteen times to make sure theyre really up and awake and on their way, hes turning it over in his head. Because, he realizes as theyre driving out of the city, that was the thing that was off about everything with him and Michael. It was easy. They didnt ever have to work at it a chance meeting led to a date, which led to a relationship, and everything slid into place so perfectly that they never had to put any effort into it. It just happened. And it was good, but it wasnt great. It wasnt love-you-so-much-I-dont-know-what-to-do. It was never cant-breathe-without-you. It was never going to be going-to-go-crazy-if-I-cant-kiss-you-in-

the-next-two-seconds. It made sense logically they got along, they had a good time together, they had common interests but it was never that souldeep gut feeling that the entire world could be a better place if only that other person was standing next to you. Which it was, with Jensen. It was crazy and complicated and hurt like hell, but Jared always had that feeling, that it could have been the best thing hed ever known if theyd just made it work. And thats when he realizes that he cant just leave it like this. He has to know. Hes still kicking himself over what he could have done differently or said earlier or made better, and he just wants to know instead of wondering all the time. There wont be any chance to do anything about it during the day, not as theyre rushing between rooms and getting ready and posing for a million pictures and handling the inevitable last-minute crises, but he files it away in the back of his mind. All he has to do is wait for his opportune moment.

Psst. Jensen. Hes been sitting on a bench trying to grab a few seconds of the sleep he missed on their early morning roadtrip, but his eyes open when he hears his name. Allies down the hall, leaning out of a room, grinning at him. When he raises his eyebrows, she makes a drinking motion. You need some booze already? Jensen asks. Isnt it a little early? She rolls her eyes. I was hoping for some water, actually. Water water? Or - ?

Real, honest-to-god water, Allie assures him. Im not pre-partying at my own wedding, thanks. Jensen shrugs. You never know. I dont judge. He walks down the hall to the water cooler and grabs her a paper cup. Thanks, she says when he comes back. Shes leaning up against the door to one of the bridal changing rooms, where shes been sequestered away with her female relatives all morning, doing whatever stuff girls do to get ready. Shes finally in her dress, which Jensen hasnt seen, and he has to admit that she looks amazing. Thank you, she says again, grinning. I hope Adrianne thinks so, too. Im sure she will.

So, Allie says, leaning her head back against the doorframe and looking at him out of the corner of her eye. Before Im part of an old married couple, can I give you one last piece of happy-engaged-person advice? Jensen shrugs. Sure. Lay it on me. Hes expecting some wisdom about finding Mr. Right (or possibly a caution against Tom, which is sweet but unnecessary Jensen didnt even really like the guy, even while they were sort of dating), but Allie just looks at him for a long minute and says, Dont let Jared go. What? If you want him, dont let him go. If you dont, fine. She shrugs. But if you love him and you want to be with him? Dont let anything stop you. Jensen wants to say something about all the thought hes put into his decisions all the late nights, all the

times he was angry at himself for not figuring things out sooner and being with Jared when he had the chance, all the hurt and misunderstandings and mess that he just wanted to be done with but somehow, none of that comes out of his mouth. Instead, he says, Its not that easy. Okay, no, she admits. You cant just walk up to him and say you want to be with him and live happily ever after. But if the alternative is never having him? I think the first options a lot easier. But it could all go wrong again, Jensen protests. I mean, look what happened. Everything between us has gotten fucked up over and over again. We just keep hurting each other. Thats love, Allie says simply. When you hand someone your heart, youre taking the risk that they might stomp all over it. But if you dont take that risk, you could be missing out on something amazing. Yeah, Jensen says. But is that risk worth it?

Allie just smiles. I think you have to figure that one out on your own.

The ceremony is almost perfect, a small group of family and friends standing out on the lawn just as the sun was starting to go down, and there isnt a dry eye to be found when Allie and Adrianne finish their vows and exchange rings. The reception dinner is lively and loud, and when the crowd starts to spread out a little after the meal, spilling out onto the inns wide lawns, the party keeps going strong. Adrianne and Allie must be exhausted, what with driving and photos and dancing and mingling with the guests, but they finally look relaxed in a way that Jared hasnt seen in weeks. Even now that the sun is dropping below the horizon and theyve been on their feet for hours, they have a kind of calm, happy glow as they dance under the lanterns with Allies little cousins.

Jensens standing at the edge of the yard when Jared finds him, leaning his elbows on the railing of the tiny gazebo as he stares up through the trees. Hes heart-stoppingly handsome in his tux, sharp lines bringing out his striking looks even more than usual, and as Jared steps up into the gazebo behind him, seeing Jensens profile outlined against the darkening sky as he turns, hes struck again by the feeling that the universe is only going to align like this once, and if he doesnt do everything he possibly can, its the same as giving up. Hell never get to have this. Its now or never. And in the back of his mind, Jared always thought itd come down to a big gesture something grand and dramatic, because thats the kind of person he is but in the end, he settles for walking up next to Jensen and leaning his hip against the rail. Its quiet and unassuming, but when Jensen smiles and says, Hey, it just seems right. Hey, Jared replies. Theyre silent for a long moment, both just looking

Jensen out at the brightening stars, Jared at Jensen before Jensen says, Some wedding, huh? Yeah, Jared says. They look so happy. Theyre perfect for each other, Jensen says, smiling a little. Im really glad I met you guys, you know. I went from having no friends in the city to having four of the most amazing friends Ive ever met. Jared blinks, surprised. Amazing? Really? Well, all right, Jensen concedes. Mike is really more aggravating than amazing. But he has his moments. Cant argue with that. Jared leans back on his hands. And youre pretty amazing yourself. I think we all got pretty lucky. Jensen slants him a smile, sweet and just the

slightest bit shy, and before Jared can even think about it, hes saying, Hey, is it all right if I ? It comes out at the exact same time that Jensen says, Jared, Ive been thinking, and They both pause, then start again in tandem. Finally, Jensen shakes his head. You go first. You sure? Yeah. Jensen grins. Youre dying to say something. I can tell. And for no reason, everything Jared feels pushes up to the surface at that moment, overwhelming in its intensity. Okay, he says. I dont know if you want to hear this, and I dont know if I should even be saying it. Jared, Jensen says patiently, Its me. You can say anything to me.

And that just makes it even more true. I know we said wed wait until after the wedding to talk, but I cant. Its just Im so in love with you, Jared says, all in a rush. I dont know how not to be. No matter who I am or what I do, Im justyours. He lets out a slow breath. I just wanted you to know that. Jensens eyes are wide in the semi-darkness, but he hasnt looked away. And thats all I can do, Jared goes on, feeling a little reckless. Everything I could possibly do, I did. Im here, I told you how I feel, I put everything out there. This is all I can do. I know, Jensen says softly. And I just please, Jared says, surprising himself. Please, Jensen, can you just tell me if theres even a chance that this could happen? He didnt mean to ask for that didnt mean to ask for anything, really but once its out there he

realizes that he needs the answer. Once and for all, better or worse, he needs to know. Jensens quiet for a long minute, just watching Jared. Jareds almost sure hes not going to answer, that hes just going to turn and walk away, but then Jensen laughs a little. Tom broke up with me, he says, apropos of nothing. What? Yeah, he says. Its so stupid, because hes like the most self-absorbed person Ive ever met, and I seriously had no idea he was even aware of half of what was going on around him, but. Apparently even he could tell that every second I was with him, I was thinking about someone else. He looks down at his hands, clasped together on the railing. So, yeah. Youre an idiot if you dont know that I how I He sighs. That Im yours, too. Have been for a long time. Jareds not sure what to do with the rush of pure joy that engulfs him from head to toe. You are?

But Jensens shaking his head. But thats I dont know if its enough, Jared, he says. Thats maybe the stupidest thing Jareds ever heard. You love me. How can that not be enough? Theres a frown line pushing Jensens brows together when he looks up at Jared. Because the whole time Ive known you, youve been looking for the perfect person to spend the rest of your life with. And thats not me. Im not perfect. Im not all those specific things you wanted in a guy. Okay, no, Jared has to revise his opinion thats the stupidest thing hes ever heard. How can you Im not I dont fit all your standards, Jensen goes on. I mess things up and I hurt people I hurt you and I overthink everything. I can never just

Jensen, Jared interrupts, reaching out to stop him the only way he can think of, setting a finger against Jensens lips. Jensen blinks, looking a little taken aback, and Jared lets his hand slide so he can brush his thumb along the edge of Jensens jaw. How can you possibly think that youre not what I want? he asks, rubbing smooth-shaven skin. Jensen opens his mouth to say something, probably another iteration of his imperfection or a listing of his bad habits or something, but Jared stops his mouth with his finger again. He doesnt need to hear it. And in that moment, something suddenly strikes him. It seems like lifetimes ago that he was so surprised to hear Adrianne say that everyone settles, but now, for the first time, he really understands what she meant. Its not that you settle for less than what you want. Its that you realize that what you want, even if its not perfect, is amazing and that youre lucky to have it so lucky that you wouldnt take perfect no matter what it looks like. Youre right, Jared says. Youre not perfect.

Jensens eyes widen, like hes just as surprised as Jared. But I dont care, Jared finishes. Jared, Jensen says, the word muffled against his finger. No, Jared says. Youre right, I was looking for someone perfect. And it was stupid. There is no perfect person out there for everyone. Theres just someone who gets all your jokes and laughs even when theyre not funny. Theres someone who gets your lame movie quotes and puts up with your incessant rambling about reality TV. Jensen smiles faintly. You do have an unhealthy obsession with Americas Next Top Model. Jared laughs. I know. Jensen, you might not be perfect, but neither am I. And I dont want perfect. I just want you.

Jensen bites his lip, barely a centimeter away from Jareds finger. Youre sure? God, yes, Jared says fervently. Any way I can have you. Jensens lips quirk up. Okay. Okay? Okay, so kiss me already, Jensen says impatiently. And theres no way Jareds going to disobey that order, not when its what hes wanted for oh, just about forever. He grins, using the hand on Jensens face to tip his chin up, and leans in to press their mouths together. Its soft at first, gentle like their other kisses havent been. It seems strange that it would be any different from kissing Jensen before, but it is. Theyre both a

little hesitant, trying to get this right, slowly tasting the champagne toasts in each others mouths. Its only when Jared lets his teeth graze Jensens bottom lip that it changes; Jensen makes a quick little noise, sharp and hot, and it sets off a flash of heat through Jareds body. Before he can even think about it hes got a hand on Jensens hip, pushing him up against the railing, and the two of them are kissing hungrily, licking into each others mouths like theyve been apart for years. Its only the sounds of someones voice coming surprisingly near the gazebo that breaks them apart. Once they realize that its just Adriannes aunt, a little tipsy and wandering the wrong way, they relax, but when they turn back to each other, Jareds nerves are back. Um, he says, smoothing a hand down Jensens lapels. Do you want to maybe go up to my room? Jensen catches his hand, squeezing it in his own. Thought youd never ask.

They dont stop to say goodnight to anybody. Theyll see the brides and the rest of the wedding party tomorrow, and neither of them knows Allie or Adriannes family well enough to have anything special to say. Besides, after how many times theyve started this and had to stop, Jared thinks its safe to say hes desperate to finally see it through. Jensen laughs as Jared drags him across the lawn by the hand. Hey, slow down! he says, hopping on one foot after he trips on a rock. You hurry up! Jared calls back. Im trying! If you didnt have such damned long legs, Id be able to Shh, Jared hushes him when they get to the doors. People are sleeping.

Jensen shushes him right back, but he gets inventive and uses his mouth instead of his voice. Jared finds he really approves of this kind of innovation, especially when Jensen seems to forget why he started kissing Jared in the first place and just keeps on, until theyre making out against the wall in the lobby of the tiny inn. But they really should get upstairs. Thats the only reason Jared gives Jensen a gentle push back, because kissing while going up stairs (while also ridiculously tall, as Allie says) is a recipe for disaster, and Jared does not need any disasters getting in the way of his getting laid with Jensen Ackles. God, even just the thought has him harder than hes ever been in his life. He cant believe hes finally going to do this with Jensen. Jensen seems to be thinking the same thing, because when they manage to get to the second floor and Jareds unlocking his door, he whispers, So, were really doing this? Not stopping as soon as we get half-naked? If you stop, Im going to kill you, Jared growls,

yanking Jensen through the door. All right, all right, Jensen says, laughing. Third times the charm, I guess.

It really is. As soon as theyre through the door, Jensen leans back against it and pulls Jared flush up against him. Jareds hand skate down his sides to pull him even closer, and Jensen decides its a good thing the doors there to hold him up, because between the kissing and the groping and the crazy way this serious relationship thing seems to be happening all of a sudden, his knees are a little less than stable. Its just this is not what hes used to. Not the emotional part of it which feels kind of scary and

inevitable at the same time and not the physical part of it, either. Because Tom is beautiful, but its in a distant, detached kind of way. He has flawless cheekbones and perfectly-sculpted biceps and a lush mouth. But, despite the time they spent together, thats all he is to Jensen the sum of his parts. They never connected any other way. Jared, on the other hand, is gorgeous in a way thats completely present all of him is in everything he does, completely unrestrained, and Jensen finds the way his giant hands hesitant for a second before gripping his hips tightly just as much of a turn-on as the feel of his (just as perfectly-sculpted) body pressed up against him. Its not because Jared is physically beautiful, even though he is its because hes everything else, too. And then Jared slides a thigh between Jensens, pressing up just right as he sucks kisses along Jensens neck and noses at his collar, and Jensen decides that theyd better move this thing along, or theyre never going to make it further than the door. He pushes his hands up under Jareds jacket,

wrestling it off broad shoulders, then yanks the dress shirt out of his pants. Jared tries to help, pulling off the bowtie and cummerbund, but his fingers fumble on the buttons of his shirt, and Jensen bats them away as he walks Jared backward, undoing them himself. First time wearing a grown-up shirt? he teases, mostly to take his mind off all the smooth, tanned skin hes exposing and how he wants to lick every inch of it. Jared laughs. Kinda nervous here, okay? It takes a second for that to sink in, since Jareds now shirtless and the play of muscles under the skin when Jensens fingers brush low on his stomach is extremely distracting. But when his brain catches up, he says, What? Why? Neither of them exactly had a problem with nerves the other times theyve tried this, so he doesnt know why now its different. Jared flushes slightly, but shrugs. Cause its you, he says simply.

He says it like Jensen might leave or change his mind about the whole relationship thing if the sex part isnt perfect. For a second, Jensen feels a surge of that old discomfort Jareds gaze is open and hiding nothing about how he feels, and Jensen suddenly feels too exposed and vulnerable in the face of that steady look. But then he remembers that this is Jared his friend, whos seen him at his best and worst and nearly everything in between, and the thought settles the tension building in his stomach. Its us, he corrects. And its gonna be good. He pushes Jared back until his knees hit the seat of the chair by the bed. Jared drops down with a surprised noise, and Jensen follows, working off Jareds shoes and socks. Its only when he lifts his head and Jared sucks in a breath that he realizes that hes crouched between Jareds spread knees, and the way Jareds slouched in the chair puts his crotch just inches away from Jensens face.

And since Jensens right there and knows a good idea when he sees one, he reaches up and smoothes his hands down Jareds thighs, pushing them further apart and moving closer. Jared makes a choked noise above him, but Jensen doesnt unzip him right away, just kisses him low on his belly, moving steadily southward until he runs out of skin. He lets his face slide down to nuzzle against Jareds cock, taking in the heat and scent as Jared groans above him. The fabric of his dress pants is smooth and soft, not much of a barrier, and Jensen turns his head to mouth the shape of him through the silky material. Jensen. Jen, Jared says, reaching down to cup his face. His fingers stroke over Jensens ears and neck, one thumb brushing along his eyebrow, and Jensen closes his eyes as he makes quick work of Jareds fly. It almost doesnt seem real that hes here, doing this with Jared despite every stupid obstacle and fight, theyre finally here. Together. Jen? Jared asks, after his hands still for a second.

Yeah, Jensen says, opening his eyes. The fabric parts and falls open, and Jensen tugs it down enough to get to what he wants. Jared has a gorgeous cock he remembers that well enough from before and he cant resist swiping a drop of precome off with his tongue. Oh, god, Jared says, watching raptly as Jensen guides his dick to his mouth, rubbing it over his lips for a few teasing seconds before he opens his mouth and gets down to business. Its intoxicating, being on his knees like this he learns the taste and weight of Jared, hears the noises he makes when somethings good or unexpected, and watches sweat spring up on his chest in the dim light of the bedside lamp. But before he can settle into it, Jared gasps and says, Jen, Jesus Christ, and his hands are urging instead of encouraging, tugging Jensen up. Jensen lets Jareds cock slip out of his mouth, leaving a damp streak across his cheek.

Jesus, Jared says again, sounding dazed. Gonna be over too soon, and I dont want to not like that. Can we - ? Yeah, Jensen says, getting to his feet and pulling Jared up. Youre wearing way too many clothes, Jared says, yanking down boxers and pants. I didnt have someone to help me out of mine, Jensen retorts. Guess youre on your own, Jared says with a grin. You want to be left on your own? Jensen shoots back. No, Jared says, sitting down on the edge of the bed. What I want is for you to get naked. I already said that.

And what are you going to do? Watch, Jared says. And he does he lays back on the bed, one arm propping up his head, and follows Jensens fingers with hungry eyes as they unbutton his shirt. At first Jensens not so sure about this Jared just staring at him, like hes on display but Jared starts stroking himself lightly and saying things like, God, Jensen, so hot, and Jensen realizes hes not looking at him like he wants to devour him. Well, he is, but its more than that hes looking at Jensen like he wants to see all of him, everything he is. Before he can even think about, Jensens slowing his pace and putting on a little bit of a show, reaching down to cup himself through his pants, breath stuttering at how good it feels. Jared lets him get away with it for a minute, but then he gets impatient, sitting up and reaching out to drag Jensen closer by his waistband. Get over here, he commands, stripping Jensen out of his boxers and pants in one swift move. Jensens tangled pants legs catch him off-balance and he stumbles, falling

onto the bed on top of Jared. Which, normally, would be a good thing. But apparently Adrianne and Allie picked the authentic type of bed and breakfast, and the beds just as much an antique as the rest of the place, because it lets out a huge, protesting groan at their weight. They both freeze, anticipating disaster, but it stays in one piece. After a moment, Jared shifts cautiously. When the bedframe only emits an annoyed squeak, he laughs. Wouldnt that be the perfect ending to the night? Sorry, we broke the bed. Dont even joke, Jensen groans. Thatd be just our luck. We finally get naked together and past our million issues and then were thwarted by a crappy old bed. No way, Jared says, twisting under him until their cocks are aligned and rocking up. Were doing this, even if we have to do it on the floor as the whole inn comes running to see what the commotion is. Were

not stopping again. Exhibitionist kink? Jensen asks. You kink, Jared corrects him, kissing his neck. Need to have you, no matter what. Youve got me, Jensen says, gasping as Jareds teeth scrape the sensitive skin over his pulse. However and wherever you want. Jareds hand leaves his hip, sweeping up over his back and down, stopping just above his ass before a finger dips down to brush between his asscheeks. Can I - ? he asks. Yeah, Jensen says without thinking, arching back into the touch. God, yeah. Do you have Yeah, Jared says, fumbling a hand out for the nightstand. Jensen tries to help, having a better range of motion,

but Jared knocks his hand away. Weve seen how well that works, he says dryly. When hes got the lube out, he pops the cap and coats his fingers before using the hand on Jensens ass to urge him up until hes straddling Jared. He gets his other hand on the back of Jensens neck, pulling him down into a kiss as he slides a finger inside, and he keeps up the double assault as he works in two more fingers, crooking them just right as he fucks his tongue into Jensens mouth. By the time hes satisfied, Jensens thighs are shaking from both the strain of the position and the constant sparks of pleasure. Cmon, Jared, now, he says, pushing up. Want you to Yeah, yeah, Jared says softly, helping him up and off. How do you want to Like this, Jensen says, settling on his knees and elbows.

Jesus, he hears Jared say from behind him, and then hes moving close, pressing kisses down Jensens spine along with the sound of the condom wrapper tearing. Then there are hands skating along Jensens sides as Jared lines up behind him and slowly pushes in. It hurts as first, and when Jareds all the way in theres that odd moment where Jensens body cant quite figure out if the too-full feeling is good or bad. But then Jared shudders, slipping in just a little deeper, and the way he takes a short, sharp breath and says Jensens name, rough and awed, finally tips the scales over to good. And then Jared starts slow, dragging thrusts in and out that feel even better, and Jensens so caught up in the sensations feeling every inch that Jareds feeding him, listening to his shuddery breaths and curses mixed with moans, pushing back into the steady pressure of hands at his hips Its almost a surprise when he realizes how close he is. He must manage to stutter something, because Jared pauses and pulls back. Before Jensen can

figure out what the hells going on, Jared pulls out and flips them around, and then hes on his back, Jared pressing his knees to his chest as he slides in on one long stroke, and okay, yeah. Its pretty much all over after that. Jared says something about wanting to see, and he barely gets a hand on Jensens dick before hes coming hard enough to see stars. The bed gives an almighty groan, and Jared echoes it as he follows. Jensens a little concerned that they may have done the bed irreparable structural damage, but that has to wait until he has a few brain cells to rub together. Right now, hes just happy that its still holding the two of them up, and that theyre in it together. From the contented groan Jared manages, collapsed on top of him, Jensen thinks he agrees.

When Jensen wakes up the next morning, theres someone huge and warm plastered to his back. He grins and goes back to sleep. When they really wake up, maybe an hour later, the sun is high enough in the sky for light to spill through the space at the top of the curtains. Jensen shifts onto his back, stretching. Hes got a couple interesting new aches, but they feel good, a pleasant reminder of what happened last night. He looks over to see if Jareds awake, and finds him watching Jensen through the hair falling over his face. Hey, he says, voice still gravelly. Hi, Jared says, smiling a little. Sleep good? No, Jared says. Some guy kept me up all night

begging for sex. What kind of jerk would do that? You poor thing. It was very hard, Jared says solemnly. Jensen cant help it he snorts. Next time Ill just let you sleep, then. Wont bother you with all that annoying sex stuff. He moves to sit up, he barely makes it an inch before Jareds rolling over on top of him, pinning him to the bed and holding his wrists above his head. When Jensen looks up at him, a little breathless, Jared grins. Dont you dare even think about it. And then hes ducking his head and theyre kissing, and yeah, Jensen can see this heading the exact same place they went last night. Except Jared pulls back just when things are getting interesting. And not to do something useful like get them fully naked or push the comforter out of the way he stops just to look at Jensen.

Jensen shifts a little, slightly uncomfortable with the way Jareds looking down at him. What? Nothing, Jared says. Just I cant believe were really doing this. Jensen half-wants to make a sarcastic comment, oh, youd better believe it or youll believe it when Im done with you, but Jareds looking at him like Christmas and ten of his birthdays have come early, and he finds himself saying, Yeah, me either. Jared lets his wrists go and moves, shifting his weight to the side. So, um. How exactly does this fit with that thing you have against serious relationships? Jensen really wants to know what happened to the almost-morning-sex that was just about to happen, but he cant really blame Jared for wanting to know.

I, uh, may have misjudged them slightly, Jensen says. Not the part where they can get messy and complicated, because they obviously can. But, Jensen says, pulling Jared close to him, if you're lucky, you find someone that's worth it. Jared raises his eyebrows. Really? Jensen nods. And sometimes you find someone thats so perfect that its not even about it being worth it. Its just that theres no way you can live with the alternative. No ones perfect, Jared reminds him, but hes grinning and leaning down to kiss Jensen, so he cant bring himself to mind.

After the second round, when theyre sweaty and

sticky and exhausted and spread out across the entire bed, Jared decides that staying in bed with Jensen all day was too low a goal to set. Hes thinking its going to have to be more like for life. If he has to handcuff Jensen to the bed, well, thats just an added bonus. Fate has other plans, however. Theyre barely getting their breathing under control when the phone on the bedside table rings. Jared groans, rolling over to grab it. What? What? a female voice parrots back at him. Its nearly ten and youre still in bed, thats what. Get your ass up to our room so we can have some breakfast. Allie, Jared says. Hey. Um, breakfast? Right now? Yes, now, Allie says, the eye-rolling audible in her voice. Its morning, Jared. Thats when you

generally break the fast. Yeah, I know, Jared says, doing a little eye-rolling of his own. Its just Im a little busy right now. Busy? Allie repeats. Busy with what? Well, um, Im kind of. Uh. Jared fumbles for a polite way of saying Im in the middle of trading orgasms with another groomsman. Luckily, Jensen solves that problem for him. Apparently bored listening to Jareds side of the conversation, he leans over and starts sucking kisses along Jareds neck. Jared tilts his head a little to give him room, and Jensen takes that inch and turns it into a fucking mile, continuing his path down Jareds chest to his stomach. And there are a lot of things Jared can easily multitask, but talking to someone else while Jensens mouth is moving south at a steady pace? Is definitely not one of them. Oh, jesusfuck, he says, hips arching up as Jensen licks across a hipbone.

What? Allie asks sharply. Jared, are you Jensens grinning up at him, planting kisses on Jareds stomach and thighs and basically everywhere except where he really wants that mouth. Allie, Jared says quickly, I really have to go. Ill see you later, okay? No, were having breakfast! Allie protests. Jared, listen to me! Im ordering one of everything off the room service menu, and if you dont get up here soon, were going to eat it all ourselves. Come on, she cajoles. Its our first morning as a married couple, and we want to spend it with our friends. Jensen picks that exact moment to meet Jareds gaze and say, low and dark, Wanted to do this ever since I saw you, and okay, Jared really needs to hang up the phone now. God, okay, Jared groans, not sure exactly who

hes talking to. Youll come? Allie asks hopefully. Yes, Jared gasps. Yeah, definitely. The way Jensens currently teasing him with flicks of his tongue is definitely going to ensure that. And Jensen too? Allie persists. I called his room, but Yes, Jared says firmly, his eyes nearly rolling back in his head when Jensen trails his tongue lower. I promise, Ill make Jensen come. Can I please go now? Okay, Allie says happily. See you soon. Jared thinks he doesnt so much hang up the phone as slam it blindly back into the stand. Jensen laughs. You had to promise Allie youd make me come?

To breakfast, Jared clarifies, reaching down and running a hand through his hair. But Im willing to do the other one, too. Good, Jensen says, grinning. Because when Im done with you, breakfast is going to be the last thing on your mind. And then, without another word, he lowers his head and takes Jared into his mouth, and Jareds last coherent thought is that he couldnt care less about breakfast when hes got this.

Its a testament to Jensens skill that Jared actually does forget breakfast, because hes usually thinking about food in at least some tiny little corner of his mind at all times. When Jensen finishes with him, though, Jared doesnt have enough brain cells

functioning to think about more than how awesome that was. Hes pretty sure his brain was wiped of all thoughts not related to Jensen. Fortunately, Jensens functioning a little better, and remembers to get them up and into lightning-fast showers and their clothes. They have to split up so that Jensen can get his own clothes, but their rooms are only a few doors apart, so its not a big deal. Its also not extremely obvious what they were just up to when they show up at Allie and Adriannes door together, which is good. They never came to any concrete consensus on who or when theyre telling about this, but given that this is still part of Allie and Adriannes wedding celebration, it seems only right to keep the focus on the newlyweds. Adriannes still sprawled out on the giant bed when they get to the honeymoon suite, but Allie, Mike, and Genevieve are at the table, seated around a truly impressive number of food-laden plates. Jared remembers with force why foods always on his mind when the aroma of freshly-fried breakfast foods hits his nose, and he leaves Jensen behind to make a beeline for the table.

Jensen laughs, but stops to kiss Adrianne on the cheek and give Allie a hug before he joins Jared. Youre lucky you get here when you did, Allie tells Jared. We were about two seconds away from eating all of this ourselves. Please, Jared says. Like you could even come close. This amount of food requires a way bigger appetite. He looks her up and down. And, no offense, a way bigger person. Allie sticks her tongue out at Jared, stealing a piece of bacon off his plate. When he grabs for it, she slips out of his reach, laughing, and grabs a bunch of grapes, throwing one at him. Hey, no wasting food! Jared protests, diving for a loose grape and popping it in his mouth. I agree, Adrianne says. If youre dont want it, come over here and give me some.

Whats the magic word? Get over here and feed me, bitch. Thats several words, actually, Jensen points out around a mouthful of toast. Allie sighs. Barely one day in and youre already treating me like your slave. You married me, Adrianne says, unrepentant. Now get over here and feed your poor old wife. Allie rolls her eyes. Coming, sweetheart. She climbs on the bed and sticks an orange slice into Adriannes mouth, giggling when Adrianne does the open-mouthed smile. You two are disgusting, Mike mutters, sticking a fork into his giant pile of scrambled eggs. I think its cute, Genevieve says, elbowing him.

Its gross. When Genevieve glares, Mike clears his throat. Uh. In a cute way. Youre just jealous, Adrianne says. You want someone you can say sickeningly sappy things to. Isnt that right, honeybunches? Right, sweetie pie, Allie replies. Mike says something in reply, but Jared totally misses it. Because hes been pretty engrossed in eating his giant stack of pancakes slathered in syrup and strawberries, but when he feels a light pressure on his thigh, he finally remembers that there are other things in life besides delicious, perfectlygolden pancakes. The touch turns into a gentle squeeze, and Jared looks up from his plate to find Jensen giving him a little smile as he sips at his orange juice. Thats all it is, just a little hi and a reminder that things are different, but the grin that spreads across Jareds face is so wide that it hurts. He ducks his

head, trying to keep it hidden as he turns back to his pancakes. He must not do a very good job, though, because all of a sudden the playful bickering between Allie and Adrianne and Mike stops, and Allie observes, Jared, youve been kind of weirdly quiet. And suspiciously cheerful, Adrianne adds. Whats going on? Wait a minute, Genevieve says. Does this have to do with last night? I was looking for you at the reception, but you ran off before it was over. Ooh, Allie says, eyebrows going up. Did our sweet little Jared find a friend? Dude, awesome! Mike says, reaching across the table for a high five. Cant believe you did it without my help, even if getting laid at a wedding is easy as pie, but still. Fucking finally!

Mike probably helped more than he knows, but Jared isnt about to tell him that. Mikes ego doesnt need the help. Who was it? Adrianne demands. Yeah, dont keep us in suspense, Allie says, bouncing on the bed. Whos the lucky guy? And this is where it would have been a really good idea to figure out beforehand when or if he and Jensen going to tell people what happened. Jared falters for a second, not sure what to say or how much to lie, but before he can even think up some kind of plausible denial, he feels that pressure on his thigh again. Only this time its not just a quick squeeze this time, Jensens hand moves to cover his own, and he twines their fingers together under the table. When he darts a look over, Jensens looking away, not making it obvious, and Jared realizes this is an offer Jensens giving him the choice to put it out there or keep it quiet.

And since Jareds been waiting for what seems like forever to have Jensen like this, he doesnt hesitate. He takes their clasped hands and lifts them, setting them on the table. Everyones eyes immediately go down to their hands, and its only a second before Allie and Adrianne are squealing in unison. Does this mean ? Are you two ? Yeah, Jensen says, sending Jared a smile. Yeah, were going to try. The girls practically melt. Even Genevieve says, Okay, thats adorable, and Mikes usual disagreement is conspicuously absent. Wow, Allie says after a second. So, basically,

everyone got lucky last night except for Mike. Mike groans. Dont rub it in. What happened, anyway? Adrianne asks, when Genevieves distracted with her cell phone. I thought you were going to use all your best moves on her. Show her resistance is futile. I tried, Mike says morosely. The womans unbreakable. Shes totally immune to all of my moves. He sighs. I guess shes really just not interested. Actually, Genevieve says, looking up from her phone, I think youre missing the point. Point? Mike asks blankly. Yeah, she says, spearing a piece of pineapple with her fork. You wanted to sleep with me the first time we met. But if we had, you wouldnt be interested in

me now. She raises an eyebrow. Did you ever think of that? Mike blinks. Do youwant me to be interested in you? She doesnt reply, just sends him a little smirk before going back to her fruit, but from the dumbfounded expression on Mikes face, Jared thinks the impossible might have actually happened Mike may have met his match. But before he can do more than exchange amused glances with Allie and Adrianne, Jensen picks up his glass of orange juice. I think this moment deserves a toast. At first Jared thinks he means the way Genevieve just threw Mike for a total loop, but when Jensen raises his glass and says, To Allie and Adrianne, he gets it. To friends, Allie says, after they drink.

To family, Adrianne puts in. To new beginnings, Genevieve adds. To happy endings, Jared says. Mike looks around for a second, like hes kind of grossed out by the level of sappiness currently invading the room, then sighs and raises his glass. To all of us. They drink, and as Jared looks around the room, he realizes just how thankful he is for all of those things. For his friends, who are his family, for the new start he has with Jensen, for a happy ending to his failed quest for the perfect man for all of it. Mike makes a gagging noise when Jared leans over to kiss Jensen, but he doesnt care. Hes got everything he needs in this one room. And that, he thinks, is perfect.

Notes: Thanks to wendy and audrarose for running an awesome challenge, setissma for looking this over, and fallen_for_lost for making awesome artwork! Don't forget to check out her post here!