Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

Repairing Jared

Chapter One

Jensen was beyond relieved to hear the assistant director yell cut. Maybe he was getting old. Or maybe he was in a damn hurry to get these single shots done so he and Jared could get back to the good old fashioned Sam and Dean scenes. Working apart sucked. Jensen missed Jared terribly.

Jensen headed for his trailer. Cliff gave him a nod as he passed, indicating he would have the car ready in a few minutes to get the actor to his Vancouver home. Cliff had been assigned to Jensen and Jared for so long, they didn't really need more than a look or a nod to get a message across.

Jensen tiredly pulled off his character's wardrobe. He threw on some soft jeans and a plain white t-shirt, quickly slipped on a pair of comfy loafers and grabbed a few leftover snacks to bring home for the weekend. Production was taking a longer weekend, regrouping on Tuesday. The filming of the season opener had included long hours and late nights, physically draining the crew and actors. Everyone was looking forward to an extra day off.

Jensen hadn't seen his costar in almost a week. A very LONG week. Jared had been called to set Monday morning and had to say goodbye to the kids and Jensen Sunday. Both men had been filming separately since Jensen arrived on Wednesday. The older actor was busy filming his scenes off site where Dean frantically searches for Sam. Poor Jared was busy doing his tortured hostage scenes. There was no need for the actors to film scenes together until the following week where Dean would be rescuing Sam.

Jensen knew the torture scenes were going to be very difficult and it was frustrating to not be there to help Jared de-escalate. Jared was also dealing with a brand new director. Jensen had been lucky to have an assistant director whom he had worked with before. The two actors were used to being next to each other in case they had trouble coming down from an emotional or intense scene, so being apart made difficult shoots that much more trying on both of them.

Jensen had been texting back and forth with Jared pretty consistently the first couple days, then there were fewer and fewer responses by Thursday, then by Friday morning nothing. Jared usually couldn’t wait to bounce things off Jensen after a long day too keep himself grounded. No contact told Jensen his boy must be exhausted. Jared hadn’t even come home the last two nights. His filming ran until 2 am and staff had to be back by 6 am the next morning, so Jared simply collapsed in his trailer overnight. Jensen had to find out from Cliff.

Just as Jensen headed back outside to see if Cliff had arrived, Eric Kripke called his cell. He told Jensen he sent Jared home early. The younger actor had been showing signs of exhaustion the last few days and Eric didn’t feel comfortable letting him go without a doctor’s checkup. The whole crew and cast noticed Jared's exhaustion setting in more as the week went by, but it took until Friday for Eric to be advised. Torture is a brutal thing to film, anyway, but with that many close ups, it required every little detail to be in perfect order to look real on screen. Filming took hours and it took it's toll on Jared.

The depreciation of the younger actor's energy and appearance wasn’t a bother to the director since it fit right into the effect’s of his character’s demise. While Jared was failing physically, the injured and tortured Sam scenes looked brilliant on playbacks. Eric got word and rushed down to set to check on Jared, only to find things were more dire than he thought. There were some abrasions from Jared’s scenes in shackles, some cuts on his feet from sharp pebbles in the loose dirt they used on the floor. Eric hadn’t been pleased.

Jensen stewed with silent anger as he tried to remind himself Eric had always been on their side. The man was busier than shit, but stayed hands on with his crew and cast members. Eric loved the show, believed in it’s journey and always worried about Jensen and Jared’s happiness. Jensen could hear the guilty concern in his voice, “Jensen, I had NO idea this was occurring. I swear. I was told the week was going well, production on course, no problems, but that was my new director telling me. The assistant set lead finally came and found me and told me different. I am so damn fucking sorry about this. You know how that boy gets into his character, we all know that. He gives his heart and soul into his work so of course he didn't say anything in between takes. The assistant noticed drops of blood on the floor and... Ackles, I know you're pissed, I can hear it through the phone line. You have a right to be. But before you panic, let me add that I forced the kid to let a doctor clean and disinfect his wounds. They bandaged them and gave him some soft slippers to go home in. I think he’s okay other than needing a hell of a lot of fluids and sleep."

Jensen sighed, "Eric, I appreciate the heads up...but yeah, fuckin’ pissed here. 'EVERYBODY' knows Jared and 'EVERYBODY' fuckin knows the kid doesn't stop even when he's hurting...Christ, I accidentally stabbed him in the damn leg before and he said nothing until the scene was over!" Jensen stopped and sighed heavily a second time. Eric was on 'his' side and already felt guilty. Jensen didn't need to make him feel worse. Jared had been treated and sent home and he should be glad for that, "I'll take care of him, Eric, don’t worry...and Eric, I know you care and that's why this show has worked this long. We both appreciate you. I'm just worried about him." Kripke responded, "Ackles, I'm sorry, and I really want you to try and enjoy your few days off and come back renewed with a healed up kid, got it? And if you need the set physician to make a house all for another check on him, just use the on call number. I want him well.” "No problem, Eric, see you soon," Jensen finished as he clicked off his cell phone and put it in his pocket. He was not happy. 'HE' would have noticed Jared's feet and wrists! 'Fuckin newbie directors.'

Cliff pulled up and honked twice, just as Jensen exited the trailer. Jensen gratefully got in the back seat and greeted his bodyguard tiredly, "So, what's the scoop today, Cliffee?” As the actor relaxed his head on the back of the seat and closed his eyes, Cliff filled him in on things going on around the set. He didn't take long to come to the main subject that he knew Jensen would want to know everything about. "I've only seen him this tired one other time and it was between conventions. I'm talking dark circles under his eyes that the makeup crew can't possibly be happy about, face pale and drawn like he hasn't been pushing his normal fluids, that kind of thing. I drove him, but he zoned out on the way home. He tried to argue with Eric about waiting around here for you to get done, but Eric pulled rank on him. He didn't talk to me on the way. Might have been pissed, or comatose, not sure. I walked him to the door. The kid had NO steam left in him. I led him inside the door, just to make sure he didn’t fall over on the steps. He didN’t bitch at me, either, and no pissy face...definitely not firing on all cylinders."

Jensen made a curse under his breath, pissed at the whole world and sympathetic to his lover all at the same time. He hated that Jared had been alone this whole week. Jensen tiredly rubbed his hand over his face and listened to Cliff finish, "I talked to a couple people. Your boy’s performance was outta the park. It was the chains and collars, the bad positions stuck in a chair or on the floor. Over and over the damn newby kept recalling the scenes. Sam had to scream and struggle. The crew said it ate at their souls to watch Jared do it over and over again. They were sure it was gonna be epic on screen but the goddamned director keep thinking they could do better. Jared was barely able to communicate by the time someone noticed the blood from his feet. After that it was clear our boy was on fumes. He was barely functioning so someone ran to get Eric."

Cliff sighed and shook his head. He loved both the actors like nephews and it wasn't easy to see either of them hurt. Jensen yawned, "Well, if I know the man, Cliff, and I certainly do, he got home and tried to fight it...probably worked on his business books because he’s always stressing about those, worked on some new charity drive or two, talked to our kids on Skype, ran some lines, and whatever else he could get himself into. He has a horrible time shutting down, especially when he’s over tired.” Cliff sighed, nodding in agreement. Jensen asked, “What time did you drop him?” Cliff answered, “A little after two.”

Jensen looked out the window and couldn't keep the worried look from his face. He looked at his watch. It had been three hours since Jared had been taken home. He couldn't 'wait' to get Jared in his arms and sleep. Jared tended to wear himself out often, giving two hundred percent to his family, friends, and all of his work commitments. He was like the Energizer Bunny never slowing down until he knew that every person who needed him had been tended to and every ounce of work had been taken care of. It was so easy to love someone like Jared. Jensen believed there were probably very few people with that kind of work ethic and a heart that size. The problem was Jared would work himself into a ‘crash’...and in this case, ‘crash’ was imminent. Jensen knew this would be a weekend of putting his boy back together.

Within a few minutes, the car pulled up to the house and Jensen got out. He walked up to the door and turned back to wave a 'thank you' and 'goodbye' to Cliff before going inside. The driver and bodyguard waved back and pulled away after Jensen shut the door.

Chapter Two

Jensen turned from locking the door and immediately noticed the silence and stillness of the place. Usually, there would have been music playing or the sound of a tv show in the background. Right now there was no movement anywhere to indicate where his other half might be. The older actor decided to put his snacks, wallet, keys and cell phone on the kitchen counter, then he went to check on his lover. He walked through the dining room, the living room and all the bedrooms. He didn’t see Jared anywhere.

"Jare," he called out. He opened the bathroom door, thinking maybe his other half might be in the shower, but it was empty. There were water droplets on the shower doors, so Jensen knew Jared had taken a shower at some point after he got home. He went over to the coffee table and noticed Jared's laptop and a slew of paperwork. The papers had to do with Jared's bar back in Austin that he co-owned with a few friends. Jensen knew he had been right about his boy not going right to bed when he got home. Jared was the math whiz in the bar's partnership, therefore he checked everybody's work and handled most of the banking. This put additional stress on him, in between running a charity or two, parenting, conventions and filming. Jared probably felt obligated to make sure he didn't let his partners down and caught up all of his portion of the books before he would let himself relax today.

Jensen knew this man so well. He mumbled to himself, "So 'then' he probably talked to the kids on Skype because he knew they were out of school around 2, 'then' the shower, 'then' he did God knows what else." 'But where is he,' Jensen wondered. "Jare," Jensen called out a bit louder this time. Still not getting an answer, Jensen decided to call the younger man's cell. After he walked over to the kitchen and grabbed his phone, he pushed Jared's number. At first, he wasn't sure where it was coming from, but then he realized the personalized ring tone, an excerpt of Jensen singing to Jared, was going off in their bedroom.

Jensen found the phone on the nightstand. He looked around, then decided to investigate the one place he hadn't checked yet, their bedroom balcony. Jensen hadn't noticed the slider was open on his first walk thru. There was a slight breeze blowing the sheer curtains into the room. Feeling a bit more anticipation at finally getting to see his lover, Jensen headed out to the balcony. When he stepped out, he was rewarded with the beautiful sight before him. Jared was in a lounge chair, too short for his long frame and limbs. He was stretched out as far as he could with his legs on the floor and his head leaning back resting on the back of the chair. He was facing out toward the view of the mountains and there was a slight breeze gently blowing his hair.

Jensen took a moment to savor the sight, simply drinking in the beauty of his lover and the peacefulness of his presence. There were light brown and gold highlights retracting the sunlight beautifully from Jared's hair. This, combined with the golden tan he had acquired from their many summer outings made Jared look like the Adonis of all legends. Jared would never think this about himself, but Jensen thought about it all the time. "Jare," he called softly. There was no response. Jensen stepped closer. The rhythmic rise and fall of Jared's chest told Jensen that his lover was asleep. He noticed the full beer on the side table that was still sweating like it hadn't been out there long. Jared had probably decided he'd finished all the expectations he put on himself and come out here to drink a beer and wait for Jensen. 'The kid didn't make it far,' Jensen thought to himself.

Jensen moved around to the front of the sleeping younger man and squatted in front of him. Jared had on a large loose white tank top, which was also blowing in the breeze, and a pair of old comfortable sweats. He hadn't bothered to put on shoes and his bare feet were sticking out of the sweatpants. Jared loved his clothes loose and often was the picture of comfort when he wore stuff like this. Jensen couldn't help smiling as he took in the vision. Not many people got to see a relaxed Jared Padalecki like this, but Jensen did and it was a beautiful moment to be enjoyed, for sure.

Jensen's smile disappeared as he noticed the dark circles under his boy's eyes. Jared's beautiful face was drawn and showed the fatigue. He could see everything Cliff had warned him about and agreed wholeheartedly that Jared needed to hydrate, eat and rest for the next few days. He was going to get sick if Jensen didn't stick to him like glue and do some repair work. Jensen's eyes traveled down to where Jared's hands were loosely laying in his lap. Jensen didn't want to wake him, so he very gently lifted his hands. He turned them slightly to look at the red marks on his wrists, then noticed the deeper abrasions Eric had mentioned.

Jared didn't move and didn't seem to be aware of anything, at all, so Jensen continued his assessment. The left wrist was definitely raw, though not open and bloody. It looked like red burn marks. The second wrist was worse. One of the deeper abrasions had broken the skin before they finished filming. 'Fucking cocksuckers,' Jensen was thinking, again pissed off that the crew hadn't stopped to look at these and add padding or some cushion to the fucking shackles.

He left Jared's wrists alone and trailed his eyes down to Jared’s feet. He was still in a squatting position, so he gently lifted one foot at a time to inspect them without waking the man up. Jensen could see small minor cuts, about four or five on the bottoms of each foot, but in between there were other little red marks and bruises. 'A lot bigger rocks than Eric thought, I think,' Jensen angrily thought. There were a couple cuts that looked deep enough to be the ones that had bled on the floor. Not enough to need stitches but he would have to make sure they didn't break open again. Looking up to his lover's ankles, he noticed the red marks from the shackles, similar to his wrists. 'Those fuckers definitely weren't paying attention,' he thought. This pissed Jensen off all over again. Safety and injury protection was ‘always’ number one when directing. Jensen would like to have a word with this new director.

Jensen was torn between moving Jared to the comfortable bed or leaving him here for a bit while he made some dinner. The younger man really needed to eat and drink before Jensen put him to bed and let him sleep for at least a day. He looked so peaceful out here, so he made his decision to leave Jared and go fix some dinner, then come back and retrieve him. Jensen threw together some stir fry vegetables and shrimp. The actors paid a housekeeper to furnish them with groceries once a week, due to their busy schedules, so there was always food on hand for weekends. He finished the easy meal in just twenty minutes and measured out a good portion for each of them in bowls. Since he knew Jared was too tired to sit at the table and eat formally, he carried the bowls out to the balcony and placed them on the side table.

Jensen went back in the kitchen and grabbed a beer and two waters, hoping he would get at least one of the waters into his lover. He knew the temperature would drop within the next hour with sundown. He would need to get Jared inside, knowing that nice gentle breeze would become cold and probably not be helpful to an already malnourished and exhausted person. Jensen sucked up half his beer with pleasure before setting it down. He scooted another chair up right next to Jared's and turned the chair so he could face him from the side. He stood up again and bent over Jared putting his face in his line of sight. "Jare," he called to him, waiting a few seconds. Jensen hated to spoil the man’s peaceful slumber, but he knew he had to get some calories into him. "Jared," he called to him slightly louder. He gently rubbed his thumb on Jared's cheek. "Come on, baby," Jensen called to him, "can you wake up for me?"

Jared was floating on clouds, or some kind of cotton...whatever it was he was boneless and relaxed. There was a familiar gentle voice calling his name and it was pulling him up and out of the weightless drift he had been enjoying. "Huh?" Jared very sleepily asked to see who was calling him away from the sea of cotton, but he wasn't really sure if he had thought the word or actually spoken it. He didn't think to open his eyes as he probably had just dreamt that someone was calling him. Jensen watched the facial expressions change from peaceful slumber to concentration, as if Jared heard him but wasn't quite sure about waking up yet. He smiled as his lover softly asked, "Huh?" not even knowing who he was talking to. Jensen thought it was one of the cutest damn things he had ever seen and he might just mention that to Jared later. Still smiling, he used more force in his tone, "Jaaarrreeddd," sing songing it. He slightly moved Jared's face back and forth using the hand on his cheek to give him a bit more encouragement to come out of the fog.

Jared inhaled deeply and yawned. He raised his head before slowly forcing his heavy eyelids open. He had no vision, at first, and took a minute to fight his eyelids from closing again. As Jensen watched, Jared valiantly tried with all his might to force himself further awake. Jensen lowered his hand from Jared’s cheek to rub loving circles on the center of his chest. It was a gesture of comfort between them. Jared finally became alert enough to realize who had brought him out of his cloud. Deep adoration and devotion filled his eyes as he looked at Jensen and smiled. He raised both arms, reaching for him. Jensen leaned forward more, as Jared stood up into his arms. They embraced with released sighs of emotion, holding each other close and letting all the anguish from being apart melt away.

Jared laid his head on Jensen's shoulder and confessed, "God, I missed you so much." Jensen squeezed him tighter and snuggled his face into Jared's neck. He inhaled his shampoo, the soap he used, and everything else that was Jared. His lips moved against Jared’s skin, "I missed you, too, baby...so goddamned much." They absorbed each other's heat and comfort for a few minutes, then backed away a few inches to stare into each other eyes. Jared's hands framed the older man's face, his thumbs rubbing against Jensen's five o'clock shadow stubble. He drank in the sight of him. "I needed you so bad," Jared confessed, "I can’t believe you’re here. How long have you been here?" Jared had no idea what time it was. Jensen knew his lover was barely functioning right now. He could plainly see the unhealthy exhaustion in his face. He rubbed his hands up and down Jared's arms, his eyes full of loving concern, "Not long, baby, just a bit. I couldn't bare to wake you so I fixed us some grub first. I want you to eat, okay?"

Jared seemed to take a minute to process what Jensen meant. He looked down at the table, then leaned his forehead against Jensen’s with a heavy sigh, “I wanted to wait for you. I wanted to be there, but Eric..." Jared didn't even finish his sentence as Jensen interrupted him, "I know...it's okay, I know. You had to come home and rest Jare...'did' you rest or do a bunch of other things before you came out here?" Jensen was pretty sure Jared was going to avoid answering him. Seeing him in this condition went straight to Jensen's heart, however, and there would be no point in chewing him out. Jared couldn't help the way he was, and Jensen knew he simply needed some TLC when it ran away from him. He brushed Jared’s hair back from his face, "I saw you got banged up some," looking into Jared's eyes. Jared looked down, "Yeah, it was..." he shrugged and sighed. He tried not to think about being chained, struggling an screaming for hours.

Jensen put his hand under Jared's chin and forced him to look up. He looked into the younger man's eyes and conveyed all the love, comfort and strength he could, "I love you so goddamned much. I'm here now and that kind of week will ‘never’ happen again.” Jensen let that sink in before he added, “This weekend, you eat, you hydrate, you sleep, and you feel better and then I will make love to you like there's no tomorrow, and then you will eat and sleep more." He waited to give Jared time to process that. When Jared looked in his eyes, Jensen asked, “You with me?” Jared nodded, smiling softly, then kissed the older man beautifully warm and inviting. Jensen was floored by the sudden passion, expecting Jared to be weakened from fatigue, but he found himself quickly responding to the delicious taste and feel of Jared’s mouth.

It was their first kiss in five days, becoming deeper and more intense by the second. Both men were breathing hard, their tongues aggressively tasting everything they had gone without. Jensen slid his hands all over his lover's back and ribs, finally resting them on Jared's hips. 'God, he's so sexy in the goddamned thin clothes where it would be so easy to just pull off...' Jensen thought to himself, falling further into Jared's heat...'FUCKING STOP,' he cursed himself mentally. He couldn't let this lead to strenuous activities yet because he knew his lover needed to eat, drink and sleep. He was determined to get him better, 'then' he would be sure and jump his bones. 'God, give me strength,' Jensen thought, as he forced himself to back off.

He ended the kiss, knowing Jared would totally put his own health aside if he didn't keep control of the situation. When Jared ended up in this state, Jensen knew he had to take the lead. He sweetly kissed Jared on the lips once more and gently guided him to sit, "Sit down, love.” As Jared sat down, uncharacteristically without argument, Jensen grabbed the bowls of stir fry and placed one on Jared’s lap, then another on his own. The younger man looked down at it, pleasantly surprised, "Oh.” Jensen smiled because it was incredibly cute how his lover hadn’t realized the food had been there.

Jensen asked, “Are you thirsty?” Jared nodded but didn't reach for the obvious water or beer that was sitting there. Jensen knew he wasn't very observant in his state so he grabbed a water and removed the cap for him. He pushed the bottle up to Jared's mouth and the younger man took it. Jensen watched him sip the bottle few times, like he was tasting something totally new, then he exhaled a desperate sound and upended the bottle until he finished it. "Wow," Jensen exclaimed, not meaning to make Jared feel conscientious but he had just realized how dangerously low Jared must be on fluids. 'Jesus, he was walking around dehydrating himself and nobody fucking noticed'..."Take the other one," he offered, unscrewed the second bottle cap and handed it to Jared. Jared gulped half the second bottle before stopping. "I'm starving," he confessed, as he put the bottle down and picked up his fork.

Jensen was happy that he was getting water and food down his lover, but he sighed in frustration at just how far this had gone. Jared wasn’t usually a fast eater, usually picking at his food with little bites, but the Jared in front of him was eating forkful after forkful with no hesitation. Jensen angrily realized he was starving. If this shit ever happened again with their schedules, Jensen would make sure he was around. He had stayed behind extra days so the kids would not be missing both their dads at once, but this wasn't acceptable to have Jared get this bad and he wouldn't be doing that again. Jared finished his bowl first and leaned back in the chair savoring the feeling of being full and satisfied. "God, that was incredible," he said as he closed his eyes and laid his head back on the chair.

Jensen chuckled softly because Jared was so expressive in everything he did, even when beyond exhausted. He took the last few bites of his own meal while he thought to himself he would lose Jared fast to dreamland if he didn’t get him into the bedroom. "Jare!" Jared jerked his head up as Jensen loudly barked his name to keep him from falling asleep. 'The poor kid,' Jensen guiltily thought as Jared sat up straighter and forcibly blinked his heavy lids open. Jensen took his bowl and Jared’s, the water and beer quickly to the kitchen. He remarked, “Stay awake for me, okay?” Jared gave him a very sleepy, "Okay," as Jensen hurried off.

Jensen dumped all the collected items into the sink then hurried back to see Jared looking miserable with swollen sleepy eyes, trying desperately to stay awake. He bent over to get his attention, "Let’s get you inside, okay?" Jensen gripped him under his elbows to help pull him up. Jared didn't act too coordinated as he stood up. He was actually swaying a bit. Jensen kept a grip on his elbows, "Come on love, I gotcha," as he led him into the house.

Chapter Three

Jared had almost reached the bed before he lifted his feet one at a time with winces and “Ow” exclamations. Jensen guessed Jared's brain had just received the pain message that his feet were sensitive. He quickly pulled back the covers on their king sized bed and took Jared's arms to guide him to sit. Jared seemed barely conscious so Jensen pulled off his shirt for him. He guided him to lay down, leaving him in his loose sweats. Jared slept in them often so Jensen knew they were a comfort. He took the opportunity to look at the cuts on Jared’s feet again. A few of them were red and two of them were slightly broken open again and starting to bleed. "Shit," Jensen swore quietly, then went to retrieve the first aid cream and a wash cloth from the bathroom. He gently washed the bottoms of Jared's feet with a warm rag, wiping away the bit of blood. He patted them dry and applied the cream to the worst cuts. He checked Jared’s wrists and applied some cream to the worst sores.

Through his ministrations, Jensen noticed Jared had been relaxed and blinking very heavily but not quite succumbing to sleep. 'He's fighting it,' Jensen decided. 'When I get in there with him, he'll zonk out for sure.' Both men had trouble sleeping without the other, so Jensen knew he just needed to check that the house was locked up and get his ass under the covers. He quickly walked around and shut the balcony door, checked and locked and all the other exterior doors, then set the house alarm. When Jensen returned to the bedroom, Jared was still in the same position, not bothering to cover himself and blinking heavily. Jensen pulled the covers down on his side of the bed. Before getting in, he realized he needed to go around to Jared's side again and pull the covers further down to get them past Jared's feet and back up to cover him.

As he was doing that, he stopped to grab a pair of socks from the dresser and put them on Jared's feet. It might help the ointment stay on and be warmer after the temperature dropped. It was starting to cool off in the house, meaning the night chill of Vancouver had arrived. Jensen slipped off his jeans and t-shirt, left his his own socks on, then got under the covers. He moved over to the other side of the bed and pulled on the younger man to roll and face him. Jared sluggishly rolled over to face him and yawned hugely right in front of his face. Jensen leaned forward and kissed Jared's forehead, kissed his closed eyelids, kissed his cheeks and then his lips. They were gentle kisses, soothing the over tired younger man, trying to bring him down into sleep.

Jared sighed, a peaceful sound. "I love you," he whispered as he barely had the energy to even speak. "I love you too, Jare," Jensen responded. He scooted as close as possible to Jared and tried to wiggle his right shoulder underneath the younger man's side, encouraging him to lean over more onto his stomach and lay on him. He loved to feel Jared while he fell asleep and he knew it was one of Jared's favorite places to lay. Jared's head plopped on Jensen's right shoulder and his right arm slid across Jensen's smooth chest. Jared bent his right knee over Jensen's right leg. Jensen smiled in peace, absolutely loving that this week was over and he was on his way to getting his lover back to normal.

Jared started to fade and breathe deeply, then suddenly jerked, his whole body spasming in reaction to his over tiredness. Jensen tightened his grip, knowing this happened to people when they were beyond exhaustion. The body has a way of letting go and the spasms are part of the process when someone finally gets to rest. Jensen's right hand slid up his lover's back to play with his hair. Jared made soft whining sounds as he was falling deeper into sleep, his body experiencing two more slight spasms before finally letting go. He seemed to be seeing something in his subconscious that was upsetting him because he moaned, "no," breaking Jensen's heart. Jensen turned his head and kissed Jared on the forehead, leaving his mouth there, breathing in Jared's shampoo scent and keeping contact with his skin. He continued to massage Jared's head, rubbing his hand through all that beautiful hair. He spoke softly, "Sleep love...I'm right here."

When Jensen felt Jared’s breathing even out, he finally allowed himself to slip into deep slumber. Neither man moved for several hours.

Chapter Four

Jensen awakened to soft light attempting to penetrate his eyelids. He marveled at how good it felt to sleep. He looked at the clock and realized they’d been out for about ten hours. 'Holy fuck, good times,' Jensen thought to himself. He looked over at his bedmate and raised himself up on his elbow. Jensen couldn't see Jared’s face. The top of his head was barely visible, the rest of him surrounded by the sheets and blankets. Jensen wanted to kiss him, but he thought better of it knowing Jared desperately needed his rest. The older man realized he had to pee, so he grudgingly got out of bed to traipsed across the cold floor. 'Thank God I put socks on,' he thought.

After he finished his morning bathroom processes, Jensen went back to the bedroom. He wanted to make sure they had a great breakfast, but he really didn't feel like cooking yet. After standing there for a couple minutes, Jensen realized he wasn't as awake as he thought and got right back into bed to snuggle next to his warm companion. He was rewarded by his lover shifting closer, laying up against him. Jared wasn’t coming out of his cocoon, but he was definitely sharing his heat. The beautiful face was looking quite content. Jensen rolled to his side and barely brushed the hair out of Jared’s eyes. He let himself fall back asleep while staring at the spectacular view.

It was noon when Jensen woke again. He couldn't believe he'd slept that long. He rubbed his face and sat up, feeling fully rested and anxious to get up and save what was left of the day. Jensen noticed Jared had shifted again. He was now on his back with his head turned away from Jensen. The man was still breathing deeply and very quiet. He was obviously still out for the count. Jensen knew Jared was going to be starving by the time he woke up so he decided to shower and start on that big breakfast, which would now be a late lunch. After dressing in a pair of loose sweatpants and house slippers, Jensen quietly padded to the kitchen to dig for pots and pans. They normally didn’t eat much while filming, knowing one gram of fat tended to add a swollen look on screen, but today was a special occasion. Jared had been practically starving all week and Jensen was hellbent on correcting the kid’s low fuel tank.

Jensen whipped up scrambled eggs with a sprinkle of cheese on top, a chewy stack of bacon and a stack of flap jacks. The house smelled incredible. He placed a pot of strong coffee in the middle of the table, then went to find his dining partner. He was surprised to see Jared missing from the bed. The bathroom door was shut, water running inside. Jensen lingered by the bed until the bathroom door opened. He was treated to the site of Jared standing in the door way, tousled hair all over the place, rubbing his sleep ridden face. The younger man was beautifully shirtless and leaning on the door frame to hold himself steady. He started to shuffle a bit unevenly toward the bed then realized Jensen was standing in the room.

Jensen moved forward to put his hands on either side of Jared’s face. He searched the sleepy eyes and smiled softly, "Good morning gorgeous.” Jared responded with a, "Hi,” then yawned. He blinked his eyes open, "What time is it?” Jensen filled him in, “It’s twelve thirty,” while rubbing the younger man’s shoulders. At Jared’s confused look, Jensen clarified, “We went to bed last night about eight and it’s twelve thirty the next day.” Jared’s barely functioning brain valiantly tried to apply basic math but he gave up. Jensen grinned, “Sixteen. You slept sixteen hours.” Jared’s self disgusted, "God,” was his only comment. Jensen asked concernedly, “Are you okay?”

Jared nodded, "Yeah...I think so.” Jensen raised an eyebrow, questioning whether Jared was really operating in the present. He asked, "Can you eat?" Jared yawned again, but seemed to perk up, "Yeah, I'm frickin’ starving." Jensen smiled as he led Jared out of the bedroom by his waist, “Well that’s excellent because your feast awaits, my over exhausted charge.” Jared winced, sucking in air and limping when he stepped, “Ow...ow.” Jensen stopped him, “Hold on just a sec,” then jogged back to the bedroom. He returned within seconds with the soft slipper shoes Jared had worn home from the set. He bent over and slipped them on Jared's sore feet, over the socks, as Jared held onto Jensen's shoulders. Jensen hoped it would provide a much softer impact.

Jared was suddenly overcome with heartfelt emotion. He'd never thought of himself as needing this kind of tenderness, but now that this relationship had been going on for five years he couldn't imagine life without Jensen's thoughtful and nurturing ways. Jared thought about how full his life was just because of Jensen. Everything was a godsend, except the fact that they couldn't be open. They had arranged marriages just to please the network and their managers, but they made it work and their life was rich with incredible jobs and children. Thank God they'd found strong capable women who also wanted kids and were supportive of them.

Jared was still exhausted and he was feeling it, plus his thoughts had wandered to his terrible week. Jensen looked up, sensing something was wrong. He stood quickly and put his hand on Jared's cheek, "You okay?” Jared smiled softly and nodded, "Just a bit overwhelmed with how I feel about you.” Jensen kissed him soft and sweet, knowing Jared's exhaustion was amplifying his emotions. With the tenderness of the kiss, Jared was reduced to a puddle of even more useless goo than he had been a few seconds earlier. Jensen put his arm around Jared's waist and walked him over to the dining table. He was glad the padding on Jared’s feet seemed to help.

Jared inhaled the wonderful smells, "God it smells good, you made a feast." He plopped down into the nearest chair and practically salivated. Jensen pushed all the covered plates closer to Jared so he could reach them and not have to get up. He sat down next to him and slid a water bottle in front of him. It didn’t require much coaxing, fortunately. Getting Jared to top off in fluids was one of his goals this weekend. After the younger man downed the bottle, Jensen poured him a steaming hot cup of coffee. Jared sipped it, then sighed heavenly with his eyes closed.

Both men ate in silence except for the obscene sounds of pleasure that came from Jared's vocal chords throughout the meal. Everything was so goddamned good, Jared closed his eyes, sighed and moaned with every bite. He couldn't help it, especially after skipping meals for the last few days and living off gummy worms and coffee. Jensen had outdone himself making all of this. Jensen tried to control his dick's reaction to Jared's expressive sounds. The younger man was 'very' passionate in all aspects of his life. He was addicting to be with in any setting because he was so responsive to things.

Jensen finished his eggs and bacon, now he sipped his coffee while watching his boy devour syrup drenched pancakes. Jared had gone for a few bites of eggs and bacon, but pancakes were always his favorite. He was slowing down, but still grabbed one more piece of bacon to top himself off. He rested his elbows on the table and hung his head low, "God, I'm so full....I couldn't stop, it was just so good." Jensen smiled. He moved some of the hair back that had fallen in front of Jared’s face, “You needed it. You need a lot more.” He was so pleased he'd gotten all the food down Jared between last night and this morning.

"Are you still tired?" Jensen asked. Jared sighed, “I'm tired but I feel like I'm missing everything. I hate sleeping so much." He glanced at Jensen, then quickly down, "Plus you're here now." Jensen smirked knowingly, “And?” Jared shrugged, his sky grin showing, “It’s just better.” Jensen shook his head. Jared was so fucking alluring, and still, after all this time he could stop Jensen’s heart and twist up his insides with that shy grin of his...especially when it included the dimple. He sighed, “You’re a fucking adorable little shit, you know that?” Jared looked up, confusedly? Jensen leaned forward and kissed him. He took the back of Jared’s head and pulled him closer, savoring the syrup flavored lips for a few seconds before he demanded entry. Jared opened instantly, allowing Jensen to taste and feel the bacon and coffee, and everything hot and wet that was uniquely Jared.

Jensen felt the blood go right to his cock, filling up and standing at attention. His balls were swelling, looking for some way to release the fluid they had built. Jared wasn't too exhausted to have that same reaction. They gently broke apart, managing to breathe between them while stealing several more soft lingering kisses. Jensen brushed Jared’s hair back from his face with both hands, then cupped the younger man’s cheeks, “Goddamn, it’s good to be able to do this.” Jared snickered softly, “Fuck yes.” They kissed again, this time Jared turning his body to face Jensen, as they both stood up. Passion took over, unbridled heat sparked as they crushed mouths together in a desperate hurry. Their hands roamed everywhere, feeling all the muscle and sinew they’d missed, trying to climb into each other’s skin.

After tasting every crevice of each other’s oral cavities, they pulled back trying to gentle the passion. They kissed a few more times, then Jensen had an idea, “You’re still exhausted. Can your feet and wrists take a hot back?” They leaned foreheads together, as Jared thought about it, “I think so. They burned like shit fire earlier in the shower, but they might be okay now.” Jensen grinned slightly, but he didn't mention that Jared had taken a shower 'yesterday', not 'earlier'. He knew damn well his lover wasn’t admitting to how tired he still felt. Jensen had a hot vision of holding Jared while they soaked in the tub, something they hadn’t done in a long time. He wasn’t entirely sure how he would get Jared ‘out’ of the tub if he relaxed him even more, but he would deal with that later.

Jared smiled, getting a visual from the gleam in Jensen’s eyes, then he started to grab his plate off the table. Jensen immediately grabbed it, "Nope, uh uh.” Jared argued with his notorious pissy face, "But you cooked.” Jensen argued, “Not this time,” then kissed him, “I don’t want you walking on those cuts too much and you’re exhausted. Just let me. Go get on the laptop and Skype our offspring if you need something to do and I’ll join you in a few minutes.” Jared pouted beautifully. Jensen snickered, then kissed the fully pouting lower lip. He smacked Jared lightly on his perfect ass as he turned him and gently nudged him toward the couch.

Jared was quickly placated. He loved talking with the kids and especially loved that Jensen reminded him they needed to connect. They usually talked to them twice a day so the kids were probably chomping at the bit. As he shuffled carefully on his sore feet, Jensen called to him from behind, "Make sure you only show your upper half, babe, okay?” Jared turned back, confused, then glanced down when Jensen pointed to his lower regions. “Oh,” he realized, as the protruding nuclear missile in his pants was still quite prominent. Jared snickered, “Good call,” then made his way to the couch. Jensen laughed as he cleared the table, but his eyes were still concerned at the painful winces Jared tried to hide. The younger man was yawning and rubbing his eyes too.

Jared immediately smiled when he saw Tom's face. The kids weren’t all in the same room so he got to talk to his oldest for awhile without being interrupted. Tom was often the stressor of the three. He worried about the younger ones and almost took on the protector role of the group. It was endearing to see a four year old take that on and it reminded him of Jensen. Jared could read the anxiety in Tom's young face. He assumed the others must be doing something active and crazy. Every minute or so Tom would glance away toward some sound he heard, then sigh as he turned back to his dad.

Tom relayed his pre-school adventures, then relayed his concerns about how to make the fence better so the chickens would stop getting out, how they should put pillows on JJ's knees so it didn't hurt when she fell. Jared couldn’t stop smiling with pride at his little caring son. Jensen came over and joined him, just in time to enjoy the tail end of the adult like conversation. Tom warned Jared, “Daddy, you have to be careful and don’t be too tired.” Tom left the screen and JJ appeared. She told the dads about her day at school on Friday and how one of the chickens got out and they had to chase him back into the cage. She talked a mile a minute, as both men watched completely mesmerized when she transitioned into her 'booboo' on her knee, pancakes with flower sprinkles, and a pretty dress she got to wear for the party. She pouted when she said she missed daddy reading ‘their’ book, then jumped up and ran off without a goodbye.

They shook their heads, laughing at their daughter’s short attention span. Next, Genevieve and Danneel sent Shep over. Shep was the more stubborn of the three. He was the youngest, and people expected him to follow the older ones, but that wasn’t the case. Shep was unique and independent. He came into view and immediately smiled when he saw them on the screen, "Hi daddies.” His enthusiasm brought smiles to both men as they heard about the birthday party they were going to from a two year's old's point of view. Nothing about the loose chicken or about JJ's booboo, or school, but about the party which would be 'so fun' according to Shep.

It was a short conversation as Shep wet kissed the screen and Jared and Jensen were forced to do the same. They talked with their wives to make sure everything was okay and told them about the week from Hell on set. Danneel was carrying twins now, so they had so much to look forward to with their family growing but they still worried. Their wives lived very well, financially, and enjoyed being mom's more than anything else, but when they had their own relationships with love interests, it was always up in the air how those people would feel. So far, nothing had gone wrong in their arrangements.

After they finished their talk session, Jensen put his arm around the younger man and pulled him closer. They snuggled into each other, kissing lightly. Before it turned into a full blown make out session, Jensen stood up and put his hand out for Jared to take. When he smiled invitingly, Jared wasn't about to resist and let Jensen pull him up. Jared followed Jensen’s lead but hesitated when he noticed the papers from his business. Jensen saw what he was looking at and pulled him to keep moving, “Uh uh...not today, love.” Jared quickly turned his attention back and went with Jensen to the bedroom. Jensen coaxed him to sit on the bed while he filled the huge jacuzzi tub in the bathroom. He found some soy moisturizing bubbles they hadn’t used in months. The stuff had a fantastic musky scent, filled with aloe and mineral oils. Jensen reminded himself to spray the tub with bleach based cleaner before the cleaning lady showed up or she would have a fit at the oily film this shit was gonna leave.

Jared could smell the bubbly stuff from the bedroom. It smelled wonderful, but he couldn't stop the sudden yawn that overcame him. He realized he was too damned comfortable on this bed and he better get up and walk around to keep from falling asleep again. His feet were sore, but nothing like earlier. As he walked around, his lover came out of the bathroom. Jensen approached him with concerned eyes, slipping his arms around Jared’s waist, “How you doing? You okay?” Jared softly smiled, “Yeah,” as he slipped his arms around Jensen’s shoulders and rested his head sideways. Jensen rubbed his back and kissed his neck, "How are your feet doing, and your wrists?” Jared replied lazily, "I can still feel them but they’re a lot better." Jensen held Jared for a moment, then slid back and turned Jared’s wrists to inspect them. Jared yawned, then remarked, “I don’t even feel those anymore. They’re okay.” Jensen commented, "They're closed up, that’s good." He looked up at Jared, “I don't want them to hurt in the tub and I'm worried this was a dumb idea."

Jared argued, "No, it wasn’t a dumb idea and I’m not missing this Ackles. If they sting it’ll only be for a second.” Jensen looked worried, "Yeah, well I know you, Padalecki, and you don't f-ing 'say' anything if something hurts, so I’m gonna worry a little here until I see you’re not faking shit." Jared rolled his sleepy eyes, using the adorable pout until Jensen reneged for the moment, "Fine, we're gonna try it but please tell me if it's burning, would you? I kinda planned on some extracurricular uh....pleasure...and let's just say pain doesn’t fit into the mix, kapeesh?"

Jared moved in closer to Jensen, poised with their mouth’s a centimeter apart, "Oh really," then took Jensen’s mouth over with a hot kiss. Both men immediately moaned as they tasted, licked and sucked for the next few minutes. Intense need escalated quickly. Jensen remembered the bath and only the fact that the tub might be overflowing caused him to pull back. ‘God,' he thought as he held a few inches away, breathing heavily. His dick was raging with demands. He looked at Jared. ‘Jesus, look at him,' he thought when his eyes landed on the kiss swollen lips, flushed cheeks and dilated pupils. Jared was fucking sex, beautifully aroused disheveled and willing hot as fuck ‘sex’.

Jensen moaned in frustration as he pulled away to go shut off the water. As he bent over to reach the faucet, his cement dick bonked the porcelain tub through his sweats. He quickly grabbed himself, knowing it would not take much for him to shoot his load. ‘Jesus,’ he thought, feeling about sixteen. Jared walked into the bathroom and removed his pants, slippers and socks right in front of Jensen. The older man could 'not' look away, as he watched the love of his life pull the loose sweats down, catching them on his stiff cock and making it bounce back upward. There was nothing over tired about 'that' piece of his Jared, that was for sure. Jensen couldn't wait to get his hands on it.

He entered the tub first and pushed toward the back, spreading his legs in invitation for Jared to come sit in front of him. It wasn't too hot, just right, but Jensen still prayed Jared's feet and wrists would be okay. Jared stepped onto the first step, waiting a minute for his feet to adjust. The sting dissipated after a few seconds. He realized Jensen was watching him closely for painful indicators. When Jensen offered his hand, Jared took it and stepped deeper into the tub, wincing slightly at a few more aggravating little stings to his feet. When those backed off, he sighed in peace and took his place in front of Jensen, happily relaxed.

The heat of the water felt wonderful. Luxurious bubbles layered the tub with calming scents drifting up into Jared’s sinuses. Jensen’s hands wandered all over the younger man with gentle kneading and loving caresses. Jared lowered his hands into the water, but jerked slightly with a hiss at the forgotten raw sores. Jensen held him from behind while Jared’s pain dissipated, kissing him on the side of his head. He smoothed Jared’s hair back lovingly, trying to offer anything soothing he could while Jared relaxed again. Jensen hated Jared’s pain, he felt everything that hurt him right to his core. When Jared turned his slightly with a soft relaxed grin, Jensen finally felt more at peace.

Jared sighed in blissful pleasure. He was laying against the man of his dreams, surrounded by heat and Jensen’s arms. The horrid week was over and he couldn’t think of a better spot to be in. Jensen kept rubbing his hands over Jared’s torso. He kissed his neck, his shoulders, as Jared rubbed his hands lovingly on Jensen’s muscular thighs. They both felt the soft oils moisturizing their skin, making the hairs on each other’s bodies even softer. Both men were horny as hell. It had been almost a week. Considering how tired Jared was, Jensen thought this was a perfectly orchestrated position to enjoy some long awaited orgasms. “Hey,” he spoke into Jared’s ear, “I want you to stay relaxed. Lemme drive for awhile...make you feel good...make you cum.” Jared instantly felt his cock respond, shivers and goose bumps reacting to the hot breath in his ear. ‘Jesuschrist,’ he thought, as his breathing sped up.

Jensen felt Jared’s body tense, heard his breathing escalate, as he started to slide his hands over Jared’s chest and down his stomach. Knowing he could incite this reaction in his lover caused his own dick to harden even more. He knew Jared could feel it against his ass. He kept moving his hands downward, rubbing his finger tips in circles through Jared's pubic hair. Jensen kept up circular motions, touching the crease between Jared’s thighs and groin, rubbing his fingers around his most sensitive area without going in for the kill just yet. Jared dropped his head back on Jensen’s shoulder, undulating his pelvis with need, tightening his fingers on Jensen’s thighs. Jensen continued his ministrations up Jared’s inner thighs and back down. It had been too long. He knew his boy needed release. It had been a full week and he didn't plan on making Jared wait.

Jensen slid his hands lower. He cupped Jared’s balls and gently kneaded them. Jared moaned in pleasure, his hips undulating upward, as Jensen lifted the other hand to turn Jared’s face toward him. They kissed hot and greedy, Jensen’s hand still doing heavenly things with Jared’s full sac. “Jesusfuckingchrist, Jensen,” Jared’s mouth broke away, breathing harder as Jensen moved his other hand down. He took Jared’s cock in his grip and held there, speaking soft into Jared’s ear, "I'm gonna make you cum, sweetheart. You’re so fucking gorgeous like this. M’gonna make you feel so good."

Jared cried out when Jensen's hand started to move. Jensen kept up the deep encouragements in Jared’s ear, licking the sensitive lobe and behind it, as his hand slid up and down. The hand around Jared’s balls still kneaded and massaged sensuously. Jared had too many erogenous zones going at once. He was instantly on the cusp of orgasm. He fought himself, wanting to prolong these feelings so badly. "Nnhnn..." he moaned, unable to get any rational words out, "uuhh...ohhgod," breathing hard and trying to catch his breath between the feelings of his cock sliding through Jensen's hand. Jared pushed up, fucking his dick into Jensen’s hand, tensing, squeezing his fingers tighter on Jensen's thighs, “OhfuckJen.”

Jensen squeezed his hand tighter around Jared’s dick, but kept up the slower rhythm, feeling Jared’s body tense even more, “Mmmmm..that’s it, baby. You’re so fucking hot, aren’t you. You’re gonna cum for me, Jay, you’re almost there, aren’t you. You’re gonna give me that load you’ve been building, give it all to me, sweetheart.” He sucked behind Jared’s ear. "Uhh God, Jen...Fuck," Jared's exclamations were rising in pitch. Jensen’s slower than fuck hand was driving him crazy. His build was too fucking intense. He slammed his hands onto the tub walls. Jensen could see the white knuckled grip. Jared was spiraling and so damn close. "Fuck," he blurted out, "I'm gonna cum," panting hard and loud. “Aaah god,” he pumped his hips, his cock going right into Jensen's tight grip, though Jensen still wouldn’t speed up.

Jensen brought up his left hand from Jared's balls and used it to turn his lover's face toward him again. They kissed hard, Jensen fucking Jared's mouth with his tongue. He pulled back, holding Jared’s head there, almost losing his own load at the gorgeous sight of Jared being right on the edge. “God look at you,” Jensen kissed him again, then released Jared’s head as he sped up his hand. Jared cried out, his head dropped back on Jensen’s shoulder, as he helplessly rose higher from the water and tensed. “Cum for me,” Jensen ordered in his ear, holding Jared around his chest. Jared's mouth dropped open, head arched back, his eyes widened as he hit the precipice and came. His body went rigid, eyes rolled back as Jensen held him tight. The younger man screamed and shook hard, spasming through waves of intense release.

Jensen kept his tight grip on Jared's cock, squeezing and milking him through every second of orgasmic pleasure. He couldn’t look away. The sight and feel was the most fantastic of a lifetime. Jensen was addicted to doing this to Jared. His possessive streak always marveled at being the only one who got to see it. As had happened before, Jensen’s orgasm reared while he was caught up in Jared’s. He couldn’t control it as the beautiful expressive face in front of him clouded when his own pleasure erupted and he groaned, “Uuuuuuuhhhhhh,” cumming hard with wave after wave of glorious pleasure. His hips jerked his cock right against Jared’s ass, grunting until he could catch his breath.

"Jesus fucking Christ," Jensen grumbled, his eyes clamped shut, struggling to recover. He was still holding Jared tight, feeling the younger man riding his own subtle aftershocks and sucking oxygen. 'Mine,' Jensen thought possessively. He turned to kiss Jared lovingly, while they came down to earth. Jared’s hands laid loosely on Jensen’s legs, his body relaxing into euphoric peace, as Jensen tenderly smoothed his hair back with his free hand. He let go of Jared’s dick, finally, using that hand to rub soothing circles over the younger man’s stomach. They laid there beautifully relaxed for awhile until Jensen wondered if Jared had fallen asleep. He stared at The face he loved so much and smiled at the angelic picture of total peace. Jensen reached behind him and pulled the plug, thinking he’d better get them to the tub before Jared fell deeper into REM and they were stuck in the tub freezing.

He kept his grip on Jared, but slipped around to the front of him, as he eased Jared back to take his place for a moment. “Jare," he called to him as he tapped him on his cheek. There was no response, at first, so Jensen tried again, "Jare, baby.” Jensen tried once more and Jared jerked his head up slightly. He opened his eyes and searched around, immediately trying to figure out what just happened. He ran his hand through his hair, blinking at the draining water, as he blurted out, “Goddamn.” Jensen giggled in his deep timbre, “Ya think?” Jared’s glance of slight embarrassment at passing out and his all over instant blush were Jensen’s weak spot, among others. He kissed the top of his head, then tightened his grip on him, “Come on...let’s get you outta here without killing us both.”

Jensen left Jared sitting up, got out and dried off quickly, then fastened a towel around his waist. He reached out to help lift Jared from the tub. Carefully, the younger man stepped over the tub and stood yawning while Jensen dried him off. It was obvious Jared couldn’t be trusted with his own safety at the moment, so Jensen kept him close. He noticed Jared's goose bumps and hurried things up. Jared ran hot most of the time but right now his body temp was obviously taking a dive and that meant his system was probably still low from recent events. Jensen figured it would take a couple more meals, more sleep and a gallon of liquids to get Jared all the way back on track.

When he finished drying his lover, Jensen slipped his hands around Jared’s waist, as the younger man moved into him. They stood in each other’s arms for a few minutes, Jared’s head on Jensen’s shoulder again. They absorbed each other’s presence, enjoying the feel of connection while Jensen rubbed soothing circles around Jared’s back. Jared's legs were kind of rubbery and weak, but he smiled to himself at the feeling of being in Jensen’s arms.

Chapter Five

"Are you warm enough?" Jensen asked, worried about Jared's health. Jared pulled back. He looked into Jensen’s eyes with a soft smile. Jared’s eyes were full of love and sweet adoration, “I’m okay.” His fingertips touched Jensen’s five o’clock shadow, as he kissed him soft and tender, then pulled back to look at him again, “I love you, ya’ know.” Jensen kissed the fingers, then smoothed Jared’s hair back with both hands, “I love you, too. You know you’re my everything, right? Corny as it sounds.” Jared snickered softly. “Me too,” he continued to stare. Jensen blurted out, “This week sucked ass.” Jared nodded with a soft grin, “Yes.” Jensen kissed him, then added, “We’re not doing ‘that’ again.” Jared kissed him back, “Agreed.” They embraced for a few more minutes, standing in each other’s arms to enjoy the closeness before Jensen pulled away and led Jared toward the bed. He wasn't sure if he could get Jared to take a nap, but he thought he should certainly try. Jared was still sporting those dark circles and some of that drawn look.

They turned the tv on and found the Indiana Jones trilogy, which was something they both enjoyed watching together. Jared pulled on a pair of sweats and socks. Jensen decided on old soft pajama bottoms and socks. They didn't bother with underwear as they weren't going anywhere and they would have easy access if somebody woke up horny...which happened quite often. Jensen waltzed into the kitchen and returned with two beers. He figured he had pushed the water enough and it wasn't gonna hurt Jared at this point to drink their usual stuff. Jared's face lit up when he saw him bringing in the beer.

They sat on the bed, propped up against the headrest and drank their beer to Harrison Ford searching for the Arc of the Covenant. Jensen almost choked when Jared spouted off, “So tell me how you came earlier." Jensen coughed and struggled to clear his windpipe while Jared grinned, “I ‘know’ you did. I kinda missed that part when you tried to kill me.” Jensen finally cleared his throat enough, “Fuckstick.” Jared then confessed, “I haven’t cum that hard in a long time...it was so fucking...” he paused, but Jensen wanted him to say it, “Tell me...so ‘what’?” Jared thought about it, his gleam of interest showing, “Hot, that’s what. It’s fucking hot when you’re talking in my ear, owning me like that. Jesus, Jen, control me any goddamn time. When you told me to cum I was like powerless.” Jared sipped his beer, leaning back to look at the t.v. “There was something about you being in total control and holy shit you blew my brains out.”

Jensen smirked, “Well, we’ve done stuff like that before, and yeah it does tend to blow the grey matter, doesn’t it. Don’t fret, I’ll definitely be doing that to you again.” Jared giggled. He turned to Jensen with sparkles of dreamy hero worship in his eyes, feeling lazy and utterly relaxed, “Yeah but I still didn’t get to enjoy my hot as fuck man blowing is wad behind me. What was it like? Tell me.” Jensen grumbled a bit. This conversation wasn’t helping his wayward libido stay relaxed. “Well, having a hold of you like that, feeling every muscle tense up, knowing those sounds you make and the intensity showing on your gorgeous face...I couldn’t keep myself from holding back, either. I came hard, right against your gorgeous ass. That what you wanna know? It would’ve been an embarrassing moment but it felt too goddamn good. It’s been a fucking week you know.”

Jared searched his eyes with a wondrous look. Jensen told him, "Jared, I've told you this a hundred times, but you never believe it...there is ‘nothing' as hot as watching you cum...anyone would have an orgasm if they got to see what I saw.” Jared blushed at Jensen's words, but he knew he had started this conversation and he couldn’t be irritated. He looked away with his shy smile, then leaned his head on Jensen’s shoulder. Jensen sipped his beer casually, “Of course...no one else ‘will’ ever see what I get to see because I would have to ‘kill’ them with my bare hands.” Jared looked up at him, “You’ll not share, Ackles, and neither will I,” Jared feeling his own possessiveness rising. Jensen grinned. He kissed the younger man then settled back comfortably.

Indy fought his way through a car chase scene, battled the bad guys to retrieve the Arc, while Jensen watched Jared scoot over and roll on top of his legs. He rested his chin on his folded hands, swinging his feet up in the air behind him. Jensen smiled. Jared seemed to be in a happy and playful mood, looking better. The dark circles were still there, but faded a bit. Jensen mentally patted himself on the back for his handiwork. His lover was obviously recovering.

When Jared noticed Jensen watching him, he treated Jensen to one of his diamond glittered full wattage smiles. Those smiles never failed to take Jensen's breath away. They were the ones that weren’t always present...the ones that reached Jared’s eyes and lit up his whole face. It was quite contagious to anyone near him when it happened. Jensen tried to explain it once, but got a disbelieving eye roll for it. This kid had no idea of his natural beauty and that was, in fact, what made him even ‘more so’. Jared crawled his way up to a sitting position, legs bent on either side of Jensen’s lap, and planted himself there. Jensen couldn't believe the difference in Jared between yesterday and right now. 'Just look at him,’ he thought.

Jensen set his beer down and slid his hands around Jared's waist, lacing his fingers together and holding onto him comfortably. He waited and watched his lover, grinning in awe that Jared was feeling this active. Jared kissed him on the lips, then locked eyes with him, "I love you so much.” They rested their foreheads together, looking into each other’s eyes as Jensen answered, “And I love you, so much. Always baby.” Jensen could feel Jared's energy waning, thinking maybe his little spurt of playfulness had been all his system was capable of at this point. He rubbed circles on Jared’s lower back. When Jared lifted his head to look at him, Jensen spoke softly, “You know, I think you need to rest more. You think you can?”

Jared twisted his face a bit, shrugged and sighed. Jensen watched as he resisted the idea. He patted the space beside him, “Here...lie down with me. I’ll snuggle with you.” Jensen grinned as Jared rolled his eyes but then settled down next to him with another eye roll. They both knew damn well they loved snuggling while they slept. Jensen scooted down to lie facing him. Jared yawned, then sighed in frustration, “I can’t sleep in the middle of the day.” Jensen rubbed his back with his free hand, his other supporting his head. “Yes you can,” he encouraged. He started gently playing with Jared’s hair. “Your body needs it, baby,” he coaxed.

After a minute of watching Jared fight it, he offered, "When you wake up, what if we whip up some steaks and barbecue for ourselves tonight? All the things we like...steak, potato, maybe a salad. That sound good?” Jared started to relax, still a bit frustrated but willing to try since Jensen was here. “Okay,” he said softly, his eyes becoming sluggish as they tried to stay open. Jensen smiled, “I’m right here. We’ll nap together. Just let go, schmookums.” Jared slowly faded closer to sleep, his soft smile from Jensen’s pet name he normally would bitch about if he had the energy. Jared twitched a few times, his eyes opening to search his surroundings before succumbing. Jensen knew this kid better than he knew himself. Jared had a terrible time letting go sometimes. Jensen had learned how to get him to rest when he needed it.

Jensen continued his gentle rubbing of the younger man's back and played softly with his hair. He listened to Jared's breathing deepen as he lost his battle to stay awake and conquer the world. As his facial muscles relaxed more, he mumbled sluggishly, "We h’vto c’l the kids t’night." Jensen softly soothed, "We will." Jared mumbled, "I think I have to redo m’ledgers, th’yw’r off.” Jensen responded, “That’s okay....you’ve got all day tomorrow.” Jared’s brow furrowed, his slack face still falling closer to REM, "We h’vto run lines, I havn’t,” Jensen soothed, “Sshhh...plenty of time. And Sam gets rescued by Dean next week so it’s you and me back in the saddle together, kiddo. It’s all gonna be good.” Jensen watched the pleased smile on Jared's face as he finally gave in to sleep.

Jensen studied the dark circles under Jared’s eyes. He was still pissed about Jared reaching such a poor state. No fluids, no food, exhausted beyond belief and the injuries from the shackles. He hoped Kripke was gonna take care of the new director because if Jensen needed to step in, it wasn’t gonna be pretty. After riling himself up about this subject, internally, Jensen finally realized Jared had opened his eyes again and was studying him. Jensen reminded himself they were so in tune to each other’s moods, they could almost read each other’s thoughts. Jared was probably falling into sleep but Jensen’s mood alerted him. He rubbed the younger man’s hair, “It’s okay. Everything’s okay.” Jared sleepily raised an eyebrow in disbelief, “Sure.” After he yawned, he sleepily mumbled, “S’not, you’re mad. Are you g’nna k’l s’mone?”

Jensen sighed, “No...but I wanted to. Eric’s on it. That bullshit that happened on set won’t happen again. And of course I’m pissed off...you’re the star of the show...you shouldn’t be coming home with wounds and malnutrition. It was utter bullshit.” At Jared’s guilty look, Jensen rushed to assure him, “Hey...don’t you dare take this upon yourself. You did ‘nothing’ wrong. This is on the guy in charge. I’ve directed a few times and the first thing they teach is about ensuring the safety of everyone. That self serving ego of his isn’t acceptable. Eric said he’d take care of it, and if he doesn’t, I damn sure will. You won’t be alone next week.”

Jensen watched his lover absorb all that. He leaned in for a kiss, gently smoothing Jared’s hair back, “I’m so sorry I wasn’t here, baby. We’re always here for each other and I should have been here.” Jared looked adorably sleepy as he argued, “S’okay, s’not your fault, Jen. I missed you so much, I just don’t wanna do that again. And it is kinda on me too cuz he kept saying ‘the audience needs to ‘feel’ it, they need to ‘feel’ it, the hurting suffering torture, ya know, so I guess I just fell deeper into the part until he finally yelled cut the last time. He said it was the best playback he’d ever done then finally let us all go. The crew was tired too, I’m sure.”

Jensen's ire sparked once again, "The best playback 'HE' had ever done? So, 'HE' had done it and there was no feedback that 'YOU' had done it? Unfuckingbelievable, now I want to punch him.” Jared always thought a pissed off protective Jensen Ackles was very sexy, but it could also be intimidating and not something you wanna mess around with, even if the anger wasn't directed at him. Jared was glad it wasn’t. Jensen continued his pissy rant, "So, the entire set crew, Kripke, Cliff and everyone else around you said that YOU nailed it out of the park. This is what they told me. Eric told me and so did Cliff. It was the crew’s opinion on your set that ‘every’ scene you did was ‘perfect’ and you ‘nailed’ it ‘every’ goddamn time. They saw you come back every morning with hardly any sleep, not eating, and looking dehydrated as hell. When your feet started bleeding one of the PA’s was brave enough to run tell Eric. Baby, you were almost ambulance worthy. When you stopped texting me? I knew something was wrong. The motherfucker is going down. I don’t care if it’s Kripke or me.”

Jared was speechless for the moment. Jensen had raised his voice and tensed up spouting off his protective anger. Again...'hot', Jared thought to himself, but he knew now was not the time to go mentioning it. He thought maybe he would try and soothe Jensen's temper by taking some of the blame for being a workaholic and failing to take care of himself like an adult, "Some of that is 'me' Jen, by Friday, even though I hadn't been feeling great I knew I just needed to get through one last scene and it would be over...I pretty much felt hollow and empty except for my wrists and my feet, but fuck, I guess I was used to the burning and stinging by then...I was so beyond tired and I didn't want to go home without you...I was probably being pathetic and whiney, I don't remember...Eric made me get in the car and when I got here, I realized I was mentally stuck somewhere between the scene and normalcy...I did some normal things and then I thought a shower would help, but it burned the fuck out of my cuts so I ended up with a depressing cool rinse...I was supposed to relax but I was just 'stuck'...'fuck' I wish I could just click it off like other people."

Jensen argued, "No...uh uh...listen to me, Jare. You are one of the most caring, sensitive and giving people on this planet and you feel things deeply...we both do, but you...you care so much and you give of yourself to everyone and everything and sometimes you run out of steam because of it. But even when you run out of steam, you have this reserve spirit that takes over and you 'still' manage to push yourself. Plus, you would never think to stop the scene and complain because you were fucking bleeding and injured. HE should have fuckin' noticed and who let's people go at 2 in the morning and expects them back with only 3 hours sleep, mother fucker, I wanted to kill his stupid ass...'that' was unforgivable the way he pushed you, Jared, and everybody on set knew it. The shackles were fucked up, the shit on the floor. YOU were the star and YOU were the one they should have been mother henning, especially since they all knew you and knew you wouldn't be sticking up for yourself, useless fuckers."

Jensen tried to gentle his reaction, now that he’d successfully vented everything he’d been holding in. He took a deep breath, “I know I’m losing it a bit, but when it comes to you,” he shook his head, “Baby, you don’t ‘ever’ change... ‘everyone’ loves you so much and you bring ‘everybody’ up, including me. Everybody feeds off that sparkle of yours, but sometimes you burn yourself out. That’s what I’m here for. When you get lost in deep water, I’ve got you and I’ll happily bring you back but,” he shook his head again, “those fuckers all knew I wasn’t there. ‘They’ should have been involved. I’m sending that PA a fucking year’s supply of fruit baskets.”

Jared was looking at Jensen with wonder in his eyes, “I have no idea why you love me sometimes.” Jensen argued, "Shut up. You've saved me many times, Jare, you always rescue me when I need it, so let's just both be in love and grateful and not go down any 'I don't deserve you' roads." Jared’s demeanor suddenly changed. His eyes turned dark with arousal. He moved over Jensen to lay on top of him. Dropping his voice to a low growl, Jared ordered, "Fuck me." Before Jensen could argue, Jared devoured his mouth with a deep intoxicating kiss, aggressive, hot, full of erotic invitation.

'Oh my God, yes,' Jensen’s body screamed, his dick standing at attention, hands roaming all over the perfect body on top of him. He struggled with his overloaded senses, knowing he was losing the battle to resist sex before Jared was ready, but his body wasn’t in agreement. The incredible oral assault, Jared’s beautiful mouth promising more heat and rapture, his body now undulating with hardening cocks touching through their thin clothing was too much. Jared’s tongue was doing things, invasive curls and wiggles, speaking a shared language of passionate greed. Jensen’s protective instincts were trying, they were really trying to weakly argue this was ‘not’ good for his lover right now but goddammit Jared was 'not' giving him any thinking power.

Before he could stop himself, Jensen flipped them over so he landed on top this time, still enraptured in kissing. Jared's hands wandered everywhere, kneading and rubbing Jensen’s shoulders, chest and abdomen, then slipped around to his back and down to Jensen’s ass. He kneaded and pulled Jensen’s pelvis down, grinding himself upward for more friction. Both men moaned, then Jensen broke away, "Oh, Jesus fucking Christ," he exclaimed loudly, kissing under Jared’s jaw and down his neck. He licked and sucked behind his ear, eager to taste everything at once, as Jared’s soft cries egged him on. Jared was a force to be reckoned with and Jensen really wasn't doing very well in the 'slowing things down' department as he hungrily attacked Jared's mouth again.

'Jesus, I'm not gonna be able to stop,' Jensen realized. Jared was too gorgeous, hard and begging for it, which wasn't helping. Jensen didn't wanna hurt him. He knew Jared was still not back to normal, but this need was taking over. Maybe it was the built up tension from being apart, the horrible week, Jensen’s anger and protectiveness, it was all fueling the fire. He pulled back from the kiss to look at his lover closely. Jared’s eyes were black with arousal, his body begging with need. There was no fucking way Jensen could refuse him. Jared’s lips were swollen and rosy, his hands kneading Jensen’s ass. Jensen must look the same because Jared licked his lips and groaned appreciatively.

Jensen crawled his upper body over with his weight on his arms to open the bed stand drawer and grab some lube. Before he could get back to where he was, he felt his multi-talented lover's hands pull down his pajama pants and expose his hard and leaky cock. When Jared pumped it with his hand, Jensen jerked, “Ooh,” from sparks of pleasure. "Shit," he exclaimed as Jared quickly scooted downward and put his mouth there. “Shit...Jared...aah...ooohgod,” Jensen cried out, as his eyes rolled up, overtaken by intense pleasure from the exquisite feeling of Jared’s hot wet mouth.

Jensen was completely at a loss of control, wanting desperately to push his dick into the hot wet cavity but barely holding himself back. He cried out, groaned at multiple levels, overwhelmed by Jared’s incredibly talented mouth as the younger man sucked and glided his mouth up and back. Jensen squeezed the tube of lube in his hand hard, then tossed it on the bed realizing he was going to waste it. He gripped the bedding hard, tense and shaking, barely starting to push his hips a little. “Fuck,” he cried, begging, feeling desperate to fuck into something, “Fuck...baby you have to stop. Ohmygod, Jared you have to stop.”

Jensen rose up on his haunches and held Jared at bay, pulling the dick out of his mouth and panting unbelievably hard, “Fuck...Jesuschrist your mouth is...fuck, Jare, if you want me to fuck you, you have to NOT do that again. Christ I almost came down your throat.” Jared’s nasty smirk wasn’t helping matters, as he scooted back up to the pillows, inviting Jensen to follow him. He pushed down his sweats, pulled his feet out of them and held up his bent legs by his knees. This effectively opened Jensen’s target with welcome easy access. “Fuck me,” Jared ordered, with another nasty smirk when Jensen grabbed the base of his dick and squeezed, “Mmmmmgoddammit...knock it off.” Jared smiled sideways, “I wanted to suck you dry all week.” Jensen growled deep, as he moved over Jared almost angrily, and popped the cap off the lube. “Fuck me. Wreck that hole,” Jared added. Jensen grumbled, “Shut the fuck up,” still on the verge of cumming fast and pissed at himself for it.

'Goddammit, this man does this to me and he knows it,” Jensen thought. He poised over Jared with lubed fingers in place. He kissed Jared first, then forcefully flipped him over on his hands and legs. It surprised Jared, but turned him on at the same time. They loved to see each other, but being ‘taken’ like this was a huge turn on too, at times. Jensen growled in his ear, “Prepare to be fucked into next week, since that’s what you seem to be asking for.” Jared’s breathing increased, he dropped his head down on his bent arms. “Oh god yes, please,” he felt Jensen’s fingers rubbing his hole. He was instantly crying out, moaning with pleasure as Jensen prepared him, one finger, then two, then finally three. The view was spectacular from here, Jensen thought, as Jared's beautiful ass gyrated and started meeting his thrusts. The most beautiful ass on the planet and it was all his.

Jensen pulled his fingers out and took over with his mouth. He heard the near screams of reaction to his tongue wiggling and thrusting inside. Jensen sucked the rim, circled his tongue, then pushed it back in with two fingers along side. He fucked his lover in and out, pushing Jared’s body higher and higher until cries turned into grunts, tense thrusts gained in speed and he knew Jared was climbing to orgasm fast. Jensen stopped his ministrations with a loving kiss to both cheeks, then lined himself up. Jared was barely coherent, whimpering, waiting. Jensen entered the hot channel slowly, closing his eyes from the glorious blissful pleasure of his dick sliding into the tight passage. Jesus. When he finally bottomed out, Jensen took a few seconds to breathe. Christ this was gonna be quick. He smoothed his hands over the beautiful ass and back below him, then leaned over to kiss the side of Jared’s head, “You alright?” Jared whimpered his sexy plea, “God yes, please move. Just fuck me, Jensen, you feel incredible.”

Jensen kissed the side of the head again, then raised up and gripped Jared’s hips. He started to fuck Jared slowly, then sped up, groaning, growling “mmmfuck,” because things were escalating quick. Jared pushed back, fucking himself, meeting Jensen’s thrusts. Jensen fucked him harder, pushing with force into Jared’s prostate. Screams of “YES,” begging “Ahgod, Jensen, YES,” came out of Jared’s mouth as unbelievable need took over. Jensen fucked fast and hard, grunting, squinting his eyes closed in concentration, desperate to reach that inevitable goal. Within seconds they were both gripping white knuckled, Jared the sheets, Jensen Jared’s hip bones.

Jared screamed, “FUCK...JENSEN FUCK I’M CUMMING,” then clamped down so hard Jensen had to shove mercilessly to still get his dick in deep. Jared screamed with orgasm, “Aaaaaaaaahhhh,” as Jensen shoved into twice more and came, “Uuuuuuggghhh.” Over and over they spasmed, guttural groans, riding the gripping waves of orgasmic pleasure. Left with grunts from remaining aftershocks, they didn’t move yet, unable to stop until released to collapse helplessly. Jensen landed on a boneless Jared, the younger man too weak to mutter other than a “umpf” as he melted into the bed. Jensen barely had the strength to adjust his weight, but managed to rest some of it on his elbows as he struggled to control his breathing while still coming down. Holy fucking christ, that had been spectacular. He prayed Jared was okay, but there were no signs of life under him except Jared’s own rapid breathing and light sheen of sweat.

When Jensen could move, he gently pulled his happily spent cock from it’s favorite place and laid down close to Jared. He gently moved the unruly hair back so he could see his lover’s face. Jared looked wiped. He was completely in ‘lala’ land, mouth half hanging open, eyes closed with a pleasant euphoric peacefulness on his face. Jensen snickered lovingly. He really hoped they hadn’t broken any additional parts of Jared. The younger man surely would sleep ‘now’. Jensen rubbed his back for a few seconds, then leaned forward and kissed him softly on the forehead. He loved this man with every fiber of his being. Jared was ‘his’ in every way possible. Jensen never got enough of being with this incredible creature.

Jensen worked some covers up over his lover, then cleaned himself up quickly in the bathroom. He returned with a warm wet cloth and pushed it between Jared’s ass cheeks. The younger man moaned without opening his eyes. Jensen smiled. He knew it felt soothing. He gently wiped off Jared’s sticky cum from underneath him as best he could, then made sure to cover Jared to his shoulders. Jensen threw the rag in the hamper, then joined his gorgeous mate under the covers. Jared moved to cover half of him, lazily sliding a bent leg over him and securing his arm around Jensen’s waist. He nestled his head against Jensen’s chest, as Jensen closed his arms around him. Jensen smiled as he felt himself drift. He had effectively been ‘spider monkeyed’ by his super affectionate post orgasmic lover and it was warm and perfect.

After a two hour nap, Jensen woke to his human furnace still blanketing him. He worked his way out of Jared’s hold, just as the younger man yawned and rubbed his eyes. Jensen waited, just to see if Jared was really waking, or not. When he blinked his eyes open, heavily, Jensen smirked, "I think maybe we'll forego the barbecue til tomorrow...that good with you?" Jensen waited for a response. When he received none, he raised an eyebrow, "Jare?" Jensen watched him. Jared sleepily rubbed his eyes again through his response, “Huh?” Jensen turned toward him more, concerned they might have fried a brain cell or two in Jared’s advanced grey matter. “Hey, you with me?” Jensen asked.

When Jared nodded sluggishly, Jensen repeated, “It’s close to dinner time. Before you crash tonight, I can whip up some grilled cheese, if that sounds good. Barbecue tomorrow?” Jared yawned, not seemingly quick on the uptake but looking a ‘bit’ more awake at Jensen’s suggestion. He focused on Jensen finally, “Cheese please. That sounds good, I’m starving.” Jensen smirked. He kissed the younger man, then rubbed his hair again while studying him. “How are you feeling?” Jensen asked, concerned. Jared yawned again, “I’m okay,” then tried to smile reassuringly. Jensen sighed, “You relax against the head board. Do NOT get up baby, I think we broke you a little.” Jared giggled adorably, looking sleepy and ruffled and beautiful as fuck.

Jensen headed toward the kitchen, grinning. He quickly put together grilled cheese sandwiches and added pre-made salads left by the housekeeper. He returned to the bedroom within fifteen minutes and found his lover watching the third Indiana Jones movie. Jared had propped himself up with two pillows so he could see the t.v. Jensen grabbed bed trays from the closet and placed one over Jared’s legs as he scooted up. He put two water bottles on Jared’s bedside table and exchanged a soft grin of understanding that Jared was to keep drinking his fluids. Jensen situated himself in the same position on his side of the bed. Within minutes, they were enjoying their food. Jared always played with his cheese. Even exhausted and orgasmed out, he still managed to pull gobs of the stuff from between the bread and held it up to drop slowly into his mouth. Jensen smirked and shook his head while he ate.

Feeling wonderfully full, satisfied and satiated, Jared leaned back against the pillows with a heavenly sigh. He looked like the cat who had swallowed the canary. Jensen nudged him, reminding him to down at least one of the waters. Jared complied without argument. After he swallowed the first few gulps, he realized how thirsty he still was...damn it was good. After he placed the empty bottle back on his nightstand, he settled against the pillows again. He thought about how he was feeling. Jared definitely felt like he’d smoked a joint or drank Nyquil. His brain was a little cloudy and he almost felt dizzy. Not horrible, but uncharacteristically groovy for just taking a nap. He turned to Jensen, “I feel like I’ve smoked a couple joints.”

Jensen almost choked. He covered his mouth, trying not to spit water at the unexpected comment. He laughed out loud, struggling in between little coughs. “Warn a guy,” Jensen looked over with a grin. Jared’s return grin accompanied by his innocent, “Sorry.” Jensen refocused on his lover. Jared definitely seemed out of it. Jensen got himself up, cleaned up both their trays and took them to the kitchen. He wondered if Jared was getting sick. While Jensen was putting things away, Jared thought over what he probably should be doing. He should be running or helping Jensen clean up or at least doing something other than laying on his fucking worthless ass. He thought about working on his ledgers but his body wasn’t responding to the suggestion to ‘get up’. Jared realized he couldn’t even fucking move. He noticed his right ear was starting to ring but he figured it was just sinuses again. He got those issues when they flew around a lot, changes in atmosphere and all that.

The look of concentration on Jared's face alarmed Jensen the second he walked back into the bedroom. He immediately went over to Jared's side of the bed and looked closely at him. “Hey, you feeling alright?” Jensen asked. His lover was paler than he’d been earlier, the dark circles still weren’t gone. Jensen felt his forehead, noting Jared felt warm but not blazingly hot at the moment. The fact that Jared hadn’t rolled his eyes at the gesture spoke volumes about how he was feeling. Jensen looked even more worried, “Talk to me, Jare. You okay?” Jared responded with a bit of unsure hesitation, “Yeah...I think so.” Jensen waited. Jared finally added, “My ears are ringing...it’s probably just sinuses. M’just a little off.”

Jensen begged to differ about the 'a little off' thing but he didn't wanna kick the kid while he was down...basically, Jared seemed to be running on fumes, but that was after some good food, water and some rest. He shouldn’t be looking this haggard. Jensen guessed the activities today probably hadn’t helped and maybe they set Jared back a bit. Worried about the younger man crashing, he explained, "I'm gonna grab the laptop and we'll talk to the kids now, okay? You need to sleep, babe, I think your system’s at the end of it's rope and we can’t push you getting sick." Not waiting for any arguments or a response, Jensen high tailed it into the living room and grabbed the laptop from the coffee table.

Jensen set the machine in Jared's lap and opened it up. Jared moved his right hand up, barely having to move, knowing what buttons to push by heart and not having to move any other part of his body. The men waited for a few minutes, knowing their kids' tablet was signaling anyone close by that they were calling. Soon, Genevieve came into view and after exchanging greetings, she told them she and Danneel had just gotten the kids home from the birthday party. They were riled up with sugar. The men could hear screaming and laughing in the background. Genevieve went to round them up quickly after Jensen explained that Jared really needed more to rest soon.

It was amazing what effect these little faces had on them. Jensen and Jared talked of it often. They could be in the worst shitty moods but their children were like magical beings who erased all bad instantly. When their kids all came into view, they were sweaty and out of breath, slightly dirty with colorful frosting stuck to their faces. They looked happy, eyes sparkling. Jared and Jensen started laughing when they saw them. All three competed to tell the story of the animal petting zoo, the pony rides, the bubble catching and the cookies they decorated. Shep made sure to stress that fact that they ATE the cookies. JJ bragged that her cookie was pink. Thomas rolled his eyes and sighed like he'd heard about that pink cookie a million times. The two dad's laughed at all of their antics.

Jared yawned hugely, not meaning to, then yawned again. "I'm sorry," he excused himself, but all the kids asked if their daddy was sleepy? When Jared didn't answer right away, Jensen answered for him, "Yeah, daddy's super tired today and he really needs to sleep extra tonight. That's why we called you early, munchkins...I'm so glad you had fun today." After they talked a bit more, every kid kissed the screen. Shep’s kiss left a big smudge of blue frosting, accompanied by an off screen expletive in Danneel’s voice, “Yuck, guys, that’s disgusting!” Jensen snickered, knowing Danneel’s ocd was probably about to implode. When she came into screen, Jensen asked her how she was feeling and if everything was okay. She assured him everything was great and she felt perfectly good. They were all going to breakfast with grandparents in the morning and then going to swim at Gen’s and have a bbq. The kids would be completely worn out by Sunday night.

When everybody hung up, Jensen closed the laptop and placed it on the nightstand. He sat on his haunches and helped Jared scoot down more so he was under the covers. Jared was very compliant. It was unusual and Jensen knew it. He made sure Jared was fluffed and comfortable, then laid down on his side with his head propped up on bent elbow watching him. Jared sleepily looked at him, “I’m sorry.” Jensen ignored the apology. He was concerned. He'd seen Jared like this twice in their five year relationship, once last year and now. This wasn’t like him unless there was something else brewing. He shut the lights off, feeling his own fatigue convincing him that he, too, probably needed more sleep. He snuggled close to Jared with his arm around the younger man’s waist.

"You okay?" He asked after moving a few strands of hair out of Jared’s eyes. Jared blinked heavily with no answer. Jensen asked, "Do you want your favorite spot?" Jared finally mumbled, “Anywhere you are is my favorite spot.” Jensen rolled his eyes with a grin at the cuteness of that. He felt his eyes sting a little with moisture. This little shit was his whole world. He kissed the tip of Jared’s nose then watched in surprise as the younger man fell deeply into sleep without hesitation. Jensen followed him, having a last minute thought that because they were naked, it was going to be icy as fuck getting up to pee. Thank God they had socks on.

Chapter Six

They were too tired to even snore. Jensen woke while it was still dark and had to pee. Sure enough, he froze is ass off padding hurriedly to the bathroom in all his naked glory to take care of business. He washed his hands and hurried back to the bed, appreciating that the covers hadn't lost any of his body heat. 'Damn,' he mentally swore, as he noticed the covers had slipped down off Jared's torso and the younger man was shivering. Jensen pulled Jared’s shoulder with all his strength to get him to roll over and positioned him on top of his chest. He pulled all the covers over them, then surrounded Jared with his arms to warm him up. Jared’s skin was like ice. Jensen kissed him on the head, as he felt the shivers diminish until gradually Jared relaxed. Jensen fell back asleep, definitely in his happy place for the next few hours.

He woke again later to the tickling of Jared's hair on his nose. When Jensen glanced down, he saw Jared had fully moved over him and managed a Koala bear grip around him. Jared's long arms and legs were wound around Jensen as far as they could reach, his upper torso laying across his chest. Jensen’s face was turned down, naturally gravitating that way toward Jared’s shaggy head laying directly under his chin. Wisps of Jared’s hair were moving as Jensen breathed. He smiled at the picture. ‘Sap,’ he thought about himself. If only people knew they were ‘not’ the bad hunters they played on t.v.

Jensen grinned to himself, thinking this was about the most peaceful place he could ever imagine, holding Jared like this. There were no interruptions, no demands, nowhere to be and it was Heaven. When he finally realized Jared’s forehead felt a bit warmer than usual under his chin, Jensen felt him with his hand. Immediately concerned, he glanced over to the clock. “Holy fuck,” he grumbled out loud. It was after ten. Jensen mentally swore, as he forced himself to reluctantly slide out of Jared’s embrace and get out of bed. As he stretched, Jared rolled to his right side but stayed asleep. Even with the slivers of morning light filtering in the window, it apparently wasn't enough to disturb the resting younger man.

Jensen felt him again, but decided he wouldn’t overreact at this point. Jared was warm to the touch, but he’d been wrapped up with Jensen’s heat and layers of covering. He would give it a little while and see if things changed. The younger man seemed to be sleeping peacefully at the moment. Jensen hit the shower. He took his time to enjoy the hot steamy water. They usually showered in such a hurry, times like this were a treat. When he came back to the bedroom in his robe, Jensen saw his lover hadn’t moved from his position. He grinned at the whirlwind of hair in disarray around the younger man's head.

Jared needed this rest bad. Jensen was going to make sure he didn't wake him up early today and let him naturally come out of his coma. Just to make himself feel better about things, though, he approached the other side of the bed and gently touched his hand to Jared's forehead again. He remembered Jared having an odd ringing in his ears and feeling a bit 'off' last night. Jensen’s mood shifted when he definitely felt Jared’s temperature even warmer than it had been earlier. ‘Fuck,’ he mentally bitched. He pulled the covers back a few inches to see a slightly red flush over Jared’s neck and chest.

Jensen weighed his options, deciding whether to wake Jared and see if anything hurt or if he was sick to his stomach...on the other hand, it might be better to let him sleep off whatever bug or condition he was facing. The kid was sleeping so soundly, Jensen decided to try and lower his temperature the old fashioned way first...see if he got anywhere. He went to the bathroom and grabbed a clean hand towel, rinsing it with cold water and wringing it out. He returned to the bed and very gently placed the hand towel over Jared’s neck and upper chest. He trotted back to the bathroom and did the same with a wash rag, then placed that one on the Jared’s forehead. Jensen grabbed some Tylenol from the medicine cabinet and set it by the bedside, just to be ready if Jared needed it.

Jared didN’t stir, so Jensen thought maybe whatever this was might be temporary and going to let up instead of manifesting into puking or hacking up a lung. 'One could hope,' he thought, as he went to the kitchen and grabbed a pre-made protein shake out of the fridge. He quickly set up the coffee pot and downed his shake while the machine perked enough for him to steal a first cup. The whole process had only taken him about eight minutes. Jensen couldn’t believe this was happening to Jared. He wondered how many hits his poor lover had to take as he went back to the bedroom with his coffee.

Jared was shivering. 'What the fuck,' he thought, as he frustratingly tried to pull the covers over himself. He fucking 'hated' that something was trying to invade his heat. What the fuck was interfering between his skin and the blankets? Something felt wet. As Jared confusedly tried to wake up and make sense of the frustrating damp sensation on his chest on neck, he realized the same shit was on his forehead. Jensen hurried over, just as Jared was mindlessly trying to pull the towels off, "Hey hey, Jay it's me...you're okay. You’re just a little hot, so I put those on you." Jared calmed at Jensen’s voice, but he tried to pull the warm blankets tighter around his head and upper body, not understanding that he was still sporting the wet towel and rag.

Jensen reached under the cocoon and pulled the wet items out, trying to assist the younger man in his quest. He rubbed Jared's back, through his covers, trying to soothe him more, waiting to see if he was going to wake up. Jared was on his right side, facing Jensen, who sat on the bed. He watched the sleeping man as he continued to rub his back. Jensen sipped his coffee with his other hand. He stilled his hand a moment, feeling Jared was still shivering. Jensen felt his forehead again. It seemed the cool rags helped a bit, but Jared was still too warm. "Hey...can you tell me how you feel?" Jensen was hoping Jared was awake and just resting with his eyes shut. He wanted to get some Tylenol down him and assess what was going on.

Jared felt like shit. He was also pissed that he felt like shit. He definitely didn't feel like opening his eyes, there was a pressure between his ears and he had 'no' energy. His ears were still ringing, but now they hurt. He couldn't decide if it was one of them or both. He sighed loudly enough for Jensen to hear, then struggled to open his eyes and squint with a a miserable moan. Jensen’s eyes were filled with sympathy, “Baby, I’ve got some Tylenol here. You’ve got a temp but I haven’t tested it yet. Can you tell me what you’re feeling? If you’re shitty enough, I’m gonna call the doc.” Moaning, Jared tried to respond without aggravating his throbbing ears...now he realized his head hurt, "...mmmm...” since that didn't seem to come out like he wanted, he tried again,"...Mm...ears hurt...my head is ringing, it's...pressure." Jared wished he could respond more but it felt like if he moved his head would explode. Jensen asked softly, “So, it’s your ears and your head mainly? Do you feel queasy?”

Jared nodded his head up and down, sluggishly, "mmmhmmm." Jensen worried they would have to hit the hospital if Jared had an infection, but he noticed Jared squinting his eyes after he’d nodded, “Are you queasy AND dizzy?” Jared whined, sounding pitifully helpless, “Yeesss s’dizzy t’move...hr’ts.” Jensen gently brushed the hair back from Jared’s face, “Okay love, you just rest. I’m gonna go make a call and see if the doc’ll come here so we don’t have to move you, okay?” Jared moaned in what Jensen assumed was an affirmative response. He went to grab his cell phone.

The network paid a doctor to be on set most of the time. He handled the illnesses and injuries for all the crew. Jensen tried the studio assistant first, who was always on call 24/7. She happily assured Jensen the doctor would definitely make a house call over the weekend and told him to give it a few minutes while she paged him. Within minutes, Jensen was explaining Jared’s symptoms, going over the recent week and asking the doc to make a house call so Jared didn’t have to get up. The doctor assured Jensen he would be there within thirty minutes.

Jensen hung up and went over to his lover to touch him on the shoulder, "Hey...the doctor's on the way, okay? Just hang in there." Jared gave a slight moan and Jensen figured that was his way of responding, even though he probably didn't feel like it. Jensen sighed and kissed the sick man on the forehead again before he gently rubbed his back. He prayed it was comforting and not irritating. He also prayed they didn't have to cart the poor kid to the ER like this.

Jared seemed to be zoning in and out of sleep at the moment, so Jensen went to the kitchen and grabbed more coffee. Sooner than he expected, the doorbell rang so he went to let the doctor in. Jensen shook the man’s hand, thanking him twice for responding on a day off. The doc assured him not to think twice about it and that he was here for them ‘round the clock. Jensen led him to the bedroom. He walked the doctor over to his lover’s side of the bed where Jared was still huddled with the covers around him, laying on his right side. He appeared to be sleeping, but the furrowed brow indicated it wasn’t a peaceful attempt at it.

The doctor leaned over, "Hi Jared, I'm Doctor Heller. Do you remember me from a long time ago when you were sick in your trailer on set?" There was no answer to that. "I'm just going to poke and prod you a bit but I won't ask you to move too much, okay?" Jared didn't answer but nodded very slightly in the affirmative. The doctor took that as acknowledgement so he began his examination. He set his bag down on the side table, then sat on the bed next to Jared. Even though Jensen had explained Jared’s symptoms, it was routine to hear it from the patient. He pulled out his thermometer as he asked, “Jared, can you describe where it hurts?”

Jared was slow to answer, but he finally spoke softly, “My ears hurt...n’my head b’t...s’morethe ears.” The doctor noticed the patient was shivering. He placed the thermometer in Jared’s left ear, “Just taking your temp, okay? Jared, do you feel cold?” Jared struggled to mumble, “Yeah.” The touch of that damn thermometer in his ear gave him goose bumps. The thermometer beeped, showing the doctor a 102.9 fever. He showed the results to Jensen, then asked, “Jared, do you have any soreness in your stomach, abdomen or anywhere other than your ears and head?”

Jared really wished the man would quit asking questions and just go away. "Noooooo," he answered, really not meaning to sound so whiney. He knew the man was trying to help him. Jensen lightly touched Jared's leg, giving it a gentle squeeze, "Hey...just hang in there. It's almost done and then the doc’ll make you feel better." He sensed Jared was too miserable to be doing this and just wanted to be left alone. The doctor smiled at the closeness of the two and also at the soothing effect the older man's presence had on his patient. He continued his exam, "Jared, I'm going to have to look in your ears, okay?" No response, but a small nod. The doctor stood up and leaned over so he could reach. He moved aside the makeshift hoodie Jared had made with his covers and used his magnifier to look in Jared’s ear.

The younger man squinted and shivered again, at the touch to his ear. 'Why do their goddamned instruments always have to be freezing,' he bitched silently. The doc made him feel guilty with his apology, “I’m sorry...I know this isn't comfortable right now.” Jared sighed in frustration at his own failure to say something nice but right now he was too busy tightening the covers around him to make up for his exposed face. 'Fuck, it’s freezing,' and 'fuck' that hurts, stop,' Jared thought but was too dizzy and miserable to voice it. The doctor pulled away from his ear and covered Jared's exposed head back up. The younger man was appreciative until he was told the next thing that was going to happen, "Jared, I'm sorry, but I need to see that second ear, okay? Can you turn over?"

At first, Jared thought he misunderstood, then Jensen squeezed his leg again, "Jare, the doc's gonna fix you up, but you gotta let him see that other ear, okay?" Jared closed in on himself. That ear was the worst of the two. It was like someone lit fucking sparklers for Fourth of July and stuck them in it. It didn’t sound favorable to go exposing it to the cool air, 'nor' to the damn doctor's tool. Jared was also quite terrified that moving was gonna make him puke from the dizziness. "MmmNooo," he moaned his negative response. There, maybe they would let him die in peace. The doc asked with concern, “Jared is that ear feeling worse?” Jared nodded slowly, “Yeah...it h’rts ‘lot more.” He silently begged, ‘please don’t make me move’ but then he felt hands on him, turning him onto his other side.

Jensen helped the doctor after he told him that there was definitely an infection in the one ear, but he suspected the other one might be worse. He needed to make sure in order to get the correct medicine. Jared groaned in misery. He squinted his eyelids tightly to control the dizzy feeling. He breathed rapidly, in order to try and control the feeling of the room spinning. Jensen’s voice, "It's okay, buddy, I got you...try and relax." Jensen was so sorry his lover had to go through this. He kept his hand on Jared’s other leg to keep assuring him he was there. When the doc looked in this ear, Jared shrank away with a pitiful moan. The doctor hissed when he saw what he’d been looking for, then apologized again, “I’m so sorry, Jared, I see why it hurts so much. You’ve got a nasty infection.”

Jensen used all his self control to keep from pulling the doctor back and punching him. It was killing him to see Jared cringe and cry out for a few more seconds before the doc finally pulled away. He pulled the cap from his instrument and replaced it with another one, “I’m sorry again Jared, I know that was uncomfortable.” 'Uncomfortable?' Jared thought to himself, 'if that's your idea of uncomfortable, let me stab a fire poker in your ear and see what you think.’ Jensen continued to rub Jared's leg while he watched the doctor listen to Jared's heart and lungs. The doctor seemed to be satisfied with what he heard. Jared’s deep breaths took a little longer since Jared was slow to respond to his commands.

The doctor took Jared's blood pressure next. Jensen helped by gently pulling Jared's arm out of the covers. The doctor seemed to be a bit concerned at his readings, but he didn't share anything yet. He asked Jensen to help him roll Jared to his back. Jensen wasn’t too agreeable, at first, but the doctor assured him he was almost done and it was important. Jensen rolled his lover over as gently as he could, keeping him wrapped in the covers. Jared whimpered a bit, but managed to get through the movement by keeping his eyes shut and breathing through it. The doctor used a pen light to check Jared's pupils. Jensen prevented him from pulling his face away, which was something he absolutely ‘swore’ he would never do again. Luckily it went quick. The doctor looked up his nostrils, then asked him to open his mouth to check Jared’s throat. Jared really wondered what the hell all this had to do with his ears.

When the doctor announced he needed to check Jared’s skin for rashes and his stomach and abdomen for masses, the patient blurted out, “WHAT?” Jared was still tensed up, squinting his eyes tight and trying to control his breathing. He wanted them to just STOP. The doctor spoke to Jensen, "If nothing is inflamed and I see no rashes on his skin, we're done.” Jensen nodded with a sigh. He knew this wasn’t going to be popular. “Okay,” Jensen agreed, then bent over to get Jared’s upper half uncovered.

The doctor hurried, feeling Jared’s internal organs for any masses. He checked Jared’s skin closely, noticing the healing sores on the actor’s wrists. He looked at Jared’s fingernails, noting he had recovered from the dehydration and he wasn’t malnourished. He finally helped Jensen cover the freezing shaking patient back up. Jared’s teeth chattered the entire time. He tried not to moan pitifully, but knew he failed. It was fucking freezing. The doctor felt Jared's neck for swollen glands and found none. Jared was finally left in peace to hug the blankets tightly back around him. He rolled to his right side again, desperate to cover the most painful ear with the pressure and heat of the pillow. "I’m done now," the doctor announced to both of them. He picked up his bag and went to the living room.

Jensen lingered with Jared for a moment. He kissed him on his hot forehead while gently rubbing his shoulder, "I'll be right back, baby. Just rest now." Jensen found the doc scribbling notes on a pad at the dining table. When he finished writing, he looked up at Jensen, “Well, it isn’t just some small time ear infection, it’s a double. I believe it’s moved quickly into the inner ear and that’s why he’s so dizzy. He looks good compared to what you explained about his condition on Friday. I see no malnourishment and dehydration so he’s come back from that. The infection is something that can move in when a person’s resistance is low. If he was running that low on nourishment and fluids all week without sleep, it would have been a perfect time for viruses and bacteria to have a field day. If he had a minor ear ache or a virus or something that hadn’t manifested yet, it probably blew up and attacked his ear ducts. Some people have no idea it’s coming. It moves fast."

Jensen listened with controlled anger, 'One more thing to fucking kill the director for,' he thought. and Jesus I pounded him into the mattress yesterday,’ he reminded himself, now feeling terrible. Jensen rubbed his face and sighed, as the doctor continued, “I’m prescribing a strong antibiotic. It should start attacking the bacteria right away. The pain will start to alleviate after the second dose, most likely. I’m giving you 800 milligram Ibuprofens for a couple days to reduce the pain until the infection is gone. You can use the Tylenol in between that if he needs more."

Jensen nodded in understanding. He asked, "Where should I go get the meds from?" The doctor responded, "Oh no need, they're on their way here right now. I texted my PA and I'm having them delivered." Jensen's eyebrows raised up in surprise, "Oh, wow, thank you so much." He had no idea that was possible. He was grateful he didn’t have to leave Jared.

The doc smiled, "No problem. I figure it's better you don't have to leave him. Again, about the week he's had, I think he’s recovered well in the last forty eight hours, except for that infection. This will throw him back a bit. Keep pushing the fluids. The fever and the meds will dry him out again fast. I’m not sure when he’ll feel like eating so he’ll need the fluids. The only thing off was his blood pressure. I know he’s a runner. He’s got a healthy history so I’m gonna assume it’s the illness that’s causing it, for now, but I wanna see him next week. I’ll come by the set to see how he’s doing."

Jensen nodded and smiled gratefully, "Thank you again. I’m really grateful you made the house call.” The doctor shook Jensen’s hand, then walked to the door, “It’s never a problem. That’s what I’m here for. By chance, do you guys have a heating pad?” Jensen thought for a second, “No, I don’t think we do.” The doc said, “Let me grab the unopened one in my car. You can use it on the more painful ear and it’ll help.” Jensen waited at the door for the doc to grab the box and bring it back to him, “Heat that in the microwave. Place it against the worst ear and let him lay on it. Trust me, it’s effective until his pain meds kick in. The heat lasts a couple hours.” Jensen thanked him. Before he left, the doc reminded Jensen, “You have to watch him close when he’s moving round. His balance will be completely distorted for a couple days. He’ll be very unsteady while he’s up.”

Jensen nodded in understanding, looking concerned. He felt terrible his lover was this bad. "Okay doc,” he agreed. He closed the door as the doctor got into his car. Jensen took the heating pad to the kitchen and pulled it out of the box. He read the instructions and heated the pad for two minutes.

Chapter Seven

When Jensen returned to the bedroom with the hot pad and a towel to buffer the heat, his lover was still in the same position. Jared was huddled inside the covers, looking quite miserable. Jensen went over to his side of the bed, got down on his knees and gently moved the hair off Jared’s face. The younger man sleepily opened his eyes to give Jensen a half smile of appreciation. He loved him so much and absolutely HATED being such a drag. He squinted his eyes shut, “I’m sorry,” then moaned in misery. Jensen rubbed his hair, “Ssshh...no, baby, don’t go there. This isn’t your fault, love. I’m the one whose sorry you’re suffering. Hey, I brought you something that’s supposed to help.”

He brought the hot pad up to Jared's face and wrapped the towel around it, so there would be a barrier between the pad and Jared's skin. Jensen lifted Jared's head up a couple inches off the pillow and slipped the heating pad under his ear. Jared moaned weakly at the movement, but as Jensen lowered his head onto the pad, he sighed a breathy sound of relief. The heat was penetrating his aching ear drum, taking the edge off the terrible pain. He moaned in sweet relief, his face going more slack, as he melted into the heat. Jensen played with his hair, “I’m so sorry, baby, this isn’t fair. You’re gonna get better real soon. Your meds are on the way.” He kissed the hot forehead, just as the doorbell rang.

Jensen gratefully accepted the bag of medication from the assistant at the door. He headed for the kitchen, grabbed a purple Gatorade and a straw. Jensen opened the pharmacy bag and pulled out the antibiotic and Ibuprofen. He measured out the dosages and headed back to Jared. Jensen stopped himself, remembering the pills probably weren’t going to sit well on an empty stomach, so he backtracked and grabbed a few crackers. Jensen went to Jared's side of the bed and got down on his knees again. He set the pills, crackers and gatorade down and gently smoothed Jared's hair back while he spoke softly, “Jare, I know this is a tough one, but I need to get you upright so we can get your meds down. They’re gonna help but I’ve gotta get you to swallow them and some Gatorade. I brought a couple crackers too so this stuff doesn’t hurt your stomach. You think you can try if I help?"

Jensen watched Jared inhale deeply and give a valiant attempt at pulling his head up, then his shoulders. When he slipped his right elbow underneath himself, he shook from weakness until Jensen pulled him the rest of the way up. Jared panted from the dizziness, his eyes closed. He hung onto Jensen’s robe with an iron grip. Jensen scooted next to him and slipped his arm around Jared’s torso. He supported him completely, letting the younger man focus on his balance. Jensen soothed him, “It’s okay, I gotcha. I’m gonna have you down a few crackers first, then sip some Gatorade. Just keep your eyes closed, if it helps.”

As soon as Jared ate the crackers, Jensen reached back and grabbed the pills. He placed them into Jared’s hand, then reached back for the drink. He held the bottle with the straw in front of Jared’s face until the younger man reached blindly for it. Jared took the pills with a shaky hand, then drank from the straw. Jensen hated seeing him like this. The poor kid was miserable sitting up like this without any equillibrium. After drinking the entire bottle, Jared struggled for a moment to catch his breath. The liquid had been delicious. He hadn’t realized how thirsty he was. He handed the bottled to Jensen, who put it back on the nightstand, then helped ease Jared down again. He was still shivering. He squinted his eyes shut and breathed through the nausea from moving. "I'm so sorry, baby," Jensen soothed, rubbing gentle circles on Jared's back. He began a very light massage, moving up to his head and down his neck. Jared moaned appreciatively. It felt so good and distracted him from the spinning inside inside his head.

After a few minutes, Jensen spoke softly, "I'm gonna get a shirt and some pajama bottoms on you...it'll help you keep warmer. You’re still shivering, love. I don’t want you to have to move, okay? Just let me do the work.” Jensen didn't wait for an answer. He kissed the shaggy head then stepped over to the dresser and grabbed the clothes. After carefully shimmying Jared into some clothing, he went to warm up the heating pad again. When he slipped it under Jared’s right ear, the younger man moaned in blessed relief before he mumbled, “thnku.” Jensen smiled sympathetically as he gently rubbed Jared’s hair. When the younger man seemed more relaxed, Jensen finally ditched his robe and donned his own pair of sweats and a t-shirt. He went to his side of the bed and propped himself against the headboard.

Jared sighed. He felt frustrated and helpless. He wanted to turn over so bad and face his lover, but every little attempt at movement caused immediate dizziness. He couldn't believe they had all this time off together and 'this' was fucking ruining their weekend. It sucked. Jensen heard the sigh. He knew his lover well, so he turned on his side and scooted up against him. He slipped his arm around Jared’s waist and started to gently play with his hair. He noticed Jared wasn't shivering now, so that was a good thing. When the younger man’s breathing evened out, Jensen knew he’d fallen asleep.

Jensen rolled to his back, thinking he might just grab a workout, but Jared surprised him. The younger man inhaled deeply, then rolled over against Jensen’s side with his face wedged against him. He curled his body over Jensen’s hip. Jared had brought the heating pad with him. It was still tightly held on top of his ear by his bent arm. Jensen felt Jared's unexposed left hand grip his sweatpants tightly underneath. He grinned to himself thinking Jared had to be the cutest sick adult person on the planet. Jensen could envision the bitch face he was going to get when he advised Jared of that.

Jensen rubbed more soothing circles on the younger man’s back for a few minutes. He slid down to face him, moving the unruly hair aside so he could see Jared’s face. For the first time in hours, Jared wasn’t squinting and looked more at peace. Jensen asked, “Hey...you feeling some relief yet?” Jared kept his eyes closed, but softly mumbled, "mmmhmmm." Jensen smiled, 'Again, fuckin' cute,' he thought. He was further surprised and pleased when his sick lover added, "s’bettr now.” Jensen watched him as he yawned and struggled against dizziness before he opened eyes.

'Dammit,' Jared cursed mentally. It was so hard to focus. He held Jensen's beautiful green eyes for as long as he could but everything was spinning. When he squinted his eyes shut, he felt Jensen’s loving hand rub his head again. He fucking hated this. Jensen rolled over his lover, taking Jared with him which pushed the younger man onto his back. The heating pad had been let go and fell away from Jared's ear. Jensen looked down into the slightly more alert beautiful face of the most important person in the universe to him. Jared slid his arms around Jensen's waist and reveled in the feel of him and his body blanketing his own. He wished he could start something but the constant pressure and spinning of his field of vision was keeping him off balance. 'How can you feel off balance laying down,' Jared asked himself. He continued to shut his eyes intermittently, trying to counter the dizziness.

Jensen missed very little when it came to Jared. He could see him frustrated and struggling. "How you doin’?” he asked. Jared was at least able to communicate now, "This ear feels better. The fire poker in it died down. This fucking dizziness is pissing me off, though." Jared sighed loudly, “I want to get up. It's driving me crazy being useless.” He closed his eyes and sighed again, “I’m sorry this is ruining everything.” Jensen looked at his lover unhappily, "Yeah, shame on you. I’m sure you planned this whole thing.” He kissed him, “You know I love taking care of you, and it ain’t that easy being you’re so damn stubborn, and all. I kinda ‘like’ you defenseless and helpless like this. Doc said you can’t be moving around alone until the antibiotics start killing that infection. Now you ‘have’ to depend on me.”

Jensen grinned. The eye roll he received caused Jared another wave of frustrated dizziness. Jensen rubbed his hair gently while he waited it out. He reminded him, “If you wanna get up I'm here. Just tell me what you want and I'll make it happen." Jared delivered a slew of ideas, "Well what I WANT is to take my dead ass running, and do some weights, 'then' I want to fix those ledgers from the bar, 'then' I want to call my accountant and consult with him, 'then' I want to fucking shower, 'then' I want to fucking screw the shit out of my most incredibly handsome MAN..maybe do that twice, 'then' maybe run lines, 'then' fucking cook that bbq shit you talked about..."

Jensen couldn't help smiling at Jared's rendition of all the things he 'wanted' to do in the next five minutes. He loved to see his personality shining through, even though it was falsely due to the medication. Jensen considered for a minute, "Maybe we can get you in the shower while your pain pill is working, put you under the hot water for awhile, see if it helps...and you sit in the sun after. I don’t wanna make you puke, though, so tell me if you feel like trying it. I’m kinda worried you haven’t peed in a day. I think you need loads more water and maybe some soup in you.”

He waited for Jared to think it over. When Jared nodded, Jensen kissed him, “I’ll be back in a flash. Do NOT get up without me.” After Jared’s eye roll and “Fine”, Jensen quickly stacked some towels near the shower and opened the patio slider to let the fresh air in. He pulled the covers completely off his lover so that there were no interfering obstacles to trip him or hinder him from getting up. He pulled him up by the arms into a sitting position. They sat there for a couple minutes while Jared’s equilibrium acclimated to the new position.

Jared raised his arms when Jensen began pulling his t-shirt off. Jensen mentally noted his lover was never this compliant. He knew Jared must be quietly fighting a buttload of dizziness to be this agreeable. Jared put his hands down to keep his balance while Jensen worked his pajama bottoms off. He held onto him as Jared slid his legs off the side of the bed. Sitting up like this caused waves of lightheadedness. Jensen kept his grip on his lover. He figured this wasn’t just the inner ear, it was probably some dehydration and lack of calories. He squatted down in front of the man.

Jensen placed his hands on the younger man's knees, “Breathe baby. Just let me know when you’re ready.” As Jensen watched, Jared inhaled a deep breathe, then started to push himself up. Jensen stood quickly and pulled him up by his elbows. When Jared was standing, Jensen quickly slipped his arms around his waist. Jared grabbed Jensen’s t-shirt in an iron grip. He kept his eyes shut, trying desperately to control the unbalanced feeling. When he leaned his forehead on Jensen’s shoulder with a frustrated moan, Jensen kissed the shaggy head, “I know...m’sorry, baby. I gotcha, just take your time.”

When Jared finally lifted his head, he took another deep breath, then nodded, “Okay. Let’s go.” Jensen instructed, "I'm gonna keep a hold on you, walk backwards and you step forward with me, okay?” Jared responded, “Okay,” with his eyes closed. He’d reached some semblance of balance and didn’t want to screw that up. As Jensen pulled back, Jared stepped forward and together they made it to the bathroom. Suddenly, Jared's head swam and he felt like he was gonna pass out. His grip on Jensen’s tightened with panic, as he struggled to control his breathing. Jensen soothed him, "I gotcha, baby, you’re not goin’ anywhere.” Within another minute, Jared’s death grip on Jensen relaxed, the older man able to get the shower going and remove his own clothing. He kept his eyes on Jared while he adjusted the water temp.

Jared hung onto the shower doorframe until Jensen was ready, then followed Jensen’s lead to step over the shower wall. Jensen gripped his elbows tight when Jared wobbled a bit. Jared peeked at his lover’s body, frustrated at himself, 'Dammit, there's so many things I could do to him.’ Jensen grinned, guessing he knew precisely what Jared was probably thinking. Sex in the shower was one of their regular favorites. It wasn’t gonna happen today, though. Jensen had to concentrate on controlling his thoughts about what happened in the tub just yesterday. It was quite ‘hot’, but Jared didn’t need to be trying any exertion right now.

Jensen warned, "It’s slippery in here. Don’t make any sudden moves and make sure you hang onto me,” before he moved Jared under the spray. "Uuuugghhhhh...aaaahhhh," Jared’s blissful reactions were priceless. It was quite a rewarding experience to enjoy a wet Jared moaning in the shower. Jensen grinned while the younger man’s pain and suffering were forgotten for awhile. He kept one hand on Jared while he used the other to squirt the shower gel into his hair. He washed Jared’s hair one handed, then worked the shampoo out under the sprayer. From there, he squirt gel on Jared’s body in various places, then on a rag, and went to work soaping the man down.

Jensen loved doing this. Jared was perfectly cut with gorgeous muscular definition and it was Jensen’s ultimate pleasure to run had hands over him every chance he got. When he reached Jared’s balls and dick, Jared moaned and smiled with his eyes still closed. Jensen looked up with a grin. He knew it was an invitiation. When he refused to linger on the beautiful set of manly parts, he received a frustrated whine. When he stood to help Jared rinse off, the younger man mumbled, “You know, when this shit goes away, I’m fucking you against one of these shower walls, Ackles.” Jensen chuckled, “I have no doubt.”

Jared leaned in for a kiss, which was a mistake. The movement instantly caused his head to spin, even with his eyes shut. He teetered, as Jensen grabbed him around the waist and sighed admonishingly, “You know, you can’t ‘fuck’ me against any walls if you crack your head on this tile. Would you quit trying to pretend you’re not sick? I said no sudden moves, big guy.” Jensen waited until Jared finally opened his eyes and took a cleansing breath. Jensen reached behind him and turned off the water, then stood holding Jared by the elbows for a few seconds.

“You okay?” Jensen asked. When Jared nodded, Jensen opened the shower and helped Jared step out. Jensen was impressed. Jared seemed to be having a dizzy free few moments. He knew better than to take it for granted, though. As he dried Jared off first, then himself, he kept a hand on the younger man at all times. After he tossed the used towels on a nearby chair, Jensen slipped his arms around Jared’s waist and just held him for a few minutes. The clarity in Jared’s incredible eyes was encouraging. He looked well for the few seconds it lasted, then Jensen tightened his arms.

Jared’s vertigo attacked with a vengeance. He squinted his eyes shut, as he leaned his head down and took quick short breaths. Jensen pulled Jared's head onto his shoulder and held the back of his neck. He kissed the side of his head and nuzzled into his neck, “I’m sorry, love.” Jared breathed through the dizziness, soaking up the strength and support. He fucking ‘hated’ being like this. When Jensen felt him start to relax, he pulled back to look at Jared’s face, “Hey...better?” Jared nodded slightly, still off kilter but better. Jensen rubbed his thumbs on the younger man’s back, “Let’s get you in your clothes before you get cold, okay?” Jared nodded with a soft, “Okay.” When Jensen started to move, Jared stopped him. “I’m sorry,” his anguished eyes added volumes to the apology.

Jensen sighed, rubbing a hand through Jared’s wet hair, “No sorry’s from you. We got this, alright? Those antibiotics are gonna knock this shit on it’s ass soon. The doc said it wouldn’t take more than a day to start killing the bacteria.” Jared was looking like he lost his dog. Though the pouty lip was adorable, Jensen wanted to nip it in the bud fast, “Hey, you’re better already, love. Just a little while longer and you’ll see.” He kissed the younger man on the lips and received a warm return kiss. Jared couldn’t reciprocate for too long before he had to close his eyes and cling to Jensen’s arms. He breathed through a small wave of dizziness before Jensen grabbed the underwear and pajama bottoms he’d brought in beforehand.

While Jared hung onto Jensen’s shoulders, the older man helped him into a pair of socks, underwear and pajama bottoms. He then stood and pulled a t-shirt over Jared’s head, then a sweatshirt. They stepped over to the sink where Jensen kept his hands on the younger man’s waist while he attempted to brush his teeth. Jared swayed a bit, but Jensen kept him steady. He figured his lover didn’t even realize it. When Jared was done, Jensen reached for his deodorant and handed it to him. Jared used it while Jensen kept his hold on him.

Jared brushed through his wet hair, then started to turn away from the counter. As he did, he felt his knees buckling and grabbed out for any kind of stability. Jared missed the counter but felt Jensen’s solid muscular shoulders as the older man caught him around the waist. “I gotcha,” Jensen soothed. Jared’s head spun at overwhelming speeds, as he kept his eyes closed and panted through the weakness. ‘Holy fucking cow,’ he couldn’t believe this shit. He desperately tried to quash his stomach’s desire to dry heave, while hanging onto Jensen for dear life.

Jensen watched his lover struggle with his horrible loss of equilibrium. He was glad he’d been paying attention. In a fraction of a second, Jared’s face turned sheet white and he started to go down. Jensen was sure his heart stopped for a second. Right now, it appeared Jared was starting to get his color back. “You color’s coming back, babe. Just give it a minute,” Jensen coaxed, as Jared breathed through the last of the dizziness. “S’going away,” he mumbled, but Jensen held him tight until he was sure of it.

Jensen dressed fast, in between glancing at his lover who had been instructed to grip the counter top for a moment. When he finished, he slipped his hands around Jared’s waist again. The younger man had his eyes open now, so Jensen could at least see the ever changing beautiful colors. Before they moved, Jensen brushed his hair back with his fingers, “I want you to stay right with me when you move. Obviously, we’ve seen how fast this shit can take over. You don’t get all half cocked and stubborn and go trying to take off without me alright? Agreed?” Jared normally wouldn’t have it. This babying was for the birds, even though he knew Jensen enjoyed it. Jared Padalecki didn’t go down for the count very often, but when he did, Jensen loved to play nursemaid. He sighed, “Yes,” then added with a rebellious smirk, “for now.”

Jensen grinned and kissed him, proud of his bull headed stubborn boy for giving in. He knew that hadn’t been easy. He kept the kiss controlled from escalating too far. He knew Jared could be hit with dizziness any second. They pushed tongues into welcoming heat, tasting everything at once. Too soon, Jensen gentled the kiss and pulled back with loving concern. They kissed a few more times, Jensen rubbed his hands in circles on Jared’s back. Jared put his forehead against Jensen's, resting with eyes closed. He glanced up into Jensen’s eyes, “Boy, I wish I could do everything I’m thinking right now."

Jensen’s eyes crinkled with his understanding smile, “Soon, baby.”

Chapter Eight

Jensen managed to get Jared back to the bedroom and helped him sit on the bed. He got on his knees in front of him, “Well? How does it feel after that trip we just took?” Jared actually smiled. He realized he hadn’t had a wave of ugly since the bathroom. At the moment, his depth perception was off, but he was okay to remain upright. “I’m good right now,” he nodded,” shockingly, but nothing’s spinning out of control. I’m kinda hungry.” Jensen reacted happily, “Well hallelujah. We need to get some calories into you, so that’s perfect. How do you feel about sitting outside, maybe get some sun?” Jared nodded, “Yeah, that’ll be cool.”

Jensen felt his forehead. The younger man wasn’t as hot as the morning. He looked a little drawn and kind of sluggish but it was nothing like being unable to move earlier. Jensen stood and held out his hand, “Come on, my sweet, let’s go. I’ll make you some soup once you’re situated.” Jared raised his arms and let Jensen help him up. “M’not your sweet,” he mumbled, as they shuffled outside and planted Jared in a lounge chair. The sun felt amazing. As Jared closed his eyes and started to relax, Jensen grinned before he went to retrieve some food. He always loved to slip in the pet names for the reaction value. Even sick, Jared hadn’t missed that one.

Jensen fixed chicken and rice soup for Jared, a roast beef sandwich and salad for himself, added another sandwich in case Jared wanted to try it, added some crackers, water bottles and another Gatorade, then piled it all on a tray for outside. When he stepped on the patio, he saw his lover with his head leaned back on the chair, looking completely relaxed in the full sun. Jensen set everything on the table, then scooted his own chair closer to Jared. He took a moment to enjoy the beautiful serenity on Jared’s face. The younger man’s jaw was slack, there were no pain or worry lines and Jensen thought he may have fallen asleep. He reached over and touched him gently on the cheek, “Hey.”

Jensen smiled when Jared gave him a sweet half smile as he sleepily started to sit up straight. When he grabbed his forehead and stiffened with an obvious attack of dizziness, Jensen held him close for a minute. “I’m sorry love. Just breathe through it,” Jensen soothed while starting to rub light strokes on his back. After a couple minutes, Jared inhaled deeply and pulled back. “You okay?” Jensen asked. When Jared nodded, Jensen leaned back and showed Jared his ensemble lunch.

Jensen handed Jared his soup first, letting go when he was sure Jared was steady with it. The first couple bites were tentative. After they went down well, Jared proceeded to eat the entire bowl. God he was starving. His stomach growled several ‘thank you’s’ as he drank the juice and ate the crackers. Jensen enjoyed his own lunch while Jared drank the Gatorade. He ate half the sandwich Jensen nudged toward him, too. It was like puttin’ out an invisible fire. Everything was so fresh and delicious.

Jared laid back in the sun again, sipping a water bottle every so often while he let his first meal of the day absorb. Except for the somersaults his vision would take, he had to say he was definitely feeling a bit better. Of course, that didn’t last long. Jared’s right ear was just starting to complain again. Gradually, he realized the painful throbbing was getting more apparent by the minute. He didn’t want to ruin this time outside yet, so he forced himself to pretend it wasn’t there for the moment.

Jensen continued to watch the younger man closely. He was concerned that the dizziness could return any second. It felt remarkable to be filling Jared’s empty tank with fluids and food again, but Jared didn’t seem as relaxed as he’d been before lunch. “You feeling queasy?” he asked. Jared peeked an eye open, then shook his head. Jensen studied him, “Then what’s wrong?” He knew this man better than he knew himself. When Jared gave a sideways lip of distaste, Jensen’s concern rose up a notch, “Is the pain coming back?” Jared’s slight nod of acquiescence was accompanied by a sigh.

Jensen knew the poor man was just frustrated. He stood and kissed him gently, then smoothed the hair back from Jared’s face, “Don’t move by yourself, okay? Just rest. I’m gonna put all this away and I’ll be right back. You can have Tylenol in between that horse pill he gave you. You get another one of those in two hours. You want the Tylenol now?” Jared thought about it. He really hated popping pills but this shit was really starting to hurt. ‘Fuck,’ he mentally bitched. “Yeah, I guess so,” he answered dejectedly. Jensen hurried to put things away and get it for him.

Jared absorbed more sunlight. He felt the slight heat penetrating the first layer of his skin. Except for the merciless stabbing needle in his ear, it was very peaceful. Some dizziness washed through him but it paid no mind as he was perfectly still and relaxed. He heard Jensen coming back outside and take a seat next to him. Jared lazily turned his head to face him. What Jensen was setting down on the table perked Jared’s demeanor up instantly. He lifted his head in wonder, “Shit, that looks good, babe.” Jensen chuckled at the reaction. He’d brought out a bowl of strawberries and some whipped cream, a glass of apple juice and Jared’s medication. He handed Jared two white pills, “First.” Jared took the Tylenol with some sips of the juice. Jensen knew it was his favorite. Jared knew Jensen knew. He smiled at the older man.

Jensen enjoyed watching Jared practically make love to his strawberries and whipped cream. He hadn’t brought out forks. They dipped their berries with their fingers, so Jared spent time licking the excess juice and whipped cream off. He moaned sinfully erotic and Jensen wondered if there were any far away neighbors with binoculars getting a thrill from it. When they had both eaten their fill, Jensen packed up the bowls and took them back to the kitchen. When he returned, he noticed Jared seemed to be focused on something. He actually looked a little pale and he seemed to have lost his temporary happiness about being outside. “Hey,” Jensen sat close and leaned over him, “how you feelin’? You feeling a little bit worse again?”

Jared wasn’t the type to complain, nor was he quick to give in and feel sorry for himself. When he gave Jensen a slight half smile that didn’t match his eyes, Jensen felt his forehead with increased concern, “Damn, you’re too warm again. I think we better get you inside before it cools off out here.” Jared really didn’t feel like getting up and walking all the way to the bed. Annoyingly, he was starting to feel like shit, though, and waiting any longer to move would mean he probably wouldn’t be moving, at all. He didn’t want to be anymore of a pain in the ass to Jensen than he already had been.

To Jensen's surprise, Jared leaned forward to get up without argument. 'Now, I 'know' he feels like shit,' Jensen thought. His mental Jared alarm rose up a notch, as he helped his lover stand. Jensen pulled him into his arms quickly and stood still, waiting to see if Jared was stable before they moved. When Jared seemed steady, Jensen walked backward, like before, until they reached the bathroom. He was thankful Jared said he had to pee. That meant the fluids were finally doing their job. The younger man wasn’t too thrilled about the spinning in his head as he stood over the toilet, but Jensen stood with him until it passed. As he let go, he warned him not to do anything but pee and, “I mean it. Don’t you move without me.”

Jared would have laughed, as anyone listening to the order without knowing the full story would probably misinterpret it all kinds of different ways, but he simply agreed, “Fine.” He was too goddamn dizzy to argue, even this was horse shit. He took care of his basic need, reached over to flush and braced himself with one hand on the back of the toilet for a few seconds. Jensen rescued him immediately. He escorted him to the sink where he washed his hands. From there, they walked to the bed, Jared teetering a bit taking baby steps. It was as if the room were revolving slowly around him, everything seeming far away, even things within reach.

Half way to the bed, Jared completely lost his sense of balance and had to stop. His death grip on Jensen’s shirt hadn’t been necessary but he panicked. There was nothing else to grab. The older man’s arms were around him and he wasn’t going anywhere, but this lack of equilibrium was overwhelming. Jensen carefully guided him to his side of the bed and helped him sit down. He brushed Jared’s hair back from his face while Jared took deep breaths trying to calm his distorted vision. Jensen kept one hand on the man while he used the other to grab the thermometer off the bedside stand and put it in Jared’s mouth.

He got on his knees and rubbed his thumbs back and forth on Jared’s thighs while they waited. When the device beeped, Jensen gently pulled it out and sighed at it’s reading, “It’s not ideal. 101. How’s your pain, baby?” He put the device back on the stand while watching Jared closely. Jared answered with his eyes closed, “It’s not as bad as earlier...right one’s still a bitch. Seems to be coming back.” Jared visibly shivered. Jensen stood up and kissed the slightly hot forehead and helped Jared into bed. He propped him up, as requested, then went to retrieve the bottled water and meds he left outside. He shut the slider and locked it for the night, even though it was still early. He grabbed the discarded heating pad and went to the kitchen to reheat it. When he returned, he waited for Jared to roll on his right side and slipped the hot pad under his ear.
The soft moans of blessed relief were priceless. Jensen sat close and played with Jared’s hair while the younger man simply enjoyed his presence. At six, Jensen gave Jared his medication. After downing half a water bottle, he handed it back to Jensen and relaxed back into the heating pad and pillows with a soft, “Thank you.” His face showed some of the pain and uncomfortableness he felt, but Jensen knew that would dissipate when the Ibuprofen kicked in. The Tylenol hadn’t really done much but take the edge off. During the next few minutes, Jared started to fade a bit. He eventually fell asleep with a soft, “I love you.” Jensen kissed the top of his head, “I love you too, baby,” then quietly exited the bedroom.

When he noticed Eric Kripke's name three times on his cell since this morning, Jensen called him first. He also saw Cliff had called yesterday. Jensen pushed Eric's number first and the man picked up on the first ring, "Jesus Christ, Ackles, give me an aneurism. How's our boy? I heard the doctor was called and I've been climbing the fuckin’ walls.” Jensen rubbed a hand over his face, "Sorry Eric, it’s been vital to stay close to him since he's dizzy and I didn't check my phone until now." Eric sounded alarmed, "What the fuck is he dizzy for? What happened?”

Jensen relayed everything while Eric listened intently. He wanted to make sure Eric understood that Jared would be back to work on Tuesday morning, but maybe not full speed, "He's better in the fluids and food department, and his feet and wrists are healing fine. It's the damn inner ear crap that's got him down. It's fucking terrible shit." Eric sighed loudly, "Christ, poor kid." He paused for a few seconds, then added, "I'm taking control of this week. All filming will be under my control, so don't worry. New guy already had his ass removed and knows he fucked up. Jeremy's working with him on Tuesday and I'll be there, overseeing."

Jensen felt the tension ease up a bit. He had been worried his protective instincts over Jared might actually get him into serious trouble on set. He saw red when it came to people hurting Jared. Knowing Eric was going to prevent anything from going to shit made Jensen relax about things. Eric added, “Sam gets rescued by Dean and Mary on Tuesday. Jared has a little time in that chair again, but we’ll go nice and easy on him.” Jensen grinned to himself. Jared wasn’t stupid. He would know damn well they were treating him with kit gloves. Jensen could envision the pissy look he was going to get.

After he hung up, he opened the laptop and called the kids. Jaybird was the first to come on the screen. Jensen smiled as his three year old saw him and squealed, "Hi Daddy!" They had a delightful conversation because apparently the boys were dirty and taking a bath. JJ listened and didn’t get dirty so she didn’t have to take a bath. She pouted about no one being available to read with her so Jensen told her to go get a book. Jensen had the story saved on their laptop. They’d done this before and having her hold the book up to the screen simply hadn’t worked very well.

Just as they finished, multiple bare footprints could be heard slapping on the floor as the boys approached. JJ yelled behind her, “Hurry”, as Shep and Tom suddenly appeared on either side of her. Jensen snickered when he noticed their wet hair. They talked excitedly about their day, about cousins they had seen, all the swimming. They had apparently played in a muddy corner of the back yard after they were told not to, hence the bath. Thomas looked worried, "Where's Daddy? Is he still tired?" Jensen rushed to assure him, "He's sleeping, honey, he's super tired. He’s still a little bit sick but he’s getting much better.” All three children hesitated because Jared was such a hands on energetic father, they probably couldn’t imagine him being down. Jensen smiled at their sensitive natures, “He’s gonna be okay, loves, I promise. Just another long night of sleep and you’ll get to talk to him, okay? I’m taking care of him. I gave him soup today.”

Shep repeated in his sweet two year old voice, “Soup?” Jensen smiled at the innocence. JJ asked, “Juice too?” Jensen answered, “Yes. Yes, I did give him juice. Then he took medicine and now he’s sleeping.” Thomas still looked worried, “I miss him.” Jensen said, “I know, buddy. I’m sorry but I think he’ll be back to normal when he wakes up tomorrow. You know what? I know he’ll be so excited to talk to you guys, too. He misses you a lot.” Jensen relaxed when they all seemed to accept that. He added, “I love you all so very much, ya know. I’m proud of you every single second, so is Daddy.” They responded with their own separate ‘I love you’s’ and kissed the screen. Jensen asked, “Can I talk to one of your mom’s?”

Shep and JJ took off to get a parent while Tom stayed by the screen. Soon, Danneel appeared, “Hey Ackles, what’s up?” Jensen explained what Jared’s week entailed. He filled Danneel in on his progress in getting well. Genevieve appeared next to Danneel as he was just finishing. Both wives looked sympathetic. Jensen realized Tom was still nearby so he didn’t go into the cuts and abrasions or too much of the dizziness. Just talking about an ear infection and fever had been enough.

Both wives told Jensen to give Jared lots of love and well wishes, Thomas added to kiss Daddy. Jensen readily agreed that was the best idea and promised Tom he would to do just that. When Jensen finally hung up, he was smiling to himself, glad that he had made the connection tonight. Jared would feel terrible and blame himself for not talking with their kids today. At least Jensen could tell him they were fine.

He decided to break out Tuesday’s script and go over the material while Jared slept. He hoped Jared would feel well enough to run their lines tomorrow afternoon instead of having to wing it Tuesday. He grabbed a beer from the fridge and sighed in pleasure after he took a sip. He took the scripts and beer back to the bedroom and set them next to his side of the bed. A quick check on Jared assured Jensen he was sleeping peacefully. Jensen propped himself up on his own side of the bed and partook in his beer and studies. He looked through Jared’s parts and identified a couple physical requirements that would definitely throw Jared’s equilibrium off if they didn’t adjust them. Jensen figured this was probably what Eric was talking about.

After another hour, Jensen was rewarded when Jared turned toward him, opened his eyes and looked at him with peaceful clarity. Jensen smiled, "Hello there. You okay?" Jared smiled sweetly, “Yeah, it feels better.” He yawned but kept his eyes focused on Jensen, "How long have we been inside?" Jensen filled him in, "You've been laying down for about an hour and a half." Jared thought about that, then asked, "What did you do?" Jensen filled him in on the calls to Eric and the kids. He could see the guilt and self blame immediately on Jared's face when he mentioned the kids. Jensen quickly assured him, "They're fine...they're happy, healthy, funny, smart, entertaining and totally fine. Tom said I 'had' to tell you that you 'have' to get better." Jared smiled, as he imagined his son's little face with the expressive brown eyes willing his dad to not be sick.

Jensen leaned closer with a knowing grin, "He also said to kiss you." Jensen kissed him tenderly, taking his time to savor the perfect lips. As Jared listened, he entertained him with a rendition of his chat with their kids, the book he read for the umpteenth time and about the boys getting into the mud. Jensen mentioned his call to Eric. Jared immediately looked worried, "What did you say to him? Please tell me you didn’t threaten to kill anyone." Jensen assured him, “I didn’t.” Jared’s face started to relax before Jensen added, “I thought about it, though.” At Jared’s sigh, Jensen continued, “Hey, I was nice. Pissed, but nice. Eric totally agreed the shit that went on last week was 'not' acceptable. He’s already chewed that director and the guy’s going through some ‘reprogramming’." Jensen watched that soak in, "Really. I didn’t have to say much, Eric was already on it. The man heard the doc had been paged too and he called me three times chomping at the bit. He isn’t happy about this and he’s fixed it.”

Jared suddenly wanted to kiss the shit out of Jensen. God, the man had done so much for him, been there every second of every ache and dizzy spell, fixed him meals, rubbed his back and for years Jensen had been his rock. He suddenly couldn't wait to fuck the shit out of him. Jared rolled over on top of him, actually surprising himself that he could. Jensen slipped his hands around Jared’s waist, his eyes searching the younger man’s for any signs of dizziness. He couldn’t help feeling loving pride that Jared was doing so well.

Jared’s intense look promised many things in his eyes. One of them, Jensen could read very well, “You’re not quite there yet, buddy, but I’m not going anywhere. You fuck me however and whenever you want. Just give it a little more time.” Jared leaned forward with an erotic touch of his tongue to Jensen’s lips. “I’m feelin’ pretty good right now,” he spoke with hot breath against Jensen’s mouth. He moved to Jensen’s neck where he started leaving hot wet trails of kisses and nibbles, “I think I’m well enough to suck you. Would you like that?” Jensen moaned, rubbing the younger man’s lower back, “You know I would. Goddammit you’re gonna make me cum if you don’t stop.” He could feel himself hardening fast.

It took two seconds for Jensen to go from relaxed and content to hot, horny and in desperate need. Jared always had that effect on him. When he stuck his tongue in Jensen's ear and swirled it around, the older man pulled Jared’s head away, "FUCK.” He was panting hard, “Jesusfuckingchrist, are you trying to kill me?” Jared pushed his head forward out of Jensen’s grip to engage in a hot wet kiss. Jensen knew he needed to stop, but he couldn’t resist the sexy mouth and tongue. “Mmmmm,” he moaned deep when the intoxicating flavor of Jared took over his senses. He pulled Jared’s head to him, as the kiss escalated to passionate hunger.

Jensen wasn't sure who he was trying to convince that this needed to stop, his head or his dick. When he felt his lover's newfound strength lift his arms up above his head and hold them down, he knew damn well Jared was afraid he would make him stop. The younger man began sucking on his neck again, making his way up to Jensen's ear. Jensen’s breathing was out of control. The tongue swipes to his ear forced loud sighs and whimpers of need from his very core. "Oooo, God, yes," he growled when Jared stuck his tongue in the ear again and wiggled it. Jensen's eyes rolled up into his head with absolute pleasure, as Jared sucked on the patch of skin behind his ear.

When Jared bit down on his ear, Jensen’s gripped tightened as he flinched, “Mmmfuck.” Jared came back to Jensen’s mouth and continued the onslaught. Jared ground his hips down, grinding the hard cocks against each other through their thin materials. Groans of pleasure intertwined with passionate kisses. Both men panted now, totally turned on, rocking pelvises in rhythmic motions. Jared wasn’t feeling any dizziness or pain at the moment. He was hellbent on enjoying this while it lasted.

He lifted Jensen's t-shirt to suck on his nipples. He sucked and bit tenderly, loving the sexy cries of abandoned pleasure he was hearing. Jensen knew he was a wretched hot mess. He seemed to have lost his vocabulary and his hands gripped his lover's head tightly to him, encouraging the sensation to continue. He certainly wasn’t considering stopping this ‘now’. When his lover wanted to do something, he was a force to be reckoned with and currently, he wanted to hit all of Jensen’s erogenous zones. "Fuck," Jensen cried, “Oh fuck,” he struggled for air, those were the only words he could manage when he felt his sweats being pulled down.

The leaking cock sprang free, standing proud and dark, begging Jared’s mouth for touch. With an endearing smile of knowing pride, Jared positioned himself on his elbows, “What do we have here?” He lowered his mouth as he looked up and locked eyes with his lover. Jensen panted wildly, “JesusJare I, aaaaahhh,” Jensen threw his head back helplessly when the sparks of intense pleasure hit him. Jared’s mouth showed no mercy as he lowered it slowly over the taught head and down the sensitive shaft. Jensen groaned and cried out. The power Jared had over him was astonishing.

Jared wanted this to be incredible. This was one of his favorite things. Sending Jensen into orbit was such a turn on. He sucked hard, moving his mouth up and down, pausing only seconds to suck up the drips of pre-cum Jensen’s body was producing. Jensen was writhing, gripping the bed covers, pumping his hips barely, trying so hard to show restraint. He couldn’t stand it. The pleasure was so intense, it controlled everything he did. He forgot about everything else, his existence, his job, his whole life, nothing mattered but this sensation that was shattering his whole world.

Jared felt the thickness of the cock he loved so much filling, gathering, preparing itself for orgasm. He moaned in appreciation, so fucking turned on by getting Jensen to this point. The older man was poised, tightening his hands to a white knuckled grip, “FuckJared, fuck,” his pleasure crested to an insurmountable level. He panicked for a fraction of a second, the need to fall over the edge of release battling with the need for polished poised control that had been ingrained since birth. “FUCK,” he shouted, then came, “Aaaaaaahhhhh...Uuuuggghhhh,” his guttural screams were music to Jared’s ears. Orgasmic explosions burst through Jensen’s body. He shook through the convulsions, grunted and groaned with helpless abandon. Jared gentled his pressure, sucking slowly up and down while Jensen rode through every spasm. Finally, with one last convulsion, he collapsed, boneless and euphoric, panting for air, as Jared licked up any fluid he missed and kissed the spent cock and balls.

"God," Jensen cried breathlessly, still trying to catch his breath, "Oh my God," he repeated, still suspended somewhere between wondrous post orgasmic euphoria and awareness. He couldn’t open his eyes yet, but he felt his gorgeous mate blanketing his thighs and groin with his heat. The slight cocky snicker wasn’t even enough to stir Jensen’s brain quite yet, though he would definitely be returning the favor and wiping that smug look off Jared’s face he knew was there.

Jared folded his arms and rested his chin on his hands, laying on Jensen’s legs and lower abdomen where he could watch him. He continued to smile at the amount of time it took Jensen to regain some clarity. Jared knew Jensen had meant to protect him from overdoing it and would be pissed at himself that he'd lost control. He waited.

Jensen finally forced himself to look down, then sat up quickly with concern. Jared smiled sideways at the pointy hairs sticking up. Jensen argued, “Why did you do that? You’re sick. Fuck, did I hurt you?” Jared smiled as he crawled up to sit on Jensen's lap. He kissed him before Jensen could voice any further concerns. When he pulled back, he rested his elbows on either side of Jensen’s face and rubbed his fingers lightly over his hair. He searched his eyes lovingly, “You’re always taking care of me. You always have. I love you. And I’m fine.” He kissed him again, loving caresses between tongues before backing away. “And THAT,” Jared added, as he sat up, “was fucking amazing.” ,

Jensen snorted, still having an issue with Jared risking himself, "Amazing isn't the word, you fucking blew my mind." He paused to search Jared's eyes for any pain or dizziness then sighed, “We shouldn’t have done that. You drive me crazy.” He rubbed his hands in circles around Jared’s lower back, then down to his ass where he squeezed and kneaded. Jared’s breathing started to speed up. Jensen watched him, loving this but mindful of Jared’s dizziness possibly returning.

He rubbed his hands up and down Jared's muscular thighs, stopping to squeeze them off and on. He slid his hands up toward Jared's waistband and began pulling it away. The sweats he helped Jared into were loose with lots of room inside. Jensen was able to get his hands around the perfect globes of Jared’s ass easily. He rubbed and squeezed, moaning at the feel while he watched Jared drop his head back with his eyes closed. Jensen loved watching him. He loved doing this. When one of Jensen’s hands slid around to the front, he rubbed his fingertips through the public hair. Jared’s mouth dropped open, his grip on Jensen’s shoulders tightened, "You don't.....it’s okay, Jensen, you don't have to...aaah," he broke off with his head thrown back when Jensen put his hand around his cock.

He moved his hand up and down, the natural lube in abundance. Jared was putty in his hands, as Jensen milked the beloved cock just like he knew Jared needed. Jared might have thought about denying himself and giving all the pleasure to Jensen, but that was just unacceptable. 'Fuck, this is gonna make me hard again,' Jensen thought, as he watched the younger man react. "Ooooh....ooooh," Jared pumped his hips, fucking his dick through Jensen’s slippery grip.

Jensen leaned even closer so he could kiss and lick Jared’s throat, his jaw, anywhere else he could reach, "Your pants are full of pre-cum, baby...you've got so much in there ...it's like a lake and you were gonna deny yourself this? Mm-mm, not while I'm around.”

Jared moaned high pitched, not believing this was happening. He hadn't meant to take anything for himself tonight, but Jensen had different ideas. He rested his forehead against Jensen’s, "Oh God... God yes, Jensen.” Jensen’s gravelly voice was so fucking hot, “That feel good, baby? You like that?” Jared could barely answer, “Yes.” Jensen asked, “Yeah? You gonna cum for me?” Jensen growled at Jared's increased erotic restlessness. The younger man pumped his hips faster, his moans turning to louder cries of helpless escalating pleasure. Jensen growled again, “Fuck, you look so good. I LOVE watching you like this. FUCK, you’re so goddamn beautiful.”

Jensen decided to push Jared to even greater heights, since he had him in the perfect position. He scooted to sit up a little more forward without ever breaking his rhythm. He kissed Jared wet and hot, fucking his mouth with his tongue as his hand matched Jared’s increased thrusts. Jared groaned deep, grunted, pushed more forcefully and Jensen knew he was close to cumming. He slipped the hand that was on Jared’s ass to scoop up some pre-cum from the front of his pants then hurried it back. He worked the gob of fluid between Jared’s ass cheeks, then slid his middle finger through it.

When Jensen pushed his middle finger in the hole, Jared screamed, “AAAH...YES...YES...ohmyfuckinggodJensen YES!” Jensen pushed a second finger in and tried to curl them toward the front. It wasn’t easy from this angle. He over flexed his wrist and dove his fingers deeper to feel the little bundle of nerves. When he touched them, Jared tightened up and screamed, “I’M CUMMING!” He bore down and screamed as powerful waves of orgasmic pleasure exploded throughout every nerve ending. His channel tightened so hard Jensen could barely keep pressure on that quivering glad. Jared convulsed over and over uncontrollably until finally he was released to lay quivering with aftershocks. He moaned in absolute sounds of wonder.

Jensen realized he was breathing hard, way past being turned on. He’d been mesmerized with Jared’s orgasm. Jensen gently pulled his fingers out, rubbing the younger man’s ass cheeks while hearing him struggle for air. Jared was still over his lap but at the release of his orgasm, he’d collapsed against Jensen and now lay helplessly with his sweaty face on Jensen’s shoulder. Jensen held his back while lowering back to the pillows. Jared lay unmoving, still gulping large amounts of air.

Jensen was two seconds from cumming. He'd been so turned on he'd raced right back to orgasm again. He held Jared snug against him and he reached down with his hand to grab his own cock. “M’sorry,” he whispered loudly, “Jesus, fuck, baby m’sorry,” he turned his face into Jared’s hair as he cried out, “Shit Jared, I’m gonna cum.” Jensen growled as he came into his own hand, groaning with pleasure, grunting with every spasm until he was released to lay boneless. Jared moaned into his shoulder. Jensen pulled him into his arms, as he kissed his head, “M’sorry...god that was cheap but I couldn’t wait. Christ, something about watching you is just...holy fuck,” Jensen whispered against the shaggy head.

Jared mumbled with a smirk, “Mmmm...why’r you apologizing? It’s hot as fuck. If I could’ve moved, I would’ve seen it. Shit we’re prob’ly a mess.” Jensen sighed heavily, “Yeah, we are. I’ll get it in a minute, but first I wanna know if you’re okay.” He kissed the shaggy head again while he rubbed Jared’s back. When Jared didn’t answer, Jensen rolled them over so he landed on top with Jared underneath. He brushed some of the hair back from his face, only to find Jared had fallen asleep. “That was fast,” Jensen commented with concern. The younger man didn’t seem to have any pain lines or look of fever, but Jensen felt his neck and forehead anyway.

When Jared was feeling good, he was an active bundle of energy. That Ibuprofen had really done its job and the kid had been on fire for awhile. Jensen knew damn well they still could have overtaxed him. He didn’t feel hot to the touch, at least. He backed off of him and went to get a couple hot wet hand towels. Jared didn’t move while Jensen cleaned him off. Aside from just themselves, there was cum on the bedcovers. It wasn't in places where they would be sleeping, but it still would be kinda gross knowing it was there until he could get it into the wash.

After he worked some of it off, Jensen went back to the bathroom and cleaned himself. He checked his watch and noted Jared would need another antibiotic in a few hours. If the pain came back, he would need another dose of Ibuprofen too. Jensen set his watch alarm so they wouldn’t miss any dosages. He adjusted his lover under the covers, making sure he looked as comfortable as possible, then removed the heating pad from earlier and took it to the kitchen. He made sure the meds were all by the bedside, along with two bottles of water, then went around and checked the doors and windows.

Since it was only six thirty, Jensen thought maybe he would grab a quick dinner, watch tv on very low for awhile, look over more of the script and see if he got sleepy. He didn't want to leave Jared's side for too long. He was still worried about Jared after what they'd just done. After downing a couple fajita’s with pre-cooked meat he found in the fridge, he situated himself on the bed next to Jared again, propped up enough to watch tv and read. He landed on a marathon of Smallville, with a snicker, but left it too low to hear much of the dialogue.

Jensen glanced over at his sleeping bedmate. He sighed, realizing again how much he loved the sick man. Jensen would throw himself in front of a moving train if it meant Jared didn’t have to suffer. He couldn’t help it. Jared was the other half to his soul.

Chapter Nine

Jensen was dreaming happy things, Jared's smile, being silly, working on set. An incessant high pitched chirping noise seeped into his pleasantness, persistent, annoying. Jensen grumbled with irritation, forced his eyes open and realized he was still propped up on the same pillows. “Fuck,” he bitched out loud, looking over at his stupid phone. The alarm would NOT shut up. Regaining some clarity, he reached over and shut the damn thing off.

Jensen rubbed his face and sat up. He yawned before dragging his lethargic ass out of bed and went to the bathroom, washed his hands and returned. He went over to Jared's side of the bed and got an antibiotic out of the container. He uncapped one of the water bottles, then sat on the bed next to his lover. Jared hadn't moved. He was still on his back, face turned to the side, one arm resting loosely over his waist and the other laying aside him with his elbow bent upward. He was propped on pillows, just as Jensen had left him.

Jensen debated about waking the sick man. He hadn't seen him sleep this well since he'd been home. Jared’s face was free of pain, slack from peaceful slumber. Jensen’s protective mother henning won out because he wouldn't be able to stop thinking about it if Jared missed his dose and didn’t get well. "Jare," he touched his cheek. “Jare,” he tried again, as he smoothed the unruly hairs back from his face. He didn’t have the heart to startle him, so he kept his voice gentle. “Jaaarrreeddd,” Jensen sang in a sing song voice. He rubbed circles over his lover’s chest, “come on baby, just need you awake for a minute.”

Jared moaned lightly. He flopped his head the opposite way and yawned. When Jensen called him again, Jared turned back to face him, starting to blink heavily. Jensen smiled. He couldn’t resist the gushing tenderness he felt as he brushed the hair back from Jared’s eyes again. “Hey, can you take your medication for me? You can go back to sleep right after you take it, okay?”

He scooted over to be up against Jared, noting the lack of enthusiasm. He slipped his arm underneath him and lifted him so he was a bit more upright. “Mmmm,” Jared’s head bobbed but he caught himself and tried to force his eyelids open, “Hm?”

Jensen felt his forehead. “You’re a little warm. I’m gonna take your temp real quick, then getcha to swallow your pill and you can go back to sleep.” Jared yawned again, keeping his eyes closed. Jensen had to nudge his mouth open with the thermometer. The poor kid was worn out. The temp was still 100, not too bad, but not great. He sat the thermometer back on the nightstand and grabbed the pill. Jared was compliant, barely forcing his eyes open every so often, He sluggishly opened his mouth and took the pill. Jensen upended a water bottle until the younger man drank his fill. He placed the bottle back on the nightstand and smoothed Jared’s hair back again, “You hurting? I’ve got your Ibuprofen here if you need it.” Jared yawned and blinked heavily, then finally looked at Jensen with sleepy eyes. Jensen smiled, “Hi big guy. How are you feelin’?”

Jared's voice was weak and sleepy, “I feel good.” Jensen gave him a disbelieving look, so Jared quickly elaborated, "No, it’s true. I can’t move, I’m f’king useless but nothing hurts. M’not dizzy. Th’k s’gone.” Jensen knew Jared jumped to that conclusion early. It was his nature to see the positive, even if no one else did, but he was pretty sure the infection wasn’t quite ‘gone’. He kissed Jared’s sleepy eye lids, then his nose, then reached his mouth for a lazy enjoyable kiss. He brushed the cute fringe back that kept falling over Jared’s stunning eyes, then studied him with a soft smile.

Jensen moved over him, so that he completely laid on top, supporting his weight on his elbows. He played with his hair, “Hey kiddo.” Jared smiled sweetly, looking pleasantly relaxed but tired. Jensen kissed him softly all over his face, his eyelids again, then asked, “You tired?” Jared yawned, then nodded sluggishly, still smiling, “Mmhm.” Jensen rubbed his hair, “Good. You need it baby. I bet you’re gonna feel much better by tomorrow.”

With one more soft kiss on the lips, Jensen climbed over and turned off the lamp, then lay on his back next to Jared. Within seconds, the exhausted man rolled sloppily over to lay half on Jensen’s chest. Jensen wrapped his arms around him and rubbed his back for awhile. Soon, he fell asleep to the rhythmic sounds of Jared’s deep breathing.

Six hours later, Jensen woke to the damn alarm again. He was still wrapped up comfortably in Jared’s long limbs. He reached over and shut the thing off, then took a moment to acclimate with his surroundings. He yawned, rubbed his face, then carefully moved his lover off him so he could get the medication. It was still dark. The clock read one thirty. Jensen took the antibiotic out, then carefully slipped his arm under Jared and pulled him upright. Jensen figured he could get through this without waking him this time if he led him through the motions.

Jensen did most of the work. He worked the pill between Jared’s lips, spoke softly to him, until finally Jared responded. He drank from the water bottle with his eyes closed, holding the bottle with Jensen. When he finished the first bottle, Jensen asked if he needed more. At Jared’s quiet nod, Jensen grabbed the second bottle. Jared drank quite a bit. Jensen put the almost empty bottle back and eased Jared back onto the pillows, then worked the bedding around him. He took a moment to pee and wash his hands, then returned to the bed and snuggled himself deep under the covers. Jared rolled more to his right side, his back against Jensen. Jensen rolled over to spoon him, then fell back asleep.

The next morning proved to be a pleasant experience for the costars. Jared woke first, feeling more energetic than he had in about 7 whole days. He rolled over onto his back and stretched, then looked over. Jensen looked peaceful and relaxed, still in dreamland. Jared had to pee so he grudgingly rolled out of bed. He stood up as the cool air hit him, totally forgetting he had even been sick. He instantly swayed and had to catch the bed. 'Whoa...fuck,' he thought, as the ridiculous inner ear problem reminded him it was still fighting against the powerful antibiotic. Jared checked the clock. He thought he was due for another pill soon, so he made his way to the bathroom and took care of business. He was mindful enough to use the walls and furniture as he moved. It was frustrating, but he didn’t want to fuck up and fall against something loud and wake Jensen. The poor man had been his nurse maid for days and deserved his rest.

By the time Jared finished brushing his teeth, he looked in the mirror. The dark circles from Friday were gone. His dehydration was gone. The only residual piece of crap annoyance was the throbbing in his right ear. It wasn’t bad, not like it was, just a dull ache. The left was completely gone. Except for the dizziness, Jared felt pretty good. He decided he felt too good to waste time in bed so he shuffled carefully to the kitchen. He whipped up one of their protein shakes and gulped it down. From there, he shuffled back into the bedroom to grab one of his antibiotics.

Jared knew he probably shouldn’t be doing this. His protective lover wouldn’t approve, but he knew Jensen understood him. The older man knew Jared had trouble staying down. Feeling a few sparks of energy this morning had him hellbent on doing as much as he could while it lasted. He carefully made his way back to the kitchen, leaning on the walls for little breaks when his equilibrium took a dive. It wasn’t bad, not nearly as bad as before. Jared knew it was getting better if he was able to walk around like this and hold onto things when he needed to. He went to the kitchen again and drank some apple juice. Damn, it was heavenly.

Jared turned around and searched the room, thinking. He really wanted to go for a run. That’s what he missed the most. 'Jensen would kill me, though,' he weighed in his mind how it would go if he got dizzy and fell outside, scaring the shit out of Jensen. He quickly decided that was a dumb idea and more importantly it wasn’t fair. He wouldn’t do that to Jensen, cause him more stress. The man worried about him enough. Because Jared felt energetic, he battled himself for another minute, then decided to run on the treadmill. At least he would be in house and safe.

Jared smiled as he grabbed a water bottle and headed for the spare room. He figured he could hit some weights after his run. ‘This is gonna be great,’ he thought to himself, craving the expansion of his lungs, the feeling of exercise. He turned on the tv up in the corner, chose a music channel with classic rock, then took a few minutes to stretch. He’d been laying in bed too long. His body definitely needed to loosen up.

Jared got up on the machine and selected a manual control. He wasn’t looking for any hills on this run, just a steady pace. He set the speed to warm up for a few minutes, then took off for his normal run. Immediately, he felt the oxygen flowing through his bloodstream. His legs took to the pace like an old friend. His body ‘craved’ this, ‘needed’ it. He focused on breathing while he enjoyed the increased heart rate.

Jensen knew his lover better than he knew himself. That's why he didn’t panic when he got out of bed and spotted his lover's gorgeous tail end heading for the spare room. He assumed Jared must be feeling better. Falsely pushing himself by not waiting another day but still feeling well enough to exercise. He knew Jared was probably berating himself, determined to get moving. Jensen knew the younger man kicked himself hard all the time at needing to do more...striving to do better, when he already excelled as a human being. It was just who Jared was. That’s why he tended to burn himself out, run himself to the ground on occasion and Jensen had to pick him back up. It was just their ‘thing’.

Jensen saw the cloudy glass in the sink. As he whipped up his own protein shake, he listened to the low hum of the treadmill and Jared’s footprints pounding a steady pace. He heard the rhythmic breathing and smiled to himself that the younger man was feeling this good. As he rinsed out his glass, he continued to listen for any shocking sounds of a person tripping or falling off a treadmill. Jensen set up the coffee pot to make a strong batch, then heard the unmistakable sound of beeps changing the treadmill settings. He waited a few seconds. The winding of the belt increased in speed. Jared was opening up to do intervals. Jensen sighed. Intervals meant the younger actor was feeling good, but it also meant he was pushing it.

Jared was focused. He looked up, periodically, watching the words and historical facts slide down the screen about the singers and writers of whatever song was on. Rock was perfect. He needed to feel powerful, capable, the opposite of laying around and being a weakling. He absolutely 'loved' Jensen's attention and concern, but he wasn’t comfortable letting someone else do all the work. Jared ‘had’ to work. He ‘had’ to help.

Jensen waited him out. He knew there wasn't much he could do to convince Jared 'not' to do any activity today. He sipped the strong coffee and thought about going in their spare room and making Jared get off the treadmill, but as he got up, he heard the beeping of the machine and slowing down of the belt. 'Good,' Jensen thought. He was getting worried. He set his coffee down and headed to the spare room.

Jared had no clue his lover had gotten up. He stood on the stopped treadmill, leaning his elbows on the front bar. He had his head down at the moment, his head was resting on his arms. Jensen stopped in the door and watched him. He leaned on the doorframe, not wanting to startle him too badly. Jared was trying to control his breathing. He'd started to feel weak so he immediately slowed the treadmill to a cool down speed. When that didn’t work, he stopped the belt and laid his head on his arms. He wasn't feeling good, all of a sudden, and he wasn’t ready to step off yet.

Jared tried to will the nausea and weakness away. He stood up straight and leaned his head back, holding onto the bar while he inhaled deep. He exhaled the deep cleansing breath, still hanging onto the front bar. Jensen left the door frame and approached him. Jared drank some of his water, then took several deep breaths as he stood wiping his face with the back of his hand. He stepped off the treadmill just as Jensen reached him with his hands out. He saw Jared’s face go white, as the younger man went down.

Jared felt himself falling, then he was suddenly in Jensen’s arms. He laid there helpless, as he waited for his balance to return. Jensen held him tight, “I gotcha, baby.” Jared struggled to recover, “M’sorry.” Jensen shushed him, “S’okay...jus’breathe baby, I gotcha.” The younger man glanced over at the weights but stayed where he was. He supposed those were out of the question today. Within a few minutes, Jared steadied himself to stand on his own weight. He held onto Jensen’s arms, took deep breaths with his eyes closed.

Jensen held him around the waist, studying him with concern. When Jared opened his eyes, Jensen greeted him, “Hey.” Jared responded with a shy downward grin, “Hey.” When he looked back up, he took another cleansing breath, then he focused on Jensen with renewed clarity. Jensen smiled, still looking concerned, “Better?” Jared nodded, “Thank you. I thought it was going really well for awhile there.” Jensen still watched him, “It was. But I don’t think those intervals were quite what you needed right now.” Jared nodded again. He kissed Jensen, then pleaded with full puppy dog eyes, “Please don’t be mad.” Jensen softened, “I’m not mad. I’m worried...always. But it’s okay. I know. I understand.”

Jared looked at the weights again. Jensen interrupted his thoughts, “You planning on doing those too?” Jared looked dejected, “Not anymore.” Jensen urged him to come with him, “Come on. I made coffee.” As they walked to the kitchen, Jensen asked, “Did you take your antibiotic?” Jared perked up, “I did. I took it at seven.” Jensen rubbed his back, “Excellent.” Jared headed for the coffee, “God it smells good.” Jensen chuckled, picking up his own cup and watching Jared put his together. The younger man seemed to be doing okay at the moment.

They sat down at the table next to each other. Jensen watched him closely while Jared enjoyed his coffee. He finally asked how long he’d been up. Jared answered, “Since just before seven.” Jensen asked, “And? What made you aspire to run a marathon and pump iron with a double ear infection?” Jared did a double take, “Well I...just felt really good, I guess. Man, it felt so good... and then it just...I just ran out of steam.” He looked so forlorn, Jensen had to smile. ‘And there’s the pout,’ he noticed. The irresistible pout that made Jensen want to chew on his bottom lip every goddamn time.

Jensen asked, "What about your ears...are they hurting?" Jared answered quickly, "No." Jensen raised an eyebrow at that quick response. Jared rephrased what he meant to say while rolling his eyes, "I mean no, the left one is totally gone. The right one is much better. It throbs but just a tiny bit and it’s not really hurting bad. No ringing anymore. And the dizzy bullshit is waaaayyy better." Jensen added, "Except for the treadmill." Jared sighed, “It still hits but it’s better than it was.” Jensen looked at him for a moment. He was thankful Jared hadn’t gone to the gym, or run in the neighborhood. He mentally swore thinking of the horrors. When he sighed, Jared looked guilty, “I really was feeling good for most of my run.”

Jensen laid his hand over Jared’s, “Hey. Just try not to give me a stroke, okay? You could have been injured. Just take it easy a couple more days.” Jared sighed with resignation, “I’m not sure what to do with myself.” Jensen smirked into his cup. His lover was priceless...a six foot four wall of muscle who was capable of amazing mental and physical feats, but right now he looked like a three year old who had been put on time out and sported the cutest pout on the planet.

They filled a second cup for each, then ran their lines in the living room. They went through each scene until they felt like everything was memorized. After a couple hours, they made salads topped with grilled vegetables and salmon, ate heartily, then relaxed with a beer. Jensen watched Jared closely to make sure he wasn’t hiding anything. The younger man seemed to have short bouts of dizziness, but nothing like the incapacitating episodes from before. When he grabbed the counter during lunch, Jensen held his elbow until it passed.

He moved to Jared's side later while they were cleaning up, but after breathing through it, Jared quickly recovered. Overall, Jensen felt Jared had been right, the infection was tapering off. After lunch, Jensen reluctantly agreed to let Jared do some light weights while Jensen ran on the treadmill. At least he could see him. He made him sit on the bench while doing most of his curls and shoulder work in case he got dizzy. After a few miles, Jensen did weights while Jared did some ab work. When Jensen was ready for ab work, Jared went to check messages on his phone.

Jensen found his lover on the couch, scrolling through his phone. Jared bitched, “There’s 174 fucking messages.” Jensen sat next to him, “You’re popular.” Jared sighed, “I missed some important people.” He listened to voicemails from his business partners, friends and family, then went back to the text messages. He sighed again heavily, “These poor people think I don’t give a shit.” Jensen nudged him with his elbow, “You were sick. Actually working an unbearable schedule AND getting sick.”

Jared twisted up his mouth, irritated at himself. He hated disappointing people. Jensen knew this. “Hey,” he nudged Jared to look up, “You’re gonna see a lot of those people this week. You can explain. And Eric knows so I’m sure he’s passed word too.” Jared tried to agree. He looked at his phone again, still having to force himself to let it go, “I guess I can call Matt about the bar, at least.” Jensen kissed him on the side of his head, “Yeah, and after that we can put together that steak and sides I’ve been saving. ‘Bout time we get a barbecue in.” Jared perked up, “Can we call the munchkins?” Jensen smiled, “Right after we eat. They’ll be dying to see you too. They were worried last night.’

Jared still felt that doubt creep in that he missed a day in their lives...Jensen saw this and tried to cheer him up, "Hey...they were fine, and they’re gonna be on cloud 9 when they see you. We’ll show your face first.” Jared smiled, as Jensen went to the kitchen to start on things. Jared called Matt and went over the paperwork on the coffee table. After a lengthy discussion about some transposed figures, Jared corrected the entries and apologized for being half dead on Friday and screwing them up. Jensen came back to sit on the couch with his feet propped up, checking his own messages. He shook his head at Jared’s remark. The younger man ‘always’ blamed himself for shit he shouldn’t.

Jensen returned a few texts, then glanced at the paperwork Jared was working on. He mentally cringed. He was proud of his lover for being such a mental genius and good with numbers but Jensen was NOT. Eric sent a text asking 'tomorrow'? Jensen text back, ‘all good.’ Jensen thought about the difference in Jared’s appearance they were all going to notice tomorrow. He smiled to himself at his handiwork. Just then their phones beeped with confirmation of set time in the morning. They both replied ‘YES’. They both did some banking and confirmed their calendars for the next few weeks.

Jared wasn't looking forward to additional time in that chair, shackles and the dirty musky cellar, but he knew it was his job and with Jensen back it would be fine. 'I hope they fixed the floor,' he thought, as his feet cringed in memory at the sharp rocks from before. Since Jensen had already finished seasoning the steaks and slicing potatoes, they went out on the balcony and stood in the warm sun. They stood side by side, wrapping an arm around the other's waist. It was peaceful outside, quiet. Most of the neighborhood was probably at work and school, and there were no traffic sounds.

Jared's hair gently blew in the breeze. Jensen kissed him on the side of the head, then leaned his head against Jared’s. They stood for several minutes, absorbing the fresh air and warm sunlight. Jared realized he was feeling grungy and wondered if Jensen was too. They both hadn't showered yet and had been exercising. He didn't want to ruin this moment, however, so he decided to hold that thought for awhile. He looked over and his breath was taken away by Jensen's beauty in the sunlight. The older man's usual handsomeness was enhanced by rays of sun illuminating the beautiful specs of hazel and alternate shades of green in his eyes. His short cut hair was catching the rays. Those little blond tips always looked highlighted, but they weren’t.

Jared was reminded of the depth of commitment, trust and devotion he always felt from this man. Jensen was his anchor, his rock and his life. Jensen always made 'everything' better, 'everything' more fun, and 'everything' just perfect. Even the worst day, the worst event or the worst happening in life was always manageable just because he had Jensen. Jared prayed he'd always returned that to his lover because Jensen deserved everything.

The older man looked over and caught Jared looking at him. He was hit full force by the love and adoration in Jared’s eyes. He turned toward him and slipped his other hand around Jared’s waist. They stood in each other’s arms, staring into the other’s eyes. They both leaned forward and kissed, tenderly at first, then heat began to rise. Jensen devoured Jared's mouth like a starving man. He wasted no time pushing his tongue into the delicious cavern. Their tongues moved in tandem, tasting everything they could reach.

They gasped and moaned as cock touched cock through their thin clothing. Jared still had on his workout pants and shirt, Jensen had on thin sweats and t-shirt. Jensen slid his hands down Jared's body to cup his ass cheeks. Jared yipped a surprise at the first squeeze, then growled with need as Jensen pulled their cocks together harder. Both men cried out, ravenous, licking and sucking. Jensen thought they might just fuck right here on the balcony. His body was certainly going that way, uncaring about giving anyone outside a real show.

Jared grabbed Jensen's face, stopping the movements for a second, breathing hard, "Get in the shower, NOW." Jensen's dick grew even harder. The deep tone of Jared’s command was laced with intensity. Christ, Jensen almost came. He struggled not to cum as he backed toward the bathroom without argument. Jared following each step, still holding Jensen’s face. He manhandled him roughly, pushing him toward the shower. When they reached the shower door, Jared turned the water on, then undressed them both, taking his time to slide his hands up Jensen’s bare legs after he stepped out of his pants.

When Jensen felt Jared kiss his ass cheeks his dick spasmed. Jared’s hot breath blew between the twitching cheeks, then he stood up. He helped Jensen step into the shower and followed him. He turned Jensen to face him, then pulled his head in for a kiss. Jensen felt nothing but the hot wet assault of Jared’s tongue for the next few minutes. Dicks were bobbing against each other, sparks of pleasure exploding each time they touched.

The water was magnificent. Jensen was commandeered backward until it poured over his and Jared’s body. They never broke the kiss, tongues intertwined. Jensen was normally more dominant, the natural desire to take control nagging at him, yet Jared’s demeanor told him Jared had no intention of allowing it this time. Maybe it was being laid up with dizziness for a few days that brought this on. Whatever it was, Jensen came to the conclusion he was most likely about to get fucked...hard. He growled as that image rolled through his brain.

Jared rubbed his hands all over, savoring Jensen's beautiful wet body. He used the gel soap in generous portions over the perfect muscular definition. Jared petted him like a cat, stopping to pinch his nipples as he lathered his chest. Jensen was moaning erotic sounds of appreciation. His eyes closed, as his head fell back. He was definitely losing any semblance of control he might have thought he had over this afternoon.

Jared soaped him all over, purposely avoiding the most sensitive parts and saving them for last. He knelt down and tapped Jensen's feet. He washed them as Jensen lifted each one. When it was time to wash the most private and sensitive parts, Jared had a goal in mind and he wasn't going to be deterred. He stood up and turned Jensen to face the shower wall. He pushed him under the hot water to rinse off. When he was rinsed clean, the younger man's hot breath invaded Jensen's ear, "Put your hands on the wall and lean on it." Jared nipped his ear as Jensen moaned. He was so fucking hard, he could barely concentrate enough to respond.

He leaned forward and placed his hands flat on the tile. Jared held his waist, "Now spread your legs and open that perfect ass for me." Jensen’s breathing escalated. ‘Jesusfuckingchrist, I’m gonna cum,’ he thought, as Jared tapped the inside of his feet with his own, forcing Jensen to spread his legs more. Jared pulled his waist backward a bit. Jensen’s need for control struggled, as his balance wavered. This position was...’Oh God,' he thought, “Jared,” his voice exposed the slight panic and desperate plea for more.

Jared looked him over. He rubbed his hands over the perfectly formed backside and shoulders, “Look at you. Jensen, you’re so fucking beautiful.” He leaned forward and spoke into Jensen’s ear, “You’re about to get fucked...hard...against that wall. You gotta a problem with that?” Jensen jerked slightly when Jared’s tongue swiped along his ear. He exhaled, his frantic attempt to answer severely thwarted, “jesusfuckingchristno.” His forehead dropped to rest on the tile, “GodJared.”

Jared smirked. He was turned on beyond belief. This was gonna be good. Jensen had been taking care of him, tending to every need, worried about him all week with his natural protective instincts. This was what his lover needed. To let go. Jared was going to give him that. He wasn’t feeling a hundred percent, but he was definitely capable of fucking that controlled reserve right out of this man. He squirt a generous amount of gel in his hands and began rubbing the gorgeous butt cheeks, squeezing them, kneading them with his eyes closed from the feel of it. His fingers smoothly worked their way in, spreading lather, circling Jensen’s waiting hole.

Jensen moaned loudly, as Jared circled his middle finger around the crinkled outer ring. Jensen started pushing back. He couldn’t help it. His hips gyrated, little sounds of begging need becoming more expressive. Jared loved it. Jensen was losing it and this was exactly what Jared wanted. He rubbed his left hand over the smooth back with loving strokes, kissed between the shoulder blades, enjoyed every erotic response he was getting from this precious man. As his finger pushed in a bit, Jensen arched and pushed back. Jared almost came on the spot. It was the hottest fucking thing ever when he could work Jensen’s body like this.

He grabbed the gel soap and squirt more in between the older man's crack. Jensen jerked a bit, not expecting the cool gel. Jared kissed his back again, as he worked the gel more into Jensen's hole with one finger. Jensen was in Heaven. He cried out helplessly, “Ohgod...godJared...ohgod,” as Jared massaged his balls and dick. Jared grabbed the sprayer and rinsed Jensen completely. He rubbed sensuous strokes with one hand while he made sure to eliminate all the gel soap. When Jensen was clean, Jared held the sprayer to the side and adjusted the massage controls to intense pulses. Now that he’d cleaned his lover thoroughly, it was time for more.

He held the sprayer to the side for a few seconds, while his other hand rubbed all over Jensen's back. Jared loved touching him, loved how smooth and muscular Jensen was. He stepped forward so he could speak into Jensen's ear again, "Don't you fucking cum...I know you’re there, love, but don’t you fucking cum yet.” Jared suddenly turned the sprayer to bead hot pluses right between Jensen’s ass cheeks. "Aaaaaaaaaahhhhh," Jensen screamed, not expecting it but forced closer to orgasm at the same time. “Aaahgod...Jared,” he cried out, his guttural helpless sounds threatening Jared’s own resistance. “That’s it,” Jared growled into Jensen’s ear, “That’s fucking it, Jen, I fucking OWN you...you’re fucking MINE and ONLY mine. You’ll fucking cum for me when I pound your ass.”

Jensen cried out again because it was so fucking good. No one understood him like Jared. It was so fucking hard to accept this but he HAD to have this once in awhile. He HAD to be owned, to be controlled, to be pushed and vulnerable. NO one ever saw this, NO one knew, but Jared did. He panicked with a scream, “Ah god,” and Jared knew. Jensen couldn’t stop it anymore. Jared instantly clamped his grip hard around the base of Jensen’s cock. The older man screamed in frustration, growled and panted, angry and frustrated by his body being held back. It needed to let go. Goddammit, it needed to explode. “FUCK,” he struggled, his white knuckled grip on the tile tightened. Forehead smacked against the tile, “FUCK, goddammit!”

After Jensen was able to catch his breath for a few seconds, Jared ordered him to turn his head. When Jensen complied, he forced Jensen’s mouth to open, as tongues hungrily fucked each other’s oral cavity, battling for their bodies’ release. It was so fucking good. Jensen was barely held at bay. The hot massager continued on his sensitive hole and it was killing him. He was sure he wouldn’t survive this if Jared didn’t fuck him, goddammit. He broke away, “Jared,” panting with need. Jared kissed him gently once more, “It’s alright,” smoothing Jensen’s anguish, “It’s okay, baby, I’ll take care of you.”

Jensen felt Jared shift. He felt the tender kiss between his shoulder blades again. His next cry came from deep within his soul when Jared’s cock pushed against his begging hole. His stuttered cries continued, as Jared pushed in slowly. "Ugghh," Jensen grunted out loud when the mushroom head popped inside. Jared’s moans of pleasure were in his ear, “God you feel so tight. Jesus Jen, it’s fucking good.” He pushed in further, keeping it slow to be mindful of the burn he knew would be there. This was the first time in weeks for Jensen to take this.

Jensen panted rapidly, helpless cries of painful adjustment mixed with begging pleas. Oh god, this was happening. When the younger man bottomed out, they stood panting, adjusting, Jared waiting considerately. When Jensen blurted out, "Fucking take me," he almost sounded embarrassed about it. Jared kissed him behind his ear, “Give it to me.” He pumped himself slowly out and in, over and over. They cried out, groaned with the feel of connection, every thrust forcing sparks of increased pleasure. Jensen cried out louder as Jared sped up. He fucked him harder, knowing exactly what Jensen needed. Jared screamed on the inside, determined to make this about Jensen and not let himself cum.

The older man was losing it. His cries were gusty, pitched with emotion, which brought tears to Jared’s knowing he was giving this to him. He made sure the hot spray was beading on Jensen’s balls as he fucked him even harder. Jensen was begging, shouting ‘yes’s’, ‘fuck yes’, shoving his off balance hips back harder. “AAAH,FUCK,” he screamed when Jared slightly adjusted to hit Jensen’s prostate every damn time HARD. Jensen’s toes were barely touching the tile. Jared’s thrusts kept him off his own feet.

He screamed his warning, was about to cum and then wasn’t, when Jared quickly pulled out and moved around to his front and got down on his knees. Jensen was still screaming...stuck on the edge, then blinding hot pleasure tore through him as he fucking lost all awareness but the feel of Jared’s mouth on his dick, fingers shoved in his ass and that fucking sprayer...goddamn that fucking hot massage pulse hitting his balls. He instantly came, “AAAAAAHHHHHHH,” screaming and shaking, clenched with climactic intensity and unable to do anything other than scream again, every damn orgasmic wave was stronger than the first, wracking his body with unbelievable spasms of release.

He practically sobbed. The intensity overwhelming. He grunted, helpless and immobile until his orgasm finally let him go, receding aftershocks gentling as Jared lovingly slowed his ministrations. He rested with him for a few seconds, allowing Jensen to ride out the endorphins and stay wide open emotionally. Jared gently pulled out his fingers, pulled his mouth off Jensen’s cock and kissed it lovingly while he rubbed his ass cheeks.

Jared was so close to cumming, he couldn’t move too much. His lover was still vibrating, emotional pants in between struggling to hold himself up. When he finally started to sink from weakness, Jared caught him in his arms and held him. Together on the shower floor, they waited for Jensen’s system to recover. Jared kissed him on the head. This was so good for Jensen, but so hard, so incredibly hard to do. Jared was the only one able to get him this open.
He loved this man with every fiber of his being. He loved that Jensen opened to him, needed this, trusted him so well to let himself be vulnerable.

Jensen had no fucking strength. He was unwillingly dependent on the arms around him, but gloriously free at the same time. Strong arms protected him. He was shielded by the ‘only’ one who could do this to him. He floated in bliss for a few moments more, gently encouraged to lie his head down on his lover's shoulder. He blindly turned it toward the one holding him, felt a kiss on his forehead, then opened his eyes to meet Jared’s. Jared snickered softly at the look of peace and loving post orgasmic wonder in Jensen’s eyes. It wasn’t mocking, it was full of reverence and joy at seeing what he could do for his lover. Jensen grinned softly in return.

Though Jared’s dick was angry, screaming for release, his system was letting him know he’d overshot his strength for today. Jensen had come first and it was perfect, but he felt a bit of weakness returning. Not too much yet, but enough to remind him of his recent illness. Luckily, Jensen was moving. He turned around and sat on his knees. When he cupped Jared’s face, his eyes changed to concern. Jensen could see it, the diminishing strength, Jared’s slight trembling from weakness. He knew they needed to get out of there. His thumbs rubbed back and forth on Jared’s cheeks as he smiled softly, still marveling at how in love he was with this creature. Jared smiled in return, kissed the fingers on his cheek. Jensen blushed slightly, which caused another snicker. Jared rarely saw this, but it was a treasure when it happened.

As quick as it appeared, Jensen’s blush retreated and he returned to full protect mode. He took the sprayer Jared had balanced on the faucet and put it back in it’s clamp. He knelt back down and encircled Jared in his arms. Jensen lifted Jared to stand, immediately feeling the unsteady weakness, as Jared gripped his arms. He helped the younger man out, then dried them both off, still glancing at Jared’s face to make sure he wasn’t passing out. Jared was a bit disappointed in himself, not wanting to cause Jensen to take the lead again, like usual, but he couldn’t seem to grab that towel and dry himself. Jensen tossed the towel aside and slid his hands around Jared’s waist with a smirk, “Pissy much?” He kissed Jared, then looked down, “Oooh...and what do we have here?”

“You made that all about ‘me’, didn’t you,” Jensen remarked, as he walked backward while pulling Jared. Jared opened his mouth to agree but Jensen kissed him as they reached the bed. He slipped his fingers into Jared’s wet hair and turned them so Jared’s backside was against the bed. Jensen expertly explored the inside of Jared’s delectable mouth before he gently guided him to sit on the bed. When he broke the kiss, Jared was escalated back up to his pounding heart rate and rapid breathing. Jensen crawled over him, forcing Jared to lay back on the bed, leaving his feet on the ground.

Jensen looked down into his eyes, "You did that all for me, didn’t you. Look at you...so fucking beautiful. Everything you do for me, baby, it’s,” he shook his head, “you just know. You always know and it doesn’t matter what ‘you’ need, does it. You fucking give from your soul. God, I love you so much. And I don’t have to share you. It’s mine. This selfish bastard gets to enjoy this all to himself.” Jared started to argue but was cut off by another onslaught of Jensen’s tongue. Jensen took everything he wanted. He left Jared so bereft of coherency he barely registered the older man’s kisses down his chest. When Jensen lifted Jared’s legs, Jared realized what was happening. “Jensen,” he struggled to breathe, “Oh fuck...Jensen s’...you don’t have to,”

Jared moaned, "Ooooooooh," his mouth hung open, as Jensen slid his hand over the dark red angry cock. He was fascinated by Jared's reaction. He kissed his inner thighs while he watched the beautiful expressions react to him slowly sliding his hand up and down. Jensen knew Jared was close. He paused just a few seconds, adjusted his shoulder’s under Jared’s knees, then lowered himself to his own knees. He placed his hands on Jared’s pelvis, circling his fingers through the public hair, while looking at his prize.

Jared had denied himself release in the shower. The cock was angry, begging. Not getting a release after being on the verge for that long could be terribly painful. Jensen certainly wouldn’t allow that to continue. He licked a delicious swipe up the shaft and circled the head, tasting drops of pre-cum while Jared moaned out loud. Jensen sucked on the head, as Jared’s head fell back, “Aaaah,” god it felt so good. Jensen moaned his appreciation for the additional fluid he was rewarded with. Christ, it was so hot doing this to Jared. He sucked gently, slowly sliding his mouth downward, soaking in the delicious taste of hot smooth skin while Jared completely lost his ability to think.

Jared's hands knotted up and gripped the bedding hard. Jensen’s mouth moved up and down. His tongue circled the sensitive tip each time he pulled up. Jared’s hips tried to push up. Jensen held him down. Jared’s head moved restlessly, his body tense and begging, loud cries of passionate response as his system was forced to climb steadily instead of instantaneous like it wanted. Jensen kept him going, guiding him with skill, playing the cock he loved so much with expert precision. "Aaaahhh....aaaaahhhh...OH JEN," Jared screamed, knowing he was almost there. Jensen wouldn’t let him go any faster. He moved move one hand up to Jared's chest and pinched his nipple. "Aaaaahhh....Aaaahhh, fuck yes,” Jared screamed.

"I’m cumming...oh God Jensen please...Jensen, I'm cumming...oh God please faster.” Jensen finally sucked harder, he sped up and Jared’s screams became louder. He pushed his hips up hard as Jensen held him down and he came, “AAAAAAAAAHHHHHH,” Jared’s body clenched hard as he shook, screaming through orgasmic waves over and over until finally he collapsed, still clenching with spasms, grunting from the overwhelming sparks of pleasure. Jensen drank down everything he got. He groaned and swallowed, loving Jared’s helpless state as his body emptied everything it had been holding. As his spasms stopped, Jensen gently slipped his mouth off the sensitive cock and kissed it. He kissed the now empty balls and surrounding baby soft skin of inner thighs. He kissed the mole there in the crease because he simply loved it so, just as he loved everything about Jared. Jensen looked up at his lover and smiled, seeing the younger man’s slight sheen on his forehead, the hair stuck to his face, looking totally spent and lost in post orgasmic satisfaction.

Jensen crawled up to lay over him. He kissed the slack lips and closed eyelids. Jared was completely unresponsive at this point. Jensen decided to get behind him and pull him further onto the bed so his lower half was also laying on the bedding. He laid down next to him, propping his head up with his left elbow, rubbing Jared's chest in comforting circles with his other hand. After a few long minutes, Jared inhaled deeply and turned his head toward Jensen. He sluggishly pushed his heavy eyelids open. Jensen was smiling at the adorable sleepy but satisfied look. Jared smiled back, too relaxed and dreamy to be embarrassed or shy.

After another minute, Jensen brushed the hair back from Jared’s face with his hand, then asked softly, “Are you okay?" Jared rolled his eyes with a ‘duh’ look, "God yes." Jensen smiled, but still looked concerned, “Tell me for real. I thought you were goin’ down from that shower, are you still feeling weak or dizzy?” Jared sighed with a shrug. He knew Jensen could read him. He also wasn’t going to let this go, "I thought I was fine...I'm not sure what happened after the shower but,” he shrugged again, “it’s good now.” Jared searched Jensen’s eyes to make sure he believed him. “Really,” he stressed, “I’m being honest.” Jensen considered believing him, “What about your ears, are they hurting?”

Jared thought about it, then realized with surprising happiness, "No. Actually, they don’t hurt at all.” He smiled at his lover, "It's going away." Jensen smiled at Jared’s sparkling happiness, “That’s excellent. The antibiotics must be killing that bitch of an infection. I hated watching you suffer.” Jared blurted out playfully, "Or maybe that shower and it’s end result cured me.” Jensen chuckled knowingly, “Well if it did, I should be good too after you shot that load down my throat.” Jared blushed magnificently with his mouth dropped open, as he tried to push Jensen off but failed. “Fuck,” he bitched, finally facing Jensen with a sigh after the older man took his chin in his hand and turned him to face him.

Jensen was still smiling, but his eyes were filled with intense devotion, “Hey. You nailed it baby. Just like you always do. Even when I think it’s not what I need you just...somehow you always reach that part of my soul and push until I explode. I couldn’t do that with anybody else. It still amazes me you know me so well. I was so worried about you all week, and this infection was unfair. I wasn’t even thinking about me.” Jared felt truckloads of satisfaction and happiness that he could help Jensen let go today. This man had always hovered nearby, watching Jared, interjecting with family members, associates, anybody who thought they were going to use Jared or hurt him in any way. Jared knew Jensen carried a huge amount of undue stress because of it. Sometimes he hated knowing it. He didn’t feel he was worthy of it.

Jared suddenly encircled Jensen with his arms and legs, then rolled them over to land on top. He rubbed his hand over the older man’s spikey hair then kissed him sweet and gentle. Jared searched the green eyes which were at half mast and dreamy while they focused on him. Jensen was still open. He was relaxed and exposed, completely vulnerable to the only one who got to see him as such. Jared returned the look with love and adoration, "The way I feel when it comes to you...'nothing' I ever do for you will 'ever' be enough to repay you for the way you fill my life...the way you fill 'me'. I constantly think about how to take care of 'you' because that's what you're always doing for 'me'." Jensen's hands were rubbing circles on Jared's back. Jared kissed him, then added, "I love you so much, Jensen, far more than I can even express. You ‘fix’ me. Every damn time there’s even one thing wrong, you know just how to ‘fix’ me. And I know I’m a lot of trouble. I know it’s got to be a huge amount of stress because of that part of you that needs to protect me all the time. I just need to give back. I need to help you ‘be’, let go. Just forget just enough to fly apart.” Jared smiled softly, kissed him and pulled back to check on Jensen’s reaction to that honesty.

Jensen thought about how this creature pushed himself. On a daily basis, Jared always pushed the envelope somehow. He was full of electrically charged energy, hellbent on pleasing those in his life with everything he had. He often threw himself into projects, fundraising and supporting friends, until he reached a point where he was beyond depleted. He didn’t leave much for himself. He wasn’t going to change, Jensen had accepted that a long time ago. He also accepted he could never stop worrying or watching. Jared didn’t recognize when he needed to stop or slow down. Jensen knew that, “Well, just so you know, you fix me all the time too, so just know that. You are, and will always be, the other half of my soul. I’m telling you to stop thinking you need to give back somehow, but I know you won’t. You give more than you think. You walk into a damn room and it’s full of that Padalecki sparkle. Everyone knows it. They all feel it, I feel it, but I get to take it home with me, and that’s the ‘only’ reason I’m able to share it with other motherfuckers who don’t take care of you. I will ‘always’ take care of you, love, because ‘you’ take care of the whole world. Somebody has to keep you healthy.”

Jensen smiled at Jared’s embarrassed eye roll. His lover was enchanting. "I guess we’re quite an item," Jared smiled beautifully. Jensen grinned, “I guess we are.” He smoothed the hair back that kept falling in front of Jared’s eyes, “I love you.” Jared kissed him, “I love you back.”

They spent the early evening on the balcony, enjoying a belated barbecue, talking of their kids and events to come. They cleaned up the patio before dark and played pool for awhile. They drank a beer in front of the gas fireplace and called their children. By the time they hit the bed, Jensen visibly relaxed at the continued healthy glow to Jared’s skin, the happiness and peace showing in his incredible eyes. He knew Jared was going to be fine now, and he would make sure he stayed that way.

Epilogue

The next morning, Jensen reminded Jared to take his antibiotic as he passed him exiting the spare room. Jared had just finished his morning run. Jensen started the treadmill while Jared headed for the shower. Clean and dressed, they leaned on the bar sipping protein shakes while waiting for Cliff’s car horn. Jensen pointed toward the medicine bottle, “Bring that. You’ll need two more doses later.” Jared’s eyes rolled famously as he put the pills in his pocket with a sigh. He kissed Jensen after that, knowing damn well he would have forgotten without his protective costar. They heard the triple honk and ventured outside.

'Holy crap,' Cliff thought, as the duo shuffled into the back seat. He stared into the rear view mirror until Jared caught him with a confused, “What?” Cliff shook his head as he pulled away from the townhouse, grinning to himself. Jensen smirked to himself, knowing damn well what Cliff had noticed. Jared cluelessly watched the scenery go by through the tinted windows, noticing a couple people walking their dogs. A slight pink tone covered the sky. He hated early mornings, but it was necessary to get their hair and makeup ready before set call. The studio wasn't more than a few minutes away.

As the car arrived in front of their trailers, the costars naturally fell into their roles as friends, not lovers. They knew some people knew about them, but it was important to them not to make anyone uncomfortable with keeping a secret. They went into their respective trailers to dump their backpacks and unload the week’s candy, video games and extra clothing in case they went out after work. They simultaneously came out and headed for the makeup trailer. Upon taking their respective reclined seats, Jensen winced very slightly, but it was enough for Jared to notice, then sport a knowing smirk of pride at Jensen’s fake nonchalant expression.

As they waited for the makeup artist to take over, Eric Kripke came in with two other crew members. He finished rambling about lighting, then stepped closer to look at Jared, “Holy shit fuck, kid.” Jared glanced at Jensen, then back to Eric confused, “Uh.” Eric ignored him and looked at Jensen, “Nice.” Jensen gave his friend and boss a two finger salute. Eric turned back to Jared, “Kid, don’t you ever put up with that kind of shit again. I am so goddamn sorry.” Jared’s guilt over Eric’s concern filled his eyes, “No it’s okay, it’s not your,” Eric interrupted, “Jared, I swear to God if you try to make me feel better about this I’m gonna order that tofu crap you hate for lunch.” Jared hesitated. Eric finished, “I need to feel bad. I ‘want’ to feel bad. Bad is good, cuz that was bullshit. Now...I’ll see you two on set.”

Eric turned to leave. He stopped at the trailer door, turned back and sighed. He addressed the makeup crew, “Work him up ladies, cuz lookin’ like that no one’s gonna believe he’s been tortured." He turned and left as Jared rolled his eyes and sighed. Jensen laughed heartily, as Eric walked from the trailer, grinning to himself.

The End.