longsufferingly (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
longsufferingly) wrote2009-07-03 09:54 pm
longsufferingly) wrote2009-07-03 09:54 pm
(no subject)
Title: Never Really Gave Up On Breaking Out of This Two-Star Town
Author:![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
chash
Fandom: Supernatural RPS/Friday Night Lights season one (crossover, not fusion)
Pairing: Jared Padalecki/Jensen Ackles
Rating: NC-17
Word Count: 3800.
Summary: Sequel to The Good Old Days, the Honest Man. Change comes slowly in Dillon, but it comes.
Notes: Title and cut from The Killers.
Disclaimer: Lies and untruths.
Change comes slowly in Dillon.
Jensen honestly expected it to be overnight; everyone finding out at once that he and Jared were together, were something. He thought it would be like wildfire, something unstoppable.
Tyra doesn't tell anyone, though. Or if she does, they don't tell anyone. It isn't the instantaneous reaction he had been bracing himself for.
It's the same as before, but more, once they start going places together. Jensen feels like half the town is watching him when he goes out, like they're trying to figure out what his deal is.
"Is it like that for you?" he asks Jared. They're on his porch, drinking beers. Jared brought his two beast-like dogs with him, and they're tuckered out, lounging in the shade.
It's the kind of nice Jensen hadn't thought he would have for a long time. He didn't think he'd meet anyone in the heart of Texas, especially not someone who was willing to be so open about it.
"A little," says Jared, startling Jensen out of his thoughts. He shrugs. "I already got that, you know, being a coach. Everyone always asking me what Coach Taylor's thinking, what I'm thinking, when their son or their nephew or their cousin is gonna get more play. So I'm used to the whole town watching me."
Jensen shakes his head. "Your family must be amazing, man."
Jared laughs. "They are, but what makes you say that?"
"Just--dude. We're in Buttfuck, Texas, and you don't care that we might get outed to everyone. It's just impressive."
"First, if we really were in Buttfuck, Texas, I'm thinking they'd be pretty open to alternate lifestyles. And second, yeah. My momma's awesome. She teaches at the high school, so she's used to kids coming to her with crises. She was really supportive when I told her I was gay. She wants to meet you."
Jensen blinks. "You told her about me?"
Jared rolls his eyes. "You thought I wasn't telling my momma where I was going?"
Jensen chokes on his beer. "What?"
"What?" asks Jared.
"You live with your mom?"
"Yeah, but--not in a creepy, broke, loser way. She had a stroke last summer, so I moved back home to take care of her."
"You're from Dillon?" asks Jensen, staring. He had sworn--he guesses Jared never said he wasn't from here. He just thought. Assumed.
"Yeah," says Jared, sounding surprised. "I thought you knew."
Jensen laughs a little. "When you said you got hired this year, I thought you meant you were new."
"I went to college," says Jared. "Out of state. On a football scholarship, of course. My degree's actually in engineering, but--not a lot of engineering you can do in Dillon."
"Jesus," says Jensen, leaning back in his chair. "How did I not know this?"
"We've only known each other for a couple months," Jared points out. "I like to be sure about people before I tell them about my family troubles."
"So you're sure about me?"
"Pretty sure, yeah," says Jared, grinning at him.
Jensen smiles back, but then grimaces. "Shit, I insulted your home town. Like, a lot."
Jared throws his head back and laughs hard. "Man, like I care. I was fucking QB1, man. I know exactly how fucked to all hell Dillon is. That's why I wanted to make sure you wanted to get out of here before I was gonna start dating you."
"Oh," says Jensen. He takes a swig of his drink. "Damn, man, I figured I'd have more time before I had to meet your parents."
Jared grins. "She's not scary, I promise."
"Wondered why you never took me to your place."
"Just didn't want you to find out about my wife and kids."
"Dude, it's Dillon. Like you could keep a family secret."
"You didn't know about my mom, genius. And I could keep them in the basement."
"I should worry that you've thought about this, huh?"
"Nah," says Jared. "No basement for you. I'm pretty happy showing you off."
"Yeah," Jensen agrees. "I noticed."
*
The first person he meets on the football team--other than Street, of course--is Matt Saracen.
He's seen Saracen at the games, and Jared talks about him a lot. He seems to think Jensen and Saracen would get along, because of their shy artistic souls, or some bullshit, so Jensen doubts it's chance that, when they stop by Alamo Freeze, Saracen is working.
"Hey Coach," he stutters, when Jared comes in.
"Hey, Matt," Jared says, his grin easy, like this kid couldn't easily decide that he's uncomfortable with a gay guy teaching him and report that Jared is molesting him or some shit. "You met my friend Jensen?"
"N-Naw," the kid stutters, and Jensen feels for him, he does. "Nice to meet you, sir."
"Dr. Ackles," says Jensen, "if it makes you feel better."
Saracen smiles, kind of awkward and crooked. "Dr. Ackles," he says. "What can I get you?"
"I dunno about him, but I'm hungry," says Jared.
"You're always hungry, coach."
Jared rattles off about half the menu, then adds, "And whatever he's having. He's paying."
"Since when am I paying?" asks Jensen.
"Since now," says Jared. "I'll get a table."
Saracen smiles again as Jared leaves. "He's really always like that?"
"Like what?"
"Uh," says Saracen. "Enthusiastic?" It sounds like he's trying not to be rude.
"Like a puppy on speed," says Jensen, grinning.
"Are, uh," says Saracen. "Are the two of you really--"
"Yeah," says Jensen. If Jared wanted to be subtle with Saracen, he wouldn't have, well. He wouldn't have come here in the first place. "We are."
"Oh." Saracen flushes. "So what can I get you?"
"Just a burger and a shake," says Jensen. "And, you know, all his stuff."
"Yeah," says Saracen. He rings up the order. "He talks about you a lot," he adds hesitantly. "Not during practice, or anything, but whenever I talk to him about other stuff, he'll tell me, like, what you think, or what you'd do, or something you said." He shrugs and looks down at Jensen's change. "He said you were taking care of Street."
"Yeah," Jensen says. "I'm a physical therapist."
"He's never gonna play again, is he?"
"Nope. I think you're QB1."
"Yeah." He gives Jensen his tray. "Thanks, Dr. Ackles. Have a good night."
"Thanks, Matt."
*
Jensen has heard a lot about how homosexuality is destroying American values, and how being gay is all about promiscuous sex and STDs, and he always knew it was crap, but he has to admit, he wishes he didn't feel so damn exposed in Dillon.
The first time Jared stayed at his place until ten, Mr. Oliver from across the street came over and asked if his truck needed a jump, since he was there so late. The next time, Mrs. Thompson calls and asks if Jared is sick. Even when it's not late, neighbors stop by to borrow sugar or see if he wants to play bridge--someone always comes when Jared's over.
They end up having to say goodnight as soon as the ten o'clock news starts, and it's not like they can't have sex in that time frame, but worrying that prying neighbors are going to come by trying to cockblock them doesn't exactly set the mood.
They make out a lot, get in some desperate handjobs, but it's not anything like Jensen wants. Jensen's always been a commitment kind of guy--he likes going to sleep with someone and waking up with them, having breakfast and knocking their knees together.
He doesn't really know how to get that yet. He makes do with the best boyfriend he's ever had, which is more than enough.
Honest.
*
It figures that shit waits to hit the fan until after the Panthers have won state.
Jensen went to the game, of course, because it's Jared, and the game is important to him. He cheered his throat hoarse and gave Jared a hug after the game, hard and tight. They didn't kiss or anything, nothing too questionable, but everything about them has been questionable since the beginning, so Jensen can't be surprised that everyone is sure after that.
It's not even a full week later when Jared's situation changes.
"Good news," says Jared, falling face first onto Jensen's couch.
"Sounds like it. Beer?"
"Got anything stronger?"
"Uh."
"Kidding. Beer is great."
"So what's up?" asks Jensen, kneeing Jared's legs until he pulls them up and lets Jensen sit, thumping his legs back down in Jensen's lap.
"Apparently, someone finally brought up a petition about my unfitness as a coach. There are concerns that I won't be able to keep from molesting one of those fine young boys." Jared snorts. "Like I didn't learn how to resist football players when I was in high school. And now I'm in a fucking committed relationship with an amazingly awesome guy, so why the fuck would I want to grope some stupid kids?"
"Please tell me this isn't how you're going to argue your real case."
"I'm hoping Coach Taylor won't let it become a real case. Mrs. Taylor doesn't want it to."
"The coach's wife? What's she got to do with it?"
"She's a guidance counselor. She says it's bullshit." There's a pause, and Jensen can picture Jared's grin, even if it's muffled against the couch. "Well, she wouldn't say that. But you get the idea."
"So you're not worried?"
"I get fired for being gay, I can sue the school for a shitload. They've gotta know that."
"So they'll come up with something else."
"I don't wanna stay here."
Jensen rubs his forehead. "You're kind of a dumbass."
"What?"
"Jared, getting fired is never a good thing."
"So I'll quit before they can fire me, if I have to." He twists around until he's facing up, and he looks intently at Jensen. "Honestly, I was--I wanted to see if you maybe wanted to leave Dillon at the end of this year anyway."
It should freak Jensen out, but he's twenty-six, and he thinks he's learned pretty well about his own heart by now. He knows already that he's screwed over Jared, that he's not going to be able to save himself. Mostly, he knows he doesn't want to, and he doesn't think he'll have to.
"I still think you're being--" Jared cuts him off with a kiss.
"My future isn't in Dillon, Jensen," he says. "I don't want to stay here. I want to stay with you. So, yeah. Seriously."
Jensen lets it go, brings his hand up to Jared's cheek, and they make out on the couch until he barely remembers Jared's got issues.
*
A few days later, apparently at the behest of Jared, Tami Taylor calls Jensen.
Jensen knows the coach's wife in the same way everyone does--he can identify each of the Taylors on sight, even having never spoken to the girls. He didn't know Tami even worked at all, but he thinks--he can't talk to Jared's mom about this before he's even met her, and he's kind of terrified of Coach Taylor, so he's glad Jared put Tami in touch with him, because he had no one else to talk to, and he's kind of worried.
She tells him to come on down to her office for a chat, which seems like a potentially disastrously bad idea, but it's after school hours, and he wants to do something. He just figures he shouldn't see Jared while he's there. He's not sure what, exactly, two homosexual men meeting at a school could be used to prove, but there must be something.
"Well," she says, standing as he knocks. "You must be Jensen Ackles."
"Yeah," he says. "Thanks for seeing me. I know it's kind of weird."
"Honestly, I'm very happy to meet you," she says brightly. "I've heard a lot about you, this last month."
Jensen rubs the back of his neck. "This is a lot bigger deal than he's been telling me, isn't it?"
"Have a seat," says Tami. "And I guess that depends on what he's been telling you."
"He mentioned a petition."
"Some of the parents have some concerns," she says. "Now Jared, he seems like a good boy, and I don't think he's doing anything but living his life. But teachers get a bit more scrutiny than normal folks, and football coaches here, well. You've been here long enough to see how this works, haven't you?"
"Yeah," says Jensen. "I've noticed. I just--man, I don't want to get my boyfriend fired."
"People had been talking before you ever came in. Now, we weren't living here when he was in school, but I have been told at length how there was always something different about that boy, and how he never liked the rally girls or the cheerleaders. How Eric never should have hired him in the first place, since he wasn't right. And Jared, he knew that when he started dating you, so the way I see it, this isn't your fault. Might be his for not being honest."
"He's kind of a dumbass," says Jensen, and then flushes. "Sorry. I, uh. He's just--stubborn, I guess."
"Well, if I've got anything to say about it, no one's firing him without some solid proof he's done something wrong. And I don't think he has."
"No," says Jensen. "So--I shouldn't worry?"
She smiles. "Eric is telling anyone who asks and some people who don't that Jared was vital to winning state, and that's an awful lot of good will."
"But the game's already over," says Jensen.
"Yes, it is. So he's gonna need a new line."
"Awesome," says Jensen, with feeling.
*
"I was thinking about hotels," says Jared on a Saturday. There's a kind of lull in the entire stupid scandal--nothing is actually happening, and apparently none of the football players are inclined to make up bullshit about how Jared touches them in their no-no places. Jensen's worried it's only a matter of time.
Jensen raises his eyebrows. "What about them?"
"I just--I was thinking you could come over for dinner and meet my momma, and after we could get a hotel room and have sex and actually get to spend a night together," he says, blushing darkly. "If you wanted to. Because, fuck, man, I'm sick of this."
Jensen swallows. "Yeah," he says thickly. "That sounds--yes."
Jared grins. "You got plans tonight?"
Jensen nods. "Yeah. I mean--I'm free."
*
Jared's house is modest but nice, not as run-down as a lot of Dillon. He hears Sadie and Harley start barking as soon as the car pulls in, and laughs when the door opens and they barrel out to jump on Jared. As soon as they notice Jensen, he's getting attacked too, and it's all he can do to get them off and get a clear look at Sharon Padalecki.
She looks a lot like Jared, on the tall side and solid, with a warm smile and dimples in her cheeks. Jensen waves, a little awkwardly, and smiles.
"Come on into the house, boys, supper's almost ready."
"Thanks for having me over, Mrs. Padalecki," he says as he comes in, and she smiles widely.
"Call me Sherri. And let me get a look at you. My boy can't shut up about you, you know. Every other word, it's Jensen Jensen Jensen."
"Momma," says Jared, flushing. Jensen just grins.
"I've noticed that myself, ma'am."
"Well, he certainly did pick a handsome one. But then, he's always liked handsome boys, who was that actor you--"
"Momma!" Jared protests.
She grins. "Jared told me you'd like steak."
"I hope you didn't go to any trouble," says Jensen.
"Of course I did. Jared's never brought anyone home before."
"You can see why not," Jared mutters.
"No manners at all, JT. Just for that, you're not getting dessert," she says, turning to go into the house, and Jared leans down to brush his lips against Jensen's ear.
"Am too," he murmurs.
"Don't say shit like that with your mom here," Jensen grumbles, and Jared nips his ear before he pulls back and goes into the house.
Dinner is surprisingly fun. Jared clearly inherited his mother's ease with people, and Jensen can tell she likes him, which is weird. She seems strong and healthy, and Jensen has trouble believing that she ever hard a stroke.
As Jensen's finishing off his steak, Mrs. Padalecki glances at her watch and smiles. "Jared, if the two of you are going to make it to Dallas before it gets too late, you'd better get going as soon as you're done. I suppose I can let you off dishes just this once."
Jared beams. "I promise I won't get used to it, momma."
Jensen blushes darkly. He knew Jared wasn't going to tell his mom, hey, we got a hotel room so we can have tons of uninterrupted sex and then cuddle, but he still knows that's what their plan is.
The drive to--wherever they're going--is long and torturous. They try to make small talk, but it's awkward beyond anything else. Jensen tells Jared how Street's PT is going--he's been at home for a while, but he still comes in for checkups, and he's doing well, even if Jensen knows from experience that he'll never do as well as he wants, because he's never going to walk again.
"How about here?" Jared finally asks.
It's a Holiday Inn, fancier than the fleabag motels they've been passing for a while, but nothing expensive or classsy.
It's pretty much the best thing Jensen has ever seen.
"Looks good," he says.
Jared smiles easily at the girl who checks them in. She doesn't bother asking how many beds they want, and Jared doesn't tell her, and it's not a surprise when Jensen opens the door and sees two queens.
"Which one do you want?" he jokes, shooting a grin over his shoulder.
Jared just shuts the door and then he's on Jensen, giant hands framing Jensen's face, and Jensen's bag drops to the floor as he pulls Jared closer. Jared pushes into Jensen's mouth, happy noises escaping as they make out hungrily.
"Want you so fucking much," says Jared, and Jensen has never been one for talking during sex, but he likes the way the words make him flush even darker. "God, Jensen, you're--"
"Shut up," Jensen mutters, and drags Jared on top of him on the nearest bed.
Jared gets the message, stops talking and starts kissing Jensen's jaw, his neck, all the exposed skin he can reach with his mouth. Jensen yanks Jared's shirt over his head, pulls his own off while he's at it, and takes a minute to just stare.
He's had his share of boyfriends, good-looking guys who have made him feel good, and some of them have probably been prettier than Jared. Honestly, Jared looks a little ridiculous right now, sweaty hair gathering in clumps, uneven splotches of red where he's flushed.
Jensen's never wanted anyone so much in his entire life.
"We never talked about how we're going to do this," says Jared, nuzzling behind Jensen's ear. "What you like."
"I like you," says Jensen, not even embarrassed by how true it is.
"I like getting fucked," says Jared. "You like doing that?"
"God, yes."
Jared grins, sunny and somehow shockingly--clean. Given they're about to get naked and have a lot of really awesome sex.
At least, that's what Jensen is figuring.
Jared's hands on his jeans, pulling them off, brings Jensen back to the present, to the guy he's definitely in love with.
"God, look at you," says Jared, and Jensen isn't used to someone so clearly and enthusiastically checking out his dick. He blushes and looks away.
"Are we gonna do this?" he asks. "Or you just gonna stare all night?"
Jared smirks. "What were you thinking?"
Jensen just turns them over yanks Jared's jeans down, and takes Jared's dick in his mouth without preamble. Or, at least, as much of Jared's mouth as he can handle, because as it turns out, Jared has an enormous dick, and Jensen has a gag reflex. Jared moans and bucks, and Jensen can hear his fingernails grasping at the sheets.
Jensen sneaks his hand into Jared's pocket, finds the lube, slicks up his fingers, and starts stretching Jared open.
"Holy Jesus fuck," says Jared. His ass clenches around Jensen's fingers, and Jared really can't wait to feel that around his dick. "God, get your mouth off my dick or I'm gonna--" and then Jared swears incoherently and comes in Jensen's mouth.
Jensen smirks and strokes the spot again, listens to Jared pant and moan.
"I'm going for a record," says Jensen, smirking, while Jared struggles to regain his breath.
As soon as he does, he says, "Jesus, Jensen, fucking do it," and Jensen doesn't need a lot more encouragement.
He fucks Jared hard and fast, because he hasn't got patience left after months of wanting, but he manages to get Jared off again just before he comes himself, jerking him off in time with his thrusts.
Jared pulls him down, hand around the back of his neck, and they make out lazily as they come down. Jensen pulls out carefully, ties off his condom, and manages to get to the bathroom to throw it out and find a cloth, and he cleans up as Jared watches him.
"Lazy," he comments, as he settles back down.
"I love you," says Jared.
"Of course you say that now that I put out," says Jensen, grinning.
"I thought I was supposed to say it to get you to put out."
"Right. I totally failed that part of high school."
"What, getting tricked into having sex on the first date?"
Jensen smiles, buries his face in Jared's neck. "This is pretty far from our first date."
"You know," says Jared quietly, "you haven't said it back."
Jensen could joke about it, but he feels so warm and happy that he doesn't want to pretend. "Love you too, Jared."
Jared skims his hand up Jensen's side. "Is it lame if I'm looking forward to this almost as much as I--" he ducks his head into Jensen's hair. "Nevermind, it's lame."
"You're like the cuddliest person in history," says Jensen. "It's not news, man."
"So I'm leaving Dillon at the end of the year," Jared says after a minute. "I haven't really decided where I'm going. You got any ideas?"
"Somewhere without a football team."
Jared laughs. "Deal."
ALSO HAVE THREE FNL SONGS and watch FNL it is honestly the best show on TV
1. Tony Lucca : Devil Town
2. Camera Obscura : Let's Get Out Of This Country
3. The Killers : Read My Mind
Author:
chashFandom: Supernatural RPS/Friday Night Lights season one (crossover, not fusion)
Pairing: Jared Padalecki/Jensen Ackles
Rating: NC-17
Word Count: 3800.
Summary: Sequel to The Good Old Days, the Honest Man. Change comes slowly in Dillon, but it comes.
Notes: Title and cut from The Killers.
Disclaimer: Lies and untruths.
Change comes slowly in Dillon.
Jensen honestly expected it to be overnight; everyone finding out at once that he and Jared were together, were something. He thought it would be like wildfire, something unstoppable.
Tyra doesn't tell anyone, though. Or if she does, they don't tell anyone. It isn't the instantaneous reaction he had been bracing himself for.
It's the same as before, but more, once they start going places together. Jensen feels like half the town is watching him when he goes out, like they're trying to figure out what his deal is.
"Is it like that for you?" he asks Jared. They're on his porch, drinking beers. Jared brought his two beast-like dogs with him, and they're tuckered out, lounging in the shade.
It's the kind of nice Jensen hadn't thought he would have for a long time. He didn't think he'd meet anyone in the heart of Texas, especially not someone who was willing to be so open about it.
"A little," says Jared, startling Jensen out of his thoughts. He shrugs. "I already got that, you know, being a coach. Everyone always asking me what Coach Taylor's thinking, what I'm thinking, when their son or their nephew or their cousin is gonna get more play. So I'm used to the whole town watching me."
Jensen shakes his head. "Your family must be amazing, man."
Jared laughs. "They are, but what makes you say that?"
"Just--dude. We're in Buttfuck, Texas, and you don't care that we might get outed to everyone. It's just impressive."
"First, if we really were in Buttfuck, Texas, I'm thinking they'd be pretty open to alternate lifestyles. And second, yeah. My momma's awesome. She teaches at the high school, so she's used to kids coming to her with crises. She was really supportive when I told her I was gay. She wants to meet you."
Jensen blinks. "You told her about me?"
Jared rolls his eyes. "You thought I wasn't telling my momma where I was going?"
Jensen chokes on his beer. "What?"
"What?" asks Jared.
"You live with your mom?"
"Yeah, but--not in a creepy, broke, loser way. She had a stroke last summer, so I moved back home to take care of her."
"You're from Dillon?" asks Jensen, staring. He had sworn--he guesses Jared never said he wasn't from here. He just thought. Assumed.
"Yeah," says Jared, sounding surprised. "I thought you knew."
Jensen laughs a little. "When you said you got hired this year, I thought you meant you were new."
"I went to college," says Jared. "Out of state. On a football scholarship, of course. My degree's actually in engineering, but--not a lot of engineering you can do in Dillon."
"Jesus," says Jensen, leaning back in his chair. "How did I not know this?"
"We've only known each other for a couple months," Jared points out. "I like to be sure about people before I tell them about my family troubles."
"So you're sure about me?"
"Pretty sure, yeah," says Jared, grinning at him.
Jensen smiles back, but then grimaces. "Shit, I insulted your home town. Like, a lot."
Jared throws his head back and laughs hard. "Man, like I care. I was fucking QB1, man. I know exactly how fucked to all hell Dillon is. That's why I wanted to make sure you wanted to get out of here before I was gonna start dating you."
"Oh," says Jensen. He takes a swig of his drink. "Damn, man, I figured I'd have more time before I had to meet your parents."
Jared grins. "She's not scary, I promise."
"Wondered why you never took me to your place."
"Just didn't want you to find out about my wife and kids."
"Dude, it's Dillon. Like you could keep a family secret."
"You didn't know about my mom, genius. And I could keep them in the basement."
"I should worry that you've thought about this, huh?"
"Nah," says Jared. "No basement for you. I'm pretty happy showing you off."
"Yeah," Jensen agrees. "I noticed."
*
The first person he meets on the football team--other than Street, of course--is Matt Saracen.
He's seen Saracen at the games, and Jared talks about him a lot. He seems to think Jensen and Saracen would get along, because of their shy artistic souls, or some bullshit, so Jensen doubts it's chance that, when they stop by Alamo Freeze, Saracen is working.
"Hey Coach," he stutters, when Jared comes in.
"Hey, Matt," Jared says, his grin easy, like this kid couldn't easily decide that he's uncomfortable with a gay guy teaching him and report that Jared is molesting him or some shit. "You met my friend Jensen?"
"N-Naw," the kid stutters, and Jensen feels for him, he does. "Nice to meet you, sir."
"Dr. Ackles," says Jensen, "if it makes you feel better."
Saracen smiles, kind of awkward and crooked. "Dr. Ackles," he says. "What can I get you?"
"I dunno about him, but I'm hungry," says Jared.
"You're always hungry, coach."
Jared rattles off about half the menu, then adds, "And whatever he's having. He's paying."
"Since when am I paying?" asks Jensen.
"Since now," says Jared. "I'll get a table."
Saracen smiles again as Jared leaves. "He's really always like that?"
"Like what?"
"Uh," says Saracen. "Enthusiastic?" It sounds like he's trying not to be rude.
"Like a puppy on speed," says Jensen, grinning.
"Are, uh," says Saracen. "Are the two of you really--"
"Yeah," says Jensen. If Jared wanted to be subtle with Saracen, he wouldn't have, well. He wouldn't have come here in the first place. "We are."
"Oh." Saracen flushes. "So what can I get you?"
"Just a burger and a shake," says Jensen. "And, you know, all his stuff."
"Yeah," says Saracen. He rings up the order. "He talks about you a lot," he adds hesitantly. "Not during practice, or anything, but whenever I talk to him about other stuff, he'll tell me, like, what you think, or what you'd do, or something you said." He shrugs and looks down at Jensen's change. "He said you were taking care of Street."
"Yeah," Jensen says. "I'm a physical therapist."
"He's never gonna play again, is he?"
"Nope. I think you're QB1."
"Yeah." He gives Jensen his tray. "Thanks, Dr. Ackles. Have a good night."
"Thanks, Matt."
*
Jensen has heard a lot about how homosexuality is destroying American values, and how being gay is all about promiscuous sex and STDs, and he always knew it was crap, but he has to admit, he wishes he didn't feel so damn exposed in Dillon.
The first time Jared stayed at his place until ten, Mr. Oliver from across the street came over and asked if his truck needed a jump, since he was there so late. The next time, Mrs. Thompson calls and asks if Jared is sick. Even when it's not late, neighbors stop by to borrow sugar or see if he wants to play bridge--someone always comes when Jared's over.
They end up having to say goodnight as soon as the ten o'clock news starts, and it's not like they can't have sex in that time frame, but worrying that prying neighbors are going to come by trying to cockblock them doesn't exactly set the mood.
They make out a lot, get in some desperate handjobs, but it's not anything like Jensen wants. Jensen's always been a commitment kind of guy--he likes going to sleep with someone and waking up with them, having breakfast and knocking their knees together.
He doesn't really know how to get that yet. He makes do with the best boyfriend he's ever had, which is more than enough.
Honest.
*
It figures that shit waits to hit the fan until after the Panthers have won state.
Jensen went to the game, of course, because it's Jared, and the game is important to him. He cheered his throat hoarse and gave Jared a hug after the game, hard and tight. They didn't kiss or anything, nothing too questionable, but everything about them has been questionable since the beginning, so Jensen can't be surprised that everyone is sure after that.
It's not even a full week later when Jared's situation changes.
"Good news," says Jared, falling face first onto Jensen's couch.
"Sounds like it. Beer?"
"Got anything stronger?"
"Uh."
"Kidding. Beer is great."
"So what's up?" asks Jensen, kneeing Jared's legs until he pulls them up and lets Jensen sit, thumping his legs back down in Jensen's lap.
"Apparently, someone finally brought up a petition about my unfitness as a coach. There are concerns that I won't be able to keep from molesting one of those fine young boys." Jared snorts. "Like I didn't learn how to resist football players when I was in high school. And now I'm in a fucking committed relationship with an amazingly awesome guy, so why the fuck would I want to grope some stupid kids?"
"Please tell me this isn't how you're going to argue your real case."
"I'm hoping Coach Taylor won't let it become a real case. Mrs. Taylor doesn't want it to."
"The coach's wife? What's she got to do with it?"
"She's a guidance counselor. She says it's bullshit." There's a pause, and Jensen can picture Jared's grin, even if it's muffled against the couch. "Well, she wouldn't say that. But you get the idea."
"So you're not worried?"
"I get fired for being gay, I can sue the school for a shitload. They've gotta know that."
"So they'll come up with something else."
"I don't wanna stay here."
Jensen rubs his forehead. "You're kind of a dumbass."
"What?"
"Jared, getting fired is never a good thing."
"So I'll quit before they can fire me, if I have to." He twists around until he's facing up, and he looks intently at Jensen. "Honestly, I was--I wanted to see if you maybe wanted to leave Dillon at the end of this year anyway."
It should freak Jensen out, but he's twenty-six, and he thinks he's learned pretty well about his own heart by now. He knows already that he's screwed over Jared, that he's not going to be able to save himself. Mostly, he knows he doesn't want to, and he doesn't think he'll have to.
"I still think you're being--" Jared cuts him off with a kiss.
"My future isn't in Dillon, Jensen," he says. "I don't want to stay here. I want to stay with you. So, yeah. Seriously."
Jensen lets it go, brings his hand up to Jared's cheek, and they make out on the couch until he barely remembers Jared's got issues.
*
A few days later, apparently at the behest of Jared, Tami Taylor calls Jensen.
Jensen knows the coach's wife in the same way everyone does--he can identify each of the Taylors on sight, even having never spoken to the girls. He didn't know Tami even worked at all, but he thinks--he can't talk to Jared's mom about this before he's even met her, and he's kind of terrified of Coach Taylor, so he's glad Jared put Tami in touch with him, because he had no one else to talk to, and he's kind of worried.
She tells him to come on down to her office for a chat, which seems like a potentially disastrously bad idea, but it's after school hours, and he wants to do something. He just figures he shouldn't see Jared while he's there. He's not sure what, exactly, two homosexual men meeting at a school could be used to prove, but there must be something.
"Well," she says, standing as he knocks. "You must be Jensen Ackles."
"Yeah," he says. "Thanks for seeing me. I know it's kind of weird."
"Honestly, I'm very happy to meet you," she says brightly. "I've heard a lot about you, this last month."
Jensen rubs the back of his neck. "This is a lot bigger deal than he's been telling me, isn't it?"
"Have a seat," says Tami. "And I guess that depends on what he's been telling you."
"He mentioned a petition."
"Some of the parents have some concerns," she says. "Now Jared, he seems like a good boy, and I don't think he's doing anything but living his life. But teachers get a bit more scrutiny than normal folks, and football coaches here, well. You've been here long enough to see how this works, haven't you?"
"Yeah," says Jensen. "I've noticed. I just--man, I don't want to get my boyfriend fired."
"People had been talking before you ever came in. Now, we weren't living here when he was in school, but I have been told at length how there was always something different about that boy, and how he never liked the rally girls or the cheerleaders. How Eric never should have hired him in the first place, since he wasn't right. And Jared, he knew that when he started dating you, so the way I see it, this isn't your fault. Might be his for not being honest."
"He's kind of a dumbass," says Jensen, and then flushes. "Sorry. I, uh. He's just--stubborn, I guess."
"Well, if I've got anything to say about it, no one's firing him without some solid proof he's done something wrong. And I don't think he has."
"No," says Jensen. "So--I shouldn't worry?"
She smiles. "Eric is telling anyone who asks and some people who don't that Jared was vital to winning state, and that's an awful lot of good will."
"But the game's already over," says Jensen.
"Yes, it is. So he's gonna need a new line."
"Awesome," says Jensen, with feeling.
*
"I was thinking about hotels," says Jared on a Saturday. There's a kind of lull in the entire stupid scandal--nothing is actually happening, and apparently none of the football players are inclined to make up bullshit about how Jared touches them in their no-no places. Jensen's worried it's only a matter of time.
Jensen raises his eyebrows. "What about them?"
"I just--I was thinking you could come over for dinner and meet my momma, and after we could get a hotel room and have sex and actually get to spend a night together," he says, blushing darkly. "If you wanted to. Because, fuck, man, I'm sick of this."
Jensen swallows. "Yeah," he says thickly. "That sounds--yes."
Jared grins. "You got plans tonight?"
Jensen nods. "Yeah. I mean--I'm free."
*
Jared's house is modest but nice, not as run-down as a lot of Dillon. He hears Sadie and Harley start barking as soon as the car pulls in, and laughs when the door opens and they barrel out to jump on Jared. As soon as they notice Jensen, he's getting attacked too, and it's all he can do to get them off and get a clear look at Sharon Padalecki.
She looks a lot like Jared, on the tall side and solid, with a warm smile and dimples in her cheeks. Jensen waves, a little awkwardly, and smiles.
"Come on into the house, boys, supper's almost ready."
"Thanks for having me over, Mrs. Padalecki," he says as he comes in, and she smiles widely.
"Call me Sherri. And let me get a look at you. My boy can't shut up about you, you know. Every other word, it's Jensen Jensen Jensen."
"Momma," says Jared, flushing. Jensen just grins.
"I've noticed that myself, ma'am."
"Well, he certainly did pick a handsome one. But then, he's always liked handsome boys, who was that actor you--"
"Momma!" Jared protests.
She grins. "Jared told me you'd like steak."
"I hope you didn't go to any trouble," says Jensen.
"Of course I did. Jared's never brought anyone home before."
"You can see why not," Jared mutters.
"No manners at all, JT. Just for that, you're not getting dessert," she says, turning to go into the house, and Jared leans down to brush his lips against Jensen's ear.
"Am too," he murmurs.
"Don't say shit like that with your mom here," Jensen grumbles, and Jared nips his ear before he pulls back and goes into the house.
Dinner is surprisingly fun. Jared clearly inherited his mother's ease with people, and Jensen can tell she likes him, which is weird. She seems strong and healthy, and Jensen has trouble believing that she ever hard a stroke.
As Jensen's finishing off his steak, Mrs. Padalecki glances at her watch and smiles. "Jared, if the two of you are going to make it to Dallas before it gets too late, you'd better get going as soon as you're done. I suppose I can let you off dishes just this once."
Jared beams. "I promise I won't get used to it, momma."
Jensen blushes darkly. He knew Jared wasn't going to tell his mom, hey, we got a hotel room so we can have tons of uninterrupted sex and then cuddle, but he still knows that's what their plan is.
The drive to--wherever they're going--is long and torturous. They try to make small talk, but it's awkward beyond anything else. Jensen tells Jared how Street's PT is going--he's been at home for a while, but he still comes in for checkups, and he's doing well, even if Jensen knows from experience that he'll never do as well as he wants, because he's never going to walk again.
"How about here?" Jared finally asks.
It's a Holiday Inn, fancier than the fleabag motels they've been passing for a while, but nothing expensive or classsy.
It's pretty much the best thing Jensen has ever seen.
"Looks good," he says.
Jared smiles easily at the girl who checks them in. She doesn't bother asking how many beds they want, and Jared doesn't tell her, and it's not a surprise when Jensen opens the door and sees two queens.
"Which one do you want?" he jokes, shooting a grin over his shoulder.
Jared just shuts the door and then he's on Jensen, giant hands framing Jensen's face, and Jensen's bag drops to the floor as he pulls Jared closer. Jared pushes into Jensen's mouth, happy noises escaping as they make out hungrily.
"Want you so fucking much," says Jared, and Jensen has never been one for talking during sex, but he likes the way the words make him flush even darker. "God, Jensen, you're--"
"Shut up," Jensen mutters, and drags Jared on top of him on the nearest bed.
Jared gets the message, stops talking and starts kissing Jensen's jaw, his neck, all the exposed skin he can reach with his mouth. Jensen yanks Jared's shirt over his head, pulls his own off while he's at it, and takes a minute to just stare.
He's had his share of boyfriends, good-looking guys who have made him feel good, and some of them have probably been prettier than Jared. Honestly, Jared looks a little ridiculous right now, sweaty hair gathering in clumps, uneven splotches of red where he's flushed.
Jensen's never wanted anyone so much in his entire life.
"We never talked about how we're going to do this," says Jared, nuzzling behind Jensen's ear. "What you like."
"I like you," says Jensen, not even embarrassed by how true it is.
"I like getting fucked," says Jared. "You like doing that?"
"God, yes."
Jared grins, sunny and somehow shockingly--clean. Given they're about to get naked and have a lot of really awesome sex.
At least, that's what Jensen is figuring.
Jared's hands on his jeans, pulling them off, brings Jensen back to the present, to the guy he's definitely in love with.
"God, look at you," says Jared, and Jensen isn't used to someone so clearly and enthusiastically checking out his dick. He blushes and looks away.
"Are we gonna do this?" he asks. "Or you just gonna stare all night?"
Jared smirks. "What were you thinking?"
Jensen just turns them over yanks Jared's jeans down, and takes Jared's dick in his mouth without preamble. Or, at least, as much of Jared's mouth as he can handle, because as it turns out, Jared has an enormous dick, and Jensen has a gag reflex. Jared moans and bucks, and Jensen can hear his fingernails grasping at the sheets.
Jensen sneaks his hand into Jared's pocket, finds the lube, slicks up his fingers, and starts stretching Jared open.
"Holy Jesus fuck," says Jared. His ass clenches around Jensen's fingers, and Jared really can't wait to feel that around his dick. "God, get your mouth off my dick or I'm gonna--" and then Jared swears incoherently and comes in Jensen's mouth.
Jensen smirks and strokes the spot again, listens to Jared pant and moan.
"I'm going for a record," says Jensen, smirking, while Jared struggles to regain his breath.
As soon as he does, he says, "Jesus, Jensen, fucking do it," and Jensen doesn't need a lot more encouragement.
He fucks Jared hard and fast, because he hasn't got patience left after months of wanting, but he manages to get Jared off again just before he comes himself, jerking him off in time with his thrusts.
Jared pulls him down, hand around the back of his neck, and they make out lazily as they come down. Jensen pulls out carefully, ties off his condom, and manages to get to the bathroom to throw it out and find a cloth, and he cleans up as Jared watches him.
"Lazy," he comments, as he settles back down.
"I love you," says Jared.
"Of course you say that now that I put out," says Jensen, grinning.
"I thought I was supposed to say it to get you to put out."
"Right. I totally failed that part of high school."
"What, getting tricked into having sex on the first date?"
Jensen smiles, buries his face in Jared's neck. "This is pretty far from our first date."
"You know," says Jared quietly, "you haven't said it back."
Jensen could joke about it, but he feels so warm and happy that he doesn't want to pretend. "Love you too, Jared."
Jared skims his hand up Jensen's side. "Is it lame if I'm looking forward to this almost as much as I--" he ducks his head into Jensen's hair. "Nevermind, it's lame."
"You're like the cuddliest person in history," says Jensen. "It's not news, man."
"So I'm leaving Dillon at the end of the year," Jared says after a minute. "I haven't really decided where I'm going. You got any ideas?"
"Somewhere without a football team."
Jared laughs. "Deal."
ALSO HAVE THREE FNL SONGS and watch FNL it is honestly the best show on TV
1. Tony Lucca : Devil Town
2. Camera Obscura : Let's Get Out Of This Country
3. The Killers : Read My Mind