(no subject)

[longsufferingly]

Title: I Can Almost See a Skyline
Author: chash
Rating: PG-13
Pairing: Jared Padalecki/Jensen Ackles, Jensen Ackles/Misha Collins (past)
Warnings: Uh...I don't think so?
Prompt chosen: 57. Secret Seduction

Our luxurious medical facility specializes in discreet, opulent care for exclusive clientele. Due to some recent "occurrences" at the hospital, bodyguard Tanner Doyle—a blond, tasty hunk of man—has been hired to keep an eye on the place. But he can't seem to focus on anything other than Dr. Vanessa Rodriguez….

Tanner's job is twofold: take care of security and be an undercover, personal bodyguard for Vanessa. Unfortunately, the "personal" part is turning into "very intimate," and Tanner's professionalism is flying out the window—along with his clothes! But can their smokin'-hot chemistry make up for the fact that he's been deceiving Vanessa from day one?
Summary: Jensen Ackles is the number one surgeon at the most prestigious plastic surgery practice in LA. After a number of threats, his bosses decide to hire him a bodyguard, one Jared Padalecki, who sweeps in and turns his life completely upside down.
Notes: For spn_meanttobe. Title and cut from Death Cab for Cutie.


Jensen Ackles was used to people hating him.

He was, after all, if his ex-boyfriend was to be believed, single-handedly responsible for creating and reinforcing unrealistic societal expectations and making the young women of America starve themselves.

"Asshole," Jensen muttered.

"Yeah," said Aldis, "he didn't at all have a point."

"Hey, we're not here to debate if Jensen is a terrible person," Chris butted in. "We're here to help him get over being dumped."

"And," added Jensen, "make me forget that McG wants to meet with me bright and fucking early."

Aldis snorted. "Seriously, what the hell kind of name is that?"

"Dr. McG, MD," Chris said, giggling.

"Is he even a real doctor?"

"Yes," said Jensen sulkily. "We're all real doctors, we all went to medical school, and we're doing legal procedures on consenting adults."

"You do boob jobs," said Aldis.

"Really good boob jobs," said Jensen. "I do awesome boob jobs."

"And I hear your handjobs aren't bad either," said Chris.

"Not good enough for Misha fucking Collins," Jensen muttered. "Stupid hippie."

"He sucks," said Chris.

"Yeah, but not well or anything," Aldis added quickly.

"He's a fucking actor! Where does he get off on judging me? It's not like Hollywood doesn't make people hate themselves. In fact!" Jensen exclaimed, slamming his beer down decisively. "Hollywood makes people hate themselves, and I make them love themselves again."

"Plastic surgeons," said Aldis. "Unsung heroes, man."

"You're not coming to these anymore," said Chris. "You suck at this."

Jensen groaned and banged his head on the table. "And god Jesus, why the fuck does McG wanna see me?"

"Maybe he's pregnant," Chris suggested.

Jensen half-heartedly scowled. "You both suck at this."

*

McG probably had another name, but in five years of working at Supernatural Surgery, Jensen had yet to hear it. The guy was a dick, but as a boss, he wasn't that bad, and Jensen had never been called to see him if he wasn't fucking something up. And he hasn't fucked up at this job in years.

"Good morning, Dr. Ackles," said McG, smiling in what Jensen suspected he thought was a charming manner. "Thank you for coming to see me."

As if I had a choice, Jensen thought darkly. Aloud, he said, "Of course, Dr. McG. How can I be of service?"

"Actually, Dr. Ackles, this is about Supernatural being of service to you."

Jensen couldn't entirely hide his surprise. "To me?" he asked.

"I'm sure it not news to you that we aren't the most popular of institutions."

Apparently, it was Jensen's week for getting shit on for his job. "I'm aware."

"Our clients, of course, realize that we provide a valuable service. But not everyone is so enlightened, and we've been receiving some worrying mail."

Jensen took a minute to absorb this. "Are we getting threatened?"

"I knew you were quick. Yes, we've been receiving threats."

"Jesus," said Jensen. "So--why am I here, exactly?"

"You may not have realized," said McG, "but Dr. Kripke and I know you're our best surgeon. You're also the face of this company to the public--by far our best known and most important resource."

"Thank you," says Jensen, not sure he means it.

"I'm not here to compliment you. I'm here to tell you you're getting a bodyguard. Of all the surgeons, you're the one in most danger, and the one we care most about protecting."

It took a minute to sink in. "A bodyguard?" asked Jensen. He wasn't helpless--he was in better shape than McG, the fucker, and he wasn't about to be babysat by some himbo. "With all due respect, sir, I don't think--"

"This isn't a discussion, Dr. Ackles. I'm not asking you how you feel. I'm telling you what's going to happen--you're getting a bodyguard. He'll be looking out for the entire facility, at least on paper, but his focus is you. If you don't like it, you can quit."

"Those are my options," said Jensen flatly, "bodyguard or bust?"

"We take your safety seriously, Dr. Ackles."

"I take my safety seriously," said Jensen. "That's why I can take care of myself."

McG smiled, not kindly. "That's all, Dr. Ackles. He'll be by your office at noon so he can accompany you on your lunch break. Unless you'd like to quit."

"I guess I'll see him then," said Jensen.

"I hoped you would."

*

Jensen had consultations all morning, discussing potential modifications with clients. It wasn't as simple as just making someone's breasts bigger or taking out some cellulite; Jensen liked to have a chance to get to know the person, really give them a look that fit. It was part of why he was so popular.

Today, though, his heart just wasn't in it. He couldn't forget about his upcoming meeting, his bodyguard. Part of him was just curious, wondering what the hell kind of threats could be so bad that McG and Kripke felt it was necessary to bring in bodyguards. And he couldn't help the sneaking suspicion that there had to be more to this than he was being told. He was good, and he knew it, but this public face of the company thing was stretching it. Jensen did more interviews than, say, Rosenbaum, but Jensen was hotter. He didn't mean to be conceited about it or anything, it was just a fact. The baldness was apparently a turn-off to potential clients. At least, that was what their PR said.

Still, Jensen had to wonder if there wasn't something specifically about him in the threats; otherwise, he couldn't imagine he really merited a dedicated guard. And wasn't that a comforting thought.

Jensen stretched and cricked his neck, rolling his shoulders to work out some of the stiffness. Today wasn't one of his operating days, and while he appreciated how much cleaner he kept, he hated how inactive he felt sitting at his desk all day.

There was a knock at the door at noon on the dot, and Jensen let the the guy sweat a little while before he called, "It's open."

Whenever Jensen met someone, he couldn't keep from looking at them with the critical eye of someone who improved people for a living.

The man who came in his door wasn't the kind of person who needed a lot of work. Tall and broad, muscles emphasized by his tight t-shirt, Jensen wasn't surprised he worked as a bodyguard. He would have done a little work on the guy's face--his nose was too wide, and he could lose the moles--but once that was done, he could have been a model.

The guy broke into a wide, friendly grin, dimples deep in his cheeks, as he spotted Jensen behind his desk. "Hey," he said, a faint twang of a Texas accent clear in his voice, "you must be Dr. Ackles."

"And you must be my bodyguard."

"Official story is, I'm everybody's bodyguard. But yeah," he said, ducking his head a little, "you're my priority. I'm Jared Padalecki. Just call me Jared, everyone does."

Jensen nearly said And you can call me Jensen automatically, but bit back the impulse. He didn't want Jared to feel like he was welcome in Jensen's life.

"For the record," he said, "I don't need protecting."

Jared nodded, grin giving over to a more contemplative expression. "Yeah, thought you might say that. But, no offense, they're paying me, not you."

Jensen snorted. "Waste of money."

"You understand why I'm not complaining," said Jared, a mischevious glint in his eye. "Anyway, I don't wanna keep you from whatever you're doing, so you wanna grab lunch, Dr. Ackles?"

Something about the way he said Dr. Ackles spoke directly to Jensen's dick, which wasn't actually a bad thing. After all, he was unattached at the moment, and if he was going to have a seriously ripped guy hanging around him all the time anyway, he might as well make sure Kripke and McG got their money's worth.

*

Over lunch, Jared proved to be unable to shut up. Jensen surprised himself by not minding much; Jared had a pleasant voice, and his stories were almost unfailingly amusing. Jensen even began contributing as the hour went on, and Jared's warm laugh egged him on.

"Sorry," said Jared, smiling sheepishly as their laughter died down after a complicated story about an ill-fated high school trip to Tijuana, "I'm talking your ear off. My--my friend Chad says I don't have a mute button."

"I don't mind," said Jensen, actually meaning it for once. "My lunches are usually pretty boring."

"You don't hang out with the other surgeons or anything?"

Jensen shrugged. "I like Rosenbaum, but his girlfriend works a couple buildings over, so he always grabs lunch with her."

"That's it, one of--ten? Or so?"

"Kripke and McG almost always have lunch meetings. Tigerman's hooked on World of Warcraft and plays during his spare time. Tal's always trying to get in my pants, Welling did get in my pants and now it's awkward."

Jared's eyes widened. "Welling? So, you're, uh--"

"I'm uh," Jensen confirmed. "That gonna be a problem for you?"

"Oh, no, I mean--I'm. I am too, so--yeah. Not really a problem." said Jared, blushing darkly.

Jensen smiled. "So, what do you do, exactly?"

"In general, or for Supernatural?"

"For Supernatural."

"My official title is Head Security Coordinator," he said. "But my off-the-record focus is you. Drs. Kripke and McG don't want the other staff members to feel like their safety isn't as important."

"Even if it isn't," Jensen interjected.

"Even if it isn't," Jared agreed with an amused smile. "Anyway, my office will be by yours, so I'll spend most of my time near you. I'll do a walk-through of the building every hour, but I'll have my cell on me, so you can call me anytime. Dr. McG also told me I'd be responsible for driving you to and from work every day."

Jensen stared. "What?"

Jared shrugged, awkwardly. "Sorry, man. He's the one paying my bills. You're gonna have to bring it up with him."

"Don't shoot the messenger?" asked Jensen darkly.

"I'd rather you didn't."

"Seriously, you know why I'm getting this special treatment?"

"I was told because you're vital to the practice. You bring in business."

It still didn't hold together for Jensen, but he wasn't going to tell Jared that. Instead, he put on his cockiest grin.. "I am pretty awesome," he said.

Jared laughed. "No doubt, man."

*

Jared apparently lived pretty close to Jensen, so McG and Kripke expected it would make sense for the two of them to claim they had a carpool. Jensen found himself objecting much less to the arrangment when he heard Jared's smooth, "Mornin', Dr. Ackles," as he settled in to shotgun. He was further convinced when Jared handed him a coffee with just the right cream and sugar.

"I asked Katie at reception," Jared said. "She warned me you weren't a morning person."

"Not so much, no," Jensen agreed. "But I think I can let you live."

"I was really worried there," said Jared, shaking his head. "Big day today?"

Jensen leaned back, closing his eyes and sipping his coffee. "Nose in the morning, boobs in the afternoon."

Jared snorted. "You're so jaded, man. Like, ho hum, time to reshape some girl's whole body."

Jensen shrugged. "I'm not into her, it's not like I'm benefitting."

Jared looked thoughtful. "Do guys ever get their junk worked on?"

"Sometimes," said Jensen with a smirk. "Why, you need a little help down there, Sasquatch?"

Jared choked.

"Because," Jensen continued, "I'm available any time for . . . consultations."

"Wow," Jared finally managed. "Does that line ever work?"

"You're my first attempt," said Jensen with a wink. "So I guess we'll find out."

Jared shook his head. "Smooth, Dr. Ackles. Real smooth."

But Jensen saw Jared readjust his jeans slightly; he was a doctor, after all, he was used to watching minute movements.

Yeah, this was going to be fun.

*

It was somewhat shocking to Jensen how much having Jared around improved his day. Not even in an eye-candy way, although flirting shamelessly with Jared and watching him splutter was without a doubt great. But he hadn't actually realized how lonely he was.

He snorted slightly at his own thoughts. Jesus, he made it sound like he was some hermit or something. He had a perfectly satisfying social life outside of work--well, except for the not-getting-laid part--but he really hadn't bonded with any of his coworkers. The thing was, for all that Jensen was defensive of his job and what he did, he didn't actually believe in it. McG and Kripke really thought they were improving the world, like superheroes or something, and even Rosenbaum thought that people looked better like this. Jensen thought people could be improved, but most of what they did was unnecessary and stupid. But no one really loved their jobs.

Jared, for his part, came in after Jensen's appointments and gave commentary. He was close enough outside that he heard some of their discussions, mostly when a client got loud and angry that Jensen felt there was such a thing as "too much boobs."

"They'd just be in here in two weeks for breast reduction surgery," muttered Jensen.

"Isn't that good for you?" asked Jared.

"I think that's actually Rosenbaum's goal. I think his record is adjusting one woman ten times."

Jared shook his head. "What are you even doing here?"

Jensen raised his eyebrows. "What do you mean?"

"I mean--you don't fit in and you don't like it."

"It's a job. Do you like being a bodyguard?"

"I don't mind. And it's not my job job. I'm putting myself through school."

"For what?"

"Zoology. I want to be an animal trainer."

"Oh. So this just pays the bills?"

"Yeah. And I love animals, so that whole liking my job thing is a goal."

"I like my job fine. It's not my passion or anything, but you know. It pays the bills."

"Judging from your place? More than."

"Where do you get off?" Jensen asked. "How much I make is my business. I didn't--I'm not that guy, okay?"

"You seem like a pretty awesome guy," said Jared, more contemplative than defensive. "I mean, you're kind of grouchy and cocky, but you're fun to hang out with, and when you relax you're even nice. But anytime somebody starts talking about your job, you get so closed-off that it's no wonder people think you're a jerk."

The assessment was so right that Jensen couldn't help bristling. "Don't you have rounds?"

"Yep, I do," Jared got up, cracked his neck and shoulders. "You haven't been threatened or anything, have you?"

"No more than usual. I got a dad come in the other day demanding to know why I ruined his little girl."

"Seriously? Where was I?"

"In your office."

"You should tell me this stuff."

"I didn't need backup," said Jensen, mostly gently and not angrily. "His daughter's making choices he hates, and he needed to vent at someone. He didn't throw a punch or anything."

Jared cocked his head, looking at Jensen speculatively. "See, you're a good guy."

"I'm not, really."

"Maybe not," Jared granted. "But you're not as bad a guy as you make yourself out to be." He smiled. "We on for lunch?"

"Yeah, get going, Padalecki."

"See you, Dr. Ackles."

Jensen leaned back, rubbed over his eyes. He had another appointment in ten minutes, a decently attractive older woman, who with a couple minor procedures would look like a very attractive older woman, but who really wanted to look like a much, much younger woman. Jensen had been trying to subtly get her to just look her age, because she was a great girl as she was, but she thought her husband wouldn't stay with her. Jensen hated cases like this, because she wanted to look like someone else, and he thought she looked good as she was.

Maybe Jared was right. Maybe he was better than the others.

But he was still one of them.

*

Samantha ran a little over, but he convinced her to not botox herself to the gills, so he counted it as a win. Jared was hanging around outside, looking smug, and Jensen gave him a look that dared him to comment.

"What've you got this afternoon, Dr. Ackles?" Jared asked, with deliberate innocence.

"Breast reduction. For health," he said. "I feel all legitimate." He paused, fidgeting with his fork a little. "You know," he started cautiously, "you could call me Jensen."

"I could, huh?" asked Jared, and Jensen didn't have to look up to see his smug expression. His seduction of Jared hadn't actually gone anywhere, but they flirted all the time, and Jensen was somewhat appalled with how much he genuinely liked Jared. "Jensen," he continued, testing it out, and Jensen liked it even better than the way he said 'Dr. Ackles.'

"Don't want you thinking I'm a jerk or anything," he said, fighting a blush. Blushing, Jesus.

"I don't," said Jared warmly.

Jensen finally looked up and had to swallow. He really needed to just fuck Jared and get it out of his system, before these ridiculous feelings got the better of him. "Well, gee, thanks," he managed, with as much snark as he could muster. "You know if we have any leads on this whole--" he gestured with his free hand, "thing?"

"You mean the threats?" he shook his head. "Nothing's come to you, right?"

"They don't tell me anything."

Jared nodded. "Good. Let me know the second it does, okay? I know you aren't wild about having me around--"

"Hey," said Jensen, surprising himself, "I don't like them treating me like I'm helpless. But trust me, I like having you around."

Jared blinked, then grinned blindingly. "Aww, you like me. That's so sweet, Jensen."

"Just better than the other assholes here," said Jensen grudgingly, but Jared clearly didn't buy it for a second.

*

"Hey," said Jared, hesitantly a week later as they were heading to the car. "So, um, my friend Sandy. She's a dancer."

"Right," said Jensen, glancing at him absently while he reviewed some last minute paperwork.

"She's got a show tonight. And I was wondering if, uh, maybe you'd want to come with me?"

Jensen dropped the pen he'd had in his mouth and luckily managed to catch it on his papers. Then he managed a smirk. "You asking me out, Jared?"

"Um," said Jared, blushing a lot. "Maybe."

"I was figuring I'd just shove you in a closet and have my way with you."

"Yeah, well," said Jared, regaining a little of his composure, but still looking kind of pleased and embarrassed. "You were too slow, so you have to come with me."

"I have to, huh?"

"Well, if you--"

"I want to come. You buying me dinner first?"

Jared snorted. "Are you kidding? I'm the struggling student, you're the ridiculously overpaid doctor. You're paying."

Jensen laughed. "Fine, whatever."

*

Dinner was a lot like their lunches, except more candlelight, and Jared was blushing faintly the whole time. They both got a couple beers, just enough for a slight buzz, and Jensen embarrassed the hell out of his date by playing a little footsie.

"We still have to go to Sandy's thing after," said Jared, kicking him away finally. "I promised she could meet you."

"Promised, huh?"

Jared ducked his head. "I might've told her about you a little."

Jensen grinned. It wasn't like he hadn't told Chris about Jared kind of a lot, but it made him really happy that Jared had done the same. "Good things, right?"

"That you're a totally arrogant jerk," said Jared breezily.

"Uh huh."

"She didn't believe anyone could be such an asshole, so she wanted to meet you," Jared continued, with a smile and a foot nudge to let Jensen know he was kidding.

"Well, I better not disappoint," he said.

Jared glanced at his watch. "Speaking of, we better head out. Don't wanna be late."

Their bill had been paid a while, they'd just been sitting around nursing beers and chatting. Jensen felt happy down to his toes, like he hadn't in a long time, even when it was good with Misha.

Good with Misha had never been like this.

"Yeah, let's," he said.

At the car, he pushed Jared up the door and kissed him, loving the whimper that Jared let out into his mouth.

"Didn't want to forget to do that," Jensen muttered.

"Very important," Jared agreed, leaning down again.

"Thought we had to get to the show," said Jensen, not moving away.

"You're a bastard," said Jared, leaning his forehead against Jensen's shoulder and letting out a long breath. "Okay. Let's go."

Jensen smirked. "Dude, you knew I was a jerk when you asked me out."

"I'm a glutton for punishment," Jared agreed. "Come on, I don't want Sandy to kill me."

"Me neither," Jensen said innocently. "I've got a lot more I want to do to you."

Jared groaned and pressed the heel of his hand against his crotch. "I hate you."

*

Sandy's show was kind of interesting, in a boring, weird way. It was modern dance, which Jensen didn't like very much, in a pretty small venue, so it wasn't like he could yawn or look bored, not when he actually cared about making Jared's friends like him. And wasn't that a terrifying prospect.

Jared didn't look exactly riveted himself, but neither of them fell asleep, and as far as Jensen was concerned that was about all friends could reasonably ask for during their theatrical attempts. Misha used to drag him to plays all the time, and Jensen had definitely not made it through some of the more experimental ones, no matter how much Misha claimed they were art.

Thinking about Misha just made him glad he was here with Jared, although the unexpected flood of warmth didn't exactly make him feel better. Jensen had nothing against relationships, but he didn't really know where he was with Jared at all. Jared seemed torn between his attraction and an inexplicable reluctance, and Jensen wasn't sure he was ready for anything serious at all. He and Misha had been together for two years, and he hadn't had long to recover. Still, he'd never felt as comfortable with anyone as he did with Jared, and he didn't want to ignore that.

He reached over and took Jared's hand, squeezing slightly, and Jared didn't look away from the stage, but he rubbed his thumb against Jensen's palm and smiled.

*

Sandy was a cute brunette who jumped into Jared's arms and hugged him as soon as she spotted him loitering around the lobby, and then thanked him profusely for suffering through that.

"It's great for my resume, but I wish I could get something cooler," she said, shaking her head. "But it really means a lot that you came. Alexis said she had a 'medical emergency,'" she added, making finger quotes. Then, she turned to Jensen. "You must be Jensen! I told Jared all he needed was an excuse to ask you out."

"Sandy," Jared muttered, flushing more.

"He didn't really need an excuse," said Jensen, reaching out to shake Sandy's hand. "Nice to meet you."

"See?" said Sandy, poking Jared in the side.

"He's just really easy," said Jared, clearly embarrassed by how much he liked Jensen. It was really--sweet.

"All you have to do is ask." said Jensen, the words coming out kind of tender.

Sandy was watching with approval, but Jared still looked a little uncertain.

"Come on, Padalecki," he said on a whim. "I need my beauty sleep."

"Oh, you do not," said Jared, but he leaned down and pecked Sandy on the cheek. "You were awesome."

"Thanks, sweetie," she said, grinning.

"Nice to meet you again," said Jensen.

"Don't be a stranger!"

They were quiet on the way back to the car, and they were blazing down the highway before Jared finally said in a rush, "I don't do hookups."

"Huh?"

"I mean, you're really hot," said Jared, "and if I was going to have meaningless sex with anyone, it'd be you, but--I date. And then after a few dates I have sex, but--"

"What're you doing tomorrow?" asked Jensen.

"Uh. Nothing?"

"My friend Chris has a show," said Jensen. "He's in a band. It's not painful unless you hate country music. And he's been wanting to meet you too."

Jared's grin was a mile wide. "Yeah?"

"Yeah."

*

Work got awesome after that. They weren't officially boyfriends or anything, but one of them usually came up with an excuse to get dinner after work, and sometimes hang out, and while Jensen didn't want to press Jared for anything he wasn't ready for, Jared seemed more than willing to make out pretty much all the time, including in the janitor's closet in the hall when Jim wasn't around. They had pretty similar taste in movies and TV, so if Jensen was watching something, he could generally convince Jared to come over, and they made out more once he did come over. Aldis pronounced him "Surprisingly non-douchey," and Chris pointed out that for the first time since high school, Jensen couldn't stop smiling.

He'd even pretty much forgotten why Jared was there in the first place. Now that they were dating, Jensen just wanted to spend all his time with him anyway, and the fact that Jared was around work just felt like the best bonus ever.

"What're you gonna do when he leaves?" asked Chris.

"Keep dating him, I hope," said Jensen. "I don't know why we'd stop."

"You really like him," said Chris, sounding kind of surprised.

"What?" asked Jensen, more defensively than he maybe should have. But he didn't like Chris's tone.

"I'm just saying, you dated Misha for a year."

"Yeah, and?"

"And you were totally happy going without seeing him for like two weeks when he'd go off and film in Vancouver or whatever. And now if you miss out on, like, two days with your boy, you get pissy and mopey."

"I do not," muttered Jensen, aware that he sounded pretty pissy and mopey when he said it.

"Hey, it's good, don't get me wrong," said Chris. "I'm just surprised."

"Why? I can't like my boyfriend?"

"Never mind," said Chris smugly. "He coming to our gig tomorrow?"

"Of course he is."

Chris just shook his head.

Jensen couldn't stop thinking about Chris's question, though. He didn't think Jared was just with him out of convenience--hell, Jared had been the one who insisted on taking things slow, the one who wanted to date and not just fuck. But he had no idea what kind of length of stay Jared might have at Supernatural. Hell, he still didn't know exactly what the threats were, or if more had come in. Jared would sometimes ask about it, but now that he and Jensen spent so much time together outside of work, he'd relaxed somewhat, presumably confident that if anything bad happened, he'd be around to help.

But there hadn't been anything--or if there had, no one had told Jensen--since Jared came to work, so Jensen had to wonder if they would keep him on much longer. He definitely didn't want Jared to get fired, but McG and Kripke were too cheap to keep on an unnecessary bodyguard.

Jensen resolved to ask Jared about it in the morning, because his days were going to get a whole lot darker once Jared stopped hanging around the office, and he wanted to be prepared.

*

The next morning, a strange car pulled up outside Jensen's apartment, and a large, unfamiliar man got out and rang the bell.

"Yes?" asked Jensen, unwilling to open the door.

"Dr. Ackles, Dr. McG sent me to give you a ride into work," said the guy. "My name is Clif."

"Where's Jared?"

"Mr. Padalecki is no longer employed by Supernatural."

"Oh like hell," muttered Jensen.

Jared, of course, did not pick up his cell. Jared rarely picked up his cell, because he always lost it, and he would hear it ringing somewhere and then by the time he found it, it would've already gone to voice mail.

"Give me a call when you get this," Jensen growled. "Seriously."

Then he called McG.

"Why is there a guy named Clif at my door?"

"Mr. Padalecki is no longer employed with us," said McG. "Come on in and I'll tell you all about it."

"Next time you fire my bodyguard, fucking tell me," snarled Jensen, and hung up.

Clif didn't have coffee, and Jensen didn't want to make out with him in the car. He called Jared four more times, but it just went to voice mail every time, and at some point that had to start meaning something.

Jensen stopped trying.

*

"Jared Padalecki was a fraud."

Jensen stared. "A what?"

"The threats we'd been receiving were from a radical group intent on destroying our practice," said McG calmly. "Mr. Padalecki came highly recommended, but we became suspicious of him. While his credentials were not suspect, our investigation revealed that his friend Chad Michael Murray is a member of the group in question, and we believe Mr. Padalecki was a spy."

Jared had mentioned Chad--Jensen never met him, but he came up now and again. He was absolutely and without question a friend of Jared's. But.

"Jared?"

"I realize this must be a shock for you," said McG. "But under the circumstances, we had to terminate him immediately."

"But he was alone with me all the fucking time. If he wanted to hurt me, he could've twenty times over."

McG shrugged. "Mr. Padalecki's goals are not entirely clear to us at the moment. Rest assured, your safety is our first priority."

"Oh like hell," said Jensen. "I'm going to find Jared."

"Dr. Ackles, Mr. Padalecki is highly dangerous and--"

"And if he wanted to do anything, he already had a lot of chances."

"Now that his cover is blown--"

"Fuck you," said Jensen.

He wasn't sure if it counted as a resignation, but if it did, he didn't really mind.

*

"Come on in," said Jared in a weary tone, and Jensen punched him in the jaw. Not that hard, but hard enough. Jared took it. "I probably deserved that."

"What the fuck, Jared," said Jensen. "You're a spy now?"

Jared rubbed at his chin, where Jensen had hit him. "That sounds so much cooler than what I actually did."

"What you actually did? What the hell did you do?"

Jared sighed, looked at Jensen from under his bangs. "What did they tell you?"

"It doesn't matter. You tell me."

"How much do you know about how Kripke and McG develop their surgical procedures?"

"What?" asked Jensen, taken off guard.

"They do animal testing. Nasty animal testing. And when Chad found out I did security work, he--I was supposed to infiltrate and find enough evidence we could get a solid case to the police. Everything we had was circumstantial, the kind of stuff guys that rich can get lawyers to totally destroy."

"So you're the good guys."

Jared looked broken. "I swear, I was going to tell you. I knew in about ten minutes that you couldn't know about it, but--I got distracted."

"Yeah, you liked me so much you forgot you were lying to me," sneered Jensen.

"I'm sorry," said Jared, so genuinely that Jensen felt it somewhere around his sternum. "I wanted--God, I wanted some evidence, and I was fucking scared and I thought what if I was wrong and you knew and--I'm sorry, Jensen."

"How sure are you," Jensen finally said, flatly.

"Really, really sure. They, um. They caught me last night, after hours, sneaking around. Fired me on the spot. But I was close, I--" he looked down, laughed a little. "Chad yelled at me. Getting distracted, because I was supposed to be--I had a job to do, two jobs, even, and whenever I was with you I didn't care about either of them, because you're so--I'm pretty much in love with you," Jared admitted.

"Still lied to me," said Jensen, but he was kind of ridiculously happy, and he was sure it showed on his face.

"I know," said Jared.

Jensen let out a breath. "I'm not saying that I believe you yet, or that I trust you," he said carefully. "But I trust you a hell of a lot more than I trust McG. So tell me where you think this evidence is, and I'll check myself."

"The actual testing takes place in a facility called One Tree Hill," said Jared. "I finally cracked Kripke's password for his computer, and there are definitely files on it. But I haven't gotten to look at them."

"What's the password?"

Jared quirked his lips. "Superfreak."

"Gross," said Jensen.

"Hey, he's your boss." Jared sobered. "I think I should come with you."

"Yeah, because nothing says 'I am totally on your side' like bringing the spy along."

"It's dangerous," said Jared. "I don't want you getting hurt."

"Then you probably shouldn't have sent notes threatening my life."

"That was Chad's idea. He thought I should get close to someone. And then he bitched me out for getting too close."

"You're just that good at your job."

"Jensen, I told you--"

"Yeah," said Jensen. "I'm still holding back on believing you."

Jared nodded, looked so sad Jensen had to look away. "I get it," he said. "Just--give me a call, okay? So I know you're safe."

"Yeah," said Jensen. "Fine."

*

I wanted to be a physical therapist, was all Jensen could think, on repeat, as he drove back to work.

That had been his dream as a kid--help people get better. He even went to school for it, was fascinated by reconstructive surgery and changed his focus. And then his dad lost his job, his family lost a lot of money, and Jensen's baby sister wasn't going to be able to go to college. There was more money in plastic surgery, so Jensen switched over, used the money to help out his family.

"Knew you were a good guy," Jared had said muzzily when Jensen admitted this, affection and intoxication both clear in his gaze, and Jensen's stupid heart had done this desperate leap.

"Keep doing it," Jensen had argued. "Even though I don't need the money anymore."

"Still a good guy," Jared had said, and Jensen was in love with him too. Had been for a while.

He didn't feel like a good guy now. He felt like a guy who worked for a fucking shady plastic surgery practice who'd bitched out the best boyfriend he'd ever had. And, yeah, Jared deserved it, but he wished he'd kissed him before he left.

He called Jared's phone, got the voicemail, as always. "I'm still mad at you," he said, "but I love you too, asshole."

Jared texted back less than five minutes later, oh, good, was hoping.

Jensen couldn't help smiling.

*

Jim, being the awesome janitor that he was, left his keys in his closet, which Kripke and McG didn't know, but Jared and Jensen did, because they spent a non-insignificant amount of time in that closet. And Jensen figured God had to be on his side, because his key card had still worked to scan him in to the office, so if he had been fired, they hadn't actually gotten rid of his building access.

It was completely dark inside, but it wasn't the first time Jensen had been in this late. He had his share of busy days and too much paperwork, and he was willing to lie his ass off and say he needed something from Kripke if he got caught.

He was surprisingly scared, that was the stupidest thing. He wished, almost, that he'd brought Jared, even though that would totally blow his cover.

"Dude, you're being ridiculous," he muttered to himself. "No one's gonna come."

Kripke's username was easy--everyone in Supernatural just logged in with their first initial and last name, and Jared's totally life-scarring password worked too. So it was just a matter of sneaking around the computer, looking for information about One Tree Hill. Kripke's computer setup was pretty similar to Jensen's, client files organized by last name, but Jensen saw he had a drop-down menu.

Four names--Supernatural, One Tree Hill, Smallville, and Gilmore--where Jensen just had the one, and he clicked down to One Tree Hill with trepidation.

At first, it just looked like a normal client report--name, age, treatments, dates and times--but at the end of the line, there was a category for species. Mostly primates of some kind, it looked like, and Jensen felt sick to his stomach.

His first instinct was to call Jared, to apologize, to tell him he was sorry for ever doubting him, but it was only seconds before this had implications pretty far beyond his relationship issues. So instead, he grabbed his flash drive and started copying, grabbing all the files, not sure what the others were, but knowing there was no downside to having them.

He was on his way out, congratulating himself on a job well done, when the blow hit.

*

Jensen came to slowly, in the hospital, which, as soon as he put together what had happened to him, was a total surprise. He had figured on McG being the kind of guy who put his captives in a sketchy warehouse, not a hospital.

And then he opened his eyes and saw Jared.

"Why the fuck did you knock me out?" he asked.

"I didn't," said Jared, sounding kind of hurt.

"Well someone did," said Jensen. "My head hurts like a bitch."

"McG did," said Jared. "And I bodyguarded you."

"Not a verb," said Jensen. "Where were you?"

"Parked outside," Jared admitted, ducking his head. "I was maybe worried. A little."

"Oh. Did McG steal my stuff?"

"Your stuff?"

"I got you evidence. But I don't have clothes. Am I on drugs?"

"A few drugs," said Jared. "You got hit pretty hard."

"Are you gonna stay?"

"You want me to?"

Jensen reached over and grabbed whatever part of Jared's shirt was closest. "Yeah."

"Then I'll stay."

"Clothes?"

"They're in the closet."

"You should look in them. Got you a flash drive. Bet he didn't take it, cuz I zipped it. With a zipper."

Jared smiled. "You should always be on drugs."

"Shut up. I'm going to sleep. You stay."

"I'm staying," Jared promised.

*

The next time Jensen woke up, Jared was passed out, hunched over in his chair and occasionally snorting in his sleep. He'd gotten Jensen's hand off his shirt, but he was still holding it.

Jensen grinned.

*

Three months later

"So, what are you wearing?" said Jensen.

"Given it's two in the afternoon and I'm at an internship? A t-shirt, jeans, and my lab coat, you freak."

"Sexy."

"Aren't you supposed to be saving an underprivileged orphan's face?"

Jensen laughed. He'd had a lot of offers from plastic surgery practices, but Jared had pointed out that he had a pretty good excuse to not continue doing a job he hated and that make him act like a superficial, self-absorbed asshole.

"I'd still love you," Jared had said easily, "but, you know, you might be happier."

And Jensen had to admit that was a pretty good point, and had lucked out and found a charity hospital in need of an experienced reconstructive surgeon. He still didn't love his job, but he didn't feel like his soul was getting sucked out his ass.

"I'm on a break, douchewad," said Jensen.

"So you wanted to give me a call? That's so sweet."

"They set a date for the trial," he said instead.

"Oh. Wow. That's--good, I guess."

"I'd like to see the assholes behind bars. Anyway, I thought we could grab dinner, celebrate."

Jared hummed into the phone. "Guess I could squeeze that in."

Jensen grinned. Three months, and he was so in love with his boyfriend he couldn't see straight. And tonight, he was finally going to ask Jared to move in. Any other time he'd gotten to this point in a relationship, he had been nervous, terrified even. Not just because of the enormity of the step, or the fear of rejection, but the prospect of living with someone else, having to adjust his schedule and his routines to another person.

Somehow, this time, the excitement of having Jared living with him completely outweighed any apprehension he was feeling. It wasn't going to be easy all the time--the last three months hadn't been all roses and sunshine--but he and Jared were willing to work for it, and Jensen had never felt that before.

"So," Jensen finally said, grin threatening to split his face, "pick you up at seven?"

"Can't wait," said Jared.

Jensen honestly couldn't have agreed more.