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Jensen isn't a minuteman. Hell, he isn't even a 10-minuteman. He's more of a 20-minute-and he'll think about it man.So when Amell is waking him in the dead of night, Jensen is a little less than pleased. He'd trained hard the day before--as always. You never know when you're gonna come across a formidable opponent."JenSen!" Amell shouts again with emphasis and nudges his side."Okay, okay. I'm up. I'm up." Jensen finally answers his commander. "What'd you need?" He asks as he rises.The tent is dark save for the moonlight that's leaking through the material. He can only make out the profile, but his commander looks worried."I need you to take a team and head north, to the far lands." Amell begins."Whatever for? And this time of night?" Jensen asks incredulous and pinches his forearm. Maybe he's dreaming."It's been three weeks and we just received word from the King that a team Riders went missing."Jensen falls into more disbelief, "A whole team? How many?""Look Jensen, the numbers aren't important. We've been tasked to learn their fate." Amell tells him, grimly. He neglects to mention that it's only Jared and two others. He's not sure how Jensen will handle the news.Jensen nods his assent. As Amell's Lieutenant, it's his job to handle whatever his commander needs. Amell has to stay here and guard the border.The locals on the other side have been acting rowdy as of late, so Jensen decides he'll only take a couple others. "I'll take Pratt and Taylor."The commander doesn't question. He goes to rouse them awake, and Jensen readies himself to leave as quickly as possible.Pratt is a seasoned knight. He's handy in a fight and quick on his feet. Taylor is relatively new to knighthood, but he's eager to please and shows a great deal of promise.They set out heading north. Jensen has no idea what they're gonna be riding into so he spends his time riding in silence preparing for just about anything. They ride in comfortable silence for the better part of the day. They only take a few brief stops along the way and they reach the edge of the forest just before nightfall. While Taylor is calming the animals and unpacking what they'll need, Lt. Ackles and Pratt set about the treeline to gather some needed logs and sticks. The faint smell of deadwood doesn't escape Jensen's notice. Just as he's about mention something Chris speaks from next to him. "Do you know what this is?" It's dark and getting darker. Jensen can't see the object but supposes it's wood. He reaches to touch it and it feels dry-too dry; Like he could crumble it in his fist. "This won't do," he tells Pratt like it explains everything. "It's all like that." The other man retorts. "What is going on here?"Jensen's not entirely sure, but he's got a sinking feeling in his gut already. He's not really even in the woods yet, so to speak. "Just gather as much as you can. It's not going to burn long." He helps Chris gather what his own arms will hold and hopes it's enough to at least heat some food. They all settle into their respective tents to get some shut eye. Jensen's sore and achy from riding all day and feels good to finally lay down, but the ground is hard. His nerves are on edge, and a restless sleep soon takes him. It's probably better that way seeing as how he's in unfamiliar territory here.Unable to tolerate the unforgiving ground any longer he rises shortly before sunrise. He missed his morning routine entirely yesterday, and he thinks maybe that's why this place feels so 'off'. He grabs minimal clothing and a small weapon and takes off into the woods. Aided by the moonlight he finds a trodden path to take. It soon breaks off into a more worn path, and Jensen follows it. He's looking to find water. Even if the path is grown over somewhat, he can tell it was once a common trail for animals to take. He's barely traveled a few meters when he hears the rush of a river. The moonlight above is giving way to the first dim light of the sun, so he picks up the pace following the sound. Pretty soon he's standing at the foot of a waterfall. This will do nicely. He sheds his worn clothing on the bank and places his fresh clothes nearby with his dagger. He takes a vial of blended oil and herbs with him under the waterfall.The pressure is a little harder than he's accustomed to, but it works wonders on his muscles. He steps back slightly from the mist to rub the oil on his body. He takes his time with it massaging his achy limbs as he goes. The bittersweet aroma of rosemary, mint, and lavender take him over. It's relaxing yet invigorating. Once he's used a sufficient amount he tosses the bottle aside and steps back under the fall, still massaging in slow circles everywhere he can reach. The sound of the waterfall feeding into the river below him masks any other sounds.The cleansing oil is olive based so even after the waterfall; it leaves his skin covered in a nice sheen. He usually allows the sun to bake the remnants into his skin as he completes his warmup exercises. He likes to do this part without clothing completely. It lets the oil nourish all of his skin and dry before it comes into contact with his under garments. His nerves have started to still completely after washing off in the waterfall and the familiar scent of the oil has helped with that a great deal. Everything is starting to feel normal again. Almost.~*~*~*~*~*~*~Jared~*~*~*~*~*~*~Time escapes him, but Jared's pretty sure it's only been a couple days since Chad had wondered off. Jared's been looking for his newly dubbed knight here and there but to no avail. The forest itself is strange. It looks as though its dying on the outside, but once you find yourself deeper within; everything comes to life. There aren't many animals wondering about, though. Perhaps they're out of season? This is by far the oddest of Jared's many adventures. What's he supposed to do? Ask the squirrel for directions?Every single scout feared the woods, wouldn't go to the woods, didn't wanna be alone in the woods. There was something strange going on here for sure, but it didn't feel foreboding; only confusing. Jared felt bad for Chad, being lost out here. Surely, gaining knightly status would have taught the man a thing or two about finding your way back out safe-or tracking at the very least. Truth is the further he ventured, the less he cared. And what was worse, he didn't care that he didn't care. He was on a mission further north. The riders had been trying to get the northern most parts of the kingdom for 4 moons at least. They couldn't get there because of this woodland. Some parts were a dense overgrown forest while others were just trees upon trees. Jared wasn't sure how to describe it. Every scout they had sent, turned back. Jared, newly appointed Lieutenant, decided to go see for himself. He took Chad and Milo along to show them how a real Rider gets things done. Milo turned back before ever setting foot inside the forest. Then the next thing Jared knows, he turns around and Chad is nowhere to be found.
Fuck!
The sun is rising so Jared stops walking to get his bearings. How long has it been since he slept? Once he's collected, he proceeds north. The sound of water rushing nearby sets his heart pounding. It wasn't until that very moment he realizes how thirsty he is. He follows the sound until he finds the river. All else fades way to tunnel vision while he scoops handfuls of the refreshing goodness into his mouth. He stops to fill his flask, and then drinks a few more scoops of water for good measure. It's not until his thirst is sated that his eyes track movement up ahead. He focuses his sight on the movement and cannot believe what he actually sees. The figure looks like Jensen, moves like Jensen. He shakes his head and looks again. He could swear Jensen is just a little way up the river from him stretching and lunging nude in the early morning sun. His body is slick with something...sweat? oil? Jared's too far away to tell. He decides to move closer. The figure's back is to Jared, so he has the clear advantage.Jared retreats the edge of the woods for cover. His eyes never leaving his target.Silently, he stalks through the bushes. Once he's close enough to make out the figure he blinks several times and rubs his eyes. It is Jensen-naked and golden; shining in the sun. His body moves just as graceful as ever. He stretches his arms and lunges his legs. Jared recognizes the series of basic warm up stretches from their training days, but he's never seen them done in this manner and he's not watched Jensen perform them in years. He stands stock still in amazement for what feels like hours. He enjoys watching as Jensen's hamstrings pull and constrict through each round of stretches. He marvels at the defined muscles in Jensen's back as he begins the lunges.Jared never thought in a million years he would be treated to a such a sight. Jensen has filled out so nicely and he's maintained every enticing inch. Not only that, but Jared knows first-hand what Jensen's capable of behind all that beautifully tanned muscle. Hallucination or not, the man before him is breathtaking. Heat pools in his stomach, and he feels his cock thicken with arousal. Without thinking he pulls his helmet off and slinks from his chainmail and thin garments. If all else fails, he could always plunge himself in the cool river to wake himself up. He stoops down and edges closer, careful of his movements against the brush. Just as Jensen stretches forward on one knee and has the other leg angled behind him, Jared pounces: grabbing him by the waist. He turns his torso and throws the older knight completely off balance. A surprised sound escapes as Jensen tries to scramble away. They roll and tussle at the water's edge, but neither can land any hits. Jensen counters him on reflex always ready to fight but Jared's able to block him easily. He's finally able to flip Jensen on his back and catch hold of his wrist, pinning it above his head. He doesn't have to bother blocking the other blow, Jensen has stilled his movements completely."Padalecki?" The knight's tone sounds relieved, but his expression is a quizzical mixture of concern? shock? mild arousal? The last part checks out, so Jared grinds his groin against the hard slick body under him. Completely convinced now this is a fantasy, Ackles would never present this way. All glorious and slick, aroused, concerned, and relieved at the same time. He feels a sudden jolt of confidence knowing there's no real consequence here. "Yea, you miss me?"Jensen's mind moves at lightning speed, all his own questions falling to the wayside as he focuses on what Jared just asked him. "Indeed," he rolls his hips up for emphasis and relishes how his body simply slides along Jared's firm outline.Jared's auburn hair shines in the sunlight and frames his face perfectly. Jensen is ever grateful for their position because the bulk of Jared's head is blocking direct sunlight. He notices the mischievous grin playing on the other's face before the wet dream on top of him speaks, "So this is how you got so golden all over?" Determined to keep hold of his prey, he strengthens the hold when Jensen tries to wiggle away.Broad shoulders and chest threaten to tinge pink under the scrutiny and green eyes go wide. "No one's meant to see." Jensen has always been so careful. How could he not notice someone of Jared's stature sneaking up on him?Jared grinds against him again, "You were clearly expecting something. You're all slick." He grabs a hold of Jensen's dick and gives a steady, but firm squeeze to illustrate his point."Cleansing oils," Jensen struggles to explain. He feels the blush rise to his cheeks as his traitorous dick comes to life in Jared's hand. "It's a private ritual, not an open invitation." He finally manages through gritted teeth, as he struggles against the profound urge to just thrust his hips upward."I beg to differ," the other knight counters with an accentuated thrust of his own hips. He's still grinning like a Cheshire cat, "You're the best unwrapped present I've ever received." He moves his hand from Jensen's wrist to rub and flex at firm tanned shoulders and pectorals. It was a challenge to not run the hand down the side of Jensen's face and the side of his neck.This is the last thing Jensen was prepared for. The firm undulations have his mind and body at war with one another. His body is wanting Jared to take him apart and put him back together while his mid races. Maybe Jared had been sent here to find the missing riders? He should have known his chances of bumping into Jared would be likely on this certain quest, but he hadn't dared to let his mind go there. There's no escaping it now. Jared won this round and also succeeded in turning his body into a pile of pliable mush. Albeit, not fair and square; but he's got Jensen pinned, nonetheless. "Just do it and be done," he commands raising his hips, trying to roll over. The action only serves to give his aching groin the blessed friction it had been desperately craving.Jared refuses to let him turn away. A dark chuckle is threatening to escape as he makes his intentions known. "No, sweet Jen. Not going to fuck you."He reminds Jensen of a predator, in that moment, toying with its food. If Jared didn't pin him to fuck him, then what the hell are they doing here? Surely, Jared doesn't just go traipsing about the woods nude. He brings a free hand up to tap the side of Jared's arm; a silent show of surrender. Jared smiles as he releases the hold and slides down Jensen's body to replace his hand with his still slightly cool mouth. Jensen groans in pleasure and he intertwines his fingers in the younger's hair. "You said," Jensen stops himself, smiling. Maybe once wasn't enough for Jared, maybe he's gonna finally make good on the promise he made last time. His hips arch and he can feel Jared's throat relaxing him around him-letting him in deeper.Jared swallows and hums around him and it threatens to be his undoing. Just when he thinks he can't take it anymore, Jared spits him out completely in favor of mouthing at more intimate areas. Jensen growls and throws his head back against the ground. Then he feels Jared's finger nudging at his entrance. "You said," he begins again, but Jared cuts him off. Finger still playing at his entrance.A dark chuckle does escape this time, "Not going to fuck you." He smiles wider, eyes more tilted. "Just going to make you wish I would." It's true. Much of Jared's free time is spent thinking of his trysts with Jensen. He's never watched as Jensen loses himself in the passion of it, chasing release; the open vulnerability of depending on Jared for that release. Those are the images he needs for his collection.Jensen wants to protest. He knows for a fact he made damn sure he took care of Jared last time. The time before that too, obviously. Fine, Jared just wants to hear him beg. Is that it? "Good for you then. It won't take much." In fact, Jensen's pretty sure he's already wishing for that right now."You said something about cleansing oil?" Jared questions, eyeing Jensen's clothes. Seeing the other's face blanch, he explains again, "Not gonna fuck you, so I won't be opening you up."Realization hasn't dawned yet, but Ackles tells him the oil is with his dagger under his tunic. He mourns the loss when Jared climbs off him and makes a beeline in that direction. In the time he's gone Jensen's mind races with possibilities and outcomes. He has no idea what Jared's playing at, and he's not entirely convinced this is actually real. Oil coming into contact with his lower abdomen brings him back to the present. He raises an eyebrow as Jared settles back in between his legs and begins rubbing. "I've already had a shower,"Jared hums, "Yea, but you're not slick enough. Here." He wraps a large hand around Jensen's cock and begins stroking at a steady pace. He swipes the pad of his thumb around the sensitive head with every other thrust. The actions have Jensen keening in no time. He's propped up on his elbows and his heads thrown back. He cants his hips into the strokes. Jared uses his free hand to cup his testicles and lightly massage them. He watches as tears of desperation prick the corners of Jensen's eyes. "Look at me," Jared means for it to sound commanding, but it comes out more of a plea.Emerald eyes fly open as he raises his head. They lock right onto Jared's hazel ones. The look is indecipherable to the younger Lieutenant. There's passion, heat, and longing there. Jensen's expression lacks any bitterness or animosity. If Jared didn't know any better, he would swear there's a certain degree of affection there as well. He strokes harder and faster. It earns him a full-on view of the vulnerable expression he'd gotten a glimpse of the first time they crossed that line; all those years ago. It's a heady feeling and Jared swims with it. He bites the inside of his cheek to keep from swallowing Jensen down again. The cleansing oil isn't meant for this. He brings his other hand from Jensen's sack to the side of his hip and presses in with his fingernails. "Come for me," he instructs and gives him another couple of strokes and brush of his thumb.Jensen comes with a shout and Jared's name on his lips. He was able to maintain eye contact right up until his orgasm was ripping through him. He was forced to throw his head back with it and his elbows gave out shortly after.Jared works him through it, ignoring his own hardness; for the time being. He wants to kiss, cuddle, and praise. He wants to rut against Jensen like a bitch in heat, but he doesn't do any of that nonsense. When the worst of the aftershocks have died away, Jared forces himself to stand. He holds a hand to Jensen in silent offer.Jensen weakly shakes his head. There's no way his legs would hold him up now.Jared's a little offended, but whatever. He draws his hand back, "Suit yourself." He makes his way into the river to wash away he oils he had gotten on himself and take care of the awkward problem between his legs. He's so busy with it, he doesn't notice the older knight turning on his side to watch him in the water. Jensen could lay here all day watching his rival (lover?) moving in the river. The swift, jerky motions he's making tells Jensen exactly what he's doing, but why? This whole thing between them has been rather odd from the beginning. That's a given, but somethings changed. Jensen's sure he has no bruising from this encounter. No blood was drawn. Not that he's complaining. He just finds the entire instance rather curious. Eventually he forces himself up and to the river to rinse everything away. There is no tension in his body now and he supposes he has Jared to thank for that. Jared goes to retrieve his clothing from the brush as Jensen rinses himself clean. Before long they're both dressed and eyeing each other expectantly. Neither man is willing to comment on what just happened, so Jensen breaks the silence before it turns awkward. "Me and a couple of my men have a camp set up at the edge of the forest. Come have some breakfast and you can fill me in." Jared nods and motions for Jensen to lead the way. Pratt and Taylor had a fire going by the time they reach the camp. "Look who I found," Ackles tells his men upon greeting them. "How did you get a fire going?""Lieutenant," Pratt says in greeting. Jensen and Jared both nod, but neither notice the other."We were able to go in deeper this morning after the sun came up and found some more suitable kindling." Taylor tells them.Jared and Jensen take a seat around the fire to wait for food. "Your turn," Ackles eyes Jared. "What are you doing here and where is the rest of your team?"It's not that Jared owes him an explanation. It's not. "We've been trying to get a scout through these woods for months. None of them were brave enough to go through it, so I took a couple of my men and decided to go on my own.""Your men?" Jensen asks for clarification."Yea," Jared gives him a small laugh, "I was made Lieutenant a couple months ago."Jensen shakes his head, "Where are they now?""I think Milo turned back, but Chad...I'm not sure what happened to him. I turned around and he was gone.""Some Lt. you are," Jensen sounds incredulous, but he's only joking (really). "You couldn't keep up with two people and now you've deeply troubled the king.""As if you could do it any better Ackles," Jared huffs as he takes an offered bowl."He is, actually." Pratt chimes in.Jared's eyes grow in disbelief, "You giving it up so good for Amell he named you second in command?""Mind your tone. It's not my team that's missing." Ackles reminds him. "If anyone would have fucked their way into a position of power, wouldn't it be you? You're clearly not leader material." He finishes, tone turning more serious. Jared's face flushes red and Jensen's not sure if it's from anger or humiliation, but it shuts him up at least. It was plain rude of Jared to make snide comments like that in front of others. Jensen worked just as hard, if not harder, than all his counterparts and he would be respected."So, what's with this forest?" Taylor breaks the stilted silence looking to Jared for an answer.Jared tells him everything he knows and everything he's heard. He also mentions what he thinks may have happened to Chad and Milo along his way. He fails to mention that he fully intends on diving back into the woods and getting to the other side. He's not as incompetent as Jensen would have them all believe.
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Jensen decides over breakfast that he'll send Pratt and Taylor to find the rest of the riders. He hopes like hell that Jared is right, and Chad and Milo have found their way back to them. He intends to get Jared to come see the King with him so they can get a larger team to come back and comb through the forest.It doesn't go quite the way he intends. Pratt and Taylor have no trouble following Jensen's direction, but Jared on the other hand is less than pleased. He's content to carry on his one-man expedition alone. Jensen can't, in good conscience, let him wander off alone. Literally anything can happen in there. This morning proved as much."I don't see what the big deal is, Ackles. And why do you care so much? Our task is to ride North and that's exactly what I'm going to do." Jared wastes no time getting ready to depart; one of the many benefits of traveling light."I don't know what's going on here, but I know we're out powered. It's been three weeks already. I humbly request you accompany me back to the castle so you can explain what you've found to his majesty.""I'm disinclined to acquiesce to your request," Jared snaps impatiently. He's well aware Jensen doesn't think him capable, and he doesn't care. That's not important now. Whatever is going on here, he's ever determined to get to the bottom of it.Jensen's face falls in disbelief at the foolishness. Just as he's about to speak the pretentious knight (Lieutenant, now. Right!) cuts him off."Means no." Jared clarifies, smirking. He waits long enough to see green eyes flare at him in anger. Then he promptly turns to make his way through the dense vegetation."I'm well aware-" Jensen stops, remembering exactly why he always found this kid so infuriating. Now that Jared's made Lieutenant, there'll be no tolerating him.He reluctantly follows behind Jared; everything in him screaming at what a bad idea this is. If he couldn't get Jared to see the king, perhaps he could get him to meet his friend Misha. Chances were slim, but it was worth a shot. Misha was more familiar with the area than all the rest, and he's a lot closer than the castle. If facepalming oneself was a thing (in this era), Jensen would have done precisely that.He continues along following the sound of his fellow Lieutenant's thwacks against the foliage. "Since you didn't like the first idea, I have another..." he says in way of announcing his presence.Broad shoulders turn to face him. Hazel eyes meet his in exasperation. "You don't know when to quit, do ya? I didn't ask for your assistance. I don't want nor need your help. Leave me." Jared doesn't bother masking the irritation in his voice.Ackles smiles at him a little uneasy, "Ya know what they say, two lieutenants are better than one.""Fine but keep up." He turns his back to Ackles and continues making his way. He shouldn't let the other man's adjacency bother him so much. It comes to no surprise that Ackles had received a promotion right around the time he, himself, had. He knew for sure he could still best Ackles in hand-to-hand combat, but he didn't have the warm fuzzies about running him through with a sword anymore."I have a friend," Jensen to Padalecki's back as they continue. "He lives nearby. He could be of use."Thwack! "Good, go find him then." Jared doesn't break stride."I'm not leaving you," Jensen tells himself he wouldn't leave anyone out here, but he knows that's not true. If anyone else were so determined to be rid of him, he would just leave. "It's not..." smart, intelligent, wise--those would be good words here, but they would piss Jared off even more. "We should stick together," he mumbles instead.Jared's already trying to think of ways to slip away unnoticed, but he comes up short. Perhaps, he could just turn around and Jensen would be gone. Just like Chad. He keeps going, making his way further North.Ackles, decides to keep his distance and give Padalecki his space. He spots a clearing several meters ahead and decides to wait and catch up with the younger Lt there. He looks around his current surroundings. It's eerily quiet here with little to no 'buzz' of life. The air is still. The trees, flowering plants, and bushes are vibrant though. Almost too vibrant; as though they were painted. He stops to touch a flower, just to make sure it's real."Whoa-" Padalecki yells out from up ahead and Jensen raises his gaze, but he doesn't see Jared anywhere.~*~*~*~*~*~*Mark*~*~*~*~*~Mark hasn't been settled over this area long. He had originally came here to wrought death and destruction. Everything was going nicely until intruders started coming near. Pesky nuisance they were too, but he was able to cast them back from which they came with a simple flick of his wrist. It was cumbersome, but simple enough. He had hoped after given enough time, there would be no others to come intruding.That was until the Lieutenant rode up. This one wasn't like all the rest. He was taller and broader, yes; but it was his whole demeanor that set him apart from the rest. Mark felt his interest piqued right away.Casting his companions away was a lot easier than it should have been. Once he had Jared alone and wandering along, he was able to watch and read him intently. He drew him in closer and closer to the fortress.Just when Mark had him completely drawn in another Lieutenant shows up virtually out of nowhere, but Mark realizes he's just rode up from the South. This is one is more stubborn than the last. Mark casts out every dark force he can muster, but the green-eyed knight doesn't leave.Mark watches them intently from his scrying bowl and lays in wait for the opportunity to present itself. Before long he learns that the two knights obviously have a history.He doesn't meddle much in the affairs of man, but his interest in Jared has him yearning to learn more. Who attacks someone, seemingly random, just to pin them and get them off? What Jared does next has Mark's head spinning trying to figure it out. Human emotion usually evades him, but he gets the strong impression that Jared cares deeply for this green-eyed man, but that just won't do.Mark gets giddy with excitement as a plan formulates. He waits for enough distance to come between the two knights and then he sucks Jared the rest of the way in.~*~*~*~Mark and Jared~*~*~*~Jared suddenly finds himself pulled from the forest. He had been coming upon a clearing, but he hadn't quite made it. He's in a wide round room. The walls are a dark brown and floor is a lighter brown. There are Earthly tones scattered throughout and he's not sure what to think. He's looking around scanning every detail as his hand grips the blade he's still holding."You won't be needing that here," Mark assures from behind him. Jared whirls around ready to fight.Mark motions towards to the blade with his fingers and it disappears from Jared's hand. His eyes grow wide as he looks from his empty hand to Marks smirking face. His blue eyes sparkle with mischief."I mean you no harm," Mark places his palms outward in a show of surrender.Jared tilts his head, "What do you want with me?""Come, sit with me," Mark moves to cross the room. Jared's feet are locked in place, so Mark pulls him along. As soon as his hand grasps Jared's forearm he's assaulted with memories, emotions, and sensations. All of them concerning the green-eyed knight from earlier. Fuck! Uninvited company.Mark realizes the two do in fact have a long tangled history and pulling them apart will prove easier said than done. He can't whisk the other knight away with the flick of his wrist as easily as he can the others. The green-eyed knight may very well be the only person Jared has ever loved.He pulls Jared to an open seat at the small table towards the back of the room. He says a silent incantation over the drink and passes in front of Jared. "You must be parched," he says.Jared's not sure what to think or why he had allowed himself to be pulled along so willingly. It wasn't mind control per se. His mind was just occupied with other matters. Things that aren't even relevant to his current circumstance. Damn Jensen! Invading his mind at the most inconvenient times.He takes a few unsteady sips of tea? as the stranger sits across from him. It doesn't taste like any tea he's ever had before, but he reasons that it's just a different blend of herbs.Before long, the potion is having the desired effect and Jared's head lolls. Mark moves Jared to a more comfortable spot, "To dream a little dream of me," he whispers as he lays Jared back against the cushions in the covers.
~*~*~*~*~Jared~*~*~*~*~And Dream he does, but they're all dreams of Jensen. The Jensen of his dreams is displaying all sorts of strange behavior. They're walking in circles, as though they're trapped in a maze.When Jared's finally able to catch up so he can reach out and touch Jensen, his hand goes right through him. Then they start again, but in a different room.Jensen is acting nervous, skittish, and shy--not letting Jared get close to him which makes the younger knight all the more determined to stop him.No matter how loud or how often he shouts Jensen's name, Jensen doesn't slow down or turn to face him. It's maddening.~*~*~*~Mark~*~*~*Once the wizard is sure his prey has fallen deeply under the enchantment, he removes a bit of warding to let the other knight in. He figures the best way to deal with this unexpected, unwelcome guest is head on.His fortress is designed in such a way to keep luring people in further and deeper without ever letting them backtrack to the exit. He's not nearly as worried about Jensen's presence as he should be. He figures he can corner Jensen in the center of the fortress and then banish him back out of the woodlands.He plans to take Jared and leave this place as soon as Jensen has been properly dealt with. Bringing death and destruction doesn't appeal to him as much now that he's found Jared.
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Jensen immediately trots over to the last place he saw Jared. He can sense a darker, stronger energy here. A knot forms in his gut. He's heard of such things before. Rumors really of wizards, witches, and warlocks manifesting such things.He hadn't really paid the rumors any mind; chalking it up to unknown science. But this is different from what anyone else had ever described to him. This presence he could feel within his soul even though his mind was telling him it wasn't that bad and his heart ached knowing that Jared had been snatched away.He thinks back remembering every bit of Latin he learned during his studies in his earlier years. He hopes it will be enough to help him manage whatever comes next.The forest around him gives way to something else entirely, and he finds himself in a dark narrow corridor. Ah, the secret lair.Jensen knows better than to go searching about the fortresses frantic. He makes premeditated movements waiting for anything to jump out at him.When the fortress opens up in the center, Jensen's surprised to see Jared laying in a pile of blankets and cushions off to the side. He's clearly drugged or under an enchantment of some kind."You must be Jensen," the voice comes from behind him, and lieutenant nearly jumps from his skin. He whirls around to face his attacker, hand darting to his sword."I'm Mark," the attacker says extending his hand.Jensen eyes the hand and meets Mark's eyes. "We'll be leaving now."Mark brushes past him on his way in. "I can't let you do that."Jensen pulls his sword, "I'd like to see you try to stop me.""Come, sit, have some tea. What are we barbarians?" Mark gestures to the table before him. Jensen notices a tea set he's pretty sure wasn't there before.He lays his sword on the table instead of sheathing it. He watches Jared as he sits down. "What's wrong with him?""He's sleeping, locked up tight in a dream." Mark says plainly. He cuts his eyes to Jensen. "You love him."Jensen huffs a small laugh, "I'm a knight. It's in my nature to be chivalrous." There's no love between he and Jared, surely.Mark laughs, "He is no maiden." Then he shakes his head and leans across the table to meet Jensen's eyes. "He loves you too, ya know."Jensen startles, obviously confused.Mark reaches the distance to pull at a lock of Jensen's hair that's poking out under the helmet. "That's why I need a few strands of this."Jensen jerks back and Mark pulls a dagger as he stands. "Or blood. I could use blood. It'll only take a drop." He needs a part of Jensen for the spell.Jensen grabs his sword in defense. "Why?""It's a glamour trick my mother taught me ages ago. You see, I can't control his free will, but I can make myself appear to him as the object of his desires." Mark turns around and grabs powder from somewhere then turns to face Jensen again blowing it in his face, "Pellegrino."Jensen's stunned and Mark stows the dagger and plucks a few hairs. Then he crosses the room to the back and adds the hairs into the cauldron.Jensen feels like he's stepped into another dimension entirely. Jared loves him? And now some whackadoo magician is going to make himself look like Jensen to win Jared over? This is all too much.Jared stirs in the cushions with Jensen's name on his lips.They have got to get out of here, but how? Pushing thoughts of Jared aside, Jensen breaks the trance.Crossing the distance to the cauldron quietly is out of the question so he charges at it.Mark reacts too slowly to stop him so they both go crashing down against the cauldron spilling it's contents. There's a bang and then the potion sizzles into the floor."Now look what you've done!" The wizard yells.Jensen decidedly keeps the smirk from his face. "Remove your charms and let us walk outta here.""Or?" Mark's genuinely curious. What could this mere mortal possibly do?"Vattene spirito vile" Jensen utters and before Mark can ask "What was that?" he's banished far away from the fortress.Jensen says a silent prayer in English that he was able to buy them some time. He's across the room in an instant, trying to wake Jared up.It takes a couple firm smacks across the face before hazel eyes fly open wide. As soon as they land on him Jared grabs the side of his neck in a firm grip. "Jensen," Jared says on an exhale. "You're real," He flexes his fingertips into flesh just to be sure."Yea, very real. Let's get outta here.""Not without my things,"Jensen pulls the other to his feet in one smooth motion. "Be quick. We don't have much time."Jensen travels to the very back of the room to see if there's anything that'll be of use while Jared grabs his garb, blade, and flask. He keeps the blade drawn as he follows Jensen out.The place is a labyrinth, designed to keep them locked inside and lost. Jensen knows he had entered the room from the right so he takes a left out; effectively retracting his steps.He and Jared keep locking eyes every so often. There's a silent understanding between them. Be on guard. Be ready for anything. I'm not leaving without you.Just as Jensen's rounding the last curve, he hears a growl. Stopping dead in his tracks he holds an arm out and Jared stops with him to listen. As Jensen peeks around the curve, inching closer for a better view, Jared comes up right behind him to get a better view too.Jensen shudders at the sudden, unexpected closeness. Damnit! They both seem to think in unison as they lock furious eyes with one another. Jensen's expression turns softer first as if to say, I can't help you have that affect on me. It's your own fault.The now growling beast has been alerted to their proximity by the rattling of chainmail and it is inching closer to the bend in the curve where the knights are taking cover.Jared knows he can't stand here and wait for the beast to charge at them both so he jumps out and to the side first, hoping like hell Jensen has his back. They've never fought together, so he doesn't know what to expect or how handy Jensen is in a sword fight.As expected the beast jumps at Jared, but Jensen lunges towards the beast running through its neck with his blade. Instantly, Jared hits the beast across the face with the fisted hilt of his own blade knocking it to the floor.They lock appreciative eyes on one another for only a half-second. Then they make their way over to the veil. "Aperto," Jensen commands, voice firm.Jared gives him a brief look of confusion as they're transported back into the woodlands nearly where Jared was snatched. The only difference is, it's much darker now.Jensen cuts adoring eyes to Jared, "Well fought, my noble companion." He sheaths his blade.Jared mirrors the motion, "I'm not your companion,""Right, your skill with the sword is only out matched by yours truly. We could never be companions. Bitter enemies until the very end." Jensen keeps his tone icy and indifferent. He hopes the words cut into Jared just as deep. He can't read the other's face because the darkness looming overhead, but Jared's shoulders do not slump. He stands as tall as ever and begins walking.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
They come into the clearing and for once seem to be on the same page about something other than fucking each other silly.Jared watches on as Jensen drops his gear and starts to lay out his bed roll. He's tired and achy, but if Jensen's not done neither is he. Jared reaches down deep looking for energy he knows really isn't within him. He strives to show Jensen what he's capable of. How is Jensen ever going to find him formidable if he can't handle a day's journey along with helping to set camp? "I'll find us some fire wood." It doesn't come out with as much enthusiasm as he'd hoped."There's no need. I swiped some fresh bread and dried meat from Mark. We can make do with that. C'mere, give me hand.""That wasn't very knightly of you," Jared laughs. "I tried telling you. You're no paladin. You just act like one."Jensen eyes him fondly, though he disagrees. "It's not like he was going to use it for anything."They work together to roll out their beds, and Jensen passes an extra cover to Jared. Jared takes it silently, but after they've laid down he throws it over them both."Here," Jensen hands him a healthy serving of bread and a few slices of meat, "Keep your strength up."Jared takes the food gratefully. "How much longer?""Not too much, but a nap wouldn't hurt." Jensen gets the words out around bites of food.Jared offers him his flask and Jensen takes it with a nod of his head."We've broke bread. Does that mean truce?" Jensen tries to keep himself from sounding too hopeful, but he's unsuccessful. It's been a long day." 'S only momentary," Jared tells him easily, trying to maintain an air of superiority about him.Jensen's sure if he had more light, he would be able to see a gleam in Jared's eye. He knew exactly what to say to gain the upper hand."So, I heard you love me. Like, actually, love me."Jared quirks his head. The fuck? "Whatever gave you that idea?" It's a deflection to Jensen's obvious statement. Jared's well aware what, rather who, gave him that idea. It was Mark. Had to be. But why? And how much did he share with Jensen?"I guess you could say a 'not so little' birddie told me."Jensen sounds way too pleased with himself for Jared's liking. "You know wizards can't tell the difference between love and lust. Don't let it go to your head Ackles. You're not one for conversation, but you're hot as hell." Body of a God actually, but there's no way Jared's telling him that. He doesn't break Ackles' gaze and hopes like hell the setting sun masks the burning blush on his cheeks."Hmm-hmm" Jensen hums his assent and they finish their small snack. He used to have similar feelings for Jared before they turned into more and ran deeper than anything prior. Given recent events, though, the undercurrent of deeper emotions refuse to stay locked up.They bubble to the surface at the most inopportune times too. He had painstakingly locked them up tight in a lead box only for Jared to flick the lock open and release them. If it weren't for Mark's revelation, Jensen would swear Jared was playing with his emotions intentionally. Now that he knows the truth he only has to get Jared to admit it.Before long Jared's lying on his back looking up at the stars and Jensen's on his side watching Jared. He's seen stars upon stars; enough stars to last a lifetime. But, he's never bedded down within such proximity of Jared. He could just reach out and touch him, if we wanted. Hell yes, he wants. Well, if he could muster the courage. Fuck that! He's a knight and a Lt at that. What's the problem then?Jared can feel the other's eyes focused on him intently, and he wonders what's weighing on Jensen's mind. He likes the attention, but he finds it unnerving at the same time. He has the modern day equivalent of butterflies in his stomach, but chill bumps on his arms."What?" Jared finally speaks and a small anxious laugh escapes. It was meant to come out all icy and demanding. Fuck! He's way too tired to for any of this.Aside from relieving Mark of food, Jensen has been quite the paladin. Jared caves and turns his head slightly to face Ackles. He was hoping to get a read on his intentions, but the darkness masks his rival's expression.Instead of a verbal response, he feels Jensen's hand trace the outline of his face, a thumb glides along his jawline, and Jared's chest flutters. He takes in a sharp inhale and time stands still. The air stays caged in his lungs. He no longer feels the wind on his skin nor does he hear leaves rustling in the distance. Everything is a pin point to this moment. This touch isn't like all their other blow for blow touches. For once, it isn't heat of the moment rough and demanding. It's soft, admiring even.Before Jared's brain can catch up with a snarky, but witty retort, Jensen is pushing into his mouth with soft plush lips. Too different, too much, too fast. Jared's not prepared for the torrent of raw emotions that envelop him. His first reaction is to push the older knight off him completely, but his attempt comes out half-hearted because of the invading sensations are electrifying.Jensen feels the air around them suddenly shift. It's akin to the feeling he gets as he steps outside right before a storm. He pushes to deepen the kiss, licking at Jared's bottom lip; imploring entrance.Jared parts for him as he relaxes his shoulders and back.Jensen's tongue takes his mouth over exploring, massaging against Jared's tongue. He feels Jared holding him at the hip with one hand and the other hand finds its way into Jensen's longer hair. Jared pulls at it while holding Jensen impossibly closer.Jared's hardness catches through their clothes along the side of his leg. Unbelievable. He hadn't even realized he was aroused until then.Jensen hums into the kiss and positions a firm thigh between Jared's legs in a silent offer. He can't believe Jared is already hard and wanting more. That's not what this was supposed to be about, but he won't ignore it either.Without thinking Jared arches his back seeking sweet, blissful friction. Having accepted the offer without his mind's permission, he undulates against Jensen to build intensity.Jensen straightens his upper back to watch Jared's face in the starlight. He's wearing a look of desperation and Is that adoration?. He presses into Jared's groin slightly with his thigh. "You like that?"The fingers pinching Jensen at the hip clench. Jared archs his back and narrows his eyes, but he's ever determined to stay quiet for once; not willing to give voice to any of this."Yea, go ahead. Cream yourself for me." Jensen reaches to mouth at Jared's neck and after one more swift movement from beneath him, he can feel Jared's release in the form of a rapidly developed warm spot on his thigh. Jared slows his movements against Jensen, trying to work himself through the aftershocks.Jensen bites and sucks at the side of Jared's neck. This is by far the quietest his foe has been, and Jensen's not having it. Whenever Jared's not spouting filth at him, he's usually moaning like a whore in the brothel. It's then Jensen knows his suspicions are right. This is different. He hopes, absentmindedly, the mark is low enough a collar will barely cover it. It's the first mark of its kind that may be visible to anyone. Coincidentally, he's also delectably rewarded. Jared finally breaks his vow of silence.“Use me.” Jared’s breath hitches on the last letter as Jensen’s hot tongue burns a trail up his neck. He cringes internally, he hadn’t meant to sound so desperate. Of course he’d wanted to demand Jensen mark him, make him his. But he decided on the safer option instead. Jensen's cock feels hard enough to cut diamonds and Jared wants to feel it grinding against him.Jensen's coming with barely a shift in his position and it earns him a dark chuckle from Jared. "You're insatiable, you know that? I can get you off and barely have to touch you."Jensen uses his tongue to tickle at the side of Jared's neck just below his ear, "That wasn't the point."Jared laughs a little lighter this time. He knows the point Jensen's trying to make, but Jared's not ready to go there yet. In fact, he may never be. "Look at the mess you made." He mocks, scolding Jensen instead. "Come on, get up. Our pants will need time to dry."Jensen rolls off him and up with a sigh and a groan. Why does everything always have to come out wrong? He wasn't looking to get his rocks off. He had hoped he could put every unspoken thought and emotion behind that kiss and all it did was cause Jared to rut against him.Realistically, he's aware of a very thin line between love and hate. He's walked that line with Padalecki for some time now. Except, in this moment, he's starting to hate himself instead.He holds his hand out for Jared and to his surprise, he takes it right away. Jared grabs the blanket while Jensen grabs his flask and what's left of the oil. They make their way to the small river.Once they're there they rinse their trousers clean and hang them on nearby tree limbs to dry. Jared catches sight of Jensen rubbing oil on himself, so he holds out his hand.Jensen quirks an eyebrow at him, but hands the bottle to Jared anyway. Jared motions for him to turn around and he does. Jared takes a bit of oil and starts massaging it into Jensen's shoulders and shoulder blades. He gets a little more and massages it into the base of Jensen's neck. Lastly he massages into Jensen's sides and works his way into the other's spine.Under Jared's strong fingers, Jensen can feel the tension melting away. "You must have magic hands," He tries to tell him as Jared pulls away."And you have a tricky tongue," Jared throws over his shoulder as he makes his way to the river.Once they're rinsed clean, they lay down on the blanket to dry. Jared didn't want to fall asleep this close to Jensen, but his eyes are so heavy he can't hold them open anymore.Jensen watches him for a long time before falling asleep himself.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Jensen's up before the sun, as usual. He didn't sleep very much but he feels refreshed and energized, nonetheless. He stretches himself out and goes through his morning warmup routine before the first rays of light peek over the trees. It's not the same without the remnants of fresh oil or the blinding sun, but he's happy he broke routine for once. Jared hadn't even stirred when Jensen pried himself away this morning. Now that Jensen's ready to continue on their journey, he's not sure how to wake him.Surely, smothering him with early morning kisses and caresses is out of the question. Even if he were to find Jared agreeable for a change, there's no way they have the time. Those few lines wouldn't hold Mark away forever. He was settled in this place, so he won't have too many problems finding his way back, his way to Jared. Jensen couldn’t let that happen again. His sense of urgency made him act with a bit less finesse that he would have liked. He tosses Jared's trousers at his abdomen and nudges Jared's ankle with the side of his foot. "C'mon, we need to move."Jared looks at him blearily eyed, "Breakfast?" He's starving and doesn't remember the last time he had an actual meal. He’d been wandering the forest for what felt like forever, even though he knew it had only been a few days; too consumed to properly address his needs. "We'll raid Misha's stores," Jensen assures him and then offers a hand to Jared, helping him up. The other man did look rather weak. Jensen would have to remedy that. Though insecurity swam inside him. He couldn’t deny his strong need to care for Jared but acting on it tended to explode in his face. He pushed the thoughts aside. There wasn’t time for such musings. Once they're fully clothed and on their way across the clearing it doesn't take them long to spot smoke rising above the trees. It's just thin little wisps of smoke, but it's a good sign."We're nearly there," Jensen informs him. He wants to tease Jared about his never-ending appetite, but he knows this isn't the time. "Is he expecting us?" Jared finds himself asking once he sees the smoke. "No, but he probably won't be surprised." Jensen replies, not quite sure how much to say on the matter. Misha's rarely surprised, even in what one would call unexpected events. "How do you know him?" Jared hopes it doesn't come across as jealous as it sounds to his own ears. Jensen drops his tone and tells him, "He's just a friend," in all honesty. Jared’s stomach sinks and he suddenly feels too hot. He wanted to point out that wasn’t what he’d asked, but they were approaching Misha’s place. ~*~*~Misha*~*~*~"Do my eyes deceive me?" Misha says as he greets the weary travelers. "Jensen, what's it been? Three, four years?" Jared eyes the stranger carefully. Misha's blue eyes are bright and welcoming. His dark hair is neat and trimmed. He's cleanly shaved, too. Not to mention he's short and not all that broad either. In fact, Jensen's 'friend' is everything Jared isn't. If it were any other circumstance Jared's pretty sure he'd punch him in his stupid little face. "Misha," Jensen says and smiles fondly in a way of greeting. "I don't think you two have been formally introduced. This is Padalecki, he's a Lieutenant to Sir Momoa of the King's Riders." He cuts an eye to Jared who stands there scowling with his arms folded. Realistically, Jared knows why Jensen had given him such a formal introduction. It doesn't douse the hellfire that's threatening to consume him though. He had told Jensen they weren't companions, so why was he expecting to be introduced as such? Misha gives Padalecki one quick look up and down and says, "Ah, so he is." Isn't very friendly, is he? "I'll bet you two are starving. Follow me."He leads them further back into the kitchen. Jensen sets the table with a familiarity that bothers Jared, while he just stands watching. There's something about Misha he can't put his finger on, but he doesn't like him. Jensen eyes the other man from the corner of his eye, his brow slightly furrowed. He’s not sure what’s gotten into Jared, but he hopes a feast will remedy the attitude. Having prepared the meal to be served, Misha makes his plate and sets at the head of the table. He waits for his company to fill their plates before turning to Jensen, "To what do I owe this long overdue visit?"Jensen meets his eyes, "You have an evil sorcerer take up residence in your backyard, and you couldn't send word?"Misha's eyebrows raise, "I was told reconnaissance only. I wasn't done with my observations. Every time I thought I had figured out a pattern or a way to bring him down, he changed his steps. Something changed, and I never could pinpoint what. Then everything starts calming, settling back into a pattern. The next thing I know something wooshes through the forest and everything stills." "Where is he now?" Jensen figures this question is just as important. "He's not far at all. Why?" Misha eyes him curiously. "I used one of the tricks you taught me yesterday. I wasn't sure it would work exactly or how far it would blow him if it did work."Misha lets loose a bright grin, "I thought that was you.""Hence the spread," Jensen looks from his friend to the table and the food before him. He and Misha have been eating around their conversation, but Jared's barely touched his plate. He's still scowling. "He didn't go very far. I'm surprised he didn't just snap right back into place. I know what little bit I taught you of their ways wouldn't have done all that. It had to be something else." Misha sounds confused and looks from Jensen to Jared. "Any ideas what it could be?"Jensen knows fully well what it is, but Misha is still looking at Jared expectantly. Let's watch him talk his way out of this one. Padalecki was the change. Everyone else that came promptly went back. He was the one to break the pattern, so he should have more to say. All eyes in the room are on Jared, even the strange creature in the corner seems to be watching him with just as much focus. "What?" He snaps with a shrug. "I have no clue. My team and I were under orders to ride North and I was the only one willing to do it. The scouts wouldn't go. Hell, men picked by my own hand wouldn't stay with me." He looks from Misha to Jensen. "I honestly have no idea, okay? But it's a weird place. There isn't much in the way of life in there. It looks more vibrant the deeper in you go, but it doesn't feel real.""And you never thought to question it or turn back yourself?" Misha probes. "I don't know," Jared thinks for a moment. "I didn't feel threatened.""Did you ever stop to wonder why you were the only one allowed to remain in such a place?" Misha probes him further. Jared quirks his head, "No not really." He had just assumed it was his headstrong determination. Misha's face seems to light up in a way akin to a "Eureka" moment. Jared's the only one that catches it, so he speaks. "What?" He implores, wanting to understand. "Me thinks I know why, what, and how for." Misha dares a glance to Jensen who only looks amused, so he continues. "You two are bonded." He tells Padalecki simply. "It's not what you think," Jared tries to protest. "It has to be," Jensen finally breaks into the conversation. "Mark's power wouldn't wane otherwise." His voice carries an air of finality. Love conquers all. The words from long forgotten fairy tales come front and center in Jared's brain, haunting him. "No," he protests. "It's not true." He maintains, his tone in a pitch a notch louder. "What's not true?" Misha asks, feeling like he's missed something. Jensen meets Jared's eyes as if to ask him You gonna tell him, or am I? He watches as Jared clenches his jaw, refusing to speak. "Mark thinks Jared loves me and he knows I love Jared." Jensen tells Misha, sounding kinda deflated toward the end. "Well, that explains a lot." Misha turns to eye Jensen. "This is Jared? As in The Jared?" The best night of my life, Jared! is left unsaid. Misha doesn't want to embarrass his friend. Jensen opens his mouth to explain, but Misha cuts him off. "You do realize you have a very powerful sorcerer after him, right?" He doesn't even wait for Jensen's nod before continuing. "And you understand that the only thing keeping Mark from him is your love for one another?"Jensen watches as Jared shifts uncomfortably in the chair across from him. "Jared says it's only lust and wizards can't really decern human emotion that well." He keeps his eyes trained on Jared, watching the blush rise from the base of his neck. The blush turns crimson as Misha lets out a full-bodied laugh. Once he's able to regain his composure, Misha looks to Jared, "Performers of the dark arts know better than most the intricacies of human emotion. They rely on those skills to pit honest members of society against each other. They wreak havoc and bring chaos everywhere they go by playing and feeding on human emotion." He holds a hand out wanting Jared to take it. Jared wants to curl in on himself. These were his innermost thoughts and emotions he hadn't even let himself face. Now they're on full display for Jensen (of all people) and his strange friend. He doesn't like how this conversation is going and even though he's starving now, his nerves won't let him eat. He sees Misha's outreached hand and tries to shy away from it. Misha insists, shaking his hand and pushing it further into Jared's reach. "I'll show you." Jared looks at him confused. "He did that mind meld thing on you right? He touched you?"Realization dawns and Jared reaches out a skittish hand to Misha. Misha lays his hand directly on top of Jared's but doesn't grasp it. "I'm only getting energies and vibrations, but I'll bet Mark could pick up on a lot more." Misha opens the door for Jared to elaborate further. There aren't any mental images this time. Jared's insides feel like they're twisted in knots, but his chest feels warm and full. He notices the more he focuses on that feeling in his chest, it gets bigger and begins to spread throughout his body. He feels like he's practically glowing with how warm he feels on the inside all over. Like everything is right in the world and everything is just fine. This isn't at all what he had experienced with the wizard. Jared tries to bring the mental images to focus, but they won't come. The warm feeling has consumed everything it would seem. "It's different." He begins. "I'm feeling more now, but there aren't any mental images like before." He pointedly keeps the description of the feeling locked within. Misha suddenly pulls back like he's been burned. "My apologies," he says. He dares a glance at Jensen who's still too busy watching Jared to return the glance. Jared actually feels like he can eat something now, so he slowly begins pecking at his plate. Before long, his appetite builds and he's able to finish his meal comfortably. Jensen and Misha finish theirs in silence. When Jared leaves the room to take care of his plate. Jensen turns to Misha, "What are you sorry for?" he snaps in a whisper. "Mark forced him to actually re-live everything instead of just gleaning details from the surface level." Misha thinks anyone would understand that explanation, but Jensen's confused expression tells him otherwise. "Think of it like 'mind rape.' Jared had those experiences and all the emotions tied with them buried. His feelings for you, he was holding onto like a stolen treasure. Mark comes along and forces all of that back to the surface. Jared had to experience it again through his mind and the sensations in his body." He pauses briefly to let his words sink in."Granted doing that...taking those secrets...or that information in such a way gives him details he wouldn't have otherwise. That method gives him a more accurate read on the full picture of his intended target. I'm sorry that Mark did that to him, but if he hadn't, I may not have been able to get a read on him today."Misha looks like he wants to say more, but Jensen's heard enough. "I don't need to hear it.""Time moves different in the forest," Jensen continues louder as Jared comes back into the room. "He's been gone over three weeks." He tilts his head to Jared, prompting the other to continue. "Yea," Jared says as he sits down. "But to me, it's only been a few days.""First standard rule of combat," Misha begins, "Cut communications. He sent all your allies away, so you became isolated."Jared wants to protest that he was fine by himself. But he was only until he wasn't, so he remains silent. "Second standard rule of combat, "Alter time perception. He didn't alter time itself because he can't. Actual time is relative to region. Earth time is relative to human understanding of the human construct." He briefly catches Jared and Jensen's equal confusion. "Our time here is only our perception of time we draw from the h-u-m-a-n--c-o-n-s-t-r-u-c-t." He drawls the last two words out like he's explaining physics to a toddler. "Time, as you understand it, is easily manipulated because you lack universal understanding of what it actually is and how it moves. You only know your 'space' in time, very little more.""Ahhhh," Jared and Jensen at the same time. "Lead with that next time," Jensen tells him, slightly irritated. "That's your opener right there.""I need ale," Misha declares. He stands and gathers three glasses and a large jug. Jensen raises an eyebrow to him upon his return, "Don't you think it a bit early?""Not for the day I'm-we're-going to have. I still haven't covered rule 3. If we ever hope to make it through with understanding all around, we're going to need to be on the same level." He's poured their glasses as he spoke and passes them each a glass as he finishes. Jensen and Jared look at the glasses and then each other. This is the first time they've had ale together. They have never drank nor made merry with one another and for some reason now that matters. Misha pays them no mind and takes a hearty swig from his glass. "Rule 3 of combat," he begins and then takes another sip. "Attack.""Attack?" Jared and Jensen in unison again with strikingly similar confused faces to Misha.Misha nods and sets his glass down. "Attack. He couldn't banish Jensen out of the woodlands the way he did the others, so he had to wait for his time to strike; basically, abduct you. He caught you off guard and pounced.""It was my fault," Jensen says barely above a whisper. "I took my eyes off him for a second."Jensen's guilt-ridden tone invades Jared's chest inciting that warming feeling throughout all over again. Jensen truly loves him? Jared's heart soars as the pieces slowly click together in his mind. He feels the warmth from earlier flooding his senses, and he quickly takes a sip of ale before his cheeks can burn."It's not your fault. There's no way you could have known." Misha reasons, hoping to make his friend feel better about the whole ordeal. "It does beg the question though," Misha continues regaining Jensen's attention. "What was his plan after he captured Jared?""He tried to make himself look like me, but he was rather unsuccessful." Jensen smirks, thinking back to how he foiled the sorcerer's plan. "I had dreams," Jared doesn't know what force compelled him to interject. "More like hallucinations, really." He dares a glance to Jensen who looks concerned and over to Misha who looks genuinely curious. "I knew while it was happening that nothing was real, but I couldn't stop the cycle. It's like being trapped in a bad dream." He looks again at Jensen remembering what it was like chasing him through the maze. A nightmare, really. Misha opens his mouth, but Jensen beats him to it, "What happened? What did you see?"Jared struggles to find the right words before continuing. "We were in a labyrinth, much like Mark's fortress. You were leading the way out, I think?" He shakes his head. "Any time I caught up with you, trying to get you to stop or talk to me, my hand went right through you. Then we would start again. Before long, I was actively chasing you through that place." He finishes the glass of ale and passes the empty glass over to Misha to refill it. It clicks for Jensen. "You're real." Jared had actually sounded relieved. Had he known then the extent of what Jared had endured while he was being held captive, he would have let Jared continue in that moment. He was flexing his fingertips into the side of Jensen's neck clearly seeking more reassurance than what was actually given. He's mentally kicking himself now because it's one of the few moments Jared's ever sought comfort through him. They had no time though.Misha refills Jared and then Jensen's glass and gives him a slight chuckle, "You would think if his end game was keeping Jared trapped till the end of days, he would have put him in a dream Jared wouldn't want to wake up from.""It is curious," Jensen ponders, "If he can cast hallucinations, why not make them enjoyable? Isn't it better to have a willing captive?"Jared clears his throat, "I think that's exactly what he was doing." Misha and Jensen both meet his eyes. "He was hoping to be the one to wake me, wearing your face." He gives Jensen a pointed look. "I guess he assumed I wouldn't question anything beyond a solid body and firm grip."Jensen wants to ask the questions that are burning through his mind. He suspects he already knows all the answers, but hearing Jared admit them aloud would go a long way in giving Jensen some much needed reassurance. He gives Jared a soft smile instead, "I'm relieved to know you see more within me than what's on the outside."Jared's eyes tilt slightly at the words. Yea, he's relieved he knows that now too; but it doesn't change anything. The spirit Jensen carries with him on the inside is what broke Jared's defenses down to begin with. It's how they got in this mess. He feels slightly grateful for that because what if it were anyone else that came after the lost rider? There's no telling where Jared would be now or how he would ever escape. It feels nice to have someone capable in his corner for a change. He hates needing anyone else though, Jensen of all people. If Jared had it his own way it would be Jensen that needs him. Jared's sure he could live better under those circumstances. Misha glances back and forth from Jensen to Jared. He can tell they're sharing a moment, and he doesn't want to interrupt. "I'll send word for reinforcements," he says quietly as he stands and leaves the room. ~*~*~*~*~*Gold for Thought*~*~*~*~*~Jensen smiles and cocks his head at Jared as he retrieves a gold coin from his pocket. He holds it up between his thumb and index finger so Jared can see it. "Rose noble for your thoughts?" He places the coin face up on the table in front of Jared. "Tell me what you see in me beyond a solid body and a firm grip."It's a beautiful coin, nearly pristine condition. Jared debates his options. He could tell Jensen something he knows Jensen's dying to hear or maybe he could offer to let Jensen keep his shiny coin if he shares something Jared's dying to know instead. He takes a finger and places it on the coin. As he slides it back across the table he says, "How do you know this Misha?" Maybe it's the name itself Jared doesn't like? Maybe it's just the fact that he and Jensen are so close in ways he could never be with Jensen. Is it envy, jealousy? Jensen doesn't break eye contact as he moves the coin back to Jared, "After you, I asked first."Fine!"You were always a fighter. You have a spirit that never gives up and you're insanely resourceful. You're strong and courageous. Even though you're arrogant more often than not, you can usually back your words up through your actions. There's nothing wrong with being capable and being sure of yourself. Mark could never impersonate you with any success. I've fought you enough times to know when it's you and when it's not." Jared moves the coin back and says with more force, "How do you know him?"Jensen's mentally berating himself. He should have asked Jared what his place in Jared's life is. Jared hadn't given him anything beyond surface level details and it stings. "We met ages ago when he was an apprentice to the priest. Once of my assignments as a Squire was to guard the church from time to time." He can't read Jared's expression, so he adds, "I was always loathe to do it. Misha helped me pass the time by teaching me some of what he was learning."Jared senses there's more to the story than what Jensen's saying, but it could be his jealousy causing him to think irrationally. He does feel a sense of relief in knowing it's unlikely Misha was the one to teach Jensen hand to hand combat. His expression grows a little softer around the edges. Jensen breaks the eye contact to look down at the coin. He deliberates with himself on what his question should be. His thoughts are interrupted by Misha's return."Looks like you'll be here another day at least," he says as he enters. He can sense he's walked in at an inopportune time, so he continues, "I'll just reinforce the warding. It should hold."Jensen gives him a small smile and a brief nod. Jared is still watching Jensen intently, waiting. Once Misha has left again, Jared nudges the other knight's foot with his own under the table. "What do you want to know Jensen?"His mind starts rapid-firing questions: How long are you going to keep me at arm's length? What is it going to take to break through your defenses? What has gone so wrong in your life that you can't admit to even the smallest thing? Then it hits him like a 10-ton boulder. "Why do you see love, anything remotely related to it, as such a weakness?" He moves the coin and focuses his sights on Jared as a whole instead of just his face or his eyes.Jared shifts, getting comfortably settled in. He rests his elbows on the table and meets Jensen's eyes, "because it is." He can tell from Jensen's stern expression they're not in agreement. "Love and other sentiments are reserved for storybooks. That's not how the real world operates. People don't fall in love, get married, and have babies. More often than not, marriages are arranged and there is little to no consideration on any feelings involved. It's so transactional and cold." Jared stops. He wants to continue, but he knows he's made his point. "People who develop such feelings usually don't last very long here or they're constantly taken advantage of."Jensen nods. He can see Jared's point, but he wants to make one of his own. A lot of marriages are arranged, yes, it's true. But not all of them. True love and happily ever-afters do happen outside of storybooks, but Jensen's hard-pressed on how to prove that to Jared. The coin sliding back into his view derails his thought process. "Who taught you how to wrestle? It couldn't have been Amell."Jensen wasn't expecting that kind of question. They were talking about other, more serious topics. Judging from Jared's expression and his squared shoulders, this is an important topic to Jared. "Some of the locals to the East. I forget what style it's called, but it comes in handy."Strangers. Maybe it's better that way. "You're making allies without the King's consent?" Jared asks with a small smile playing at his lips. Something like that. "That's two questions," Jensen reminds him. He slides the coin back to Jared. "What's your idea of the perfect companion?"You. Jared blushes from the mere thought and he sees Jensen quirk his head in confusion. "It's not Mark. I can tell you that." He pockets the coin instead of sliding it back. Jensen keeps making this more personal than Jared cares for. "That's not what I asked," Jensen protests. "Hey, that's mine!"Jared shrugs noncommittally, "I answered your questions with honest answers. I believe the coin to be rightfully mine.""'Not Mark' is too vague. You're going to have to narrow it down some." Jensen claims, his tone a tad strained. "It's pointless and you know it," Jared runs his foot up the inside of one of Jensen's legs, causing him to shift uncomfortably. Jared smiles at him while he stands. He finds Jensen's confused face adorable. "I told you a long time ago, you're perfect for me." He winks then turns to leave the room. Jensen wants to scream that companions and bedmates are two totally different things and if he remembers correctly Jared also said they were not companions. They cannot fight this out under Misha's roof and taking it outside would put Jared in harm's way. Jared was right about one thing though. Opening yourself up to matters of the heart does feed into weakness. He knows it's love that has brought them this far on the journey and he should feel stronger because of it not weaker. He hates the affects Jared continues to have on him. Jared comes back with a couple cups of water and places one in front of Jensen as he sits. "Thought you may be thirsty after all the ale."Jensen smiles, "Thanks.""I didn't see Misha anywhere," Jared prompts after sipping his fill of the water. "He left to reinforce the warding along the perimeter. He'll do the house last," Jensen explains. "I guess it's a good thing you already had knowledge of all this otherworldly stuff. Aside from stories, this is a whole new experience for me." Jared confesses. Jensen draws a deep breath and tries to explain, "I was always taught everything happens for a reason. I guess I've seen how things play out so much that I don't even question it anymore. There's a reason Mark's here. There's also another reason he went after you." He meets Jared's eyes with sincerity. "There is a reason I was sent here. I just go with it.""It's easier to go with the flow than fight the current." Jared speaks for him. ~*~*~*~*~Evening Falls~*~*~*~*~"That should do it," Misha says upon his return. "Let's get the evening meal going," he suggests. Jensen stands to join him, "That's not a bad idea. I'm sure we could do with turning in early."Jared remains at the table lost in thought while Jensen and Misha work in the kitchen. He wishes he could be as open to everything as Jensen, but his own experiences have taught him that what Jensen believes is just not the case. Jared's real-world experience here is clashing with everything he's ever been taught or experienced himself and he's not sure how to reconcile the two. He desperately wants to, though. He's not sure how much longer Jensen is going to tolerate the cold shoulder and hot sex can only make up for so much. Before long Jensen and Misha return with stew. It's made of fresh meat, vegetables, and herbs. It smells divine. Jensen lays a fresh loaf of sourdough bread on the table with a bread knife. They share the meal in comfortable silence. Jared feels his head and limbs getting heavy with exhaustion before he's even finished. His eyes are threatening to slide closed without his permission, but he forces himself to continue eating. The meal this morning was great, but this one satisfies more than just his hunger. Misha can sense Jared's waning energy, "You should share my room," he suggests giving Jensen a knowing look. Jensen ignores it in favor of asking another burning question, "The ill effects of the sleeping draught, how much longer will they last?"Misha shakes his head slightly, "That wore off some time ago. What you're seeing now is probably 3 weeks' worth of very little to no sleep at all. He's probably barely ate anything substantial in that time too. Now that he's had two full meals in the same day, his body can work to recover. Get him horizontal and let him rest. Use my room so you can stay with him."Jensen looks at Jared for any kind of sign that this is okay. Jensen's quite content to sleep on his bed roll. Jared still won't meet his eyes, and something inside Jensen breaks. "That's a great idea, dear friend. Thank you." Jensen assures Misha. He looks at the empty bowls and throws a questioning look to Misha. Misha gives him a small nod urging Jensen to go ahead and care for Jared instead of worrying with dirty dishes. Jensen moves around the table and takes Jared arm. Instead of pulling the taller knight up, he bends at the knees at places Jared's arm around his neck. Jensen stands and smiles to himself as he feels Jared gripping him tighter, "We're gonna share Misha's bed, and you're going to have a well-earned rest." He says, trying to let Jared know where he's leading him. He waits for the protest that doesn't come. "Many thanks," Jared mumbles and half stumbles across the room with Jensen. Jensen notices Jared's speech is slightly slurred and he almost trips over his feet. "Steady there," he turns with quick reflexes catch Jared. The other man is a solid weight in his arms and his senses go a bit dizzy with his familiar scent. He tries to keep his tone quiet, so he doesn't draw Misha's attention and focus on the task at hand. "How long has it been since you slept?""M' fine,"Jensen knows he is absolutely not fine because Padalecki is leaning on him and allowing Jensen to guide him to bed. Worry and guilt start to eat away at him. He couldn’t shake that he was somehow to blame, regardless of Misha’s reassurances. He recalled their conversations earlier the morning before Jared disappeared. Had he perhaps pushed him too hard? Had he been too much of a distraction? No. He couldn’t have left him alone, but those thoughts still didn’t help banish the guilt. He eases Jared into a sitting position on the edge of the bed and loosens his clothes. It won't be as comfortable as a sleeping gown, but it should work. Once he's pleased that Jared won't feel constricted in the clothing, he eases him back onto the thick down feather pillow. He watches in silent satisfaction as Jared turns slightly on his side and his respirations even out. Ackles himself wastes no time changing into bedclothes and laying down on the other side. He's not slept in an actual bed in what seems like a year or more now. Sleep has no trouble finding him either. ~*~*~*~A New Day Dawns~*~*~*~Sunlight creeping in through the window wakes Jared first the following morning. Refreshed is his initial feeling upon waking. It's the best sleep he's had in what feels like forever. It's quickly replaced with unease though as he feels a weight in bed next to him. He turns slightly to see the sunlight dancing across Jensen's face. Right!He's got a vague memory of Jensen helping him to bed last night. Not teasing or goading; simply allowing him to lean. He’d let his guard down briefly and indulged himself in Jensen’s warmth. He remembers Jensen asking him how long it had been since he had any actual sleep, and in all honesty Jared couldn't remember. Then he's hit with the memory of Jensen telling him it had in fact been three weeks since he and his team of riders had set out for the forest. He realizes, in this light of a new day, that Jensen didn't think him incapable just short on manpower. His eyes float over the man in his bed and he takes in his warm skin, the soft inky hair falling over his face, and full lips that were pressed against his too long ago. No one should look that good in their sleep. He’d always been gorgeous. He allows his hand to trail the side of Jensen's face and cup his cheek. He loses himself for a moment trying to count the brown spots that are littered across the tanned to perfection flesh. Jensen startles and his eyes fly open. Jared watches as dazzling emeralds visibly relax when Ackles presumably remembers where he's at and who he's with. Jared wants so much to just kiss him; nothing major, a quick peck on the forehead. But, for them, that would be major. He draws his hand back instead, ignoring the feelings of disappointment as the moment disintegrates. Jensen reaches his own hand out to touch Jared's hip, as if to keep him from darting away. "Is it true?" Jensen knew it was true the moment Mark first spoke the words. He loves you too, ya know? Mark was too sure of himself and what he was saying to be wrong or lying. Jared had tried to deny it, rather unsuccessfully, but Misha confirmed it yesterday. Call Jensen 'old fashioned' or 'traditional'. Whatever. He still wanted-needed-to hear it from Jared; in his own words. As he waited for the other to answer it was as if the air had been sucked from the room and his thundering heartbeat was all he could hear. Jared must automatically know what Jensen means because his whole demeanor changes. He goes from open and relaxed to hateful and resentful in a snap. He lets out a self-deprecating huff, "Is what true Ackles?" In one swift motion, he jerks away, turning to sit up at the edge of the bed. He effectively places his back to Jensen because he can't bear to look him in the face. Not for what comes next. "That I haven't been able to stop thinking about since we were Pages? Or before that? Even now? Especially now! I fell in love with you the evening we were dubbed. For the life of me, I couldn't figure out how everything about you was always so damned perfect-right down to your tan minus the usual tan lines. And when I found you at the river, it just clicked. I knew how you did it, but I didn't care. I didn't care because I knew I was your first and you were mine. I told myself the only thing I had to do now was watch you fall apart under me, facing me, and you did. Even that wasn't enough. I still couldn't get you outta my head. Then you kissed me. You actually fucking kissed me!" He finally turns to face his former rival and he can feel his eyes starting to sting with tears, "which only served to make this weird obsession with you that much worse." He finally stops to take a breath and surprisingly his chest feels a ton lighter. Jensen's awestruck. He's not really sure what he can say here that won't feed Jared's bitterness. Jared neglects to brush a stray tear away, "You can call it love if you want to, but I choose to call it lust." The words come out thick and slightly strained. Jensen bites his lip. He wants to remind Jared that tears are only shed over lust when you can't have the object of your desires. He knows that's not the way to go. He has to surrender here. "I love you too, ya know. I wouldn't be here if I didn't. Hell, you wouldn't be here if I didn't."Jared's eyes fall, and he turns his head. He knows Jensen's right, but to admit that would be weakness. Jensen slides closer to the other side of the bed so he can reach under Jared's shoulders. He pulls him back down to the bed in a warm embrace. Jared doesn't try to fight it, but he does reposition himself, so they'll be more comfortable. He lets his head rest on Jensen's shoulder. Jensen buries his face in thick auburn hair and takes a slow deep inhale. This is a whole new level of intimacy and for him it feels like coming home to warm hearth after a long journey. He flexes his arms to strengthen his hold and whispers, "You may only be lusting after me, but I love you." He doesn't need to hear Jared speak the actual words. The words he used coupled with his actions are more than enough-for now.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Jared turns into Jensen’s embrace. He moves from his spot on the other’s shoulder to bury his face against his neck. Jensen still smells like oil with the heady addition of sweat and earth. His pulse is beating steady against Jared's lips. His leg rests comfortably over his bedmate, his arm draped across Jensen's stomach where he can brush fingers through soft hair. He can feel himself melting into Jensen's embrace, but he doesn't fight it this time. Instead he allows himself to be pulled in and lost in the moment. He plants an opened mouth kiss to the side of Jensen's neck. The taste is intoxicating; herbal and uniquely Jensen and it doesn’t fail to send warmth pooling in his stomach. Jared was only trying to show affection while working with what he could reach, but the familiar scent coupled with the long-forgotten taste drives him mad with need. He starts lapping at the bare flesh, working his way up to Jensen's jaw line. He continues licking and nibbling until he settles on the perfect spot. It's much too high on Jensen's neck to have any hope of ever being covered.Jensen feels Jared's hardness as it builds at his side. And he calls me insatiable, his brain manages before thinking becomes difficult. Goosebumps rise as a pleasurable chill threatens to overwhelm him. He can feel his cock starting to strain his linens, but the spell is partially broken when he realizes how high Jared's marking him.He shifts uncomfortably once his brain catches up, "I left yours where it could be covered."Jared chokes back a laugh, "Hardly," Then jealousy sparks, "You want it hidden so Misha won't see?" He sucks in the tender flesh with more force before Jensen can protest further. Jensen finally relaxes into the hold and bares his neck further to give Jared better access. “I’m yours," he pauses then adds, "Do what you will,” as an afterthought. Jared's hunger threatens to turn ravenous at the words. They're by far the sweetest melody he's ever heard. He releases the moist flesh with a loud 'POP'. "What is it then?"Jensen turns to face him, just barely holding back a sigh, "I don't know man. Anymore with you, down is up and up is right and left is...I don't know sideways. No matter what I do, you're always mad. Unless you're horny. That's entirely different.""Not mad," Jared tells him and tries to mouth at the fresh purpling mark. "I haven't done anything to make you mad," Jensen maintains his innocence, flummoxed. Jared moves to whisper in Jensen's ear, "You held me."Jensen shifts again so he can face Jared, "It wasn't a call to fuck me either. Not everything is about sex.""I disagree," Because really? How can he not? It was through sex with Jensen that Jared discovered a whole other world of emotions. These are emotions he had only ever read or heard about; never experienced. He lacks the knowledge to articulate them without sounding like a made-up storybook. Jensen doesn't look happy. He never does when Jared disagrees with him. Green eyes are flaring behind a stern expression and a set jaw. The intimidation tactic may work on others, but Jared knows what he looks like as he falls apart. Jared knows how to make him fall apart. He casts a playful smirk at Jensen, trying to lighten the mood and ease some of the tension building in his chest. "What's the matter, Jen? Don't ya wanna fuck me anymore?" He feigns crestfallen. Jensen cringes at the petname. Anger and arousal war within him and he's honestly not sure which one will win. If he were anywhere else, there would be only one clear contender. Seeing as how they're sharing his good friend's bed, he's less than eager. "Not here," He begins, trying to find the right words. As always, it was the wrong thing to say. "Right," Jared grits out. "Mi-sha," he spits the offending name through clenched teeth. His fingers catch in Jensen's gown as he makes a fist. He realizes then Jensen had changed his own clothes, but left Jared in his. Normally, he would have used this to his advantage. Now he think's Jensen left his day clothes on for reasons other than respect. They're clearly not on the same page if Jensen isn't going to use every excuse to get him naked or nearly there. He releases the gown and tries to turn away so he can crawl out of bed. Jensen stops him in his tracks because this time Jared actually looks crestfallen. "Hey," he whispers, trying to get Jared to meet his eyes. "What is it? What's wrong?""Everything," Jared says with a breathless exhale avoiding Jensen's gaze. Frustration wells within Jensen. He’d been the one angry a moment ago, but now the tides had turned, and he felt bereft of options. His irritation wasn’t necessarily because of Jared. He's just so tired of doing the wrong things to win the other man over. Jared's back is a tense line and Jensen attempts again to soothe him. "Talk to me," He prods. "I'm trying to understand."Unfortunately Jared's body knows how to better communicate such things better than his mouth does. He removes his tunic and loosens his pants completely, "You wanna talk?" he asks as he lays down on his back. "Let me fuck you in Misha's bed. Then we'll talk." Jensen runs a hand through his own hair and lets it rest on the back of his neck. He takes in Jared's bare chest and toned muscle. He knows a romp in the hay would be a lot of fun, but it wouldn't bring them any closer together; not really. Misha's bed is a turn off for him as much as it's a turn on for Jared. "What do you have against Misha?""He's your friend. He's been there for you in times I couldn't be and in ways I haven't been." Jared surprises himself with how honest he is. "So, taking me in his bed is meant to show him that you're superior to him somehow?" Jensen's struggling to understand the logic. "He is no threat to what we have,” he waves a hand between Jared and himself, “If anything, he's been more than helpful."Enough about Misha! "Jensen," Jared moves a hand over his groin, "When were you properly filled last? By someone who knows how?"Jensen's pulse raises right along with the color to his cheeks. In the back of his mind, he knows this is a deflection, but he’s finding it hard to care. "You know the last time," he answers, hoping like hell Jared won't push for more.Jared smiles at the memories, "I'd still like to hear you say it."Of course you would! "It was the night of the princess' official coronation." Jensen thinks back, "What three, four years ago?"Coincidently, it's also the same time frame since he and Misha had last spoken. Jensen knows Jared recognizes the timing and he hopes Jared doesn't push for more. Jared brushes off the curiosity, determined to push all thoughts of Misha aside. "My offer stands." he reminds Jensen. "Ride me, and I'll tell you anything you wanna know.""I want to," Jensen admits. He'd give anything to feel Jared's hands on him bringing him pleasure instead of pushing him away. His mouth spouting filth and praise instead of hurtful insults would have Jensen warming and glowing from the inside out. He takes a deep, steadying breath, "Wanting you isn't the problem."Jared palms himself through his trousers. He spreads his legs wider. He watches as Jensen’s eyes follow the motion, his tongue darting over his top lip. "I'd lay with you anywhere. A field of stone or a grassy meadow, it matters not. Are you saying you won't do the same?" Jared challenges. "No," Jensen takes a shaky breath. "I'm not saying that at all." He pauses..."What if there's a mess?"Jared gives a small thrust up from his hips into his hand, "I'm sure there will be.""And that doesn't bother you in the least?" Jensen's tone is a pitch higher, and his face grows hotter. Has he no shame?Jared's eyes tilt when he smiles at Jensen, "Bother isn't the word I would use." Jensen's reluctance has his patience thinning. "Would it reassure you if I told you I would clean the mess myself before your precious Misha finds it?""Unbelievable," Jensen mutters. Jared had branded him from the inside out several years ago and now he's jealous over Misha--of all people. "I can clean," Jared argues as he makes a move up to pull Jensen's gown over his head, but he's met with resistance. Jensen's trying to keep the gown pulled down and he's wondering why he thought sleeping in one was such a good idea. Jared growls in frustration as he pulls at the gown with more force, threatening to tear it. "What is the problem now, Jensen?"Jensen jerks back and meets Jared's hard stare. The memory of when Jared had bested him their first-time circles back, front and center in his mind. He smirks, letting the edges of his eyes crinkle. "Did you think you’d just have to order it and I’d bend over?” Jared really hates having his words thrown back in his face. "You'll pay for that," he warns. He stands to get out of his pants. He watches in silent satisfaction as Jensen's eyes trail over him. "Your turn."Jensen grabs at the thin gown in hesitation."You'll take it off unless you want me to rip it from you.""As tempting as that is, it isn't mine." Jensen pulls the gown over his head and sits back down on the edge of the bed, unsure of where Jared wants him. Jared kneels and advances on him. He eases his way between Jensen’s adorably bowed legs. From his knees, he casts a glance up before mouthing at the inside of Jensen’s left thigh. He can tell Jensen's not sure what to expect, and it drives him wild.He bites at the meaty flesh lightly, teasing. He can feel Jensen's dick hardening, reaching out, demanding attention.Jared doesn't fight the urge to suck another bruise into Jensen's sensitive flesh. It earns him a hand fisted in his hair and a choked off moan.He doesn't pull from the flesh with any force this time. He kisses and licks and the fresh bite when he's done. Then he works his way over to Jensen's leaking hardness. Jensen's secretly grateful for a mark that he can actually see and touch privately. He watches Jared in silent wonderment. Jared dares another glance up before swallowing him down. He lets Jensen's look of astonishment feed the ever-growing desire inside him. If he had it his own way, he wouldn't leave an inch of Jensen's flesh untasted; untouched. Moist heat envelops him, and Jensen doesn't bite back the moan this time. He fists both hands into Jared's hair and thrusts his hips slightly. It takes every ounce of will power he has not to force Jared's head further down. Jared's lips stretched around his cock and the feeling of his tongue sliding up his shaft and over the head threaten to unravel him. Jared hums around him and opens his throat, taking him deeper. He lets his blunt fingernails dig into Jensen's outer thighs in an attempt to make him push in even deeper. Jensen doesn't do it though. He side-eyes the small table by the bed. He knows for a fact there's oil in the small drawer, and he knows how Jared's probably going to react. He silently debates within himself if the comfort is worth setting Jared off. In the end, he decides he has nothing to hide, not from Jared. He reaches to his right and slides the drawer open. Jared moves with him at first before curiosity gets the better of him. He sits back on his heels and watches Jensen with rapt attention. Hellfire returns with a raging vengeance when he sees what Jensen's been rifling after. He clamps down on his tongue to keep blessed silence. Jensen passes the small bottle of oil to Jared. He knew Jared would be pissed, but he had no idea the devil would catch hold of his tongue. His own heart is hammering in his chest, blush is rising to the tips of his ears. He’s never angered Jared to the point of silence before. Jared takes the small bottle when Jensen hands it to him. He gives it a light toss to the center of the bed. He trains his eyes on Jensen, watching every little movement of his hands, every twitch of eyes. He keeps his own movements slow and deliberate. Jared reminds Jensen of the calm before the storm. The air is still and relaxed, but just below the surface a torrent is brewing and it’s threatening to spill over at any moment; in an instant. Jared rises from his knees to advance on Jensen. He pushes him back on the bed, while he climbs on top–bracketing his upper half. Jensen’s eyes are saucer wide, and Jared remembers he always liked having Jensen like this; open, vulnerable, not ever knowing what was coming next. He leans in close and speaks low at Jensen's ear, “I was going to take you down there, on the floor, to keep from soiling your friend's bed.”He leans back to meet Jensen's eyes, “Now, I'm going to have you right here.” Jensen's look of disagreement just developed a whole new meaning for Jared. He gives Jensen a predatory smile and captures his plush lips with a passion that betrays all the anger and jealousy coursing through him. Jensen jumps slightly and melts into the kiss, keeping his lips parted so their tongues can tangle. He brings his hands to Jared’s sides and relishes how the perfectly toned muscles work under his fingertips. In the back of his mind, he knows there’s no way Jared’s not furious. Yet, his actions say something completely different. Jared pulls back to take a breath and observe his handiwork. Jensen's hair is tussled, his face is tinged in the perfect shade of pink, his plush lips are swollen and parted, and there's undeniable heat in his gaze. He's more aroused than any other emotion competing below the surface. "Perfect," he utters and slides backwards so he can kiss and lick at other areas. He starts at Jensen's chest. When he captures a perfect pert nub in his mouth, Jensen tangles his hand back in Jared's hair. Jared switches sides to give the other one the same treatment. He kisses and nibbles his way further down around Jensen's perfectly toned abs. Jensen shifts above him from the sensations and tries to push Jared's head further down. Blunt fingernails digging into his flesh stop him from pushing too hard. He's breathing much too hard. Panting like a bitch in heat. He's aware. He can't stop himself. Jared's mouth and hands are on him everywhere, touching, licking, pinching, and nibbling. Something feels different about how Jared is touching and kissing him. It feels affectionate in a way the other man has never afforded him before. His head spins at the possibility. Just then, Jared runs a hand down his side, "roll over for me." Jensen makes a pained sound but does as he's asked. < /p>
Jared blankets him, leaning in to whisper at his ear, "Gonna take such good care of you." A chill runs down Jensen's back at the promise and he clings to the sheets in anticipation. Jared runs his hands through the back of Jensen's hair causing him to close his eyes and release a shaky breath. He pulls it to the side to expose the back of Jensen's neck. This time he does bite back the urge to leave another mark. He pushes a kiss into the flesh instead. "I'd mark you all over if I could."He grinds against Jensen for emphasis. To his surprise, Jensen pushes his hips up to meet him. "Get on with it Padalecki," Jensen urges. Jared starts trailing kisses down Jensen's back instead, taking his time. It's not what Jensen's used to at all, not what he was expecting; but damn if he's not enjoying it. By the time Jared reaches his rear, there is a steady pool of fluid trailing from Jensen's dick. He's purposefully leaning into Jared's touch, Jared's mouth. "So good for me," Jared tells him as he plants an open mouth kiss to Jensen's right cheek. "But I think you can do better." He doesn't bite this time. Instead, he does something he's been wanting since their first time. He uses his thumbs to spread Jensen apart and plant a hot opened mouth kiss at his entrance. Jensen startles under him, like he wasn't expecting it. Jared smiles into the kiss and works his tongue around the tight rim. Jensen pushes himself back as much as Jared will allow. He's panting more than he's breathing at this point, but he finds himself relaxing into the sensations of it all. Jared continues to kiss him languidly, drawing it out. The sound is obscene, but damned if what Jared's doing to him doesn't run right through Jensen. Jared moves a finger to work alongside his tongue. He lets Jensen's press back into it at his own pace. Jensen feels just as tight if not tighter than he did that first night and Jared's ever grateful for the oil lying a few inches from him. He pushes the intrusive jealousy aside and forces his focus on Jensen. He kisses and caresses the at Jensen's backside to relax him. He wishes now, more than anything, this is how their first time would have been. He nibbles at the flesh, prompting Jensen to work himself on the single digit. Jensen moans as he leans forward, and Jared brings his tongue back to the entrance with his finger. Eventually, he's able to move his finger more freely in a rhythmic motion. He places another reassuring kiss to Jensen's cheek as he works to add a second digit. Jensen tenses slightly as he comes back on it, but Jared's warm kisses and saliva ease the intrusion. Jensen's not sure why Jared's taking it easy on him. Why he's not setting a brutal pace and just taking what he wants. He's afraid to let his guard down completely and just receive whatever is coming. His cock is hard and heavy hanging between his legs, begging for attention. He wants to grind against the linens or beg Jared to touch him, but he doesn't. If Jared keeps this up, he's bound to have Jensen coming untouched yet again. Before he can register, Jared has coaxed him up to three fingers and he's not even touched the oil. He absentmindedly remembers Jared saying something before about working him open on his tongue and fingers alone. He didn't think Jared would ever actually do it though. Hell Jensen didn't even know he was capable. Jared eventually grabs the oil and applies a generous amount to his right hand and then his own aching dick. Jensen's barely able to hold himself upright, so Jared guides him on his back. His brain is still telling him this is how it should have always been. He raises Jensen's left leg, bringing his knee to his chest. He lines himself up and pushes in at a deliberate pace. Jensen looks too blissed out to care. He's no longer demanding more or pushing to go faster. There is an adoration reflected back at Jared as he watches Jensen's face for any sign of discomfort. Jensen's breathing isn't as labored this time, but he's breathing hard from what Jared would guess is excitement. As soon as Jared's pushed all the way in Jensen throws his head back into the pillows and bites back the urge to command movement, harder, faster. Jared has kept this slow, intimate, and filled with nothing but passion. Jensen doesn't want to break the spell. Jared calmly builds up a steady pace, giving Jensen plenty of time to adjust before going faster, harder, deeper. Before long Jensen is a whining quivering mess beneath him. "Touch me," he pleads. He's using his left arm to hold his leg back and his right hand is on Jared's hip. "Like this?" Jared lightly pinches a nipple, teasing. "Jared, please!" He begs again. "Oh, maybe you meant this one?" Jared pinches the other nipple with a tiny bit more pressure, still teasing. Jensen bucks and tries to kick wildly against him. Jared holds him firm. "Mercy, Jared, please...Mercy!"Actual tears are streaming down his face, and Jared thinks they match his weeping cock nicely. Jared deems him now worthy of release, so he takes Jensen's cock in one-two swift motions as he fucks back inside, reaching that special place. Jensen's coming the instant Jared swipes his thumb across the sensitive head and his back arches with it. Jared continues fucking into him deep through the aftershocks. He strokes Jensen's cock with every pulse, determined to get every last drop of fluid. "Look at me," Jared commands in a whisper. His green eyes are wide and watery, but he looks completely sated. Jared gives one final deep thrust and Jensen unexpectedly clamps down around him. Jared moans Jensen's name as he comes, filling him up. He stills for a moment before he starts to ease his way out. Jensen's hand comes up to the side of his face and Jared allows himself to lean into the touch. They both whine at the sudden loss when Jared pulls free. He collapses on the bed beside him but ends up pulling Jensen on him as he rolls to his back. He brushes Jensen's hair back with his fingers and peppers his face with soft kisses. He runs his fingers through Jensen's hair and as far down Jensen's shoulders and back as he can reach. "Perfect for me." Before Jensen can say anything, Jared pulls him into a firm reassuring hold. Jensen's left with his head lying on Jared's shoulder wondering what in the living hell as just happened. That's not how this was supposed to go. There was too much tenderness...too much affectionate reverence from Jared and Jensen's head swims with it.
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Jared doesn't let them stay like that for very long. He gingerly climbs from the bed and find a couple rags to clean them off with. It only takes him a few minutes to fetch them with a pitcher of water. Misha's absence doesn't go unnoticed as Jared searches about. He hadn't even bothered to fully cover himself. Sleep has already pulled Jensen back under, but thankfully he's resting on his back, so Jared has no trouble cleaning the cooling liquid from him. He imagines he'll probably need to change the linens on the bed for good measure. Once he has them relatively wiped off, he climbs back in bed with Jensen, turning the other onto his side to hold, kiss, and cuddle. He's beginning to find Jensen's mere presence addicting, the smell, taste, and skin to skin contact. In the back of his mind, he knows this will probably lead to nothing but more problems, but damned if he's not going to enjoy this while he can. He finds gratitude in that moment and his heart swells with it.Curled against Jensen's sleeping form, he realizes belatedly that Jensen's knotted from the base of his neck into his shoulders. Jared grabs a dab of oil for his fingers and begins working the knots out. He figures it's his own fault they're there. If only their lives were that simple that he could lay in bed and do this all day.
~*~*Meanwhile: In the Forest Somewhere*~*~Mark's still combing the forest with everything he can muster searching for any trace of Jared. Knights don't just vanish unless I will it. The only sign of life, besides the ever-present squirrel, is a dark-haired man close in height to himself. The man is too clean to be 'knightly' and too isolated to be an active part of any community or kingdom. Mark knows there's enough mystery behind the blue-eyed man, he has to be involved in Jared's disappearance. "Where are you hiding him?" Mark was aiming for affect, bellowing from the treetops. "I think it's best you cut your losses and run," Misha tells him in all seriousness. He's not tangled with dark arts for an age, but he's sure it'll prove to be easier now. He's older and ever wiser. Mark's desired affect falls flat judging from the lack of startle and matter of fact tone when the man responds. Mark's not sure what to think. He's never came across a creature such as this. He pushes his curiosities aside. The man knows what he's talking about, so this proves the stranger's involvement. Mark chuckles darkly, "But I'm so close, I can feel it! Why would I just give up now?""Riders have gathered at the forest's edge and the Army isn't far behind."There's an edge of warning to the man's voice, but Mark's not phased. "I'll just send them away," he replies, bored already. "That was child's play, wasn't it?" Blue-eyes asks him, curiously. "Hmph, barely qualifies." Mark can't help but to be sure of himself. "So, now the sacred bond has been forged I'm sure you'll have no trouble." Misha never liked revealing his whole hand at once. Sacred bond? Mark sputters, "Wh...at? What do you mean?" Those two?! Really?It's Misha's turn to be bored with the conversation, "I have no time for dark wizards. I'm expecting company and a lot of it." He turns to head back; enough time should have passed. "What are you doing out here then? Aside from bringing me a foul mood?"Mark's obviously angry. He's bellowing again. Misha throws a smirk over his shoulder, "Giving them time to consecrate their union."Mark instantly calms and snorts a laugh, "They've already had sex. Bid deal. Doesn't change anything.""Reverence changes everything." With that, Misha's gone just as quickly as Mark happened across him. ~*~*~*~*~*~*Back at Misha's*~*~*~*~*~*~Jensen wakes again nearly an hour later it seems. He doesn't remember dozing off or turning away from Jared, but he's curled up on his side leaning over partially on his stomach. Jared, is his first thought, but it seems odd; almost out of place. His second realization dawns as he feels nimble fingers working and massaging the base of his neck and the muscles between his shoulders. He considers for a moment that Jared may actually have magic hands magic fingers, his brain corrects. The tension that had formed a collection of hard knots is no longer there, the dull ache fading. He finally feels like he can relax. He pushes back, leaning into the touch. Jared nuzzles him and plants a kiss on the side of his head. "What'd you wanna know, Jen?" Jared whispers to him earnestly. Jensen considers for a moment. Everything has shifted between them somehow and he doesn't want to fuck that up by over complicating feelings. He decides on the only thing that would make sense for them, "Truce?"Jared stops massaging and prompts Jensen to face him. He likes the sound of a truce, but there's still so much nagging at him. The first of which, "Explain this," he holds the oil for Jensen to see. Jensen draws a deep breath. He's not feeling nearly as brave now as he was in the heat of the moment. He doesn't want to hide anything from Jared, but he doesn't want to run the chance of Jared pulling back from the truth either, "Isn't that where everyone keeps it?"Jensen's tone is nonchalant and innocent enough. His body language is on point too, relaxed not rigid. His pupils dilate everso slightly as he speaks, betraying him. Jared would have never noticed had he not been watching for it. His eyes are still locked with Jensen's when he speaks. "You know the questions this brings to mind, right?" Jensen gives him a solemn nod, "You can trust me," he reassures. "I've never lain with Misha."Jared doesn't kiss him the way he wants. Jensen may be absolutely sure Jared can trust him, but Jared himself isn't so sure. Instead, he passes Jensen the oil, "Put it back. I have some cleaning to do. " His mind works slowly at putting the wall around his heart firmly back in place. "Companions don't usually share a bedroom and when they do, they're not sharing oil." His tone is all ice. "It's not what you're thinking," Jensen protests, "I just know where he keeps it." Jared eyes him speculatively, but he continues. "It's nothing really. We used to be a lot closer before he left the church, and we remained friends after. He's the one that taught me how to press and blend the oils. I sought him out before the left the heart of the kingdom years ago, the day after the coronation."Enlightenment dawns on Jared's face, but he doesn't look pleased."It's a story for another time," He turns to put the oil back. "That explains why it's been three, four years since he last saw you." Jared bitterly adds. "Yea, I left with the army, and he went undercover; working for the church, but officially for the crown." Jensen continues. "He goes wherever his 'talents' can be of best use.""You want to help me with these or what?" Jared puts the subject aside for now and motions towards the linens. "Sure. There's a spring nearby. I'll show ya." Jensen gathers a change of clothes for them. He also checks Misha's pantry for additional cleansing oil before they head out. They pass Misha on the way to the spring as he's on his way back home. He looks to be carrying a gathering herbs and spices. He and Jensen exchange a nod as they continue. Once they arrive at the spring, Jensen places their fresh clothes a good distance from the water and starts marking symbols into the dirt around them. Jared notices he's marking 4 cardinal directions, but he doesn't recognize the symbols. He's expecting Jensen to explain, but Jensen hits him with a different question instead. "Can I safely resume my morning routine without getting jumped?" There's a small smirk playing at his lips and Jared knows he's playing, but he chooses not to play along. "Do as you wish," he says with a shrug. If his body weren't still numb from the events of this morning, Jensen would be a little offended by the complete indifference. As such, he's just grateful for whatever normalcy he can get. Jared goes to work washing the linens clean. It didn't escape his notice that Misha said nothing about them headed to the spring. It was also as though Misha had given them plenty of privacy; like he was well aware what they were doing. If he weren't so suspicious of the other man, Jared would feel smugly satisfied. He keeps his back to Jensen the entire time he's taking care of the linens. He doesn't want to risk the temptation of feeling the other man up. He cleans himself off the best he can once the linens are cleared away. Surely Misha will have somewhere to hang them while they dry. Once they gather their things to leave, Jensen removes the symbols he'd drawn into the dirt, and they walk back to Misha's in comfortable silence. Misha's place is a complete hustle and bustle of excitement upon their return. The rest of the riders have arrived, and Jared should feel relieved, but he feels nothing but apprehension. "Amell's squadron won't be far behind," Jensen tells him, tone low. Sir Momoa is approaching them, so he ducks off to the side to go find Misha. The commander is probably wanting to catch up with his Lieutenant. "Padalecki," Momoa greets him warmly extending his hand. Jared takes it, "Sir."Momoa is still grinning like the cat that caught the canary, and it causes Jared to quirk his head."I see you got your Ackles," Momoa tells him with a wink.So help him, Jared blushes and breaks eye contact. " Snothing to be ashamed of son." Momoa tells him, giving his hand a reassuring squeeze before releasing it. He eyes the side of Jared's neck, "Good to see he feels the same way."He's a squirrelly one and I don't trust him. Jared wants to mention, but he doesn't. He wants to tell his commander that it's just sex between them, but this morning had proven different. Hell the past couple days, if he wishes to be truly honest. "Let's see about some grub," Momoa announces, interrupting Jared's train of thought. As Momoa is leading him inside, he catches sight of Misha and Jensen having an obvious private conversation. Jared tamps down his jealousy to catch up with his riders. He's glad to see Chad and Milo have made it here with the group, safe and sound. "Murray! What happened to you? I turned around you were gone!" Jared greets him warmly and clearly excited."Strangest thing, I woke up at camp with these guys." Chad motions around the room with his arm. "Yea, your friend's letter said something about a dark sorcerer settling in the forest and causing all sorts of mayhem." Milo adds. "It explains a lot."Jared nearly chokes on his coffee. "He is not my friend." Milo's eyes grow wide, and he deflects his gaze."Either way," Momoa interjects. "We have a situation to deal with, and we're gonna deal with it. The army is sending re-enforcements.""I heard," Jared replies. Then he cracks a wide grin at his commander. "Amell should be here by nightfall.""Looking forward to it," Momoa beams back to him. Jared's always known about their rivalry, but it seems to be different on some level than his own. He idly wonders what plans his commander has for Amell. Are those plans anything like the ones he used to have for Ackles? Jared doesn't think too hard on it. Best practice tells him it's never a good idea to meddle in the affairs of others. "What happened to you?" Murray asks from across the table, grabbing Jared's attention.Jared's face flushes as he realizes the question was directed at him. He shakes his head, hoping his longer hair will help him. "I'm not sure what you mean," he begins not sure how to provide an explanation on demand. The whole room has quieted down, waiting on him to continue. The words 'accident' and 'mistake' die in his throat because whatever the word is, it's neither of those. "My mistake," Chad says so everyone can hear it. They promptly go back to chattering amongst themselves. Chad ducks his head, leaning across the table. "I didn't mean to call you out like that. It just looked to me as though you had an amorous blemish." He keeps his tone low so none of the others can hear.Personally, Jared prefers the term 'courtly mark', but he refuses to even acknowledge Chad's right."Besides, it was only Ackles and Misha here." Chad muses to himself. "Unless that wizard," he adds more threatening. Jared's eyes grow large at his over-excited friend, "No! Nothing like that."Some people turn to glance at Jared over his friend's directed tone, but they quickly resume their own conversations. ~*~*~*~*~Jensen~*~*~*~*~Jensen went to speak with Misha about his accommodations for everyone. Misha had felt it best they all camp out overnight and rest up. They can regroup after daybreak. Some will stay close the house and others will stay close to the spring with very few camped out in the middle.Jensen figures that's all well and good. He formulates a plan in his head for later that evening.Misha agrees to send his creature out to see how far away the arm troop is, and Jensen ventures back towards the main house. He finds Taylor and Pratt outside presumably because it's much quieter there. "Sir," Pratt greets him as he approaches. Jensen nods to him, "How was your journey?""Nothing too out of the ordinary, but this place still gives me the creeps." Taylor answers around bites of food."Do we have a plan of action yet?" Pratt asks. "For dealing with," he waves an absent hand around.Jensen nods, but he's not sure enough of himself for a vocal confirmation. "We'll go over it tomorrow after we all regroup." Jared's form at the table through the window catches his eye. "If you'll excuse me," he doesn't finish. He turns to go in through the open doorway instead.Conversations are taking place all around. Some are serious and others are merrymaking. He pays them no mind looking over at the table to see Jared and Murray he's not sure, talking in hushed tones across the table. He approaches from Jared's side of the table. He's not sure why, but it appears to him that Jared would very much like to be out of the conversation."Padalecki," Jensen's tone is serious behind him. Jared hadn't even seen him come inside. He turns with a start, but before he can answer Jensen's hand's on his shoulder, "Can I have a word?"Jared nods at him and tips his head as a farewell for now to Chad.Chad's mind runs away with him.Jared takes his plate and such to the sink where a few men have gathered to clean them. He follows Jensen outside and around the house wordlessly. Once Jensen's sure they're away from view of everyone else, he turns to face Jared. "My apol--" He's cut off as Jared takes him in a breathtaking embrace. Jensen loses himself in it for a moment forgetting he should be asking 'why'.When Jared leans to nuzzle at the side of his neck, Jensen figures he's let this go on long enough. He grabs Jared at the biceps, but doesn't pull away completely. "What is the meaning of this?" His tone is low, but soft and confused. Jared blushes as he beams back to Jensen. His dimples come out in full force and Jensen's immediately reminded of their time as Pages. He looks young, innocent, and carefree. It's everything he's not, but it's still a good look on him. Jensen's sure the sunlight playing across him has something to do with that. "I..uh.." Jared's smile becomes more pointed as the blush leaves his face. "I needed to get outta there." He tries to duck his head, but Jensen stops him.When Jared meets his eyes, he can tell Jensen's fighting hard not to smirk. The sunlight is dancing through dazzling green eyes and across his freckles. "Would it have something to do with this?" He rubs his thumb over the now fading mark.Jared smiles and nods. Jensen lets him duck his head this time. "Chad thought it was the wizard." Jared tells him sheepishly. Jensen does huff a laugh at that, "You could have let him think it. What would have been the harm?"Jensen is smirking this time when Jared meets his eyes. "And tell him what? There's a dark sorcerer going about the forest handing out courtly marks and he happened to give you one too?" Jared tried so hard to be angry, but he ends up laughing by the time he's finished. Jensen laughs with him. "I guess you're right, but if you didn't tell him that, how did you explain it?"Jared's hands are resting on Jensen's shoulders as he speaks. "Thanks to you, I didn't have to."Jensen's hands are resting on Jared's hips as he responds, "I was going to apologize for that, but yea...I actually wanted to ask you about this evening.""What about it?" He tries to make himself sound like an open book for the other knight's benefit. Jensen's demeanor tells Jared he's unsure, and Jared can't stand it. "I was hoping we could spend the night away from prying eyes."Jared can tell Jensen is keeping himself guarded from fear of rejection. As if! Jared casts him a playful smile, "What'd you have in mind?"Jensen goes on to tell him about the river that feeds the nearby springs and he's sure it's far enough it would keep them away from everyone else. But they would need to head out separately once everyone else starts to bed down. Then they would probably need to return in the morning separately before everyone else wakes. Jared is way more agreeable to this drawn-out plan than Jensen thought possible. "We have an assignation," Jared tells him cheerily. He gives Jensen a chaste kiss with a "Better get back," before departing and Jensen's lips are still tingling from it as he takes a walk, in silent contemplation. Jared's been overly affectionate with him lately in ways that aren't completely related to sex and Jensen's heart swims with the implications. He wonders how he and Jared can make this 'thing' between them more permanent. He no longer wishes to work on different teams for the same cause. He sees himself side by side with Jared always. If only,
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
The rest of the afternoon passes by in a flurry of activity. The army arrives shortly before nightfall, and they bring additional equipment, goods, and supplies with them. Jensen and a couple others help Misha sort and pack away the things that are meant to replenish his stocks. Misha had tried to protest at first because all this additional stuff is just going to be that much more he has to move when it's time for him to leave from here."Where will you go next?" Jensen asks him as they step back outside."I haven't been told yet, but when you clear the presence in this forest I will no longer be needed here." He explains.Jensen's aware. "You think we'll have Mark gone in a single day?""Fair point," Misha 'cedes. Sorcerers aren't ones to give up easily.Jensen gazes around for Amell, but he's nowhere to be seen. It escapes his notice that Momoa is also conveniently absent."If you'll excuse me," Misha says. "I'll help them finish preparing the evening meal."Jensen nods and walks aimlessly through the crowd. Well, he only appears to be aimless. In reality he's looking for Jared. He wasn't inside and from what Jensen can tell, he isn't outside either. He's about to double back into the house when the dinner horn sounds. The crowd around him gets settled in and ready to eat. Jensen's going to make his own plate when Amell finally comes out of the shadows."Ackles," Amell greets him warmly. "Sir," Jensen responds without looking up."I hear that Cap't Momoa is worried you're going to take his best Lieutenant." Amell doesn't keep his smile subdued. Jensen huffs an incredulous laugh, "Whoever told you that?"Amell drops his tone to all seriousness, "Cap't Momoa.""Ahhh," Jensen answers, tone surprised. "Hmm.""Ale?"Jensen reaches the end of the buffet line and looks up at the familiarity of the voice. He cracks a smile, "Sure, Padalecki. Don't be stingy."Jared hands him a full cup. They share a nod as Jensen goes to find a seat among the crowd. Amell joins him."It's really no surprise. Your rivalry wasn't exactly secret."Jensen chokes on the ale, swallows hard, and tries to recompose himself. "In fact, for the longest time, it was quite the speculation among the lot of us." Amell continues.Isn't anything personal? Geez!"I'm sure I don't know what you're talking about." Jensen tries to deny, but why? There's no point, not really. "The mark on the side of your neck doesn't lie. Are you going to sit here and tell me that Jared's one to match is mere coincidence?" Amell's a little more than offended Jensen clearly thinks him stupid.Jensen deflates, "That obvious, huh?""Only to those who know you and actually pay attention."Jensen gives him a single nod of confirmation. "Do you love him?" Amell's almost certain he knows the answer, but he asks anyway. Jensen stops eating to meet his commander's gaze, "I don't think 'love' is the problem here."Amell decides to play along, "What is the problem?"Jensen considers the wording a moment before responding. "Jared doesn't believe in love." He begins and then stops unsure of how to continue. "Even if he did it wouldn't matter. He's a rider and I'm part of the army. We're on two separate forces.""It doesn't have to stay that way," Amell rushes to assure. "I won't ask Jared to join me, if that's what you're getting at.""Would you join him then?" Amell throws the question out there with complete indifference and then adds. "I think I've taught you all I can."Jensen's heart leaps with the idea of working alongside the other knight in a permanent 'hands-on' way, but he doesn't get his hopes too high. "Who knows what the future holds?"Amell starts to respond, but stops short. He's right.They finish their meal in silence. "Good morrow," Jensen mutters as he departs. "Likewise," Amell says.Jensen packs a messenger bag for his and Jared's overnight stay at the river. He's got flutters in his stomach from the anticipation of finally getting Jared alone again. He's only a little apprehensive about laying his heart bare for the younger knight. The affections Jared's been showing him lately go a long way in steeling his nerves. He catches sight of Jared on his way back outside. He's sitting with Momoa and Jensen can't help but find himself wondering if they're having a discussion similar to the one he'd had with Amell. Jensen turns to go around to the side of the house. He figures it to be a dark and quiet enough place. Jared should have no trouble finding him before they set out. He places the messenger bag on the ground and sits against the side of the house to wait.Meanwhile Jared and Mamoa are finishing their meal inside at the opposite end of the table. Mamoa has asked Jared what his future plans look like. Jared wasn't able to feign confusion. Mamoa had already told him his feelings for Jensen weren't anything worthy of shame. He still had a hard time coming to the point that he doesn't really know what the future holds for him. He did make the confession that he would very much like to work alongside Jensen, but he wasn't eager at the prospect of leaving the Riders. He figures even if he were to make that move, he would always be a rider at heart. He's pretty sure Jensen feels the same concerning his own regime. It's a pickle for sure, but Jared's not going to let himself become weighed down by thoughts of the future. He and Jensen have plans tonight and Jared's not going to let anything ruin his good mood. He eagerly says his good-nights to Mamoa and takes care of his plate and such. Momoa only gives him a knowing glance and a barely there nod as Jared departs. He figures he should be bothered by his transparency around his commander, but Momoa seems all too happy Jared has 'his Ackles.' He shakes his head refusing to feel any guilt or shame about how his life is playing out. He stops short of letting himself believe that he could actually have a 'happily everafter' with Jensen. He's still giddy with excitement for having some alone time with the other knight this evening. He pushes all of his self-doubt and unease about the future aside as he packs his things. He can tell the crowd has really died down and everyone is turning in for the night as he steps from the house. He turns to go around the side of the house in hopes of finding Jensen waiting for him in the shadows. "I was beginning to think I'd been stood up," Jensen looks up to greet the taller knight. Jared offers his hand, "Never." He pulls Jensen to his feet easily and they set out in the moonlight. They move along side by side through the trees. Jared waits until they're out of earshot before he speaks again. He nudges Jensen's shoulder with his own. "I'm glad you asked me to come out here with you.""I was afraid you'd say no," Jensen responds before he can think better of it.Jared opens his mouth to snark out a reply, but closes it at the last minute. He can see exactly where Jensen's coming from. Jared hasn't exactly made himself very approachable outside the bedroom. He closes the small distance between them so he can touch while they're walking. "I'm still glad you asked anyway." Jared means it too. He shudders to wonder how else he would be spending his time this evening without the other knight. It's better to actually be near him than pining alone after he beds down. Jensen smiles, "Me too." There's an earnestness in Jared's voice he can't deny, and he hopes it's a good sign the rest of their conversation tonight will flow smoothly. Jared's still right by his side and the closeness is comforting."How much further do we have?"Jensen doesn't need light to tell Jared's smiling through the darkness. "It's just ahead..." he pauses, "You in a rush or something?"Jared nudges him again, "I've been looking forward to this all day."Jensen stops near stride and grabs Jared's arm, "Why do you think I brought you all the way out here?" He's got to be clear, set the expectation up front. He's mentally kicking himself for not doing so already. Jared considers a moment before answering, "Uhm, to be alone?" He finally gets the answer out sounding completely unsure. He'd never thought to question why Jensen would want to make sure they're off to themselves all of a sudden. "I didn't bring you out for a quick fuck," Jensen's not sure how else to say it. Jared's anger flashes at the accusation made, but he lets it go quickly. Other than this morning, he's not really given Jensen anything else to go on. "Hey man, whatever you want," he assures instead. "What we do is up to you." Jensen's not sure what to do with this information, but he's grateful that it doesn't seem to be all about sex anymore. He's lost in thought of everything he wants to get off his chest when Jared's voice interrupts him. "It's beautiful,"Jensen looks up to see the river. The moonlight is dancing across it and in the distance, on the horizon, is a billion stars. He looks to Jared in the moonlight. He watches how the shadows and moonlight dance across the other man's features in front of the river. "Yea, beautiful."He shakes himself to the present and starts laying out the bedrolls and such. It's a mild night, so there's no need for a fire. By the time he's finished with the menial tasks of getting them set for the evening Jared's already in the river. Jensen wastes little time stripping down and joining him. Jared eases ever closer as Jensen steps in. The water is cooler than he expected, but refreshing nonetheless. He's just getting acclimated to the cooler temperature when Jared splashes him lightly with the water, just missing his face. "Hey," Jensen calls out. He may as well just go under the water at this point and get it over with. He splashes back, "What was that for?"Jared shrugs, "Cause I can."The moonlight dancing through his gaze and the easy smile he's wearing does something to Jensen's insides. He returns the smile and holds his breath. He submerges himself wholly into the water.Jared follows right after him. They come up together. Jared's so close to him, Jensen nearly headbutts him as he shakes the hair back and away from his face. He tries to place a half-step distance between them, but Jared's having none of it."Why did you bring me out here?" He places his hands on Jensen's hips to stop him from backing away.Jensen moves closer, places a hand to Jared's side. "The story for another time...Before he can even force the rest of the words from his throat everything around them is engulfed in flames. The trees are already starting to crackle, giving way to fire and heat."What the hell?" Jared's taken aback, but thankfully Jensen takes control. He leads them to the waters edge and they frantically throw their clothes back on. Jensen has his blade ready, no more than a mere dagger, but it's more protection than Jared has.His eyes are darting around frantically looking for their attacker while he's mentally reprimanding himself for being so wrapped up in Jared he forgot the warding that's meant to protect him. He dares a glace over to Jared. If everything wasn't set ablaze, he'd be laughing his ass off. Jared looks like a doused cat, skittish and wild-eyed. His longer wet hair clinging the edges of his face certainly isn't doing him any favors."Show yourself," Jensen doesn't have time to get lost in Jared. This gets more dangerous by the second. There's not a moment to waste."Where's the fun in that?" Mark snarks from somewhere opposite the flames.Jensen instinctively moves closer to Jared so they won't be so easily separated. He's sure Mark wants Jared alive. "Stay close," he warns.Given any other circumstance, Jared would take offense Jensen thinks him incompetent of handling himself. He inches closer instead, nearly closing the gap. He's sure if Mark moves to actually take him, he won't have a choice but to take Jensen too.Jensen briefly wonders if he and Jared could just jump back in the water and head upstream. The river has an undercurrent that's bound to carry them far into the opposite direction of Mark and the flames. Does he really want to risk leading Mark to the rest of the camp though? Jared wouldn't be any better protected in the end.Without thinking he drops to his knees and starts scrawling symbols into the dirt at their feet. He can feel Jared's eyes on him but he doesn't care. He pulls his dagger and slices his left palm.Jared's eyes grow wide "What are you--"Before he can finish or Mark can respond Jensen slams his bloody palm to the ground. "Learned that from my friend you spineless dick."The younger knight stands there in stunned confusion as the flames dissipate. Jensen's back to his feet, in frantic movements, trying to ward the rest of the area. He keeps his senses sharp in all directions trying to get a feel for where the wizard would be. There's nothing jumping out to him, but an unnatural calm over the land.Jared turns to let the older knight do whatever. Part of him is bitter Jensen was able to learn so much from Misha. They had to be really close and Jared can't help but feel caught on the outs of an inside joke. He goes to sit by the water and dip his feet while he thinks. A larger part of him knows he should be grateful for Jensen's knowledge regardless of how he came by it, but the smaller part knowing it was Misha's doing makes Jared's heart ache. He and Jensen were never close; always fighting, always trying to one up the other until Jared took things too far. There was no coming back from that now, but he refused to be happy about it.He's still sitting by the waters' edge when Jensen finally rejoins him. "There's no sign of him, but he's not gone far."The smell of smoke and burnt wood still hangs heavy in the air."I'm sorry," Jensen begins, but doesn't finish like the rest of the apology should be apparent.It's not, but Jared accepts the sentiment as is it. From what little he could tell about their conversation prior, Jensen hadn't brought him out here to fuck him senseless. He wanted to talk instead. The implications fill Jared in equal measure of dread and anticipation.Jensen finally takes a seat next to him on the ground, letting his feet hit the water. He's put this conversation off long enough and they both know it. "The conversation from this morning, the one for later." He starts, trying to get Jared to remember so he doesn't have to actually spell it all out."You brought me all the way out here for that?" Jared asks. He's sure it wasn't necessary. "I wouldn't have made a scene.""It's...that's..." Jensen draws a deeper breath. "I sought Misha out after the coronation because I wanted to be ready for the turn of tables. He was on the far edges of town getting ready to set out himself."Jared throws a hand up, "What does it matter now?""You asked me this morning and I want you to understand." Jensen means it. "He invited me in...I want to call it a hut, but it really wasn't even that big. I explained to him what had happened. I only had a few precious moments before taking off again...It's not important...Beside the head of his bed in a nightstand. He pulled out this vial and explained the blend of oils that had been pressed and put together. He told me it was just what I needed to make things different for you; to win you over." The tail end comes out just above a whisper. Jared makes to stand to see what's left of their bed rolls. Jensen reaches for his wrist. "Different, doesn't mean anything bad. It was hot as hell. I enjoyed it. I was just wanted to make, what I presumed to be, your first time special for you." Better, you mean, Jared's mind unhelpfully supplies. He's held onto a lot of regret over how he took Jensen's virginity so roughly, and he knows he can't take it back now. It's his turn to shift his glance and the silence suddenly begins to turn awkward. The words hot as hell, I enjoyed, special for you didn't even register. Jensen wants to push for more, but he doesn't want to come on to strong or push too hard. Jared's finally opening up to him and he wants to explore this new dynamic before it shifts again. For Jensen, that means he has to actually give a little. He pulls at Jared's wrist to stop him from getting up. "You know now how I came to know where he keeps it and what it's for." He's not sure why Jared keeps trying to pull away from him. This is supposed to be an overdue conversation that serves to bring them closer together."You goin' let me go?" Jared asks as he jerks away harder this time. He can't stand the affects Jensen and his words are having on his emotions. He's suddenly finding himself jumbled up and twisted inside. He doesn't like it. This is more than just Ackles getting under his skin. He's tearing through the flesh completely right into the meaty muscle underneath."What's wrong?""Look, if I had it my way you'd stay in my bed and out of my head." Speaking of bed, Jared would really like to go to his. Now.It's such a stark contrast to how Jared was acting earlier, the older knight releases him. Undoubtfully he's said something wrong to make him run the other way. This is the exact opposite of what he was hoping for. "Where are you going?""Sleep," Jared grits out and then checks his tone, "We have a big day tomorrow." He lays down on the hard ground trying to find comfort in the unforgiving surface. Jensen stands over him, "I never meant to get in your head. What's so wrong about it anyway? Gods know you've been in mine for a while." He looks like he's gonna lay down so Jared turns away.Jensen feels like he's stuck in a time warp and being pulled backwards. What a wicked thing to do, to make me dream of you. "What a wicked thing to say, you've never felt this way." He mutters, sure in himself that the words are totally lost on Jared."You made me feel this way." The younger knight reminds him.Jensen can see him move and twist uncomfortably in the moonlight, so he tries his best to sound apologetic. "It's not like I meant for this to happen." His tone is audibly deflated. "Have it your way, then." He doesn't like the idea of being used as a bed warmer, but if that's all he's allowed to have of the younger man he'll begrudgingly accept it.Jared turns as Jensen lays a comfortable distance away from him, "What's that supposed to mean?"Watery eyes gleam at him in the moonlight and Jensen can't stand the pain and sudden ache inside his chest. It's sure to hollow him out completely. "I'll be whatever you want me to be.""Meaning?"The older knight passes him an easy smile and inches closer, "It means precisely what you think it means."Jared beams at him, blinking away the unshed tears. "You'll be my lifelong rival?"
That was so much easier.
They could never be what they once were, Jared knows. Too much has happened already. Aside from the pleasures they've shared Jensen has saved him twice now, which is something else he can't stand. He never liked feeling inferior to anyone most of all Ackles.The vulnerabilities he's feeling now are the only thing that keeps him from pinning Jensen down and fucking him into the ground. The only time he's seen a vulnerable side to Jensen he was balls deep behind him. Jared would really like to experience that again.
Consequences be damned!
It's not like he's going to exploit it or anything. He just wants to see it again. He's got to know he's not the only one stuck in the eye of this storm.Jensen's smile doesn't falter as his heart shatters. "Sure," he hopes like hell Jared can't see his face in too much detail under the moonlight. He's certain his eyes would betray him. "Lay it on me."Jared advances on him, but instead of wrestling him into position, he places a passionate kiss to Jensen's lips. The older knight tries to deepen it, but Jared nips at his bottom lip instead. It's not enough to draw blood this time, but the same heat is there. He feels Jensen's hands lace through his hair, trying to pull his face closer. He forces his head up at the last second to make Jensen mouth at his neck instead. He releases a full body shudder when teeth graze across the mark on the side of his neck. He rolls his hips to encourage the older knight to keep going.Jensen bites with only an ounce of added pressure as he brings Jared's tunic up. Instead of leaning back and allowing it to be removed, the younger knight leans in closing the distance so he can bite and lick too. Jensen tears the material, but only slightly so Jared will recognize the threat for what it is."Rip it off," Jared says between bites of his own. "I don't care."The slight tear becomes more apparent as Jensen forcefully removes the material over Jared's head. It's probably ripped right down the front, but he doesn't care. Jared asked him for it. He wastes no time working the other's loose pants further down. Well, as far down as he can get them. Jared's moving a mouth to his chest. Not only was the younger knight becoming out of reach, he's causing Jensen's brain to short circuit."You are way too overdressed for this," Jared comments as he's trying to shed Jensen's clothes. He can't wait to have him spread out beneath him in the moonlight."Let me help," Jensen offers.Jared bites just above his left hip, "I don't need your help."Jensen raises his hips to make things easier, and he's inadvertently met with blessed (much needed) friction. A small choked off whine escapes. He can feel Jared nibbling and teasing his dick through the fabric."Aww, what's the matter, Jen?" He taunts, "You need my help now?"Jensen grabs at the pants to pull them off himself as he speaks, "Always."Jared doesn't buy it. Not for a second. He bats Jensen's hands away. "You said whatever I wanted you to be.""Wasn't aware 'toy' or 'plaything' was included on that list.""Awwww," Jared taunts again. He can nearly taste the other man's flavor through the wet spot. He runs a hand to Jensen's chest to pinch and massage at one of the hard nubs there. "But you're so fun to play with." He lets loose with a low satisfied hum as the wet spot grows in flavor and prominence. He dares a look to Jensen's face and finds himself committing everything to memory all at once.Jensen's eyes are watery with what Jared assumes to be from the need of release. They're lust-blown and wide, but there's a pleading look about them. His jaw is lax allowing his lips to fall into a part. He's panting lightly, but not allowing any pleas to escape. Jared's head floats with the headiness of it all.Jensen looks so open and vulnerable like this; begging without uttering a single word for something only Jared himself can grant. "So responsive," he grins meeting Jensen's watery eyes head on. "You implore so much from me with just a glance."Jensen brings the bottom corner of his lip between his teeth and breaks the gaze, but the words come out anyway. "You don't know a fraction of it." He should have clamped his tongue instead of his lip between his teeth. He said he could be whatever Jared wanted and Jared only wants a whiny quivering mess beneath him right now--not a mouthy bottom bitch making snide (albeit true) comments.There's a bitterness to his words and a shift in Jensen's body that leaves Jared feeling dissatisfied. He's got a good idea (or at least thinks he does) of what Jensen actually wants from him. Logically he knows it's not feasible for either of them at this point in life; not in the world they were born into. It doesn't stop him from wanting to cave and give the older knight what he longs for though.He had said he wanted his rival back, but Jensen wasn't forcing or fighting for anything. He's laying there accepting whatever he's given without demanding anything more.
It's obvious he clearly wants more.
In that moment Jared realizes that while Jensen's offer had been sincere, their dynamic has long shifted away from animosity.
Damn it all to hell!
He uses both hands to work Jensen's trousers down past his knees, lacking patience to rid them completely. He'd sworn long ago he would hold Jensen down and ride him and that's exactly what he intends to do now. He works himself open on a single oiled finger while his mouth works to make Jensen's cock spit slick.It's not nearly enough prep, he knows. That's the point.Jensen's not sure why Jared keeps him teetering at the edge. It's driving him crazy. Surely, the younger knight has proven his point. He's in control and they both know it. "I 'cede," he murmurs between pants; hoping Jared will just grant him release already. He's painfully hard and Jared still refuses to hollow his cheeks or suck on him with any force. "Please," he tries again angling his face to lock eyes with Jared. Before their eyes even meet, Jared pulls his mouth away and straddles him.
Gods!
"Wha?""Work me open," Jared's voice is way too put together for what they're doing. His actions are too deliberate and it drives Jensen mad; not just mad with want but mad at himself for allowing this pretentious cock tease to have this continued effect on him.The hot fluid pooling on the outer flesh of his abdomen registers then and he realizes this is just as torturous for Jared as it is for him. He thrusts his hips upward in small motions to work himself inside."Make me feel you for weeks. Don't be easy."Realistically he knows Jared's not porcelain and won't break, but he also doesn't want to risk splitting him open in the literal sense. He keeps his movements small, but encouraging and he massages circles into Jared's hips to help him relax.Jared's forced to push himself down harder and harder inch by inch. A larger part of him knows it's only because Jensen's afraid of hurting him, but he wants to feel this; remember this.
Fine!
Jared keeps his features schooled. If Jensen won't give, Jared will just take. He pinches at Jensen's nipples as he forces himself the rest of the way down.He knows the time they have left together is limited, so he will happily take any battle scars with him when they're forced to part. The deeper they run the better. He doesn't care about the pain. The pain inflicted would serve him well by driving his focus away from the inevitable heartache in his chest.Jensen grabs his hips to still his movements, but he bucks up into the tight heat at the last moment. Feels so good, too good, his brain rushes to correct. He dares a glace at Jared only to find that shadows are casted over most of his features. He brings a hand up to change the angle, "Wanna see you."Jared grinds against him as he tilts his head and parts his lips. He would lean down for a kiss, but the angle of his spine is just too good to ever move downward or forward for that matter. He locks eyes with Jensen and keeps his guard down; letting the older knight look and read his fill.For once Jensen doesn't recognize the boy looking back at him. He's suddenly an open book, but more than that he's vulnerable, scared even. He drops the hand at Jared's face to his shoulder and keeps his other hand gripped firmly around the opposite hip as he cants himself up effectively holding Jared down on top of him."Have faith," Jensen whispers up to him.A small laugh escapes the younger knight, but Jensen holds him firm and moves his hips again, "In me," he corrects, tone deeper.Hazel eyes gleam in the moonlight, "how?" his voice is small and unsure. Jared's never put faith into anything other than the cold hard facts of life and certainly never another person.Jensen fucks into him again, slow and deep. He forces Jared to move with him at the hips. "I'll keep you forever safe."The tears pricking his eyes just a moment ago start to fall. As much as he wants to, he doesn't duck his head or jerk it sideways. He meets Jensen's reassuring evergreen eyes head-on and understanding dawns.Jensen will keep him forever safe; all of him, not just in body and mind, but emotionally as well. Giving himself over to Jensen completely will spare him from a loveless marriage (like his mother) or a marriage of convenience (like his uncle); all ice and no emotions. He shifts his hips again, not understanding why this had never occurred to him before. Jensen knows him better than anyone ever has; inside and out.He bites at his bottom lip and nods his head, "I believe you.""Good," Jensen affirms and shifts their positions again, forcing himself deeper at just the right angle. "I mean it."He's rewarded with hot come streaking his face. Luckily, it just barely misses his eyes. He moves his hand from Jared's shoulder to work him through it, but Jared leans down closing the distance.Jensen's orgasm rips through him from the new angle coupled with the constrictions around his dick before Jared even begins to lick the fluid from his face. His whole body jerks and writhes from the intensity of it. For a few precious moments he's ever grateful for the resistance that Jared's hard body above him provides. He's not even bothering to work Jensen through any of the shock. He's holding him down, forcing him to experience each fierce jerk and spasm.It's so electrifying Jensen belatedly realizes Jared is still licking his face clean. He cuts his head to chase the flavor on Jared's tongue. The younger knight's mouth meets his wordlessly, knowingly.Jensen moves his hands to Jared's lower back to hold him there while attempting to keep himself nestled inside the tight, still throbbing, heat.Jared hums a deep contented sigh as he breaks the kiss. He lets his head drift to the side, just above Jensen's shoulder. He has no idea what the future holds for them, but for the first time in ever he's not filled with dread of the unknown.Nothing has been said that confirms Jensen will remain by his side in a physical sense, but meeting the other's eyes gives him a sense of the implications behind what they've just done.
Desire. Loyalty. Not going anywhere without you. Best believe it!
Somehow Jared just knows they'll always be within close proximity to one another. That gives him all the reassurance he needs that everything is going to be just fine. He gives Jensen a small smile, "You wanna try to clean up again?""Yea," Jensen huffs a laugh. "Seeing as how we were so rudely interrupted before." He tries really hard not to whine at the loss as Jared pulls up, off and away from him. He makes sure their fresh clothes are nearby before he wades into the river with Jared.They rinse and bathe in silence. For Jensen it's not that surprising. He figures Jared needs time to process everything, so he washes himself clean and dresses. He's grabbing their soiled clothes to wash them out too when something hits the ground by his foot. He looks down and sees the gold Rose Noble gleaming up at him in the moonlight. He smiles to himself.He shouldn't be all that surprised Jared was keeping the coin on his person, but he is. He knows it's worth more to Jared than its monetary value.The younger knight is dressing in fresh clothes as Jensen makes his way back to the water. "Found something of yours," he says as he approaches. Jared's eyes dart to the coin in Jensen's hand and then to Jensen's eyes. "Many thanks," Jared says reaching a hand out to retrieve the coin. "I was gonna take care of those," he offers.Jensen smiles at him, pressing the coin to his palm, "It's my turn anyway. Try to get comfortable." He continues on his way to the water."You bring any snacks?" Jared asks over his shoulder, "I worked up an appetite."Jensen smiles, but doesn't turn away from his task. "In my bag," he shakes his head. For someone that enjoys food so much, he's not good at packing many provisions.Jared's still nibbling on nuts and berries when Jensen makes his way back over. He lays the freshly washed clothing out to dry since there's nothing left nearby to hang it from."You want some?" Jared offers."I'll take some water,"Jared hands him his flask and puts the food away. He edges closer to Jensen's side before laying down, and the older knight is relieved he's not the only one who's found comfort from not having to sleep alone. Once he's laid down and comfortable he ruffles the younger knights hair and plants a kiss to his forehead.Jared only smiles and wiggles closer.Jensen nuzzles him and idly hopes they're not late returning to Misha's come morning.