Chapter Text
In the dark shadows across the street from a club called The Church a Vampire pushed off from the cool bricks, watching as four friends walked out into the night. The blond boy was laughing and bouncing on his toes, spinning to address his friends with a wicked cackle, “I can’t believe it! Let this day go down in history! Jared Padalecki was not hit on once!”
The Vampire watched as the tallest young man in the group dragged a hand up through his hair and laughed softly, "Shut up Chad. I'm not always hit on, you're just jealous that I'm not interested in you." The words echoed across the street and the Vampire tilted his head to the side considering the boy.
This was not the first time Jensen had been contracted for an assignment - and surely won't be the last - but the annoyance that boiled just under the surface of his nerves built as he slowly made his way through the shadows. He fell back from the group - though they'd surely never notice his presence - and considered why the Elders needed him on such a seemingly simple task. After all, Jensen was a warrior, had over three hundred years training and experience. He had taken on some of the strongest and deadliest creatures in existence, was once put in charge of guarding the highest Elder during a meeting of Nations. So why he was sent to guard some college student in California was beyond him. Of course Jensen knew better than to ask questions or complain so he followed the group in silence.
Several blocks later the hair on the back of his neck prickled and he tilted his head to the right, inhaling sharply and bracing himself for the figures that dropped on either side of him moments later.
“Jensen Ackles!” Mike Rosenbaum called with a cheerful smile, stepping forward, arms opening wide to embrace him. “It’s been too long my friend! You don’t call, you don’t write, Tommy was beginning to worry.” Mike dropped a hand low on Jensen’s waist as they continued on down the street.
“I was doing no such thing,” Tom Welling denied but his smile was just as warm and he threw an arm over Jensen's shoulder.
“Ignore him,” Mike insisted, linking an arm through Jensen’s as Tom stepped to the side. “Seriously Jensen, just because you enjoy your solitude doesn’t mean you have to go completely off the grid. I’m trusting you have a fairly good excuse for your long absence?”
“Doesn’t he always?” Tom gestured and moved around them to sling his arm low on Mike's waist.
Jensen shook his head, watching the two out the corner of his eye. “I've been spending time in Europe, looking up some old friends,” he offered, tilting his head slightly to pick up the chatter between the group of students he was still following.
“And now we're enjoying a nice walk,” Mike leaned into his lover. “And that’s hardly an excuse, barely even an explanation.”
“It’s all you’re going to get,” Jensen smirked.
“Saw that coming,” Tom laughed and dipped to press a brief kiss to the side of Mike's head.
“What's with the trench coats?" Jensen furrowed his eyebrows as he considered their clothing. "And the chains?"
Mike sighed wistfully, and tugged on the metal rings that made up his belt, “I’m trying to convince Tommy that the dark Goth scene is so cliché, but what can you do, right?”
“Mike thinks I’m trying to make some sort of ironic statement,” Tom shrugged and grinned.
“You are,” Mike insisted before clearing his throat. “Enough of the pleasantries. What is this Jensen? Why are we following these mortals? Dinner?”
Jensen tried to look innocent, considered the reasons he probably shouldn't discuss his assignment but gave up when the two just watched him curiously, “Alright. I’ve been contracted.”
They both tensed and Jensen could feel the temperature around them drop. It was a familiar tingle of anger and irritation; he wasn't really surprised that this was their reaction. “You’ve done your time,” Mike pointed out in a cold hiss.
“Do you think that matters to them?” Jensen whispered, trying to hide the annoyance that once more rose up. He knew he was losing the battle against the emotion, had been since the meeting with the Elders the week before.
Mike folded his arms across his chest, “This isn’t right. What more could they want from you? Haven’t you sacrificed enough?”
“Obviously not,” Tom moved to stand beside Jensen. “What do you need? Would you like us to make an appeal to them?”
Jensen snorted at this; all three already knowing an appeal would do little to change his circumstances. “Yeah, you go make your appeal and I’ll get a head start in running for my existence.”
“He’s got a good point,” Mike nodded and stared at the group off in the distance. “What is it they want you to do?”
“I’m supposed to protect this… boy,” a heavy sigh fell from Jensen’s lips and he gestured towards the laughing students.
“A boy?” Mike arched an eyebrow in surprise. “Some Vampire Prince or something?”
Jensen reached into the pocket inside his jacket, pulling out a picture and a piece of paper and handed the photo to Tom. “His name is Jared Padalecki,” Jensen read from the paper. “He lives around here; he’s a college student.”
Tom studied the picture before handing it to Mike who read the contents quickly. Besides the name and address there were no additional comments, no hints as to what was so special about the boy.
“And this college student needs your protecting?” Mike tilted the picture to the left and squinted at it. “Well, he’s attractive at least. Maybe you can mix some business with pleasure eh?”
Jensen laughed coldly, “How very like you Mike to see the silver lining.”
“I think it would be wise to not take Mike’s advice,” Tom warned, reaching out to pat the arm of his now pouting lover. “If this boy is important enough to warrant the Elders contracting one of their best to protect him and therefore putting themselves in debt to you… well, being involved in any other way but necessary is most likely very dangerous."
Jensen nodded taking back the picture and paper, sliding them into his jacket pocket once more. “You’re probably right, Tom." He came to a stop as the group several blocks ahead of them turned and climbed up the steps into an apartment building, disappearing behind two large glass doors.
Mike grinned and spun to them, rubbing his hands together. “Looks like you're off duty for the night. I’m not sure about you two but I’m absolutely starving. Let’s go get something to eat.”
Jared was relieved to be back at the apartment and at the first opportunity, pleaded exhaustion and retreated to his bedroom. He smiled as he wandered down the hallway listening to Chad trying to wrestle everyone out of the apartment and failing miserably. He shrugged out of his jacket and tossed it on the floor, smiling inwardly, one of the advantages to finally living on his own - no one to bitch about where he threw his clothes.
It had felt like a long night. Usually no one was more ready to head out, have a drink, dance... maybe even steal a few moments with some hot guy... than Jared; tonight had been different. All night - the hair on the back of Jared's neck had been tingling. He found himself, a few times, looking around, checking behind him, trying to see if there was someone there. Of course, there was never anyone there but it had begun to wear on him as the evening went on. Chad, bless him, even asked if Jared was okay - and really? Jared would have to look like he'd been hit by a truck in order for Chad to think there might be something to warrant concern.
As he unbuttoned his shirt and slipped it off, Jared padded over to the window and pulled back the curtain. It was a misty night, dark, there was no moon. And there it was again, that strange sensation that someone was out there, watching. Jared shuddered and let the curtain fall back. He cracked his window open letting in some of the sharp night air; it always made him feel better.
He slipped under the covers and settled on his side facing the window, eyes heavy, finally relaxing. The sounds of laughter in the living room made him feel a little lonely.
Jared closed his eyes willing himself to sleep; to the other world that kept him sane... the dream world where his protector was always watching from the shadows. Sleep took him quickly and the dream, as always, was waiting:
In his dream, Jared's running, he's running so hard, so fast, that his lungs feel like they will burst out of his chest. He has no idea what's behind him, he's too terrified to look and can't spare the seconds to turn or glance over his shoulder. It's gaining on him, he can feel it; like an electrical current that makes the hair on his arms stand up. The sweat is trickling down his temples, the small of his back; wind like hot breath grates over his sensitive skin. He's been running so long his joints ache, his thighs are tingling, and soon he won't be able to continue.
Please be there.
If he can just get to him everything will be okay. He's taken his hand so many times, pulled him away at the last moment, tugged him back out of harm's way and wrapped him in a tight embraced. Jared reached out ahead of him in the dark, his hand shaking, be there, be there, take my hand, all you have to do is take my hand.
And then he feels it, the cool fingers sliding over his, curling around his hand and pulling him out of harm's way. He can only see the shape of him, feel his strength, he knows the way he smells; clean and fresh like outside. He knows the feel of the arms wrapped around him and the answering calm in his chest. Just like every time, he's there. Jared looks up, sees the darkness clearing a little, he can almost make out the face in front of him... and then he's gone. There's nothing but silence and dark until he wakes up...like always....alone and a little bit scared.
The blood pulsated through Jensen's veins, spreading heat along his usually cold skin. He had left Tom and Mike in some back alley less than an hour ago and now stood on the sidewalk outside Jared's apartment, considering the open window on the third floor with mild interest. He could smell Jared from here, sweat and musk and that unique tinge that varied per person. Jared’s scent was like a mixture of cinnamon and Chile powder, burning along Jensen’s senses until it would be impossible to forget.
It was easy for Jensen to make the jump up to Jared’s window. He curled his fingers around the ledge and pushed the glass the rest of the way up, lifting himself up and inside the room. The boy lay curled on his side on the mattress, naked torso exposed to the cold night air, blanket pooling just below his waist. Moonlight spilled in glowing arcs across his chest and Jensen was overcome with the urge to trace fingertips along the smooth skin. He stepped beside the bed, kneeling and reaching a hand out to hover over the warm flesh,
"What's so important about you?" He whispered into the silence of the room, laying two fingers across the steady thrumming of the boy’s pulse. "Who are you?" He stroked his fingers down the boy's neck, tracing the collarbone. "Shit," he hissed and jumped back when he looked up to find wide hazel eyes watching him.
Jared had awoken slowly, a strange sensation prodding at him, calling him awake. At first, he fought it, convinced he was still just being anxious about something and it was carrying over into his sleep. When he could resist no longer he opened his eyes. He should have been scared, startled, angry, he should have been; instead he was instantly drawn, fascinated. The young man standing over him was beautiful, the man from his dream, and as his eyes fluttered open in the dark he became aware of the coolest touch of fingers on his neck. His heart was drumming in his chest when he spoke, but he was compelled by something deep inside. "What are you doing here? Are you real?"
He watched the young man draw back into the shadows, his pale skin almost glowed in the dim light coming through the window, his eyes were unusual but Jared couldn't pinpoint why - they were alluring somehow, sad... he waited.
The rise of panic that swelled up in Jensen was completely foreign to him. There was nothing for him to fear where this boy was concerned but Jensen wasn't comfortable not knowing what he was dealing with. Every part of him screamed that he should dart out the window, stick to the shadows and only observe from afar. But the curiosity in Jared's eyes had him taking a slow step forward, arm raised up as if preparing to caress the smooth skin along Jared's well defined jaw line.
"What's so important about you?" He whispered once more, pulling back his hand before it could make contact.
"Are you... gonna hurt me?" Jared's brain was catching up with his situation. He leaned up on his elbow, eyes wide. "'Cause there are a couple of guys in here who will come flying through that door....I just gotta yell" He pushed his hair back off his forehead and took a couple of deep breaths trying to stay calm.
Jensen couldn't resist the smirk that tugged up the corner of his lip and he took several quick steps forward, dropping into the spot beside Jared on the bed in the blink of an eye. "Let me tell you Jared Padalecki, you could call for your friends but I could have them all down in less time than it takes for you to inhale once."
Shifting back, startled, Jared blinked up at his visitor. "Who are you? You seem to ... uh have me at a slight disadvantage?" He swallowed, his mouth suddenly very dry.
There was always a certain level of thrill to be gained from the fear of a human near him and Jensen decided to soak it in, leaning forward to shift his body over Jared's, dipping his face into the crook of the boy's neck and darting a tongue out to trace his tongue up the flesh. "I'm Jensen. You taste as good as you smell."
Okay...that was weird. What was even stranger, was the way Jared's body reacted to the touch of this Jensen's tongue. He shivered, scared, shrinking back against his mattress, but that touch, cool and confident on the flesh of his neck set him on edge, skin prickling with pleasure. Taking a deep breath, trying to steady his voice Jared looked into Jensen's eyes; pools of dark golden-tinged liquid in the moonlight. "What... w w hat do you want?"
Jensen nuzzled the warm skin, grinning wide against the rapid flutter of Jared's pulse. "I've been trying to figure out what it is about you that's so important," he couldn't resist running fingers down Jared's chest, tracing the curves of muscles with soft delicate fingers. "Why don't you tell me?"
Jared's breath caught in his chest, Jesus he should move, or... something ... but he was inexplicably drawn, even his body moved up, arching to meet the cool touch of the fingers feathering over his skin. "I'm not..." he gasped, his body twitching sideways as the fingers passed painfully close to his nipple, "I'm not... special... that ... I know of."
"You've obviously caught someone's attention," Jensen pulled back to meet Jared's eyes, trying to read whatever may be hidden under the surface. He lifted his hand from Jared's chest, choosing instead to trace the distinct lines of the man's face. "I can see the beauty, though why the Elders have focused their attention on you is beyond me." He ran the tip of his finger along the curve of Jared's upper lip and darted forward to trace his tongue along the same path.
A trail of Goosebumps pebbled the surface of Jared's flesh and fuck, as soon as that tongue was on his lips he couldn't even think, his lips parted as his breath puffed out in a rush... he reached up looking out from under his bangs, suddenly feeling almost shy, with shaking fingers he touched ... Jensen's ... cheek... so cold and so smooth. "who are you?"
"Who?" Jensen breathed into the space between them, reaching out to tangle his hand into the soft locks on the back of Jared's head. He tugged back until the flesh of the boy's neck was exposed to him. "It's not so much who..." His tongue slipped out between his lips, dragging up the long length of the stretched skin, teeth running along the flesh in a gentle nip that almost pierced the muscle. His tongue traced the sharp jaw line, and Jensen shifted just slightly to hover his lips once more over Jared's mouth. "I'd say it's more of a what."
Jared's breath stuttered in his chest, his eyes glazed, pupils wide. "I..." his voice faded off to nothing as his tongue darted out to lick his lips. "What?" he whispered, staring into the dark eyes that were so close. His hand shook as he placed his palm flat against Jensen's cheek, like ivory, so smooth, warmed only by his touch, beautiful.
Jensen's eyes flickered closed at the warm hand on his cheek and he leaned into it briefly, soaking up its heat for a long moment before his eyes opened once more. Wetting his lips he dipped in to seal his mouth over Jared's, tugging hard on Jared's hair to gain better access. Sparks danced across his tongue as he surged forward, laying Jared back on the bed and sucking hungrily at his mouth. He pulled back minutes later when it occurred to him Jared needed to breathe. A large smile curved his lips up as he ran a hand down the panting chest of the boy beneath him. "Vampire," he offered before pushing up off the bed and heading towards the window.
The shock of the kiss was far less of a drain on his system than the sudden loss of it. As those chilled lips pulled away, Jared's heart lurched in his chest He'd never felt anything like that before. As soon as his mouth was free he'd realized his lungs were straining for oxygen, his vision already fading to black. It was perfect and terrifying and the absence of that sinfully perfect mouth made Jared ache in places he'd never ached. And, the reality of the word started to sink through passion clouded mess of his thoughts. Vampire. Either he was having a nightmare... or... the most sexually charged dream he'd ever had in his life. He sat up, looking towards the window, as if staring at it would make this ... Jensen ... appear again. He flopped back down on the bed, breath still coming quickly, what was going on?
"You didn't," Mike hissed, grinning widely at Jensen.
"I couldn't help it," Jensen shrugged and sighed, falling back against the cool leather of the couch in Mike and Tom's loft. "I just went by to check on him, ensure the area was safe, and his window was open."
Tom joined in on the sigh and shook his head, not nearly as amused with the situation as his lover appeared to be. "And somehow this gave you the right to climb into his room and make out with him?"
Mike chuckled happily, "Jensen can't resist the pretty boys."
"I wouldn't call him a pretty boy. There's something... he's almost magnetic," Jensen sighed a second time and rolled his eyes, pushing up. "Listen to me, calling a stupid child magnetic."
"It's romantic."
"It's foolish," Tom groaned, falling against Mike's side. "Jensen, think of the danger you've put both of you in. What if the Elders found out? You don't know how important this boy is. He could be the future lover of one of them. Did you even check to see if he was marked?"
"He wasn't marked," Mike scoffed. "We would have smelt any of the Elders on him. Those guys reek to high heaven."
"He wasn't marked," Jensen confirmed, wetting his lips. "Yes, I checked. You should have seen him. I mean, really been in the room with him. I couldn't figure out what it was about him... why they wanted him... but there is something. Oh and his lips... his skin..." He groaned loudly and pushed the rest of the way off the couch. "This day feels like it will never end. I need to track him down the moment the sun's set."
Mike and Tom shared a long look, raising identical eyebrows. "And to think just last night you were complaining about once more being contracted."
"I still don't agree about that," Jensen whirled to them with raised arms. "It's not right, I've been their slave for over two hundred and fifty years. But Jared... I don't know. I just feel like I need to be there."
"Well the sun set a half hour ago," Mike gestured towards the thick shade covering the large windows of the loft. "Normally you would have sensed something like that. I guess this Jared really must be something."
Jensen darted towards the door, hardly sparing a moment to say goodbye. His mind reeled with thoughts of Jared and he inhaled deeply the moment he stepped outside - it would be easy to track the boy down.
Chad came within about two words of getting punched before Jared realized he wasn't being more annoying than usual, Jared was just more sensitive than usual. He went to class in a blur of confusion. It's not like a guy can just ask his friends if they believe in Vampires- or if they'd ever had a dream where some guy appeared in their bedroom. The thought of having a conversation with Chad about sex dreams was enough to make Jared shudder. Somehow, they settled the argument about going out with a wrestling match which resulted in a broken lamp, a landslide of DVD's and Chad straddling Jared's hips and pressing his face down into the carpet. It was the threat Chad made about giving Jared a gigantic hickey that prompted Jared to give up and agree to go out; what he wanted to do was sit in his bedroom and stare at the window.
"You are an idiot." Jared said, pushing up from the carpet and picking some carpet fiber out of his mouth. Sometimes, Jared found it hard to believe he lived with College students. Most days, their apartment ran more like a day camp for young offenders.
Chad huffed and rolled to his feet, "Padalecki - you're a douche bag."
"Classy, Chad." Jared rolled his eyes and got up. He brushed himself off and yanked his t-shirt back down.
"You know, if your shirt wasn't one size too small it wouldn't ride up like that." Chad ducked when Jared took a swing at him.
Rubbing his belly, Jared shrugged. "Nothin' wrong with lookin' good, Chad."
They were still arguing as they left the apartment, heading back to the Church. Chad loved the place, Jared loved his friend so they ended up there a lot. But Jared's mood hadn't changed much and soon enough he was leaning against a wall off to the side of the dance floor trying not to get jostled and stepped on. Chad, of course, was dancing. Nursing his drink Jared watched his friend, envying his carefree smile.
A smirk pulled up the corner of Jensen's lips as he slid along the wall towards Jared. The boy looked tired, which didn't really surprise Jensen - he'd had trouble finding any rest himself throughout the day. The blood from the meal he'd had just moments before made him almost dizzy and he soaked in the excitement as he neared the man. Jensen walked silently through the crowd until he stood by Jared - who remained unaware of his presence.
"Good evening," he breathed across his neck, snaking out an arm to wrap around his waist and pull him flush against his chest.
Jared was intoxicated almost instantly by the perfection in the face that was suddenly right in front of him; the curve of his cheek bones, beautiful lips that looked perpetually kiss-swollen. He felt warmth spreading through him, like a dull fire in his veins. "Jensen..." he murmured almost into the other man's lips. "You're real." It was half question, half statement, half plea. He almost dropped his drink; reached blindly to the side and felt around until he found a ledge to put it on. Bringing his hand back he rested it flat against Jensen's chest, intending to push him back but realizing quickly he didn't really want to.
Jensen chuckled at the words, sliding Jared's body in front of his and stepping close to press his chest against the boy's back. Jensen slipped his hand up the front of Jared's shirt, tracing along his abdomen in slow, long strokes. "Of course I'm real," he whispered, pressing lips just behind the curve of Jared's earlobe. "I don't think you could have imagined this type of perfection." He chuckled softly and slipped just the tip of his index finger under Jared's waist band.
Jared's breath hitched in his chest, an incoherent sound of pleasure falling from his lips. His stomach muscles rippled under Jensen's cool touch and he leaned back against Jensen's chest, his head falling back. "Perfection?" he managed to say. "I'll have to reserve ... judgment on that." As soon as the words were out of his mouth he felt himself flush at his lie.
"Like you can't tell already," Jensen smirked, turning to draw a line along Jared's neck with the tip of his tongue. "You must taste like pure sugar... every part of me wants to find out if that's true." He dragged the edges of his teeth along the skin, sliding the tips of his other fingers below the tight waist band and pulling Jared back further into the shadows. "Would you allow me to taste you Jared?"
That voice, those words, tumbled through Jared's mind; taste, pure, want as he stumbled slightly, pulled back by strong arms. Somewhere, on the edge of rational thought he was aware of what felt like teeth on his throat, only one word kept reverberating through his thoughts, Vampire. But, still, as crazy as this seemed to Jared he found himself nodding, felt himself wanting, leaning his head to the side, waiting for another touch of those chilled lips.
Everything surged up in Jensen as Jared's head fell to the side, giving him access. He'd never asked for permission before - hadn't expected Jared to say yes so easily - and just the willingness of the boy in his arms was enough to fade the room around him, everything zeroing in on Jared. "I could take you, you know? Right here. With everyone watching. And you'd allow that... doesn't seem like you know how to say no. Not to me at least."
Jared blinked feeling a slight sting from Jensen's words. "I would have...." he said, pulling away slightly. He wasn’t naturally a physical person, but Jensen's voice, his touch, was alluring and tempting and Jared found it hard to resist. "I shouldn't..." he knew his face was bright red, "I'm sorry." He shrugged his shoulders up covering his exposed neck, cringing. He didn't understand what was going on - being around Jensen was intoxicating, a drug that dulled Jared's senses and made him ache instantly for more.
The smirk on Jensen's lips faded to a soft smile and he spun them around to press Jared up against the wall, stepping back so the boy could slip away from him if he was so inclined. He opened his mouth to reassure Jared that he wasn't going to be feasting off him any time soon but the words died on his tongue. A prickle of awareness sprang up along the back of his neck. A sharp hiss fell from his lips and he circled his fingers tightly around Jared's wrist tugging him quickly through the club. They darted around people and Jensen jerked Jared forward curling an arm around his waist and hugging him close. "Try to keep up," he hissed, stealing a glance over his shoulder to locate the three Vampires pressing through the crowd after them.
The sudden change in Jensen shocked Jared and he felt the cold tendrils of fear crawling through his body as he was dragged through the nightclub. Even with a heightened sense of awareness, adrenaline rushing through his body Jared has no idea what he was running from. Throwing a glance over his shoulder he saw nothing but the crowd, anonymous faces before Jensen tugged him forward again. All he knew was that every cell in his body was telling him to get out. "Jensen?" his voice sounded too thin.
People were gathered in a large swarm around the door and Jensen calculated the best way to put as much distance between the Vampires and Jared. He silently kicked himself for letting the presence go unnoticed for so long. If he hadn't been so wrapped up in Jared they would be safely far away from here. He shoved through the people, landing an elbow in the gut of a large man who spun to lay blame on a skinny guy to the right of him. This had the desired effect as people began pushing against each other in growing aggravation. "Come on," Jensen insisted, tugging Jared out the front door and quickly down the alley. When he was sure there was no one within eye sight he pulled Jared up into his arms easily and set off at a run.
Jared's mind felt like it's shutting down. His heart felt like it was going to beat right out of his chest and then he was picked up - picked up like he wasn't six foot four, like he was light as a feather. His hands flailed for a moment and then grabbed onto Jensen's jacket; he closed his eyes. He would wake up any second, of that he was certain. But the cool evening air rushed past his ears, threatening to take his breath away. Through all his fear he still noticed the movement of Jensen's body under his; smooth, graceful, preternatural.
Jensen cradled the large figure close to him, weaving through buildings and alleys until he was confident he had lost the other Vampires. They came to a stop in the darkness of a deserted park, standing in the shadows of several large willow trees, and Jensen slowly set Jared down on the grass. Anger - at himself and his foolish actions - surged to the surface and he spun from Jared, cursing the air loudly.
"Jensen?" Taking a step forward, Jared reached out a hand, fingers lightly touching the other man's back. Panting, he tried to catch his breath. "I... what happened?" Fingers curling over Jensen's shoulder he tugged slightly, wanting to see his face, "What's going on?"
The Vampire rounded on him, tugging the boy's body flush against his chest and crashing their lips together in one long, brutal kiss. When he jerked his lips away once more the distinct bitter tinge of blood floated across his tongue. He stepped back with wide eyes and shook his head. "Shit... I'm sorry Jared. I didn't mean..."
Jared swallowed hard around the lump in his throat and stumbled backwards - as turned on as he was terrified. He wiped his thumb across his bottom lip and looked at the blood on his hand, shocked. Common sense took over and he slowly started to back away from Jensen, not taking his eyes off the ... Vampire.
Jensen sighed loudly and scrubbed a hand across his face. "You can leave if you'd like. I won't stop you. But allow me to point out the fact that I just saved your life. And even if you run away, I'll still be there."
Folding his arms around his chest, Jared stopped moving away; he was shaking. "Tell me what's going on." A muscled twitched in his jaw and he stared into those eyes that had seemed so alluring such a short time ago.
"I've been sent to protect you," Jensen stepped forward, wanting to reach out and pull that form close - taste and touch every inch of him - but he stopped himself. "There are... well... there are Vampires always living among you, always have been, always will be I imagine. At the center of each nation there's a selection of some of the oldest Vampires known as the Elders. They have sent me here to ensure your safety."
"My safety?" Jared started to walk backwards, turning after a few steps he begins to lengthen his strike. "I'm going home. This is... nuts."
"Sure, you go home," Jensen called after him. "I mean, those other Vampires will probably be waiting for you. And there's a chance I might not be fast enough. But if you want to take the risk then by all means..."
Jared stopped, still facing away from the honey and coal of the voice behind him. Pinching the bridge of his nose he looked down, "I don't know what's going on... but ..." he took a shuddering breath. "You're just trying to scare me."
Jensen took several steps forward, closing the distance between them and curled a hand along Jared's arm. "Look Jared, you're going to have to forgive me. I don't spend a lot of time talking to mortals... actually... this is probably the first real conversation I've had with one in... I suppose over two hundred years. Normally any words exchanged are only of a sexual nature. So, I'm sorry for being so blunt and I wish I could explain more, have this make sense to you. Perhaps you could ask me some questions?"
Scratching his nose, Jared stared at Jensen through his bangs then slowly tugged his arm out of the Vampire's grasp. "So... why are ... why are you different? Why don't you want to hurt me like the others?"
"I've been assigned to protect you, not to hurt you," Jensen took a step back and tucked his hands into his pockets. "Though I'll be honest, I don't know why I'm protecting you. That is why I was asking you last night why you were so important."
A puzzled expression crept onto Jared's face. He shrugged. "How would I know?" He shook his head. "Until, you were ..." his cheeks flushed remembering the night in his bedroom, "until I met you there was nothing strange about my life at all ... well, nothing out of the ordinary." There were some secrets everyone kept, including Jared.
Jensen considered the stars for a long moment before meeting Jared's eyes. "Well then... I guess you have your choice if you'd prefer to go back to that ordinary life. I can disappear just as quickly as I appeared."
"But then..." he looked around nervously, "who will... protect me?" Jared blinked, anxious, starting to feel the cold. "How will I know who ...." he bit down on his bottom lip.
"Oh..." Jensen's face lit up with a rare, genuine smile. "Jared I've been contracted by the Elders to protect you. To stop would be like signing my death order. So I'll protect you as long as I'm required. You just won't know I'm there."
Shrugging Jared returned the smile, it was impossible not to. "That...," he looked down, "seems kind of pointless. I mean, if you're around an all." He looked back at Jensen from beneath his dark lashes. His fingers twitched nervously at his thigh, fingernail running up and down the seam of his jeans.
With a soft chuckle Jensen once more closed the distance between them, capturing Jared's warm hand in his own icy grip. "Jared, I've been a Vampire for over three hundred years. I can't even remember a time when the world of Vampires seemed foreign to me. The world I live in..." He cut himself off with the shake of his head.
Squeezing Jensen's hand, Jared's brow furrowed, "What?" His head tilted ... he was curious. "The world you live in... what?" He tugged gently on Jensen's hand.
Jensen was unsure of the intense urge to pull Jared close and soak in the warmth of his form. He sighed gently instead and started walking out, tugging Jared's hand to pull him along. "I live in a world of darkness. And I don't mean literally, though that is true- I've spent most of my existence in solitude. Unlike most Vampires who pick a mate early in their life. Believe it or not I have only two friends, who I hadn't seen for almost fifty years until yesterday. The point is... I don't know how to act around anyone, Vampire or not. Having me as more than your protector in the shadows is not going to be an easy thing."
Jared had to walk quickly to keep up with Jensen. "Do you have a filter between your brain and your mouth? 'Cause I didn't ask you to marry me or anything - just don't see the point in you being all... vampiry and sneaking around in the shadows." He looked straight ahead into the darkness, so he would stop staring at Jensen's face. "I mean, if you're gonna be around anyway. We could ... talk and... stuff." He smiled shyly, "Maybe I could help you learn how to ... talk to people, be around people?"
"Why would I do that?" Jensen eyed him and stopped suddenly, shoving Jared hard against the building wall and sealing their lips together in another brutal kiss exactly like the one they shared in the park moments before. He slipped a knee between Jared's thighs and pushed up just slightly. "I don't need to learn how to talk to people when I can so obviously gain any information I might need just like this."
Breathless, Jared's hands settled on Jensen's hips as he shifted his hips slightly. Jesus. He moved as far back as he could hoping to hide his arousal from the Vampire. "What can ... you," he panted out, "tell about me from that." He licked his lips, leaving them wet and shining in the light from the street lamps.
Jensen considered this for a moment, tilting his head to the side even as he lifted his knee to rub into Jared's obvious erection. "Well... I can tell you like men. Though, that's fairly obvious. I can also tell you've been waiting a long time for something big to happen and have been sorely disappointed thus far. There's more I'm sure, things under the surface that I could probably get you to confess if I just..." Jensen moved forward to bite kisses along Jared's neck.
As those cool lips moved over his skin again Jared's hips rolled unconsciously forward slightly and his head fell back against the rough wall behind him. "Mmmhmmm?" Slowly his hand drifted up to cup the back of the Vampire's neck, so cold, so strong. "If you just..." his voice was a whisper, thick and hoarse, fingers curling into the cold flesh under his hand.
Jensen smiled against the flesh and trailed one hand down the front of Jared's chest. He cupped his palm along the heat of Jared's crotch, rubbing just hard enough to create friction for the boy, "If I just what?"
Jared bit down hard on his bottom lip, trying to shut out the nagging voice in his head, reminding him, haunting him with Jensen's words. Vampire. He moaned, grabbing the soft material of Jensen's shirt in his fist. He shook his head slowly, "I don't... I don't know." He was hard and aching and his blood was rushing in his ears.
"No?" Jensen smirked and used his free hand to flip the top button of Jared's jeans, dragging down the zipper in the next moment. "You have no idea what seeing you like this does to me. The way you smell... the blood rushing through your veins..." Jensen slipped his hand under Jared's boxers, curling his icy fingers around the boy's heavy cock. Pulling his knee back for more space, he leaned forward to brush his lips once more over Jared's neck. "What is it your hiding Jared? What's under the surface that you're not telling me?"
"Jesssus", Jared hissed. He felt almost weak, like all the blood in his body had rushed to his cock. He was still shaking his head slowly back and forth, "n-n-n othing." He bit down on his tongue and groaned tasting blood.
"Nothing?" Jensen pulled back from the boy's neck when the smell of blood hit his senses. He hovered over the Jared's lips for a long beat, torn between devouring the sweet nectar and not scaring Jared any further. The animal part of him won out and he shoved forward, tightening his grip around Jared's cock as his tongue darted into Jared's mouth and circled eagerly.
Moaning into Jensen's cool, wet mouth, Jared's hips pushed forward of their own accord, seeking more, his shaft throbbing. His tongue ached where he'd bitten it but he didn't care, sliding it over Jensen’s', tangling them, slick with blood and saliva, his mouth opening wide for the Vampire. His hand slid down the cool, muscular chest, his fingers slipping tentatively under the waistband of Jensen's pants.
The blood seeping into Jensen's system was enough to cause the world around him to tilt slightly, Jared's hand added into the mix made the world around him spin. "Fuck," he hissed as he pulled back from the kiss, increasing the speed of his strokes along Jared's flesh. "Jared..." he let his head fall into the crook of Jared's neck as he rocked his body forward. He hadn't anticipated the boy returning any sort of gesture but now that it was potentially about to happen, it was all his mind could think of. more, more, more.
Tearing his mouth from Jensen's ... Jared groaned and grabbed Jensen's wrist... "sssstop ... please." His eyes were wide, his thoughts racing, too good, too fast, too much. "I need..." his hands fell to his side. "We should... I'm sorry." He could barely breathe and it felt like his heart was going to pound through his chest wall any second. He leaned his forehead against the Vampire’s, silently pleading, because he didn't think he had the strength himself to stop if Jensen didn't. His knees buckled and he fell forward into Jensen's chest..."what did you... why do I feel like this....?"
Jensen wrapped his arms around Jared to hold him up, trying to control the part of him that wanted to deny Jared his request, to just slam him against the wall once more and take what seemed rightly his. But the coloring of Jared's face was unusually faint and he worried he'd pushed the boy to his limits. "It's the blood I believe, though I hardly took enough to warrant this kind of reaction... Maybe the other things as well..." Jensen sighed and tugged him up, working quickly and carefully to zip up his pants. He'd fed deeper off people and watched them walk off without so much as a stumble. To see Jared so light headed with such little blood drained was disconcerting. "Maybe you should take some Advil or something when we get you home."
"Advil?" Jared murmured searching for Jensen's hand with his own. "Yeah, I'd like to go home with you." He nodded, sweat breaking out on his forehead. His thoughts were clouded, swirling in his mind but he felt strangely comforted by the presence of the Vampire. Safe.
"Home with me?" Jensen watched him out the corner of his eye and smiled softly. "I think getting you home period will be a miracle at this point." He sighed and once more lifted the boy up into his arms, choosing to walk at a brisk pace instead of running for Jared's sake. The streets were quiet and empty but Jensen listened carefully to ensure the Vampires from before really were gone. The last thing he wanted to do was lead them to Jared's home. When they arrived at the apartment building Jensen considered the locked glass door for a long moment before setting Jared back on his feet. "Where are your keys?"
Jared stuffed his hand in his pocket and felt around finally retrieving his keys. "Here..." he handed them to Jensen and leaned his head back on the Vampire’s shoulder, eyes drifting closed again. Jensen smelled good, fresh, crisp. Jared's fingers curled over the collar of his shirt.
Jensen secured his arm around Jared and reached around to unlock the door. He decided against carrying Jared up the stairs, not wanting to run into anyone in the hallways that might question them. His concern for the boy grew the more steps they took and Jensen was relieved to finally reach Jared's door. He took a moment to listen to the apartment beyond the door and once satisfied it was empty, he slipped the key into the lock and let them in. "Alright, safely home. Where do you keep your medicine?"
"Don't need it... c'mon." Jared tugged on Jensen's hand and weaved down the hallway to his bedroom. He stumbled trying to get his shoes off and finally succeeded, never relinquishing his grip on the Vampire's hand. As he moved over to the bed he slipped his jacket off and tugged his shirt off over his head, getting stuck momentarily. He smiled at Jensen from under a mess of brown hair and grabbed his hand again sinking to the bed and pulling the Vampire down beside him. Slipping an arm over Jensen's waist he curled his body around him, nuzzling into the cool neck. "Feels good," he whispered against the cold skin... "Nice and cool. My dreams were right - you are perfect - watching over me". He sighed and was already giving in to sleep as the final words left his mouth.
In all the time Jensen had been immortal he'd never once shared a bed with someone and having Jared curled around his body was surprisingly pleasant. "Your dreams?" He asked softly, waiting for several minutes in silence before looking down and seeing Jared was already asleep. Slowly he threaded his fingers up through the boy’s hair, smoothing it back in an attempt to calm him. "Sleep Jared... don't worry, you'll feel better in the morning." He couldn't resist pressing a quick kiss to the top of Jared's head.