Just Don't Give Up on Me 20/20---Epilogue

[rain_n_snow]

Epilogue

18 months later


“Chris?” Jensen sounded just shy of frantic. “Where are my cufflinks? I…fuck, I can’t find anything. How am I this unorganized?”

Chris sighed as he came into the room, holding out his hand with a pair of white gold cufflinks inside. “Calm down. It’s under control, man.”

Jensen thanked his friend as he took the cufflinks and secured them, turning to view himself in the mirror. His tuxedo was black, traditional and sleek. His shirt was crisp white and his tie and vest were silver. Refusing to glance at Chris and attempting and failing to sound nonchalant, Jensen asked. “Is he here? Have you seen him?”

“No I haven’t seen him, but he’ll be here. You know he will. He loves you like crazy, man. Like maybe more than you deserve.” Chris smiled at his oldest friend, teasing and reaching out as if to ruffle his hair.

Jensen ducked and his eyes slid away. “It’s true. He is more than I deserve. I…what if he just doesn’t show? What if he realizes…”

“Hey. I was just kidding. You totally deserve someone awesome, Jen. Don’t even think about starting that shit again. I thought you worked through all that with Jared. And there is no way he won’t show. He worships the ground you walk on. Seriously. Come on. You don’t want to be late, son.”

Jensen drew a calming breath. He could do this, he could. He knew Jared loved him and they had worked hard to get to this point. He had worked hard to accept all the love Jared had to offer and understand that this was it, this was where Jared wanted to be and that he was loved. No more freaking out. He couldn’t wait to get out there, to see his Jared and commit to a lifetime together. He was blessed and he intended to be thankful and grateful for it every day of his life.


Jared’s smile wobbled just a bit as he stood in front of his mom, who was straightening his tie for what felt like the millionth time. He was dressed to match Jensen in the tuxes they had agreed upon. He had been tempted to wear a white tux but didn’t want to look like he was the bride. “Is he here, momma? God, I’m so nervous. What if he changed his mind?”

He was practically bouncing in place, and his mom cupped his cheek and smiled softly. “He hasn’t changed his mind, JT. You know that boy loves you enough to walk through fire for you. He is here. I know he is, and so do you.”

“I love him so much, momma. I really really love him. He’s everything I ever wanted, you know?”

“Yes, I know. He’s a great man, JT. You are both blessed you found each other. We couldn’t be happier for you, you know that? We always loved Jensen anyway, and we are thrilled to have him as part of the family now.” She smoothed Jared’s hair lightly. “You boys just have to take care of each other and talk to each other and listen and love and you will have a lifetime of happiness together.”

Jared was anxious to see Jensen, to know that everything was alright and that he was really going to commit to a lifetime with him. He stepped out in front of the church and saw Jensen come out from the other side. His heart skipped a beat and then swelled until he could swear he would burst. The man walking toward him was the love of his life and he was the most gorgeous man he had ever seen, hands down. He felt like running and swooping Jensen off his feet like some cheesy romance novel, but he tempered his steps and met Jensen in the middle in front of the minister.

Jensen’s hand instinctively reached out and grasped Jared’s, running a finger over his knuckles, his eyes never leaving the face he held so dear. He felt like he might pass out, but drew a deep steadying breath. He was certain as he stared into those everchanging eyes that he was the luckiest man alive. Jared was perfect for him and he felt like he had pulled off some sort of coup to have captured his love.

The ceremony was over in less than twenty minutes and they kissed for the first time in a week to the applause of their family and friends, fingers encircled with matching platinum bands, identical down to the engraving inside.

As they mingled during the reception, Jared would find himself starting to turn to search out Jensen, and would feel a warm hand brush the small of his back and creep around to his stomach and settle under his jacket low on his belly. He would lean back into the body behind him and smile, knowing he was exactly where he was meant to be.

Their plane took off less than an hour after they left the reception. They both slept through the flight, the nerves and stress of the day having worn them down, despite the happiness and contentment they were feeling.

Their house at the resort was equipped with everything they would need and they fell into bed and made love slow and languidly before sleeping entangled through the night.

Kissing his new husband awake, Jared watched until Jensen’s eyes finally blinked open, clear and green in the early morning sunlight that flooded the room along with the soft breeze. “Come on, baby. Let’s go out to the beach. I wanna go swimming. Wanna make love to you in the water. I don’t want to waste any more time sleeping. Staying away from each other that whole week was easier said than done. I missed you way too much.”

Jensen laughed softly, stroking the length of Jared’s body with one hand and drawing his face down for another deep kiss with the other. “Yeah, me too. It started to feel like I was never going to be allowed to see you and touch you again. Let’s go out. Call for breakfast to be brought out to the pool in an hour or so?”

They walked out to the ocean hand in hand less than five minutes later, having paused only long enough to brush their teeth and call room service.

Jensen smiled and pulled Jared closer as they surfaced, standing chest deep in the clear turquoise water of the sea, kissing with all the love they shared and the pent up need of a week apart. “Love you, Jay. Thank you for being patient with me and waiting for me to realize…”

“Realize what, Jen?” Jared asked when Jensen paused, his face looking so sincere as he stared into Jared’s eyes.

Jensen’s emerald eyes were clear in the morning sun, sparkled with unshed tears. Jared cupped Jensen’s jaw as they stood wrapped together, the ocean causing them to sway together slightly with its surge and ebb.

“That you are everything I could ever want and more than I ever imagined getting. I knew, you know? I mean, it’s not like I didn’t know you were incredible, beautiful, so full of life and love. I just let my fear rule me for so long. Everyone I ever thought I might come to love always left me, I guess I wasn’t worth it to them. So, I guess thanks for giving me a chance and not giving up on me. Thanks for loving me. I love you. Forever.”

Jared felt tears prick his own eyes. “You are so incredible, baby. I can’t even comprehend anyone not realizing that. And really? Not like I had a choice. You had my heart a long time ago and I never wanted it back. I can’t imagine my life without you, wouldn’t know how to go on. You’re my soulmate, Jen. I love you forever.”


The End The Beginning




master post/all chaps here