something_rare

Title: Leap of Faith
Pairing: Jensen Ackles / Jared Padalecki (eventually), Mentions of Jensen/OMC, Jared/OMC and Others
Other Characters: Tom Welling, Chris Kane, Danneel Harris, Misha Collins
Rating: NC17
Word Count: 2,616
Disclaimer: 100% Pure Fiction
Note: None of this would be possible and readable without my awesome beta,

bigj52 . I learn from you everyday.
Summary: AU / Everybody has a dream. Some people make their dreams come true. Some just let their life slip by thinking about it.

Chapter 35:

Jared tried to get Jensen to go with him but Jensen insisted that Jared had to do it on his own. At first Jared couldn't understand why, but standing there looking out at the crowd, he was beginning to understand. There would be times when Jared would have to face people and Jensen wouldn't always be there to watch out for him. It was as good a time as any time to try and do it on his own. Jared felt a tap on his shoulder and turned around.

"Hey man, glad you made it. We're all excited to see you up and about."

It was Matt and Jared was happy to see him.

"I'm happy to be up and about man. Come over here and give me some love," And with that, Jared pulled Matt into his arms and held on to him.

"Jesus Jared, we've missed you," Matt whispered.

"I've missed you guys too. It's been long, too damn long."

They separated and walked over to the bar where Jared ordered a Coke and Matt a gin and tonic.

"So...," Matt started, "How are things between you and Jensen?"

Just hearing Jensen’s name brought a smile to Jared’s face.

"Things are cool. He's been real strong through all of this, you know."

"I know. Jensen's stronger than we all give him credit for. I'm surprised you didn't bring him here tonight."

Jared smiled at that, "Yeah, well, the invite was extended to him but he decided to just let me handle this alone. Thought I'd have to venture out by myself at some point so why not now?"

Matt nodded in agreement and patted Jared’s back.

"Well,I've got to say that so far you've been doing well, kid."

"Thanks."

"And since you seem to be holding up, I want to make an intro to the guest of honor. This kid is so hot right now that he's going to rival your record sales soon. I also know that he's a big fan of yours. He’s been asking about you all night. He even asked me to put a proposal to you," And as if on cue, a young man with short dark hair appeared beside Matt and extended his hand. Jared took his hand in his and shook it.

"It's such an honor to meet you," The young man stated, refusing to let Jared’s hand go. Jared was surprised that he was still being treated like royalty by anyone after all that had come out about him.

"Well, I appreciate it man. I heard your CD and let me tell you that it's pretty tight. I especially like track two, it's creative."

The young man’s smile seemed to widen if that was possible and for a moment, Jared thought he was going to pass out.

"Thanks Jared, I appreciate it. Coming from you that means a lot. Wow, I can't believe I'm finally meeting you. I was telling Matt that I had to meet you to see if you'd like to sing some tunes on one of my upcoming tracks, but he told me that you retired."

"Well, it's true. I'm sorry about that but there are many good artists Matt could recommend,-" Jared started only to be cut off mid-sentence.

"Well, would you be interested in producing a few of my new tracks? The producer on my last album decided to leave and he left me high and dry."

"I don't know. I'm not into that aspect of the business.”

Even though Jared had helped produce a few of his earlier tracks, he never foresaw himself doing it for anybody else.

"Well that's cool, but the offer still stands. I don't have to be in the studio for three more months. Matt has my number in case you want to reconsider. It's a pleasure meeting you," And with that, he was led away by his entourage.

Matt turned to Jared and smiled.

"What?" Jared questioned.

"Go for it," Matt stated.

"Go for what?"

"Don't play dumb with me Jared. I'm your friend, OK? I see it in your face that you miss the game. You want in and knowing you, you won't give in to that urge. So here is an opportunity for you to still be in the game without putting yourself in everyone's face."

Matt’s face had turned serious and that for some reason bugged Jared.

"Don't start up with me Matt. I told you I'm done and I mean with music, period. Whether it be singing, directing or producing, I'm done with all of it. I had my fill and now it's time for me to give someone else a chance.”

Matt held up his hand in defense.

"OK, I won't push the issue but I think you should think about it at least. You have talent Jared and I'd hate to see it get wasted because of some jerk like Patrick. You're an original man and there can be no other like you. Promise me you'll think about it, please. And don't do it for me, do it for you."

It was true. Jared did miss all of it.

"Fair enough, I'll think about it but don't be expecting me to change my mind anytime soon."

"Fair enough. But listen man, I've got to present this cat to the audience so I'm going to leave you here to get reacquainted with some people. You gonna be OK?"

"Yeah man, I'll be fine. Thanks."

Jared watched as Matt walked away from him and into the crowd. Jared looked around and even though he noticed a few people, most if not all of them seemed to be steering clear of him. Jared wasn't an idiot by any means so he knew what thoughts must have been floating around in their heads, but having been through what he had been through, it didn't faze Jared one bit. He didn't really care what they thought about him or Jensen. A matter of a fact, he felt as If he was ready to bow out. It had been a long night and he wanted nothing more than to take Jensen in his arms, pull him close and tell him how much he loved and valued him. Jensen had been there for him through so much and was still holding down the fort while Jared tried to put the pieces of his life back together. It made Jared proud to be able to come out and tell the world just where Jensen’s place was and how he felt about him.

He pulled out his cell phone and dialed his home number and it was as if his heart skipped a beat when he heard Jensen’s voice on the other end.

"Hello."

"Hey babe, it's me."

"Jared, how's everything going? Are you OK? Did something happen?"

Jared was quick to reassure him that all was well, "I just wanted to hear your voice Jen. I miss you. I had fun tonight but I feel like I need to be with you right now," And for some reason, Jared couldn't control the tight feeling that overcame his chest, made his throat a bit scratchy and his eyes watery.

"It's OK baby, just jump in a cab or I can jump in a cab and meet you there."

"You'd do that, wouldn't you?" Jared questioned, a smile creeping up on his face.

"For you hon, I'd do anything," Jensen whispered.

As Jared walked for the exit, ignoring all the stares that followed, the only reply he could muster up was, "The feeling's mutual."

_______________________________

"Jensen, are you up for going into the city for a while?"

"Sure. Where are we heading?"

"Just our usual diner. I kind of miss it."

"OK babe, whatever you want to do. I probably should get in the shower then," And with that, Jensen started to get up only to be stopped by Jared’s hands pressing into Jensen’s shoulders and pushing him down.

"I love you," Jared whispered in Jensen’s ear just before he leaned in and kissed the back of Jensen’s neck.

Jensen turned to look at Jared and couldn't help but smile, "You're home early. I thought tonight was going to be an all-nighter?"

"I ducked out. And besides, it's been a while since it's just been me and you."

It was true, but to Jensen, that was the beauty of it. They lived life like any straight couple would. They fought, they made up, they worked hard, they made love, they fucked, they did it all. He loved Jared and Jared loved him, and even though the majority of people weren't receptive to their relationship, it didn't matter. All that mattered was that Jensen had finally gotten the one man he had waited his whole life for and that Jared loved and appreciated him as much as Jensen loved and appreciated him. No one would ever be able to take that away.

Jared tried his best not to appear to be too anxious about their excursion to the city but it was hard. It felt so good to finally feel as if he was giving back to Jensen, for once, and as Jared looked over at Jensen as he stared out the window of the car, Jared felt his chest give that familiar pitter patter, and he couldn't help but think how much he loved that man. Jensen had been there for him through so much and even though he had not always shown his appreciation, Jensen never left his side or gave up on him. It took a special kind of person to put that kind of faith in something so unstable, but Jensen had done it and Jared vowed never to let a moment go by without telling Jensen how much his devotion meant to him.

Jared put his thoughts on hold as he pulled into the parking lot of the restaurant.

"This is it," Jared stated, turning to look over at Jensen. He then gave Jensen a smile. Jensen returned his smile and brought Jared’s hand to his lips, kissing it.

Jared leaned over and brought his lips to Jensen, kissing him deeply, and Jared had to fight to control the urge to just pull him into the backseat and forget about their plans.

"I promise we'll finish this later," Jared whispered, removing himself from Jensen’s embrace and turning off the engine. They both exited the car and hand in hand, walked through the front door of the restaurant.

Dinner was wonderful and romantic. Jared could not have been more charming.

Jensen cleaned his plate, not because he was all that hungry but because he was stalling. He sensed something was up but could not say exactly what. He made mindless small talk and tried to find out what Jared was up to.

Jared kept smiling and saying a word or two here and there.

Jensen folded and refolded his napkin. A silent minute passed.

“Shall we go, Jared?”

“Just a moment,” Jared said before he stood up and walked away. Jensen looked at the time on his phone before putting it back in his pocket. The band finished playing a ‘Kiss’ song and began playing something else. Jensen wasn’t sure what it was until he heard a familiar voice. He grabbed his beer and twirled around on his seat and paused.

Jared was on stage singing.

Jensen could not recognize the song that Jared was performing but saw Jared waving his way.

First off I can’t keep a promise

I’m no one to count at all

Add on that I am a coward

Too scared to return your calls

But you don't care
You keep sticking around
While I'm acting a clown
You're bigger
Cuz you're still here
Your feet stuck to the ground
Despite how silly it sounds
You're bigger than me

It's known that I'm a liar
Often I'm blacker than white
Add on my uncanny ego
No one’s less humbled than I

But you don't care
You keep sticking around
While I'm acting a clown
You're bigger than me
Cuz you're still here
Your feet stuck to the ground
Despite how silly it sounds
You're bigger than me

All the messed up things I do
Yeah I swear
I'll make them up to you
Before you're going heaven knows
Just let me make it better
I'll try to measure up
I'll try to measure up to you, oh yeah

I'll make it up to you, oh yeah

But you don't care
You keep sticking around
While I'm acting a clown
You're bigger than me
Cuz you're still here
Your feet stuck to the ground
Despite how silly it sounds
You're bigger than me ***

As the song came to the end, a blue banner started scrolling down from above the stage, written in dark, Italian-style writing were the words: ‘Jensen, We love you!’

The words were simple but their meaning hit the mark and had Jensen in tears.

"Oh baby, that was so sweet,-" Jensen started to say as Jared walked down the stage and toward him. At that moment, the other part of surprise came bursting through the kitchen. The look on Jensen’s face was priceless and Jared was glad to be there holding Jensen as he looked as if he was about to pass out. Matt, Chris, Misha and Jensen’s family stood there in front of them. Chris and Misha held a gigantic cake that had Jensen's image on it and the simple message said: ‘We love you.’

"You guys, I--I--I don't know what to say," Jensen whispered.

"Thank your man, he set this up," Stated Chris.

Jensen turned to Jared and wrapped his hand around Jared’s waist.

"I love you babe," Jensen whispered before bending his head upwards to meet Jared’s and plastering his lips to Jared’s. Even though that was not the first time they had kissed in public, it was the first time they had gone all out. It was as if they were the only ones in the room.

"Enough you guys, let’s eat the cake," Stated Matt, and with that, they all sat down at one of the tables to eat. Jared and Jensen both felt good about just being able to hang out with all those people that stuck had with them through thick and thin, and celebrating their happiness with them , and most importantly, expressing the love they felt for one another openly in front of them.

Jared looked at Chris and Misha. They had surpassed all timelines that Jared had put on their relationship. Although it was strange to see a more mature Chris, it was also refreshing.

As the night wore on, and as Jared watched Jensen interact with others, he couldn't help but reminisce about the old days. He felt that they had come full circle. They had built their relationship on friendship first and had proceeded to fall in love in the most unconventional way possible, and finally they had ended up at a point where they completed each other. Jared couldn't imagine his life without Jensen and there was no reason for him to. Jensen was his partner for life, and as he caught Jensen’s eye for a quick moment, Jared couldn't help but thank God for leading that man to him, for without him, Jared probably wouldn't have had the will to recover, start producing or anything else that he had managed to accomplish. Jensen made him want to do all that; just sitting there among their friends only served to reinforce it. As Jensen smiled at Jared from across the table, Jared couldn't help but smile back and think:

What a lucky man I am!

The End

*** Backstreet Boys - Bigger