Title: At the World's End
Pairing/s: Jared/Jensen
Rating: NC-17
Word count: 24,200+ in 3 parts
Warnings:  m/m slash, facial, AU
Beta: lapis1961   - thank you so much for rescuing me on the Beta hon
Con-crit: Any feedback welcome
Spoilers: None
Disclaimers: They belong to other people I just borrow them for a while
Summary: Alone in a foreign country, Jared searches for himself and finds love.

A/N - written for the Get A Clue challenge at spn_first_time - I took some ideas shamelessly from the manga and film The Crying Freeman

A/N 2 - This wasn't written for lapis1961's birthday but I'm dedicating it to him as a birthday gift. Thank you for your help and kind words.

Thursday night Jared found himself back in Camden. He didn’t go back to Jensen’s shop but he ended up looking in the windows of every other tattoo parlour on the main street. They were all good, professional designs but none of them had the flair Jensen had. They were stencilled on and done from the same pattern but Jensen... Well, Jensen gave every tattoo its own unique twist so it complemented the person wearing it.

It was true, Jensen was an artist and no one could regret having his work as a permanent mark on their body. The idea was enticing. Having something of Jensen with him forever, a mark that only he would know about or understand. Yeah, that was definitely something Jared wanted right now.

Jensen was an amazing man, gifted, intelligent, sensitive and so beautiful it hurt. Why was he fighting so hard against this? He stopped dead in the middle of the street and three people walked into him before he managed to step out of the way. He almost ran to Jen’s shop and cursed when he found it closed.

The bar was filling up quick when Jared slouched through the door. People were finishing work and getting ready for a few drinks to relax so it took Jared a while to get served – though it was refreshing not to get carded. He looked around for somewhere to sit when he saw the familiar spiky blonde hair and broad shoulders. His face lit up at the sight of Jensen and he felt his grin broaden. Until he saw the guy Jen was with.

Neither of them looked happy. Jensen was slumped over his beer and the other guy with the long hair looked defeated. Jared knew he had seen him somewhere before and was trying to place where when it hit him.  It was on his first night in London. This was the guy who had checked him out. The one with the possibly upset boyfriend with. Spiky. Hair.

Oh god. This was bad. Jared had kissed him. Jensen had kissed back.  Surely, Jen would have mentioned a boyfriend. But then he had been the one to draw back. He had told him everything would be professional between them, that he hadn’t come for that. Oh god!

Jared turned to leave. He really needed to get out of here right the fuck now. He almost made it out the door too. He didn’t see the long haired guy glance at him or his slow smile. He didn’t see Jensen’s look of disbelief as he turned reluctantly to look too. All he knew was that one minute his hand was on the door and the next Jensen was touching him, smiling.

“Jay, you’re here. Were you looking for me?” Jensen looked hopeful for a second before he dropped his hand and flushed lightly. “I mean...you’re welcome to join us.”

“I don’t want to interrupt. I’m sure you want to spend some quality time with your boyfriend.” It came out harsher than Jared intended. He wanted to say it didn’t matter and chalk their kiss up to a weird impulse that meant nothing. From the look on Jensen’s face, he was less than successful.

“Chris is not my boyfriend. God, I can barely cope with him as a friend I see a couple of times a year!”

“Nice, man. You see if I bring you your momma’s care package next time. I’ll keep it for myself.” Chris said joining them and draping his arm across Jensen’s shoulder.

“And then she wouldn’t feed you when you’re passing through Dallas any more.” Jen retorted, gently extracting himself from Chris’ embrace. Chris let his arm drop and held out his hand to Jared.

“Chris Kane. It’s best to ignore most of what Jenny here tells you about me. I’m actually a fairly nice guy.”

“Jenny?” Jared asked with a raised eyebrow.

“No one gets to call me that without serious bodily harm.” Jensen said elbowing Chris in the ribs. “This is one of the many reasons why he is most definitely not my boyfriend.”

Jared laughed. He liked seeing this side of Jensen, the free and easy smile and camaraderie between old friends. He felt like he was being allowed to witness something rare and wonderful. His jealously of Chris – and yes he could admit there had been jealousy – was gone. The older man seemed like a really good guy and he invited Jared to join them without a moment’s hesitation.

It was yet another relaxed and enjoyable afternoon with Jensen. Well as relaxed as he could get when his breath caught in his throat every time he looked at the beautiful man opposite. It was nice to sit back and listen to the two men talk about people and situations he knew nothing about. He liked the insight into Jensen’s life and friends but he also enjoyed not having Jensen’s full attention on him. It gave him a chance to study the man, to look at him without having to hide it. He loved the way Jensen would use small gestures to get his point across. Jared would usually spread his arms wide and get in everyone’s face when he wanted to explain something, Jensen just quietly wagged his finger or quirked his lips. The signs were all there for the people that knew and loved him but he didn’t feel the need to share everything with everyone.

Jared knew he was being allowed into a very elite circle and was drinking in everything he could about the man, trying to learn what that particular smirk meant when coupled with a quick shake of the head. When Jared found himself staring at those luscious lips he wasn’t trying to stop picturing them exploring his body, he was watching how they formed the words coming out of his mouth.

Jared groaned. He was in way too deep considering he’d known Jensen less than a week. At the small sound Jensen looked at him intently, flushing faintly.

“I’m sorry Jared. You can’t be interested in any of this stuff.”

“No, Jen. Honestly, it’s great hearing you talk about your home. I just realised I have to get back, there’s an early interview tomorrow and even Chad is better at getting to these things than me at the moment.”

Jensen looked crestfallen and Chris looked between them intently, noting the tense exchange.

“Sure, man. I get it. I don’t want you to lose your job over a beer.” The laugh Jensen gave was brittle and false. Maybe if Jared hadn’t heard the real one so often he wouldn’t have noticed but he did. Before he could stop himself he pulled Jensen to him, engulfing him in his arms. His lips hovered next to Jensen’s ear, his breath tickling the skin and sending shivers through the shorter man’s body.

“I’ll do it,” Jared whispered, “I’ll be your model.”

With that, Jared turned and left with two sets of eyes following him out the door.

*****

Jared spent the whole next day waiting for Jensen’s call only to remember he hadn’t actually given him his number. He had been so intent on getting out of there before he dragged Jensen to the floor right then and there everything else went right out of his head. It made it hard to concentrate on the repetitive questions he was being asked all day.

“Do you and Chad get on as well as everyone says?” “What’s it like to work on a show like Supernatural?” “Have you ever seen a ghost?” “What’s going to happen next season?”

The same old questions he was rapidly getting bored of answering. Did nobody have anything original to ask? Jared sighed as he made his way upstairs after the morning round. He consoled himself that this was the last day and that tomorrow he would be with Jensen, helping him out with his exhibition. The thought sent spasms of excitement and fear through him in equal measure.

They managed to wrap up the last interview early and everyone made for the hotel bar to celebrate. Most of them were leaving tomorrow but Jared’s flight back to San Antonio wasn’t until Sunday – the only reason he was able to even contemplate Jensen’s request.

Jared headed for the elevator but turned at the sound of his name. The hotel clerk was calling him.

“Mr Padalecki, you have a message. If you would care to wait one moment I can get it for you now.”

Jared smiled at the diminutive woman in the immaculate grey suit, her dark hair pulled back in a tight bun and nodded. He was musing over how long he could get away with staying in his room before someone came to get him when she returned. She held out a slip of paper and...a mask. Jared’s brow creased in puzzlement. Who the hell would send him a mask?

“Thanks,” he said taking the items and heading back to the elevator. Once safely ensconced in the empty lift he unfolded the paper. 

Meet me at the shop at nine tomorrow. Bring the mask.

Jen.

Jared couldn’t help the grin that split his face. He should have known Jensen would find a way to get in touch. The mask was a surprise though. What on earth was this for?  He examined it more thoroughly on the ride up to his floor and sitting on his couch and later, lying in bed and trying to sleep. No matter how long he stared, it was still just a plain white, featureless mask. Why would Jensen give him something like this? And why should he take it to the shop?

As predicted, Jared had been dragged to the bar with Chad, Eric, Kim and Sera. They were all so happy with the way things were going. They definitely had another season in the works and Eric was practically foaming at the mouth to get his ideas for the show in motion. That was why he loved the show – everyone was so damn happy to be working on it! They drank and laughed over the stuff that had happened to them during the week, especially the girl that had asked Jared to marry her as things hadn’t worked out with Sandy.

Eric told them about one guy who had shoved a script in his face and demanded a job. He actually stood there in front of Sera and said most of the writers he had were hacks. Chad choked on his beer and laughed until it was coming out his nose, which was, of course, when the reporters showed up. Chad decided that would be a really good time to carry on the party in his room. Jared laughed almost as much as Chad as they made their way up which is probably why he delighted in telling everyone what Jared was doing for the extra day he was in the country. Thank heaven he didn’t know about the mask too!

*****

Saturday dawned and Jared’s eyes were gritty with lack of sleep. He had the hated metallic taste in his mouth that meant he’d had less than two or three hours sleep last night. He had beat a hasty retreat the night before to a chorus of cat-calls when everyone found out he was going to be wearing nothing but paint all day but he found himself pacing his room half the night instead of sleeping. He was going to be naked all day. Why had he thought this was a good idea?

Jared was in no way ashamed of his body, hell he’d had to strip off for the show on more than one occasion but he had never been fully naked where more than two people were present before. He was going to be naked in front of a fully dressed Jensen and he would have no way to hide his reaction to the man. And now the day had dawned he had no way of backing out.

The shop was closed when he arrived an hour later. He was early. Really early. Jared paced outside the street wondering what to do. Should he call Jensen and let him know he was there? His deliberation was cut short when the man in question leaned out of the window above the shop.

“Hey, Jay! You comin’ up or do ya wanna stay down there all day?”

“Hey, man. Wasn’t sure you were up yet.”

“You think I could sleep last night? Seriously man, it’s not gonna happen!”

Jensen tossed down the keys and Jared bounded up the stairs full of nervous energy. His stomach was fluttering in anticipation and he pounced on Jensen as soon as he was in. Jared flung his arms around the smaller man and ruffled his hair before jumping out of reach or retribution. Jensen laughed and slapped at him.

“You okay? Still happy to do it?”

“Yeah, Jen. I said I would.”

Jensen smiled. Whenever he looked at Jared like that he was sure the guy could read minds. “Did you bring the mask?”

“Yeah,” said Jared, pulling it out of his jacket. “Still don’t understand why you sent it to me.”

“It’s to protect your modesty.”

“Wouldn’t a cup be better?”

No,” Jensen laughed, “you’re famous. People see it’s you modelling my designs and your naked butt is gonna be all over the gossip rags within hours. Of course if no one knows it’s you there’s no reason.”

Jared launched himself at Jen, amazed at his thoughtfulness and the inventive way he solved the problem. They fell onto the couch in a tangle of limbs and Jared planted a sloppy kiss on Jensen’s forehead.

“Dude, gross!” Jensen said, scrubbing his face clean and pushing at Jared’s solid chest.

That was when Jared realised how close they were. Jared was always in other people’s space but for some reason it seemed to happen with Jensen more than anyone. What made it more unusual was the fact they always ended up sprawled on the floor or couch with Jared on top trying not to get hard.

Jared groaned and rolled off him onto the floor. “So what’s the plan?”

“Well I did the rest of the models last night. The paint stays put for long enough if you’re careful so it should only need a few touch ups later. You’re gonna take all day.”

Jared flushed, the thought of Jensen’s hands all over him all day was having exactly the effect he was afraid of.

“You wanna beer before we start?”

“It’s nine in the morning.”

“You telling me you slept last night?” Jensen fixed Jared with a disbelieving look and nodded when he looked away. “Yeah, thought not.”

“Fine. A beer sounds really good right now.”

“Good. Now, while I get the beer why don’t you get naked.”

Jared’s jaw dropped and he stared at Jensen’s departing back. The words went straight to Jared’s dick and he desperately tried to convince it this was not the time. He breathed deeply and thought about jumping into the Thames in the middle of winter as he stripped. His hands were shaking and he fumbled with the buttons of his shirt and pants. It took ten minutes to take everything off but Jensen still hadn’t returned. He didn’t feel right sitting on the couch so he stood awkwardly in the middle of the room.

Fifteen minutes came and went and Jared slowly began to relax. The room was warm and comfortable, the carpet soft between his toes. There were rows of bookshelves along one wall and he wandered over to them. There were a few novels but the majority were books on tattooing – designs, technique, inks – there were books on anatomy and art from various cultures. Jared picked up one well-thumbed volume on Japanese art and flicked through it. He began to understand Jensen’s love of it as he gazed at one picture after another. They were beautiful and stylised, easily identified as Japanese but each one unique.

He felt rather than heard when Jensen approached. Heat spread over his entire body this time and he found he couldn’t turn to face the older man.

“I knew you would be perfect.” Jensen breathed as he came close enough to touch. He gently stroked Jared’s shoulders, assessing the canvass and looking intently at the acres of skin he would be decorating. Jared wasn’t sure if Jensen realised he was talking. “No one else would have done.”

Jared took a deep breath and turned to face him. Jensen was drinking in the sight of his body but there was a distance in his eyes that had never been there before. He was taking in every contour of his flesh and fitting the dragon and phoenix to them, seeing how they could be shown to the best advantage, how they would move when Jared did.

Somehow, the lingering, almost clinical gaze made Jared more excited than open lust. It was the knowledge that Jensen was going to create something and Jared would be a part of it that had him fighting for control of his rebellious body.

After what seemed like hours, Jensen stirred from his contemplation and looked Jared in the eyes. He smiled reassuringly, the professional distance still there but his friend was in there too.

“Come on. I’ve set everything up.” He said, his voice husky and deep. Jared followed him into a room with only an easel, a table covered in paint pots and a low stool. “The stool is for you. It’s gonna be hard to stand still for so many hours.  I’ll leave your butt ‘til last so at least you can take a break every now and then while the paint dries.”

Jared moved to the centre of the room and perched on the stool. It was a little low but then that was nothing new considering his height. “How do you want me?” he asked as he awkwardly tried to position limbs that suddenly seemed freakishly long even to him.

Jensen smirked before taking pity on him. “Just stand there for me. I’m gonna use brushes for the most part but first I need to stencil on the design, make any adjustments before the paint goes on.”

The first touch made Jared shiver, the ink cold on his skin and the touch lighter than a whisper. Jensen started on his back and Jared was glad because it meant he couldn’t see the effect even that gently touch was having. Jared tried to pay attention to the mechanics of the process. He saw the way Jensen constantly consulted his original drawings. He watched as he carefully applied the ink to the brush and mixed more when it was needed. He felt the coarse brush on his sensitised skin the feel of Jensen’s fingertips when he rubbed away a stroke that was in the wrong place.

The world melted further away with each touch until all Jared was aware of was the firm, sure movements of the man behind him. Jensen barely paused in his journey over Jared’s back though sometimes he repositioned Jared’s arms or turned him with a hand on his hip. The touch burned on his skin, more than an open caress would have. He was the canvass, a conduit for Jensen’s genius. In a way, he would belong to Jensen completely tonight. He would be what Jensen made of him and nothing more.

When Jensen made his way in front of Jared, he opened his eyes again. He looked down at Jensen who was kneeling at his side, working on the tail looping around his right leg. The green eyes were gazing intently at his work, almost as if Jared wasn’t even there – and that was a weird thought to have right at that moment. There were beads of sweat at his temples and he chewed on his full lower lip while he worked. Jared could see the way it was swollen and bruised from hours of unwitting torment.

As Jensen moved further round Jared found himself clenching his fists against the urge to stroke his hair, feel the spikes against his palm and drag that pretty mouth a few inches closer. His mouth was dry as he reined his thoughts back, closing his eyes against the decadent picture Jensen posed as he drew.

Jared’s eyes flew open at the soft gasp that escaped Jensen’s lips. He looked down and saw Jensen was face to face with his extremely hard cock. Surprise and lust coasted over his features until he jerked to his feet and strode back to the table.

“I think it’s time for a break.” Jensen’s voice was hoarse. He stood with his back to Jared, both hands resting on the cold wood, his head hung low as he breathed.

“I-I’m s-“ Jared stuttered, stopping when Jensen held up a hand.

“It’s okay, Jay. We’ve been at this for a while and it gets kinda intense.”

Jared dropped to the stool, his legs unable to support him any longer now Jensen wasn’t touching him. The stencilling was almost done and after that the paint would go on. Jensen has assured him that after it was on from a distance it wouldn’t look like he was naked after that. That didn’t help him now.

He had been standing there so intent on the sensations washing through him that he hadn’t noticed how hard he was getting. The arousal had reached such a point where it had become almost irrelevant. There was no striving for completion, only a desire for it never to end, for the soft strokes of hand and brush to carry on forever. Now he was so far gone he wasn’t sure if he would ever calm down enough to actually stand in front of other people without being arrested.

Jensen cleared his throat and Jared opened eyes he didn’t remember closing. He looked embarrassed.

“Um...this might actually be a good time to, uh...to...stencil the pattern on there.” Jensen gestured vaguely at Jared’s groin and his eyes widened at what he was suggesting.

“What you want to touch it now?!”

“Um, it’s easier to do it when it’s hard. I mean, I wasn’t going to say anything but...” he trailed off but finally met Jared’s gaze. “I promised I’d be professional and it is but I didn’t want to...”

Jared laughed. It was ridiculous. Of course it was easier to draw the detail when his cock was big and hard. He even remembered one of the captions in the book he’d flipped through mentioning that little fact. Jensen stared in surprise at the near hysterical laughter pouring out of Jared.

“It’s okay, man. Just, we may have a problem later.”

“Doubt it,” Jensen murmured as he picked up the brush once more, a small smirk on his face.

Jensen worked quickly, the sweat sliding down his face more freely as he knelt in front of Jared, his face mere inches from his straining cock. As soon as the brush touched the hypersensitive flesh it jerked and Jensen had to wrap his strong hand around the base. Any thoughts of staying in this state of arousal forever vanished at the touch. Jensen didn’t move his hand but the brush teased him in its short, quick path over his skin. He felt like he was ready to explode but Jensen’s grip prevented his orgasm from claiming him.

After the stencil was finished, Jensen dropped the brush into one of the pots he had positioned beside Jared. “Have to do it all now, Jay.” He whispered as he glanced up. That was when Jared realised how this was affecting Jensen. He didn’t think it was possible to get any harder but the hot flush that spread over Jensen’s cheeks proved him wrong. He reached down and stroked across the heated skin. Jensen leaned into the touch before wrenching himself away.

“I’m sorry,” he whispered as he reached for another brush. He spread the paint evenly across the skin, covering his cock and balls and spreading out onto his belly and thighs. He swapped brushes a few times and each one was soft, slick and cold. He shivered at the sensation but Jensen still applied the firm pressure that prevented his release. It was torture, having to endure the sensations without being able to do anything about it. He fought his own desire to push Jensen out of the way and start violently jerking off into his face. His hands curled into the wood of the stool he was perched on, the slight pain only a small distraction in the ocean of sensation.

Finally, Jensen moved back. His hand still clasped around the base of his shaft the other carefully moving Jared’s cock to check his handiwork. Satisfied, he raised his smouldering eyes to Jared’s, licked his lips and released his grip. The sight had Jared coming in seconds, his fantasy of a moment ago becoming real as his come splattered over Jensen’s face. He watched as Jensen parted his lips slightly and allowed a few drops into his hot mouth. Jared’s hips twitched and milked a few more drops from his spent cock at the sight.

Jensen wiped at his eyes and slowly opened them. He didn’t look up at Jared again but bent to inspect his now shrinking cock. He grabbed a tissue and lightly dabbed at the come still clinging to his shaft. Apparently, there had been some damage during his orgasm and Jensen pulled out a brush and applied more paint to his too sensitive skin. Jared felt wrung out. It was the most intense orgasm he had ever experienced but it seemed Jensen was intent on killing him.

“Please Jen. It’s too much. Can we stop for a minute?”

“Sure,” Jensen sighed, leaning back and finally wiping his face with the tissue. Jared didn’t want to think about how much he loved the sight of his come coating Jensen’s face as he knelt in front of him.

The tension between them was thick and Jensen still refused to look at Jared. He wanted to say something, anything, to ease it. He opened his mouth to speak when his stomach did it for him.

Jensen looked up, amusement back in his gaze while Jared laughed.

“I’d forgotten about that appetite of yours.” He said ruefully.

“I’m a growing boy. I need sustenance.” He replied, going to slap his belly and stopping just in time.

“Well I think we can do lunch. Let me throw something together.”

“And get me that beer you promised!” Jared yelled at Jensen’s retreating back.

*****

They ate in companionable silence, which was surprising considering Jared was still naked and had come in Jensen’s face not fifteen minutes ago. Jensen refused to mention it, acted like it hadn’t happened, except for a few times when Jared caught him staring at him with undisguised lust. Somehow, it made it easier for Jared. He felt powerful and predatory as he sat in the centre of the stark room and stretched. He saw the patterns on his thighs and groin undulate as he moved and knew Jensen was tracking the movements too. Jared was resigned to waiting. He had promised Jensen he would do this and Jensen promised it would be professional. It was only a matter of time though. As soon as the exhibition was over they would be free to do what they wanted and Jared knew exactly what that was.

Until then, Jared would have to be content with driving Jensen crazy a little at a time. Jared strode around the room, working his stiff muscles and getting ready for another long session of standing still while Jensen painted his body.

“Come on Jared. We’ve gotta start again if we’re gonna be ready by six.”

Jared sighed and came back to the centre of the room. Jensen knelt in front of him again but surprisingly Jared was able to control himself. He looked down at the man in front of him with affection. They hadn’t known each other very long and Jared had spent so long angsting over his libido he had failed to realise how much he really enjoyed Jensen’s company. Jensen bit his lip in concentration as he carefully stroked the brush against Jared’s skin. It was endearing and Jared found himself grinning down.

Jensen glanced up with an answering smile. “I’ve never heard you so quiet, man. You can talk to me you know.”

“I didn’t want to distract you.”

“I’m good. The stencilling is the hardest part and that’s nearly done.”

“So how’d you get started?”

“With the tattoos?” Jared nodded. “Well, I went travelling with an old girlfriend back in Richardson. We got to Japan before things started to go sour.”

“Girlfriend?” Jared asked. Had he been so wrong? Was that even possible?

“Don’t clench,” Jensen told him slapping his leg. “Yeah, I had girlfriends back then. You don’t own the rights on late blossoming, Jay. Anyway, I fell in love with the country and stayed there when she decided to move on. I was an art major but it was when I saw this old guy with tattoos all over his body I started to get interested in irezumi. We were in the baths and I started asking him about them. He was my sensei.”

“How long did you stay?”

“About seven years. He taught me how to tattoo with and without a gun, though he always said the gun was a crude tool. We used it because most people can’t cope with being tattooed by hand. He died after he finished my dragon and I decided to move on.”

Jared watched him as he spoke, the concentration as intense but relaxed somehow. He was open about his past but there were more secrets behind his words. Jared knew there was more to it and it intrigued him but he was content just to listen – everyone needed their secrets after all.

“What did you do then?” Jared asked.

“I finished my trip. It took nine years to go around the world.” Jensen looked up again and rose fluidly to his feet. “The last bit, Jay – apart from your gorgeous butt of course.” He said with a smirk causing Jared to blush and glare at the same time. Jensen dissolved into fits of laughter at the sight and Jared shoved him.

Deciding it was time for some payback, Jared bent down over the stool to grab the bottle of beer Jensen had given him earlier, showing his ‘gorgeous butt’ to its best advantage. He was rewarded by the spluttering halt of Jensen’s laughter. He turned his head to look at the older man with raised eyebrows and a smirk of his own. Jensen’s gaze was heated and dark, Jared could see the white around his knuckles as he gripped the brush in his hand.

“Jen-“ he started, not sure if he was apologising or asking for more.

“No. It’s fine. Let me finish the stencil and we’ll take a break, okay?”

“Yeah,” he replied huskily.

They didn’t talk. Jared was concentrating on keeping himself under control and Jensen was making sure each stroke of the brush was correct. The relaxed atmosphere of a few minutes ago was lost, as if it had never been and it was all Jared’s fault.

“Jay,man. Stop it.”

“What?” he asked, confused.

“I can hear you blaming yourself from here.” Jensen slapped him on the one bare bit of shoulder left. “I’m done. Let’s have a break and actually talk about this.”

“There’s no need –“

“There’s every need,” Jensen cut in. “We both know I want you. I’m not going to do anything about it because you don’t need someone taking advantage of you when you’re vulnerable.”

“Jen,” Jared’s voice was soft and warm, “you wouldn’t be taking advantage. I, I want you too. This may be new and scary but I know that I have never felt so good as I do with you. I know you’ll take care of me.”

“Jared, you don’t know...” Jensen stared hard at him, hope warring with guilt. “You never would have...You’re not...”

“You want to know why I stayed when Chad left? You want to know why I came back? I wanted you, Jen and I resent the fact you don’t think I know my own mind.” Jared was angry now and his voice was low and dangerous. Jensen’s eyes widened in shock as Jared stalked towards him. He backed up until he hit the wall. Six foot four inches of Jared Padalecki towering over him with a hard glint in his eyes. “You think you could force me into something I didn’t want? You think I wasn’t there when I came all over your face?” Jared growled into his ear, lips a hair’s breadth from Jensen, body only inches away. It was all Jared could do not to close the distance completely. Jensen’s eyes flickered closed and he swayed towards Jared.

Jared flung himself away from the ultimate temptation in front of him.  He somehow retained enough sanity to know that Jensen would hate himself if things got out of hand right now. “You don’t even have to touch me and you set me on fire, Jen. No one’s ever done that before. But we’re not doing this now.” Jensen’s eyes flew open and he stared in confusion. “After the show is another matter entirely.” He said, his words full of promise.

They stood at opposite ends of the room breathing hard and trying to calm down their excited bodies. They both knew there was no going back now and after the show that night the week of tension and hours of teasing would be over.

Time was slipping away from them and Jensen worked with renewed energy. The paint was spread on thick and slick against his skin. It felt itchy as it dried but Jared kept still after the fist slap to the back of his head. This was Jensen’s art and there was no way Jared would ruin something so beautiful. He put himself and his nervous excitement to one side, tried to be confident and secure in his own body as Jensen examined and worked his skin with an intense detachment so unlike the argument of a few hours ago.

Jensen finished working and straightened with a groan. “No matter how often I do this I forget how hard it is on the back.” He said, stretching as far as he could. “I need you to stand there like that for the next half hour, by then the paint should be dry enough for you to move around. If you need to go to the bathroom let me know ‘cause I’ll need to touch you up after.”

Jensen had the grace to blush and Jared smiled, taking his hand.  “I’ll be careful.” He brought Jensen’s hand to his lips and kissed each dexterous finger. “You have a talent I can barely dream of. I’m proud to be a part of it.” He said huskily.

“Well we ain’t finished yet, boy.” Jensen drawled and smacked Jared on the butt. “Still got one thing left but we’re gonna have to wait ‘til we get there ‘cause after you won’t be able to sit down.”

Jared choked and stared, wide-eyed. “You-, I-, we-, you said...” he stopped and took a breath. “We agreed to wait ‘til after.”

“I’ve got to paint your ass, Padalecki!” Jensen managed to gasp out between the bursts of laughter. “Get your mind out of the gutter.”

“No fair, Jen. You know I’m gonna get you back for that right?”

“Oh, I’m counting on it.” Jensen’s expression would have made someone who’d been dead for six months pay attention – and maybe he had been playing Sam too long because that thought wasn’t as strange as it should have been.

*****

The car pulled up outside at six and Jensen carefully bundled Jared up for the ride, slipping the mask into his jacket on the way out. It took half an hour to get to the venue and Jared was trying his best not to move too much in case he smudged the paint. It was hard enough the first time, he wasn’t sure he would be able to go through it again especially with other people around.

Jensen was greeted like the returning hero. Everyone wanted to shake his hand and offer congratulations while Jared hung back behind him. He was fairly certain everyone knew he was a model but Jensen tried to whisk him through the crowd as quickly as possible, not bothering to introduce him to anyone.

They made it back into a quiet room all set up with more pots of the paint he had used at his place to paint Jared. Jensen closed the door quickly behind them and rested his forehead on it breathing deeply. Jared moved to his side and put his hand on Jensen’s shoulder. He was shaking like a leaf and Jared wanted nothing more than to draw him into his arms.

“Jen, what is it? Are you okay?”

Jensen took another breath and turned to Jared with a small smile that Jared could see right through. “I’m fine.”

“Bullshit. What’s wrong?”

“Nothing, man. I just hate all of the attention. Most of the people out there don’t even know me but they’re clamouring to get some reflected glory.” Jensen was working himself up into a fury.

“Hey,” Jared said soothingly, “they’re here because you’re awesome. They love your art. It’s my butt they’re gonna be staring at whether you finish painting me or not so lets get to it.” Jared knew painting was the only thing that would calm him down now. He always got into the zone no matter what had just happened. “And didn’t you say something about touching up the other models when you got here?”

“Yeah,” Jensen said on a sigh, dragging his hand over his face. His anger evaporated as quickly as it had come. Jensen rested his head against Jared’s shoulder for a moment before slipping the robe off Jared’s shoulders. “Now, show me that perfect ass, Jay.”

It only took half an hour to finish off Jared’s design and Jensen took a step back to take in the completed picture. He walked around Jared, touching up a lotus blossom here and a scale there, the feathers of the phoenix were tweaked and then Jensen nodded his approval.

“One last thing. I need you to walk around for me, Jay. I need to see how it works in motion.”

Jared started wandering around the room, stiff and awkward until Jensen stared laughing at him. It was infectious. Jared started to grin. He pouted and threw Blue Steel over his shoulder at Jensen who just laughed harder. Jared sauntered to the other side of the room wiggling his hips in the most exaggerated way he could, throwing out his ass and tossing his head, his overlong hair falling into his eyes.

“Okay, Jay,” Jensen gasped, almost incoherent with glee. “I think that’s enough. It works, just please don’t do that on the catwalk.”

Jared grinned at him. “Sure thing. This,” he pointed at his body, “is just for you.”

Jensen threw the mask at him and called in the other models as soon as it was in place. He watched Jensen work with the others, reapplying paint where it was needed and making the last minute arrangements for the exhibition. They would be walking out on the catwalk like a fashion show to display the art and demonstrate how it moved with the model. After that, they would walk the room before the official photos would be taken.

*****

Jared had been naked for so long he had almost forgotten. He laughed and joked with the other models as Jensen worked and soon they were getting ready to go out into the public eye. It was only when Jared started up the steps to the catwalk that it fully hit him what he was about to do. He was terrified. His steps faltered and his heart started to pound. He glanced behind him and saw Jensen smiling beatifically at him. Jensen was convinced he could do this, so he would.

When he emerged into the bright lights and flashing cameras Jared took a moment to check his mask was in place. It gave him an anonymity he hadn’t enjoyed for a long time – one that allowed him to be free of everything he was and always had been, one that allowed him to be purely Jensen’s creation. 

Jared was the last of the painted models. He moved with lithe grace down the length of the catwalk, his bare feet padding softly on the cold floor. He spread his arms the way the other models had and turned to display the back piece. There was a stunned gasp from the crowd as they looked at the intricate picture. The Phoenix and the Dragon gazing at each other, wrapped around each other in mid flight - loving and fierce and ready to burst into flames. As Jared stood there, the two models Jensen had tattooed strode out and flanked him. A tiger pouncing on one side and a kami sitting serenely in the centre of the chest of the guy on the other. They stood beside one another, the stars of the show.

They stood there until Jensen was called to make a speech. Jared turned to watch him come and join them. He seemed calm and composed but Jared could see the clench of his jaw and the nervous darting of his eyes. As Jensen moved past him he squeezed his hand, a brief contact for support and he saw some of the tension leave Jensen’s body.

After Jensen had addressed the crowd, it was time to work the party. He kept in sight of Jensen as much as he could and he knew that Jensen never took his eyes off him the entire evening. It made him feel graceful and free. He was Jensen’s tonight in every way there was. He was warm and tingly all over and even the blatant appraisals he was receiving couldn’t get to him. One woman tried to cop a feel and he saw Jensen’s jaw clench as he tried to force his way through the crowd but Jared carefully disengaged himself and moved on trying to send a reassuring glance his way though through the mask, though he wasn’t sure how successful he had been.

The rest of the evening passed in a flash of camera bulbs, champagne and heated glances. Jared wanted to stay close to Jensen but he was kept away by the press of people asking him to turn and flex and walk. Everyone commenting on how much the dragon and phoenix intertwined on his back was enhanced when he moved. Their sinuous grace emphasised by his body.

By the time the official photos had been completed Jared had had enough. He had been separated from Jensen for hours, unable to do more than look when all he wanted was to get him alone and rip his clothes off. The intensity of the thought took him by surprise. All day he had been swept up in what they were doing, in the sensations they created in each other. Now he was away from Jensen, did he really want to do this? Was he ready for it? It was the third mini-breakdown this week and each of them caused by the same man, the man who made him ache with a need he couldn’t understand every time he was near.

Jared looked at him, really looked. Jensen was standing in a crowd of people who were eating up everything he had to say. He drew people to him and didn’t even realise how special he was. He would defer to you if you let him but he was tough where it counted. He had integrity stamped through him. When he looked at you, Jared truly felt naked and when he smiled or threw his head back and laughed Jared really felt like he was flying.

Jensen looked up at that moment and everything stopped. He stared at Jared, keeping eye contact when he started towards him, gently brushing past the gaping onlookers. Jared was frozen to the spot, watching Jensen undulating gracefully through the crowd. Nothing else mattered, not his own uncertainties or anyone else’s opinions, only Jensen.

Jared reached for Jensen with one hand and the mask with the other but Jensen stopped his hand. 

“You don’t want to do that here.” Jensen whispered.

“We need to get out of here.” Jared growled in response. He felt Jensen shiver and had to take a few deep breaths before he let go of Jensen’s hand. “If we don’t leave right now these people are going to get a show they didn’t bargain on Jensen and remember, I am very naked here.”

Jensen’s breath was ragged and his pupils blown wide as he looked up at Jared. He pulled himself together and started grinning. The next second they were running, Jensen tugging on Jared’s hand and trying to avoid crashing into the guests and waiters. They were breathless and laughing as they burst into the back room long enough for Jared to grab a robe and the flip-flops he’d worn to get there.

“You got a car waiting for you out back, Jen?” he asked, tugging Jensen flush with his body.

“No,” Jensen gulped out.

“Then why don’t you call a cab while I think of something for us to do ‘til it comes.”

Jensen flipped his cell open and placed the call while Jared nuzzled his neck and ran his hands all over his back. He revelled in being able to touch Jensen.  The smooth, hard planes of his shoulders and back, the strength in his arms was so different to anything else he had ever known. Now he had had a taste he didn’t think he could go back.

Jared scraped his teeth along the curve of his neck and gave a low laugh as Jensen stuttered and shook as he tried to order the cab. Jensen jabbed him with an elbow and tried to give him a murderous look but Jared just bent his head again and captured his full lips with his own. He had been aching to do this forever, to taste Jensen and feel him beneath his lips once more. They were soft and demanding and he kissed Jared back with the same restrained ferocity. Jensen had always put him first and tried to make sure he was okay with everything that happened but the way he was breaking down under Jared’s mouth was intoxicating.

They moaned into each other’s mouths, everything else forgotten until an insistent buzz of noise from the cell finally penetrated their lust induced haze. Jensen wrenched himself away from Jared but kept his eyes trained on Jared.

“There’s a fifty in it if you get here within five minutes,” he said before dropping the phone and grabbing Jared once more.