Archive of Our Own ^beta

October 2006

Jensen had showered, shaved, brushed his teeth, and put deodorant on. All that was left was to get dressed, fix his hair, and choose an aftershave. He walked to his bedroom, dropped the towel on the floor, and grabbed underwear and socks from his drawer and a pair of dark blue jeans from his closet. Half-dressed, he was now taking great care to style his hair how he wanted.

Finally happy, he went to the dresser to pick an aftershave for the date. Looking intently at the various bottles, he smiled when his eyes fell upon the one that always made Ava close her eyes, sigh contentedly and say, “You smell good!” Choice made! Now onto dressing his top half.

He wanted to look smart but casual, so he paired his jeans with a black button-up shirt and smart shoes. His eyes scanned the room, looking for anything he’d forgotten, and he quickly tidied up, picked his towel off the floor, and put it in the laundry basket.

Even though he and Ava had slept together a few months ago, he didn’t assume or expect that she’d be in his bed this evening. He wanted to do things right with her, but it didn’t hurt to be prepared. So, he decided to grab a couple of condoms from his bedside table just in case he graced her bed instead. He walked through the apartment, tidying quickly as he went.

As he reached the front door, he grabbed his wallet, phone and keys, putting everything in his pockets. Checking he had everything one last time, he grabbed his leather jacket and put it on. Quickly glancing in the mirror in his hallway, he checked there was nothing on his face or in his teeth.

Happy with his appearance, he took a few deep breaths, stared at himself in the mirror and mumbled, “You got this, man! Time to get your girl!”

He locked his apartment door and took the elevator up four floors to Ava’s apartment.

He was pacing nervously outside her door. Why did I think this was a good idea?

This was possibly the worst decision he had ever made, but it was too late to back out. If there’s one thing he’d never do to her, it was stand her up. So, he’d take her on this date and make sure it was the best goddamn date of her life!

But what if she has a terrible time? What if, at the end of the night, she only wants to be friends? Oh, God - what if this is a pity date? I don’t think I can live with myself if that’s what this is.

He glanced at his watch; 7 pm on the button. Time to knock on her door.

Jesus, why didn’t I have a whiskey before I left the apartment? He thought as he raised his fist.

Ava had spent a few hours getting ready for her first date in well over a year and her first, first date in three years. She’d showered, shaved, plucked, buffed, and moisturised her skin and polished her nails. She spent an agonisingly long time deciding what to wear, hoping to find the perfect first date outfit.

She didn’t want to appear too casual like she did when they went out as friends. Neither did she want to look too dressy for fear of coming across like she was trying too hard. She’d tried on every dress in her closet and, in a twist of fate known to women all over the world, went with the first one she tried on.

Pacing the floor barefoot, she walked back to her bedroom to check herself in the full-length mirror for the hundredth time. She sipped slowly at the half glass of wine she’d poured, telling herself not to down it. She wanted to relax a little, not get hammered.

Is this dress too short? Too dressy? Not dressy enough? She should have asked him where they were going, but she’d been scared to talk to him in case she changed her mind and chickened out of the date with Jensen.

Jensen… The most drop-dead gorgeous man I have ever met! Holy shit, what was I thinking? He’s one of my best friends and a co-star. What if this doesn’t work out?

The truth was that her emotions - and hormones - were all over the place. She’d spent the afternoon kissing him and lying half naked in a bed touching him, and him touching her. It may have been carefully choreographed, and every touch and sound staged perfectly for the show. However, he was handsome, and it still got her hot under the collar, or more accurately, in her panties.

Ava tried to convince herself that she only said yes to this date because of what she felt during the scene. She scoffed at her reflection and the outright lie and mumbled, “Who are you kidding?” She took a large gulp of wine and sat on the bed to put her shoes on.

She wore a navy blue, sleeveless lace dress that hugged her figure and paired it with black stilettos with a bow on the heel and a strap around the ankle. Her makeup was simple, natural, and elegant, and she’d left her hair loose with its natural curls on display. She remembered Jensen saying he loved her curls and thought it was a shame the show usually straightened them.

Cramming everything she needed into a black clutch bag, she scrutinised her reflection for the last time. She thought the dress was a little on the short side, but she had to admit that her legs looked amazing with these shoes! Plus, she figured she would give him another area of her flesh to look at because the dress was high-necked, and Jensen couldn’t get a glimpse of her cleavage.

Ava took another gulp from her wine glass when she noticed it was almost time. She fluffed her hair one last time, reapplied her lipstick and grabbed a cute little black blazer. It was still mild during the day, but October in Vancouver brought chilly nights.

Heading to the kitchen, she quickly drank the rest of the wine, threw a mint in her mouth to freshen her breath and put the wine glass in the sink just as there was a knock on her door. Taking a deep breath, she told herself to calm down.

It’s only Jensen!

Yes, they were co-stars, but they were also friends. If things didn’t work out, they’d be just fine staying that way. However, she knew she didn’t want that and hoped it didn’t happen, so she knew she would have to bring her absolute best to this date.

“Hey!” Ava said, smiling as she opened the door coming face to face with a very handsome, smartly dressed Jensen.

“Wow!” Jensen replied, his eyes scanning her body as his eyebrows shot up and his mouth dropped open, causing Ava to giggle.

Clearing his throat, he blushed and rubbed his hand down his neck. “I- I’m uh… sorry uhm, l-let me uh try that again,” he stuttered nervously, making Ava laugh.

“Hi, Ava. You look absolutely stunning.”

“Thank you, Jay. You look very handsome, too,” Ava blushed as he leaned in and kissed her cheek, “and you smell great!” She smirked, taking in the smell of her favourite aftershave and knowing she was wearing his favourite perfume.

He mirrored her smirk as her perfume reached him, and he realised they’d both chosen those specific scents on purpose.

“Are you ready to go?” he asked, and she nodded as she stepped out of her apartment and locked the door.

Jensen’s confidence started to soar at how happy and beautiful she looked. He held out his arm for her to take, biting his lip and trying to hide his smile when she gripped his arm gently, sending a bolt of electricity through him.

As they walked towards the elevator, Ava’s elderly neighbour walked down the corridor towards them. “Good evening, Mrs Harrison,” she smiled kindly.

“Ava, Jensen! How lovely to see you both! Have you locked her down yet, son?” the old lady winked cheekily.

“I’m certainly going to try tonight, Mrs Harrison!” Jensen winked back.

“Good man! Have a great night, lovebirds!”

“Goodnight, Mrs Harrison!” Ava waved as they entered the elevator.

Jensen pressed the button for the foyer, and she noticed the grin wouldn’t leave his face.

Cocky bastard! “So, you’re going to ‘lock me down,’ huh?” she smirked.

“If things go my way, you’re damn right I’m gonna lock you down, sweetheart!”

“Hmm,” she hummed and narrowed her eyes playfully at him. “I’m pretty sure I agreed to go on a date with Jensen, not Dean!” she said with an amused smirk causing a burst of laughter from him.

“Sorry, Princess. I made my feelings and intentions very clear to you in San Diego, and things haven’t changed for me. I’m letting you know now if this goes well, and I hope it does. This-” he gestured between them, “for me, is serious.” He said as he raised her hand and kissed her knuckles as the elevator doors dinged, signalling their arrival in the foyer.

They chatted on the short walk to the Marina Bar, Jensen telling her his plan for their date as they were escorted to a table by the window, overlooking the harbour with the perfect view of the ocean and the setting sun. He ordered a beer for himself and a glass of wine for her. They fell into a comfortable, easy, and flirty conversation as they sipped their drinks and watched the sunset.

Ava tried to contain her smile as he chewed on his bottom lip whenever his gaze lowered to her smooth, bare legs. She had him down as a boob man and would never have guessed he liked legs, but then again, her character spent most of her time in jeans and a flannel, so she didn’t have any evidence to the contrary.

Being friends for over a year, they knew close to everything about each other already, so their conversation centred around questions you’d typically ask further into a relationship, from hopes and dreams for their futures to everything in between.

It was easy and playful, each of them sharing their most embarrassing moment from on and off set, something the other didn’t know about them and something they’d never told anyone before. There was also a lot of laughing, not to mention the flirty comments and dirty innuendos flying between them.

As they left the bar and headed to the restaurant, Jensen tested the waters by reaching for her hand. He smiled wide when she slid her fingers between his and curled them around his warm, callused hand without hesitation.

“Are you okay walking in those shoes?” he asked, concern crossing his features. He mentally kicked himself for not even thinking to ask that on the trek to the bar, and guilt coursed through him for being so stupid.

“Yeah, I’m fine. One of the benefits of two decades of dancing is that I haven’t been able to feel my feet for at least one of those decades!” she laughed, and he chuckled.

“Good. We’re heading just down here,” he said as he steered her towards an alley.

“Oh, my God! That looks like a scene from the show!”

“I promise it’ll be worth it! Do you trust me?” he asked.

She smirked and bit her bottom lip, narrowing her eyes. “Hmm, are you luring me down here with dark intentions?”

“No! I swear!” he laughed.

“I don’t know if I believe you!” Ava’s eyes narrowed further, but she couldn’t keep up her pretence and grinned widely, eyes sparkling with mischief. Laughter bubbled from her, and he joined in, amused. He loved how carefree she was tonight, and he just loved hearing her laugh.

“Sorry, you asked me a serious question. Yes. I trust you, Jensen,” she smiled, and he grinned back at her like a child waking up to see snow on the ground.

“Good. Now,” he said as he bowed. “After you, milady,” he said in an awful fake British accent, causing her to laugh heartily.

“Why thank you, kind sir!” she responded in an equally awful one.

They walked down the alley hand in hand, and when they reached the end, it opened into a hidden square of sorts. Ava was stunned; a canopy of fairy lights was stung between the buildings, and there were many cafés, wine bars and restaurants.

“Wow! I had no idea this was even here. It’s beautiful, Jay!” she said with childlike wonderment as her eyes twinkled with happiness.

“Just like you,” he said as he again raised her hand and kissed her knuckles. Ava blushed and smiled.

“You know, that was super cheesy, but I kinda liked it! Well played, Ackles!” she giggled as she kissed his cheek. Jensen flushed red, and he chuckled, grabbing her hand and leading her to the Italian trattoria for dinner.

The atmosphere in the restaurant was warm and welcoming. The decor was elegant and traditional, and the staff were friendly and attentive. They were unimposing, blending into their surroundings and knew exactly when to approach a table, never a second too early or leaving it too late.

Ava was having a great time, though she couldn’t help but notice most of the female staff – and customers – had their eye on the extremely handsome man sitting in front of her. She’d always noticed it, but this time, it was taking on an entirely new dynamic. She was pleasantly surprised and delighted that nothing felt weird or forced. It felt comfortable and completely natural. She was both excited and terrified at the new development in their relationship.

Jensen was relieved and elated that this was going well. They talked and laughed while eating and sharing a bottle of wine. He started seeing a different side to her as the conversation kept venturing into a more flirty and romantic territory. Sure, they’d been friends for a long time, but this was different, and he hoped they both felt the new aura radiating in the air.

The food was delicious, and Ava didn’t think she could eat another bite, so when Jensen asked if she wanted dessert, she refused, chuckling as she told him she’d struggle to walk home if she ate any more. He suggested they share one, and Ava would’ve been suspicious that he was trying to get into her panties with the gesture if he'd been any other guy. But it was Jensen, and she knew him better than that.

“Can I get you anything else?” The waitress asked, batting her lashes and smiling sweetly at Jensen.

Ava was trying hard not to laugh as he acted like they were the only two in the room, not even noticing the poor girl. It happened everywhere they went, and he never saw it. If he did, he never paid it any attention - or maybe he’d just been a gentleman while he was in her company.

“Yeah, I’ll have the chocolate and raspberry tart, please, and can you bring two spoons?” Jensen only glanced up at the waitress when he said, ‘Two spoons,’ and her smile faltered briefly. “And two Macallan 18’s, neat. Thank you.”

“Certainly. I’ll be right out with it,” she faked a small smile to Ava when she said, “Thank you,” before she stomped back into the kitchen. Ava’s giggle had Jensen raise an eyebrow.

“What?” he asked.

“I’m gonna have to get used to that,” she smiled.

“Used to what?”

“Every girl in the room begging for your attention!” she bleated a laugh at his confused puppy look.

“Every time we go anywhere, girls always eye you up like you’re dessert. The waitresses bat their eyes, flick their hair, and smile and giggle at you. You don’t seem to notice them, which will make them give me fake smiles and look at me like I’m their worst enemy,” she laughed again as the waitress scowled at her from the bar.

Bemused, Jensen scoffed. “Seriously? You’re joking, right?”

“Nope!” she smiled mischievously. “If you turn towards the bar right now, at about eleven o’clock, you’ll see what I’m talking about,” she busied herself finishing off her wine as he quickly turned his head just in time to see the scowl leave the waitress’s face and a sultry smile replace it.

He could hear Ava chuckle, clearly having seen the change for herself, and he tried to hold his laugh as he turned back to face Ava.

“Wow! If looks could kill!” he laughed.

“Yeah, I’d be dead a thousand times over by now!” she laughed, and he blushed as he reached for her small hand and gently held it in his large one.

“You have nothing to worry about, Ava. I only have eyes for you,”

“Again, with the cheese, Ackles!” she grinned, her cheeks flushed. “What are you doing to me?”

“Making you m’girl, hopefully,” he said honestly. Ava’s blush deepened as she bit her lip and looked down at their entwined hands.

“Well, you’re doing not bad so far,” she grinned wide.

“Good to know,” he smiled softly.

“And, just so you know, you’re not the only one who always gets looks that could kill.” Jensen smiled at her furrowed brow.

“Everywhere you go, men stare and drool all over you too. More than a few in here right now can’t take their eyes off you. I feel sorry for their partners!” he chuckled at her shocked look.

“But you never notice it. Your attention is always fully on whoever you’re with, and I’ve always admired that about you,”

“You don’t notice it either, Jay,” she replied shyly.

“Oh, I notice it. I just choose to ignore it. Especially when I’m with you,” he winked as the waitress appeared with the whiskey and dessert.

“There you go. Macallan 18, neat,” she said, placing both tumblers next to him, “and a chocolate and raspberry tart with two spoons,” also set down next to him.

“Can I get anything else for you, sir?” she smiled, completely ignoring the woman sitting opposite him.

“Would you like anything else, darlin’?” Jensen said louder than he needed to, passing one of the tumblers over to her. He knew the manager was hovering and that he’d shown up the waitress. Still, the way she’d ignored Ava was unprofessional and, quite frankly, rude.

“No, thank you, handsome. I’m good!” Ava smiled widely and raised the tumbler to her lips, sipping their favourite Scotch.

“Just the check, please,” he smiled at the waitress, handed a spoon to Ava, picked up his own, and began to eat.

He wasn’t surprised that the manager brought him the bill, apologising profusely for the waitress’s earlier behaviour and telling him their Scotch was on the house. Jensen, the eternal gentleman, insisted it wasn’t necessary. Still, the manager wouldn’t budge, and Jensen left a substantial tip covering the cost of the Scotch anyway.

Leaving the restaurant, their hands entwined again, he pulled her closer to his body as they headed back down the alley and walked towards the harbour. The heat radiating from him made a tingle run down her spine, and butterflies swirl in her stomach.

Ava had never felt anything like this before, and it excited her. And petrified her. Jensen was a great friend and an even greater man. Not many of them existed anymore, and she thanked her lucky stars she’d met him and that, somehow, he’d chosen her. She knew she was way over her head if she felt this way about him on their first date. But at least she knew he’d be an amazing boyfriend and treat her right.

As they reached the twinkling lights of the harbour, the wind picked up, rushing at them straight from the water, and she shivered at the sudden chill in the air. Jensen used it to his advantage, pulling her further into his side and wrapping an arm around her shoulders.

“Is this okay?” Jensen asked, his voice shaking a little with his nerves.

“Yeah,” she sighed contentedly. “This is perfect, Jay,” she smiled up at him as her arm snaked around his waist, and she snuggled closer into his body. She was thankful the darkness of the night hid her blush, but she knew she couldn’t hide her grin.

They settled into comfortable conversation as they made their way to the apartment complex on the other side of the harbour. Entering the lobby, they greeted Brian, the night concierge, who grinned wickedly at them, winking as they walked past him.

“Looks like you enjoyed yourselves tonight. You make a nice couple!” Brian chuckled

They murmured a ‘thanks’ and ‘goodnight,’ both feeling a blush cover their cheeks.

Entering the elevator, Ava went to press the number for Jensen’s floor, but he stopped her.

“Ava, I started this date by picking you up at your door. I’m ending it by taking you back there, too,” he smiled sweetly and pressed the button for floor sixteen.

“You don’t have to, Jay. I can ride the elevator up four floors by myself.”

“Haven’t we already had this conversation like a million times? I was raised to be a gentleman, and gentlemen walk their dates to their front door.”

“Thank you, Jensen. That’s very… gentlemanly of you!” Ava smiled, leaned against his shoulder, and clasped her hand with his once again. Her small hand seemed to fit perfectly into his larger one, their palms locking together like magnets.

It felt right. Everything about this felt right. It was like they were made for each other.

The ping of the opening doors pulled them back to the present, and they slid into step along the corridor towards her door. Jensen was going for a goodnight kiss. He’d decided that the second she opened her door tonight.

Too lost in his nerves and thoughts, they arrived at her door all too quickly. “I had a wonderful time, Jensen. Can I be honest with you?” She murmured, unsure.

“Always, Ava. You know that,” Jensen replied, staring into her eyes and down to her soul.

“I was so nervous about this. I didn’t know if it’d be weird or awkward. But it’s been the best date I’ve had in a long time. Maybe ever!” Another blush crept up her cheeks, and she smiled, gazing at him through her lashes, nervousness radiating from her.

“I had an amazing time too, Princess. I’m glad we both agree that this wasn’t weird or awkward. It was,” he stopped briefly, taking a deep breath as his green orbs held her gaze, “really nice. I’m glad you enjoyed yourself. Do you think we could do this again soon? Maybe?”

It was his turn to radiate nerves, and he lowered his head slightly, gazing at her with his bottom lip trapped between his teeth and his hand rubbing the back of his head. Showing only those in the know just how nervous he was.

Ava smiled at the unbelievable cuteness of an anxious Jensen. He’s adorable! She barely had to think about it knowing she’d be stupid to let him go.

“I’d really like that, Jay,” she giggled as he audibly released the breath he was holding.

“That’s great! Really, really great!” His voice showed excitement, and he bravely stepped towards her, gently held her waist, and licked his lips.

Jensen looked into her eyes again, this time searching for any hesitation she was feeling and seeing nothing but a smile. He moved closer, barely any space left between them, and lowered his head to hers. She knew he was going to kiss her, and she silently prayed that it’d be more than a little peck on the cheek.

As their lips met, her arms wrapped around him, one hand gently curling around his neck and the other grasping his shoulder. He pulled her closer still, their bodies flush and licked along her lips, begging for entrance. She gladly opened her mouth, and when his tongue grazed hers, her knees went weak, and a symphony of fireworks exploded inside her.

The feeling was beautiful and overwhelming, and she leaned more of her weight onto him so she wouldn’t fall from her weak knees. The kiss was undoubtedly the best she’d ever had. She’d never experienced anything like it; it was the kind of kiss only heard of in fairy tales.

Every boy she’d kissed before had been wiped from her memory, and all she knew was this slow and romantic kiss. There was no rushing as their tongues danced an elegant waltz, reacquainting their lips as if they had all the time in the world and in that moment, they did. All that mattered was them and this kiss.

Jensen’s left hand slid from her waist up her spine, and he felt her shudder as a contented purr left her throat. He knew then that he needed to stop before it went any further. He wanted to. Oh God, do I want to. But he wanted to do this right, and reluctantly, he gently pulled away, keeping his arms around her and placed his forehead against hers.

“This has been such an amazing night, and I don’t want it to end, but this is our first date, and I want to do this right with you, so I’m going to end this amazing date as a gentleman should and say goodnight.”

“You’re too sweet, you know that?” she smiled.

“Shh, don’t say that too loud! I’ve got a reputation to keep up!” he chuckled before he gripped her chin with his thumb and forefinger and pecked her lips sweetly.

“I had a wonderful time, Jensen. Thank you.”

“No, Princess. Thank you for letting me take you out,” he returned her smile with a soaring feeling in his heart. “I can’t wait for our next date.”

“Me either,” she smiled as she stepped away from him and fished her keys from her clutch. “Goodnight, Jay. I’ll see you Monday.”

“Wait, you’re not coming to Jared’s to watch the game?” He asked, a little disappointed.

“Figured after tonight, you might want some guy time with your best friend. Plus, I don’t know if I can take all the teasing from him just yet!” Ava chuckled as she opened her door, stepping through the threshold and turning back towards him.

“Alright. You know you’re always welcome at Jared’s or my place. Let me know if you change your mind.”

“You’ll be the first to know,” she said as she leaned up and kissed his cheek. “Goodnight, Jay.”

“Goodnight, Ava.” Jensen waited until he heard her lock the door and knew she was safely inside before he headed back to the elevator.

Ava took her shoes off and leaned against the door, smiling stupidly and gently pressing her fingers to her tingling lips. She poured another glass of wine, chuckling at the state she was in and took her phone out of her purse, dialling the number she knew by heart.

“Hey, Bitch, everything okay?” Hilarie greeted, making Ava laugh.

“Hey, Whore. Yeah, everything’s good.”

“You sure? Isn’t it kinda late there?”

“Yeah, I… I… Shit, sorry, Hils. I just realised it’s much later in Wilmington. I’ll call you tomorrow.”

“What’s going on, Ava? You’re scaring me.”

“Sorry, it’s nothing to worry about. I just got home from the best date I’ve ever been on and had the most amazing kiss, and I swear, I’ve forgot everyone who came before him. I’m in deep, and I’m terrified, but I like it,” Ava said, grinning like the Cheshire Cat.

“Oh, my God! Why didn’t you tell me you had a date?”

“He only asked me out this afternoon, and I thought if I told anyone, I’d talk myself out of going.”

“Oh babe, I’d have got in a cab straight to the airport, flown out there and kicked your cute little ass so hard if you backed out of it! You’ve been ready to get back out there for a while, and I’m so happy it’s finally happened! And he sounds special. Tell me all about him, the date and the kiss that’s ruined you for all other men!” Hilarie giggled.

“Hils, I really like him. Like, really, really like him, but I’m worried that… I don’t know if going any further with him is the right thing,” she sighed.

“Ava, babe, listen to me. Any guy who makes you sound so happy and feel the things you’ve told me you feel is never wrong. Especially after only one date and even more so after what you’ve been through, babe.”

“It was Jensen.”

“I fucking knew you two would end up together!” Hilarie cackled wildly. “Ava, you have nothing to worry about. He’s had his eye on you from the start! He’ll never hurt you. I can promise you that.”

“I know. He’s the best man I know, and I’ve been falling for him for months, but we work together. What happens if we don’t work? Or we do work, but then I fuck it all up like I always do? What’s to say he won’t get bored of me like the others? What if I’m not enough for him?”

“Don’t even go there. Stop comparing him to those grade-A dicks. Jensen is nothing like Ben. Or any of them. Please don’t talk yourself out of this, Ava. From what you tell me, this is more than a little crush or a sordid affair with a co-star. If you’ve been falling for him for months, you’re already in love with him or at least close to it, and the fact that he’s been pining after you for over a year now, he’s probably already there with you. Babe, you gotta listen to me. This could be it for you. Your person. Your soulmate, your one and only. Go with it. See where it leads.”

“Yeah, you’re right. I’ve never felt like this before - not even with Ben, and that scares me more than anything. I was gonna marry him, and I didn’t feel this way. I can’t even begin to fathom what this will be like with Jay. And we’ve been friends for so long, and I don’t want to lose that. Or him.”

“I get that, babe. Really I do, but you don’t want to lose the chance of getting your Prince Charming either, do you? I know you, babe. You’d never forgive yourself.”

“No, I wouldn’t.”

“When did you know you’d fallen for him?”

“You know when I went to Dallas? We had that convention, and afterwards, Jared and I spent Memorial Day with him and his family?”

“Yeah,” Hilarie replied, enthralled with her best friend’s blossoming love life.

“Well, I couldn’t stop thinking we could be more than friends and things just grew from there.”

“I think this is the start of something beautiful, Ava.”

“I hope you’re right, Hils.”

“Now tell me, just how dreamy and kissable are those perfectly plump lips of his?”

“Oh, God! He’s such a good kisser! You have no idea!”