Chapter Text
"The lesser of two evils is still evil, but if I had to choose one over the other, I would choose the greatest evil."
****
How Jensen got to this point, he doesn't know, but he's not gonna dwell on it. Not if he wants to live through the rest of the day. He has no idea what he's doing. This wasn't in his plans for today at all. Who in their right mind would willingly snatch their employer's "toy" from their establishment while simultaneously killing three guards? Apparently Jensen, that's who.
The toy in question just so happens to be a boy. A boy named Jared. Sixteen. Mark is probably just now finding out about what happened earlier, yet Jensen cares less. He just had to save this kid. It was out of the question to just leave him in that club to be harassed by the seedy "gentlemen" that littered the place. Jared is Mark's latest conquest; another boy he randomly took from his parents. Mark's other boys were defiant to a fault, but apparently Jared is much more obedient.
Maybe that's why he's lasted more than two months, unlike the other "unlucky" boys who just so happen to be rotting in whatever grave they're put in. Jensen didn't sign on for this shit when Mark asked him to work for him. They've been friends for a long time ever since Mark overthrew the previous Mark for power. The Pellegrino Family is the strongest one in the city, easily beating out the other Families for control.
Jensen is Mark's right hand man. Well...was. Not anymore. He'd be lucky if the abusive fucker ever wanted anything else to do with him besides throwing his dead body in the river. They've saved each other's asses more times than they care to admit, but after this, there's no going back to what they used to be. Jensen had watched the way Mark treated Jared, and he hated it. The underage stripper deserves better; it's unlikely that his family is looking for him, yet that remains to be seen.
"You okay, Kid?" Jensen grunts, smoking his cigarette. Filthy habit.
Jared, who is quietly seated on the motel bed nods, still dressed in his work clothes. "Yes. Th--Thank you, Sir..."
"Sir? I'm nearly Forty, but I'm not that damn old. Just call me Jensen, okay?"
"Okay...Jensen."
Something about Jared reminds him of an animal. Like a hamster, or even a shy puppy. Something small. It's gotta be the way he handles himself. Jensen just continues to smoke while casting his intense gaze on Jared. He can see why Mark chose him. Slender build. Short hair. Soft features. Nearly androgynous. He could easily get away with wearing the skimpy, feminine clothes at the club.
Thank God he's just for show. No one's allowed to touch Mark's toys, not even Mark for a set amount of time. He has a rule: Only virgins under eighteen. It's unknown to Jensen just why he decides to wait to deflower the boys, yet once again, he doesn't dwell. Jared must really be special then; he hasn't been touched, and Mark always lets Jensen know when he's touched his boys.
He's not gonna lie, Jared's a cute little thing. Jensen's not gonna pretend to be a saint either. He's done things that'll make his grandmother clutch her pearls. At least he can admit his wrongdoings. He's raped, killed and bribed people all for various reasons. Doesn't make it right though. Yet, as he looks upon Jared's innocent little face, all he wants to do is shield him from the filth of this life they live.
Without thinking, he goes into his dufflebag, not really searching for anything in particular. Jensen soon pulls out one of his sweatshirts with a hood attached. He frowns a moment. Why on earth was he looking for this. Then it suddenly dawns in him. Jared. He gently tosses the article of clothing to the teenager, cigarette hanging from his lips. Jared catches it with both hands, staring at the sweatshirt and Jensen in short intervals.
"Put that on." He commands. "You...look cold...and that outfit probably makes you feel uncomfortable."
It's an outfit that leaves very little to the imagination. He's indistinguishable between a hooker and a stripper; the latter of which is his occupation. Jared pulls the sweater over his head. It looks good on him actually. In a cute/sexy sort of way. Jensen forces himself to look away. It's one thing to betray a friend by stealing away what's their's, but it's a whole other problem when Jensen starts fantasizing about what it's like to have Jared's mouth around his cock. The thought alone causes it to stir.
"Thank you, Mr. Jensen." Jared mumbles, rolling up the sleeves so they don't fall over his hands.
"Don't mention it, Kid. And it's just Jensen, okay?" The bearded mobster puts out his cigarette in the ashtray.
"I mean it. Thank you." The boy looks up at him with big, bright eyes. "Not just for the sweater, but for saving me. I appreciate it."
Jensen's mouth twitches. He's not used to gratitude, or even having another person in his presence for more than ten seconds. Jared is slowly but surely becoming a small thorn in his side, but for the better. Or so Jensen wants to think. No one's ever gotten to him like this since Danneel died. A sore subject. Hell, he still even wears the wedding ring as if she's still here. Unfortunately, she's not, and neither are their children. It's just Jensen now. No one else.
"Like I said," He clears his throat casually, drawing back the curtain to look out the window. "Don't mention it. It's a little after 12:00. You should get some sleep, but you probably work well past these hours anyway."
As if on cue, Jared yawns. It's actually adorable. Fuck! "I'm a little tired."
"Alright...alright." Soon, Jensen feels a vibration in his pocket; his phone. He takes it out and looks at the screen. It's Pellegrino. The man and the boy share a brief look. "I'll be a minute, okay? Get in the bed."
Without awaiting an answer, Jensen enters the bathroom only to shut himself inside. If Mark's calling right now--right at this very second, then he knows. He found out that Jensen took Jared away from the club. Even though he's just finished smoking, he really needs a fucking cigarette. Without any real options left, Jensen sighs and answers the call.
"Hey."
"Hey? That's all I get is a 'Hey' from you? I should tear you apart limb from limb, Ackles. Maybe that way you can't steal from me."
"You've done him wrong, Mark. It's not right. You have to let him go."
On the other end, he hears a gun go off, presumably Mark killing a subordinate out of frustration. He's insane like that. "And who are you to give me orders? Are you my dad? Are you God? No, you're not. We've been friends for years, man. I can't believe you'd do some shit like this to me! Over some stupid little whore!?"
"Stop!" Jensen growls. "Let's not forget that I fucking helped you to get where you are, you fucking prick! Without me, you'd still be running errands for some low rate boss with a Napoleon complex. I'm taking Jared, and you'll never see him again. He's free from you, Mark."
"Heh...just like that, huh?"
"Just like that." The mobster agrees. His heart won't stop racing.
"Well, I wouldn't be so sure about that, Jenny. I'm coming for what's mine, and if you're in the way when I find him, I'm gonna have to kill you. There was once a time when I called you brother...but those days have passed. You're my enemy now, and you know how much mercy I reserve for those who've crossed me. See you soon, Jen."
With a soft click, the line goes dead. Jensen has sealed his fate today. He holds tight onto the phone, squeezing it harder and harder. Soon, and with little effort on his part, he breaks his cellphone in two. This random bout of strength came from absolutely nowhere. But maybe it did come from somewhere. His heart maybe? No. Jensen acknowledges that he doesn't have a heart, and if he does, it's cold and black.
Eventually, he exits the bathroom, locking eyes with former slave. He's still on his former position on the bed, yet there's more. Tears are falling down his cheeks from his eyes. He's heard the whole conversation. Jensen silently swears to himself. In hindsight, maybe it wasn't a smart idea to take the call where Jared could hear. He should have taken it outside to his car.
"He's coming for me..." Jared mutters. "He's gonna hurt me."
Jensen sucks in his teeth, stomping over to the bed. He grabs Jared's face a little too rough. He can't help it. He's angry. "You stop that, you hear me!? Stop! He's not gonna hurt you. Not anymore! I'm not gonna let that happen, Kid. Not while I still live."
"B--But...what if you die...?"
"Then I guess I shouldn't die then, huh?" Jensen smirks, letting go of the boy. "Bed. Now. We leave in the early morning. You need your sleep."
He watches intently as Jared climbs off the bed to undress himself. Embarrassed, he politely--yet quietly--asks for Jensen to look the other way. How cute. However, the scarred man doesn't turn away. No, he wants to see this. He wants to see everything. Getting the hint, Jared reluctantly strips out of his clothes. Jensen's not even surprised when he sees the kid naked. Probably not allowed to wear underwear ever. This just got a whole lot interesting.
Jared turns his back to the man while putting on the sweater. He's probably thanking God that it goes past his dick and ass. Jensen just stares. Again, he's not a good man. He never was. Once Jared finishes, he quickly climbs into the bed, pulling the blankets over his lap. His cheeks are the color of cherries. How very fitting seeing as his "cherry" hasn't been popped yet. Jensen can admit that he and Mark share slight similarities in that it's delicious to devour virgins.
"Are you...going to get in the bed?" Jared asks.
"Yeah." Jensen answers. "In a bit. I need another cigarette. Just...head to sleep, Kid. Okay?"
"It's Jared."
Jensen chuckles quietly, putting a new cigarette up to his lips. "Right. My bad. Jared."
Though several minutes have passed, the boy hasn't yet fallen asleep. Jensen can tell by the way he's breathing. It hasn't quite evened out. And he swears that Jared was crying not too long ago. All Jensen does is stare while blowing out smoke. He wonders if Jared's parents are still alive. If they were, he wouldn't be here right now with him. When Mark takes his boys, he leaves no witnesses. It's just business apparently.
When he's finished his cigarette, Jensen finally stands up. With his eyes still on Jared's form, he takes off his shirt, revealing his smooth, strong chest. There are scars that have been healed. Scars that tell a horrific story. Jensen next takes off his boots, setting them to the side. Lastly, he removes his dark blue jeans, but not before he sets his pistol on the table. Jensen stands there staring at the "sleeping" kid with nothing but his boxer briefs on.
This is getting dangerous. Not for him, but for Jared. Jensen could just fuck him right now without remorse and keep it moving, but that would make him no different than Mark. If he really wanted to, he could do it, though Jensen obviously decides against it. He has no morals, but whatever. He eventually gets into the bed, mindful to give Jared his space, even if he doesn't want to. The boy still has his back to him, still pretending to be asleep.
Jensen clicks off the table lamp, and puts his hands behind his head. Staring up into the ceiling, he realizes that the life he's lived isn't the one that he desired. He's more angry with himself for allowing his family's death to cloud his judgment. Now look at him. An apathetic, sadistic thief/killer/rapist. Perhaps it was always gonna be this way. Written in the starts or whatthefuckever. Fate. Destiny. Maybe someone higher than him wanted him to snatch Jared and run.
Or maybe it's all bullshit. With a sigh, he closes his eyes. But as he does so, he hears a soft voice calling out to him.
"Goodnight, Mr. Jensen..."
He smiles in the dark. This fucking kid... "Goodnight, Jared."
****
Jensen wakes up in a cold sweat. He had the same dream again. Well, more like nightmare. Danneel. The kids. All dead. Not a nightmare. Reality. As he lays there in the dim light, he starts noticing a small weight on his chest. Looking down, Jensen sees Jared curled into him like a goddamn kitten. Immediately, the gangster groans. This kid will definitely be the death of him, he swears. With his free hand, him checks the time on the clock.
5:43 AM
Taking note, he starts to gently touch Jared. He's trying to make him wake up, but it's proving a bit...difficult. Fucking teenagers. Honestly, Jensen doesn't want to wake such a beautiful little thing from his sleep, but he's got to. They need to move. He isn't sure where yet, but they have to stay at least one step ahead of Pellegrino. With another gentle, yet firm shake, Jensen finally manages to rouse Jared from his slumber.
"Come on, get up." Jensen yawns, an action that causes Jared to do the same. Ugh. "Time to shower."
"Mkay..." Jared mumbles, lifting himself away from Jensen's space. Not a major loss, but a loss nonetheless. "I'm sorry I was laying on you. I do that a lot...Mark hates it."
"It's fine. I don't care. I didn't mind."
After getting himself out of bed, Jensen stretches out his joints, showing off his body. For some reason, he's hoping Jared is impressed with it. God, what's happening with him? Has he completely lost his mind? Jared's a kid. A scared kid at that. But once again, Jensen is a man of no morals, so he figures it's best to do whatever the fuck you want when you want. That's how he's still living. It's got him this far. He sneaks a look at the boy, and catches him staring. Good. He smirks.
"Time to shower. Hop in, and I'll join you in a bit."
The sweetest shade of pink touches over Jared's cheeks then. "Join...me? As in...together?"
"Yeah, that's usually what that word means. Better to shower together and conserve the hot water, don't you think?"
Jensen's totally lying right now, and while that cool, he kinda likes seeing this kid in distress. "I guess...It's just...I...I just..."
"Let me tell you something about myself, Jared." Jensen chuckles. It's one of his dark, sociopathic chuckles. "When I see something I want, I take it. No questions asked, and usually without consent. Keep that in mind. Now get in the fucking shower."
That wasn't a very good thing to say. Jensen didn't want to scare the poor kid! He just wanted to let him know that he means business, and that no matter what Jared does, he'll always be there watching his every move. The former stripper stands up to go into the bathroom, but Jensen blocks his way, savoring the way their bodies touch. Jared is visibly nervous, trying and succeeding to cover his privates with the sweater.
Jensen only smirks again before tossing him a towel. He soon moves out of his way to let the boy pass by unscathed. Once he hears the shower running, Jensen slowly takes off his boxers. He's not really surprised to see that his cock is half hard. That was an intense moment, and he's still thinking about it. After several minutes of procrastinating, Jensen finally goes into the bathroom. He pulls back the curtain, discovering Jared's naked, wet body under the water. God, so tempting.
Without being told, the older man gets behind Jared. He's able to get some water on him thankfully, but he's not even focused on that. All he's doing is gazing at the boy's tight, plumb ass. Jesus Christ. How has Mark not been tempted to fuck him yet!? Insane! Jensen notices that Jared's shaking, but it's subtle. He's still nervous. That's okay. That's perfectly fine. Jensen takes a step closer, leaning to take the bar of soap from Jared's hand. He soon starts washing his back nonchalantly.
"You're shaking." He says, voice rough. "How come?"
He can even hear Jared's hesitation. This is fun. "Do you...want me to lie to you, or tell you the truth?"
This makes Jensen's eyebrow quirk upwards. "Hmm. Whichever you prefer."
"Okay. I'm...I'm shaking because you're so close to me."
"Really? I guess that's the truth."
The man takes another step closer, and begins rubbing Jared's torso with the soap. When he swipes his thumb over a nipple, the boy lets out a quiet gasp. Jensen is fully aware of his own erection now, and how it's pretty much pressing in between the crack of Jared's ass, right on top of his hole. He keeps teasing him, chin on his shoulder and words in his ear. This is what he like. He lives getting reactions out of his sexual partners, but he's not gonna fuck Jared.
Not now at least.
"Please..." Jared gasps.
Jensen continues grind his cock on the boy's ass. "Please what, Jared? What is it?"
"Please...st--stop."
"Stop? But we're having so much fun. Look at you. You're so hard right now. You really want me to stop after seeing you like this?"
It's a dirty little trick, and he knows it. Jensen, though very horny, stops his machinations. He ceases his attempts to seduce the virgin for now as they're running on a time limit. The mobster physically turns Jared around to face him. There's a fucked out expression on his face and he hasn't even experienced the best part! Without thinking, Jensen takes the boy's own cock in his hand and just starts pumping his fist back and forth. He just can't fucking control himself any longer.
Jared, as expected, moans aloud, holding onto Jensen as if he's the savior of the universe. Hell, he might as well be. But this shit is so intense that it has him grinding his dick into Jared's hip, anything to get some kind of release. After some time, he lets go of the teen's dick, and pulls them close, pushing their members together. The water and soap makes the action more enjoyable; very slippery.
"Jensen!" Jared moans. "I think--I think I'm gonna--!"
"Me too, Baby!" Jensen grunts. "Hold on. I'm cumming!"
They both reach their orgasms soon enough, though one is late by at least two seconds. They end up unloading all over each other; drenched in cum, soap and water. Jensen releases his grip on Jared's round ass to cup his cheek. He looks so vulnerable here, and it's probably the first time he's ever experienced something like this; Mark cares little for the satisfaction of his boys. Yet, Jensen wants to give Jared the world in this moment.
Though feeling incredibly guilty for using him like he did (SERIOUSLY, WHAT THE HELL!?), Jensen presses their lips together in a heated frenzy. He takes control, letting Jared ease his way into it. This is insane, is it not? Whatever Jensen thinks he's doing with this kid, all he knows is that he's gotta get him to safety. It doesn't matter if he lives or not because frankly, it'd be a blessing to die. But he's gonna fight to save Jared before that happens.
After the passionate kiss, Jensen pulls the boy close to him as the water pours down. What is this strange feeling tugging at his dead heart? It's faint.
And somehow very familiar.
****
"Where are we going?"
"First things first: We gotta get you some new clothes. My hand me downs aren't gonna cut it. A thrift store should be up ahead."
"But what about after that? Where are you gonna take me?"
"Somewhere."
"I know, but where--?"
"Jesus Christ, Kid, I don't fucking know, okay!? You happy!? I don't know!"
Jensen realizes that yelling, and lashing out at this boy isn't helping anything in the slightest, but he's driving him nuts. They're on the road right now, having put the motel in the dust behind them. Jared recoils, flinching just a bit. He's definitely like a small animal. No loud noises, and no excessive violence. He has to control his temper around him. Like a little lost puppy, Jensen has to take care of Jared until he can find a safe and proper place for him to stay from Mark.
He's got several contacts in and out if the country who can help. Mostly in Europe. They could help Jared get away, and gain a new life. God knows he won't last long here. Not with Pellegrino potentially hounding them. Speaking of which, Jensen hasn't seen anyone from the Family come after him yet. But he's too smart to think that Mark was bluffing. He never gives out empty threats. Never.
"Look, I'm sorry, okay?" Jensen sighs through his nose, taking a cigarette out of the pack. "I don't really have a plan. It was all in the heat of the moment. Just relax. Wanna listen to some music? What kind do you listen to?"
"Um...it doesn't matter, really. All types I guess."
With a free hand, Jensen clicks on the radio. There's a song on that he doesn't recognize, but Jared immediately begins to hum along to the melody. Probably one of those songs from the new generation. It's all shit anyways. Jensen soon smirks as he feels Jared move closer to him. Though he pretends not to notice, he can't deny that it's awfully goddamn adorable. Is this kid warming up to him? Damn. It's pretty funny actually.
Because he's starting to get a soft spot for the boy as well.
****
Having forgotten about the time, Jensen eventually pulls into a roadside diner. There's no one here besides the people working. That's about it. He leads Jared into the place; he's still wearing his sweatshirt. Out of all the other clothes, he chooses to keep that on? Well, shit, Jensen's not complaining at all. Upon entering, he nods to the waitress before guiding them into a booth. He sits across from Jared, taking off his leather jacket and showing of his tank top.
"Hey there, sugar." The young woman smiles at Jared. "What would you like to eat?"
"Uh...um..."
"Pancakes." Jensen orders for him, slightly exasperated. "He'll have the pancakes with orange juice. Just get me a coffee please."
"Pancakes, orange juice and coffee. Comin right up. You two sit tight now."
Jensen watches as she switches her way towards the back to give the cook the order. Under different circumstances, he would've seduced her and fucked her in the bathroom during her shift, but not now. Because the only thing he's thinking about fucking is Jared. Sweet, innocent little Jared with the face of an Angel. Jensen wants to corrupt him, he just wants to taketaketake and be selfish with him.
The mobster is snapped out of his thoughts when Jared addresses him. "What?"
"I asked if you've ever been here before."
"Oh. No, never. First time. So, where you from?"
"I'm from Texas."
"Well, shit. Me too. I left my brother and sister behind when I left twenty years ago. I kinda don't wanna see them again. Fuckin pricks."
"I...kinda feel the same way about my family." Jared almost whispers.
Jensen, however, frowns. "Why? What they ever do to you?"
"They...I thought they loved me. I thought they all loved me. Didn't Mark ever tell you how I got here?" Jensen shakes his head in the negative, prompting Jared to go on. "My family's not very--we don't have a lot of money. We all did what we could, but it was almost never enough. We all worked and, um...one day, as I'm coming home from work, I open the door to see a man with a gun to everyone."
"Mark." Jensen says out loud.
"Yeah...it was him. He told them that he was taking me, and that he's been watching over us for days. He made a deal with my parents then. It was either they sell me to him, or they die and he takes me anyways." Jared's eyes become glassy, brimming with tears. "They took the money, Jensen...They took the fucking money..."
The story has Jensen wondering about a few things. First, Mark's bargain. There has never been an instance in which he'd willingly offer a boy's parents any money for their child. He'd just take them without saying a single word. The second thing Jensen thinks about is Jared's family. A bunch of fucking cocksuckers. He's done some low down, dirty deeds in his day, but if someone offered to buy his child, he'd kill someone.
While yes, he understands their plight, Jensen just can't wrap his mind around the fact that they actually took the money. As if Jared was just a burden. A fucking pebble in their shoe. It makes him angry, almost to the point of flipping the table. But he doesn't. The waitress comes back soon with their food and beverages. Jared starts eating almost immediately after getting his plate.
Jensen unintentionally smiles. This kid is...He's been through some things. Probably saw more than what a boy his age should. Mark conducts all his business in all of his boys' presence. He knows that they'd keep their mouths shut because he owns them. Fucking prick. He'll never get Jared again, and if he does, it'll be over Jensen's dead body.
"Are you married?" Jared asks out of the blue, swallowing huge portions of his food.
Jensen frowns. "What did you say?"
"I...I just asked," Great. Now he's frightened the kid. Again. "If you were married, that's all..."
"Oh." He follows the boy's eyes to his silver wedding ring that he never takes off. "No. I'm not married...not anymore."
"How come?"
"I don't wanna talk about it." Jensen ends up growling accidentally. "Especially to some kid..."
Nodding in a sullen-like manner, Jared resumes eating his breakfast. Jensen just take a to drinking his coffee. Just like he likes it. Black. No add-ons or anything. During the rest of their time there, Jared didn't ask Jensen another question. He didn't even try to spark up another conversation. But Jensen just kept staring at him, remembering their little shower moment.
It felt good.
Felt right.
God, he needs help.