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Jared was going to explode into a million twinkling little pieces, he was absolutely convinced of it. Why? Because his dear twin boys were trying to be ‘helpful’ yet again. It simply boggled Jared why they couldn’t seem to understand that he didn’t need anyone in his life other than them. He had been a single Omega raising his precious children by himself since about twenty minutes after they had been conceived and the Alpha who had sworn that he would love Jared until the day that he died, well that flaming pile of reindeer droppings had left skid marks on the tiles of the kitchen floor as he tore out of the little apartment Jared had been calling home.
Once Jared learned of the pregnancy, he hadn’t even needed a second to think about what he was going to do, no matter the specifics around how his boys had been conceived, they were his and he would see them brought into this world, and he would make sure that they were brought up right. Regardless of the inherent difficulties and challenges that he had faced, Jared had always persevered. Through all of the nights sitting up and caring for them when a fever struck. The last-minute homework assignments that were required to be presented on a piece of posterboard, that his darling boys had neglected to divulge that pertinent piece of information, and once revealed it was already 7:30 at night, and the supply store was closing in mere minutes. Also, needing to find a work/life/his own schooling balance, which had resulted in numerous on-line courses. But all of the crazy hours, sleepless nights, and frantic moments had been worth it, all so that Jared could provide a better life for his amazing boys.
The two sweetest little Alpha’s that you would ever want to meet, Fred and Lee. Well, they had grown up, as all children eventually do, and as they had come into their own raging hormones, they had determined that their dear father needed more than a pillow and his knotted dildo to keep himself warm at night. That was why Jared was now gasping in shock, as his sixteen-year-old boys had informed him, and half of the people gathered in the mall food court, that they wanted to get something more this holiday season, for their hard working and utterly devoted father, than a few boxes of assorted chocolates and several packs of d-cell batteries.
“Dude!” Even Jared’s oldest, dearest, and best friend Chad was left sputtering and couldn’t contain his shock at the boy’s pronouncement. Jared simply coughed for a minute, then grabbed some napkins as he attempted to clean up all of the soda that had dripped out of his nose, and proceeded to lean back in his chair, as he glanced first from Fred and then over to Lee. Who were, of course, sitting there looking so earnest in their singular desire to see their father happy. Normally Jared would have been thrilled, knowing that his boys were thinking of more than just themselves, but combine it with the time of year, and Jared just needed a tinsel-free moment to process and digest this rather disturbing news.
“Chad, can you take them down to the games? I need to freshen up, and then I’ll be along in a minute.” Chad nodded, helping the boys to gather their trays, hurrying them along when they wanted to stop and offer comfort to their obviously distressed father.
“Trust me, you’re gonna need to give him some time.” Chad was saying as they were escorted away, and Jared gathered his things and then went into the public restroom. He fixed himself up, as best as he could, and gave himself a good once over. Wondering what his boys saw when they looked at their father. Did they see an Omega that only had a few years of fertility left? Because, as Jared had learned, that was an incredibly important factor when Alpha’s were in the market for a mate. Did they see the Omega who had earned his Bachelor of Science in Marketing? Who ran his own fairly successful little company? Or did they see a dried-up husk that was in desperate need of an Alpha so that he might find some fulfillment in his life. Did they see an Omega who loved them more than anything else in this great big world? Or did they see the taskmaster who made sure their homework was done, their beds were made, that they helped out at the food bank a few hours a week, and made sure that they treated everyone with respect, regardless of their designation?
Jared knew the answers to these questions, he really did. He had succeeded in raising good boys. They may not always know when to hold their tongues, and not question their father’s dependence on battery operated assistance in public places, but they had been coming from a place of love. Wanting their father to know what most other Omega’s knew. The love of an Alpha to call their own.
Jared shivered then, thinking back to the night that they were conceived, December 23rd. Jared had used to love Christmas, just like he had loved Dalton. But once it had become crystal clear that his interest had ended as soon as his knot had deflated, Jared had never been able to look at the holiday the same way again. Even though he would never give up a moment of the life he had spent with his boys, he often wished that the conception would have gone quite differently. And as Dalton had used the entire ‘kissing under the mistletoe’ as his excuse to start in on Jared, who had so foolishly believed the lying bastard, Jared simply couldn’t look at his once favorite holiday with any of the joy that it had previously engendered in him.
But Jared didn’t have time to wallow in self-pity. He needed to get out there and cheer his boys on. They were competing for a local charity event at the mall. Trying to raise money for the battered Omega and homeless shelter. Jared steeled himself, and then went in search of his well-intentioned boys, only to run straight into, well, Santa Claus. Or at least the cheap mall knock-off version of dear old Saint Nick.
Jared was about to apologize, but when he looked down, and met the gorgeous emerald-green eyes, with the adorable crinkles around the edges, and saw the amazingly plush lips, that were pulling back to reveal a perfect set of teeth, Jared almost forgot to breathe for a moment.
“I’m so sorry. Are you alright?” The whiskey rough voice washed over Jared, and he wanted nothing more than to curl up around this dime-store Santa. But he was saved from utter humiliation by Chad, who was calling to him. Jared looked back, gave a small smile, “I’m fine. It was my fault really. Are you ok?” Jared could hear Chad calling once more, waving both of his hands above his head now. Santa’s smile dimmed for just a moment.
“Yeah, I’m good. I don’t want to keep you from your Alpha.” And before Jared could even think of what to say, because he was torn between a fit of hysterical laughter at the thought of doing anything of the sort with Chad, and regret that the fantastically amazing Alpha was already fading into the crowd. But Chad called again, and then Jared was moving. It was just as well; Jared was quite certain that no good could come of speaking with an Alpha that was so in love with the holiday that Jared so despised these days. He worked his way through the crowd and was at Chad’s side just in time to see the twins racing along, tossing an egg back and forth to each other. Cheering as loudly as he could when they reached the finish line and were declared the winners.
*****
It was two days later when the boys finally launched the second phase of their no longer top-secret plans. Jared was taking them to the mall, so that they could all help to load up some of the canned and prepackaged goods that had been donated, and then they would be meeting up with their coach Mr. Ackles, who needed their assistance for a few hours that afternoon. Jared planned to use that time for some last-minute Christmas shopping.
“So, like we were saying the other night, isn’t there something special that you want for Christmas?” Jared looked at Fred in the rearview mirror, noting that he had clearly been designated as the brave child for this latest intervention.
“Boys, all I need for Christmas is to spend time with you.” Jared hoped that would end it. He was being sincere after all, because he truly couldn’t think of a better way to spend the holiday’s than sitting in front of the fireplace and opening presents with his boys.
“Yeah, but Dad, come on. We’ve been taking our biology course this semester, and Mr. Morgan says that it’s important for the continued well-being of any Omega to have relationships with Alphas. And that-“
“If the next words you speak are in any way, shape, or form a reference to Omega’s needing to be knotted, so help me God, I will find Mr. Morgan and turn him into a Beta!” Jared was fuming. How dare they? Irresponsibly spreading such garbage to the children in their charge.
“Dad, we checked it out. Went to the official Omega website. It said the same thing.” Lee was looking up, through his bangs, looking like he was trying not to cry. “It’s not the stereotypical every Omega needs to be knotted as often as possible crap, its – Fred, pull it up on your phone – it’s that the pheromones released into the Omega’s system help to promote a better,” a pause as he looked down at the screen, found what Fred was pointing out, “overall general wellbeing, that Omega’s would be less prone to develop-“
“Boys, please.” Jared couldn’t take it any longer. He knew they were simply trying to help him. They absolutely were. They were coming from a place of a deep and sincere love for their only parent. Wanting nothing more than to help their father, who had always taught them to look out for others. Especially those who were unable to see to their own needs. “I love you both, so much. But I’m not going to go out and knot some random Alpha just for some potential health benefits. Do you understand?”
“Yeah, we know. So that’s why we found someone for you.” Both boys had to brace themselves against the back seat as Jared slammed on the brakes and pulled off to the side of the road.
“You did what?” Jared turned around to look into the faces that he loved so very much. Little carbon copies of himself, except for their blue eyes, which was the only remaining proof that Dalton had ever been a part of his life.
“We may have talked you up to our coach. You know Mr. Ackles, but yeah, I guess you don’t since you missed the last two games and he came in after the start of the season, but he’s so amazing. And he’s never been mated, and Dad, we really think you would like him.” Fred and Lee are both staring at him, both chewing on their lower lips, and Jared knows he can’t say no to them. He’ll have to meet this Mr. Ackles, and then he can go home and curl up and die of embarrassment. But first, he needed to make sure his dearest boys knew that he wasn’t upset with them, not really.
“Guys, I appreciate this, and you both know I love you to the moon and back, so I’ll meet your coach, but you guys have to know that the odds of there being any kind of chemistry between us,” Jared paused as he ran a hand over the back of his neck, trying to ease the tension that had settled there, “it’s going to be pretty slim. You understand how that works, right? They covered it in your class, right?”
Jared should’ve known better, when he got a matched set of smiling faces and head nods that the boys had a part three up their sleeves, but he was just happy to drop the subject. They had finally gotten to the loading dock, and then proceeded to spend the next hour loading up various canned goods, dry cereals, containers of powdered milk, and prepackaged box goods into a multitude of vans and car trunks. They were all hot and sweaty by the end of it, but they cleaned up as best as they could in the employee rest room, before they were off to the mall, and the last assignment of the day.
The boys had volunteered to be elves for Santa on the busiest shopping day of the season, the last Saturday before Christmas. The turnout was always heaviest on that day, and when they arrived and strode through the doors, Jared could see that the line was already halfway down the center walkway that was flanked by all of the main entrances to all of the biggest stores. Well, at least he could get lost in the crowd, and not worry about the boys seeing what he was going to be buying.
“I’ll see you guys in a couple of hours, alright?” Jared looked down and was met with two concerned faces. It was then that he saw Mrs. Claus had approached and had been speaking to them while Jared had been planning what stores to hit on his last-minute shopping spree. “What is it?”
“Um, one of the elves called in sick and they don’t have anyone else to replace them.” Jared saw a double set of puppy dog eyes get turned on him, and he really wanted to scream then. “Do you think you could help out? I mean look at all of those kids.” Jared gritted his teeth then, but that wasn’t even the worst. No, that came next when the charming little Omega playing Mrs. Claus placed one slim hand on Jared’s forearm, and inquired ever so politely as to whether or not Jared would help them all to save Christmas. Icicles! Just great big icicles!
It was at that moment, as his eyes telegraphed certain retribution to his darling boys, that Jared swallowed hard and said yes. Mrs. Claus was all smiles then and began to guide them back to the changing area. Jared took the largest booth, and then words began to fall out of his mouth. A vast multitude of words as he looked at the outfit that he was expected to wear. “Oh my God, Dad! That’s like a couple grand that you owe to the swear jar!” Jared’s only response was a soft growl, and the sort of gnashing of his teeth that would thrill his dentist, as the man would finally be able to afford a new boat once Jared went in to get them fixed.
“Boys! Any idea how these clothes are exactly my size? Hmmm?” Jared didn’t actually expect a response, now that he knew that he had been set up, yet again, but he still got one.
“Um, cause Santa knows things, and since he’s always brought you clothes most years, he just had your measurements on file.” Jared couldn’t help the bark of laughter that Fred’s comment elicited. Because they may be going about this in all of the wrong ways, but they were trying to help him. They really were. Now Jared just had to dig deep and not explode like an overheated string of Christmas lights when he eventually saw himself in the mirror.
Fred and Lee were waiting for him, when Jared finally left his stall, and judging by the expressions of shock on their faces, the outfit looked as form fitting as it felt. Jared’s long legs were encased in red and white striped tights, that were accentuating the benefits of all those morning runs he took, the green shorts that went down to just above his knee, and the top was hugging every single curve he possessed. The wide green collar with its little fuzzy buttons were helping to highlight his long neck, and Jared’s flowing locks were making a valiant effort at escaping from under his feathered cap.
“Looking good dad.” Fred said as Lee gave him a double thumbs up. Jared grumbled out a thank you, and then they were out and amongst the rampaging hordes of eager children. Fred and Lee were working the entrance and exit, Fred would let one family in at a time, who would be handed off to Jared, at which point he would escort them to see Santa, make sure everyone was all smiles for the picture, and once done Lee would lead them to the exit.
Jared waited patiently next to Mrs. Claus, for her husband to make his grand entrance, when the cheer went up and Jared turned not quite knowing what to expect, but what greeted him was a familiar face, one that he had run into just a couple of days earlier coming out of the bathroom. Jared took in those amazing emerald-green eyes, and the smiling face covered in his fake puffy white beard and was shocked by how much he wanted to jump into Santa’s lap. But when Santa’s velvety smooth whiskey rough voice greeted the crowds, Jared knew that poor little Mrs. Claus was not going to be joyful on Christmas morning, because Jared was shocked to find that he was quite prepared to wreck that happy home.
Jared brought up the first family, almost forgot how to breathe when those amazing green eyes locked onto him, and Santa thanked him ever so politely. By the time Jared had escorted the fourth set of eager children up to Santa, he was quite certain that he was going to burst into flames at any moment. He couldn’t help but to catch the looks that Fred and Lee were passing back and forth to each other, at how excited they looked at the sight of their father being this worked up over some strange Alpha. And there was absolutely no doubt in Jared’s mind that this happy, smiling, polite, and gentle man, was indeed an Alpha.
Jared had to wonder where he had been all of his life, because he was quite certain that if he had met him when he was younger, then his boys would have grown up with the full nuclear family, instead of the single parent debacle that Jared had guided them through for so very many years. As the afternoon wore on, Jared started to remember exactly why he had loved this season, as he watched Santa do his very best to bring a smile to every little face, to spread so much joy and happiness as he handed out candy canes, to hear his warm laughter fill the space at every corny joke that was told to him, to listen as he talked about how Rudolph was looking forward to leading his sleigh team this year. How the elves had decorated every available tree within a hundred miles of the North Pole, and how he was eagerly looking forward to seeing every little boy and girl again next year. So that he could make sure that they were all doing well.
Even now, Jared still decorated every year, not like he had when he was just a kid, but a tree went up, and a star was placed on the top, garland was strung, and stockings were hung. But that was about it, and that was only done for the benefit of his boys, because none of this was their fault. And Jared had never once missed all of the seasonal rigmarole, not really, not after Dalton had destroyed every precious memory that he had of this most cherished holiday. But now, now… Jared was relishing the thought of having a real Christmas once more, maybe, possibly… oh great bouncing icebergs!
Jared felt a warm arm wrap around his narrow waist, looked down and saw Fred’s soft blue eyes staring back up at him, asking without words if he was alright. Jared nodded, pulled his beloved boy in for a quick hug, and then they were back at it. They ended up staying well after their scheduled time, because Santa insisted that every single child should get the chance to see him, but they had finally reached the last child, and Jared felt such a pang of sadness, knowing that it was almost over. It happened so quickly, Santa waving goodbye, and then he was gone. Jared felt such a hollow pang as he hadn’t even gotten the chance to say anything to him before he left to go back to the North Pole, or wherever it was that he was living locally.
Jared shook his head, realizing just how wrapped up he had gotten into his little fantasy. But then Fred and Lee gathered him close for a picture, and Jared couldn’t help the radiant smile on his face when he saw the result. A trio of happy elves were smiling out on the world, and Jared knew he would treasure it always. They changed out of their costumes, and then left to go home. Jared knew he was going to have to brave the crowds the next day if he had any hope of getting those few remaining presents for his darling little boys. But after the thoroughly enjoyable afternoon that he had spent with both of them, it would end up being well worth it.
*****
In the middle of the crazy that was the remainder of the holiday season, Jared realized that the subject of Mr. Ackles hadn’t been brought back up. Which was odd, because his boys could be little pit bulls when they decided on a course of action and were seeking to implement it. So, it was almost surprising when they strolled into the kitchen on Christmas eve, and quickly disengaged Jared from his pursuit of baking every sinfully decadent cookie that he could dream up. They sat him down at the table and informed him of his plans for the evening. Jared’s eyebrow almost merged with his hairline, as he was told that he needed to go upstairs and get cleaned up. And to then get dressed in the clothing that they had picked out for him.
Jared was just about to launch into a treatise on how Alphas shouldn’t be so high handed with Omegas, when both of his boys stood, walked over to him, wrapped him up in a warm hug, and then asked so sweetly if he could just do this for them. Please.
Jared sat there for a moment, utterly torn while trying to decide what to do. Knowing that they were only trying to help him, not to control him, or manipulate him, but because they loved their father and they wanted to see him happy. Dalton had used all of his emotions against him, but at least Jared had wound up with his boys at the end of that nightmare. Now his wonderful children were trying to do something special for him. Jared hugged them close for a moment, and then disentangled himself. “So, who’s going to finish baking the cookies if I’m upstairs getting ready?”
“Oh, don’t worry about that! We totally have it covered.” Jared looked on dubiously at the matching smiles he received but left them in the kitchen so that he could get ready for his evening.
When Jared came back down twenty minutes later, he was surprised that the smoke alarm hadn’t gone off yet, as his boys had never shown any real ability in the kitchen. They certainly wouldn’t starve, but they always kept it simple when they tried to create any kind of food. But it all made sense, as Jared heard that wickedly delicious voice when he came around the corner, and his eyes lit upon an absolutely amazing peach of an ass that was pushed out as Santa was bent over while he was pulling a tray of cookies from the oven. Jared had to pause, with his large hand on the doorframe, as he took in the sight before him. Santa had cleaned up good, and Jared was probably going to get an entire coalmine in his stocking for all of the naughty thoughts that were passing through his mind at that very moment.
“Hey, dad! Lookin’ good!” Fred’s greeting broke whatever conversation that they had been having, and just then the doorbell rang. “I’ll get it.” Lee rushed by Jared, who could only stand and stare, because Santa had turned to face him as well, and Jared couldn’t even find words to describe the magnificent specimen of gentle Alpha that was standing in his kitchen, potholder keeping his hand from being burnt, the sleeves on his spectacularly ugly sweater rolled up to reveal beefy forearms, that were covered in cinnamon-colored freckles.
“Is everyone ready to go?” Chad called out as he entered the kitchen, giving Fred a quick high five before he pulled out a chair and sat down by the kitchen table.
“Ready to go? Go where?” Jared was scrambling, because clearly his boys were up to something.
“To the movies, of course! The old theater is playing a classic, It’s A Wonderful Life.”
From one moment to the next, Jared simply couldn’t breathe. It was as if a crushing weight had been placed on his chest, and that he was sinking under the waves, to be forever lost in the murky depths. All of the sound faded away, as Jared wrapped his long arms around his waist as he clutched himself and slowly sank down to the floor. The memories of that night washed over him, when he had sat on the couch with Dalton, who had held Jared close as they laughed and cried and cheered their way through that damned movie. And then he had pulled out the sprig of mistletoe, held it above Jared’s head and stolen a kiss. Hadn’t stopped until he had taken Jared’s virginity as well, and left Jared with a radically altered life. All of 20 years old, pregnant with twins, and no longer able to enjoy his favorite holiday, or his favorite movie. Everything had been stolen from him that night, and now his amazingly well-intentioned boys, who he wouldn’t even have but for that night, were bringing up every awful memory that he had shoved down for the last almost seventeen years.
The soothing voice was speaking to him then, telling him to put his head between his knees, to take deep, calming breathes, in and out, in and out, in and out… He felt a large hand being placed on his chest, just over his heart, as the fingertips gently pressed in, offering a grounding touch. Jared was shifted, as he sat on the kitchen floor, with his hazel eyes closed tight, as he tried to remember how to breathe, how to speak, how to exist under the overwhelming crush of all that had been lost to him.
Jared finally recognized that a strong arm was wrapped around his shoulders, and that his head was resting on a broad chest, as they sat there. He blinked his eyes a few times, and then saw Fred and Lee kneeling in front of him, staring at him with such tender concern, Chad was behind them still sitting at the table. So where was Santa?
“Hey, are you alright now?” That whiskey rough voice washed over him once more, as the soft words were breathed out near his ear, but Jared couldn’t be bothered to panic or try to pull away. Because there was no Christmas miracle in this world that was going to fix this debacle. Yes, hello you incredibly sexy Alpha, I’m the Omega that you will be rescuing from old movies this fine evening. Hey, where’re you going? Wait… It simply wasn’t a scenario that had a happy ending attached to it. That left a quick apology, and then Jared could crawl away to bed, maybe get some sleep and try to get over this newest chapter of his long-running nightmare.
“Dad, are you ok?” Fred asked as he gripped one of Jared’s hands and gave it a comforting squeeze.
“Yeah, you still with us?” Lee tried to convey nonchalance but failed miserably.
“I know this can be stressful boys, but you need to give him a minute.”
“But Mr. Ackles, he never does this. He’s such a badass…” Fred trailed away to silence; Jared could only assume a look had been exchanged. But then his fuzzy brain latched onto some of the other words that had been spoken.
“Mr. Ackles?” Jared saw the looks that his boys exchanged, watched as the panic set in.
“Yeah, dad, our coach, Mr. Ackles. We told you all about him, remember?” Jared did remember, but he simply smiled at Lee, not wanting to worry the more sensitive of his two Alpha boys.
“Jensen would be acceptable as well.” Jared couldn’t even hope to stop the shiver that ran up his spine, as he now had a name to go along with the gentle confidence and charming grace that this amazing Alpha was exuding.
“Hey, how about a change of plans? Boys, why don’t you go pack a bag, and then you’ll come over and spend the night with your favorite uncle.” Fred and Lee looked from Jared to Chad and back again. Jared simply nodded and gave them a small and barely quivering smile, then watched as they shuffled off to quickly pack a bag. Then Chad was there, kneeling in front of Jared. “You do know that I will be inquiring about all of this later,” Chad makes a whirling hand motion before he continues, “and my original offer still stands. Just remember that.” Jared snuggled into the wall of muscle that was propping him up, because Chad may be laid-back and easy going most of the time, but when he did get worked up, it was a sight to behold.
“Thank you, Chad. But it’s years too late for that. Just make sure the boys have a good night. Please?” Jared hears Chad grunt out an acknowledgement, and then he is looking behind Jared.
“You take good care of him. He’s got three Alpha’s that…” Jared was tensing up, knowing that Chad was only trying to protect him, but also knowing you don’t just threaten another Alpha like that. The rumbling growl that emanated from the chest he was held against cut Chad off.
“I won’t hurt him. You have my word.” Chad stared for another moment, then nodded.
“I’ll bring the boys back for presents in the morning, say noonish?”
“Don’t keep them up to late.” Jared sighed as he relaxed further, not even knowing why, just knowing that it felt as natural as breathing to be held close in Jensen’s strong arms.
“Hey, it won’t be me, it would be the strippers.” Jared only gives Chad an unamused side-eye before he sinks back into the warmth and safety of the Alpha behind him, closing his eyes as he tries to calm himself further. Within a few minutes, Fred and Lee reappear, and after a quick hug from both of them, while never having been released from Jensen’s gentle hold, they are on their way out the door with Chad hot on their heels.
Jared sits there for a few minutes, simply not knowing what to say. Because what he is experiencing is beyond his previous experiences with Alphas. Jared knows that they’re not all knot heads, or uncivilized lying bastards who will pup you and then dump you, or indifferent assholes who just don’t give a damn either way. He knows that good ones exist, exhibit A being Chad, exhibits B and C being his amazing boys. But, in the seventeen years and one day since that night to this one, Jared had never felt this sense of peace and contentment. Simply being able to exist in each other’s space, without the need to do anything. Whether it was as mundane as talking, or as potentially exciting as, well… Jared was blushing profusely and not even able to finish that thought.
“So, Jensen, is this night living up to your expectations?” Jared asked softly, not really knowing what type of response he was expecting to receive.
“The night where I finally have the world’s most amazing Omega snuggled in close?” Jared felt the soft kiss get placed onto the top of his head, “I’m not sure I would have expected it to go this well. But I sure am glad that it did.”
Jared can’t begin to figure out what to say, but he’s saved from that fate when Jensen softly requests, “I don’t know about you, but I wouldn’t be opposed to sitting on a slightly softer surface. Think the couch would hold the both of us?” Jared nods as his own hip is letting him know that it is moments away from filing a formal grievance. Jensen helps Jared to stand, then offers his hand as he escorts Jared over to the overstuffed couch. As Jared looks at it, he knows he wants to be held again, but the words to voice that request are eluding him. But he gets saved at the last moment, “Did you want to stretch out? Or…”
“Um, yeah. That sounds good.” Jensen lays out first, his broad back against the back of the couch, and Jared joins him, so that they are lying down while facing each other, but leaving Jared the ability to flee simply by rolling off of the couch. And Jared has to take a moment to process that realization. Jensen isn’t crowding him, isn’t limiting his escape routes; no, Jensen is giving Jared all the power to see this through as he sees fit. Jared snuggles in, sighing as their legs tangle together, notes how Jensen doesn’t have a raging anything going on inside his pants.
“So, I figure I should go first, since your dear boys have filled me in on so much of your life, I mean, if that’s alright with you?” Jared nodded, feeling a warmth uncurl low in his belly. As he realized that he needed to give Jensen a chance, because what was happening here, on this couch, it was something that Jared didn’t want to cut off too soon.
Jensen’s soothing voice began to tell Jared all about his life, having grown up in a little town outside of Dallas, his childhood growing up, his college football career that was ended short due to an injury, how he had taken to coaching, moving here, there, and everywhere while he kept searching for the one Omega that would complete him. How he had just moved here to Oregon because he had just felt this overwhelming need to be near the Pacific.
“But the one thing I’ve always loved most, no matter where I’ve lived is Christmas. Dressing up as Santa Claus is kinda new, I was always too young before, but I would go Christmas caroling every year, decorate my house with so many lights that you can see it from space, and I always have my stocking hung by the fireplace, just hoping that Santa would come through for me. And this year he finally did.”
Jared has lost the ability to speak, he has, all he can do is look up with tear filled hazel eyes and Jared is met with a look of such abundant caring and concern. “Can you tell me what happened? I saw you at the mall, all dressed up and having such a great time. But I know something must have come to pass, because no one as incredible as you gets left alone to raise two amazing children, not unless that Alpha was a damn fool.” It took a moment, for Jared to focus, to think, and he just knew that he could trust Jensen, against all the odds of finding a good and decent man out in the world, Jared just knew that he had finally succeeded. Or, well, his boys had.
“He said he loved me, that he would be with me forever…” Jared has to stop, but with Jensen’s gentle encouragement, he begins again. And over the course of the evening, the whole story is divulged. How Jared used to live for Christmas, how it had all changed when Dalton had used his passions against him, how he had been left to do the best he could to raise two boys on his own, how Chad had been his rock, always there whenever Jared needed a few hours to be off by himself. How all of the years of self-sufficiency had helped to shape Jared and the boys. How Fred was the more outgoing of the two, Lee was more sensitive and philosophical. How both were perfect little gentlemen when they went out on dates, because they knew the potential repercussions of a beautiful act that shouldn’t be indulged in needlessly.
“Do you even realize how beautiful you are, when you talk about your boys? How you seem to almost glow with pride as you mention each of their accomplishment?” Jared blushed as the warm praise washed over him, leaving him longing for something more, just not knowing what. “How about we make a plan? Hmmm?” Jensen waited as Jared rolled those words over in his mind, then continued once Jared had nodded. “What if we go out each night this week? Spend some time together? Get to know each other outside of a surprise being sprung on you that you weren’t ready for? What do you say?”
Jared wanted to jump up and dance a jig, but he knew that that might not go over too well, so instead, he nodded as he smiled shyly at Jensen. A warm hand came up to cup his jaw, before that decadent voice was rolling over him once more. “I really want to give you a kiss. Would that be alright?”
And now Jared wanted to cry. How could anyone as perfect as this Alpha even exist in the world? But he nodded, and then felt amazingly plush lips meet his own, for an achingly tender and completely chaste kiss. Then he was pulled in closer by the powerful arms that were still wrapped around him, helping him to feel so safe and secure. He snuggled in, his face buried against the hollow of Jensen’s throat, and stopped fighting the urge that had been trying to get out since, honestly, he didn’t even know when. The tears started to flow, and once activated, there was no stopping them.
Jensen simply held him close, as Jared sobbed, as he clung to this amazing Alpha, hands clenched into one of the ugliest Christmas sweaters that he had ever laid his eyes upon. And they stayed like that, until finally Jared calmed, and then they talked some more, until their bladders demanded attention, at which point Jared made them a snack and a couple of mugs of hot chocolate, adding a candy cane into each. They had resumed their positions on the couch, and fallen asleep, held close to one another, and Jared couldn’t help the warm feeling that had crawled up and out from the spot where he had long ago shoved down all of his love and joy for his once favorite season.
*****
Fred and Lee had crept back into the house at way-to-early o’clock in the morning, which had caused Jared to jump, Jensen to startle, and Chad to cackle. No questions were asked about what may or may not have occurred the previous evening, given that they were both fully clothed with the exception of their shoes.
The boys proceeded to make breakfast, with Jensen’s assistance, and Jared was amazed at how attentive they were being. While Jared’s pancakes were perfectly fluffy and his bacon was just the right amount of crispy and chewy combined, Chad’s pancakes were slightly scorched, and his bacon was burnt. The boys and Jensen split the rest of the pile, getting a mixture of both before they all settled in for their Christmas morning meal.
Jensen spent the day at the house, first opening presents, then watching movies, playing games, and helping to create a delicious evening meal. This time Chad was graced with a perfectly edible portion of food, which included pork chops, smashed potatoes with bacon bits, green beans covered in butter and parmesan cheese, perfectly shaped dinner rolls that had been made from scratch, and a selection of pie for dessert. Jared took apple, Chad selected cherry, and the boys dove into the pumpkin pie. Jensen smiled as he sat down with his own slice of apple. Chad and the boys saw to clean-up, while Jared sat curled up on the couch with Jensen while they watched It’s A Wonderful Life. After a quick clean-up on aisle three, Chad and Jensen left, and Jared was left with Fred and Lee, who hightailed it to their rooms before Jared could get too emotional.
The week that followed was a series of getting to know you dates. Ice skating had led to a pathetic snowball fight as there was barely any real snow to speak of, and a visit to the aquarium had culminated in a long walk on the beach that ended sitting around a bonfire. They had driven up into the nearby Cascades Mountains and hiked for a bit, before finally having a real snowball fight. Jared finally got them to the vintage movie theater, where they had watched the only Christmas movie still showing, that all time classic, Die Hard. Jared realized he could be falling a little bit in love with Jensen, as he delivered line after line from the movie, and by the end they both called out their favorite moment of sass, “Yippie-Ki-Ya-Mother…” which was as far as either got, because both had brought their hands up to cover the other’s mouth. A poetry reading was enjoyed the next evening, followed by some dancing at a nearby bar. Last, but certainly not least, had been a visit to the art museum, which had devolved into a series of wildly inappropriate comments, most of which had come flying out of Jared’s mouth.
But tonight, was finally the night. It was New Years Eve, and Jared was finally ready to admit to himself that he was ready for so much more. Looking back, he could realize how young and naïve he had been with Dalton, how the stark contrasts between that loathsome bastard and a fine upstanding Alpha like Jensen couldn’t be any clearer. He had dressed up, wearing a nice pair of black slacks, a crisp navy blue button-down, with a hunter green tie, and now he waited. First, for Chad to arrive to whisk the boys away, next, for Jensen to arrive, but mostly, for the right moment to speak to his boys.
Jared found them, sitting on the couch, locked in a fight to the finish, to claim the ultimate prize in Mario Cart. Fred had just inched his way to victory, when Jared moved to stand in front of the television screen with his arms crossed over his chest. Both boys stilled, knowing that their luck was at an end.
“First, we will need to schedule a very long, and potentially multiple part conversation about some of your behavior leading up to this, and how it would be very easy to misconstrue what you did. Second, your Uncle Chad had promised me that he is planning on boring you to tears with re-runs of Bonanza. Lastly, and I do mean this sincerely,” Jared moved to sit on the edge of the coffee table, as he grasped their hands with his own, “I want to thank you for all that you’ve done. You absolutely could have handled it better, but I know you did it from a place of love, and the end results, well, it’s looking pretty damn good at the moment.” Jared was quickly wrapped up in matching sets of arms as his darling boys moved to engulf him, and Jared quite happily sank into the warmth of the family hug.
“We love you, Dad.” Came from Fred.
“We just want to see you happy.” Was Lee’s contribution.
Jared sighed. “I know you do, and that’s why you’re not in serious trouble.” Jared placed kisses on both of their foreheads, and then the doorbell rang, and his boys were off. Quickly grabbing their bags, and not even letting Chad set foot in the house. Jared smiled softly, wondering what he had ever done to wind up with two such amazing children, but as he stood in the doorway, waving goodnight as they pulled away, he heard the familiar rumble of Jensen’s Impala as it pulled to a stop in front of his home.
Jared couldn’t take his eyes off of him, as he walked down the front walkway, the way he carried himself with such easy confidence, the way that his legs bowed so deliciously, and the easy going smile that Jared knew he would never get enough of. Jared was waiting patiently, as Jensen stopped, patted down the pockets of his coat for a moment, and then pulled something out that he held behind his back. Just as Jensen reached Jared, he went down to one knee and reached out and grasped Jared’s right hand with his own.
“Jared, I just need you to know, that I plan on waking up with you in the morning, and every morning after, if you’ll let me.” Jared could feel the trembling smile pulling at the corners of his mouth, as he raised his free hand up, “So, please, will you accept this token, as a sign of my fidelity?” Jensen pulled his other hand out from behind his back, and presented the ring box, which he opened one handed. Jared could only stare down in wonder, seeing the Claddagh ring that was nestled into the box that Jensen held. It was silver with a ruby laid into the heart, and fire opals in the crown. Jared could only nod his head, as he was finding it impossible to speak. Jensen slid the ring onto Jared’s finger and then stood, and pulled him close, before he placed a chaste kiss onto his full lips.
“Hey, you want to go inside. Because I think your HOA would have something to say about us doing the next thing on the front porch.” Jared nodded, even as he smirked, trying to imagine the look on Mrs. Hoffer’s face should she peer out her front window just then. They were inside, up the stairs, and standing at the foot of the king-sized bed before Jared could even process. But then Jensen was there, offering a hug, as hands ran up and down Jared’s broad back. “There’s no rush, we have the whole rest of our lives, you know.”
Jared relaxed then, feeling as if a great weight had been lifted off of his shoulders. They sank back onto the bed as clothes were shed, and Jared reveled in each inch of pale, freckle-covered flesh that was exposed, knowing that he would end up counting all of those freckles one day soon. They worked their way up the bed, until finally they were both naked, and Jared could only stare up into the gorgeous emerald-green eyes that were looking down at him. “So beautiful,” were the soft words Jensen spoke, as his hand began to trace over Jared’s golden skin. But then he leaned down, and Jared was lost, as he finally got a real kiss. And it was even better than he ever would have hoped it to be.
Jared sighed deeply as the sleek tongue slid past his parted lips, exploring everything that it could while his hands roamed over the broad back that was above him. Large hands were sliding into his hair, that fell in waves to his shoulders, gently caressing his scalp as he held him still, so that his mouth could be plundered. Jared spread his legs, and felt one deliciously bowed thigh slide between, giving him something to grind against, as Jensen took his time learning every single part of Jared. They kept on kissing, as their hands roamed over firm flesh, as fingers dug in and relished what they found.
Jensen pulled back and met Jared’s gaze, before he smiled softly, “When’s the last time you, um, did anything like this?” Jared blushed profusely then, wondering what he had done wrong that had let his Alpha know that this was only going to be his second time with another. Jared swallowed hard, and then tried to speak. “Um, not since, ah, since my first, hmm, time.” He could feel the tears start to roll down the sides of his face, as he lay there, ready to be found lacking.
“Hey, hey.” Soft lips pressed to his eyelids, and then his temples. “You have nothing to be worried about, or feel shame over, or guilt, or whatever else is upsetting you. I want you to focus on the here and now, on us. I only ask, because I need to know what I’ll need to do to ensure you feel nothing but pleasure.” Another soft kiss landed on his forehead, “Because I want you to be screaming with ecstasy by the time that I’m done with you. Ok, sweetheart?” Jared was staring wide-eyed up at Jensen, but he still found the ability to nod his head.
Jensen smiled warmly then, as he spoke. “Good, now roll over.” Jared did it without thinking, knowing that this was how it was done, the Omega would get up on their hands and knees, and then the Alpha would fuck them until they knotted them. If the Omega was lucky, they might feel some pleasure from the act, but it was mostly for the benefit of the Alpha. When Jared started to get up, a large hand between his shoulder blades pressed him back into the soft sheets. “Spread your legs,” Jared did, heard the sharply drawn breath, then, “Wider.” Jared did that as well, and then waited.
The first flick of Jensen’s tongue against his softly puckered hole almost had him leaping off of the bed, but a hand on his hip helped to hold him still. In just a moment, Jared felt another lick, and then another after that. He tried to turn, to see what was going on, but Jensen’s large hands held him immobile. “Shhh. Settle darlin’, I just need to get you ready.” Jared couldn’t truly understand, the only time Omega’s needed to do anything for prep was when they were pleasuring themselves. Their bodies were supposed to recognize that an Alpha was with them, and open naturally. So what Jensen was doing was a brand-new experience entirely for Jared.
Jensen had latched on with his mouth and was now sucking at the tight pucker, as his tongue pressed inside, and that was when Jared lost the ability to think. He simply grabbed as much of the bedding as his big hands could gather, and then he held on for dear life. Jensen just kept going, adding fingers into the mix, and that was when Jared knew that he had not received a proper education. Liquid fire poured forth along every single nerve, leaving Jared gasping for air, as he struggled to understand what was happening to him. Nothing that Dalton had done to him on that long ago night came close to what Jensen was doing, and he still hadn’t even penetrated Jared yet, not really. But Jared felt the wave of pleasure course through him again, felt as another finger was added, and then something deep inside was pressed down and stroked with so much vigor. Jared’s eyes were rolling all the way back into his head, as his eyes fluttered closed, and he was left gasping for breath. When his Alpha’s other hand slid under his hip, and began to stroke his cock, Jared’s body writhed as he fought to understand, to puzzle out the solution to this problem.
Strong hands were on his hips then, raising them up, as Jensen’s other hand gathered slick and then began to stroke Jared in earnest. Once, twice, three strokes later and Jared’s release was being ripped right out of him, and Jensen held him tight while each pulse sprayed across the sheets. Jensen rolled him then, so that Jared was laid out on a clean portion of the bedding as he drew in several ragged breaths, and it was then that Jared saw the foil pack and reached out a hand. “I have an IUD.” Jensen leaned down, and kissed him, lips still covered with slick, and Jared quivered as he tasted himself on the mouth of his lover.
“Sweetheart, the only thing that’s a hundred percent effective is abstinence, and that’s not on tonight’s menu. I would never want to risk you like that.” Jared nodded, as more tears pricked his eyes. Only now realizing just how naïve and inexperienced he still was, even after having raised two teenage boys. “Hey,” the soft word was accompanied by a gentle hand cupping his jaw, “the thought of you, carrying my child, I mean, I’m not gonna lie. It just does all kinds of things to me. But we’re not there yet. And if we do that, it will be after we’re properly mated, not before. Ok, darlin’?”
Jared nodded, as he released Jensen’s hand, watched as he tore open the packet and then rolled the condom on. Jensen settled in between Jared’s long legs, pushing them back, holding them until Jared gripped them himself. Jared watched, as that magnificent cock sank lower, and then he felt it, nudging against his hole, Jensen’s other hand was guiding it then, as the head slowly eased past the first ring of muscle, and then sank in the first couple of inches. Jared threw his head back, as his entire body convulsed with the pleasure of that small act, and he knew there was still so much more to come. With his eyes closed, Jared could concentrate on the slow penetration, as Jensen eased in further, sank in deeper, until finally, oh dear sweet Lord, finally his balls drew flush with Jared’s pert ass. Jared felt large hands on his own then, as Jensen eased himself down, and then Jared’s legs were being wrapped around a narrow waist as his lips were captured and his mouth was being ravished once more. Jared had slid his arms around the broad shoulders of his Alpha, needed to draw him ever closer, to feel his weight pressing him down, and then he was lost with the first gentle roll of Jensen’s hips. Jared threw his head back as he savored each incredible pulse of pleasure that was shooting through his body. With each slow stroke, he felt tendrils of ecstasy wrap around him tighter.
“Sweetheart, you alright?” The soft question made Jared focus, look into the emerald-green depths of his Alpha, and he smiled softly, just before he moaned, as Jensen sank in all the way and then ground down with his hips. “Only alright? ‘Cause I’m making it my personal mission to make this fantastically amazing for you.” Jared could only writhe beneath the powerful body that held him so close, that was forcing such pleasure upon him.
“It is, it really is.” Jared was proud of himself for getting that much out, and then Jensen was kissing him again, just as his hand slipped in between them once more, and Jared would have screamed except that his lips were caught as yet another orgasm was torn out of him. He was trembling, clinging to his Alpha as he finally started to move in earnest. Driving his hips deep into the fluttering channel that was clutching him so tight, Jared simply drew himself up, so that he could wrap around his Alpha, as he tried to coax his first release out of him, after Jensen had already made him come twice, in amazingly spectacular fashion.
Jensen’s hips stuttered then, as he buried himself fully, and Jared could feel the tug, then the pressure, as his Alpha’s knot expanded and locked them together, as his Alpha’s release was caught in the condom. Jensen collapsed down, face buried in the side of Jared’s long neck, as he tried to catch his breath. “Come on, sweetheart, help me to roll us.”
“No.” Jensen looked down at Jared sharply, as if to find some damage that he had caused that he simply wasn’t aware of yet. “No, its just, I like to feel you on me, pressing me down…” Jared trailed off, not knowing how to say the words, and not wanting to ruin this perfect moment.
“He didn’t do it like this did he? Just standard presentation, and then he didn’t touch you after?” Jared nodded as more tears gathered. “Sweetheart, he was the biggest fool to have ever walked this earth. To have had someone as precious as you, and to have squandered such an incredible opportunity. I just need you to know, none of it was your fault. He was the stupid ass, and if I ever find him, after I beat him senseless, I’ll thank him for giving me the chance to be with you.” Jensen leaned in and gave Jared more achingly tender kisses, until he finally leaned back, and with a soft smile playing on those plush lips, whispered the words Jared had thought to never hear, “I love you, sweetheart.”
The sob tore out of Jared, and he simply clutched on tighter to Jensen, he tried to speak, but the words were just so elusive. “Darlin’, I know. Your body has said it in every single way that it could.” And then Jensen was stroking him, caressing him, and whispering such sweet words of tender devotion against his sweat covered golden flesh. They lay there, holding each other close, until finally Jared clasped his hands around Jensen’s gorgeous face, as his thumb stroked over a patch of freckle covered cheek, “I love you.” He was rewarded with another gentle kiss, and then Jensen was carrying them into the shower, and Jared learned to truly appreciate Alpha strength for the first time in his life.
Jensen held him up, against the wall, with Jared’s legs hooked over his shoulders, as his magnificent cock thrust up and filled him, over and over and over again. The water was growing cold by the time Jensen’s knot filled once more, and then Jensen was carrying them back to the bed, and they snuggled in. Falling asleep for a while, and when Jared woke, feeling the hard cock pressed against his firm cheeks, he decided that he was going to be able to give something back.
Jared pushed Jensen onto his back, and straddled him, before he leaned down and began to kiss his Alpha. He ground down with his hips, shivering with satisfaction as he could feel Jensen’s cock filling, he tried to slide lower, but strong hands caught him, “Mmm, sweetheart, I want to be wide awake the first time you do that, so that I can savor every moment.” Jared wanted to pout, but let it go as soon as he realized that Jensen was grabbing another condom and then rolling it on. “How about we start slow.” Jared grinned wickedly, as he raised himself up and lined up with the throbbing cock that he wasn’t quite sure how he had managed to live without for all these years. He gasped as he slowly sank down, feeling himself stretch around every gloriously thick inch, until he had finally drawn flush against a muscled abdomen, and then gave himself a moment to savor the experience. Jensen’s large hands landed on his lean hips, and when Jared finally moved, he helped to establish a rhythm.
Jared placed his hands over Jensen’s, as he slowly moved, just rolling his hips at first, enjoying the sight of Jensen chewing on his plush lower lip, knowing that he was able to be giving his Alpha such incredible pleasure. When Jensen gave him a gentle squeeze, Jared began to actually raise himself up, before dropping back down. And then, then he simply got lost in the utter joy of knowing that he was an Omega that could please his Alpha. That he wasn’t defective, or too old, or dried up, or worn out. He had simply needed to wait until the fates had allowed him to find his one destined love. Jared leaned forward and braced his hands against the pale freckle covered flesh, as Jensen began to thrust up and into the utterly willing body that was clutching him so wonderfully tight. Jared’s thighs were beginning to feel the burn by the time that Jensen’s long fingers curled around his neglected cock, and then he was shooting his release across his Alpha’s taut belly as Jensen began to lose his rhythm, and then Jared ground down, and felt the full body shivers race up his spine, as Jensen slammed up and into his Omega one final time, as his head fell back and he arched his neck as he completely surrendered to the moment.
Jared collapsed over him then, and found that he couldn’t help himself, as his teeth began to nibble at the bared flesh, tongue flicking out to caress the pulse point that pounded furiously. “You could, you know. I wouldn’t stop you.” The words were soft, but their meaning was quite shocking. Claiming bites had stopped being exchanged ages ago, now it was primarily rings, or if you truly felt the need for a more public display, a collar.
“You would let me do that?” Jared whispers against the damp flesh.
“Sweetheart. I gave you that ring, I meant what I said. I know it may take you some time to fully trust anyone again, but I need you to know that I am committed. In this for the long haul.” Jensen turned his head back towards Jared, and then found his lips for a gentle kiss. “Hey, we don’t have to do this now. We’ve got time. Just think about it, ok?” Jared nodded, and then he was being held tight as Jensen’s arms wrapped around him once more. He snuggled in, and they fell asleep like that, with Jared straddling Jensen, while they both fell even deeper into the emotions that neither had ever hoped to feel.
*****
“Dad! Come on! They’re playing your song!” Jared glanced at the mirror one more time, satisfied that he was looking as good as he was ever going to. He hooked one arm each with his twin boys, and then the doors opened. The chapel was full, mostly of Jensen’s side of the family, although Jared’s mother and father had shown up for the momentous occasion. Several of the boy’s friends were gathered on Jared’s side as well. But that wasn’t what he was looking at, no, all of Jared’s attention was focused on the Alpha standing at the front of the chapel, dressed up in his finest Santa Claus suit. Jared had let the boys go a little wild, and his Christmas Elf outfit had been tailored perfectly this year.
The ceremony was blessedly quick, until they got to the kissing part, and then Jensen made sure to take his time, draw it out until Jared’s toes were all curled up inside elven shoes. Once the cheering subsided, and Jared was once again vertical, they moved onto the joint Christmas Eve party / wedding reception that had been wildly inappropriately decorated by Chad, leading Jared to believe that Chad may have caused a worldwide mistletoe shortage.
That night, once Jensen had carried Jared up the stairs and they had retired to their bedroom, Jared finally received what he had never even realized he was truly missing.
A renewed joy for all things Christmas.
And a love for the ages.
The End