Chapter Text
You were quiet on the ride to the hotel, mainly because the walk to the car and then bending down to get in caused your right side to protest at your sudden contortions. You took several breaths to try to ease the throbbing pain. As the car moved through LA traffic, with all the usual sights and sounds, your head began to throb. You knew that if you took your medicine, you would fall asleep and Chris would have to carry you inside and place you into your bed in his house. At least Katie would be there you thought but that was more embarrassment than you could bear to deal with from Chris. The sunglasses you were wearing helped block the sunshine but you still closed your eyes, which unfortunately made you feel nauseous. Once you arrived at the back of the hotel and the car stopped, you felt better but your headache was still throbbing.
Chris glanced over at you and saw your eyes squeezed shut and then you furrowed your brow.
“You okay?”
“Headache….I guess the jostling around and the noises have brought it on,” you replied, not opening your eyes or looking over at him.
“I’m sorry. Was I driving too fast?”
“No, it’s not you or your driving. It’s from being so still for almost a month in a hospital room. I’ll rest when we get to your house.”
“Promise?”
You opened your eyes and looked at him as you raised the sunglasses.
“Are you doubting me already?”
“No, I just gave Dr. Lewis my word that I would make sure that you follow his orders…and I’m taking it very seriously,” he said, smiling back.
“Well, I seriously feel like I may throw up and my head is pounding.”
“Do you need to go inside to the bathroom?” he offered quickly.
“No. I just want to be still and hopefully Katie will get here soon. I hope they weren’t followed from the hospital. I really will throw up if we’re spotted and they chase us to your place.”
“I won’t let that happen,” he said confidently.
“You’re sure you can outrun the press.”
“No. I will call the cops because they told the press not to follow you or they would be detained.”
“What if that doesn’t scare them off?”
“Then I’ll lose them. I know several back roads.”
You looked at him questioningly and he noticed.
“I’m serious. Trust me, okay?”
A knock on your window startled you and you turned to see Katie grinning at you. Chris unlocked the doors and Katie opened the back door and slid in.
“Oh my God! What a rush! I felt like a real celebrity as I walked out and was blinded by all the flashes. And then we rushed to the back of the limo and then the driver whisked us away. We did have some folks following us but the police cut them off,” Katie said excitedly.
“So are we good to head home?” Chris asked.
“Yes, Jane and I walked into the hotel and I rushed out to meet you but the limo is still there and she said that she was going to wait for about 20 minutes or so. She wants the press to think that she was getting you settled into a suite.”
“Okay. Are you feeling better?” he asked, looking at you with concern.
“Yeah. Thanks.”
“Wait. What’s wrong? Are you hurting?” Katie asks, leaning forward and touching your shoulder.
“I have a headache. I haven’t ridden in a car in awhile and it’s made me nauseous. I’m just ready to get to the house so I can lie down.”
Chris started the car and then looked at you again.
“Buckle up, ladies,” he said as he pulled out of the parking lot.
—------------
When you arrived, Chris escorted you inside and straight into the bedroom you would use while staying with him. Katie went into the room beside yours with her bag and closed the door, while Chris went back out to the car and got your carry-on bag. He brought it back to you and then went to the kitchen to get you water and then rushed back as you were waiting with your pain medicine sitting out on the bedside table. You thanked him and said that you were going to take your medicine and sleep. He nodded and then closed the door behind him as he left.
You awoke groggily after a 4-hour nap. Your headache was gone but you still felt the effects of the tightness and sensitivity to lights and loud sounds. You got up and went to the bathroom. As you flushed and then washed your hands, you noticed the decor of the bathroom. It had an elegant flare and matched the bedroom. You wondered if this was his sister, Katherine’s old bedroom and made a note to ask him later. He promised that he would give you a tour once you were feeling better.
You left the bedroom and looked in the open doorway of the room Katie was in but it was empty. The clothes she was wearing earlier were laid across the bed and her suitcase was open and you smiled, giving you a clue where to look for her. You walked down the hall until it opened into the living room with an open floor plan. The room was huge with 2 leather couches at a V angle but facing toward a brick fireplace. Over the marble mantel, hung a huge TV screen and on the wall to the right hung a collage of family photos. You approached and looked at them and smiled at seeing the various stages of Chris’s life. You walked further and saw a doorway that led to the kitchen. You were feeling hungry since you didn’t have lunch so you thought you could find something in the fridge but as you entered, there was a woman standing at the stove, stirring whatever was in a big pot.
“Hello,” you said, as she turned and saw you.
“Hello. You must be Y/F/N.”
“Yes, and you’re Isabelle?”
“Yes. How was your nap? Is your headache gone?” she asked with concern.
“It’s better. Thank you for asking. I love that bed. It’s so much more comfortable than the hospital bed.”
“That was Miss Katherine’s bedroom. She was such a girly girl. She loved her dolls and playing dress up while Master Chris was always in the pool or running and jumping. Although, he did take ballet classes at the same time as his sister. Did you know that?” she said, smiling as if she was revealing some hidden secret.
“Yes. He told me. I think he’s proud of that.”
“As he should be. I think it has helped him with his acting and being able to do action movies. He wants to play parts where he can be active instead of just romance and kissing scenes,” she said as she turned back to the pot and stirred.
You drew your lips inward and bit them from the inside not wanting to comment. Maybe she didn’t know what his most recent part was, but as you looked back at her, she spun around and displayed a look of regret.
“I am so sorry. I didn’t mean that the way that it sounded. He loved being in this movie….especially with you as his leading lady. He is very fond of you….well obviously, since he asked you to come and stay here.”
“Yeah. Chris is very generous and I appreciate it. But I don’t want to be a burden to him or you….As soon as my doctor allows me to go home, I will,” you said quickly, trying to convey that you weren’t taking advantage of him.
“Oh, of course. But while you are here, I want you to make yourself at home. If there is anything that you need, just let me know,” she said, sincerely.
“Thank you. Uh…actually, can I help myself to the fridge? I missed lunch at the hospital.”
“Of course, but if you’ll tell me what you want, I’ll be glad to fix it for you,” she said, quickly moving toward you.
“You’re busy cooking and I don’t want to add more work for you. I can just fix myself a sandwich,” you replied.
“Nonsense. There is salad fixings, and meat and cheese for sandwiches, and I’m making homemade chicken noodle soup. I used to make it for the children when they were sick. Mr. Pine thought it would be a good first meal for you,” she said.
“It smells wonderful. I can just make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich with a glass of milk, maybe?”
“Do you eat dairy products, like cheese?” she asked.
“Yes. I love most cheeses, especially macaroni and cheese and grilled cheese sandwiches, too.”
“Okay. You go sit down at the table and I will make you a grilled cheese sandwich. Do you want some chips or vegetable sticks with it?”
“Isabelle, really. You don’t have to go to any trouble for me,” you said as the patio door slid open and a wet, shirtless Chris padded inside.
“Just let her spoil you. God knows, she has me since I was able to walk,” he said as he came up beside her and planted a kiss onto her cheek as Isabelle giggled and pushed him away.
“Yes and you still track water on my kitchen floor. Dry off before you come in,” she gently scolded him.
“Yes, ma’ am. Sorry,” he chuckled. “Katie and I are swimming. You want to come out and join us?”
“My eyes are still kind of sensitive to the sun. Can I see the pool from here?”
“Sure,” he said, “or you could come out and sit under the pergola on the couch and watch us. It’s totally shaded at this time of day and there’s a nice breeze blowing. Actually, I’m kind of hungry too, so I could sit with you and Isa could bring us both something,” he said, looking back at her.
“Yes, take her out there and I will bring you both sandwiches, chips, and drinks. What about Ms. Katie? Is she hungry as well?”
“Let me ask,” Chris said, rushing out the door and then yelling to Katie.
Isabelle shook her head as you smiled even though his loudness made you cringe.
“Forgive him. He really was raised with better manners.”
“It’s fine. He’s at home and very comfortable.”
Chris stuck his head inside and said, “She’s hungry, too.”
“Alright, 3 sandwiches coming right up. Now, take Y/F/N outside and get her settled on the couch,” Isabelle ordered.
You immediately stood up and walked toward Chris, knowing better than to protest with the older Hispanic woman.
—-------------
Jensen awoke suddenly when his cell phone rang. He turned it toward him to see the time, which was only 3 hours after he had laid down.
“Fuck,” he muttered as he saw who was calling. He unplugged his phone from the charger and hit the button. “Hello,” he said, his voice even deeper than usual.
“Hey, honey. I’ve got great news!” Danneel said enthusiastically.
“Yeah?” he said, as he rolled onto his back and held the phone away from his ear because she was talking loudly.
“We wrapped our filming in Amsterdam earlier than expected. I’m headed your way. Of course, it’s a long flight and I won’t get there until late tonight, but I figured that I could just get a hotel room and you could join me when you finish filming for the day. I can’t wait to see you.”
“Yeah, I think it would be better if you get a room and then rest and I’ll catch up with you in a couple of days,” he said, hoping that she wouldn’t object.
“What? Why can’t you come tonight? Did you not hear me say how much I’ve missed you? We haven’t had sex since that night after the Teen Choice Awards. I am majorly horny and I don’t think that you should keep me waiting,” she emphasized.
Jensen’s jaw clenched upon hearing her veiled threat.
“Dee, you know that I’ve missed you too, and I want you so bad, but Jared and I just finished a night shoot and we’ve got today to sleep, but I have to be back on set tonight by 10:00 pm. It’s work so I don’t have a choice. I won’t be done until about 10 am tomorrow, and I imagine you’ll still be sleeping and I’ll need some sleep as well.”
“Shit! This just messes up my plans,” she sighs heavily, “but I guess you’re right. I probably will still be tired. I can never sleep on planes…those seats aren’t comfortable enough and I don’t have my Organa goose down comforter or my pillow. That reminds me, I need to ask what kind of pillows, sheets, and comforters they have before I check into a hotel. The cheap cottons are bad for your hair, not to mention your back from a lumpy worn out mattress.”
“Dee, that’s important but I was sleeping and I need more if I’m going to be able to perform later tonight,” he said, trying to get her to let him go.
“Well, acting is one thing but I want you well rested so you can perform for me,” she said seductively and then giggled.
“I want that, too. Okay, have a good flight and I’ll call you when I’m well rested.”
“You do that, sexy. I will text you where I’m staying. Bye.”
“Bye,” he said and disconnected the call quickly.
Jensen closed his eyes and exhaled. “God, I am totally fucked.”
—----------
After a quick tour of the second floor which included his parent’s bedroom, his mom’s extensive library, and he confessed that his room was upstairs instead of at the end of the hallway as he led you to believe, you all enjoyed the chicken noodle soup at the kitchen table instead of in the dining room. Chris promised Isabelle that he would load the dishwasher and clean the kitchen so that she could have the rest of the night for herself, which she finally agreed to. He kept his promise and wouldn’t allow either of you to help. Instead he sent you off to the living room and suggested a movie night which sounded like fun. As you and Katie were looking through the large collection of DVD’s, you heard him rushing around in the kitchen and then popcorn popping in the microwave. You selected High School Musical 1 and 2 while Katie chose Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest.
Chris entered with a huge bowl of hot, buttered popcorn and 3 cans of Coca Cola and set them down on the coffee table.
“Okay, what are we watching?” he said, looking back and forth between you.
You held up both movies and he laughed out loud.
“I thought you told me that you’ve never seen these,” you said with elation.
“I haven’t. Those belong to my sister. She and mom are big Zac Efron fans and dad and I usually go to a bar when they want to have a marathon watch party. What did you pick?” he said, turning to look at Katie.
“ Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest. I’m all about some Johnny Depp,” she said with a wink.
“That’s better than Y/F/N’s but I can do better than that,” he said as he walked over to a desk and pulled open a drawer and rifled through its contents. He closed the top drawer and opened the next drawer.
“Yes!” he exclaimed as he pulled out a manilla folder and opened the clasp and pulled out the DVD. It was Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.
Your mouth hung open and your eyes widened and then you looked over at Katie who was just as surprised as you.
“Chris, how did you get a copy of that movie? It’s not due to be released until November 11?” you asked.
“Warner Brothers gave us all an advanced copy at the Wrap party. It was rescheduled because of…” he froze when he saw your smile fade with a look of sadness now displayed. “Uh, I have your copy here, too. Don’t let me forget to give it to you, okay?”
You turned away from him and grabbed some popcorn from the bowl and put it into your mouth. Chris glanced at Katie and she glared at him and then motioned for him to say something.
“Uh, do you like Harry Potter?”
“Yes. I have all the books except for the Deathly Hallows. I wasn’t able to go to the book store when it was released because we were filming. I would really like to have it so that I can read while I’m recuperating.”
“I’ll go get it for you tomorrow,” Chris said quickly, smiling at you.
You giggled and smiled back at him.
“I didn’t mean for you to run out and get it,” you replied.
“I’m not. Right now we’re going to watch the latest movie. I said I would go tomorrow. Weren’t you listening?” he chuckled.
“Thank you,” you said as you took one of the cans of Coke and opened it and then took a sip. You glanced at Katie and she was pointing at Chris’s back and winking at you, almost making you spit out your Coke. “Are we going to sit huddled together and pass the bowl of popcorn?” you asked.
“Yeah, I guess.”
“Nope. No way, dude. That’s nasty,” Katie piped up. “I mean, I’ve just met you but I don’t know your hygiene habits. It took me months before I would share a bucket of popcorn with her when we went to the movies.”
“Okay, okay. I’ll go get us each a bowl,” Chris said as he headed back to the kitchen.
Katie jumped up and came over to get her Coke.
“Girl, I know you want to take things slow with him, but he’s a dream come true and he’s rich. Look at this place,” she whispered.
“This is his parent’s house and I’m worried that he hasn’t even told them that I’m staying here while they’re out of town.”
“Hopefully he did. I doubt that he hasn’t talked about you and how he feels about you with his parents over these last few months. When are they coming home?”
“Sometime this week, I think,” you said as you sat down when you saw Chris reenter the room.
Katie waited until Chris handed her a bowl and she took it and filled it with popcorn and then went back to sit on the other couch.
Chris grabbed a handful of popcorn for himself and put it into a bowl and then looked over at you.
“Can I bring you a bowl?”
“Sure,” you said and then watched as he licked his buttery fingers and reached for the bowl, as your mouth opened and then shouted, “Chris!”
He laughed and then grabbed a napkin, wiping off his hand.
“Gotcha!”
He got a bowl and then scooped it from the bigger bowl and brought it over to you. He placed his bowl and his drink beside you on the couch and then crossed toward the TV and popped the DVD from its case and inserted it into the player. He brought the remote back with him and then sat down beside you. He hit play as you all watched the TV screen.
—-------------
Halfway through the movie, Chris looked over at you and noticed that you were asleep. Your head was leaned back on the couch and you had readjusted and brought your legs up underneath you. He had even gotten you a blanket when you said you were cold, which probably helped you doze off. He paused the movie and Katie said, “Hey!” and then looked over, seeing you asleep.
“I’m not surprised. She woke up early and then she was hurting,” Katie said.
“Yeah, but she took a long nap,” Chris added.
“True, but she was probably used to taking several smaller naps throughout the day. It’s been a big day for her, and she’s still recuperating,” Katie said as she stood up and came closer.
Chris stood up as well.
“Should we wake her or just let her sleep here?”
“She doesn’t look comfortable with her head bent back like that.”
Katie leaned in and shook your shoulder.
“Y/F/N.”
You didn’t move and she leaned closer to make sure you were breathing.
“Did she take her medicine after dinner?” Katie asked, looking up at Chris.
“I don’t know. Maybe, especially if she was in pain.”
“Okay, can you carry her and put her in the bed?”
“What? Are you sure she’d want me to do that?” Chris said uneasily.
“I’ll tell her I told you to. She’ll probably wake up as soon as you lift her up anyway.”
Chris leaned over and placed his right arm under your thighs and he carefully inched his left arm behind your back. He lifted you slowly and stood erect as your head rolled inward toward his chest. He paused as Katie looked on.
“She’s out. She definitely took her medicine,” Katie said.
Chris began to walk toward the bedrooms as Katie followed. When he walked into your room, he asked Katie to turn down the covers and she did and then moved aside. Chris gently laid you down and then pulled back. Katie started to reach for the covers but Chris grabbed them and placed them over you. He then gently moved a strand of hair away from your face and then stood back up. He suddenly looked back at Katie and was relieved to see her smiling at him.
“Thank you, Chris. You’re so sweet and you’re good for her. She needs someone like you taking care of her now.”
“Thanks, Katie. It means a lot to me that you approve of our…friendship.”
“I do,” she said and then walked toward the door. She paused and turned around and looked at him with a serious stare. “But make no mistake, you hurt her the way Jensen did and I’ll make you regret it.”
“I would never do that to her. I just want her to love me the way she did him,” he said sincerely.
“Then give her time. She’s got a lot of hurt to work through.”
Chris nodded as he walked toward the door. He turned out the light and then closed the door.