That's When We Uncover [Jensen Ackles + Misha Collins | Cockles | mxm]

Chapter Six

"I told you. I can't do the meet and greet; I have a magazine shoot," Jared sighs into his cellphone.

I duck under his arm, a bowl of quinoa fruit salad in one hand and my own phone in the other. "No, listen; the only option is to reschedule with a conference call Thursday morning... What, no, marketing has been all over me about scheduling the photoshoot for two months..."

Dani, Gen, JJ and Misha are seated around the breakfast table while Jared paces about, conversing frantically with his agent. I set the salad down next to a plate of English muffins with almond butter, turkey bacon and egg. They, like everything else Misha whipped up after my failed cooking escapade earlier this morning, look delicious.

"I want a smoothie," JJ squeals, brightening as I pass her a red berry shake that Misha's blended with coconut water and Greek yogurt.

Dani's plate is sparse but tasteful, featuring a slice of nut, banana and chia seed toast. I'm just glad she isn't fussing over the carbs.

"No, that Wednesday we have a whole panel lined up that I asked you to nail down as soon as possible... Q and A, yes, and signing..." Jared's voice rises over the clinking and clattering of cutlery as we pile our plates high and go to town.

My own phone is going off like it's possessed, vibrating against the tabletop, but I turn it on silent because, unlike Jared, I like preserving a well-defined line between family and work time.

"Find an opening in the schedule then... Mhmm... Okay, just keep me updated."

My mind is whirling with the events of this morning; I'm suddenly desperate to make it up to Misha, given that my romantic plan was horribly foiled. 

I place my phone on my lap under the table and discreetly open Snapchat. Smiling to myself, I snap a hasty shot of my jean leg with the caption I love you Mishka and send it to him before swiftly tucking my phone away.

Satisfied with my effort to remedy things, I force my attention back to the others, picking up the threads of conversation and making a concerted effort to join in.

I chuckle knowingly to myself when he pulls his phone out and opens the message, expression instantly softening into something tender and warm.

Gen chooses this precise moment to lean eagerly into Misha's side, making him lock his phone with lightening-quick reflexes.

"What are you smiling at," she smirks. "Can I see?"

"Oh, it's nothing," Misha laughs nervously, and I'm damning myself as his eyes lock with mine in a panicked moment.

"I don't believe you," Gen presses.

I bite my lip to quell my sniggers. The glare Misha's shooting me is downright murderous. It's really fucking hot.

Was it a good idea to send this message at the breakfast table surrounded by our friends and family? No.

But do I at least regret it?

Also no.

"Gen, leave him alone," Jared sighs, easing onto one of the too-small chairs to my left. "Vicki's probably sexting him or something. Way to make it awkward for the dude."