Love over Hate

Panels

"Y/N, you'll be fine." Richard told you as he rubbed your back soothingly. "It's just a panel. It will go by faster than you can blink, and then you can come back here and hang out with me some more. Jared keeps you to himself way too much."

"Thanks. I just...I don't know." You muttered, not wanting him to know how much the idea of being in front of your fans was unnerving you. Especially after last night, and those two fans who had made it their mission to make you miserable.

As you readied yourself to head out on the stage, your phone buzzed in your pocket. Pulling it out, you relaxed a little seeing Jared's name. "Getting groped by a bunch of female fans. Hope your panel goes smoothly. Can't wait to finish what we started this morning."

His text was exactly what you needed. It relaxed you and left a soft smile on your face as you made your way onto the stage. A huge cheer went up as you stepped out from behind the curtain. Rob came bounding over, giving you a huge hug. "They seem like a fun crowd." He assured you before handing you the microphone.

"Hey everyone." You said as you perched carefully on the chair. "I hope everyone is having a great convention right now."

Slowly, you began to relax, enjoying the curious questions the fans lined up to asks. Nothing about your relationship. They seemed more interested in your character and her on screen chemistry with Sam. Relaxing as the panel went on, you thought you might get away without having a personal question asked.

"Alright, time for one last question." Rich said as he joined you on stage. "Then it's time to send Y/N back to her lumbering boyfriend."

Smiling at the one girl left on the side, you waited for her question. "My question is of a more personal type. I was wondering why you thought it was okay to be in a relationship with a man ten years older than you? One who had a wonderful family. Were you the reason they split up? And are you just using him to further your career?"

You could only sit there and stare at her. It was your worst nightmare, coming true, and you wanted to rush from the stage instead of answering them. "Y/N, you don't have to answer. She'll be taken from the convention for being rude." He whispered into your ear, as security moved to stand next to the girl asking the question.

"No, I'll answer it." You said, your voice slightly wavering as you tried to steel yourself. "I don't really think it's anyone's business, but I know it's on a lot of your minds. I had a lot of reservations when I first started seeing Jared. I knew there was the age difference, and it was big. Bigger than most. But I couldn't fight the attraction, and neither could he. He was completely out of his marriage, and if you'll ask Gen, she's completely on board with our relationship. No, I'm not using him to further my career. I know I'm new to this whole career thing, after all I'm only twenty. But I refuse to use something like this to make my career flourish. I care for Jared, deeply, and that's all that should matter. Now if you'll excuse me." You said, handing Richard your mic before walking off the stage. 

A smattering of applause sounded behind you, and you weren't sure how many fans you pissed off with your candor. But you didn't care. It was hard, having everyone questioning your relationship when all you wanted was to relish every moment of it. 

"Y/N, you okay?" Richard asked you as he joined you in the green room. "You were kind of blindsided back there."

"It's not the first time." You admitted. "A couple of girls last night were pretty rude too."

"Why didn't you say something?" Jared asked quietly from the doorway. "Is that why you were in your room last night?"

"I didn't want to worry you." You told him, grateful when he came up and wrapped you in his arms. "They were just so mean, and I hate that they can't be happy for me. I know it's because they're probably jealous, but it still hurts."

"I know, honey. I know." Jared tried consoling you. "During our panel I can try to set things straight. You shouldn't be the only one getting hate from this."

"Don't." You pleaded. "I think if we try to explain things anymore, or even argue about it, it will make matters worse. Let's just finish this weekend and go home." 

Pressing a kiss to your temple, he squeezed you tight. "A convention should be a fun thing to come too. Something that makes you feel even better about yourself. Not all this hate. I know you don't want me to, but this needs to be addressed."

"Thank you." You whispered. "You are so amazing."

"I know I am. Now let's get ready for our duo pictures." He told you, trying to lighten the mood. Waving bye to Richard, you let Jared drag you out of the green room. Heading towards the photo op rooms, Jared surprised you when he pushed open a door, pulling you into a small, empty room. Before you could even question his motives, he had you pressed up against the wall, his hands on either side of your head. With his lips inches from yours, his hazel eyes stared into your own. 

"Jared, what are you doing?" You asked him, just wishing he would kiss you already. 

"Reminding you that the fans aren't in control. That what we have is something special. Reminding you that age is just a number, and this." He said, pressing his hand to your heart. "This is what's important. The love we share for each other."

Pressing his lips gently to yours, his hand cupped your cheek. "That is all that matters. Not what those jealous girls think. Remember that." He told you, kissing your lips one more time. 

"Thank you Jared." You answered, squeezing his hand as you made your way back out into the hall.

"There you are!" Chris, the photographer yelled, sticking his head out of the door. "Jensen just finished up with his photos, so I'm ready for you now."

"What if they try something during photos?" You asked Jared, still hurting from the harsh words. 

"Then, Cliff will kick their ass out. I don't care how much they paid to be here, they don't need to be rude."