The Gloaming

Chapter 6: Reclaimers

The next day... 49 Days to the Fade

"I still think Pellegrino's jumping the gun here." Jared grumbled, watching as Jensen put the last of his get well gifts into the carry-all bag Natalie had brought for him. "You shouldn't be up so soon, let alone being discharged."

"Doctor Pellegrino says I am perfectly fine enough to do the rest of my recovery at home. I'm fine, Jared."

Jared just grumbled as he took the carry-all out of Jensen's hands, not giving him the option of refusing his help.

"Too much fuss over a bump to the head, anyways." Jensen muttered, as he scanned the room to make sure he hadn't forgotten anything.

"Jensen! You had a serious concussion and over thirty stitches to your face!"

"Yeah, well... I don't feel dizzy anymore, and the cut doesn't hurt so much. Just a little tender."

"Okay, fine. But when you get home, you need to take it easy and not push yourself so much."

"Look man, we're not mated yet. And even if we were, I won't stand for you telling me what to do! I'm older than you, for fuck's sake!" Jensen retorted.

"Then act your age, show some responsibility and take better care of yourself!" Jared shot back.

"I can take care of myself!"

"Oh really? Is that why you tried to get up in the middle of the night and nearly fell on your pretty face?!"

"I could've made it to the bathroom without your help. And don't call me pretty. Besides, I'm not so pretty anymore, anyways." Jensen grumbled, gesturing at the healing gash on his face.

"Aw look... their first fight. Should we come back later so they can have some hot make up sex?" said an amused, deep voice behind them.

Jared and Jensen whipped around, Jensen wobbling a bit until Jared wrapped one arm around his waist and steadied him. Despite how surprisingly nice it felt, Jensen irritably shoved Jared off him.

Jared scowled at the stubborn older man then turned to smile at Steve and Josh standing in the doorway. Josh with a lightweight wheelchair in front of him.

"What are you two doing here? And what's that for?" Jensen asked, suspiciously staring at the wheelchair.

"We're here to escort you home, pretty boy." Joked Steve.

"And this... this is for you." Added Josh. "Hospital rules. You get wheeled out or don't leave at all."

Jensen grumbled more, but got into the chair when Josh wheeled it closer. When Jared stepped over to take the handles, Josh stepped back and let him. Jensen found that curious, but didn't know why. "Can we get out of here now?" he groused.

Steve laughed and punched Jared's arm, lightly. "You sure you want this one? You're gonna be tied to a grumpy gus for the rest of your life, if you do."

Jared smiled slightly as he looked down at the top of Jensen's head, and he couldn't help the warm, affectionate tone of his voice as he answered. "I think I'll take my chances."

He didn't see Jensen biting back a pleased smile, or the light flush creeping up his face, as Jared wheeled him out of the room and down the hall to the elevators.

The elevator pinged and the doors opened to reveal Nurse Netty, who was just coming on her shift.

"What's this?! Are my 'Golden Girl's leaving me so early?" she giggled.