Chapter Text
"I can make this real quick if you want me to, Sugar. Won't take long. But maybe you wanna play first? What do you think?"
Jared cries and moans through his gag as the serial killer from the news runs the sharp knife down his hair, past his cheek and all the way towards his neck. The blade stops at his collarbone, and he shivers at the cool metal. Jared doesn't personally know this man, but he knows about him from the internet and such. Jeffrey Dean Morgan. He broke out of a mental institution, and went on a rampage, killing anyone in his path.
He was sent away because he killed his parents and some neighbors. Gruesome stuff. The killer only came back here because he grew up in this house, the same house Jared's parents own. Well...owned. They're dead now, along with a majority of his friends. Jensen, his boyfriend, is most likely dead now too. Jared last saw him grappling with the man for control over the knife. He must've lost. Jared sobs, thinking of him where he's chained on the basement floor. Jensen was so brave, so daring. Truly the love of his life.
"Don't you wanna play with me?" Jeffrey asks. His grin is wide and unsettling; teeth bright in the dark, face smeared with blood. "I love games. How about I make a bet. Let's see. I bet that I can make you come at least ten times by the end of the night before I slit your throat. Dead by daylight. If you somehow survive past 6, I'll let you go. Sound like a plan?"
Jared can't say anything. It's physically impossible. He wails, broken sobs muffled by the cloth tied around his mouth. He metal shackles on his wrists are digging into his skin. It hurts, and it seems like the end is in sight. 16 years old and being held at the mercy of a murderous maniac. And what are the odds that he was living in Jeffrey's murder house? This Halloween is an absolute nightmare. Jared whines again when his attacker caresses his cheek with the back of his hand.
"Speak up, love. I didn't catch that."
"Mmmph plth rrff!"
"You need me to take the gag off?" Jeffrey asks in a condescending tone. Jared nods rapidly. "Oh. Well, why didn't you just say so? If you scream, or try anything stupid, it's going back on, and it'll never come back off." The older man sets down his knife, pulling down the cloth so Jared can speak. "There you go."
"Please, let me go..." Jared cries. "Please, I promise I won't say anything. You can leave now, you don't have to do this."
Jeffrey smiles, and it's so soft. It sends shivers down the teen's spine. "Oh, but I do. I do have to do this, Jared. It's my destiny. Funny thing that. Do you believe in destiny? It's great. I'm here for a reason, we all are. You were born for me to find you, your parents moved here for me to kill them, I was born to kill. See? Destiny. Everything's lining up nicely."
"Please don't hurt me..."
"Oh, my little Jaybird..." Jeffrey coos, kissing Jared's forehead. He is, without a doubt, completely mental. "When you make such a pitiful face, how can I resist? Maybe I'll spare you, take you on the road with me. I need a good pet."
The mere thought of being stuck with this despicable human being is worse than being murdered by him. Jared's bottom lip quivers as Jeffrey chuckles, standing up to his full height. The front of his pants is...well, Jared doesn't wanna think about it. There's a distinct bulge right there. Jeffrey palms himself with his right hand, touching Jared's lip with the pad of his left thumb. The young man knows what's about to happen, but he's not prepared for it.
As Jeffrey tries to pull his zipper down, he's attacked from behind by an unknown assailant. The person in question turns out to be Jensen, very much alive with a slight gash on the side of his head and a bruised eye. Jared sighs in relief, hanging helplessly in his chains. Jensen had hit Jeffrey over the head with a crowbar, buying them some time. He takes one look at Jared, and breaks down.
"Oh my God..." He mutters, holding Jared's face. "What the fuck did he do to you?"
"Don't worry about it, just get me outta here. The keys are in his pocket."
Jensen doesn't need to be told twice on the matter. He gets up, digging around in Jeffrey's pockets for the key to Jared's freedom. The boy attempts to move his arms, but it's in vain. He's locked up tight here. Finally, Jensen comes up with the keys, growling when he discovers that there are keys of various shapes and sizes. One of them is the correct one. Jensen fumbles with them, comforting Jared as best as he can.
After this, they're going to need some very extensive therapy.
"Is Stephen alive?" Jared queries. Stephen is one of his dearest friends. Jensen, however, looks up at his boyfriend with a solemn expression. Seems like Stephen is gone too. Add that to the list. Jared sheds more tears. "What about Chad?"
"He's getting help." Jensen answers, unlocking one shackle. "He's banged up, but he'll live. Tough guy."
The lighthearted mood is shifted quickly on it's axis when Jeffrey suddenly comes to. He grabs Jensen by the back of his neck, making him drop the keys by Jared's feet. Jeffrey tosses Jensen to the other side of the basement, blood slowly trickling down his head where he was struck. He stalks after Jensen. Jared shouts, begging for the killer not to hurt his love. As if that'll stop him. From what he's seen of Jeffrey's killings, he's ruthless, and he won't stop until his target is dead. Seems that he intends to finish the job on Jensen.
"Well, look who's back from the dead! I'm actually a little surprised. I never leave a man running around. Time to fix that."
Jeffrey charges at Jensen, whipping his fist in his face. He goes down again hard, head hitting the cold hard floor. Jared quickly gathers up the keys with his free hand, shaking. He didn't see which one of these unlocked the first one, so now he has to start back at square one. He hears Jeffrey punching Jensen over and over, and he can also hear Jensen groaning, fighting back against him. Jared swears aloud at yet another key fails to open the lock.
It's pure terror, hearing Jensen's bones break under Jeffrey's tough knuckles. Agony. Jared had already watched his mother die, he doesn't want to watch his boyfriend die either. Of all the places in the world, his parents just so happened to move them here, never bothering to check the history of the fucking house. Jeffrey wanted his house back, but he hesitated when he saw Jared. He wanted him, he wanted to stalk him and kill everyone around him before taking back what he thought was his by rights, but Jeffrey has changed his mind.
He just wants Jared now.
"You fancy yourself the brave knight coming to save the little princess?" Jeffrey taunts, kicking Jensen hard in the stomach. "Fucking idiot. You should've stayed dead, boy."
"I won't..." Jensen groans. His voice is small, quiet. Beaten. "Stop...coming for him..."
"You'd risk your life for some kid?"
"I'm...in love...with him...and I will die before I let you...take him..."
The killer laughs, throwing his head back. Jared fumes, trying to free himself. There are only three keys left. "Well, shit. Can't say I don't admire your heart, boy. That's a powerful thing. Love. But let me tell you something: It's all a trick of the mind. Love isn't fiery, or passionate. It's cold, and unforgiving. My parents taught me that before I killed them. So now..." Jeffrey grabs his knife again, kneeling down to Jensen. "Now, I'm gonna set your heart free."
Jared sticks the final key in the lock. It clicks, and he is finally free. He sees Jeffrey about to stab Jensen. No! Jared looks around for something he can use, anything! He spots the chains, and grabs them, rushing at the serial killer. Before he can deliver the fatal blow to Jensen, Jared wraps the chains around Jeffrey's neck, pulling him away. The much stronger man tries to resist in his grasp, prompting Jared to hop on his back. Jeffrey attempts to throw him off, flailing around like a rag doll.
But Jared holds on tight, even when Jeffrey slams him into every hard surface. The boy squeezes tighter and tighter, yelling as he does so. He finally gets his attacker to submit, bringing him down to his knees. Jensen gets up again, hitting Jeffrey over the face with the crowbar again. Jared ties him to where he was before, looking down on the killer. Jensen kicks him once, then twice, then three more times before Jared begs him to stop.
"What? Why? He's a fucking murderer!"
"He'll be sent back to where he belongs." Jared says. "We just have to keep him chained up until the police arrive." Jared and Jensen look at Jeffrey when he begins to laugh at them. "What?"
"That place couldn't even hold the strongest psychopath inside." Jeffrey states. "You really think that I wouldn't get out a second time? Oh, boys, you are precious. No matter what you do, no matter where you go, I'll find you, and when I do, you're gonna wish I hadn't. I always tie up loose ends."
As he says this, sirens sound in the distance. Chad really did get help. God, what a trooper. But Jeffrey's words still resonate in Jared's head. Every word--every little bit of it--is true. If he got out once, he can get out again, and Jeffrey has proven himself very resourceful by cutting up his friends in many horrible ways. Jared can't let that happen. He refuses. The boy picks up the knife, watching Jeffrey's eyes light up in excitement. His grip is tight on the handle.
"You can't have me," says Jared. "I won't let you."
Jeffrey grins again. "I know you won't. That's what I loved about you. Watching you was one of the best experiences in my life. When you kill me, you'll feel the same pleasure I once did."
Jared snarls at him. "I don't feel a fucking thing."
Jeffrey frowns at the last second before Jared plunges the knife into his chest. He pulls it out, watching the blood flow out of the wound in heavy spurts. Jeffrey looks down, gagging on his own blood. Jensen holds tight to the crowbar, hitting the killer one final time. It breaks through the scalp, and exposes most of his brain. Jared staggers, having lost control over his limbs. He falls into Jensen's arms thankfully. His boyfriend shushes him when he starts to sob again, kissing his face.
The police soon enter the house, and come down into the basement, discovering the two of them. Jared reluctantly follows the officers out of the house, but not before one last look at Jeffrey's corpse.
His eyes are wide open, still smiling.
****
"I still see his face when I close my eyes. I know that he's dead, but...he stays with me, in my head. The fear I felt when I was with him was real."
"It's been two years, Jared. You've shown a lot of progress since then. What you're feeling is to be expected. You saw your loved ones die. Those images will most likely never go away."
Jared bites his lip, nodding while hiding his hands and wrists into the sleeves of his sweater. The scars are still there from the shackles. He's sitting in the home office of his therapist, Mr. Misha Collins. He has helped him since the killings, listening to his problems and interpreting his nightmares and prescribing medicine for him. Jared has PTSD and Survivor's Guilt over what happened to everyone. Their deaths were a direct result of someone who was obsessed with Jared.
It's sad because, even to this day, Jared wishes that he had died a thousand times over in their place. Stephen didn't deserve to die, neither did Justin or Sandy. They were too young to die the way they did. Mom's face--dear Christ. It was a fucking tragedy. Chad lost a finger, but he managed to escape with his life. Same as Jensen who only suffered a few minor cuts and broken bones. Their mental scars will last for a long time, and it's what binds the three of them together.
"It's getting harder to stay incognito now." Jared laughs weakly. "The reporters are still hovering over me. I had to take a break from college."
Misha crosses his legs, humming affirmatively while jotting down notes. "Must be stressful. Where are you staying now?"
"Jensen's parent's house. They were the first to reach out to me. Good people."
"Does Jensen know you're staying there?"
Jared clenches his jaw. "No. He doesn't."
"Shouldn't he? I mean, he's your boyfriend after all--"
"Jensen and I are on a temporary break." Jared cuts in. "We just couldn't...I couldn't get over it. I was a burden to him, I just know it. He didn't need to say or do anything, I just knew. Jensen is a great guy, but I couldn't do that to him."
"Right." Misha looks at his watch then, setting aside his notes and pen. "Well, I believe that's all the time we have for today. Same time next week?"
Jared stands up. "Yeah. Sure."
"And Jared?"
"Yes?"
"Take good care of yourself. Halloween is coming up. The anniversary of the killings."
Jared doesn't say anything else about it as he exits his therapist's home. He does not need to be reminded of how his life was destroyed two years ago on Halloween. There's absolutely no need for it at all. It's all over the news, on every cover of every magazine and newspaper. Even though Jeffrey is gone, he's still taunting him with this never-ending cycle of bullshit.
Little does Jared know that Jeffrey was only the beginning.
****
The drive back home (yeah, no, it's not his home, just the Ackles' home) felt longer than usual. Perhaps it was the silent panic attacks at every stoplight. Or maybe it was the stairs he received when he stopped for gas. He and Jeffrey have become household names for fuck's sake. It's disconcerting and very disorienting to go from traumatized victim to instant celebrity. "Final Boy" and "Slasher Hero" are few of the titles he received from the media outlets and various fansites.
Jared also believes that Hollywood is attempting to make a movie based in it. If they try, he'll sue the shit outta them. He doesn't need to relive that nightmare again. It was bad enough when he agreed to do those interviews for Mark Pellegrino. The guy was a shark, blindsiding him with the harshest questions possible. No matter how hard he pushed though, Jared would not crack on camera. He's a hero among many, and liar among very few. None of that matters. He's lived it. It was real.
When Jared steps into the house, he's greeted by Alan and Donna on the couch, talking with an individual. At first, he pays the other person no mind. It's not until he looks up into their eyes that he realizes just who they are. Those familiar pair of sea green eyes gaze into his soul; sadness and hurt. Jensen is here. An unexpected visit for sure. His parents stop talking, and decide to give them some space to talk, leaving the living room and disappearing into kitchen. But Jared doesn't wanna hear whatever Jensen has to say. He makes a beeline for the stairs, only to be cut off by Jensen.
"My parents' house? Seriously."
"It was purely coincidental." Jared huffs. "What are you doing here?"
"Uh..." Jensen looks around, arms outstretched. "I'm visiting my parents. So, this is where you've been for two weeks? I heard you also took some time off from college. That true?"
"It's just for a little while."
"Jesus Christ, Jay..."
"I know what I'm doing! I don't need you watching my every move. I'm not a child, I'm not gonna break, stop treating me like glass!"
"You really think dropping out is gonna help you get over what happened two years ago? News flash, Jay: It happened to me too! You're not the only one! This is your future. Don't throw it away because of him."
"Say it. Say his name."
Jensen sighs, rubbing his hand down his face. "Just--can we not do this? Please. I just wanna make sure you're okay. I'm sorry, okay? Come home. I...I need you, Jay."
The words obviously come from Jensen's heart, and Jared feels that. He wants nothing more than to reach out and embrace him, to fall into his arms again and tell him that he's fine and that he's ready to go home. That's a cute little thought. But this is real life, not fantasy. Jared doesn't allow himself any of that. He thinks he doesn't deserve it after letting everyone he knew die gruesome deaths. Instead, he shakes his head.
"I'm not ready to come back. It's not the best time."
"It is the best time." Jensen says solemnly. "It's almost Halloween. If we're together, then--shit, I don't know. I need someone who understands."
"I...can't."
Jensen nods. "I know...that's why I'm gonna be staying here, in my old room until the weekend passes. I know you're in Josh's room, and I'll give you space, I promise. I just need to know that you're safe."
There's a ghost of a smile on Jared's, and it spreads to Jensen's as well. The former hugs the latter, burying his face in the latter's shoulder. This is the first time in two weeks that they've had any physical contact with each other. Jared wouldn't tell Jensen where he was, but he assured him that he was with people he trusted. He just neglected to tell Jensen that he was staying with his parents. In hindsight, the plan was selfish and a tad bit reckless. He supposes that it doesn't matter now. The deed is done.
Jared breaks apart from Jensen, who allows him to walk upstairs. With him here, he feels just a little bit more stable.
****
"Hey, hey, Padawhacker!"
Jared grins, video chatting with his best friend. "Hey, Chad. God, you're a right for sore eyes. I missed you, man."
"I missed you too, bud. How are you? Haven't heard from you in a few days."
"Yeah, I've just been...you know..."
Chad purses his lips and runs his fingers through his hair. Jared catches a peek at his left hand, the one that's missing a finger. His pinky. Jeffrey, that sick fuck. He put it down the garbage disposal. Son of a fucking bitch. Chad didn't let the past hold him back like the rest of them though, that handsome asshole. He pushed forward. He kept his personality, and he always found a way to make Jared laugh when he was down. Chad has been the light in the darkness when Jensen couldn't be. He's simply amazing.
"I know what you mean. So, listen, how about you and I hang out over here at my place. Some take out, a few beers and a movie. My treat, of course."
Jared laughs. "I'd love to...but I can't. I'm just not feeling all that well right now. Between the therapy and Jensen showing up unexpectedly--"
"Wait, what!? Jensen's there?" Chad looks...angry almost.
"Yeah...he is. I get it though." Jared smiles then. "He's just checking on me. He's so sweet."
"Oh, please. He's such a possessive douche."
"Wouldn't you be if your boyfriend was almost raped and tortured in front of you?" Chad sighs. He relents. "Thought so."
The dirty blonde rolls his eyes. "Okay, okay. You win that round. So, tell me about the therapist trip. What happened?"
"Nothing really to write home about." Jared starts stripping out of his jeans. "It was just tough going through the incident in my mind again. The things we witnessed during that time, the blood--so much blood. Sometimes I think Mr. Collins doesn't give a fuck about what I have to say. He just cares about the money."
Chad shakes his head, still pissed off. "Asshole. That's why I quit going to him. He needs his licence revoked. He's nothing but a scam artist. You don't need him, J-Rod."
Stupid nickname. It makes Jared giggle.
"We'll see. I'll call you back later, I'm about to take a shower."
Chad perks up. "Pics?"
"No, you perv."
"Pleeeease?"
"No!" Jared chuckles.
"Damn. Okay. Worth a shot. Later then, kid."
The video call ends then, and Jared sits on the bed, grabbing his towel. It's dark outside already. He smirks. Chad is a great friend, but he's also protective as well, and it clashes with Jensen's own protective nature at times. They may have survived the massacre together, but they don't exactly get along, not since Chad impulsively kissed Jared a year ago. Jared was grieving over the loss of his parents, and he guesses that he sent the wrong signals towards Chad.
He really doesn't hold it over Chad. It was a hard time for all of them.
It'll be harder still.
****
Misha closes his laptop and opens the files of one of his patients. 16 years old, blonde hair, cute, probably abused. Just the kind he likes. His lecherous grin is almost luminescent in the dim light of his office. This job has it's perks most times. He gets to listen to mopey teenagers blather on about their stupid privileged lives, about how miserable they are without their new smartphones, all that bullshit. There are a few cases, such as Jared's, that Misha benefits from.
Being the therapist of the nation's little hero boy is profitable. He has leaked some personal information of Jared to various newspapers and gossip sites for some extra cash. Listening to that trauma leaking faucet is one of the best things to happen to Misha. He honestly couldn't care less about if the treatment is working or not. Damaged goods will never be picked up again. Jared's a sweet kid, but he's so fucking annoying. He's only famous because he and that boyfriend of his killed a guy before he could kill them.
"Gimme a fucking break." As Misha mumbles this to himself, he hears the floorboards near the entrance of his house creak. "Hello?" There's nothing but silence, so he tries again. "Hello, is anyone there? I'm not seeing anyone today." Once more, there is silence.
However, just as Misha behind to brush it off, he hears the same sound, only closer. He swallows the dry lump in his throat when he gets up. This house isn't that old, and he always locks every door thoroughly. He can't have anyone sneaking in here to find out what he's been up to. Misha walks slowly out of the office; it's sandwiched in between the living room and the kitchen. He can't see the door from here.
Fuck.
He takes his time roaming the halls, quietly stepping over any creaky floorboards in case there's an intruder. Finally, Misha peeks his head around the corner, spotting the front door. It's wide open, unlocked. Someone's in this house. Panicking, he immediately goes for the house phone located near the entrance. He picks it up, attempting to dial 911, but it doesn't work. The line's been cut! That's when he feels a hand on his shoulder. The person drives something hard in his back. Misha squeals, turning around. But he's slammed against the wall.
He takes a look at the intruder. They're wearing all black, and they have on a disturbing all white mask. The attacker grabs Misha by the hair, exposing his neck. They run the knife along the flesh. Misha hyperventilates, reaching for the mask. He rips it off in one pull, and sees the face of his killer. His eyes widen.
"You..."
In the next second, Misha's throat is slashed.