Sundownverse - The Jeff Arc
Sep. 16th, 2007 10:28 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
thecatevariSo ![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
brynwulf and I wanted to hammer out "The Jeff Arc" of Sundownverse, the story that gets them out of La Hacienda. The following pretty much spoils the whole arc in medium detail. Don't click if you don't want to know.
brynwulf: So how many stories are you trying to juggle right now? I don't suppose you want to start our new arc, or at least get some stuff down, do you? Let me know if I'm interrupting.
poisontaster: I'm juggling three. However, I'm open to breaking story at the very least.
brynwulf: Yeah, that's what I was thinking. I never looked, but I think the new guy Jared was feeling kinda sorry for was Josh (Sawyer on Lost). What do you think of him as a confidante? I like the idea of it being someone who maybe doesn't know Jensen (like Allison).
I think making it Chad would be a very bad idea. LOL
poisontaster: Yes, Chad wouldn't be good. It wasn't Josh, it was Taylor Kitsch.
brynwulf: Oh, even better!!! Thank you. What do you think? Younger than Jared but still filled somewhat with the invincibility of youth. I think they could help each other, really.
poisontaster: *nods* I think that works. I think Jared really would want someone not connected with Jensen and I could see Jared trying to reach out to Taylor to try and help him adjust.
brynwulf: Then once the friendship is established somewhat, Taylor steps in with concern for his new friend when he sees how messed up this thing with Jeff is making him.
poisontaster: Okay, so I'm thinking that, because they're having Issues, Jared and Jensen haven't been spending as much time together. Because they don't want to fight and half the time when they're together it seems like they can't help fighting
brynwulf: Right. And Jensen is more tired and wanting to sleep a lot during the day anyway since he's working more than Jared. Right?
poisontaster: *nods*
brynwulf: But that's going to be really taking its toll on them since they're both so used to relying on each other as primary support.
poisontaster: And Jared's a talker. He NEEDS someone to talk to. And Taylor's kind of lost himself.
brynwulf: Yes, that's how Jared works things out.
poisontaster: So they end up kind of drifting together and hanging out. And Taylor can even make some off hand comment about how he thought Jared and Jensen were soldered at the hip. But the question is...are we going to START there? Or are we going to start with Jeff showing up?
brynwulf: I was going to ask you if you wanted to write the opening scene since you seem to be really good with the hook. Yeah, I'd like to start with Jeff showing up and at first Jared is all whoopee, we're saved and happy to see Jeff.
poisontaster: Well, I'd like to have a better idea of the story structure before we write anything, but yeah, I can do that.
brynwulf: TO keep his cover, I would think Jeff has to act like the consummate customer first, not a friend and Jared's going to be confused and hurt at how Jeff treats them and how he's not included when Jeff wants Jensen. Is that how you saw it?
poisontaster: Well, I think it would read false to Claudia and everyone else if Jeff acted like he didn't KNOW Jared and Jensen; I think he's very much Jeff, but at the same time, yeah, he's kind of making it clear that he's a client. At least initially.
brynwulf: Yes, I didn't mean he wouldn't act like he didn't know them.
poisontaster: I was thinking of starting with Jensen. He's told to meet his client in the dining room or something.
brynwulf: But he has to keep them at a distance, too
poisontaster: And he doesn't know it's Jeff. And he's surprised. Pleasantly so. And then it sours a bit when he realizes that Jeff has hired him, that he's PAYING for him. And he's feeling kind of hurt, especially after the whole problem with Michael.
brynwulf: Considering the history (kissing) they have. Jensen might make a comment about "I would have given it to you for free." Did we ever say if the rooms were recorded or not?
poisontaster: I don't think they're routinely recorded. I think they're recorded when they think they have reason to. So at first, when Jared's levying all his accusations, they're baseless. But then LATER, they find out that The Owners are suspicious and planning to record them and they have to fuck to keep it legit. And you know, this has to be hard on Jeff too, because he really DOES want Jensen. He always did.
brynwulf: I love the many layers of angst this story will provide. NO ONE is happy with how things are. I am also going to reread all the stories written starting when they get to the house. I want it all fresh in my mind. Probably do that this weekend.
poisontaster: *nodsnods* The main thing with Jeff is that I see him feeling REALLY GUILTY about all this. He's using Jensen (with his permission, but still), he's kind of screwing J2's relationship, he feels bad about Jared, but he really wants Jensen and he hates that their physical relationship is predicated on a lie and it might fuck up their real relationship....but at the same time, it's REALLY NECESSARY.
brynwulf: Like I said...layer upon layer of angst and guilt and shame.
poisontaster: Yes!
brynwulf: I can even see a fight happening between Jeff and Jensen during one of their nights together.
poisontaster: Yeah, definitely. Probably more than one.
brynwulf: Which puts Jensen in a foul mood when he goes back to his room and then has to face Jared's accusations on top of things. He's going to explode, poor thing.
poisontaster: Yeah. There's a lot of pressure on him from both directions. And he has to worry about what's going to happen if he gets caught out.
brynwulf: So, what exactly is the deal Jeff is trying to pull? Did he go in with the intention of getting them out and bringing down the Owners or was them being there just a bonus?
poisontaster: Jeff needs an inside contact to give him information about what is going on in the house and with the owners.
brynwulf: And he is working for???? A subversive organization trying to take them down? For what purpose?
poisontaster: Yes. Read this post: http://thecatevari.livejournal.com/34293.html#cutid1
brynwulf: I NEVER SAW THAT!! *cries*
poisontaster: LOL. That's why I'm showing it to you!
brynwulf: heh. Reading it now.
poisontaster: The important part's at the end.
brynwulf: LOL! I realize I did see the Michael/Jensen post but totally missed this arc post.
poisontaster: :D You're gifted.
brynwulf: *twirls hair*
brynwulf: Okay, I don't have any additional emails or chats, but I remember we definitely decided it would be Jared to father the child. I really need to think about government and what is actually still in place and how effective it is. I don't want that to be too neat either. Heh. I just reread our shared document "The Offer." We're good.
poisontaster: We totally are.
brynwulf: Okay, I have this niggle... Why Jeff? Why not someone else with more pull or influence? How did he get involved with whoever is working against the PTB in California?
poisontaster: I think that the government is very nominal. I think they're there in name, but a lot of power is held in the private parties like The Owners. Well, I see Jeff as kind of an activist beforehand, you know?
brynwulf: It's certainly going to be in the hands of the wealthy or those who control natural resources.
poisontaster: Someone who was interested in social change, etc.
brynwulf: I like it...
poisontaster: And so when he saw what was happening, I think he'd SEEK OUT to see what he could do to stop America from turning into the Middle Ages.
brynwulf: So, there are the wealthy who have the resources and they're basically on two sides. Good and Bad. The nation is probably under martial law, at least in word only. And I think there are those who were part of the government who are on the bad side and some are on the good side. So, even the government gets split, essentially.
poisontaster: *nodsnods*
brynwulf: If Jeff was proactive socially prior to the apocalypse, he probably knows people in the Hollywood circle with similar feelings/interests. So he'd have a good start in finding out what he could do once things go to shit. There would still be lots of big names in LA who had/have tons of money and didn't just run like rats on a sinking ship. Maybe they stayed to do what they could and help where they can.
poisontaster: *nods* I think that's how Jeff would get hooked in.
brynwulf: And I meant to tell you I like the idea of there really not being an alternative source of meds for Jared in the end. Yeah, maybe they can stockpile and be safe for awhile, but... And since we have this set like sometime next year, right? Then there is probably good foundation that Jeff has made it big, since he really seems to be just not hitting his stride and becoming very popular in films and TV. By then he could be as big as someone like Ed Norton or Holly Hunter. So, he is more powerful at the setting of this story than he is now. Or at least more rich.
poisontaster: *nods* Yes!
brynwulf: Are you capturing this chat this time?
poisontaster: Yes. I always capture the chat. I just sometimes delete them prematurely. But I'll transcribe this to LJ shortly.
brynwulf: Do you think we have a good enough grasp of things to start this? Ok, thanks. We didn't really discuss ending or at least how they get out of the house to Jeff's place.
poisontaster: No, I don't think we've broken it out enough to start writing. I'd like to break out the scenes like we did with the original arc.
brynwulf: Do you want to take a first stab at that and share it in a Google doc?
poisontaster: yeah, I can totally do that.
brynwulf: So, yay! We are all set to oppress again!! \o/
poisontaster: :D
And then the outline that came out of it, with Meg & my subsequent comments:
1. Jensen has a new client, whom he's expected to meet for dinner. He goes down to the formal dining room and finds Jeff waiting for him. His initial surprise melts into an unpleasant awkwardness; this is—was—his friend, who he was once very attracted to and now he's exploiting Jensen's situation to have sex with him.
"You look thin." Jensen shrugs. "You didn't have the weight to lose, Jen." "Don't." Something shifts behind Jeff's eyes. "Just eat up. The charred corn and shrimp is quite good."
2. Jensen returns to their suite. Jared's already heard and he's angry on Jensen's behalf. Jensen seems kind of numb and evasive, which Jared doesn’t really understand and raises the specter that maybe Jensen's not as upset about this as Jared is. Maybe he didn't mind being with Jeff at all. (Possessive/claiming sex?)
He can't get the image of them out of his head. In reality, he'd been a long way down the hall but in his mind, Jared is much closer, able to see the way Jensen's closed eyelids flinch as he breathes into Jeff's mouth, not quite kissing. He remembers how Jensen's body strained into Jeff's and the way it had made his stomach hot and tight and his fingers cold.
brynwulf: #1 and 2 can actually make one chapter, I’m thinking, ending with the claiming sex, which I think is a great idea. First part of the chapter from Jensen’s POV and second part from Jared’s.
poisontaster: Okay.
3. Jared is without a client for the evening, which means he's assigned to 'congeniality service', which largely involves hovering around the main room and flirting and being pleasant to waiting clients. It's a lot like network parties, being bright and charming and 'on' all night. He's making a circuit around the edge of the room and sees Jensen and Jeff out on the patio. Jeff is kissing Jensen's neck. Jensen is looking at Jared.
And it's not that Jensen looks into it; not with the way he's looking over Jeff's shoulder at Jared, his eyes dark in the faux-torchlight. But just the sight of it; Jeff—their friend, Jeff—with his hands all over Jensen…it's the exact opposite of that kiss in the studio back hallway. Jared's never been a jealous guy but he can't remember ever wanting to hurt someone as much as he'd like to hurt Jeff now.
brynwulf: This would be a good time to introduce Taylor into the equation. Maybe he’s also on congeniality duty with Jared and is standing nearby when jared spot Jensen and Jeff on the patio.
poisontaster: I agree.
4. Jeff and Jensen together in the privacy of one of the rooms. Jensen wants to tell Jared what's going on: he and Jeff are not actually sleeping together; Jeff represents the people interested in bringing down The Owners and reestablishing governmental control in California. Jensen is feeding him information from the inside. Jeff is reluctant and worried about the danger, but he agrees that Jensen can tell Jared.
"He thinks we're sleeping together." "Well, good. That's what he—and everyone else—is supposed to be thinking." "I can't keep doing this to him. I need to tell him what's going on, Jeff." "That's going to put all three of us in a lot more danger than we were before." "You can trust Jared. I trust Jared."
5. Jensen sits down with Jared and tells him what's going on. Jared's torn. He's relieved that it's not what he thought, but he's still jealous and suspicious. He questions why Jeff chose Jensen, which puts Jensen on the defensive. He knows he's being petty, but he questions Jensen risking their life together: what's going to happen to them if Jensen gets caught? Jensen gets angry. Everything he's done, from selling himself into prostitution to his deal with Jeff has been for pretty unselfish reasons and he's feeling really damn unappreciated. They yell and scream at each other for a while and Jensen storms out.
brynwulf: I like the idea of putting #4 and 5 together in one chapter and don’t even mind leaving the chapter on a rather negative note (Jensen storming out) as long as we have #6 ready to go within a day or two and not leave readers hanging too long. What do you think?
poisontaster: That's fine. I don't think we should post until we have the majority of it written anyway. But I also don't mind leaving the reader hanging for a little while. These are the perks, dammit.
6. Time has passed (though not a lot. Couple days?) Jensen and Jared are avoiding each other and they're both angry and sad. Jeff is kind of 'I told you so' about it and that just irritates Jensen more. He asks Jeff why he picked him. Jeff admits that he wants Jensen, but he's not trying to interfere in Jensen's relationship. He offers Jensen a way out. Jensen refuses to back down.
"I know you. Know you, trust you…" "Want me?" "Jensen, I'm not going to lie to you. You knew I wanted you. Before any of this started, I wanted you. But I'm not trying to screw you and Jared up." Jensen looks away. "Jen—we can stop. I can try and find someone else to help me. Allison, maybe…" "No. No, I started this with you. I'll see it through."
brynwulf: Poke inside Jensen’s head about how he feels about knowing Jeff wants him. He’s gotta be a bit flattered, yet almost scared that having that knowledge is going to come back and bite him on the ass.
poisontaster: Yes, definitely. And there's still his own lingering attraction to Jeff. He might be with Jared and in love with Jared, but it's not like he STOPPED noticing how hot Jeff is.
7. Jared finds himself hanging out more with Taylor Kitsch, who's still having trouble adjusting to life at La Hacienda. He realizes he really doesn't associate with anyone outside of Jensen and maybe they're a little too claustrophobic and maybe he does need some space between them. Taylor gives Jared his first opportunity to talk about him and Jensen and what it was like, falling in love with a man.
I mean…I can't remember anymore if I was ever attracted to another guy. You know? It was Texas. And I wanted to act. So I just… I just don't remember.
brynwulf: I’m thinking Taylor actually is not gay, so this is doubly hard for him. He’s not traumatized or anything and being young and horny most of the time, has no problem with the sex, but still longs to have a girlfriend. ???
poisontaster: I was actually thinking the same thing. At least as far as Taylor not being gay. I think he manages to perform, but I think he does have a problem with it and I think he worries about "turning gay". I also think he thought it would be a lot more like acting and it's not. We should think about why he stays. I think something horrible must have happened to him on the outside and now he doesn't want to be somewhere not protected.
8. Claudia has a big meeting with Kankariedes, the Owners' representative. No one knows what for, but things have been very tense in the house for a while and Claudia—and Gina—are clearly upset about whatever it is. Jared worries that it's got something to do with Jeff and Jensen. Jensen's worried about the same thing, but he tries to reassure Jared that it's got nothing to do with them.
9. The evening's revels are interrupted by a crowd from the city showing up at the front gates demanding food. They're eventually driven off by warning shots being fired over their heads, with no actual loss of life, but Jared and Jensen are shaken. Jared is forced to admit that Jensen and Jeff are doing the right thing. Reconciliation. (Reconciliation sex.)
10. A couple days later, word comes in that the food shipment to the house has been hijacked. The Owners are very displeased and the house staff is put on rations. Claudia's stress level is clearly climbing. Later that day, Chad shows up with a message. After receiving it, Claudia pitches a fit in her office and ends up cutting her hand on broken glass.
11.poisontaster: I think we should reference the party and J2's weekend off here; like, they're in a good mood and still in a good mood from the time off and then it gets wrecked by the child whore showing up. The next day, a little girl shows up (not too young; I think the Owners want to make a point, but they don't want to push Claudia too far. Yet. So I'm thinking twelve, thirteen. Maybe as old as sixteen. Not sure. Are we going to pick an actual child actress or just an OFC?). Her arrival sends shockwaves through the house. Jared and Jensen end up cornering Gina; Gina reveals that Claudia's been fighting having child prostitutes in the house, but this is her punishment for what happened to the lost shipments.
brynwulf: I’d like to see this be an OFC. I can and will write as young as you’re comfortable with and are prepared to take backlash from our readers on.
poisontaster: Yeah, I'm of two minds about it. An OFC might be easier to write and lend some realism, a real person gives the reader someone REAL to fixate on and realize/feel how awful it is. But I can go OFC. I can write whatever age. I mean, I don't think I want to do anything younger than pre-teen. But I can go any age from eleven or so to sixteen. I'm thinking thirteen, fourteen, maybe? Maybe she was some kind of teen beauty queen?
"Shipments? But I thought it was just the one." "One that you've been told about. We've been losing shipments here and there all the way along. But the frequency's been increasing. It's organized, got some money behind it. The Owners are worried."
12. After's first night, Jared and Jensen are alone in their room. Both of them are freaked out, scared, desperate for each other. Jensen's falling apart. Jared reassures him the best he can, promising him that they'll get out of La Hacienda. Sex.
brynwulf: Jared’s guilt rising again knowing it’s his illness that’s required them to stay. Kicks himself for making Jensen feel unappreciated to begin with and maybe makes a promise to himself to cut him and Jeff some slack. That will make the “real” fuck scene between Jensen and Jeff doubly hurtful to Jared.
"We've got to get out of here, Jay. We gotta… I can't… I can't keep doing this. I can't, I can't…" "Shhh. Shhhh. We'll get out of here, Jensen. I promise. I promise you. We'll get out."
13. Jensen is waiting for Jeff, who's late. He's jittery, worried that something's happened to Jeff. Gina comes over to him, ostensibly cleaning up the party clutter, which is normally something that would go to one of the housemaids. When she gets close enough to Jensen, she tells him in an undertone that The Owners are getting suspicious of his relationship with Jeff and that they've asked Claudia to videotape tonight's visit to see if it's on the up and up. Jensen asks her why she's telling him this.
"Just because Claudia and I work here doesn't mean we endorse everything that happens here. Or that we have much more control over our lives than you and Jared." Gina's smile is tight-lipped and not at all humorous. "Be careful, Jensen."
14. Jeff finally shows up and Jensen throws himself at Jeff. Jeff's surprised. Jensen whispers in his ear that they're being watched. To maintain their cover, they need to have sex for the cameras. Afterwards, Jensen is cold, sick. More than any other time, he feels like he's betrayed Jared. Jeff apologizes for putting Jensen in this position, renews his promise that he'll get them out.
15. Jensen's freaking out when Jared finds him in their room. Jared asks him what's wrong; Jensen confesses what happened. Jared realizes how fucked up all of this has Jensen and he feels his own share of guilt for being part of the problem. He reassures Jensen that he did the right thing, there was nothing else he could do and that they're okay.
brynwulf: Really? I’m thinking not quite so understanding. We can discuss. I think there is definitely going to be a sense of betrayal, no matter how much he knows it’s not Jensen’s fault, but then he remembers his self-promise and reminds himself AGAIN just why they’re there and can’t leave.
poisontaster: Well, I think Jared doesn't rake Jensen over the coals about it. I don't think that he's okay with it. And there's definitely a sense of betrayal. But a lot of that feeling is going to transfer to JEFF for putting Jensen in this position, so if we want Jeff to be sympathetic and justify the threesome scene later on, we can't have Jared hate him TOO much.
"It's…it’s the first time I feel like a whore. I don't like what this place is turning me into, I hate who I'm becoming… I don't even care anymore. I just want out."
brynwulf: Jensen is definitely losing his grip and Jared sees him crumbling apart right in front of him.
16. It's a little while later. Jensen has sunk into a depression. He doesn't show it during work hours, so much, but the minute he's off duty, all he wants to do is lie around and sleep. Jared's preoccupied, worried and feeling helpless…which doesn't help his sense of confusion when he gets to the client room and finds not one, but two people waiting for him, a girl and her mother. The woman wants Jared to impregnate her daughter. Jared, understandably, refuses. The woman pitches a fit and Claudia is called in. Claudia avers that Jared is in the right; she contracted for a pleasure visit, not stud services. She takes the woman aside and suggests they talk about it. At loose ends, Jared goes to look for Jensen, understandably freaked out. Before he finds him, however, Claudia intercepts him again. The client is insistent that she wants Jared. Jared doesn't want to impregnate the girl. Claudia informs him that the client will offer an insane amount over the normal fee, enough money that he and Jensen could probably cash out and leave, when added to their savings. Claudia tells him to sleep on it, but the client will want an answer by the following day so as not to miss the daughter's ovulation period.
17. Jensen hears that Jared was looking for him, but Jared never found him. So he goes looking for Jared instead and finds him sitting outside just staring into space. Jensen freaks out a little, asks Jared what's wrong. He's worried that it's about him and Jeff or that he's been so checked out lately. He feels guilty at making Jared carry so much of the burden right now. He starts to apologize and Jared interrupts to tell him what happened with the woman and her daughter. Jensen's immediate reaction is to reject the idea. Jared's not so sure. It could get the two of them out of the house and Jared promised Jensen they'd get out and Jensen's falling apart. Jensen's like, "Don’t do it for me." Jared's replies that the only reason Jensen's there is because of Jared; that's not a good enough reason not to. They talk about it for a while; Jensen finally says he doesn't feel like he can make the decision for Jared. It's too big. But he's with Jared no matter what.
brynwulf: YES! This goes perfectly with Jared’s fucked up guilt.
"Well, you told her no, right? First thing?" "It's not that simple, Jen." "Hell it's not. We didn't sign up for that." "It's a lot of money, Jen. A LOT. Enough to get us out of here. Like…tomorrow. We could be out of here tomorrow."
18. Jared goes to Claudia and wants more details. Would he ever be able to see the child or have contact? No. What's going to happen to the child? It'll live with extremely wealthy parents and be well taken care of. Jared doesn't really like the prospect of having a child in this world, particularly one whose life he'd never be part of. At the same time, the prospect of buying himself and Jensen free and ending Jensen's suffering on his behalf is a powerful motivator. He agrees to impregnate the girl.
brynwulf: Possibly talking himself into believing he can actually find the child later and it wouldn’t be as anonymous as Claudia says. Jared is basically being naïve.
poisontaster: I don't know about this. Jared's not a stupid boy. And really, the whole 'verse is about uncertainty and making horrible, tough choices and then living with them. I kind of what him to make this decision with the full knowledge of what it means and just being hopeful that a family that wants a child this bad will take care of it and love it as much as he was loved.
19. While Jared and Jensen wait to hear if the girl is actually pregnant, Jensen is still working with Jeff to feed him information. Then, one night, Jeff hires Jared instead of Jensen. Jared's immediately on edge. He asks if this was Jensen's idea. Jeff said actually, Jensen was against the idea, but Jeff wanted a chance to talk to him in person instead of through an intermediary. Jared is not reassured. Jeff reiterates that he's not trying to come between Jared and Jensen though he's jealous as hell that Jared managed to 'get' Jensen. Jared asks if Jeff understands what all this is doing to Jensen, how close to the breaking edge he is. Jeff says he does; but then he tells Jared about the things that Jensen's help has been able to accomplish. Then Jeff says he heard that the two of them would be getting out of there pretty soon. Jared allows this is so. Jeff says he thinks the two of them should come and stay with him for a little while after leaving La Hacienda, take some time to decompress before taking on the new ordeal of the trip to Texas. Jared isn't sold, but he agrees to think about it.
brynwulf: I think we need to think about what information Jensen is feeding to Jeff and how he gets it.
poisontaster: Well, I think that the guests—and staff, to some extent—have a tendency to treat the whores like they're not really there and like they're stupid. So I think Jensen (or any of the whores) has an opportunity to hear his clients converse about stuff they think he's too stupid to understand (and who would he tell, anyway) and hear the gate guards exchange news with the kitchen staff, or the various messengers that come and go. I mean, they'd hear about when shipments are coming to the house, which clients are negotiating with other clients and for what, they'd know, for example, that The Owners must be trying to trade with the Chinese, because the Chinese Ambassador came with his entourage and Jensen had to entertain his attaché or something. If La Hacienda is a major hub, as we conjectured, there's a lot of opportunity for Jensen to overhear a lot of stuff without even trying. But I also don't know how much that's going to really have to be called out in the story.
20. The girl comes up pregnant on the second month. Jared and Jensen get paid and cash out. They're packing up and Allie comes to say goodbye. Jensen asks her to come with them. Allie's not ready to go and she's started looking out for; she doesn't feel good about leaving her alone. But she envies Jared and Jensen and she wishes them luck. She asks them what their plans are. They're going to stay with Jeff for a while and then they'll see. There's no mention of Texas.
21. At Jeff's house. Jensen's starting to do a lot better, but he still sleeps a lot. Jared does too. They didn't realize how tired they were at La Hacienda, living on their nerves all the time, and now it's catching up with them. Jared is getting over his jealousy and dislike of Jeff. In fact, he's been confiding in Jeff more and more as they spend time together without Jensen. Jensen's afraid to go back to Texas. Not because he's afraid to find their families dead, but because he's afraid he won't and he feels too dirty to face them. Jared admits he's got his own mountain of guilt for selling the life of his unborn child to save himself and Jensen. Jeff tells him that he did—they both did—the only thing that was available to them: they survived. Insert here somewhere that Claudia is now pipelining information to Jeff.
22. Chad shows up at Jeff's place. Claudia told him that they'd cashed out and how to find Jeff. Chad's hurt that Jared didn't come to tell him himself. Jared is kind of abashed, but he's still really hurt by Chad kind of sold them to Claudia. Chad tells Jared about Kenzie. She's doing better but he's still keeping her out of LA because it's dangerous. Chad's still obnoxious, but he's grown up a lot and Jared sees he feels really bad about it. On the other hand, he's doing it for his wife. Given what Jared just did for Jensen, he feels like he understands a little better. Chad makes some crack about Jared's brass balls for living with the guy that was fucking Jensen. Jared, surprising himself a little, comes to Jeff's defense. Chad makes some crack about Jared just wanting Jeff for himself. The crack strikes a chord in Jared.
23. Jensen has a nightmare and starts screaming his head off. Jared and Jeff, still hanging out on the porch, go tearing into the room, convinced Jensen's being killed and find out it was just a nightmare. They sit on either side of him and calm him down. Finally, Jeff decides Jensen's calm enough and he should go. Jared asks him to stay. Jeff and Jensen are startled. Jared asks Jensen if he minds. Jensen doesn't mind but he doesn't want it to change anything. Jared says it doesn't. Threesome sex.
brynwulf: YAY!
24. A while later. Jensen suggests it's time for them to go. Jared asks if he's really ready; Jeff has offered them work with him, trying to bring order back to California, the US. Jensen says that's something that he (they) can think about later, but first he needs to go home. He needs to know what's become of their families, Jared's dogs. He can't make any decisions before he finishes the journey they started. Jared agrees.
brynwulf: Then they have to detour through Utah to get Jared’s dogs. That is currently where they are.
poisontaster: Argh. Why did we do that , again? *sighs* Okay, fine. Utah first and then Texas. Whatever.
25. Saying goodbye to Jeff. Jeff tells them again that they're welcome whenever they want and that the offer to help stands open. Jensen says they need to go before they never go. Jeff understands. Should he give them a sat-phone? To get in touch with him once they've figured out what's next? He should give them a way to contact the legitimate US government , for sure, in case that's what they decide to do. Jeff asks them what they're going to do about Jared's allergies, when they run out of medicine. Jared says they're going to take it on faith that something will turn up.
brynwulf: I’m guessing they have enough meds to actually get to Texas (possibly a month). Does Jeff provide them with any type of transportation?
poisontaster: I think they got a lot more than that, considering how long they've been working at La Hacienda, at this point and how stringent they were about saving every dime. I mean, most of their money would have gone to medicine.
I don't know about transport. I mean, anything motorized is going to require gas. And it's going to make them a bigger target because gas and transport means money and food. It would probably be safer for them to go on foot. Even something as simple as a horse is too valuable and would make them targets on the road.
I kind of like the idea of Chad trying to make amends by giving them guns and ammo, though.
End.
brynwulf: I like it a lot. I can see maybe a couple of things changing, but not drastically. We’ll see what the boys have to say. Can we mention in passing the one weekend they have together, that is based on the story I wrote for Sweet Charity? It should probably fall somewhere in the timeline just before Jensen and Jeff really have to fuck.
poisontaster: Did you have specific changes in mind already?
Though we obviously don't cover it here, I really like the idea of Jared and Jensen getting involved in the battle to reunify the Union. Something to think about for later. I think at the MOST conservative estimate, we're looking at 50K. And I think it'll end up much longer than that.
brynwulf and I wanted to hammer out "The Jeff Arc" of Sundownverse, the story that gets them out of La Hacienda. The following pretty much spoils the whole arc in medium detail. Don't click if you don't want to know.brynwulf: So how many stories are you trying to juggle right now? I don't suppose you want to start our new arc, or at least get some stuff down, do you? Let me know if I'm interrupting.poisontaster: I'm juggling three. However, I'm open to breaking story at the very least.brynwulf: Yeah, that's what I was thinking. I never looked, but I think the new guy Jared was feeling kinda sorry for was Josh (Sawyer on Lost). What do you think of him as a confidante? I like the idea of it being someone who maybe doesn't know Jensen (like Allison).I think making it Chad would be a very bad idea. LOL
poisontaster: Yes, Chad wouldn't be good. It wasn't Josh, it was Taylor Kitsch.brynwulf: Oh, even better!!! Thank you. What do you think? Younger than Jared but still filled somewhat with the invincibility of youth. I think they could help each other, really.poisontaster: *nods* I think that works. I think Jared really would want someone not connected with Jensen and I could see Jared trying to reach out to Taylor to try and help him adjust.brynwulf: Then once the friendship is established somewhat, Taylor steps in with concern for his new friend when he sees how messed up this thing with Jeff is making him.poisontaster: Okay, so I'm thinking that, because they're having Issues, Jared and Jensen haven't been spending as much time together. Because they don't want to fight and half the time when they're together it seems like they can't help fightingbrynwulf: Right. And Jensen is more tired and wanting to sleep a lot during the day anyway since he's working more than Jared. Right?poisontaster: *nods*brynwulf: But that's going to be really taking its toll on them since they're both so used to relying on each other as primary support.poisontaster: And Jared's a talker. He NEEDS someone to talk to. And Taylor's kind of lost himself.brynwulf: Yes, that's how Jared works things out.poisontaster: So they end up kind of drifting together and hanging out. And Taylor can even make some off hand comment about how he thought Jared and Jensen were soldered at the hip. But the question is...are we going to START there? Or are we going to start with Jeff showing up?brynwulf: I was going to ask you if you wanted to write the opening scene since you seem to be really good with the hook. Yeah, I'd like to start with Jeff showing up and at first Jared is all whoopee, we're saved and happy to see Jeff.poisontaster: Well, I'd like to have a better idea of the story structure before we write anything, but yeah, I can do that.brynwulf: TO keep his cover, I would think Jeff has to act like the consummate customer first, not a friend and Jared's going to be confused and hurt at how Jeff treats them and how he's not included when Jeff wants Jensen. Is that how you saw it?poisontaster: Well, I think it would read false to Claudia and everyone else if Jeff acted like he didn't KNOW Jared and Jensen; I think he's very much Jeff, but at the same time, yeah, he's kind of making it clear that he's a client. At least initially.brynwulf: Yes, I didn't mean he wouldn't act like he didn't know them.poisontaster: I was thinking of starting with Jensen. He's told to meet his client in the dining room or something.brynwulf: But he has to keep them at a distance, toopoisontaster: And he doesn't know it's Jeff. And he's surprised. Pleasantly so. And then it sours a bit when he realizes that Jeff has hired him, that he's PAYING for him. And he's feeling kind of hurt, especially after the whole problem with Michael. brynwulf: Considering the history (kissing) they have. Jensen might make a comment about "I would have given it to you for free." Did we ever say if the rooms were recorded or not?poisontaster: I don't think they're routinely recorded. I think they're recorded when they think they have reason to. So at first, when Jared's levying all his accusations, they're baseless. But then LATER, they find out that The Owners are suspicious and planning to record them and they have to fuck to keep it legit. And you know, this has to be hard on Jeff too, because he really DOES want Jensen. He always did.brynwulf: I love the many layers of angst this story will provide. NO ONE is happy with how things are. I am also going to reread all the stories written starting when they get to the house. I want it all fresh in my mind. Probably do that this weekend.poisontaster: *nodsnods* The main thing with Jeff is that I see him feeling REALLY GUILTY about all this. He's using Jensen (with his permission, but still), he's kind of screwing J2's relationship, he feels bad about Jared, but he really wants Jensen and he hates that their physical relationship is predicated on a lie and it might fuck up their real relationship....but at the same time, it's REALLY NECESSARY.brynwulf: Like I said...layer upon layer of angst and guilt and shame.poisontaster: Yes!brynwulf: I can even see a fight happening between Jeff and Jensen during one of their nights together.poisontaster: Yeah, definitely. Probably more than one.brynwulf: Which puts Jensen in a foul mood when he goes back to his room and then has to face Jared's accusations on top of things. He's going to explode, poor thing.poisontaster: Yeah. There's a lot of pressure on him from both directions. And he has to worry about what's going to happen if he gets caught out.brynwulf: So, what exactly is the deal Jeff is trying to pull? Did he go in with the intention of getting them out and bringing down the Owners or was them being there just a bonus?poisontaster: Jeff needs an inside contact to give him information about what is going on in the house and with the owners.brynwulf: And he is working for???? A subversive organization trying to take them down? For what purpose?poisontaster: Yes. Read this post: http://thecatevari.livejournal.com/34293.html#cutid1brynwulf: I NEVER SAW THAT!! *cries*poisontaster: LOL. That's why I'm showing it to you!brynwulf: heh. Reading it now.poisontaster: The important part's at the end.brynwulf: LOL! I realize I did see the Michael/Jensen post but totally missed this arc post.poisontaster: :D You're gifted.brynwulf: *twirls hair*brynwulf: Okay, I don't have any additional emails or chats, but I remember we definitely decided it would be Jared to father the child. I really need to think about government and what is actually still in place and how effective it is. I don't want that to be too neat either. Heh. I just reread our shared document "The Offer." We're good.poisontaster: We totally are.brynwulf: Okay, I have this niggle... Why Jeff? Why not someone else with more pull or influence? How did he get involved with whoever is working against the PTB in California?poisontaster: I think that the government is very nominal. I think they're there in name, but a lot of power is held in the private parties like The Owners. Well, I see Jeff as kind of an activist beforehand, you know?brynwulf: It's certainly going to be in the hands of the wealthy or those who control natural resources.poisontaster: Someone who was interested in social change, etc.brynwulf: I like it...poisontaster: And so when he saw what was happening, I think he'd SEEK OUT to see what he could do to stop America from turning into the Middle Ages.brynwulf: So, there are the wealthy who have the resources and they're basically on two sides. Good and Bad. The nation is probably under martial law, at least in word only. And I think there are those who were part of the government who are on the bad side and some are on the good side. So, even the government gets split, essentially.poisontaster: *nodsnods*brynwulf: If Jeff was proactive socially prior to the apocalypse, he probably knows people in the Hollywood circle with similar feelings/interests. So he'd have a good start in finding out what he could do once things go to shit. There would still be lots of big names in LA who had/have tons of money and didn't just run like rats on a sinking ship. Maybe they stayed to do what they could and help where they can.poisontaster: *nods* I think that's how Jeff would get hooked in.brynwulf: And I meant to tell you I like the idea of there really not being an alternative source of meds for Jared in the end. Yeah, maybe they can stockpile and be safe for awhile, but... And since we have this set like sometime next year, right? Then there is probably good foundation that Jeff has made it big, since he really seems to be just not hitting his stride and becoming very popular in films and TV. By then he could be as big as someone like Ed Norton or Holly Hunter. So, he is more powerful at the setting of this story than he is now. Or at least more rich.poisontaster: *nods* Yes!brynwulf: Are you capturing this chat this time?poisontaster: Yes. I always capture the chat. I just sometimes delete them prematurely. But I'll transcribe this to LJ shortly.brynwulf: Do you think we have a good enough grasp of things to start this? Ok, thanks. We didn't really discuss ending or at least how they get out of the house to Jeff's place.poisontaster: No, I don't think we've broken it out enough to start writing. I'd like to break out the scenes like we did with the original arc.brynwulf: Do you want to take a first stab at that and share it in a Google doc?poisontaster: yeah, I can totally do that.brynwulf: So, yay! We are all set to oppress again!! \o/poisontaster: :DAnd then the outline that came out of it, with Meg & my subsequent comments:
1. Jensen has a new client, whom he's expected to meet for dinner. He goes down to the formal dining room and finds Jeff waiting for him. His initial surprise melts into an unpleasant awkwardness; this is—was—his friend, who he was once very attracted to and now he's exploiting Jensen's situation to have sex with him.
"You look thin." Jensen shrugs. "You didn't have the weight to lose, Jen." "Don't." Something shifts behind Jeff's eyes. "Just eat up. The charred corn and shrimp is quite good."
2. Jensen returns to their suite. Jared's already heard and he's angry on Jensen's behalf. Jensen seems kind of numb and evasive, which Jared doesn’t really understand and raises the specter that maybe Jensen's not as upset about this as Jared is. Maybe he didn't mind being with Jeff at all. (Possessive/claiming sex?)
He can't get the image of them out of his head. In reality, he'd been a long way down the hall but in his mind, Jared is much closer, able to see the way Jensen's closed eyelids flinch as he breathes into Jeff's mouth, not quite kissing. He remembers how Jensen's body strained into Jeff's and the way it had made his stomach hot and tight and his fingers cold.
brynwulf: #1 and 2 can actually make one chapter, I’m thinking, ending with the claiming sex, which I think is a great idea. First part of the chapter from Jensen’s POV and second part from Jared’s.poisontaster: Okay.3. Jared is without a client for the evening, which means he's assigned to 'congeniality service', which largely involves hovering around the main room and flirting and being pleasant to waiting clients. It's a lot like network parties, being bright and charming and 'on' all night. He's making a circuit around the edge of the room and sees Jensen and Jeff out on the patio. Jeff is kissing Jensen's neck. Jensen is looking at Jared.
And it's not that Jensen looks into it; not with the way he's looking over Jeff's shoulder at Jared, his eyes dark in the faux-torchlight. But just the sight of it; Jeff—their friend, Jeff—with his hands all over Jensen…it's the exact opposite of that kiss in the studio back hallway. Jared's never been a jealous guy but he can't remember ever wanting to hurt someone as much as he'd like to hurt Jeff now.
brynwulf: This would be a good time to introduce Taylor into the equation. Maybe he’s also on congeniality duty with Jared and is standing nearby when jared spot Jensen and Jeff on the patio.poisontaster: I agree.4. Jeff and Jensen together in the privacy of one of the rooms. Jensen wants to tell Jared what's going on: he and Jeff are not actually sleeping together; Jeff represents the people interested in bringing down The Owners and reestablishing governmental control in California. Jensen is feeding him information from the inside. Jeff is reluctant and worried about the danger, but he agrees that Jensen can tell Jared.
"He thinks we're sleeping together." "Well, good. That's what he—and everyone else—is supposed to be thinking." "I can't keep doing this to him. I need to tell him what's going on, Jeff." "That's going to put all three of us in a lot more danger than we were before." "You can trust Jared. I trust Jared."
5. Jensen sits down with Jared and tells him what's going on. Jared's torn. He's relieved that it's not what he thought, but he's still jealous and suspicious. He questions why Jeff chose Jensen, which puts Jensen on the defensive. He knows he's being petty, but he questions Jensen risking their life together: what's going to happen to them if Jensen gets caught? Jensen gets angry. Everything he's done, from selling himself into prostitution to his deal with Jeff has been for pretty unselfish reasons and he's feeling really damn unappreciated. They yell and scream at each other for a while and Jensen storms out.
brynwulf: I like the idea of putting #4 and 5 together in one chapter and don’t even mind leaving the chapter on a rather negative note (Jensen storming out) as long as we have #6 ready to go within a day or two and not leave readers hanging too long. What do you think?poisontaster: That's fine. I don't think we should post until we have the majority of it written anyway. But I also don't mind leaving the reader hanging for a little while. These are the perks, dammit.6. Time has passed (though not a lot. Couple days?) Jensen and Jared are avoiding each other and they're both angry and sad. Jeff is kind of 'I told you so' about it and that just irritates Jensen more. He asks Jeff why he picked him. Jeff admits that he wants Jensen, but he's not trying to interfere in Jensen's relationship. He offers Jensen a way out. Jensen refuses to back down.
"I know you. Know you, trust you…" "Want me?" "Jensen, I'm not going to lie to you. You knew I wanted you. Before any of this started, I wanted you. But I'm not trying to screw you and Jared up." Jensen looks away. "Jen—we can stop. I can try and find someone else to help me. Allison, maybe…" "No. No, I started this with you. I'll see it through."
brynwulf: Poke inside Jensen’s head about how he feels about knowing Jeff wants him. He’s gotta be a bit flattered, yet almost scared that having that knowledge is going to come back and bite him on the ass.poisontaster: Yes, definitely. And there's still his own lingering attraction to Jeff. He might be with Jared and in love with Jared, but it's not like he STOPPED noticing how hot Jeff is.7. Jared finds himself hanging out more with Taylor Kitsch, who's still having trouble adjusting to life at La Hacienda. He realizes he really doesn't associate with anyone outside of Jensen and maybe they're a little too claustrophobic and maybe he does need some space between them. Taylor gives Jared his first opportunity to talk about him and Jensen and what it was like, falling in love with a man.
I mean…I can't remember anymore if I was ever attracted to another guy. You know? It was Texas. And I wanted to act. So I just… I just don't remember.
brynwulf: I’m thinking Taylor actually is not gay, so this is doubly hard for him. He’s not traumatized or anything and being young and horny most of the time, has no problem with the sex, but still longs to have a girlfriend. ???poisontaster: I was actually thinking the same thing. At least as far as Taylor not being gay. I think he manages to perform, but I think he does have a problem with it and I think he worries about "turning gay". I also think he thought it would be a lot more like acting and it's not. We should think about why he stays. I think something horrible must have happened to him on the outside and now he doesn't want to be somewhere not protected.8. Claudia has a big meeting with Kankariedes, the Owners' representative. No one knows what for, but things have been very tense in the house for a while and Claudia—and Gina—are clearly upset about whatever it is. Jared worries that it's got something to do with Jeff and Jensen. Jensen's worried about the same thing, but he tries to reassure Jared that it's got nothing to do with them.
9. The evening's revels are interrupted by a crowd from the city showing up at the front gates demanding food. They're eventually driven off by warning shots being fired over their heads, with no actual loss of life, but Jared and Jensen are shaken. Jared is forced to admit that Jensen and Jeff are doing the right thing. Reconciliation. (Reconciliation sex.)
10. A couple days later, word comes in that the food shipment to the house has been hijacked. The Owners are very displeased and the house staff is put on rations. Claudia's stress level is clearly climbing. Later that day, Chad shows up with a message. After receiving it, Claudia pitches a fit in her office and ends up cutting her hand on broken glass.
11.
poisontaster: I think we should reference the party and J2's weekend off here; like, they're in a good mood and still in a good mood from the time off and then it gets wrecked by the child whore showing up. The next day, a little girl shows up (not too young; I think the Owners want to make a point, but they don't want to push Claudia too far. Yet. So I'm thinking twelve, thirteen. Maybe as old as sixteen. Not sure. Are we going to pick an actual child actress or just an OFC?). Her arrival sends shockwaves through the house. Jared and Jensen end up cornering Gina; Gina reveals that Claudia's been fighting having child prostitutes in the house, but this is her punishment for what happened to the lost shipments. brynwulf: I’d like to see this be an OFC. I can and will write as young as you’re comfortable with and are prepared to take backlash from our readers on. poisontaster: Yeah, I'm of two minds about it. An OFC might be easier to write and lend some realism, a real person gives the reader someone REAL to fixate on and realize/feel how awful it is. But I can go OFC. I can write whatever age. I mean, I don't think I want to do anything younger than pre-teen. But I can go any age from eleven or so to sixteen. I'm thinking thirteen, fourteen, maybe? Maybe she was some kind of teen beauty queen?"Shipments? But I thought it was just the one." "One that you've been told about. We've been losing shipments here and there all the way along. But the frequency's been increasing. It's organized, got some money behind it. The Owners are worried."
12. After
brynwulf: Jared’s guilt rising again knowing it’s his illness that’s required them to stay. Kicks himself for making Jensen feel unappreciated to begin with and maybe makes a promise to himself to cut him and Jeff some slack. That will make the “real” fuck scene between Jensen and Jeff doubly hurtful to Jared."We've got to get out of here, Jay. We gotta… I can't… I can't keep doing this. I can't, I can't…" "Shhh. Shhhh. We'll get out of here, Jensen. I promise. I promise you. We'll get out."
13. Jensen is waiting for Jeff, who's late. He's jittery, worried that something's happened to Jeff. Gina comes over to him, ostensibly cleaning up the party clutter, which is normally something that would go to one of the housemaids. When she gets close enough to Jensen, she tells him in an undertone that The Owners are getting suspicious of his relationship with Jeff and that they've asked Claudia to videotape tonight's visit to see if it's on the up and up. Jensen asks her why she's telling him this.
"Just because Claudia and I work here doesn't mean we endorse everything that happens here. Or that we have much more control over our lives than you and Jared." Gina's smile is tight-lipped and not at all humorous. "Be careful, Jensen."
14. Jeff finally shows up and Jensen throws himself at Jeff. Jeff's surprised. Jensen whispers in his ear that they're being watched. To maintain their cover, they need to have sex for the cameras. Afterwards, Jensen is cold, sick. More than any other time, he feels like he's betrayed Jared. Jeff apologizes for putting Jensen in this position, renews his promise that he'll get them out.
15. Jensen's freaking out when Jared finds him in their room. Jared asks him what's wrong; Jensen confesses what happened. Jared realizes how fucked up all of this has Jensen and he feels his own share of guilt for being part of the problem. He reassures Jensen that he did the right thing, there was nothing else he could do and that they're okay.
brynwulf: Really? I’m thinking not quite so understanding. We can discuss. I think there is definitely going to be a sense of betrayal, no matter how much he knows it’s not Jensen’s fault, but then he remembers his self-promise and reminds himself AGAIN just why they’re there and can’t leave.poisontaster: Well, I think Jared doesn't rake Jensen over the coals about it. I don't think that he's okay with it. And there's definitely a sense of betrayal. But a lot of that feeling is going to transfer to JEFF for putting Jensen in this position, so if we want Jeff to be sympathetic and justify the threesome scene later on, we can't have Jared hate him TOO much."It's…it’s the first time I feel like a whore. I don't like what this place is turning me into, I hate who I'm becoming… I don't even care anymore. I just want out."
brynwulf: Jensen is definitely losing his grip and Jared sees him crumbling apart right in front of him.16. It's a little while later. Jensen has sunk into a depression. He doesn't show it during work hours, so much, but the minute he's off duty, all he wants to do is lie around and sleep. Jared's preoccupied, worried and feeling helpless…which doesn't help his sense of confusion when he gets to the client room and finds not one, but two people waiting for him, a girl and her mother. The woman wants Jared to impregnate her daughter. Jared, understandably, refuses. The woman pitches a fit and Claudia is called in. Claudia avers that Jared is in the right; she contracted for a pleasure visit, not stud services. She takes the woman aside and suggests they talk about it. At loose ends, Jared goes to look for Jensen, understandably freaked out. Before he finds him, however, Claudia intercepts him again. The client is insistent that she wants Jared. Jared doesn't want to impregnate the girl. Claudia informs him that the client will offer an insane amount over the normal fee, enough money that he and Jensen could probably cash out and leave, when added to their savings. Claudia tells him to sleep on it, but the client will want an answer by the following day so as not to miss the daughter's ovulation period.
17. Jensen hears that Jared was looking for him, but Jared never found him. So he goes looking for Jared instead and finds him sitting outside just staring into space. Jensen freaks out a little, asks Jared what's wrong. He's worried that it's about him and Jeff or that he's been so checked out lately. He feels guilty at making Jared carry so much of the burden right now. He starts to apologize and Jared interrupts to tell him what happened with the woman and her daughter. Jensen's immediate reaction is to reject the idea. Jared's not so sure. It could get the two of them out of the house and Jared promised Jensen they'd get out and Jensen's falling apart. Jensen's like, "Don’t do it for me." Jared's replies that the only reason Jensen's there is because of Jared; that's not a good enough reason not to. They talk about it for a while; Jensen finally says he doesn't feel like he can make the decision for Jared. It's too big. But he's with Jared no matter what.
brynwulf: YES! This goes perfectly with Jared’s fucked up guilt."Well, you told her no, right? First thing?" "It's not that simple, Jen." "Hell it's not. We didn't sign up for that." "It's a lot of money, Jen. A LOT. Enough to get us out of here. Like…tomorrow. We could be out of here tomorrow."
18. Jared goes to Claudia and wants more details. Would he ever be able to see the child or have contact? No. What's going to happen to the child? It'll live with extremely wealthy parents and be well taken care of. Jared doesn't really like the prospect of having a child in this world, particularly one whose life he'd never be part of. At the same time, the prospect of buying himself and Jensen free and ending Jensen's suffering on his behalf is a powerful motivator. He agrees to impregnate the girl.
brynwulf: Possibly talking himself into believing he can actually find the child later and it wouldn’t be as anonymous as Claudia says. Jared is basically being naïve.poisontaster: I don't know about this. Jared's not a stupid boy. And really, the whole 'verse is about uncertainty and making horrible, tough choices and then living with them. I kind of what him to make this decision with the full knowledge of what it means and just being hopeful that a family that wants a child this bad will take care of it and love it as much as he was loved.19. While Jared and Jensen wait to hear if the girl is actually pregnant, Jensen is still working with Jeff to feed him information. Then, one night, Jeff hires Jared instead of Jensen. Jared's immediately on edge. He asks if this was Jensen's idea. Jeff said actually, Jensen was against the idea, but Jeff wanted a chance to talk to him in person instead of through an intermediary. Jared is not reassured. Jeff reiterates that he's not trying to come between Jared and Jensen though he's jealous as hell that Jared managed to 'get' Jensen. Jared asks if Jeff understands what all this is doing to Jensen, how close to the breaking edge he is. Jeff says he does; but then he tells Jared about the things that Jensen's help has been able to accomplish. Then Jeff says he heard that the two of them would be getting out of there pretty soon. Jared allows this is so. Jeff says he thinks the two of them should come and stay with him for a little while after leaving La Hacienda, take some time to decompress before taking on the new ordeal of the trip to Texas. Jared isn't sold, but he agrees to think about it.
brynwulf: I think we need to think about what information Jensen is feeding to Jeff and how he gets it.poisontaster: Well, I think that the guests—and staff, to some extent—have a tendency to treat the whores like they're not really there and like they're stupid. So I think Jensen (or any of the whores) has an opportunity to hear his clients converse about stuff they think he's too stupid to understand (and who would he tell, anyway) and hear the gate guards exchange news with the kitchen staff, or the various messengers that come and go. I mean, they'd hear about when shipments are coming to the house, which clients are negotiating with other clients and for what, they'd know, for example, that The Owners must be trying to trade with the Chinese, because the Chinese Ambassador came with his entourage and Jensen had to entertain his attaché or something. If La Hacienda is a major hub, as we conjectured, there's a lot of opportunity for Jensen to overhear a lot of stuff without even trying. But I also don't know how much that's going to really have to be called out in the story.20. The girl comes up pregnant on the second month. Jared and Jensen get paid and cash out. They're packing up and Allie comes to say goodbye. Jensen asks her to come with them. Allie's not ready to go and she's started looking out for
21. At Jeff's house. Jensen's starting to do a lot better, but he still sleeps a lot. Jared does too. They didn't realize how tired they were at La Hacienda, living on their nerves all the time, and now it's catching up with them. Jared is getting over his jealousy and dislike of Jeff. In fact, he's been confiding in Jeff more and more as they spend time together without Jensen. Jensen's afraid to go back to Texas. Not because he's afraid to find their families dead, but because he's afraid he won't and he feels too dirty to face them. Jared admits he's got his own mountain of guilt for selling the life of his unborn child to save himself and Jensen. Jeff tells him that he did—they both did—the only thing that was available to them: they survived. Insert here somewhere that Claudia is now pipelining information to Jeff.
22. Chad shows up at Jeff's place. Claudia told him that they'd cashed out and how to find Jeff. Chad's hurt that Jared didn't come to tell him himself. Jared is kind of abashed, but he's still really hurt by Chad kind of sold them to Claudia. Chad tells Jared about Kenzie. She's doing better but he's still keeping her out of LA because it's dangerous. Chad's still obnoxious, but he's grown up a lot and Jared sees he feels really bad about it. On the other hand, he's doing it for his wife. Given what Jared just did for Jensen, he feels like he understands a little better. Chad makes some crack about Jared's brass balls for living with the guy that was fucking Jensen. Jared, surprising himself a little, comes to Jeff's defense. Chad makes some crack about Jared just wanting Jeff for himself. The crack strikes a chord in Jared.
23. Jensen has a nightmare and starts screaming his head off. Jared and Jeff, still hanging out on the porch, go tearing into the room, convinced Jensen's being killed and find out it was just a nightmare. They sit on either side of him and calm him down. Finally, Jeff decides Jensen's calm enough and he should go. Jared asks him to stay. Jeff and Jensen are startled. Jared asks Jensen if he minds. Jensen doesn't mind but he doesn't want it to change anything. Jared says it doesn't. Threesome sex.
brynwulf: YAY!24. A while later. Jensen suggests it's time for them to go. Jared asks if he's really ready; Jeff has offered them work with him, trying to bring order back to California, the US. Jensen says that's something that he (they) can think about later, but first he needs to go home. He needs to know what's become of their families, Jared's dogs. He can't make any decisions before he finishes the journey they started. Jared agrees.
brynwulf: Then they have to detour through Utah to get Jared’s dogs. That is currently where they are. poisontaster: Argh. Why did we do that , again? *sighs* Okay, fine. Utah first and then Texas. Whatever.25. Saying goodbye to Jeff. Jeff tells them again that they're welcome whenever they want and that the offer to help stands open. Jensen says they need to go before they never go. Jeff understands. Should he give them a sat-phone? To get in touch with him once they've figured out what's next? He should give them a way to contact the legitimate US government , for sure, in case that's what they decide to do. Jeff asks them what they're going to do about Jared's allergies, when they run out of medicine. Jared says they're going to take it on faith that something will turn up.
brynwulf: I’m guessing they have enough meds to actually get to Texas (possibly a month). Does Jeff provide them with any type of transportation?poisontaster: I think they got a lot more than that, considering how long they've been working at La Hacienda, at this point and how stringent they were about saving every dime. I mean, most of their money would have gone to medicine. I don't know about transport. I mean, anything motorized is going to require gas. And it's going to make them a bigger target because gas and transport means money and food. It would probably be safer for them to go on foot. Even something as simple as a horse is too valuable and would make them targets on the road.
I kind of like the idea of Chad trying to make amends by giving them guns and ammo, though.
End.
brynwulf: I like it a lot. I can see maybe a couple of things changing, but not drastically. We’ll see what the boys have to say. Can we mention in passing the one weekend they have together, that is based on the story I wrote for Sweet Charity? It should probably fall somewhere in the timeline just before Jensen and Jeff really have to fuck.poisontaster: Did you have specific changes in mind already?Though we obviously don't cover it here, I really like the idea of Jared and Jensen getting involved in the battle to reunify the Union. Something to think about for later. I think at the MOST conservative estimate, we're looking at 50K. And I think it'll end up much longer than that.
