#for lou

The next morning, they rose before the sun. In spite of the early hour, Jared was bubbling over with excitement, while Jensen was checking off everything that needed to be done and packed. Elle approached their black SUV with a big yawn, hugging a pillow and her favorite blanket.

“Back seat is for you girls,” Jensen pointed. Elle climbed in, and stretched out as Daisy hopped up and settled down at her feet. The smooth motion of the car on the road soon lulled her back to sleep.

Too soon, the bright morning shining in her eyes woke her up. Making a disgruntled sound,  she sat up and looked at herself in the rearview mirror- her eyes were smudgy, her pink hair standing straight on end. She shrugged, and leaned forward between the front seats to rest her head on Jared’s shoulder.

“Good morning, sleeping beauty.” Jensen greeted her, and she lazily turned her head to meet his voice. “You hungry?” 

“Always,” she answered, as Jared combed his fingers through her hair, making it more of a mess, not less. They drove through a Starbucks to load up on coffee and breakfast sandwiches before stopping at the next rest stop area. Elle and the boys ate while Daisy ran around in the grass. Jensen pretended not to see his partners slipping the dog bites of food. 

*** They drove steadily East, stopping every few hours for gas and snacks and to let the dog out. Some hours were quiet, everyone reading or absorbed in their own thoughts. Other hours were musical, each of them taking a turn controlling the AUX cord, but all of them singing along. And some hours were chatty, the three of them discussing anything that came to mind, from books to current events to the perfect grill dinner. They were comfortable with one another, with both conversation and silence, that was the important thing.

Elle didn’t care so much about where they were going, as long as they were together. But after lunch, she could no longer ignore the view outside her window. They were in the Blue Ridge Mountains, roads snaking over hills and around curves. At every turn, she saw peaks swathed in gauzy clouds, and valleys through a blue mist. She had driven this road a hundred times in her life. The view never failed to fill her with awe.  

She watched the road signs, counting the miles, waiting for Jared or Jensen to say something. Finally she spoke up. 

“Boys, are we going to Gatlinburg?” 

“Yes!” Jared whipped around to face her. “We booked a cabin! It’s gonna be great!” 

Jensen nodded and met her eyes in the mirror, his smile growing to match hers. 

Gatlinburg. They were headed home. It wasn’t where she had grown up, exactly, but close by. It had been the destination of almost every vacation she had taken for the first 20 years of her life. 

As they drove into town, she felt her excitement growing. It was funny how things could come back to you, even after years away. There was her favorite little coffee shop, the one with all the plants. There was the record store where she spent all of her money on every trip.

The farmers selling produce by the side of the road, that was another familiar sight. Jensen stopped at one and loaded up on fresh fruit and veggies. Jared bought an armload of fresh homemade pastries. 

She felt her sense of intrigue grow as they turned off the main road, away from the hotels and resorts, and headed back into the mountains. A little while later, Jensen finally brought the SUV to a stop in front of an expansive cabin in the woods. He stepped out from the car and stretched before opening Elle’s door. Daisy rushed out, tail wagging. 

Elle stepped out and looked around, drawing in a deep breath. The sunlight air filtered down through the trees. She could smell pine and water nearby. Something in her soul unwound a little and seemed to settle in. She looked up as she felt Jensen’s gaze on her. 

“Hey,” he asked softly, “You like this?” She nodded, too overwhelmed to put her feelings into words. Just then, Jared bounded around the car.

“You won’t believe this place that Jay booked, look!” He took her hand in his and almost dragged her inside. He gave her an enthusiastic tour: the kitchen, the living room with a fireplace, the bedrooms, the hot tub on the porch. 

Jensen followed as they skipped from room to room, his eyes never leaving her. Clearly, the two of them had spent time together, browsing the options before they rented this house. Both men were eager to see her reaction, to make sure she was happy. 

When all three of them stopped on the porch, Elle looked down, through the verdant trees, to a small stream. This was even better than she could’ve dreamed. Her boyfriends stood on either side of her, and without speaking, each slipped one arm around her. She relaxed and leaned into their embrace. She felt safe, loved, at home. 

Daisy nudged at them, whining for attention. Elle broke away from the boys to pet her, and caught sight of a grill.

“Jensen, my guess is you’ve already planned to grill something for dinner?” Of course he had. Jared carried a cooler up from the car, and pulled out steaks that had been marinating since the night before. Jensen had prepped some of the produce he had purchased on the way in, a grill basket full of peppers, onions and mushrooms, with a side of asparagus.

While they cooked, she took a quick shower. The master bathroom was expansive, with a big glassed in shower and a deep garden tub. She smiled, anticipating the things the three of them could do in there. She slipped into one of the short dresses she had packed. It was comfortable, light and soft. She was glad Jared had suggested it. 

That night, the three of them ate until they couldn’t eat any more. Even Jensen slipped a bite or two of steak to the dog. The sun set and the stars came out and they still lingered on the porch, talking and laughing. Long after midnight, Jensen steered Elle to the bedroom they had picked out for her. Jared made sure she had her meds and a bottle of water. She relaxed into the expanse of clean white sheets and pillows, and fell asleep. 

*** Elle slept in late the next morning, later than she was ever able to sleep in their apartment. She woke up slowly, but was lured to the kitchen by the smell of coffee. Jensen was making scrambled eggs loaded with veggies and cheese, while Jared was digging into the pastries he bought the day before. 

She enjoyed good morning kisses from both her boyfriends before she settled down with a plate of food and a mug of coffee. Propped up on the table in front of her was an envelope with her name.

“Boys?” She asked, as she reached for it. Both of them turned to look at her. Jensen was smiling broadly, that look on his face when he knew he had done well, while Jared was practically vibrating from excitement. 

She opened the envelope and 3 concert tickets fell into her hand. Her favorite band in the whole world, right here in Gatlinburg, floor seats, tonight. She couldn’t form words, just screeched in excitement as she launched herself at Jared and Jensen. The three of them shared a warm embrace as she babbled her thanks. Wakened by the commotion, Daisy came over and nudged at their legs. 

Elle sat back down, overwhelmed. She had seen this stop on the concert tour, of course, but it seemed too far away. That had been months ago, and she had honestly forgotten the date. The fact that Jared and Jensen had planned not only a get away weekend for her, but a concert, said volumes. 

That night, the boys dressed as usual in jeans and button-downs. Of course Elle had packed one of her many t-shirts for this particular band. They were her favorites, after all. She took extra care with her look, lining her eyes and touseling her hair. Finally, they headed out.

The warm up bands were good, thoroughly enjoyable, but Elle was saving her excitement for the main act. The moment they came on stage, the first thrum of the bass, she was gone. She screamed and sang along and danced, savoring every moment. 

The concert ended at midnight, but Elle wasn’t even remotely tired as they drove back up the mountain. She spent the entire drive babbling about every moment, every song. She was still waxing enthusiastic in the kitchen when Jensen silenced her with a kiss. 

“You packed a swimsuit, right? Go change.”

She did, and stepped out onto the porch. Jared was already in the tub, knees wide and head back. She slipped in next to him and rested her head on his shoulder. Jensen followed, carrying 3 beers, which he handed out as he sank into the water. 

Elle turned to face Jensen, kissing him deeply. Jared drew closer to the two of them, his hands all over their bodies. For what felt like a long time, the three of them traded kisses, caresses slow and lingering in the hot water. 

Finally, Jensen stepped out of the hot tub, lifting Elle up with him. She clung to him as he carried her back inside. Jared stepped ahead of them and was already on the bed, arms open, when Jensen lowered her down on the white sheets. 

***

Elle woke up late the next morning. Her head was resting on Jensen’s shoulder, his chest rising and falling under her fingers. Jared was spooned around behind her, his arm holding her close. 

She took a deep breath. The concert last night was amazing. This cabin was fantastic. It was so much fun to be back in a familiar city. They had two more days in front of them, and she was looking forward to every minute of it.

But honestly, the best part of the trip was just being together. Jensen, Jared and her - it wasn’t anything she had ever imagined. No, it was better than she had ever imagined. However unlikely, she was theirs and they were hers.

*** Like what you’ve read? Read my first chapter with this trio, Enough

Thanks to @lastactiontricia​ for jumping in and giving this a preread.

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