i do not own this story it belongs to a friend of mines ( mz. ashleigh )
she and i do not own supernatural or Dean, Sam or Bobby or anyone from the show you may notice.
mz. ashleigh only owns the idea of the story and her oc's
thanks for taking the time and understanding this.
now plz enjoy and be come a fan of this wonderful story just like me :)
XOXO
Don't Be Like That
by mz. ashleigh
Prologue.
The pain in her back getting worse, her eyesight going dim. She prayed that she would get to her Uncle before the darkness took her over. A shaky hand changed gears, and her car continued down the dark, deserted road. She leant her head back for a breif moment, willing for the pain to just disappear. A tear falling from her sad eyes. She couldn't handle it any more, she shifted gears, and sped the rest of the way. A wave of relief began to wash over her, as she seen the junkyard up ahead. "Please, be home. Please Uncle Bobby, I need you." she said, her voice shaking.
She turned into the driveway, and drove slowly up to her Uncle's house. Seeing the figure of a man, sitting on the porch, she calmed a little. Until she saw his face. "Oh god!" she said.
Dean Winchester, sat out on Bobby's porch, legs perched up on the railing infront of him, a cold beer in his hand. Two months ago, him and Sammy had moved in with Bobby. He'd asked them too just after they'd destroyed the Demon. Dean was relieved to have a stable home, with something to keep his mind off the hunt, and the deal he'd made. There was endless amounts of cars for him to lose himself in. There was also Ryder, a girl he'd met on a previous hunt, who turned out to be Bobby's niece. He shuddered, Bobby had told him to keep his sex crazed hands off her, and if he didn't he'd cut them off. Knowing Bobby as well as he did, Dean didn't doubt a word.
He remembered the first time he'd seen her again. They'd ended up tracking the same hunt, and ran into eachother in a rundown diner. Dean, was being his usual, sex crazed self. He had been staring at her from the table behind her, when she got up to leave, all it took was a look at her face. His mouth had dropped open, Sam on the other hand stood. Wrapping her into a tight hug, which was returned instantly. Her and Sam seemed to have hit it off, both being book smart, just Ryder had alot of fight in her aswell, like Dean. Dean didn't say anything to her, he just looked on as her and Sam spoke.
-Flashback-
In the short time they'd met, she'd played hard to get. Never using his first name, always calling him Winchester. Sam on the other hand, was always Sammy, and not once did she get told not to call him that. She was still playing her game with him, pretending she'd hadn't noticed him. Turning, catching his eyes on her she smirked. "So, you gonna stand there slack-jawed, or you gonna get up and hug me?" she asked, eyeing him. He stood slowly, though still not talking. He stepped closer, and pulled her into a tight hug. "Geez, Winchester. I'm only human!" came her muffled voice. He let her go, hands resting on her shoulders. "Dean?" she asked, voice a little nervous. He snapped out of it. "You look great." he said, turning on his usual cocky voice.
"I heard you boys finished off the Demon." she said, turning back to Sam. "How do you know?" Dean said, voice full of shock. Ryder turned to look at him, when a male voice came from behing her. "Ry come on, we gotta hit the road." She turned and mirrored the man's tough stance. "Get the car started, I'll be a minute." She turned back to the boys. "It's good to see you again, both of you. Your stupid," she said, stepping forward, planting a soft kiss on Dean's cheek. "And your lucky." she said, pulling Sam into a tight hug. "See ya." She ran outside, jumping into the started car. Waving as it sped off.
"HEY THOSE TWO CUT WITHOUT PAYING!" called the waitress. Sam stood a smile on his face, "Dude, she was made for you."
-End Flashback-
Since then he'd seen her more and more, they often flirted, but nothing ever came of it. She still played hard to get, normally just when he would attempt to kiss her, she'd turn away. Pretending she had no intentions of heading in that direction. Normally, he'd give up by now, but this girl was breathtaking. He heard the sound of crunching gravel, his eyes looked down the driveway, seeing to headlights coming up the driveway. He recognised the car instantly, it was a 1969 Dodge Charger, it was black, and had silver racing stripes along it. "Ryder." he said to himself. He stepped down the stairs slowly, stopping just infront of the car. Her eyes locked with his, and the door swung open. Ryder pulled herself out of the car, and stood there holding the door.
"Dean?" her shakey voice said. That was all she needed to say, she called him Dean, not Winchester. There was definately something wrong. His eyes scanned her, stopping on a dark patch, forming at the side of her shirt. He stepped closer, to her grabbing her outstretched arms. "It's ok, your okay. I got ya." he said, pulling her into his arms, looking over her shoulder. He pulled her shirt up slowly, revealing a large gash along her lower back. "Dean?" her voice was softer now, she was getting tired. "It's ok. Come on." They took a step towards the house, but Ryder's legs went from under her. Catching her quickly, Dean panicked. "BOBBY!!!" he screamed. Putting an arm under her legs , the other in the middle of her back, picking her up slowly. She leaned her head against his chest, eyes staring into his.
"What? Oh christ. Is she okay?" Bobby asked, running out to them. Dean shook his head, "I don't think so." He saw Sam run out the door, eyes falling on the body in Dean's arms. "I'll get the bedroom ready." he turned and ran back into the house, gathering supplies on the way. "Quick, lets get her inside." Bobby ran to help Sam, Dean carried her in carefully. She coughed, and called his name again. Looking down at her, he saw fear in her eyes. "You wouldn't let him hurt me again, would you?" she asked, voice soft, and full of pain. Dean stepped carefully up the staircase. "Let who hurt you again?" he asked, curiously.
"You." she said, closing her eyes. He stepped quickly into the bedroom, placing her gently down on the towels Bobby had laid on the bed. "Ry, stay with me. What do you mean, me?" he coaxed. Her eyes fluttered open, looking up at his worried face. "Shifter, with your face." Dean bared his teeth, then saw she was falling into unconciousness. "No, darlin' come on now. You can't go to sleep now, you gotta try and stay awake for me." Her eyes looking into his, searching for something, and obviously finding it. "I knew he wasn't you. He was hurting me. I told him you'd never hurt me. He got angrier, said he was the real Dean Winchester. b*st*rd got me with my own knife." Dean, brushed her hair from her face, which was lengths shorter than the last time he'd seen her.
"What happened to your hair?" he asked, trying to keep her awake, hoping Bobby would be in soon. "I was trying to get away, but he grabbed my hair. So I used these," she pulled two knives from each of her boots, dropping them on the floor beside him. "to cut it off. I wasn't gonna let him have me." Dean smiled, he loved how fiesty the girl was. "Is this why you kept sayin' my name before?" he asked, wiping away the tears that were now falling from her eyes. She said nothing, just nodded. "Bobby, quick." Dean yelled, hand brushing her hair softly, in an attempt to calm her down. "I'm comin', just washing me hands boy!" came his frantic voice. "I gotta get your shirt off ok." Dean said, quietly. He sat on the left side of the bed, and lifted her top half up, her head coming to rest on his shoulder. He pulled the bottom of it up halfway up her small body. She sat back a little, letting him pull it off completely.
"You know, I didn't expect you to see me half naked tonight." she said, a smirk on her face. Dean helped her to lay on her stomach. As Sam entered the room. He stopped just by the door, leaning against the wall. Dean's eyes never left Ryder, but he knew he was there. "Here kiddo, hold this while I go about me business. Dean, I want you to keep her talkin'." Bobby ordered. Sam sat on the floor next to Bobby eyeing the cut on her back. "Is she gonna be okay?" he asked Bobby. Bobby stared at the wound, cleaning it carefully. "She'd wanna be, cause your brother will go after whatever did it. He don't have forever to get this thing." he whispered back.
"Hey, I saved your ass. You can't deny your hero a date this time, can ya?" Dean teased, hoping to keep her going. Her eyes opened, looking up into his beautiful green eyes. "I was only sayin' no, cause I was scared of my feelings. I don't wanna fall for you, then lose you in the end." she said, so quietly no one but him had heard it. Dean wiped away her tears again. "Well, I got less than a year left. Thought I'd give commitment a try." He whispered into her ear. "When I can move again, Winchester, I swear I'll kick your ass." Dean smiled, "Why?" She closed her eyes, as Bobby rubbed alcohol into the wound. She bared her teeth. "For makin' me fall for your pretty ass." she said, through the pain.
"Ok, darlin' I'm gonna start stitchin' okay. Just focus on Dean, and try to blank through it." Bobby said, a voice full of parental concern. If a stranger was in the room with them, they'd have probably believed Bobby was her father. Her mother had been Bobby's little sister, this resulted in a slight family resemblence. Ryder had inherited Bobby's temper though, that's what made her so feisty. "Dean?" she called. He looked down, his hand falling onto the back of her head, brushing through the now neck length hair. "Mmm?" was all the could say. "Don't leave me tonight. I don't wanna be alone." Dean just nodded. He looked at Bobby, who was concentrating on sewing up the long, deep gash. Sammy, who'd been quiet the whole time, was eyeing Dean. He knew Sam was thinking about the night he'd been stabbed in the back.
"Hey, you okay little brother?" Dean called. Sam's head snapped up. "Uh huh. Yeah. Are you?" He was lying, Dean could hear it in his voice. "Fine. Sammy, I'm alright." Dean turned his attention back onto Ryder. Her hand was now holding his t-shirt in a tight fist. The pain was starting to get to her, more tears were falling from her beautiful eyes. Dean pulled his free hand up and placed it gently on her fist, brushing light fingers over it. She was watching him carefully, seeming more worried about him than herself. They were so alike in ways, and so different in others. He watched her face carefully, noticing small amounts of bruising, coming up on her cheek. "Sammy pass me a clean washcloth." He heard Bobby ask.
Ryder's face was relaxing, her eyes were closed. Her dark hair, falling across her face. She wasn't asleep, just resting. Her dark skin about three shades lighter, and she sweating from the pain. Dean brushed the hair out of her face, her beautiful skin, soft under his fingers. Her eyes opened again, staring passed him, and out of the window. Those eyes that had stopped him in his tracks only a year earlier. Eyes so unique, he'd never forget them, even if he'd never seen her again. Her eyes were something you don't see everyday, her left eye was a hazel brown, her right, was a chocolate brown, both large, and full of life. But not tonight. Tonight, they were full of pain, and full of tears. Her small body, laying tiredly on the bed, as she was tended by her Uncle.
Soon, Bobby was done. Sam left the room with the bloodstained cloths. A small tear fell from Bobby's eye as he leaned down and kissed her temple. "Stay with her. I gotta call her Daddy." Bobby whispered. Dean nodded, watching the man leave the room. Dean stood, only to be pulled back down by Ryder's ironlike grip on his shirt. "I'm just goin' to grab a t-shirt for you to wear. I'll be right back." She nodded, and let go. He stepped out of the room, and into the room he was sharing with Sam. He grabbed a clean black t-shirt from his duffle bag, smelling it to make sure it was really as clean as it looked. He turned on his heel, and headed back into the room across the hall.
"You gonna dress me now too?" she asked, smirk plastered in place. Dean nodded. "Well aren't I spoilt?" came her reply. He chuckled, and helped her sit up on the edge of the bed. She lifted her arms slowly, face scruching up with the pain. He pulled the shirt down over her body, gently. Letting it fall down over her beautifully curved body. She kicked off her boots and laid back down slowly. Dean had helped her remove her bra before Bobby had come in earlier, he mentally kicked himself, when he realised he hadn't actually looked at her breasts. "Too bad." she said, looking up at him, "You'll just have seduce me on our "date"." she said, sarcastically. She rolled carefully onto her side, pulling the sheet up over her. "Don't be like that. You know you want a night with me." he said, his signature smirk in place.
"Oh please," she said, voice full of mock seriousness. "Get your head outta the damn gutter." Dean laughed. Her look changed and she got serious. "I was terrified when I saw you standing there earlier. I thought he'd followed me." she said, fingers brushing her hair back out of her face. "You don't needa be scared of me. I wouldn't do anything to hurt you." he said, all sarcasm gone from his voice. "If I see that son of b*tch around here though. I'm gonna put him in the ground." Ryder smiled and patted the space infront of her. "Lay with me?" she said, not really asking, more telling him. He kicked his boots off and went to sit ontop of the sheets. She smiled and shook her head, pulling the sheets back. He got in next to her, turning his head to meet her gaze.
"I knew you wouldn't hurt me." she said, her voice growing soft. He put his arm underneath her neck, her head resting on his shoulder. He brought his hand up to run his fingers through her torn hair. "No, I'd never hurt you like that." he said, staring down at the body, that was now cuddled up to his. It only took a couple of seconds for her to fall into a deep sleep. Only then did he let the small tear fall from his eye. The thought of something with his face doing this to a girl he cared about, really scared him. The fact that she was terrified when she'd seen him earlier, also made his heart heavy. It wasn't long before Dean joined Ryder in unconciousness.
Half an hour later, Bobby hung up the phone. Slamming it down on the reciever. "Asshole." he said outloud. He scrubbed his face, and stood up. He wondered up to the bedroom, where he had left Dean with Ryder. He opened the door, poking his head in to check on them. What he seen when he walked in made a smile cross his face. "Well, I'll be damned." he said to himself. Ryder was sleeping with her resting on Dean's shoulder, her arm resting over his torso. Dean had his arm around her, his hand gently resting on her hair. His face was turned towards her, lips only inches away from her forehead. The sight made his heart swell, neither of them looked as though they'd been through hell.
Dean, had just come to terms with the fact that in 10 months, his life would be over. He'd been losing himself in the cars that Bobby had sprawled out in his yard. He'd been spending plenty of time with Sam, telling him stories from their childhood, so Sam had other memories of Dean, that didn't have to do with the hunt. He'd been completely different lately, changing to make his last year one for everyone else to remember. The poor guy was scared out of his mind.
Ryder, had just been beat up by a guy with Dean's face. A man she'd trusted, a man who had once saved her from her sister's crazy boyfriend. A man, Bobby believed, she loved. He'd watched the way Dean had been with her, while he was doing his best to mend his niece. It was a side of Dean that usually only came out when Sammy was hurt. Dean cared deeply for his niece, which made him change his opinion on the possibility of a relationship between the two. Seeing the two the way they were right now proved something to Bobby, those kids, were made to for eachother.
Sam came in behind Bobby, eyes on the two bodies cuddled together. "It's just like Jackson says." Sam said to Bobby. "Those two really are a love story waiting to happen." Bobby smiled. He turned his eyes to Sammy. "Lord knows they both need it." They left the room, turning the light off on the way out. They left the door open a crack, so they could hear if anything went wrong. They decided they weren't going to be sleeping anytime soon, so they sat out on the porch, both reflecting on the nights events.
Dean woke up the next morning, to the sound of Ryder's soft breathing. His eyes stayed closed for a few minutes, the sun coming through the window hurting his eyes. When he did open them, he saw that they hadn't moved all night, both laying comfortably in the same position as the night before. Ryder's face had more colour to it this morning, though it was still a little too pale for his liking. She'd warmed up again, when he'd gotten into bed with her, her cold body had made goosebumps breakout on his body. He heard footsteps, then saw Bobby's head poke in. He stepped inside the door, coffee in hand. "Here ya go, son." he said, as Dean carefully sat up a little, resting his back against the wall. Ryder's head now resting on his stomach. "Thanks." he said, taking the mug.
"She's looking much better today." Bobby said, looking at her face. "Yeah, she's warmer today too. Almost normal." Dean answered. The bruising on her face had come out over night, and made her cheekbone stand out. "Her daddy's blamin' me for her bein' hurt. Sayin' I shoulda gone with her to Dallas." Bobby said, looking back towards Dean. "I told him none of this woulda happened if he hadn't split her and Jackson up." Dean looked confused, "He sent her to deal with a shifter.. alone?" he asked. Bobby nodded, "Yup. Jackson's on his way here now. Freaked out when I told 'im. Says he's gonna have a talk to his Daddy." Dean smirked, remembering the fun he'd had with Jackson.
"She's gonna be out for a while. Go take a hot shower, I'll watch her for a while." Bobby said, looking over Dean's face. "Yeah, I think I'll take you up on that." Dean said, yawning. Together he and Bobby moved Ryder carefully, so that she was now resting against a pile of pillows, half sitting, so that her blood kept circulating properly. Dean watched as Bobby pulled a chair up to the bed, taking Ryder's hand into his own. Eyes full of guilt. Her father's words had gotten to him, Dean could see it. He walked across the hall and gathered what he needed, heading to the bathroom down the end of the hallway. "Please, be okay." he said to himself, as he stripped and got under the water.
Bobby sat just watching Ryder's chest slowly rise and fall. His face etched with worry, eyes full of pain. He'd seen her only days before, and she was fine, she'd been sparring with Dean in the yard. The beaten girl that laid before him, looked like a completely different person, she looked so weak and so vulnerable. Her face so pale and bruised, hair cut badly, and grazes all over her hands. Bobby squeezed her hand a little, hoping it would let her know someone was there. It was clear Ryder had held up a good fight. He remembered when she was 15, her first hunt had gone sideways, and she was sulking in the scrapyard. He'd told her, "If ya can't kill it, fight long enough to get away." She'd obviously remembered his advice.
She shifted a little, mumbling something that Bobby didn't quite catch. Her right arm coming to rest protectively over her stomach, a habit she'd always had, that often reminded him of Dean. That's when a small black bracelet caught his attention, he sat forward to examine it. It was thin, with a small silver charm on it, a protection charm. Instantly he knew who'd made it. Dean had learnt to make them when he was 6, Bobby had taught him while John was off on a hunt. Dean was trying to protect her from demons, too bad shifters didn't steer clear of these things.
"Is she alright?" came a familiar voice. Bobby looked up, finding his nephew's tall frame standing in the doorway. "Yeah, she's gonna be just fine. She's just sleepin' it off." Jackson sighed, stepping into the room. "I drove all night just to get here." he said, coming to a stop next to the bed. "You talked to your Daddy?" Bobby asked. His nephew shook his head. "Nope. He's been tryin' to call though. I just wanted to be with my sister." Bobby nodded, letting go of Ryder's hand, and adjusting his old cap. "Your a good kid." he said, as he stood up, "Just a little cocky." Jackson smiled, "Isn't that in the genes?" Jackson asked, ducking Bobby's headswat. "Your definately your mother's son." Bobby said, walking out of the room.
Everytime he looked at Ryder and Jackson, he saw his baby sister. Her beauty lived on through her daughter, her quick wit in her son. He always had tried to keep them safe, with the fear that he might lose them like he did their mother. Growing up they'd spent less time with him, but as soon as they hit their teens, they came running, sick of their father's neglegence. Jackson was in trouble, drinking, fights and drug experimentation. Ryder, was trying to keep him together, whilst trying to pass her classes. Ryder had also been trying to fight off her own demons, and to this day, Bobby had no idea what exactly her's were.
It was going on 11 when Ryder's eyes fluttered open, the bright sunlight shining in her eyes. Groaning, she lifted her arm to cover her eyes. "Damn sunlight." she drawled, to noone in particular. "What's wrong? You turn into a Vampire in our time apart, baby sis?" came an all too familiar voice. "Naw, just decided sleep was better than seeing your goofy face." she countered, laughing when she finally looked up at her big brother. "Ry, that hurts. It really does." he said, mocking her. Ryder pulled herself up against the pillows, her nose screwing up a little as her stitches pulled.
She adored her older brother, she looked up to him. She always felt safer in his presence, like his love would protect her from everything. He wasn't the toughest looking guy, but he knew how to fight which helped. His dark jaw length, always looked shaggy and untamed, his tanned face often hidden beneath it. He was blessed with their mother's beautiful chocolate brown eyes, something he was secretly proud of, yet chose to keep hidden.
"Heard you shared a bed with Deano last night?" her brother drawled, putting his booted feet up on the bed infront of him. "Yeah? So?" she said, absently. Jackson smiled, not even bothering to answer her question, knowing it would turn into an argument. "Does it hurt much?" Ryder thought a minute, crossing her arms across her chest. "It's not so bad today. Last night, boy, that was horrible. You think it'll scar?" she asked, suddenly sounding excited. "Your a freak, you know that? Knowin' you, probly not. You never scar, cept for that one through ya eyebrow." he answered, pointing to his own eyebrow to make his point.
Ryder huffed, looking down at her arms. She hadn't noticed all the small cuts and bruises on them the previous night. She looked up to Jackson, who was examining her from his seat, and judging by the look on his face, she must've been in bad shape. "That bad?" she asked, quietly. He didn't speak, just nodded. Slowly he moved onto the bed next to her, leaning his back against the wall. A long, lanky arm came around her shoulder. "Please be more careful, I don't know what I'd do if anything ever happened to you. We already lost Mom, I don't wanna lose you too." he said, hugging her. She leant her head on her brother's strong shoulder, a tear falling down her cheek.
They sat that way for ages, neither saying anything. They'd been close their whole lives, only really having eachother to turn to as children. Between their father's neglect, and his always being in hospital. Jackson had been a parent to her, until she hit 15. That year Ryder became the parent, with Jackson always getting into trouble, she would take care of him when he was sick, even if most times it was self-induced. They were all they had left, especially after their father remarried, bringing a new "Mom" and sister into the picture. A sister who had tried to have Ryder murdered a year before. A thought that Ryder knew still haunted her brother.
At around 1 in the afternoon, Jackson went out with the others. Ryder thought she'd been left alone, silently freaking out at the thought. "Suck it up, kid. You still got Sasha." she told herself, thinking of her Uncle's dog. Slowly she swung her legs off of the side of the bed, pushing herself up carefully. When she stood Dean's shirt was hanging off of her, making her realise just how much larger than her he was. She tucked the shirt into the back of her torn denim shorts, making it look a little less gigantic on her. She turned, and made her way to the bathroom.
After, she'd finished using the toilet, she washed her hands properly, removing all of the dried blood from her knuckles. She looked up into the mirror and sighed, 'I'll have to visit Claire soon, she'll fix this.' she thought, frowning at her tattered hair.
Opening the door, she stepped out into the hallway, and stopped. Deciding whether to go back to bed, or attempt to go downstairs and eat. Her stomach beat her back in the argument, and she slowly made her way to the stairs. Her hand grabbing a firm hold on the faded old banister, she stepped down carefully, breathing evenly through the pain. A few more steps down she stopped, hearing a noise downstairs. She turned and looked back over her shoulder, thinking about returning to her room, when she heard the footsteps headed her way, she just froze. Eyes searching for the source of the noise. Hunter's instacts kicking in over girlish fear. When the source came into sight, she relaxed. "Now what would Bobby say if he saw you standin' there?" his deep voice said.
"I thought I was here alone." she said, remaining where she was. She ran her hand softly along the banister, absently staring at the man. "Naw, I stayed back. Didn't really feel like pizza." he drawled. Ryder smiled, "You love pizza." she countered. "Well yeah, I do. But someone had to stay here." Ryder's eyes darted to the floor, instantly feeling like a burden. "Sorry." Dean sighed, walking up the stairs. Stopping a few below her, so he could catch her eyes. "Please don't play the Sammy card. One of him is enough. Want me to help you the rest of the way down?" She looked down into his eyes, saw nothing but warmth behind them. Something inside her trusted him, but a tiny part of her still held fear. She nodded, holding a hand out to him.
"Come here." he said, stepping up to meet her. Lifting her up into his arms, "You really think I'm gonna let ya just walk down the stairs in the shape your in?" he said, eyes on her as he stepped down the stairs one at a time. "I was hoping so." she said, quietly. "Too bad, short stuff. I'm the boss." was his reply. "Your a true romantic, Winchester." Ryder said, rolling her eyes. "Now there's the girl we all know and love." He placed her gently in one of the kitchen chairs, infront a cooked lunch. "You knew I was up?" she asked. "Uh, no. I was gonna bring it up, but I heard you in the bathroom." Dean answered, pointing a thumb up towards the stairs. "Oh, thanks."
"Dean?" Ryder asked, a few minutes later. He had his back to her, he'd been doing the dishes Bobby had left in the sink. "Yeah?" he said. She coughed and sat up a little. "Thanks for stayin' with me last night. I just needed to get over what happened." she said, almost to quick for Dean to pick up. "You mean you were still a little scared of me, even when I was helping you?" he said, turning to meet her gaze. She didn't speak, she just nodded, hoping he wouldn't be mad. He just sighed, coming to squat infront of her. "Kid, the day I hurt you and mean it, is the day Sammy will admit his a giant girl." Dean said, pushing some of her hair behind her ear.
After Dean had finished the dishes he'd carried her back upstairs. Ryder had taken a shower, was wearing her own clothes, and happy that her hair looked a little better. Dean had cleaned her stitches, and put a fresh piece of gauze on. They now were so bored, they started playing cards. Ryder propped up on the pillows, Dean cross legged on the bed infront of her. "Aha. I win, again." Ryder said, giggling at the confused look on Dean's face. "Dude, this game sucks out loud." he said, throwing his cards down. "Your a sore loser, Dean Winchester." Ryder stated, picking the cards up to shuffle them.
"Am not. Your just cheating." he said, a childlike tone to his voice. Ryder shook her head handing the deck over. "Fine, you deal." He took them and dealed the next hand, looking almost certain he could beat her this time. Minutes later, he was over it, throwing his cards down after another ass whooping. "You out hustled a hustler." Ryder nodded, "Learnt from the best." He looked away. "Your evil." She put the cards on the bedstand next to her. "About that date?" she said, voice slightly more softer than usual. "I'll do it, on my terms." Dean looked at her, unsure whether she was telling him the truth. "Your being serious?" he said, eyes wide. Ryder laughed, sitting back into the pillows. "I'm serious."
There was an awkward silence. Dean examined the woman infront of him. Ryder was slowly getting tired again, but she was trying to hide it, staring blankly out of the window. He moved up the bed, sitting next to her, feet crossing at the ankles, arms folded across his chest. She turned her head slowly, tired eyes coming to rest on his face, a small smile on her lips. "My mom always used to tell me, that one day, a beautiful man would come and rescue me from my fears. She said, that he'd be so strong and so powerful, that nothing would ever dare to hurt me again." Dean nodded, listening to her story, it wasn't often she spoke of her mother. "He's closer to us than you may think. That's what she'd always say to me. I went crazy for years, thinking about that. I thought it was just a story, you know. She'd tell me every night before I went to sleep. Our little habit." Dean smiled, "My mom used to tell me that angels were watchin' over me."
Ryder sighed. "But when I met you last year, when you stormed into that room, to save me. I knew what my Mom was tryin' to tell me. I believe that she saw that happen years before it did, that she knew that you lived here with Bobby sometimes. I think I'm just being crazy, but I think we were supposed to meet." She shook her head, turning back to the window. "Well, I didn't storm in, I kicked the door down. You don't sound crazy, because your Mom was probably right. Bobby said she was like Missouri. I like to think my Mom told me the truth, I believe she's the angel that's watchin' over me." Ryder yawned, turning her gaze back to him.
"I know she was." was all Ryder said, resting her head softly against Dean's. "You think I'm beautiful, huh?" he whispered to her. "Mmm, I do." she said, just before she drifted into another round of sleep.
"She's lookin' good." Bobby said, from his spot at the doorway. Dean hadn't noticed Bobby there, he'd been watching Ryder sleep. "Yeah, she ate a full meal before, and took a shower. Her colours coming back good too." His eyes never really leaving her. Bobby stepped forward, sitting on the edge of the bed. His hand resting firm on Dean's shoulder. "Thank you, for taking care of her. You were always good with that side of things. Your Daddy never had so much as a nurturin' bone in his body. It's good to see your Momma's in there too." Bobby smiled and patted Dean's cheek. "She needs someone like you right now. Don't let her down." With that Bobby got up and left the room. "Was that your way of sayin' I can touch her now?" Dean called after him, not recieving any form of answer.
Bobby made his way back out to the porch, sitting between Sam and Jackson. "How's she lookin'?" Sam asked. "As beautiful as the day she was born." Bobby answered. "Her colours back, and she's sleeping again. So, don't even think about lightin' that cracker boy." Jackson flinched, dropping the lighter, and turned, "I hate it when you do that." Sam laughed, "Dude, you totally need to grow up." Jackson smirked, pulling open his jacket. "You should stop now. I'll never grow up. Check out Batman." he drawled, pointing to his t-shirt. Sam shook his head. "Just what I need. Another Dean."
Jackson sobered up, looking at his uncle. "Do you think what Mom saw was true?" he asked, a serious tone sounding strange on him. "I think so, Jacky." Sam looked from one to the other, eyes showing his obvious confusion. "Mom had premonitions, not the gory, creepy kind like yours. She saw the future, the good kind." Jackson told him. Bobby nodded, "She told me that Ryder would meet a man who could save her from her fears. Ryder is terrified of death, knowing it will destroy Jacky. Dean saved her from that." Sam's eyes widened. "So, what your sayin' is? Dean was meant to meet her last year?"
"Yep. Problem is, Ryder's supposed to save him now. Missouri called this mornin', said a contact of her's had a vision about Ryder. She was at the crossroads." Bobby told him, eyes full of worry. Sam looked out across the wreckage. "There's gotta be another way?" Sam said, distractedly. "We gotta keep her here." Jackson said. Bobby smiled, "As long as he's here. She'll be here." His finger pointing the the room above them.
THREE WEEKS LATER.
Ryder sat on the roof of Bobby's house, throwing her pocket knife up and catching it again. Eyes fixed on the horizon. She was thinking of a way to make a date, comfortable for both herself and Dean. He was still bugging her about it, and she still had no idea of what to do. Her eyes fell on Dean's Impala, and instantly her mind set to work. She smiled, "Damn, I'm just too good." she said to herself. She caught her knife, and looked back out over the yard. She heard the door bang open underneath her, she prepare herself for what was coming next.
"Damn it Girl, get your ass down here. You just recovered from a damn gash in the back. What you gotta a deathwish or somethin'." came her Uncle's familiar voice. She stood, and climbed back down the ladder at the side on the house. "Calm down. I've been doin' that for years." she said, breezing passed him. "Girl, your gonna be the death of me." he said, as he followed her. "Oh please. Beer and Demons will be the death of you. I, just test your ticker." she said, running up the stairs past Dean. "What's she running from so fast?" he asked, stepping down off the last step. "Me. I swear that girl is more like me everyday." Dean shook his head, and patted Bobby on the back. "I thought one was bad enough."
"Oh, you smart ass." said, swatting Dean on the back of the head. "So, she's leaving today?" Dean asked, trying to act casual. Bobby nodded, looking up at the stairs. "She does have a home to go to." Bobby answered. Dean pursed his lips, and lifted an eyebrow. "You tryin' to say you want me outta here?" Bobby laughed a full hearted laugh. "No, son. I'm sayin' she doesn't stay for long intervals."
There was a thundering noise coming from the staircase. A mixture of boots, and a bag dragging. Ryder appeared in the doorway. "Right. Well I'm ready." She dropped her bag, and rushed over to Bobby. Hugging him tightly, then kissing his bearded cheek. "Thanks, for havin' me." Bobby smiled. "Anytime, darlin'." Ryder turned to Dean. "How bout you be a gentlemen, and carry my bag to my car?" Dean stepped forward, picking up her bag. Following her out to her Charger. He put it down in the trunk of her car, before turning to face her. "Be careful ok?" he said, looking at her face timidly. "I will. Oh, and I'll pick you up this Wednesday. 6.30pm, dress nice." she said, stepping forward. She kissed his cheek and walked away.
Minutes later, she was gone. Dean stood in the middle of the driveway. She was the only girl who'd every sucessfully left him lost for words. She was definately different. He turned and sauntered back into the house, heart a little lighter than it had been in months.
Two days later, Ryder stood in her bedroom, staring at her reflection in the long mirror. She'd chosen to dress more feminine, afterall she was trying to impress the guy. She'd chosen a silky white off-the-shoulder top, and a tight black pencil skirt that stopped at her knees. Earlier that day she had visited her friend Claire, who had turned her tattered hair, into a beautiful cut. One side was longer than the other, the back was cleaned up. A side-fringe cut in to make her look more girly, as Claire had put it. Her friend was so proud of the cut that she called it, The "Rihanna" do. Ryder laughed at her friends antics.
She'd spent the most part of the afternoon getting herself ready. It wouldn't have taken so long if she did things like this more often. She'd straightened her hair, sick of her usual waves. After she'd done her make up, she hardly recognised herself in the mirror. "Oh, god. What am I doin'?" she asked herself. Looking over herself again. She threw herself down on her bed, she sat there kicking her legs, toes running through the carpet. It was offical, Ryder was nervous. It wasn't even 5.30 yet, and she was nervous as hell. There was a knock at her door, that pulled her from her trance.
She got up, and made her way through her apartment. Stopping, to check the peephole. She smiled when she saw who it was. She opened the door, and greeted her neighbour. "Hello, Mrs Jenkins. How are you today?" she said, warmly. The gentle old woman smiled at her. "I'm fine thanks, sweetheart. Your brother came by while you were out today. He asked me to give you this." She handed Ryder a medium sized brown parcel. "Thank you." Ryder said, blankly staring at the object in her hand. "You look pretty. Are you going on a date tonight?" her neighbour asked. Ryder smiled, and nodded. "That's wonderful sweetheart. Hope you enjoy yourself." she said, turning back into her apartment. "Thanks, again." Ryder said, as she closed her front door.
She ripped open the paper, finding a black box inside. Frowning as she opened it. "Oh my god." she said. Pulling out a silver chain, with a small pendant on it. She had seen pictures of her mother wearing a necklace similar. Her brother couldn't after something like this, but she loved him for doing it. She'd always admired her mother's taste in fashion. She walked back to her bedroom, looking into the mirror, carefully putting on the silver necklace. She smiled as she looked at herself. Suddenly feeling more confident, about how she looked. She looked at the time, she shrugged, decided to leave early.
She stepped into her heels, and grabbed her bag. Breezing through her apartment on her way to the door, she was now excited about the date. She stepped outside her apartment, locking her door. She almost got all the way to her car without seeing Tony. A man who lived down the hall from her, who had made it clear he was inlove with her since she'd moved in 7 months ago. Tony was a handsome man, very polite and always helpful. But she wasn't attracted to him, sure, he had a certain, Chad Michael Murray look about him, but he just wasn't her type. He was just pulling up on his motorbike, when Ryder stepped out of the apartment building.
"Hey Pebbles." he said, still sitting on his bike. Ryder smiled at his nickname. "Hey Tony, what's up?" she said, coming to a stop next to his bike. He removed his helmet, and smiled at her. "Well don't you scrub up nice." he said, looking her up and down. "I was about to say, you look nice in leather." she countered, grabbing hold of his jacket sleeve. "Well, I better let ya go. It's obvious your all prettied up for a reason." he said, leaning forward and swinging his leg off his bike. "Catch ya round, Pebbles." Ryder watched as he walked away.
She walked over to her car, getting in behind the wheel. She gunned the engine, and left the parking lot, singing along to the music, playing through her radio.
Dean sat in his favourite armchair in Bobby's living room. He'd just finished getting ready, he was now watching television with Sam, trying his best not to let his nerves get to him. He'd spent a little over 20 minutes getting ready, and when he returned downstairs he'd been seriously insecure. Both Bobby and Sam were staring at him. Dean was staring blankly at the screen, not really knowing what was happening on the show. He was worried what he was wearing, wasn't "nice" enough. Looking down over himself again, he sighed.
He was wearing a black shirt, and his black suit jacket, which was normally only used for posing as FBI. He'd bought a new pair of dark blue jeans, that had absolutely no holes in them. He smiled at the thought of owning somehing new. He didn't have any other shoes though, so he'd just cleaned the dirt off of his boots. Looking back up, he saw Sam watching him. "You look fine." Sam said, smiling at his brother. Dean huffed and looked away, "Aww man, this is so not me. I bet she walks in wearin' jeans and a t-shirt or something, and I look like an idiot." Sam chuckled at his brother's self conciousness.
"Dean, I'm sure she's not wearing jeans and a t-shirt." Sam said, trying his best to assure him. Dean looked back at him, his leg bouncing on the floor. "Man, why am I so nervous?" Dean blurted out. Sam laughed at this, "Dude, it's not funny." Dean snapped. "Aw, Dean. Don't be like that." Sam said, sarcastically. "Your probably nervous, cause you actually like this girl. She's not just a piece of ass." Dean nodded, knowing that what Sam had said, was infact the truth. Headlights coming through the curtain caught his attention, nerves definately worse now. His head fell back against the back of the armchair, eyes starring at the ceiling. 'Suck it up kid.' he told himself.
He heard the front door open and heels tapping on the wooden floor of Bobby's hallway. "Guys?" came Ryder's voice. "Yeah, Ry. We're in here." Sam called, smirking at Dean, who'd stuck his finger up at him. The tapping of Ryder's footsteps moved closer, and Dean kept his eyes on the ceiling. They came to a stop in the doorway. "Hey." she said, casually. Dean's eyes fell on Sam, who was obviously staring at Ryder. His mouth was wide open. "Your definately dressed fine." Sam said, looking at him. Dean slowly turned his gaze to the doorway, his mouth twitching into a tiny smile. "You look.. different. But a good different." Dean said, standing slowly.
Ryder blushed, "Yeah, I thought the same thing when I looked in the mirror." She nervously pushed a hair behind her ear, looking over Dean's shoulder at Sam. He was giving her the thumbs up, which made her giggle. Dean turned to look at Sam, who'd quickly turned his attention back to the tv before Dean's eyes had fallen on him. Ryder shook her head, smiling at the brother's. "You two make me laugh." Dean turned back to her, "You hair looks better." She nodded her thanks, and nervously pushed it behind her ear again. "Yeah, my best friend is a hairdresser. This is her latest masterpiece." she said, rolling her eyes.
"You ready?" she asked. Dean nodded, walking over to the doorway where Ryder was standing. "Now behave yourselves you two. Don't do anything I would do." Sam said, acting all parental, laughing as he did so. "There goes all the fun." Dean said, sarcastically. They walked casually out of the door, Ryder walking ahead of Dean. His eyes were going over every part of her. She looked completely different to the way she had looked two days ago. She got into her car, and leaned over to unlock his door for him. He got in, feeling weird sitting shotgun. "So where are we goin'?" he asked. Ryder started her car, shifting into reverse. "That is a secret." she said, as she reversed out of her Uncle's long driveway.
At 7 o'clock they pulled into the parking lot of a rather large convention centre. Dean looked around noticing all the expensive cars, instantly feeling out of place. Ryder had gotten out of the car, and was waiting for him. He got out slowly, and walked over to her eyes darting around at all of the women, dressed nicely like Ryder. "You dressed fine, trust me." she told him. They walked next to eachother, and jumped on the end of a rather long queue. Dean relaxed a little when he saw the men were wearing jeans too. The line moved quickly and before he knew it they were standing in a large foyer.
"Oh god." Ryder said, suddenly. "What?" Dean asked. "See that blonde girl headed this way?" Dean nodded. "She is the most spoilt child I've ever met. She hates bein' rejected and always picks at my mannerisms." Ryder told him, turning on her heal to face the blonde girl. "Well, if it isn't Ryder Singer. How are you?" came a high pitched voice, the girl puliing Ryder into a bone-breaking hug. "Hey Lauren, I'm just peachy." Ryder said, sounding slightly sarcastic. She pulled out of the hug and took a step back, bumping softly into Dean.
"Well, where are your manners girl? Who's your friend?" Lauren said, eyes dancing over Dean's body. Ryder rolled her eyes, looking up at Dean. "This is Dean. Dean this is Lauren." Dean held out his hand, Lauren took it, and looked up into his eyes. Dean found himself trying to contain a fit of laughter. "Nice to meet you, Dean." Lauren said, trying to sound seductive. Ryder coughed, waving a hand infront of Lauren's face. "Incase ya didn't notice. The guy your tryin' to pick up, is my date. Remember what happened last time ya tried that?" Lauren's eyes snapped away from Dean and onto Ryder. "You are the rudest girl. I swear your step-mother will hear about this." Lauren turned so fast her dress swirled out around her. "Oh like she has any power over me anyway." Ryder called after her.
"What happened last time?" Dean asked, curiously. "I kicked her Merc on my way to my car." Ryder said, with a devious smile. "Shall we?" Ryder asked him. He looked around again, took a breath and nodded. Ryder could tell he was nervous, so she let her hand slide from his elbow to his hand. To her surprise he grabbed it, squeezing it a little the holding a little looser. He was definately worried. They walked to the door, and a young man smiled at them. He looked at Dean and asked, "Surname, sir?" Ryder spoke up, "Singer." The boy's eyes widened. "Sorry, Miss Singer. I didn't recognise you." She smiled softly, and led Dean through the door. "Ryder? Are we in the right place?" Dean asked, eyes darting around the room. "Uh huh. Car show. That was the destination." she answered.
Dean was like a child at Christmas, eyes so wide and full of happiness. He leaned over and kissed her cheek. "Now do you feel comfortable?" she asked, a huge smile on her face. "Uh, I kinda forgot about all the people. I've never been to a carshow." he said, softly. They began their journey around the massive room. To Ryder's surprise, even though Dean had relaxed, his hand still held on to hers. They walked at a slow pace, both taking in every detail of every car, occasionally someone would recognise Ryder, and strike up a conversation. She'd smile, and introduce Dean, the woman would roll there eyes, the men would shake his hand.
Once they had lapped the room twice, Ryder turned to him. "You hungry?" she asked. "Starvin'" he answered. They headed out of the convention centre, back towards Ryder's car. She stopped and threw him the keys. "Wanna drive her?" she asked. Dean nodded, a huge smile on his face. "Where to, Miss?" Dean asked, revving the engine. "To Eric's. Sir." she said, mocking him. "Is that the new place downtown?" Dean asked, chuckling at her. "Yup, resturant for the working class. Cause lord knows I can't afford any more than that." They both laughed as Dean, drove out of the parking lot, a little shakey at first.
It took them 10 minutes to find a parking space, when they arrived at Eric's. Dean was getting annoyed and Ryder was giggling at his temper. "Calm down hothead. THERE QUICK!" she pointed. Dean sped forward, beating a car that was coming the other way. He cut the engine and looked at her, she was smirking at him. "What?" he asked. She smiled and got out of the car. "Your funny when your frustrated." she said, coming around to meet him at the driver's side. "Oh, thanks." he said, as he slammed the door shut.
Ryder wrapped her right arm, around Dean's left and shook him a little. "Cheer up, handsome." She began walking, dragging him slightly as she moved. Dean caught up with her stride, smiling the whole way to the resturant. They walked through the door, Dean looked around. Feeling a little more comfortable here than he had when he'd gotten out of the car at the convention centre. A short, stuck up looking man, caught Dean's attention. "Name?" he said looking him up and down. "You talk to everyone like that?" Dean asked, cocky grin on his face. The man snapped to attention, "Sorry, sir. Name please?" he said, a little more politely. "Singer." Ryder said, softly.
"TONY!" the small man called. A tall blonde man came from the kitchen. "Yes, sir." his confident voice said. "Show these two to their table." the man said, Tony's blue eyes fell on the couple. "Right this way." He said, walking to a table down the back. Tony pulled a chair out for Ryder, eyes never really leaving her. Dean felt a slight pang of jealousy, but kept it well hidden. "There ya go, Pebbles." Tony said, handing her a menu, turning his attention on Dean, handing him the other. "Um, I'll be back in a few minutes for your order. Would you two like a drink in the meantime?" he asked, politely. Ryder nodded, "Scotch and cola, on the rocks. Thanks." Tony wrote it down, and looked toward Dean. "I'll have the same." Dean said, politely. Tony walked away.
"Pebbles?" Dean asked. Ryder smiled and told Dean about Tony. The jealousy went away, after she'd finished. It was clear that she was just friends with the guy, and he was in the process of getting over her. Tony returned a couple of minutes later, placing the drinks carefully down infront of them. They nodded their thanks, and he walked over to one of his other tables. "He's a really nice guy. It's just, he's not really my kinda guy." Dean raised an eyebrow, suddenly becoming very interested. "So, what is your type?" he asked, putting his menu down. Ryder took a mouthful of her drink, placing it down infront of her. Her eyes down on the table.
"I don't like clingy guys, or guys who spend out on girls. I like him to be like my best friend, lets me have my space, but does sweet things for me. I don't like it when there's too many emotions out there, and I hate jealous guys. He's gotta be able to take care of me, but let me handle myself. Definately gotta have a manly scruffiness about him, but still be handsome. That's what I like in a guy." She looked up at him, finger running around the rim of her glass. Dean nodded, "So basically. Me, that's what your sayin'." Ryder laughed, feeling less embarrassed now. "Exactly." she said, sarcastically.
A few mintues later, they ordered, and their meal came out. They shared a comfortable silence, broken now and then by small conversation. Dean was trying to learn more about Ryder, realising he only knew small things about her, and she knew so much about him. He wasn't disappointed, she answered every question he asked her. "So, after your mother went missing, your dad moved on pretty much straight away?" he asked, slightly taken aback. "Yeah, like for one year he was all "sad". But then he came home one night and said, "kids daddy's gettin' married." I was like 7, I didn't understand, but Jackson was 10. He knew exactly what was going on."
"That's weird." Dean said, lifting his glass to his lips. "It was. I've never called Susan, Mom though. I've never been able to. I can't stand that woman. I'd always thought me and River were close, through the teen years anyway. Boy was I wrong." Dean smiled, remembering the events of last year. "So, do you remember your Mom?" he asked, trying not to sound too curious. "Yeah, some. Like things she did, or things she said. Her smell, the way she smiled." Ryder's eyes met Dean's. "Do you remember your Mom?" she asked. Dean sighed, nodding slow. "A little. I remember her smell, and the way she hugged me. I was alot younger than you. So I got less memories." he said, his voice soft. Ryder saw a change in his eyes, she reached across the table, touching his forearm softly.
"Cherish what you do remember, and always remember your mother loved you." she told him. He smiled at her gesture, he brought his hand over, resting it on hers. "Thanks." he said, "Kinda felt good to talk about her." Ryder smiled, nodding to Tony. "Could we grab the cheque?" she asked him, politely. He turned and walked over to the front desk. "Wanna split it?" she asked. "Sure." They paid for the meal, Ryder said goodnight to Tony. They stepped outside the resturant, the cool night air dancing across their faces. Ryder's hand found Dean's again, they walked slowly to the car. They weren't in any real hurry, tonight was their night off. They were free to be human, and just relax.
Ryder chuckled to herself, looking ahead. "What?" Dean asked, quietly. Ryder shook her head. "I have no idea." They got to her car, and Ryder sat shotgun again. Dean got in behind the steering wheel, turning to face her. Ryder looked at him out of the corner of her eye, "What?" she asked. Dean flicked his head, gesturing for her to come closer, Ryder laughed and slid over. Dean leaned forward, Ryder followed his lead, her hand coming to rest on his cheek. Their lips met in a soft kiss, it got a tiny bit deeper, before Dean broke away. The back of his finger's softly caressing Ryder's cheek. She smiled at him and slid back over to her side, Dean chuckled and started the car.