Disclaimer: I still don't own Supernatural or its characters and am not making any money on this…I'm still just having fun!

Summary: Having dealt with one demi-god already, how much harder could a god be? SPOILER WARNING This take place in Season 3 after episode 3.11.

Raven524: Don't worry, I'm still working on my other story, but just couldn't resist putting this together as a special Valentine's day gift for all those who have been reading and responding to my stories over the past couple of years. So on this day of "chick-flick" moments, I thought I'd reach out to say thanks! Besides, someone had to come up with a reason for Sammy to be dreaming about Bella—it just wasn't natural, was it?

THE CUPID EFFECT

Chapter 1 – Strange Bed Fellows

Sam sat in the crowded coffee shop, oblivious to the frilly valentine hearts dangling from the ceiling as well as adorning the walls and windows. His eyes were glued to the screen, reading the latest information he had found on deal making with demons. Ever since Dean had admitted he wanted to live, he had redoubled his efforts trying to find an answer. Dean had been sleeping when he left to grab some coffee. Even though his brother said he wanted to live, he also made it clear, he still would not help. It seems his big brother would not do anything to risk Sam forfeiting his own life to save his.

A soft buzzing in his pocket disturbed Sam's thoughts as he pulled out his cell phone. "Hey Bobby—any word yet on Bella?" Ever since the episode with the witches, Ruby had not made an appearance and now Bella had absconded with the only weapon that could possibly help when they came for Dean. Sam knew in the end, he would place himself between the demon holding the contract and his brother. It would be nice to have something in his pocket that could kill the beast, hopefully ending the contract. But now…Sam jerked up as he heard Bobby's irate voice.

"…And you haven't heard a single word I've said. I don't know why I bother lately, between your brother's hidin' his head up his backside and you hidin' yours in that computer—I'd have better luck talkin' to a stone." Bobby exhaled on the other end of the phone, clearly frustrated with the younger Winchester boy.

"I'm sorry Bobby, it's just—we're running out of time and all I can think about is--now Dean wants to live and I can't do anything to save him." Sam's voice hitched slightly, the agony of his position clear in his voice.

The voice on the other end of the line softened slightly, "Listen boy, we still have time. But we won't have anything if you boys don't get that gun back. Now I found out from a reputable source, Bella is staying at the home of a friend of hers, not far from where you're at now." Sam listened and took down the address, a smile appearing on his face for the first time in days. It had only been a couple of days since they had done their dream walking, but none of them had taken any time to rest.

"Thanks Bobby—I mean it man. I don't know what we'd do…" Sam left the sentence open ended, unwilling to voice the emotion. He didn't need to, Bobby understood.

"Never mind, just get that brother of yours and get the gun back." Bobby ordered gruffly in a tone that normally would have set Sam on edge as it reminded him of his father. But his mind was too full of finding the colt to worry about being ordered about like he was sixteen again.

"I'll let you know what happens Bobby—Thanks!" Sam jumped slightly as a newspaper was dropped on the table in front of him. Hazel eyes glanced up and watched as his brother lowered himself into the chair opposite him, a cup of coffee lazily held in one hand, eyebrow cocked as he took a sip.

"So you were going to let me sleep all morning Sammy?" Dean asked softly, his eyes scanning his younger brother even as he reached for the muffin Sam had bought but not eaten.

"Well it looks like your little beauty sleep did you some good, besides your snoring made it hard to concentrate!" Sam remarked, glancing at the paper on the table, the question clearly in his eyes.

"Fine, well while you were sitting here in this god awful place—jeez Sammy, how much more girly can you get?" Dean nodded at the red and pink hearts spread throughout the café, shuddering as he continued pointing to the circled article in the newspaper. "I think I've found our next hunt…"

Sam glanced at the headline and groaned slightly. "Seriously dude—'Valentines Day Massacre' how could that possibly be something we need to check out?" It sounded like a publicity stunt of some sort to him.

Dean huffed slightly before picking up the paper. "Ok Sammy, I guess the fact that 10 loving fiancés dying shortly after becoming a 'couple' isn't all that strange…" Dean paused, raising his eyebrow, "or the fact they were all killed, sometimes by their significant other or by a close friend or family member who goes into some kind of jealous rage… oh and the best part, the surviving member of the 'couple' ends up dying a few days later… yeah, I'm sure it's just your normal everyday murder spree…"

Dean sat back, crossing his arms and waited as his brother processed the information. Sam had to admit, it was odd. He pulled the paper closer and read the article. One of the accused murders denied they hadn't even met the girl that was killed until a few days before the incident. Even his brother backed him up saying it was like he had been possessed or something..."Ok, Dean I see your point, but I also have some news—something you might want to take care of before we look into this."

"So spill Sammy—what have you found?" Dean sipped his coffee, his face carefully neutral.

Sam knew his brother was worried he wanted to talk about the deal. But Sam had already decided he was not going to tell Dean if they came up with a solution…better to keep him in the dark. "Oh, nothing—Bobby just called and gave me the address where Bella is staying. But if you'd rather solve the St. Valentines Day Massacre—we can do that first…"

Dean jumped to his feet, almost knocking the chair over as he pulled out his keys. "Why the hell didn't you say something as soon as I came in here?"

Sam just shook his head as he gathered his things and followed his brother out the door. It seemed they would be visiting Bella first. Of course, in a way it didn't miss his notice that the town Bella was staying in and the one where the killings were currently taking place were one in the same. He wondered if they'd get lucky and maybe she'd be one of the next lucky victims—but as soon as he thought it the dream he'd had back in Bobby's hotel room came back and sucked his breath from his lungs.

"It had to be coincidence right?" Sam thought, dismissing the cold fingers of dread running down his spine as he got in beside his brother.

"What's wrong Sammy?" Dean had noticed his brother's sudden change in mood.

"Ah—nothing—just wondering how we are going to get the drop on her. She always seems to be two steps ahead of us Dean. I mean, she must know we'd be coming after her…" Sam hedged, not wanting to voice his concerns. Because, hell there was no way he was going to tell Dean he had a wet dream about Bella—nope Hell would definitely have to freeze over first.

ooooooooooooooooooo

Dean thumped his fingers against the steering wheel in time to the tape playing on the radio. His mind already working out how they were going to get to Bella; a feral smile crossed his lips as he envisioned thwarting her at her own game. He had to admire her bravado in a way, but damn it that chick had to get her priorities straight. What good would money do her if the demons won this war?

He glanced at Sam and smiled as his brother continued to type away on the computer. Ever since he had told him he wanted to live, his brother seemed to relax slightly. Yes, Sam was still worried about him, but the total despair in his little brother's eyes had been replaced with a new quiet determination. Dean didn't want to let it, but a small bubble of hope had grown somewhere in his heart. Even Ruby's dire words couldn't quell it as it continued to grow.

He didn't know how, but one thing he did know. If there was a way to beat this deal, Sammy would find it. The only thing Dean worried about was the cost. He had made it clear to his little brother that trading himself or making a deal was out of the question. He'd rather go through with the current deal than lose Sam that way. But Sam had made him promise, if they did get him out of the deal, he had to agree if it ever happened again—he'd let his brother go.

It had been hard, but Dean finally realized his brother was right. There never had been any guarantee that either one of them would live to see old age. In fact, the odds were definitely not in their favor. To think either one of them could always 'save' the other was foolish and self destructive. It took a crazy Dream Walker to finally make him see how screwed his perceptions had been. Yes, he would do whatever it took to keep his little brother safe—hell, it was a little late to reprogram that part of his psyche. But finally, he realized it worked both ways and if for some reason the inevitable happened; neither one of them would have failed the other.

"Hey Dean, I've been doing some research into your other hunt—I mean since it's in the same town we're heading to I thought I'd get a head start…" Sam paused, biting his lower lip as he appeared to be putting his thoughts in order. Dean smiled, even though Sam had changed since the devils gate opened—one thing remained the same; his brother was still a geek.

"And…" Dean waited patiently, knowing Sam would continue when he was ready.

Sam shook his head as he began, "Well, apparently all of the couples met in different towns from around here—including three in the town where Bobby had his little nightmare episode." Sam paused and looked at Dean, the worry clear in his eyes. They had almost lost Bobby once and now he appeared to be in danger again.

"Sammy, I'm sure whatever is doing this wouldn't be after Bobby—I mean, come on—Bobby?" Dean smirked, but his mind remembered the look on his friends face when his dead wife had come back to kill him in the dream world. "But I guess it wouldn't hurt to give him a call and see if he can start working on things from that end…"

Sam already had the phone in his hand and was soon filling Bobby in on the newest hunt. After hanging up, he sighed. "He says he'll do some investigating there and then follow and join up with us—guess we better rent two rooms."

"Definitely—I love Bobby, but he rocks the walls with his snoring!" Dean grinned. He was relieved Bobby would be joining them again. He had been truthful when he told Bobby how he felt about him. The old man had filled a void in his heart he never knew he had.

"Now, let's talk about what we are going to do once we find that bitch…" Dean began to outline his plan to Sam as they continued to drive towards their newest destination.

ooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

Bella frowned as she threw the tarot cards across the table. Ever since she had taken the colt from the Winchesters, the spirits had refused to communicate with her. She glanced at the gun sitting on the table in front of her. Her fingers traced the wording and for a moment she felt a shiver run down her spine.

"This is ridiculous! Surely this gun can't be that important!" Bella spoke to her feline companion. But even the cat turned its back and walked away. "Not you too—fine, see who gets a bowl of cream tonight!"

Bella rose and looked out the window; once again she felt a slight chill on her skin. She thought about calling Dean and telling him it was all a joke—but one thought of those cold green eyes and the menace in his voice when he told her he'd kill her after the Gordon incident and she quickly changed her mind. "You boys will do just fine without this old gun—besides; the man who called me regarding it will pay me handsomely."

She still couldn't figure out why she was staying at her friend's house for a few days. It was not like her to put off completing the arrangements to deliver the gun to the buyer. After all, a trip to the west coast was sounding quite appealing at the moment—the further she was from the Winchester boys, the better she'd like it. And yet, here she was cooling her heals instead of booking her flight. There was something about those two, something that was getting through the tough exterior she had spent a lifetime building.

Her mind went back to the moment she entered Bobby's hotel room. Dean had been his usual caustic self, but his brother Sam—she'd felt something, an attraction that made absolutely no sense. Even Sam had been off, if she didn't know better she'd of thought he was uncomfortable around her. In the past he'd made his feelings quite clear, he didn't like her and had no trouble voicing his distaste for her company. "I guess shooting someone wouldn't put me in the greatest light" she murmured, a slight grin on her face.

Moving towards the bar, she slowly poured herself a glass of chardonnay before moving to sit in the chaise lounge. Her gaze moved to the fire burning in the oversized fireplace. She rolled her shoulders, letting the tension ease from her muscles as she continued to relax. But not even the calm setting or the alcohol could silence the warning bells in her mind—perhaps this time—maybe just this once, she had gone a bit too far…

oooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

After checking into the hotel, Dean left Sam to do some more research while he went to case the house Bella was staying in. His past experience told him underestimating her would be dangerous. But he had to admit, the thrill of besting her once more made him feel more alive than he had in a long time. That and maybe the realization that there was someone even more screwed in the head than him in this world.

But beneath the excitement a stronger emotion began to surface--anger. They had trusted her—for a brief moment he had let his guard down and believed she was there to help Bobby. He had never met anyone so cold, so self centered. Hell, Ruby had more compassion and she was a full fledged demon. He had to remind himself she was human and he couldn't kill her. But part of him really wouldn't mind hurting her just a little.

Sighing, he knew he could never do anything that drastic. Even though she had shot Sam without hesitation, part of Dean couldn't condone killing her or even harming her too much. As he continued to note the security cameras and other devices surrounding the estate he laughed softly to himself. When had the roles been reversed? Sam was supposed to be the one with the conscience, but these days it seemed Dean was the one reluctant to kill unless absolutely necessary.

Returning to the Impala, he figured the best time to breach her defenses would be later tonight. With luck, maybe she'd be sound asleep in those satin sheets she was so fond of and they'd be able to get the Colt back without her knowledge. Of course, that would mean missing the look on her face—but in the end, the important thing was to get the gun back.

oooooooooooooooooooooooo

Sam groaned softly as he shifted on the table. Once again he had nodded off while reading up on their latest hunt. He still was baffled about what could be causing the problem—it was really weird. In each case, the 'couple' had been two people who originally wouldn't have been caught dead with each other. But suddenly they couldn't get enough of each other. One man had only met his girlfriend the night before in a bar—she had been rude and obnoxious to him and yet he told his friends he had spent the night dreaming about her.

As he drifted further into sleep, his mind continued to struggle with the problem. But it seemed part of him had other ideas…

Sam walked into the bedroom, the large four poster bed was draped with some kind of netting material, hiding the person within from his view. But as he drew closer, his body already was reacting to what he knew he'd find.

Slowly, his hand separated the netting as he climbed carefully onto the bed, his breath stuttering in his throat as he looked at the woman lying on the ruby red silk sheets. Pale skin accentuated by the luxurious fold of the material wound about her, his mind filling in the missing picture until he felt as though he couldn't breathe.

Before he could move any further, a soft chuckle sounded "I've been waiting all day for you Sammy…"

"Are you sure?" Sam asked as he moved closer, a sense of being here once before assaulting him before soft lips found his own, drawing him closer. He could feel her soft body moving beneath him, the silk sheets rustling as her hands moved to his chest.

"Bella…"

Sam jumped as the sound of the door slamming jarred him awake. His eyes blinked as he once again wiped the drool from his mouth. He blushed, hoping his brother hadn't seen—couldn't see the evidence of his most recent dream.

"Jeez Sammy, I don't know who you have the hots for, but damn you need to find her and jump her bones soon!" Dean laughed lightly, punching Sam on the shoulder before going to drop down on his own bed. "Speaking of dreams, Jennifer Love Hewett and I have a standing date—so if you'll excuse me, I think I'll go visit her."

"Uhm—did you figure out how to get in?" Sam's husky voice caused him to wince.

"Sure, piece of cake Sammy—we'll go in later tonight and with luck by tomorrow we'll be able to begin working on our newest hunt. I can't wait to put that bitch in our rear view mirror. I swear Sammy, if I ever even think of calling her for any reason—just shoot me ok?" Dean sighed as he made himself more comfortable on the bed.

"Maybe I should just take away your phone; it would be a little less painful." Sam replied, yawning as he moved to lie on his own bed. He could use a few hours of dream free sleep himself.

"You have a point there Sam—glad to hear you are pulling back a little on that shoot first ask questions later attitude you've had lately…" Dean's voice trailed off as he drifted off into sleep.

Sam stared at the ceiling for a while, listening to his brother's soft snores. If Dean only knew how much it still bothered him to kill—his newest nightmares now included a few more faces. But until Dean was saved, he couldn't afford to give in to those feelings. They were the same feelings that had caused the problem to begin with. If he hadn't been worried about killing Jake—Dean wouldn't be heading for hell. Ruby was right about one thing, his gentle nature had to be subdued if they were going to save Dean and win this war.

Sighing, he punched his pillow and closed his eyes. As he dropped off to sleep, he hoped Bella wouldn't be visiting him again—and yet something inside him hoped she would…

ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

Dean had sent Sam to the second floor to search for the Colt while he took the first floor level. He whistled softly at the luxurious home, shaking his head at the things the rich and beautiful filled their lives with. Everything he owned was second hand and fit inside his car—hell he wouldn't know what to do with so much space.

A soft purring sound caused him to stop. "Hey there kitty, I don't suppose you know where your master hid the gun now do you?" Dean smiled as the cat rubbed against him. He gently rubbed it behind the ears before continuing his search. A soft meow however brought his attention back to the cabinet the cat was perched on. "You've gotta be kidding me right?" He said softly as he moved to open the door. "Well I'll be…good Kitty!" Dean reached up and rewarded the cat with another neck rub as his other hand grabbed the Colt.

"Jackpot! Come on kitty lets see if we can find you a dish of milk or something—you've definitely earned a reward!" Dean smirked as he pulled out the sticky note he'd prepared. He placed it on the shelf where the gun had been lying a moment before.

"Better Luck Next Time Bitch!" was scrawled on the neon green paper.

He had to admit it was pretty lame, but it made him feel good to once again beat her at her own game. Besides, he knew there would never be a next time for him. If she so much as got within speaking distance of him or Sam, he'd have to show her what a gun shot wound really felt like. Smiling as he poured some cream into a dish for the cat, he began to wonder what was taking Sam so long. Putting the gun safely in the waist band of his jeans and pulling out his own hand gun, he decided it was time to find the jolly green giant and head out before the woman of the house woke up.

oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

Sam walked quietly into the bedroom, his eyes taking in the large four poster bed, covered in the same netting he'd seen in his dream. He shook his head as his heart rate increased, the breath catching in his throat as the desire to hold the woman on the bed became too great to ignore.

He'd been in love with Jessica and wanted to make her his wife. But he had never felt such a strong attraction; it was almost painful in its intensity. The thought of not having Bella in his life was more agonizing than anything he'd known. Nothing else mattered except convincing her not to leave.

A soft moan brought him out of his trance as he moved closer, parting the netting he smiled as the picture from his dream had come to life. Not wanting to startle the woman sleeping so peacefully, he softly cleared his throat before calling out. "Ah…Bella?"

"What? Who—Sam?" Bella's eyes were large in her pale face. A slight sheen of sweat on her brow mirrored the same moisture that had formed on Sam's face.

"Bella I—I…" Sam couldn't put into words what his heart was telling him. All rational thoughts fled as he moved forward, pulling the confused woman into his arms. He breathed in her clean scent, softly stroking her bare shoulder as he leaned in hesitantly for a kiss. His eyes uncertain as he waited, hoping she would return his feelings.

Bella hesitated for a brief moment, confusion quickly replaced with a fire to match the blaze in Sam's hazel eyes. Then both lips were locked in a dance of desire and need. Hands searching and finding purchase as their bodies melded together as if it was meant to be.

"What the hell! Sammy!" A loud voice called from the doorway interrupting the new lovers tryst. Sam pulled back reluctantly from Bella, his gaze narrowing as he turned to greet his brother.

"Dean? The polite thing to do would have been to knock or bet yet, to just go away…" Sam stood protectively in front of Bella, his eyes still filled with the desire raging through his veins.

Dean stepped back as if he'd been struck by an invisible force. His eyes grew larger, glimmering slightly as he tried to recover from the scene in front of him. "Er, don't tell me—please don't tell me this is the woman you've been dreaming about! She shot you Sammy, how can you—I mean when…" Dean was confused as to how this could have happened without him even having a clue.

"It doesn't matter Dean, the point is—Bella and I want to spend some time together—alone." Sam sat back down on the edge of the bed, linking his large hand in Bella's smaller one before pulling it up to place a gentle kiss on her knuckles. "I'll meet you back at the hotel later Dean—I'm sure Bella will give me a ride…"

The older hunter took another step into the room, his eyes narrowing for a moment before he utter a single word. "CRISTO!"

"God Dean, I'm not possessed—how many times have you pushed women at me or teased me about not being as interested in the opposite sex as you? And now that I'm showing an interest, you think I'm possessed?" Sam stood once again, his shoulders taut with tension and fists clenched as his cheeks took on a ruddy hue.

Dean stepped back, his hands raised in a placating gesture. "Ok, Ok, I don't understand it—but hey, if you want to sleep with the cold hearted bitch—be my guest. I'll go back and finish up the research for our newest gig. I'll see you later!" Sam watched as Dean left the room, part of him felt bad about the way he'd acted. A small voice in the back of his mind was screaming at him to leave with Dean, but then a soft hand on his shoulder once more drove all other thoughts but one from his mind.

"Bella…"

TBC

Raven524: Ducks arrows of miscontent—seriously guys, this is not I repeat not a Sammy and Bella pairing—Believe me, my mind just had to come up with a plausible reason for Sam to be dreaming about her in the first place and of course it had Supernatural ties. So before you shoot the author, give it a chance—you might be pleasantly surprised (I hope-gulp).