A/N: Sorry about the INSANELY long wait on this guys. But this IS my Nanowrimo project for the year and I'm actually doing REALLY well. I've written 4,000+ words on it today. So look for this one to be finished semiquickly. I'm doing a NaNoWriMo with SeerBlack in January as well so that should give you the next installment, or a load of oneshots. Hope you enjoy and as always feedback is loved. It even gets you more story faster. I'm also game to write oneshots with in reason on any characters in my series. I haven't watched the current season or the previous season of the show so don't expect any references to those seasons to be included in any of my work.
For the Love of a Woman
Chapter One
Devil's Lake, North Dakota
July 1st, 2007
Meri should have listened to her parents. 22 was too young to open a business. Who cared that it was doing well enough to keep her afloat? Or that the land lady's grandson seemed to have taken a shine to her? 3 in the morning came too early and even Jon's tight body and light teasing conversation while she baked couldn't make up for that. At least not on mornings like this.
For the last 2 days the stench of rotting meat had clung to the back of the shop. She wrote it off though. As Jon had explained to her when she expressed her concern they were operating next door to a deli. Already this morning the dumpster had been emptied and still the smell only grew stronger. She didn't claim to be an expert, on any account, but this wasn't a dead animal. The smell was some how sweeter and far too large to be bad cold cuts.
"JON!" She called untying her apron and hanging it on the hook by the back door. She'd had enough. She was going to find the source and remove it. No one wanted to buy bake goods that smelled of death. Not even at Halloween would she be able to move products with this decay in the air.
"Yeah, babe?" he met her in the doorway. She smiled. The gleam of sweat on his skin distracted her for just a second.
"Come outside with me." She forced a flashlight into his hand. "I'm not Mrs. Lovett. No one wants apple pie and rotting corpse."
"You know I can call Granny and she'll send someone right out." He stalled her.
"In for or five hours you can call. Then no one will be out until the end of the day at the earliest. My life is tied up here. Hell let's be honest I screw this up my grandkids will live in cardboard boxes. I can't afford to lose business."
"OK. But when we get hacked to bits don't say I didn't warn you."
"You think you're real cute doncha?"
"Cute? Hell no! Baby, I'm damn sex." He slung his arm around her shoulders. "Cheer up butter cup. The voices in my head just have one more guy to persuade before they let me take you out."
Meri shrugged Jon off and started out the door. "Who says I want to go out with you?"
"You did! I figured drool wasn't actually the secret ingredient to your treats. Then last week at your birthday bash-"
"When I got plastered?"
"You deserved it. 2 years you've been so uptight about this place a night of letting go was good for you. Anyway, though! I took you home, you know."
"That was my assumption when I found you on my couch."
"Well, as I tucked you in you were gushing about how amazing I am."
"I'm an 'I love you man' drunk." She didn't like that he knew this. She didn't like that he was telling her this because she couldn't remember it. "Start looking around." She ordered shining her flashlight over the areas that weren't so high traffic.
For the next several minutes they followed their flashlights and noses around the dark looking for the source of the awful stench. They finally stopped outside a shed on the very edge of the property that housed some of the spare equipment for the shopping strip. Jon pulled his keys from his pocket and after a few attempt and much swearing found the right one. Meri wasn't prepared for what she found inside.
The smell hit her nearly knocking her over with is force. Her half eaten breakfast bagel suddenly rushed to evacuate her stomach. Several bodies were strung up inside the shed. Some by rope. Some on hooks. They had all been mutilated. Blood was used on the walls to write and draw in patterns and languages she didn't recognize, not that her mind was allowing much of this to be processed at all. After a few seconds she stumbled back letting herself fall to the wet pavement. She sobbed into her hands. Jon sat beside her being as comforting as he could. When both were under control Meri made the call to the cops. Like it or not she was going to miss a day of work.
On the road to Raining Cloud's Hunter's Resort
July 1st, 2007
The ride home had been a tense silent one. Dean didn't know how to handle Autumn. She wasn't the same person as before and other than stating death was better than possession wouldn't tell what had happened. The only helpful information he'd gotten on the matter came from Teenie. She'd explained that Autumn was acting much the same as she had before they'd met in the bar. That was bad news. That Autumn was still very entangled in being an abuse victim. It made Dean sick to think about what that meant she'd been through while possessed.
"You guys go on we'll catch up." Dean instructed Sam and Teenie. Autumn was sitting in the passenger seat of the Impala already, hugging her legs to her chest.
"You sure?" Teenie asked looking past Dean to her sister. With Autumn having reverted to her submissive self Teenie had fallen right back into the role of protector and caretaker.
"Yeah, we'll be fine." He promised. Sam even looked doubtful. No one was sure Dean was up to starting back at square one with Autumn. But he was. What the demon had said while taunting them had struck a cord. He never showed Autumn how dedicated he was to them. Sure he went to great lengths to save and protect her and Athena. But was that anything he wouldn't do for anyone else?
So Dean had decided he'd push down his anger for her not listening to reason and hold her hand through this. He'd finally owned up to it. He, Dean Winchester, loved her, Autumn Daemon. It was far past time that she was shown this too. He hadn't been scared off by her past. Her family had actually cemented him more securely to her side. Her need to take on the triplets after hunting was endearing. It scared him a bit, sure. But he wanted to step up for them as well. There was nothing wrong with a ready made family.
"We'll call when we get in. We're not dealing with Jen alone though." Teenie finally sighed. "Come on Sammy-kins. Let's make tracks."
"Take your time." Dean advised. Sam dug out the keys to the Mustang "We will be." He stayed put until they'd driven out of sight then got in the car with Autumn. He took her hand and st arted in on what he hoped would bring her back around. "OK, Aut. Its just us."
"We're alone all the time. Its just a drive to the Resort, Dean." She stared at their hands before withdrawing hers. She positioned herself so she had her back to him. Dean sighed and started the Chevy. A few miles later he chose a new approach.
"So I was thinking we let Teenie and Sam keep hunting and you and I... We go back to Pinecrest. We'll visit a bit. Maybe take the girls camping or something."
"Kayla is afraid of deer and Kelly doesn't like camping."
"Then we'll come up with something else. I'd like to spend more time with them before we just throw them into a new family. We're going to be a family after we take care of Yellow Eyes."
"I don't know what I'm doing after that. Josh and Kit have the girls under control. BJ is even getting his act together. I may just keep hunting. I have no business raising children."
"Aut, you've done nothing but talk about those girls for the last year."
"Sure, but let's be honest I'm not mom material. I was about to kill Marti and for what?" Dean pulled off the road and got out circling the car to open Autumn's door. He pulled her out and stood her up. She refused to meet his eyes keeping her head bent. He slipped his hands under her hair along her jaw making her look at him. He cupped her face like that holding eye contact for a beat before he spoke.
"What happened back there was the demon. Aut, babe, you'd never hurt anyone. Specially not a child. You can't. I don't know everything you've been through but I know you'd never put anyone through what you've had to deal with. Kendra, Kayla, and Kelly love you. They damn near worship you. They need you. And no matter how hard you wish it weren't so you love them too."
"Dean it takes more than love."
"I know it does. Autumn you're a natural mother. Look at how well you take care of us. Even if you weren't you are far better for our girls than Billy-Jack. If you still want to hunt OK. We'll work that out. But you don't have to leave them to do it. We can take turns. I'll stay home with them."
"Don't pity me, Dean. You want to run. You can't really want to be trapped by someone else's kids."
"If it means I get to keep you I don't care whose kids we raise. I..." He let go of her and she instantly broke eye contact. "When I thought I lost you I...Autumn this isn't pity. I want you and the girls. I want the minivan and parent-teacher conferences. I want to go door to door selling cookies. I want to be front row and a hour early to a ballet recital. I want to come home to you after some 9 to 5 I can't stand. Don't you get it?"
"Why? I"m a wreck. They're going to be a mess."
"Because you get jealous of werewolves. Because instead of apologizing you get drunk and sing karaoke. You're worth the head aches you cause me. They will be too."
"Dork?"
"Yea, Aut?"
"I killed my parents. I deserved what BJ did. I knew the risk too. You shouldn't have brought me back. I'll just make the same mistake again." Dean enveloped her in a tight hug and she clung to him sniffling into his chest. He didn't know what to say now. He could only hold her. For a long time as cars zipped by they stood on the side of the road. Finally he kissed the top of her head.
"I would have done the same thing in your place." He admitted. Dean brushed the auburn hair from Autumn's hazel eyes. "Get in the car, babe. We should at least attempt to put a few more miles between us before time to stop for the night."
Athena pulled on Sam's hoodie and soaked up his scent. It wasn't always easy to be a guys friend but when you want to be more than just his friend it's never easy. He flashed her a quick smile and she fought not to go weak at the knees. He pulled a chair out for her, ever the gentlemen, before sitting down across from the blonde. "Warm?" he asked.
"Yea, thanks." She waved over the waitress.
"Why are we here, anyway?" They'd just left a hunt and had stopped late the night before, at motel Autumn remembered being a guest in once before.
"Best grilled cheese in the world." Athena promised.
"Tomato soup too?" he grinned looking every bit like a puppy promised a ride.
"Of course, Sammy!" He'd given her the warm and fuzzy feeling she was starting to become addicted too. She knew Darcy had a thing for him as well. But the fact was he made her feel better than Will ever had. With Will she was something special sure. But with Sammy she mattered. She wasn't just another girl.
"Then where's our server?" she matched his grin with her own. A little chestnut haired woman came and took their order. After she left the pair fell into comfortable conversation, that would confuse anyone trying to listen in on them. Not to say hunters are ever capable of having a conversation that doesn't carry that side effect.
"I think its only fair that Dean get molested by a spook, now." Athena reasoned. Sam folded his hands behind his head watching her pick at her straw paper.
"You say that like we volunteered for it."
"Yea, and nothing in life is fair." she rolled her eyes leaning forward. "But can't you just see it? The look on Autumn's face when a ghost feels Dean up?" Sam chuckled.
"Why don't you draw it?" Athena nodded.
"I may have to do that." she bounced in her seat. "Are you worried about them?"
"Nope, they're too stubborn to call it quits. I think those two will be driving us crazy in the afterlife."
"Well, I'm worried. I'm likely to wake up one morning and Autumn'll have us packed up to leave." she shook her head sadly.
"I'll fight her for ya."
"Oh that's something I'd pay to see."
Food arrived as an awkward silence fell on the table. All their silences seemed to be awkward anymore. Athena pulled the hood up on her borrowed shirt, hiding from Sam's occasional looks. The hoodie was drenched in his scent and it made her feel safer than logical. She'd never been on this team in the love game. Even with Will it hadn't felt like this. Mackenzie had once told her that loves are like different flavored ice creams, this was a somewhat comforting thought. Will was like rainbow sherbet, while Sam was more classic a vanilla or chocolate. Something comforting, predictable, and safe. She looked up and met his eyes. Sam smiled a goofy crooked grin.
"Your thinking bad thoughts." he said sagely.
"What makes you say that?" she asked ready to go on the offensive.
"Not bad-bad. Just serious." he amended. "Whenever you're thinking seriously you get this crease in your brow, and you frown."
"I do not!" she protested.
"You so do, Teenie." Athena slumped down crossing her arms and pouted.
"Don't."
"Do, but I think its kinda… cute." he smirked a little.
"I don't care." she kept pouting. Sam gave a martyred sigh, picking up his spoon.
"I bet you can't do this." he balanced the spoon on the tip of his nose, crossing his eyes.
"I thought you weren't betting me anymore?" Athena asked licking her spoon clean placing it on the end of her own nose. It fell off four times before she finally go it to stay.
"Ha Ha!" Sam laughed. "You're doing it again."
"Jerk." Athena stuck her tongue out, causing the spoon to crash to the table.
"You love me and you know it." he choked out between laughs.
"Oh, that's beside the point." she slapped a hand over her mouth, blushing bright red. Sam cocked his eyebrow watching her display.
"Did you save room for dessert?" their waitress returned.
"No, thank you." Sam smiled. "Just the bill, please."
"Of course." the petite woman handed Sam the bill. "Have a nice day."
"You too." Sam went to the register to settle the bill, before coming to take Athena away. "Come on. We don't want them to arrive first." Athena stood following him to the borrowed Mustang, keeping her hands in the pocket of Sam's shirt.
"What I said in there…" she trailed not sure where to go. Sam held up his hand, opening the door for her.
"Don't worry about it, Tee." he told her before rounding the car to the driver's side.
"But what if it is true?" she asked timidly. They'd been headed to this conversation for a while, and now that it was here she was afraid of his response. Had she read him all wrong? Had all those tender moments just been shows of friendship and nothing more?
"Athena," he turned in his seat to face her. Their lips brushed when she leaned in, positioning herself to give him her full attention. They both pulled back, shocked.
"Sam, I'm sorry I didn't" he cut her off running fingers through her hair and dragging her into him. He kissed her, again, lacing his arms around her. Athena wanted to give herself over to the kiss, it would have been so easy, but she wasn't willing to get hurt. She had to know if he was really ready, that this wasn't some build up from hunting, and living too close. "Are you sure?" she pulled away, not enough that he wasn't still holding her, even though the gear shift wasn't very comfortable sticking in her thigh. How had she even got this far over anyway?
"God, Athena. I'm not sure of anything anymore. But you are," he paused. "Aren't you?" She shook her head sheepishly. After another beat she slipped back into her seat.
"We'd better just leave this be until at least one of us is sure." Sam nodded in agreement suddenly wishing he had Autumn rather than Athena with him.
"They're adults, John. I can't control them." Jen told the eldest Winchester. He'd driven over time and reached the resort before his kids. "I don't know what you want me to do."
"I don't know what to do with them. From what I've heard they're wreckless, impulsive, boundless." John said running a hand through graying hair.
"Sounds familiar doesn't it?" Jen teased.
"Shut up, girl." He feigned anger. Jen had long since grown up in his eyes, at least enough that he allowed her to tease him. She'd given up her legs on a hunt and didn't let that loss keep her out of the game. That demanded a lot of respect in his book. Or at least enough that he didn't call her on her shit the way he would anyone else. Right now though they both needed to be serious. Four people they cared greatly for were putting themselves at risk over a relationship neither expected to have lasted this long let alone forever. "It's time we put our foot down."
"I know. But I can't look them in the eye and tell them they have to split up. Not right now, anyway."
"What's going on that I don't know?" John demanded. Jen rolled out from behind her desk to close her office door. John had left it open and while up to this point what they discussed was open to the entire resort via hunting records what they were about to talk about was personal.
"You know Autumn and Athena's pasts. You know Teenie dated Will a while back yea?"
"Until he took off in the middle of the night."
"To protect her." Jen defended her little brother's behavior. "Anyway he's back in the picture for them. Teenie rejected him though everyone knows she doesn't really mean it. He's dating some hunter groupie to get back at her. Your boy is all doe eyed over the Valover girl who has been hanging out here and getting Marc focused on something that doesn't have fangs. If it wasn't for the good she's doing him and that she saved Teenie and Will's hide I'd get rid of her. But under all that drama, and believe me I'm down playing it, Autumn and Dean have something real going on. I don't know what it is. I don't ask and neither are the kind to gush."
"Officially how did this hunt end?"
"Autumn was possessed they trapped the demon. Removed it. In the nick of time I might add as she was about to fillet a little girl. Autumn stopped breathing in the process. Dean gave her CPR. Now they're coming home." Jen made the hunt sound as brief and simple as possible. Somehow she'd expected more of a reaction out of John hearing his girl had died.
"I know that look, Jen. Your mother had the same look. What aren't you telling me?" John pushed. Jen looked down at her hands folded neatly in her lap. She knew exactly what detail she was withholding. It was something that didn't belong on any official report. It was something Sam had left out when he'd called her. But Athena hadn't been able to keep from telling Darcy who told Marc not realizing that he was as trustworthy with these sorts of secrets as a vampire is with the keys to a blood bank. Marc had told Will and he'd come straight into the office with a couple hypocritical thoughts on hunters dating. "While Autumn was dead Dean told her he loved her." John sank back in his chair and washed a hand over his face.
"We need to split them up. Four hunters is too many on most hunts. They're making reckless mistakes. I agreed to let this go on long as they weren't in danger and that time has passed." John decided.
"They're adults. We can't just order them not to see each other, John."
"They split or they quit. Before someone ends up in the ground."
Teenie was the one to check in at the Big House when they arrived the following afternoon. This did a few things. It gave the boys time to unload their duffle bags and take them into the cabin. It gave Autumn time to walk her dog. It gave Darcy time to smack Will so his tongue wasn't down the throat of his new girlfriend. It gave Gus time to tell John they were in. It also gave Athena the illusion for five minutes that they wouldn't be in too much trouble.
Jen accepted her notice that they were home and said they should all come see her after they'd rested. Then Teenie went and got their mail and headed back to the cabin. She hesitated on the front porch. She could hear John inside talking. It was that voice he used when he'd passed angry and marched straight into livid. It wasn't yelling but it wasn't exactly a calm voice either. She could think of few occasions she'd heard him use that voice. Taking a deep breath she opened the door and stepped inside.
"Sit Athena." He barked the order and Sam started to protest but Teenie held her hand up rounding the back of the couch to sit beside Autumn who was staring straight ahead at the wall. "What the hell were you kids thinking exactly?" None of them answered. The truth was Autumn was the one who hadn't been thinking. She was the one who had made the mistake. But none of them were going to sell her down the river. Not right now especially with the way she was behaving she wouldn't defend herself or even try. Dean couldn't help but think what Zack the shapeshifter had said about her taking the abuse from Billy-Jack. She had felt she deserved it. She thought she deserved the harshest punishments for crimes she hadn't committed. He couldn't imagine what she'd withstand for something she had actually done wrong.
"It was my fault." Dean stood up. "Jen needed Aut here to help train some hunters so I took Teenie and Sam. When we agreed to take this hunt we were supposed to meet up. But I've been putting off some repairs on the car. Had I kept better care of her Autumn wouldn't have arrived first."
John ran his hand through his hair pacing in front of the fire place. Teenie kept looking from him to Dean. She wondered for a moment what would be done now that Dean was taking the blame but didn't have time to play any scenrios out in her head before Sam stood. up too.
"Separating was my idea in the first place. If I hadn't pushed so hard Dean would have fixed the Impala and we'd have left together. None of this would have happened." He took blame too.
"Well if that's how we're going to look at it its my fault really." Teenie said. "I'm the one who got the information about Sue. Or you could blame Darcy for offering his up to us."
"Stop." Autumn spoke softly. "This is all on me." She stood up and met John's eyes for the briefest moment. "They're brilliant. They'll do fine without me." She turned to Dean. "If you want we can meet up here between hunts. But I promised not to hurt you and that's what I'm doing. I'm out. Doodlebug, you can do what you want." She addressed Teenie last. She didn't say anything else. She just picked up her dufflebag patted her leg so John-Dog would follow and went to the Big House. She'd get a room there for the night.
