Disclaimer! I do not own Supernatural or its cast, but Liz is mine. Please don't 'borrow' her or her story.

Love Me Tender

Sharp pains prickled at my side, contrasting with the feather light touch of cotton and rough fingertips. The familiar twinge of nausea settled in my stomach. Wincing at the next swab, smell of peroxide strong and dry in the air, I reached for the whiskey and took a long drink. Fire raced down my throat, but it did not compare with the flames that began to burn when Dean ran his lips along my shoulder in apology before pressing another dripping swab to my back.

A sharp, low hiss was released from my lips, knuckles white against the bottle's neck. Dean halted and brushed his thumb along the base of my skull to ease away the pain. We had done this too many times.

The sound of a cap being screwed on eased the tight ball that had taken residence in my stomach. Taking another sip of my own persona pain killer, I turned to face him as the bed sheets rustled quietly from the movement. "Thank you." I said quietly, offering the bottle. Dean took it, lifting it to his lips with a wry smile.

"You're welcome Liz." He winked before taking a sip. I took the moment to examine him. This time there was not a single scratch on him, but bruises from the hunt were already blooming under his left eye, along his bare chest, and discoloring both arms.

He lowered the bottle and smirked, catching my stare. Warmth blazed over my cheeks, but the flush did not stop me from taking the bottle and setting it on the bedside table. Gingerly I ran a gentle thumb over the bruises growing beneath his eyes. "You shouldn't have jumped into the fray like that." I said quietly, ceasing my movement to cup his cheek.

Dean's eyes glittered, something strong in his eyes. "You shouldn't have been stupid and tried exorcizing all those demons by yourself, either." He muttered gruffly.

"Dean Winchester, are you saying I'm stupid?" Eyebrows raised, I made as if to leave the bed, feigning chagrin.

He made an annoyed sound, catching my wrist and carefully pulling me down on top of him. I ignored the twinges of pain. "Yes, I am." His lips twitched, but his eyes were gravelly serious. Both of his calloused hands framed my face. Suddenly it was hard to breathe.

"Well that isn't very nice." I managed tightly.

"You don't like me because I'm nice." He replied lightly, full on smiling now. No, I didn't like him for that.

I liked him for his attitude.

I liked him for his car talk that made me shiver.

I liked him for his wit.

I liked him for his dizzying touch.

I loved him for his smile that few ever got to see.

An answering smile must have touched my lips, because he looked at me curiously. "What are you thinking about?" he asked softly.

My smile widened as I looked down at him. Gently again, I pressed a kiss to his lips. "You of course." I said, pulling back to meet his gaze now heated with liquid fire.

"I love it when you think about me." Dean grinned before pulling me back down to his lips. This was familiar by now; the witty banter followed by warm kisses and soft embraces. His arms snaked around my waist, drawing me closer, and I sighed. He was always careful to avoid the bruises…

When we fell sated beneath the covers, my cheek pressed to his heart, I smiled. Lazily his fingertips traced over bared skin, occasionally he would brush a kiss to my forehead. Few saw this tender side of Dean Winchester, but I did.

I loved him for it.

A short, sweet one shot with a side of Dean that often seems hidden to the world. Comments are welcome, criticism of the useful sort is liked, and suggestions always taken to heart.

Theme Song:

"Love Me Tender" – Elvis Presley