Disclaimer: I don't own Supernatural or its characters - these were created by Eric Kripke - I'm just borrowing them. I'm not making any commercial gain. No harm or infringement intended.

E/O Challenge: Achilles' Heel. 3 x 100-word drabbles. Dean, Sam, and Bobby, but all external PoVs. #1: Never show your hand. #2: Sam is Ruby's Pinocchio. #3: Karen keeps watch.

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The Anger of Achilles

"Sing, O goddess, the anger of Achilles son of Peleus, that brought countless ills upon the Achaeans. Many a brave soul did it send hurrying down to Hades, and many a hero did it yield a prey to dogs and vultures," – The Iliad

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A/N: Never show your hand. Tag to 2.22 'All Hell Breaks Loose: Part Two'.

The Deal

The woman in the black dress watched as the car sped off into the distance.

"So... happy?" she asked, sensing she was no longer alone.

"Darling, I'm ecstatic," came the British-accented response from behind her. "Your comment about burying Sam before he stinks was truly inspired."

She tried to hide her pleasure under an air of nonchalance. "Everyone knows his brother's his Achilles' heel. It was only a matter of time until he said yes."

She giggled. "Isn't that the whole basis of your long game?"

"Always play your cards close to your chest; it protects your heart," Crowley snickered.

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A/N: Sam is Ruby's Pinocchio. Ruby's POV. Set during '4.20 The Rapture'.

Puppet on a String

"Just who's pulling the strings? I'm all tied up in you, but where's it leading me to?" – 'Puppet on a String', Sandy Shaw

Ruby could hear his desperate 'not-prayer' pleas for blood, but not answering was part of the plan. Let him stew for a while.For someone so eager for demonic power it was ironic his Achilles' heel was his desire to be normal.

She'd stifled a snigger when he'd complained he was treated like the puppet of all those around him. Oh, he so wants to be a 'real boy'. Does that make me his Jiminy Cricket?

So, lead him by the... nose... that grows longer when lying.

Although, in this case it's what she had with him that's the lie.

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A/N: Karen keeps watch. Karen Singer's POV. Set during '7.10 Death's Door'.

Get Out of My House

"Won't letcha in for love, nor money." – 'Get Out of My House', Kate Bush

She'd been powerless against the demon that possessed her, then again against Death who'd brought her back against both their wills. Each time Bobby had killed her.

So she liked to check in on him. They owed her.

When she watched him with the boys she wondered how her cheeks could be so wet when she'd been dead for so long. It hurt to realize she was his Achilles' heel, and that his memories of her caused him such pain.

She stood firm when she sensed the Reaper approach; she could at least buy her husband a little extra time.

(;,;)