Sam supported Alex through the door of her apartment, trying to help ease some of the white hot pain shooting through her hip and thigh. He had his left arm underneath her right shoulder and around her waist, her right arm over the back of his neck as he held onto her right wrist with his left hand. She was leaning heavily on him and wincing every step of the way while every once and a while Dean would dart in and try to help Sam bear some of her weight. Sam maneuvered her body so she was facing him and tried lowering her onto the couch, but Alex was way too stubborn to let him do everything for her.
"I'm fine!" Alex insisted for the hundredth time, her face a little pale from blood loss, "Honestly!" She pushed Sam away and tried standing on her own, only to fall backward onto the couch in her living room. "Ok, maybe not…" She said, smiling weakly, "But I get brownie points for effort, right?"
Dean tried smiling back, but he was too busy worrying about her. He kneeled in front of her and gently peeled the shredded jeans away from her hip, inspecting the bloody gash underneath it. "We should take you to a hospital…"
Alex grimaced, "Stop fussing. It's not as bad as it looks, and I'm sure you've dealt with worse." She breathed deep a couple times, a little light headed, and then put a hand on Dean's shoulder to help steady herself as she stood up. "Thank you…for everything." She met each of their eyes, looking sincerely gratified by what they'd done tonight. "But I think I've got it from here."
After they heard Alex close her bedroom door, Sam turned to Dean with a wicked gleam in his eyes, "You two seem friendly." When Dean didn't say anything Sam just kept staring at him, smiling slyly.
Dean scowled at him, "Stop looking at me like that!"
"Like what?" Sam asked guiltlessly.
"Like…" Dean couldn't figure out a good comeback, "Shut up."
"Don't act like I didn't see you back at her house!" Sam said with a smirk, thoroughly enjoying watching Dean squirm.
"You couldn't have seen anything, because nothing happened."
"For as many times as you've lied to the authorities, I'm amazed at your lack of talent right now." Sam let off on the teasing tone of voice a little bit, "You've never acted like this with a girl. Why the sudden change?"
Dean shrugged, still trying to act like the whole situation wasn't getting on his nerves at all, when in reality he was confused about the way he felt for Alex. Hell, no waitress had ever made him feel this good! Not even that psycho red-head from Washington who'd slipped drugs into his Latte a few years back…He was amazed at how a one week with Alex was better than any other one-night-stand relationship he'd had.
So sex really isn't the most important thing in Dean's head…Who knew?
"So maybe I like her! Why do you have to act like it's some huge deal?"
Sam thought Dean would keep playing stupid, so this threw him off track a bit, "You like her? You admit it?" Sam stared at his brother, thinking to himself, "Who are you and what have you done with my brother?"
Dean couldn't help but smile, "Yea, I admit it. I like her…a lot."
"As in, you'd like to get into her pants and leave before she even wakes up in the morning? Or as in, you actually like her like her?" Sam said.
The kid tried acting like an adult, but he was still a pre-teen at heart. Cooties were still a major threat in Sam's book.
John, on the other hand, was actually impressed with the way Dean was acting…after seeing him go after girls like a horny dog on someone's leg, he'd would be more than happy to have Dean stop acting like a tom-cat and settle with Alex, at least for a little while.
Dean laughed and shook his head, "I can't wait until you grow up…Can we just go to bed?"
XXX
It was around two in the morning when Alex sat straight up in bed, cold sweat dripping down her chest and back as she ran her hand over her face. Breathing deeply, trying to calm herself down, she swung her legs out of bed and walked to the bathroom. She flicked on the light and glared at herself in the mirror, thinking, This is ridiculous…
She closed her eyes in an attempt to forget the nightmare she'd had, the same one she'd been having for the past three weeks.
Alex watched as a fourth person, like a ghostly double of her past self, as her parents tried to calm the "past Alex" down.
With every word that Alex said to them, Rachel and Nick grew more and more upset, their grief was obvious on their faces. She watched as a single tear rolled down her mother's cheek and glared angrily at the Alex who was too busy bitching about her "miserable" life to even stop and look at her parents.
"I'm so sorry…" Present Alex muttered for her own comfort, knowing her parents couldn't hear her.
Alex opened her eyes and felt a bubble of anger swell in her stomach. Still looking in the mirror, she frowned at her reflection, How could you treat them that way?! How the hell could you do that to them?! She closed her eyes again, putting a finger to her temple to ease the headache that was throbbing just above her ear.
Her father was holding her mother around her waist as Alex stormed past them, both of them looked like they could break down any second, and when Alex turned around and told them straight to their faces that she hated them…
Alex made no effort to stop the tears that squeezed their way out, falling into the bathroom sink as she leaned on it. Her Mom and Dad had looked so shocked and horrified when Alex said those three words to them. That bubble of anger moved up to her chest, boiling inside her, making it hard for her to keep herself from ripping her own hair out in frustration.
The next part was always the worst. She hadn't been there when her parents were killed, but Alex always heard their screams of pain, their scared voices calling out for each other, and for Alex, as their bodies were ripped apart…the scent of blood still fresh in her mind.
For all she knew, it was her fault her parents died. Alex had been the reason that house was filled with so much pain and anger…she lived like a goddam queen, thanks to her parents, but yet she always found something to complain about, something that wasn't picture perfect about her life, and she'd blamed it all on her Mom and Dad…It was her fault…
For all I know, it was my fault they died. Alex thought to herself, It was my fault that that house was filled with so much pain and anger…I lived like a goddamn queen, thanks to them! But I always found something to complain about…something that wasn't picture perfect about my life, and I then I blamed it all on them…It was my fault…It was my fault…
Alex's eyes snapped open again and she saw herself in the mirror, she was so angry at herself for everything that had happened, everything that she'd done in her life, that that rage burst inside her chest and mixed with her own grief. She wasn't even thinking when she brought her fist up and slammed it into the bathroom mirror, spraying glass shards all over the floor and cutting her hand and wrist.
The surprise cut jolted her back to reality and she moaned in anguish, not caring about the new cut on her hand as she sank down onto the bathroom rug, crying.
Dean was just coming out of the second bathroom when he heard the mirror break, "Alex?!" He rushed into her bedroom, his stomach giving a small lurch when he didn't see her in bed.
"Alex!" Dean said, raising his voice so she could hear him and peering around the bedroom, he saw the bathroom light on and rushed over to it.
When he pushed the door open, Dean saw Alex sitting on the floor, glass scattered everywhere, and a few drops of blood spattered on a few of the shards. "Alex…" She immediately brushed away the tears on her face and stood up, Dean assisting her by placing a hand underneath her arm, "What happened?"
Alex was horrified to see Dean standing in the doorway in his t-shirt and boxers, pissed off at herself that she had attracted his attention and now he had to see her like this. "Nothing…it's nothing, I'm fine." She stammered, her body still shaking with grief.
Dean put a hand on either of her shoulders, feeling her shake, and pulled her close, lightly kissing the top of her forehead to comfort her and calm her down. Instead of resisting him, as he expected her to, Alex leaned into him and rested her head on his chest, one of her arms around his waist.
After a few minutes, Dean gently pushed her away and looked her in the eye, "What happened?" he asked again.
Alex sniffed and relayed the nightmare she'd been having since her parents' death. "They gave me everything I could have ever wanted, and they didn't deserve to be treated that way…" She sighed shakily, "It's my fault they're dead, Dean."
Dean actually flinched he was so shocked, "Alex!" He glared at her, upset with her for even thinking that she was the one responsible for their murder, "It is not your fault that they died! It's that son of a bitch Danava that killed them, not you!" he told her firmly.
Alex's tears stopped flowing as she gazed into Dean's eyes, she was surprised at the heated reaction her words had gotten out of him. But the way he said it, and the look in his eyes, made her believe him. "I'm sorry…"
Dean pulled her close again, closing his eyes as he kissed the top of her head, wishing her could do something to take away all the hurt she was feeling. "I wish this had never happened to you, Alex…I know what's it's like to lose a parent," his breath shuddered as he exhaled, "and I wish that you didn't."
She pulled away and glanced up at him, the tiniest of smiles on her face, "But then I never would have met you." She said honestly.
Dean silently tended to her wounds for the second time that night, cleaned up all the glass in the bathroom, got her back into bed, and made sure her emotions were comfortably back under control before turning to go back to the living room and go back to sleep.
Who knew this devil may care, both guns blazing, shoot now ask questions later kind of guy could be such a sweetheart?
"Wait." Alex sat up in bed, smiling shyly as Dean turned around to face her, "Don't leave."
Dean happily obliged, settling into bed next to her. Within minutes, Alex was sound asleep again with her back pressed against Dean's chest, and his arms wrapped around her.
XXX
Dean was lying on his back when he propped himself up on his elbows, glancing around Alex's bedroom in slight disgust.
She was definitely used to the good life, she'd been living in this apartment for three weeks but she'd hired an interior designer the first day she moved in. Her walls were a very light brown, accented with some darker cocoa browns and different shades of gray. There were pointless things hanging on the walls, like some paintings centered around a tiny shelf that had just one flower vase and fake flowers in it. The comforter on her bed was a light coffee colored suede, with cream colored silk sheets underneath and silk pillow cases. There was a leaf pattern accent on the top and bottom of the walls and going around the doorway into the bathroom that was just off of her bedroom, a beautiful cast iron lamp stood on one side of the bed, a mahogany bed-side table standing on the other side, the few make-up items she owned were organized neatly on top of her vanity dresser in the corner, and brown satin shades were pulled closed over the glass door that lead out to a small balcony. Dean could have pointed out hundreds of other pointlessly attractive items, but Alex came out of the bathroom and he smiled at her.
"I think that's the first time I've ever slept with a woman before having sex with her." Dean said matter-of-factly to Alex, who was tying on a bath robe.
Alex crawled onto the bed, putting a knee on either side of his hips and sitting lightly on his lower body, she put a hand on his chest and leaned down close to his face, "Sorry I broke your record." She told him, giving him a little kiss as a mock apology.
Dean sighed happily, "Hmm…" He stretched his neck upward and kissed her forehead, slowly moving down to her lips, "You'll have to make it up to me." He stopped an inch or two from her lips, grinning inwardly when she gently brushed her lips against his, begging him to just kiss her, but he'd rather tease her. "Maybe, if we act quick, you can save my reputation."
Alex smiled ruefully and rolled off of the bed away from him, turned around and walked toward the bedroom door, "We should go say good-morning."
He wanted to tease her? Well, two can play that game.
The confidently happy look on Dean's face melted and he rolled his eyes, "Do we have to?" Alex just smiled at him and walked out the door.
Sam was helping himself to Alex's stash of sugar-packed cereals when she and Dean walked into the kitchen. He was thinking, I gave the guy hell because I figured he was only acting this way to get her in bed…looks like he may have done just that. I really like Alex though. I swear if he hurts her I'll never let him hear the end of it… "Morning!" Sam said, giving Dean an "Oh, you'll never hear the end of this." look.
"Hey, Sam." Alex said pleasantly, ruffling Sam's shaggy hair, and grabbing the box of Reese's Puffs. "Where's your Dad?"
"He went to get coffee, he should be back soon." Sam replied through a mouthful of cereal, just as John was walking through the door.
John paused to look at Alex and Dean, who were sharing the same chair, "Well you two look comfortable." His demeanor came off more threatening then he intended as he watched them.
Alex is sweet…But the more I think about it, the more this seems like a bad idea. What happens if she gets hurt? Or worse? I'm not sure I can stand seeing the boys get close to her, and then watching them fall apart when she's gone…I like her just as much as the boys, but maybe I'm the only one who knows what's best for them, for us all…This has to stop.
Alex and Dean exchanged looks, and then they both smiled at John sweetly. He shook his head and took a seat opposite them, handing she and Dean a styrofoam cup of coffee each.
"Thanks." Alex murmured, she tried to look into John's eyes, but she couldn't hold it for long and she was already starting to feel uncomfortable under John's scrutinizing gaze and shifted on Dean's lap.
He could understand how she felt. Dad could be pretty intimidating when he wanted to. Dean wrapped an arm around her waist and let it rest in her lap as he easily stared right back into John's eyes.
Sam was eating slowly, his eyes switching back and forth between Dad, Dean, and Alex, and, after he missed his mouth and dropped Lucky Charms and milk all over his shirt, occasionally back to his spoon.
It's like watching a really, really quiet horse race…Alex ate dirt right out of the gate, but Dean and John are holding strong. The only question is…Who's going to trip first?
After a minute or two, Dean started tapping his foot lightly, but still staring his Dad straight in the face. Alex rubbed his leg gently, trying to give him a little bit of comfort, and it was enough for Dean to finally say something, "What's your problem?"
John sighed, I'd rather go back to the staring contest then tell him this… "Dean," He gazed at both of them, trying to sound sensitive, but somehow coming off as more of a bully. "Could I talk to you, alone, for a second?"
"No." Dean said simply but firmly.
Alex moved both her hands up to the hand Dean had resting in her lap and held it in hers, What the hell is with him? What could I have done that would make him hate me overnight?
"Dean." John said decisively.
"Again. No." Dean said, determined. I swear if he doesn't spit it out soon, I'll kill him…
John took a drink of his coffee and set it down on the table, harder than he planned on, splashing a few drops of coffee on the table. "Fine." He sighed, running a hand over his face, before continuing. "I don't think this is a good idea."
"You don't think what is a good idea?" Dean asked, genuinely curious.
"You and Alex."
"What?!" Dean scowled at his Dad, gently pushing Alex off of himself and leaning forward.
Alex moved to a chair next to Dean, but still across from John, and frowned at him, "I don't think that it's really your business, John." She told him quietly.
"I'm his father, Alex, everything that he does my business."
"That's not fair, Dad!" Sam piped in, shocked that this was what the show-down was all about.
"Stay out of this, Sam!" John snapped.
"Don't you dare yell at him for defending her." Dean said protectively as Alex shot Sam a small appreciative smile.
John laid off Sam immediately and got back to the subject, "What if something happens to her, Dean?"
"Like what? You think she's going to get killed? You don't think I know that it's a possibility?"
"I don't think that you should fall in love with the girl and then fall apart when she dies!"
"Okay! Number one, stop talking about me like I'm not here! And number two, stop talking like I just died!" Alex snapped, shooting a nasty scowl at John and Dean both.
Dean reached over and took hold of her hand again, then turned back to John, "I've seen you and Sam almost get yourselves killed more than once, Dad. I've gotten myself into sound rough situations too…I know what the risks of our lives are." Alex squeezed his hand gently and Dean stopped to let her talk.
"And so do I." Alex met John's eyes again with a determined look in her eye, regaining her typical self-confident attitude quickly.
"They've been dating for less than twenty four hours…why are you acting like this is a lifelong commitment?" Sam said, rolling his eyes.
John, Dean, and Alex all glared at him evilly, all three of them threatening to shove his cereal down his throat in the most painful way possible; making him pause with his spoon halfway to his face, his mouth open, as he watched them all carefully to make sure they weren't going to lunge across the table at him. "Sorry…"
Alex couldn't help but giggle at the terrified look on Sam's face, "It's alright, we're not going to shoot you…relax."
John leaned back in his chair and studied Dean and Alex carefully. I've got to admit, I'm kind of happy this is one battle I lost. No one besides Sam and Dean has had the nerve to stand up to me like she did. I like her, let's just hope this doesn't end in heartache…
"Alright." John said, watching all three of the kids exchange grins, "So, is Dean staying here? Or is Alex coming with?"
Alex wanted to hug the man, he seemed like he could be a real pain in the ass, but at least he was fair when it came down to it. She smiled at John and said, "I didn't want to stay in Champaign anyway."
