"So what do you think, Dean?" Sam asked as they headed for the Impala, the consultation with the realtor finally behind them.
"I don't know, Sam, I don't know anything about this kind of stuff. What do you think?" All Dean wanted was to get back to the motel and twist the lid off of a cold one, and all this talk about real estate and taxes and commissions and sale prices was driving him crazy.
"Her offer is only about half of what the property is worth. But considering what she wants to do with it, I don't know..."
"Honestly, Sammy...I don't care. I just want it behind us. If you think it's a good idea, then let's just do it." Dean's voice betrayed his irritation with the subject, and Sam stopped for a moment. When he continued, his voice was subdued and quiet, his eyes on the folder in his lap.
"It's hard for me, too, Dean."
Dean chewed at his lip as he turned into the parking lot at the motel. "Yeah, Sammy. I know." He parked in front of their room, but made no move to exit the car, sitting with his hands on the steering wheel. "It's just like..." He stopped, looking down at his hands, and took a breath before speaking again. "I know he's gone. I mean, you rescued him from Hell, we saw him go to Heaven. But it's like when all his stuff, his place, where he always was...it's like there's nothing left of him once that's gone."
"I know."
They sat there in silence for a couple of minutes, then Dean took a deep breath, clearing his throat, and reached for his door. "Come on, I want a beer."
"Yeah, me, too."
They shared a few beers that night, and a few stories about Bobby. After they had finally gone to bed, Dean laid there, staring into the dark, and let out a sigh. "Sam? You still awake?"
"Yeah, kind of."
"I think we should sell to her. Let her have it for her price. What do you think?"
Sam was quiet for a minute, then agreed. "Yeah. Let's do it."
"Good. Let's go back out there tomorrow, one last time, see if there's anything we should get out of there so there aren't any questions. And if there's anything we want to keep, you know..."
"Yeah. G'night, Dean."
"Good night, Sam."
By the middle of the morning the next day, Sam and Dean had gone through every shelf, drawer and closet in the garage, making sure there were no journals, research materials or weapons to be found that would seem suspicious. They walked out, locking it for the last time, Bobby's stained old coffee mug in Dean's hand. Sam glanced at it, but chose to say nothing; he doubted if Dean could explain why he wanted it anyway. They walked back towards the Impala, and Dean's eyes came to rest on Bobby's old '71 Chevelle. "Hey, Sammy, did we ever clean out that trunk?" he asked, frowning as he tried to remember.
"I don't remember, Dean, but...I don't think so. I suppose we should check, huh?"
They grabbed a crowbar from the Impala's trunk and walked to the slowly rusting car, prying the trunk open. "Good thing we checked," Dean said, as they looked down at Bobby's full arsenal, still in place. Everything looked like it had survived the last few years of neglect, other than a little rust here and there, and they hauled it all to the Impala, adding it to their stash of weapons and supplies.
"We can go through it later, at least no one else will find it."
Sam turned to look over the property as Dean closed the trunk. "Well...looks like that's it. What time do we sign the papers?"
"One o'clock. Then I guess we can head back home, Sammy." Dean looked around for a few seconds, then clapped Sam on the shoulder. "Come on, let's go get some food. I'm starving."
They walked into the same little diner where they had eaten with Tiara the day before, and ordered their usual; bacon cheeseburger and fries for Dean, and a chef's salad for Sam. Their food had just arrived, and Dean had taken his first huge mouthful, when they heard her voice. "Sam, Dean, hello!" She was standing next to their table, smiling down at them warmly, and Sam pulled out a chair.
"Hey, Tiara. Have a seat. How are you?"
"Me? I'm ecstatic! I can't believe you guys made this decision so quickly! I could hug both of you right now!"
Dean sent a crooked smile her way. "Well, we kind of figured it was a good use for it, so why not?" he said, shrugging.
"Well, I can't thank you both enough. And I'm sure it would have made Mr. Singer proud. He was such a sweet man."
"You knew Bobby?" Sam asked, after the waitress had taken Tiara's order and walked away.
"Not well. But I saw him, a lot of times. About once a week, always when my dad was gone, he'd bring a box of groceries to the house and set them on the porch. Just left them there, no note, nothing. But I was home from school one day and saw him do it, and I knew from that moment that he had a good heart." She smiled at the memory. "Of course, he didn't want anyone to know, but I knew."
Sam smiled, looking down at his salad, and Dean shook his head, a little smile on his lips. Tiara's food arrived, and they chatted about her plans as they ate. She wanted the place to be a shelter, but also self-supporting, and planned to hire a couple of mechanics to help run the place. She figured on her living quarters being in one wing of the building, with the rest dedicated to rooms for whoever was in need, as well as some common rooms and a huge kitchen, maybe even a couple of apartments in case a family came to them. "I'd like to keep the Singer Salvage name, if you don't mind. Singer Salvage and Repair, and Haven House."
Dean watched her as she talked, her blue eyes sparkling as she filled them in on something that obviously meant a great deal to her, and her enthusiasm was infectious. Dean found himself watching her, the curve of her lips when she smiled, the way she laughed, the way her long, dark lashes lowered over her eyes as she looked down. Her hair was pulled back now, and he wondered fleetingly how it looked down loose around her shoulders, and how she would look out of that business-like suit she was wearing... He cleared his throat, jerking himself out of the thoughts that had started running through his mind, and stood up. "Well, I'll get the check, then we can head over and get this thing done."
When he returned to the table, Tiara stood and grabbed her bag, then laid a hand on his arm. "Dean, I'm sorry for going on and on about this place. I'm so excited about it that I forget sometimes that not everyone wants to hear every detail."
He returned her smile, shrugging his shoulders. "Nothing to be sorry for. I didn't mind hearing about it." Her smile brightened, and she turned, Dean's hand at the small of her back, to walk towards the door.
Tiara got into her car to drive to the realty office, waving at the Winchesters as they drove away. She took a deep breath and blew it out, laying back against the headrest. Babbling nonstop like an idiot, that was a great first impression. Well, second impression. She closed her eyes, wishing she could do it over. He had listened very attentively, being polite, until he apparently couldn't take it any longer. And she had been nervously animated the whole time, because if she had just sat there and looked into those moss green eyes... She felt herself blush, and shook her head as she thought about the warmth of his hand on her back as they had left the cafe. Did he really not know how he was affecting her?
She took another deep breath, mentally shaking herself. "This is business, Tiara. Just business. Once it's done, he'll be gone. So pull yourself together," she scolded herself, then started her car and headed to their meeting.
-
"Not much left of that scared little girl, is there?" Sam asked as they pulled away. "She's really serious about helping people."
"Yeah. Yeah, she is." Dean was trying to pull his thoughts away from the jasmine and lavender scent that warmed the air around her as he had escorted her through the door a moment ago. He raised a hand as she sent a friendly wave their way, then drove down the street towards the realty office. They needed to get these papers signed, have a couple of beers with Jody tonight, then get the hell out of Dodge. "Hey, we need to call Jody when we're done here. See if she can meet us tonight for a couple of drinks, she wanted to catch up before we leave."
"What's the hurry? There's nothing going on right now, anyway. Maybe you should, umm, ask Tiara to come along tonight. Just to celebrate the sale, you know," Sam said, complete innocence on his face as he prodded his brother.
Dean's jaw clenched as he glared sideways at Sam. "Shut it, Sammy. And mind your own business." Sam turned his head to look out the window, and to hide his smirk.
The mind-numbing business of listening to myriad sets of instructions, signing of stacks of papers, and finally the exchange of money for the deed to the property took a little over an hour. Dean heaved a huge sigh of relief as they stepped back out into the afternoon sunshine, stretching his long arms over his head. "Sam, shoot me if I ever think about getting an office job, okay?"
Sam shot him an incredulous look. "Yeah. I'd love to. Like that would ever happen."
"True," Dean answered, nodding, heading for the Impala. He paused at the door, looking back at his little brother. "Sammy. You coming, or what?"
At that moment, Tiara came out of the office, tucking the edge of some errant document into the top of her bag. "Tiara, we were just wondering...Dean and I are going out for a couple of drinks later, with a friend of ours, Jody Mills. Just wondered if you'd like to come along. No problem if you can't, kinda short notice..."
"I'd love to," she answered, smiling up at Sam, then looking at Dean, who was suddenly busy rubbing an unseen spot from Baby's gleaming finish.
"Want us to pick you up? Or would you rather drive?"
Tiara looked towards Dean again. "I'd love to have a ride in that car." Dean looked up at that remark, a smile sliding onto his face that sent a shiver right through her.
"We'll pick you up, then, around seven?" She nodded in agreement, and Sam got her motel name and room number, then climbed into the front seat, grinning. "We're picking her up at seven."
"Yeah. I heard. Why are you pushing, Sammy?"
"Hey, you're not interested, then you're not interested. I just thought it'd be nice to invite her along." Sam looked out the window.
"Besides...you are interested."
"Shut up, Sam."
"Fine."
"Fine." Dean could hear her voice in his head, "I'd love to have a ride in that car." And the ride that came to his mind wasn't the kind she was talking about, in her buttoned-up suit with her business-like manner. And besides, with her past, she probably couldn't relax and enjoy herself anyway. So, fine, she could come along, and have a couple of martinis or whatever girls like that drank, and then tomorrow he and Sam could get back home to Kansas. He missed his room.
Tiara peeked out the window of her motel room as she heard the low rumble of the Impala's engine outside. She smiled and waved at Sam, turning to grab her purse and slip her jacket on. She glanced at herself in the mirror, bright blue eyes staring back at her critically before heading out the door.
Sam got out of the car, grinning. "Hey, I'll let you have shotgun, Tiara," he said, and she slid into the front, pulling her legs in and letting Sam close the door. He climbed into the back, and Dean shifted in reverse.
"Thanks for picking me up," she said looking over at Dean. He shot a one-sided smile her way.
"No problem."
They got to the bar, where Jody's little pickup was already parked, and pulled in next to it. Dean held the door, watching in silent appreciation as Tiara walked in. Her hair was down now, hanging halfway down her back, and those jeans she was wearing...well, she had curves in all the right places, from where he was standing. Sam smirked at him behind his back, then walked in ahead of him.
Jody stood and hugged Sam. "Hey, big boy, how's it going? It's good to see you!"
"Good to see you, too, Jody."
Dean got a hug next, and Jody smiled up at him. "Well, it's sold, huh?"
"Yup. Jody, this is Tiara Denning. She bought Bobby's place. She can tell you about what she's doing there."
"Denning?"
"Yes. I used to live in that little house near the salvage yard." The women shook hands and they all sat down, and Jody broke the uncomfortable silence.
"So, tell me about your plans for Bobby's place." Tiara smiled, and began to explain.
The waitress took their orders, and Dean smiled a little to himself as Tiara ordered a beer. Maybe he had pegged her wrong. She didn't seem business-like tonight, and she definitely looked good out of that suit and with her hair down. He watched with appreciation as she took off her jacket, the soft material of her shirt clinging to her, and fought to keep his eyes on her face as she talked happily to Jody about the shelter.
After a couple of beers, everyone was more relaxed, and the conversation and laughter flowed more easily. They ordered some food, and Dean challenged Sam to a game of darts, and the girls joined in. Tiara was amazed at how well the guys played, laughing at her struggle to even hit the board. Dean came up behind her on her next throw, putting his hands on her upper arms and changing her angle. "There, try that. Just focus, and release at the top of your throw." Tiara's breath was catching in her throat at the timbre of his voice, and his touch...and then he slid his hands downward before removing them from her, and she closed her eyes for a second at the warmth that flooded through her. "That shirt is really soft. I like it," he said, close to her ear, then stepped back. "Okay, partner. Let's see what you've got."
She took a deep breath, threw the dart, and missed by a mile, then laughed at herself as Sam and Jody hooted and clapped over their victory. She turned to look sheepishly at Dean. "Sorry. You got the short end of the stick when we chose partners."
Dean grinned. "Nah. We'll get 'em next time."
By ten o'clock, Sam was yawning, and Jody stretched and stood. "Well, I'm sorry to be a party-pooper, but I have to work tomorrow, guys."
"Hey, Jody, would you mind dropping me off at the motel? I'm beat," Sam said, glancing at Dean, who was still in a deep conversation with Tiara about a movie.
"What? You guys can't leave, the night's young," Dean protested, but Sam stood, putting on his jacket.
"Sorry, man, I'm shot. I'll see you later. You don't mind, do you, Tiara?"
She smiled up at him. "Of course not, Sam. We'll be fine. Jody, it was great to meet you. I'm sure we'll be seeing more of each other."
Hugs all around, and then Dean and Tiara were alone at the table. "So, what were we talking about? Oh, yeah, you never saw 'Any Which Way But Loose?'" Dean asked, disbelief on his face. "It's Eastwood, man, how do you not watch Eastwood? And the monkey, Clyde, he's hilarious!"
They went on laughing, arguing and discussing movies, not even realizing how late it was until Dean looked up and realized they were the only two people left in the place. He grabbed his cell phone, looking at the time, and raised his eyebrows in surprise. "Wow. It's almost closing time here. I suppose we'd better head out."
"I didn't realize it had gotten so late." Tiara smiled at Dean as they stood to put their jackets on. "This has been really fun, Dean. I've never run into someone who loves movies as much as I do."
"Yeah. It's been fun." He smiled back at her, then turned and tossed a tip on the table, waving at the bartender as they walked towards the door.
They drove to the motel and Dean pulled up in front of Tiara's door. She turned towards him and spoke quietly. "Well, thank you, Dean Winchester. For what you did for me in the past, and for what you did for me today. This place will help a lot of people, and I can't help but think that would make Mr. Singer happy."
"I'm sure it would," Dean answered.
Tiara slid over and leaned to place a kiss on Dean's cheek. "Do you want to come in, have one more beer?" she asked softly, and Dean looked down at her, his eyes guarded.
"I don't think that's a great idea, Tiara," he answered, holding the steering wheel to make sure his hands didn't do what they were itching to do.
Her hand slid onto his thigh and she tilted her head a little, and Dean felt his breath hitch at her touch. "I'm not a ten-year-old little girl any more, Dean. And you're not fourteen. What happened was a long time ago."
The muscle in his jaw worked a little, and Tiara wanted to kiss it again. "Still happened. Doesn't change anything, Tiara."
"You saved my life. If you hadn't come in that night, I'd have been dead. It was an accident, and it wasn't your fault." Tiara drew her hand back and sat up straight. "Dean, please come in. Please. I want us to talk about this." He was silent, and she had begun to think he wouldn't answer at all.
"All right. One beer." He turned and met her gaze, and she nodded.
"Good."
She opened the door, stepping inside and letting him by. She closed the door as he took off his jacket, and she removed hers, laying it over the chair. She leaned over, reaching for the table lamp, the nightlight near the bathroom the only illumination in the room. But before she reached the switch, Dean's hand was behind her neck, enmeshed in her hair, pulling her close as he kissed her, a gentle sweep of his lips across hers, then more insistent as her lips parted easily under his and his tongue tangled sweetly with hers. He let out a low moan as her arms raised to encircle his neck, and she stood on tiptoe to reach him better. He slid his other hand up her back, then down to cup her rear, pushing her closer to him, his thigh pressing between her legs, and a small sound escaped her lips, muffled by their kiss.
Dean raised his head, breathing hard, his tongue playing over his bottom lip before he bit at it, looking down into her eyes. "We don't have to do this, Tiara," he whispered, fighting to keep himself under control. He took a half-step back, releasing his hold on her, trying to give her time to think.
"The hell we don't," she said, her voice raspy, and she slipped her fingers into the waist of his jeans, pulling him forward until her legs were against the bed. She sat down, then slid back and Dean followed her, putting his knee down between her legs as she moved back. He knelt above her, removing his flannel shirt, and then his t-shirt as she watched, her eyes travelling over him in the dim light. He moved in closer, pressing his knee up against her, and she let a small sigh escape her lips as she moved against him, her eyes going closed for a moment. He stared down at her, his hands gliding over her torso and up over her breasts, brushing over her nipples, which were straining through her silky bra and the soft material of her top. He began to unbutton the shirt slowly, watching as her breathing grew ragged, and he pushed his knee up closer yet, making her squirm against his leg, moaning softly. He opened her shirt, looking down at her, his jeans almost too tight to bear now as he ran his fingers across her shoulders, following the lines of her bra, sweeping over the curves of her breasts, then down her belly.
Tiara raised herself up shakily, reaching behind her back to unclasp her bra, and a feral gleam lit up Dean's green eyes as he reached to pull it from her body, tossing it to the floor, and lowering his head to take her nipple into his mouth, flicking at it with his tongue, his fingers teasing at the other, grinding his leg into her as she rubbed herself against him. He sucked hard, and lightly pinched with his fingers, and she cried out, thrusting herself forward, shuddering as she reached her peak. He stopped after a moment, crushing his lips to hers, reaching for her zipper, then his own.
He backed himself up off of the bed, pulling her jeans and panties off, then finishing undressing himself. Then he kissed his way up her body, stopping once again at her breasts, his tip teasing at her leg and then at her opening as he moved up, capturing her lips again. He pushed his way inside of her, moaning into her mouth as she surrounded him with her soft heat, and he slowly filled her, giving her body time to adjust to him, before pulling back and plunging into her hard, throwing his head back. He started slowly, but quickly built to a frantic rhythm as she met him stroke for stroke, driving herself against him with every thrust. She could feel him throbbing as he groaned with his climax, then reached his hand between them and his fingers finished her, sending her into frenzied spasms as she joined him.
He lowered himself, kissing her gently as they returned to themselves, then rolled to his side, slipping an arm under her shoulders and pulling her close. She laid on his shoulder, her eyes drifting closed, laying her hand up on his chest as he kissed the top of her head and spoke softly. "Good talk."
