Three days went by almost as slowly as the passed 3 months. Ryder had grown quiet, and was always asleep. She'd wake up through the night in a fit of coughs, with headaches that seemed to only grow more fierce. Ryder didn't seem to be overly worried, just brushed it off saying "It's just a cold. It'll pass." Dean didn't buy it, and grew more worried everyday she stayed ill. He didn't know what could be wrong with her, he just knew this wasn't your average cold, or flu, or bug. He'd watch her while she slept on the couch, listening to the horrible sounds of raspy breathing. "What's wrong with you?" he asked her, as she slept.

It was 3 in the afternoon, and Dean was bored. Ryder had slept all day on the couch, leaving him with nothing to do but watch television. His stomach growled suddenly, so he stood, and made his way to the kitchen. He was leaning on the fridge door, when he heard soft footsteps. "Dean, something's wrong." came Ryder's scratchy voice. 'Gee, you just work that out.' he thought to himself. He looked at her, and he moved quickly over to her. "Geez. Your shakin'." he said, placing his hand on her forehead. "Dean, it hurts." she told him, eyes slowly losing focus. "Okay. No more fightin' me on this. I'm takin' you to the hospital." he stated, with no intention of listening to her.

He grabbed her keys, and helped her into a warm jacket. "You right to walk?" he asked, as he locked the door to her apartment. She didn't speak, she just nodded. Her small hand grabbing hold of the sleeve of his jacket. He lead her to the elevator at the end of the hallway, pulling her into his arms when they got there. Eyes fixed on the light above the doors. The doors opened and Tony was smiling at them. "Ey, Dean. What's up?" he asked, staring at the lost look on Dean's face. "I have no idea." he answered truthfully. Tony stood back into the small space. "I can help you if you like?" he asked, Ryder's breathing finally grabbing his attention. "That would be good. I doubt she's gonna let me go anytime soon."

When they got out to the parking lot, Dean threw Ryder's keys at Tony. "Drive safe, man. She'll kill me if somethin' happens to this car." Tony nodded, and helped Dean place Ryder in the backseat carefully. Once everyone was comfortable, they left. Dean looked down at Ryder, her face was full of confusion. "Hey, you okay?" he asked, mentally kicking himself at his stupid question. "Don't you touch me!" she said, pulling away from him, sliding across to the otherside of the car. "Ryder?" he asked, voice full of worry. "Shut up!" she snapped, eyes closed tight, shivvering. Tony looked into the mirror sharing a worried look with Dean.

Minutes later, they arrive at the doors of the emergency room. Dean got out of his side, walking around and helping Ryder out. She didn't fight him this time, she just let him do what he needed. "I'll go park the car, I'll meet you in the waiting room." Tony called from the car. Dean nodded and helped Ryder into the hospital. "Where's Dean goin'?" Ryder asked, voice scratchier now. "Nowhere, I'm right here." She opened her eyes, and looked up at him, "You let Tony drive my car." she said, absently. Dean shook his head, and kissing her temple. "Excuse me, Miss?" he asked, as he got to the desk. A small friendly woman looked up at him. "Oh lord. What's happened to you?" she asked, eyes darting to Ryder.

"She needs urgent help. Come here sweetheart." the small nurse said, sounding completely maternal. Ryder took her arm, and walked with her. "DOCTOR CARLSON! This girl needs help, right now!" A tall dark haired man, rushed over, taking in Ryder's appearance. "Alright, sweety. Does it hurt anywhere?" he asked, hand resting on her abdomin. Ryder nodded, pointing to her chest. "Ok, take her to X-Ray, but I'm guessing it's Pneumonia." The small nurse helped Ryder into a wheelchair and rushed her away. The doctor approached Dean. "You with that young lady?" he asked. Dean nodded. "How long has she been like that?" he asked, looking concerned. "A couple of days, but she only got real bad today. She kept tellin' me it was a cold." Dean answered. "Okay other than her breathing. Has she been displaying any other symptoms?"

Dean thought for a minute. "Uh, she wakes up through the night in coughing fits. She's had a massive headache for about 3 days. She won't eat, and she was all confused in the car on the way here. Is she gonna be alright?" Dean drawled, pushing his hands into his pockets. The doctor just nodded, "Should be. I'll be send a nurse shortly to let you know what's going on." With that being said, the doctor walked away. Dean took the forms from the nurse behind the counter and threw himself into a seat, in the emptiest part of the room. "Here." Tony said, passing Dean some papers. "Those were in her glove compartment." Dean nodded his thanks, but still didn't move to fill out the forms. "Want me to?" Tony asked, noticing the lost look in Dean's eyes. "Uh, yeah. Thanks."

About an hour later, a small red-haired nurse made her way across the waiting room. Tapping Dean on the shoulder, "Excuse me, Mr Winchester, is it?" she asked, looking down at the forms Tony had filled out earlier. "Uh, yeah." he answered, standing quickly. "Your girlfriend is stable now, the doctor's just running some extra tests. It's seems she's contracted Pneumonia. You can see her soon. Dr. Carlson will come get you when he's done." She smiled up at him, when she saw the lost look in his eyes it dropped. "She's gonna be okay." Dean nodded and sat back down. "Thank you." Tony was asleep in the seat next to him, he'd finished work just as they'd ran into him.

"I hate hospitals." Dean muttered. He leaned back into the seat, frowning when he couldn't get comfortable.


"Mr Winchester?" a strong male voice said. "Yeah." Dean said, grumpily. After turning his tone changed. "Oh sorry." The doctor chuckled, "It's fine. It can be frustrating in those chairs. I'm sorry for rushing off on you earlier. I'm Doctor Carlson." Dean nodded, putting his hand out. Doctor Carlson shook his head and smiled. "You can see her now if you like. But I'd prefer just one of you go in." he said. Tony stood, "I think I'll head home." He handed Dean the keys, and tapped him on the back. Dean nodded his thanks, and followed the doctor.

"Is it ok if I call you Dean?" Dr Carlson asked. Dean smirked, "I'd prefer it." Walking passed a room with a crying child, the turned a corner and stopped. "Ryder has a rather bad case of Pneumonia. This is not anyone's fault, just some people contract it worse than others. Please try to refrain from waking her, she only just got to sleep." Dean nodded, and thanked the doctor. He quietly opened the door, and closed it with a soft click. The room was dark, except for a dull light just over Ryder's bed. The doctor had explained the lighting was to prevent her headaches from getting worse.

His eyes fell on the figure in the bed. He walked over slowly, and sat on the left hand side of the bed. Pulling a rather comfy looking chair with him. He sat down, and looked over his sleeping girlfriend, a sad smile on his face. The bed was risen so that she was sitting up slightly. Her head turned slightly in his direction. She looked so tired and worn down. Dark rings underneath her eyes, an oxygen mask covering her mouth and nose. There was a drip connected to her right hand, and a small hospital bracelet on her left wrist. Her clothes were folded neatly on the chair next to him, the nurse had changed her into hospital pjs, as he called them. Dean closed his eyes, willing the memories to go away. He didn't want to remember the last time he saw her this way.

-Flashback-

..Beep..Beep..Whoosh..Beep..Beep..Whoosh..

He'd been in the same position for three days, never leaving her side. The girl infront of him was alone, her family in another state. He sighed at sat forward, and examined her. Looking for any sign of change. Her chest rose and fell, with the help of the machine that was connected to her, eyes shut with no even so much as a twitch. Her face so beaten, and scratched he wouldn't have recognised her, if he hadn't seen it happen. No sound coming from her, other than those of the heart-rate monitor and the ventilator that was helping her stay alive.

Three days ago, this girl was kicking his ass in a game of pool. She was laughing at his attempts to put her off, by brushing up against her. She was joking with Sam about movies and books that Dean had never heard of. But not now, now she was just a body, no laughing or joking. She was just lying there, fighting for her life, and it hurt him to see it. If he had of been 10 minutes earlier, he could have prevented this. He could have helped her, stopped her step-sister's boyfriend from beating her so bad. Well, granted the guy was being under some voodoo spell, and was doing what Ryder's step sister asked him too.

..Beep..Beep..Whoosh..Beep..Beep..Whoosh..

"If you wake up, I'll buy you a motorbike?" he told her, brushing his fingers gently across the back of her hand. She didn't respond, he wasn't really expecting her to. He just got sick of sitting in silence. "Well a model one. Cause I can't afford a real one." he said, a hint of laughter in his voice. He looked up at her heart monitor, sighing when it was the same as it had been for days. "You know, I tripped up the gutter when I seen you." he said, smiling, eyes fixed on her face. "You're good at distracting me." He hated the ventilator, remembering the feeling of waking up with that tube halfway down his throat. "I'm sorry." he told her, fingers brushing gently through her hair.

..Beep..Beep..Whoosh..Beep..Beep..Whoosh..

"Don't give up, kiddo." he told her, fiddling with something in his hands. "The world needs more girls like you, so they can make guys like me behave themselves." He leant forward, tying a thin black bracelet around her small wrist. He leant down, and placed his head softly on her shoulder. "It's not safe for you, if I stay here with you." he whispered softly in her ear. "Your gonna hate me when you wake up, and find out I left you here alone." A tear fell down his cheek, he looked to the window, where Sam was watching him. "I'll never forget you for what you've taught me. I'm sorry I couldn't save you." He stood, and kissed her forehead. He stood and walked to the door, stopping to look at her again. Jaw clicking as he fought his emotions. "I'm so sorry."

-End Flashback-

He let his head fall into his hands, trying to push that thought from his mind. He rubbed his tired eyes, and sat back into the chair. His head falling back against the back of the chair. He sat there staring up at the dark ceiling, suddenly feeling tired all of a sudden. He closed his eyes, and crossed his arms over his chest, mind going blank. The smell of bleach and disinfectant didn't seem to bother him now, he was just too tired.


He woke up an hour later, to find he'd moved. His head was now resting on the bed, his right hand laying softly on Ryder's stomach. He could feel her brushing her hand through his short hair. He opened his eyes and looked at her. Her eyes were closed, but she wasn't sleeping. "Hey." Dean said softly, sitting up. "Hey." she whispered back, her voice muffled by the mask. Her eyes fluttered open, and landed on his face. "How are you feelin'?" he whispered, hand coming up to her forehead. "Peachy." she whispered back. He laughed softly at her, then felt her left hand start playing with his. Eyes staring so deeply into his, that his heart started racing.

"I'm sorry." she croaked, looking away from him. "For what?" he asked. "For not letting you bring me here earlier." Dean shook his head, "Don't be like that." She turned to him, "You were just doin' what you thought was right." he told her, remembering all the times he was really sick, but refused hospitalization. "Sorry I scared you in the car." she whispered, her hand coming up to cup his cheek. "Who did you think I was?" Ryder shook her head, "Okay. Another time?" She nodded. Dean smiled, "You got it."

"Doc says if I follow his rules, I'll be out by next weekend." she said, a small smile on her face. Dean shook his head, "Already with the wanting out of here? Can't you stay put for once." She yawned, her hand falling back onto his. "I don't have time to." she said, squeazing his hand, eyes slowly filling with tears. "Hey, what's wrong?" he asked, a frown on his handsome face. She looked away from him again, emotions finally getting the better of her. "I thought I could handle this. I did, but I can't. Dean, it's killing me, knowing I only have two months left with you." she was sobbing now.

He sat up on the bed next to her, his arms helping her sit up. He pulled her into a tight hug, tears in his own eyes now. "I know. I know." he said, his voice cracking slightly. "But you have to calm down." he told her, his hand rubbing small calming circles down her back. "I'm so scared." she whispered, her hand clamped tightly on his shirt. "I'd be lyin' if I said that I wasn't." he told her, "But I'd rather it be me than you." He laid her back down, and wiped her tears away. "See what you do to me?" he told her, using his shirt to wipe his face.

"You like the hospital pj's?" Dean asked, trying to change the room. She nodded, "Comfortable." she murmurred. She was wearing a white t-shirt, and mostly likely hospital issue pjyama pants. He saw her eyes close, and he stopped talking, just brushed his fingers threw her hair, helping her fall into a deep sleep. "God help me." he told himself. He was completely terrified that Ryder was going to do something stupid. He always had the same nightmare, some nights it would be her, other's it would be Sammy. But whoever it was, would make a deal to trade places with him. He wouldn't allow it to happen, forcing both of them to promise they wouldn't. He kissed her cheek, and sat back in his seat, looking over her.



A week later, when he walked into her room. He was surprised at what he saw, she was sitting up properly, with no mask on her face. Her doctor was sitting where Dean always sat, talking to her. "Ah, Dean. How are you today?" the doctor called over. "Fine, thanks." Dean said, yawning. Ryder shook her head, "Your unbelievable. You slept on the couch again, didn't you?" Dean's eyes widened. "How do you do that?" he asked, voice a little higher than normal. "All woman have that. Gets worse as they get older." Dr. Carlson told him. "You should be fine to go home tomorrow afternoon." he said, turning back to Ryder. "Well, I have other patients to check on. So I'll be back later." The docter walked passed Dean, and out the open door.

"Why are you walkin' with your hands behind your back?" Ryder asked, realising the way he was standing. Dean walked over and sat on the very end of her bed. "Don't know what your talkin' about." he drawled, a small smirk on his face. "DEAN!! What are you doing?" she asked, her voice full of excitement. Dean laughed at her. "I'm just sitting here." Ryder looked at him, smiling when she saw his arms move. "Okay, don't hate me for this." he said, pulling a small album from behind his back. "I found this when I was lookin' for somethin' to do. I saw it wasn't finished and didn't look like it was gonna be. So I done it for ya." Ryder pulled it into her lap, a huge smile on her face.

"You don't look like the creative type. Should I be worried?" she asked, looking up at him. He laughed, "Decide for yourself." he said. Ryder flicked through the pages, smiling at the pictures she'd put in herself. Her mouth opened as she flicked through the pages he had done. She stopped on one page, and looked up at him. "I love that picture." she said, turning the album to him and pointing. "Yeah, you and Sammy make a cute couple." Dean joked. Ryder shook her head, "No. He looks happy, like genuinely happy." she said. Dean looked closer and smiled, "He does, huh?" She turned the book back around and flicked. Smiling at a page full of pictures of her and Dean.

He shuffled closer to her, smiling as she looked at every one them. "It's funny how I never realised how many photos there actually were of us." he said, as she closed the book. "I know, thank you." she said, kissing him softly, then turning to put it on her bedside table. "Jackson came by this morning." Ryder said, leaning back into the pillows. "Oh yeah. How is he?" Dean asked. "SAM! STOP SITTING OUTSIDE AND GET IN HERE!" Ryder called, upong realising a tall shadow in the door way. Sam walked in and waved, his cheeks a soft pink. "Gee, embarrass me much?" he said. Ryder chuckled, and gestured for him to come closer.

He leant down, and pulled her into a tight hug. "I came with Dean the other day, but the doc said only one could come in. You were sleeping when it was my turn." he told her. Ryder chuckled, "Sorry. How are you?" Dean was watching all of this, smiling at the look on Ryder's face. She really adored Sam, she thought the world of him. "I'm fine. You look alot better." Sam answered. "Thanks. Jackson said, he's dating someone." Ryder told them both. Sam was sitting cross legged on the bed infront of her, Dean on the chair next to her. "You serious?" Dean asked. Ryder nodded, "Yup. All he told me is that she's blonde, and he's takin' her to Dad's next week."

"Oh yeah. Jackson told me your dad has a huge bit of land out in rural Texas?" Sam asked, excitedly. Ryder nodded, and Dean shook his head. "Yup. Has a pool and a jacuzzi too. Why?" she asked. Sam looked at Dean, who was signalling him to shut up. "Uh, never really been to an overly huge house." Sam answered, sounding a little lost. "No, he's askin' cause I decided I wanted to go with you." Dean answered, frowning at his brother. Ryder's head whipped around. "You wanna come .. with me? You know that means you gotta meet my Dad, right?" Dean nodded, "A small price to pay." Dean said, as she threw her arms around him.

"I can come too, yeah?" Sam asked, shyly. "NO!" Ryder said, sarcastically. "Of course you can."


Dean had gone back to Ryder's to get some clothes for her to wear home the next day. Sam had decided to stay with Ryder, he'd been in the car all morning, after Dean had picked him up from Bobby's. Sam had grown attached to Ryder the past few months, they both shared a few mutual interests. The most important was Dean. Sure, Sam had met some of Dean's girlfriends, if you could have called them that, but none of them seemed to care for his brother. Dean had the idea that if they didn't care, then they wouldn't ask questions, and if they didn't ask questions they wouldn't get hurt. Ryder openly cared for his brother. Genuinely loved him, and in Sam's books that was everything.

"His not doing to good, huh?" Sam asked, eyes staring at the blank wall. Ryder shook her head, "Naw, he's doin' just as good as anyone in his position." She took Sam's large hand into her little one. "I can't find anything, Ryd. I've looked everywhere." Ryder smiled sadly at him, "I guess, we weren't supposed to find something." Sam nodded his agreement. She squeezed his hand and let go. Sam's eyes finally falling on her. He smiled, and shook his head. "I'm gonna sound so stupid right now. I never knew you had different coloured eyes." Ryder laughed lightly at Sam, then leaned closer, so that he could take a better look. "Awesome." he said, as she sat back.

"What's that?" Sam asked, pointing to the photo album on the table. Ryder picked it up and passed it to him, "It's a photo album I was putting together. It's pretty much my life so far. Dean finished it for me." Sam took it and opened to the first page. "Wow, you were a cute kid." Sam said, honestly. "Uh, thanks." Ryder said, with a giggle. Sam flicked through to the double page of him and her. "AH, Backseat Boredom!" Sam said, enthusiastically. Ryder nodded, "That was totally the most fun I've ever had on a hunt." Ryder said, laughing at the memory. "Check out your face. That's hilarious."

Sam smiled as he thought of that day. "You know that was Jess' Birthday?" he told her. "Oh, Sammy. I'm sorry." she started, but Sam stopped her. "No, no. It was good. I wasn't all sad and stuff, because you were makin' me laugh. Only Dean has ever done that for me, you know?" Ryder nodded, and giggled at the next photo Sam pointed out. "Well, I was bored. That's what I do when I'm bored." Sam laughed, "I'm sure that's completely what you get up to with Dean." he said, teasing her. "Oh yeah, I have tonnes of nude pictures." she said, rolling her eyes. "Aw no, I didn't wanna hear that." Sam said, laughing.

"Are you gonna stick around after.. you know?" Sam asked suddenly. Ryder turned and looked into Sam's eyes, and thought for a minute. "Yeah. I can't leave my Uncle, and I know your gonna need an ass kickin'." Sam smiled, this girl was weird. "Can I ask you a personal question?" Sam asked, hesitantly. "Shoot." she said, her usual tone in place. "Would you have married him if he was gonna live?" Ryder looked down at the photo Sam was looking at, and smiled. "Uh, yeah I would." she answered, truthfully. "Really? Wouldn't he drive you crazy?" Sam countered. This made her giggle. "No, he doesn't nor would he ever, drive me crazy." she answered.

"Who's drivin' who crazy, huh?" came Dean's voice. "You, driving her crazy." Sam said, closing the Album. "Nothin' wrong with a little insanity though." Ryder said, smirking at Dean. "Uh, Mrs. Jenkins seems to think your pregnant." Dean said, his cheeks slightly going pink. Ryder and Sam looked at eachother and cracked up laughing. Dean just stood there, cheeks burning. "Oh, well what did you say?" she asked. "I told her that it was Pneumonia, but she wouldn't believe me." Dean said, throwing himself into the nearest chair. "Apparently if it's a boy you have to call him James." Ryder and Sam shared another laugh, "Oh cheer up. Daddy Dean." Sam laughed.


A WEEK LATER..

They were less than 20 minutes away from her father's house, and Ryder was nervous. Her dad had seemed excited when she'd told him that Dean and Sam were both coming up with her. Her father was a hard man, always had been, never really accepting any of her boyfriends, what if he dismissed Dean like he did all the others? Maybe Dean would be different. She decided to play that card, Dean was infact very different. She looked up into the rear-view mirror, taking in his handsome face. He truely was the most beautiful man she'd ever met, her Mom was right about that. His gorgeous green eyes, fixed on the road, still has amazing as they were when she first seen them. He looked up at the mirror and smirked, "What?" he asked. Ryder shook her head, "Can't a girl look in the mirror?" she asked.

"Honey, you weren't lookin' at yourself like that." he shot back, he was now wearing a complete grin. "So? I don't hear you complainin'" she threw back. He chuckled and kept driving. She sat forward, and wrapped her arms around his shoulder. "He was tired huh?" she asked, looking over at Sam, who was fast asleep on the passenger side. "Yeah." Dean said, tapping her hand with his free one. "I have my seatbelt on. Don't worry." she said, before he could even ask. "Good girl." he said, laughing. "Are you nervous?" she asked, kissing his cheek. He nodded, and let out a long breath. "You'll do fine." she whispered. "And maybe if your lucky."

Dean smiled. "If I'm lucky what?" he asked. Ryder sat back and shook her head, "Not tellin'." she whispered. Dean shook his head and kept driving. A few minutes later they rolled down the long steep driveway of Alan O'Shay's rather large property. Dean pulled up the handbrake and cut the engine. "You grew up here?" he asked, turning to face his girlfriend. "Nope. This is 5 years old." She got out of the car, dragging her duffle bag with her. "C'mon princess. We're there." Dean said, shoving Sam. They got out, and grabbed their bags from the trunk. Ryder led the way to the frontdoor of the large country home.

She pushed the door open and stuck her head in. "Hello?" she called. "Ryder?" came a deep male voice. She smiled at Dean and walked in. The two boys stepped in behind her, heads spinning with how huge this place really was. "In the kitchen, darlin'." came the deep southern voice. Ryder headed down a long hallway, stepping into a brightly lit room. Her duffle still on her shoulder, she stood on the spot. "There's my babygirl." her dad called, crossing the room and pulling her into a tight hug. "Hey dad." she said, hugging him back. "Bout time you got up here. Where's your brother?" he asked, brown eyes shining. "Jackson's coming up tomorrow. He has to pick up the missus." Ryder drawled. Her father was looking over her shoulder.

"Is that Dean?" he whispered, Ryder turned and smiled. "No. That's Sam. Sam this is my dad, Alan." Sam smiled, and stepped forward, "Nice to meet you, sir" Ryder's father smiled and looked up into Sam's face. "Boy they sure make 'em tall over in Kansas, don't they?" Alan chuckled. "Daddy, this is Dean." Ryder said, her hand resting on Dean's forearm. "Well, hell. Your alot different to what I had in mind." Alan stepped closer, and stuck out his hand. "It's good to finally meet you." Dean took it, and smiled. "He sure is pretty isn't he?" Alan said, pulling Ryder into another hug.

"Dad? What's goin' on?" she whispered. "Nothin', I'm just happy to see you again." he answered kissing her temple. "So, Dean and Sam. You boys got a last name?" he asked, looking at them. "Uh, Winchester." Sam said. "Like the rifle?" Alan asked. "Like the rifle." Dean said, smiling. Ryder stepped back, and looked around. "Where's Susan?" she asked. Alan pulled his eyes away from Dean, and looked at his daughter. "She finally moved out." he answered. "You two divorced?" Ryder asked, a small grin on her face. Her father nodded and walked back to the bench where he'd been starting a meal. "Honey, show those boys to the rooms. Well Sam anyway, I'm sure Dean's gonna sleep with you." he said, smiling. Ryder nodded, and showed them out of the kitchen and up the stairs.


A few minutes later, Dean wandered down the stairs alone. Ryder was showing Sam the small library and that just didn't really appeal to him. Each step down was slow, he punched his fist on top of the other and looked around. 'Dude. This place is nice.' he thought. He looked at some pictures when he got to the bottom, noting alot of them didn't have Ryder or Jackson in them. "I went through a time where I forgot that my kids were just as important as my job." came Alan's deep voice. Dean nodded, "I know how that feels." Dean said, turning. He examined the man a little closer no longer feeling uneasy around him.

The man was not tall, but he wasn't a short man. His hair was well groomed, dark and greying. His eyes were brown, but showed all of his emotions, upon closer inspection Dean realised that Ryder had the same eyes as him. Alan, was a handsome guy, but his age was obvious. Wrinkles showing around his eyes, and mouth. Sam had said, "Dude, Ryder's dad totally looks like George Clooney", when they were upstairs. Dean could now see it. "They turned out fine, regardless." the older man told him. Dean smiled politely and looked back at the pictures. "Did you need some help in there?" Dean asked, pointing to the kitchen.

"If you want to." Alan said, walking back in. Dean followed the man in, "I didn't realise it was so big in here." Dean said, looking around. Alan laughed and beckoned him over. "Yeah, I sometimes forget that too." Dean shook his head, a small grin on his face. "So..?" Dean said, looking up from the vegetables he was cutting. "How long have you been seein' my daughter?" Alan asked. Dean frowned, counting in his mind. "Just over 8 months." he answerd, "Feels alot longer though." Alan looked at him, and smiled. "She's a handful, isn't she?" Dean nodded, "Yes, sir." Alan shook his head, "What's with the callin' me sir, stuff?" he asked, turning to Dean.

"Oh, Sammy and me just picked up from our Dad." Dean said, eyes fixed on the food infront of him. "Just call be Alan. Sir makes me feel old." Dean chuckled, "Ok, Alan it is." Alan, patted his back. "That's better." Dean could feel Alan's eyes on him, like he was looking for something, anything wrong with him. Dean looked up, eyes locking with the older man's. "I'm sorry. It's just something Ryder's mother used to say." Dean smiled, as he remembered what Ryder had told him. "The thing about a guy who'd save her?" Dean asked. Alan nodded, "You look just like she described." Dean's eyes widened. "She knew what I looked like?"

"She did, obviously." Alan said, looking back at the food infront of him. "I haven't seen Ryder this happy since before her mother went missing." Dean looked at him, eyes looking a little sad, "She's not completely happy." he said. "She's not completely sad either." Alan pointed out. Dean laughed, he knew that tone. "That's where you are?" came Ryder's voice. "Well, hell. Dad what are you makin' him do?" Dean looked up, and smiled. "He's just helpin' me, kiddo. He offered." Ryder sauntered over and sat on a stool infront of them. "Where's Sammy?" Dean asked. "Where do you think he is?"

Dean nodded, and looked back down. "Library?" Ryder made a ding noise. "Bingo!" she giggled. Dean looked up at her again, she was watching him with a smile on her face. He flicked his head, and she got up and came around the counter. He leant down and kissed her cheek. "You okay?" he asked. She nodded, "Just a little tired." she answered. "Ryder, wanna grab some plates and silver and seat the table?" Alan asked, smiling. She nodded and went about her business. Alan shook his head, a massive smile on his face.


Dinner went well, everyone got along. Sam had finally returned from the library and Dean was more comfortable in the presence of Alan. Ryder was finally able to eat a full meal again, since she'd left the hospital. "Oh, that was so good." Ryder said, sitting back in her seat. "Bout time too." Dean said, looking at her empty plate. She poked her tongue out at him then looked away. "Grow up, Ryder." Dean joked. "Make me." came her reply. She leaned forward, and kiss his cheek. "So, Dad. How's flyin' solo treatin' ya?" she asked across the table.

Alan laughed, "Good. Kinda makes me feel young again." Ryder laughed, and picked up her bottle of beer. "Cause she was bleedin' ya dry." Dean laughed at her blunt tone. "She's always been that way." Her father told him. Sam laughed, "So, has he." pointing to Dean. "Oh yeah. But never to Dad." Dean pointed out. "She gets away with it cause she's the youngest." Sam said, laughing. "Naw. I like to be able to joke with my kids. When she was younger she got into trouble for it." Ryder grinned, and put her bottle down. "So, you got a full ride at Stanford?" Alan asked Sam. "Yup. But I left early." he said, looking over at Dean.

"Why was that?" Alan asked. "Daddy." Ryder said, telling him to mind his business. "No, Ryd. It's alright. My girlfriend, uh, she died." Sam said, looking back to Alan. "Aw, son. I'm sorry to hear that." Sam nodded his thanks. Alan turned his attention on Dean. "And you followed your father, into the family business?" Dean nodded, "So, you any good?" he asked. Dean looked at Ryder, then turned back. "I do alright." he answered. "Well, now I know your bein' bashful. I hear you one of the best hunter's out. All I hear bout is Johnny Winchester's eldest." Dean looked at the table and smiled. "That's cause he put in the hours." Sam said, remembering all the training Dean did as a child.

"Ryder's been givin' me a run for my money, though." Dean said, laughing. "That's cause I've got a couple of years on you." she told him, laughing at his face. "Man, your 26. How do you have a couple of years on me?" Ryder looked at her father. "She's been hunting since she turned 6. How old were you?" Dean realised he was beat. Sticking his hands up in mock surrender. "I was 10." Sam laughed, "Dude, that's like 4 years over you." Dean shook his head, "b*tch." Sam stopped laughing, "Jerk." Ryder shook her head, "See what I have to put up with?" Her dad was too busy laughing at the boys infront of him.


It was 9 o'clock at night, and Ryder was outside, sitting alone in the jacuzzi. Her mind had wondered away from the happy thoughts, and torward the thoughts that brought her to tears. Her eyes were fixed on the dark trees off in the distance, two small tears falling down each cheek. Just over a month from now, the man she loved would die. He would be gone, and there's not a damn thing that she could do to stop it. She could yell, and scream, and kick, and punch. But none of that would keep him breathing. She sighed, not bothering to wipe her tears away, she didn't care anymore.

She reached behind her and tied her hair up into a messy ponytail. Another set of tears fell from her eyes, 'I'm sorry, Dean' she thinks. 'I'm sorry I can't save you.' Her eyes moved from the trees to the moon, eyes pleading for some help. She heard the dull sound of barefeet on grass, but didn't turn, she knew it was Dean, she could hear his jeans dragging along the ground. He didn't speak, he just sat on the edge of the spa, following her gaze. He looked down at her and sighed, standing and getting out of his clothes. He stepped into the jacuzzi, and sat infront of her.

She looked away, eyes falling on anything but him. "Your not even gonna laugh cause I'm in my underwear?" he asked, leaning against the wall of the spa. "At least they're shorts, and they're black." she said, quietly. He looked back towards the house, his green eyes glowing in the light above them. He sighed, and let his body slide down the wall, his head falling under the water. Ryder turned a little, watching him. When he started coming back up, pushing his hair back, she turned away again. "Come here." she said, turning to face him. He looked at her oddly and moved closer. She laughed, "It's okay. Come here." He came to a stop infront of her, eyes locked with hers, a cheeky grin now in place.

She lifted her head a little, lips brushing softly against his. He leaned in a little closer, kissing her a little harder. She pulled away, and smiled, Dean kissed her on the cheek. He turned around and laid his back against her front, his head resting against her shoulder. "You right there?" she asked, giggling at him. "Uh huh." he said, his eyes closed. "What is it about you, Winchester?" she whispered into his ear. "What do you mean?" he asked. "My dad accepted you straight away. He's never done that before." she answered, hands rubbing his biceps. "I have that affect on people." he said, a cocky grin replacing his calm expression.

He sat up and moved back across to otherside of the jacuzzi. Eyes falling on Ryder's, "Please stop crying all the time." he said, his voice almost begging her. "What do you want me to do?" she asked, her voice in a similar tone. "I don't know. Just don't cry, 'cause you know I can't handle that." Ryder stood, and walked over to him. Her hands fell on his face, and she pulled his head up to look at her. "I can't handle the thought of you not bein' here." So either way one of us is miserable. He wrapped his arms around her waist, and pulled her down to him. His hand coming to rest on her neck, his eyes full of sorrow.

"If only I'd seen you earlier." he said, quietly, his head falling against her cheek. "How would that have changed this?" she whispered. He sighed, his hands rubbing her sides. "I don't know, just more time I guess." he answered. She felt him pull her closer, her arms came to rest on his shoulders. She kissed his forehead, "Maybe, or maybe it would have been harder." He moved his head, his lips brushing her ear. "No, I mean way earlier." Ryder pulled back and looked into his eyes. "You mean?" He nodded, "Yeah, that's exactly what I mean." he said, sitting back against the wall.

"Dean, don't play with me." she said, sitting back down. He laughed, "I'm not. I would have, if I had of met you earlier." Ryder shook her head. "You don't look like the marryin' type." she said, looking him up and down. "I wasn't." he said, smirking. "And you are now?" she said, kicking water at him. He chuckled and pulled her back to him. "'Course. Why? Wouldn't you marry me?" he drawled, tickling her. "DON'T DEAN! Of course I would have." she giggled. "You serious?" he asked, looking at her face. "No, I said it just so you felt like I kicked you in the balls." she said, sarcastically.

"Have I ever told you that you look HOT in a bikini?" Dean said, eyes dancing down her body. "I don't believe you have." she said, smiling at him seductively. He moved closer, arms leaning on either side of her head. "Well, you do." he whispered. "But you'd look better outta it." Ryder laughed, her hands coming to rest on the band of his shorts. She let them fall across his hips, and pulled herself out of the spa. Laughing at the lost look in his eyes. She pulled her hair out of the hair tie and jumped into the pool. "You comin'?" she called. Dean tilted his head, looking for any signs of her dad.

When he was happy with his observations, he climbed out of the spa. Walked over to the pool, and sat on the edge. His legs dangling in the water, eyes fixed on Ryder. "What are you doin'?" he asked, laughing at her. "Floatin'. What's it look like?" she laughed. Dean smiled, crossing his arms over his chest. "Your a funny girl." he told her. He got into the water, and walked over to her. She was now treading water in the middle of the pool. "Hey." she said, as he pulled her close to him. "Hey yourself." he said back, hands resting on her butt, as she sat on his thighs. He pulled his legs away from under her and walked towards the wall of the pool. "What's got into you?" sjhe giggled. Dean moved closer and shrugged, "I'm just giving you what you want." he whispered.

"What if my Dad comes out?" she whispered as he played with the bottoms of her bikinis. "I promise, I'll go really really slow." he whispered, pulling the tie on the side of the bottoms. She tilted her head back, "Dean, my dad's just inside." she moaned. He kissed her neck, and laughed. "Then why are you pullin' my shorts down?" She giggled, "Cause it's naughty, and I like it." Dean kissed her, his hand resting on the back of her head. She pulled him into her and he sighed heavily. "What are you tryin' to do to me?" he chuckled. Ryder just smiled at him, her eyes suddenly seeming darker. "We haven't got anythin'?" he whispered.

She pulled him closer again and whispered. "You might get your wish then." Dean chuckled, kissing her neck again. Dean slowly pushed into her, smiling when she made a little noise. She wrapped her legs around his hips, and Dean pushed her up a little higher. She looked into his eyes, and smiled, then slowly leant down and kissed him. Ryder pushed down against him, as he pushed up, but kept it at a slow pace. Knowing if they got to wild, her Dad would come out. Suddenly Dean grunted, and Ryder giggled putting her finger over his lips. "Shhh.." she whispered through her laughter. Dean ground up against her again, this time a little harder. Ryder leant her head back, a soft moan escaping her lips. His hands slide up her stomach, resting on her breats, his head laid against hers. He was as close to her as ever, but still felt so far away.

"Are you okay?" he whispered to her. She nodded, her hands grabbing the edge of the wall behind her. Dean's face screwed into a frown, and Ryder rubbed her nose against Dean's neck. His hot breath caressing the skin on her's. Her legs tightened around his waist, his head fell against her shoulder. He gave one final thrust, with that he gave her everything. "Oh, god. You gotta stop doin' that to me." she told him, giggling as his stubbled cheek tickled her neck. "I love you." she told him. He pulled his head back, his hand pushing her curly hair from her face. "I know." he told her, "I love you too."



"Hurry up, woman!" Jackson called from the door of his small house. "I'm comin', geez." came the voice of his girlfriend. He leaned against the pole of his porch, looking out across the street. He kicked a small stone that was in front of his booted foot. The front door clicked shut behind him and he turned, she was looking up at him rather uneasily. "Relax." he said, grabbing her shoulders and leading her to his car. "I am relaxed." she snapped. Jackson chuckled and shut the car door. He walked around to the driver's side, and got in. "Have you always been highstrung?" he asked, laughing at her. "I'm not highstrung." she said, frowning. "Okay." Jackson reversed out of his driveway and out of the street.

"So who's gonna be there?" she asked, blonde hair blowing in the wind, sunglasses covering her eyes. "My Dad, my sister, her boyfriend and his brother. Why?" She turned to face him, "Just wanted to know who I'm meeting is all." she said. Jackson reached over and patted her thigh, "The scariest one is my sister." he joked. "Oh great." she said, looking back out of the window. "She doesn't bite though." Jackson said, laughing at his girlfriend's distrust. "Just don't get smart with her, like you tend to do, and you'll be fine." She huffed, and turned up the radio. Jackson shook his head and looked back at the road. She'd changed a lot since he met her, she seemed more uptight now.

-Flashback-

Jackson walked into a rather crowded bar, eyes scanning the crowd. He'd been tailing a vampire that had strayed away from it's nest alone. "Damn thing." he growled, eyes falling an a small figured blonde girl who looked incredibly p*ssed off. He pushed through the crowd towards her, eyes still searching for the vampire. "UGH! I told you to leave me alone!" the girl yelled, yanking her arm away from a guy with dirty blonde hair. "Gotcha!" Jackson said to himself. He pushed through the crowd, coming to stand behind the rather short guy. He tapped him on the shoulder, "'scuse me buddy. Do I know you from somewhere?" he drawled. The guy turned eyes widening when he saw Jackson. He went to run, but Jackson had a firm grip on the back of his neck. "I don't think so. Sorry miss, this man wont be botherin' ya again."

Jackson pulled the guy through the crowded bar, and out the back door. "Get offa ME!" he screamed. Jackson laughed and threw the thing to the ground. "Nope, sorry buddy." He kicked him in the face, the guy fell unconcious to the ground. Jackson grabbed his gun from the back of his jeans, aiming it at the vampires head. The small waitress ran out grabbing his arm. "What the hell are you doing??" she screamed. Jackson pulled the trigger, bullet piercing the vampires throat. "Killin' a vampire." he told her casually. Snatching his arm back, he squatted. "I knew your dad." he told her, before she could ask. "You did?" she asked. "Uh huh." Jackson looked over the vampire, eyes examining every detail. "Creepy b*st*rd." he said, standing and picking it up, throwing it over his shoulder.

He headed towards his black 1970 El Camino. "Wait." the girl ran up to him. "Yeah?" he said, as he threw the vampire into the back of his ute, leaing forward to pull a blanket over it. "I'll help you." she said, pulling open the passenger side door, throwing herself into the ute. "Okie dokie." he said, saluting her. He got in and looked at her, she was pretty, very pretty. Her long blonde curly hair, framed her face. Her dark hazel eyes full of emotion, she looked at him quickly then looked away. Jackson started the car, driving off to an abandoned part of town, to burn the body.

"You're a strange girl you know that? Just gettin' into cars with strangers." Jackson drawled, pulling up at an deserted block of land. "Not all strangers. Just the good lookin' ones." she said back. "Right." Jackson said, getting out of the car. He pulled the body into the darkness, placing it on a wooden bench. He salted, and burnt the body, the girl hanging onto his arm. At that moment he was needed. Not by a family member, but a girl who was attracted to him. That, scared the hell out of him.

-End Flashback-

"How long til we get there?" she asked. Jackson looked at his watch, "Another 10 minutes." he answered. She sighed, her head falling against the leather seat. They passed a small shopping centre, and a black car caught her attention. She sat up and turned around, eyes wide with what she saw. A small smile crossing her face. "What?" Jackson asked, looking at her out of the corner of her eye. "Nothin' just thought I saw someone I knew." she told him, smiling sweetly.

A few minutes later, they pulled up outside his father's house, a sigh of relief escaping Jackson's mouth. "What?" his girlfriend asked. "Step-mother's not here." he said with a smile. "Come on." They got out of the car, bags on their shoulders. Jackson grabbed her hand, and led her into the house. "Dad?" he called. "Library." his father's voice called from upstairs. They made their way upstairs, and along a long hallway. "Jackson!" his father said, walking over to him, pulling him into a tight hug. "Your looking great." he said. "And who's your friend?" Jackson stepped back, putting his arm around his girlfriend's back. "Dad. This is Jo." he said, proudly. "Nice to meet you, Mr O'Shay." she said, politely. "It's Alan. It's a pleasure." he said, kissing her on the cheek.

"Boy you kids and blondes." Alan said, walking back to the chair. "I know huh." Jackson said, "Come on. I'll show you where we're stayin'." he whispered to Jo. "Okay." she answered, mind going back to the Impala she'd seen in town.


"Looks like your brother's here." Dean said, as he rolled his car slowly down the steep hill. "Oh, that means the girls here." Ryder said, rubbing her hands together. "Damn it, why'd Sammy have to stay behind." Dean laughed, "Because he didn't want to come shopping. Not that I particularly wanted to go." Ryder glared at him. "Hey. I'll take the shirt back." Dean put his hands up, a smile on his face. "Shutting up." They got out of the car, bags in hand, and made their way to the house. Sam was waiting outside for them, "You met her?" Dean asked, looking at Ryder's eager face. "Nah, I went for a walk. Just got back now." Ryder huffed. "Shall we?"

Ryder pushed the door open, and walked into the warmth of the house. "They're in the kitchen." she said. Dean pulled her hand, "Come put the bags away first." he said, laughing at her. "You come too." she said, pulling Sam's arm. A few minutes later, Ryder sauntered down the stairs, and along the hallway. "Well, well. Little sis has finally here." Jackson taunted, standing up. Ryder practically pounced on him. "Ohh, you look so good!" she said, hugging him tightly. "How you feelin'?" Jackson asked her. "Better. I still cough now and then. But I'm better." Ryder's eyes fell on the blonde girl at the table. "Ryder, sweety. This is Jo, Jackson's girlfriend." came her dad's voice.

"Hi." Jo said, quietly. "Hey." Ryder answered. "Jo, that's Ryder's boy-" Alan started. "Dean!" Jo said, standing. "Jo?" Dean asked, eyes wide. "Sam. Jackson." Sam said, pointing at himself and Jackson. Jo gave him a deadly glare, then looked at Dean with a hurt look on her face. A look, that Ryder didn't miss. "God, not another one." she said, rolling her eyes. "No, it's not." Dean said, eyes away from Jo. "She's a friend's daughter. That's all." Ryder looked at him, quizzically, then turned her gaze on Sam. He nodded, "He's not lyin', Ry." Sam told her. "In that case. Welcome to the family." Ryder said, sarcastically.

"Ryder. Stop it." Alan said, looking at Jackson. "Sorry, hun." Ryder said, quietly. Dean walked over to Ryder, and pulled her arm. "I needa talk to you a minute." he whispered. Ryder nodded, and followed him outside. "She had a thing for me ages ago. I thought she'd be over it. I mean, I haven't seen her since before you came to Bobby's all cut up." he told her, as soon as the door was shut. Ryder chuckled at him. "Ry, it's not funny. She's with your brother, and he's givin' me the evil eye." Dean said, turning his back on Jackson. "It's not me you have to prove that too. I trust whatever you say. Jackson might not trust her for all we know." Ryder said, touching Dean's shoulder. Dean lifted an eyebrow, "What if she jumps on me or somethin'?" Ryder shook her head. "She ain't gettin' her little bratty hands on my man." Ryder said, seriously.

"How did I ever get by without you?" Dean asked, wrapping his arms around her. "Horny waitresses." Ryder stated flatly. "Oh yeah, that's right." he laughed. Ryder looked up at him. "Go talk to Jackson. I'll play sister's with Jo." Dean cracked up laughing. "Jo didn't grow up playing with guns. So be nice." Ryder slapped his shoulder, and walked through the door. "Hey. You had the grand tour?" Ryder asked Jo. She shook her head. "Come on. I'll show you." she turned to Dean and rolled her eyes. 'You owe me.' she mouthed.


It was 1 am and Dean was sitting alone in the kitchen, an empty glass between his strong hands. They'd been at Ryder's father's for two weeks now, and Dean had no intention of leaving anytime soon. 'One month left.' he thought, spinning the glass around and shying. He pushed it away and buried his face in his hands. A small sob escaping his throat. He brought his hands down and looked around the room. He looked at his left hand, a thin silver ring sitting on his ring finger. Ryder had given it to him a week ago, a sign that she was his, even after he was gone. He chuckled at the thought, remembering what he'd said to her. 'You askin' me to marry you?'

She'd just smiled and shook her head. His head flicked when he heard footsteps in the hallway. "Boy, everything alright?" came Alan's voice. Dean wiped his face, and coughed. "Ah, yeah. Just not really tired." he said, as the older man entered the room. "What's goin' on that you kids ain't tellin' me?" Alan asked, sitting next to Dean at the counter. Dean looked sideways at the man, and sighed. "Almost a year ago, Sammy was murdered by this other kid. The guy was workin' for the demon that killed our Mom." he paused, looking away. "The Yellow Eyed one?" Dean nodded. "I couldn't handle the guilt. It was my job to keep him safe, and he got killed on my watch." Dean said, closing his eyes tight. "Oh, son. You didn't?" Alan asked, sadly. "So I got in my car, and drove to the crossroads, and signed my life away." Dean said, head nodding as he finished.

"Then Ryder came back into your life?" Dean nodded. "Yeah, and I was stubborn as hell to get her." Dean said, a smile crossing his face. "Son. I'm sorry." Alan said, putting an arm around Dean's shoulders. Dean nodded, and turned his head away, a single tear falling from his eye. "She only talks to me if I talk to her first now. Her words don't come out when she tries, she just walks away cryin'." Dean said, turning to face Alan. "She not just copin' with losin' you son. I can't tell you any more than that. But you really need to talk to her." he told the young man before him. "Don't let her do anything stupid. Please." Dean begged. "Son, you don't have to worry about her doin' that." Alan said, patting Dean's cheek. Dean stood, and looked down at Alan. "I'm gonna go to bed. She's probably cryin' again." Dean whispered. "She was when I walked passed." Alan told him. "See ya tomorrow, alright. Just go to her."

Dean nodded, and left the room. He made his way up the staircase slowly. He could hear her soft sobs already, he sighed and opened the door. Poking his head around, what he saw broke his heart. Ryder was on her side, facing away from him, her small body wracking with her soft sobs. Dean walked over, and sat on the bed. Removing his jeans slowly then turning and sliding up behind her. His arm pulling her closer to him. "I'm sorry." he whispered. "I'm so sorry." Ryder nodded, "I know. I'm sorry too." she whispered. Dean's eyes fell on the small tattoo on her neck, he kissed her back and held back his own tears. "What's wrong?" he asked, when he heard her sigh. "Nothin's wrong. Everything's right. Just bad timing." she said, quietly.

"Ry, what are you sayin'?" Dean asked, a small frown on his face. Ryder turned over, bloodshot eyes falling on his perfect green ones. "Don't freak out on me please?" she whispered. Dean nodded, "Just tell me what's goin' on." he pressed. She took a breath and looked away. "Dean, I'm pregnant." A tiny tear fell from her left eye, and rolled across her nose. Dean pulled her closer, eyes filling with tears of his own. He didn't know what else to do, he just held her, and listened to her cry.

AN: plz review and let me know what you guys think

XOXO