Chapter Seven:

Author's Note: This one I hope makes for the shortness of the last one. The song lyrics used in this story (last chapter too) are from 'Do I Wanna Know' by Arctic Monkeys. Amazing song. Recommended listening with this story.

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Dean's POV:

She walked out of the room, and I let out the breath I'd been holding.

Sam turned to me, "What's, uh, what is going on?"

"Nothing. Sam. It's just - she said she'd stay, and then she isn't. I think something's bothering her but she doesn't want to talk about it." I told him. I figured I could just egg him on to talk to her. Maybe I'd find out why she had changed her mind.

You know why she changed her mind. She promised to meet someone. Of course she has- it's a date. You missed your chance.

"Dean?" Sam asked and I snapped out of my thought.

"Dean? You sound, um, don't fly off the handle, but, you sound sad. Did you guys-?"

"No! No we didn't - I mean, you just heard her. She has a Date." I said, a sigh escaping me. I didn't have the energy to pretend otherwise anymore.

"Dean. She said "meet someone". It doesn't mean it's a date." Sam tried to console me. Why is he consoling me? Is it that obvious?

"How can it not be a date? It's me and my luck. Of course it's going to be a date." I said bitterly. Better I say something before Sam says anything to her. I knew Sam didn't like my pessimism but hell with him; I'm sad right now.

"Even so, it's just one date. Not the end of the world. It's not like she is marrying the guy." Sam sounded apprehensive.

"You know what Sammy, its better. Someone's taking her out, doing things the way they ought to be done…"

"Do you want to take her out?" Sam asked, quietly. But what if I wanted to take her out?

"It never ends well." I replied. Remember Lisa?

"She's a hunter, Dean. She can handle herself, with or without you. Together, maybe you'll only be better." Sam is always looking the 'Bright Side'.

"Well, all this is moot. She isn't staying." I told him and went to the kitchen.

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"Dean," Sam followed me there. Why won't he leave me alone?

"Dean, tell her you want to try. Maybe like go out on one date, to see how it feels. You don't have to jump to the white picket fence. Start with baby steps." Sam said, trying to make me feel better. I haven't even told him what I feel like and he's advising me already. It must be flashing like a banner on my face. I pulled out a beer. I needed a drink right about now.

"Just leave me be."

"Dean-

"Don't Sammy." I just shrugged a 'whatever' and pulled out beer for myself and Lou. Drink and avoid. It's worked well up until now.

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She walked in, and god, I almost changed my mind about avoiding all thoughts about her.

I mean, I've known Lou for what, five or so years. And we've been great friends. She had a boyfriend, but something happened to him - this was before we'd met. And we had always been friends.

But this time, this was the first time me and Lou were by ourselves. No one, not even Sammy there. And I don't know how, but I just thought of her differently now.

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Do I wanna know, if this feeling flows both ways?

Sad to see you go, sort-of hoping that you'd stay,

Darling we both know, that the nights are mainly made for saying things that you can't say tomorrow day…

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Mary-Lou's POV:

I needed to go away from Dean soon, because I knew I had no control over myself anymore.

I walked out, into the kitchen, where Dean and Sam sat. Sam handed me a beer. "Thanks Sammy-Sam-" I said. I always liked "Sammy" better. But I figured only Dean had the rights. "Sammy's fine Lou." Sam said.

Dean still sat mute. I knew I'd done wrong by going back on my word. But – I just couldn't stay, with all the wild thoughts running through my head. I mean, he'd noticed me maybe, but it was too much to hope that Dean Winchester- of all people- would be interested.

He's way too out of your league.

We know that. Doesn't mean it can't happen.

But does he think of you in that way?

I saw how he looked.

I could be misinterpreting. Maybe I'm seeing it that way because I wish it would be so.

What if you aren't?

He's not likely to be disappointed.

A hundred thoughts ran across my mind in a second. I sipped the beer quietly, relaxing.

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For a few minutes, nobody talked.

I finished the beer, and I steeled myself to go.

"Hey Sammy, here's the prescription and the details that the doc gave for Dean. He's got to follow that, for about a week. The meds are in my bag, hang on." I got up, followed by Sammy. I didn't look at Dean, at all.

I handed over the medicines to Sam, and shouldered my bag. Sammy moved to hug me, and I leaned in. "I should go, Sammy. Take care of the fussy over there." I said, as I saw Dean enter the library.

"Fussy huh?" Dean smiled at me. But it was a half-smile. Is he sad to see me go?

No wild hopes, child.

"Yup. You are such an adorable grandpa. Always fussing, muttering, and mumbling about things. Don't give Sammy too much trouble, he's my good kid." I said, smiling a little.

"Of course you care about Sammy, he's the good kid, I'm the one-

"Shut up. Just, ugh come here." I said, a small sharp pain going through my heart at those words. I just walked up to him and hugged him.

I only came up to his chin, and my arms hugged around his waist, but it was a hug and I wanted Dean to not feel like the truant kid anymore. He was a grown up now, and a great man at that. I only wished I could say all of this to him, but not reveal my feelings at the same time and it didn't know how to do that.

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Dean's POV:

She hugged me.

Her tiny frame in front of me seemed so fragile, like I could snap her in half in just a minute. But I'd seen her move, during the hunt.

And I didn't want to let go. She smelled of the car, and soap, and something I couldn't name. She tucked her head under my chin, and held me tight to herself.

"Hey Kiddo. It's fine." I said, running my hand through her hair. It is damn smooth.

I shook my head to clear away all the dirty thoughts.

"Dean." "Yes, Lou."

"Promise me you'll let Sam take care of you. That you'll take care of you."

"Why don't you stay and make me? Be my nurse?" it just popped out of my mouth from nowhere and I desperately wanted to vanish.

"God knows you need one Winchester. But it ain't gon be me," she said, giggling.

"Oh come on, you handled me well for the last couple days," I said, trying to say something.

"I know I can do it Dean. I just said I'm not doing it. Hehe," she said, looking at me with perfect attitude. God that smart mouth.

My hands were snaked around her and hers around me. We were still in each other's arms, and neither of us letting go.

And suddenly we were saying goodbye to each other. Me and Sam, we waved as she drove out.

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