The next two days pass much as the first five, with swimming, sand, and sun, though Dean is less awkward with Baby. He allows the sunscreen back rubs with less of a fuss, reasoning that it's no different than waxing Baby when he was a car, but he still declines when Baby offers a full rub down. Yes, Sam did look happy when got one from the ladies that first day, but no thank you, Dean can do it himself.
After checkout on the last day, they spend a couple of hours in their beach chairs, having one more beer in silence as the tide sighs before them. All too soon, it's time to pack the folding chairs into the wagon and don their t-shirts. None of them expect to return to the beach for a long while, if ever. As Sam and Baby start walking, Sam carrying his bag, Baby dragging the wagon behind them, Dean lingers, staring out at the water. It's obvious why it's called the Emerald Coast. Eyes scanning the smooth surface one last time, he hefts his own bag onto his shoulder and turns to follow his brother and friend.
They make the walk all the way back to Genie's Gifts with little talking. They're all in their own heads about what has to happen next. The sun has darkened to a brilliant orange as it glides slowly closer toward the horizon. They all drop their burdens in a pile, and Baby steps down from the curb onto the road. Sam breaks the silence first, extending a hand to Baby. "It's been a pleasure." Baby takes Sam's hand and shakes it firmly.
"All mine," he rumbles. Sam releases Baby's hand and takes a step back. Baby turns to Dean. They stare at each other for a few moments before Dean finally speaks.
"You're not what I expected."
"I know," Baby gives him a somewhat sad half smile.
"You're better." The look of surprise on Baby's face makes the rest of what Dean wants to say even easier. "You're good guy, Baby. Car or human. I've enjoyed my time with you. You're... hell, man, you're family."
"Comin' from you, Dean, that's mighty high praise." Baby reaches his right hand out for Dean, and as Dean steps forward to take it, Baby pulls him into a hug. Their left arms encircle each other roughly. Baby pats Dean's back, "Go on. Say it."
Dean's jaw firms, and he rubs Baby's back. "I wish you were my Impala again," he says through gritted teeth. He feels Baby take a deep breath. In the next moment, Dean's chest is laying across the top of the Impala's roof, left arm extended in front of him, right arm dangling into the open window. Dean lifts up, leaving his left hand on the roof of the car. He gives it another pat before joining Sam to gather their bags.
"What are we gonna do with this wagon?" Sam asks.
Dean shrugs and points at the store as he digs the keys out of his pocket, "Just leave it here for Miss Gypsy Genie. She can sell it or give it away, I don't care. We don't need it." Dean unlocks the trunk of the car and lifts it open. He hesitates before shrugging his bag off his shoulder and into the trunk. Sam follows suit.
"It's just as well we didn't get a case this week. If Baby was so upset about getting suits out of the trunk..."
"Alright, that's enough." Dean punctuates his statement by closing the trunk. Sam grins crookedly. "Get in the damn car."
As they both climb in and close their doors, Dean makes an observation. "We're about to drive off into the sunset."
"Yeah," replies Sam as he gazes into it. "It's pretty, though, isn't it?"
