Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters of Supernatural. They are all Kripke's creation. Shalimar is my creation.

Thanks Shannon for your beta work!

Chapter 12

Dean lay in his hospital bed with his arms crossed in front of him. "So I'm guessing now that I'm on the mend. You'll be hitting the road."

Shalimar shook her head from side to side. "Why would I do that? There's still a hunt and I'm really looking forward to working with both of you."

The sandy haired hunter opened his mouth and then closed it.

Sam smirked. Only Shalimar could render Dean speechless.

Dean gave him a 'that's not even remotely funny' look."

The vampire rose from a nearby chair. "I'll give you boys some alone time." She left.

Dean shook his head in disbelief. "She's unbelievable."

"Just admit it. She's starting to grow on you."

"Yeah, like a fungus."

Dean's doctor entered the room.

His green eyes raked over her as he flashed his killer smile. "When can I get out of here?"

"I would like to monitor you for a few more days to make sure you are truly out of the woods. I would suggest that you still take it easy for a couple of weeks until your full strength returns."

"Mr. Hagar, do you have any other questions?"

"You don't have to be so formal. Dean's fine."

"Dean, do you have any other questions?"

"Have you ever dated any of your patients?"

The blond haired doctor remained serious. "No, I try to keep my personal and professional lives separate."

"No exceptions?"

Doctor Fox grinned. "I have to admit you are persistent but I already have a boyfriend. Thanks for the offer though. I have rounds. If you have any medical questions, have one of the nurses page me."

"I will. Thanks, Doc."

The doctor's dress shoes gradually faded away.

Dean's eyebrows rose in puzzlement. "I'm guessing you brought me to the hospital?"

Sam bobbed his head. "I can't take all the credit for that. If it wasn't for Shalimar, I wouldn't have been able to."

"I guess that means I owe her."

"Yeah, you do," Sam agreed.

Dean changed the subject. "How about you smuggle in some real food?"

"Yeah, like the medical staff not going to smell greasy cheeseburgers a mile away."

"I guess I can survive a few more days of hospital food. Can you do something for me, Sammy?"

The younger hunter's quizzical eyebrows rose. "What?"

"Shave. The five o'clock shadow isn't working."

Sam revealed his pearly white teeth and dimples as his mouth curled into a smile. "That I can do." He rose from a chair near Dean's bed and walked toward the door. "I shouldn't be long."

"Don't hurry back. I'll be fine."

His brother left.

Dean turned on the television and flicked through the channels. He glanced away from the TV as Shalimar came into the room and sank into a nearby chair.

His eyebrows rose. "Did Sam send you in here?"

"No one sends me anywhere."

The room became silent except for the television which only served as background noise. The vampire cleared her throat. Dean switched off the television and looked at her.

"I've never been good with apologies but…" Her brown eyes averted his for a moment. "I'm sorry you almost lost your life because of me.

"There's nothing for you to apologize for. You're not the one who shot me."

"Fair enough." She rose from the chair. "Well, I'll let you get back to channel surfing."

"Shalimar, you don't have to go. I could really use the company."

"All right."

She sat back down. "So what are we watching?"

"Anything that doesn't involve any chick flick moments."