Hey all just wanted to remind you that this story is rated M! There is sexual content in this chapter, if it isn't for you, go ahead and scroll past
Thank you for reading!
OoOoOo
The door flew across the room as one of the demons kicked it in. He wore a business suit and was flanked by two more demons. Grace's mind was already churning trying to figure out which demons they were. She held her shotgun steady aimed at the demon in the front. Sam stood beside her armed with a flask of holy water.
Just as quickly as the demon advanced, he stopped in his tracks. He held up a hand swiftly halting his two followers. Grace watched as his eyes went to the ceiling and to the Devil's Trap. The demon ran his hand through a mass of dark brown curls and let out a genuine laugh.
"Come on. You really think something like that is gonna fool someone like me? I mean, me?" He threw his arms up.
"Let me guess – you're Pride?" Sam spat.
Pride grinned and raised his hand. Suddenly, the ceiling cracked effectively destroying the symbol. Grace tightened her grip on the shotgun. They were outnumbered, but only by one.
"Hmm. The root of all sin. And you ... are Sam Winchester," his eyes flickered to Grace, "And you…what a treat."
Grace's brow furrowed, "What do you mean?"
Pride dismissed her, "We've all heard of you. The prodigy. The boy king. Looking at you now, I got to tell you – don't believe the hype. You think I'm gonna bow to a cut-rate, piss-poor human like you? Just because you have her with you, doesn't mean a thing to any of us. I have my pride, after all. And now with your yellow-eyed friend dead, I guess I don't really have to do a damn thing, now do I?"
Grace felt confused, but didn't have time to try and decipher his words. Pride charged Sam and threw him to the ground. One of the other demons, a bald man, threw himself at Grace. Her fist connected with his fast and she dodged his assault swiftly. The butt of her shotgun met his stomach with a loud blow. Sam was struggling against Pride and Grace was just trying to get this demon down so she could help him.
"You!" She heard one of the demons shout. Then Grace heard a cry and saw a brief, electric pulse of orange light. The demons body fell to the floor. The demon who had been fighting with Grace turned away from her briefly allowing her to see a woman who looked to be close to her age with long, wavy blonde hair. She wore a brown leather jacket and boots, but most importantly she wielded a knife that had instantly killed the demon. Grace was stunned into silence as the stranger stabbed the bald demon in the throat. Her eyes settled on Grace and widened for a brief moment, before Pride shifted his attention to her.
He threw a punch, temporarily knocking the woman off her feet, but Sam was quick to grab him. Without any hesitation, she jammed the blade through Pride's chin. He let out a loud groan and his body slumped to the floor.
Grace was breathing hard as she said, "Who the hell are you?"
"I'm the girl that just saved your ass." She said cockily.
Sam couldn't stop staring at her, "Well, I just saved yours, too."
The girl laughed before she said, "See you around Sam." She shot Grace one last look, seemingly almost worried, before turned towards the hallway. Sam chased after her and Grace followed.
But the girl was gone.
OoOoOo
Grace had helped Bobby exorcise the rest of the demons throughout the night and she felt like she could barely stand. Only two of the humans who provided vessels for the demons survived, the girl who had been possessed by Lust, and subsequently made out with Dean and a chubby man who Grace hadn't even seen before she saw Bobby exorcising him.
They stepped out onto the front porch, the light stinging their eyes. "Well that was about as much fun as I can take." Grace laughed softly.
Bobby let out a yawn, "One hell of a night."
Grace looked several yards away and saw Tamara standing in front of a funeral pyre that Sam and Dean had undoubtedly helped build for Isaac. She couldn't help but feel that she would be in Tamara's position in a year's time. She wasn't trying to compare her and Dean's relationship to what Tamara and Isaac shared, but just the loss of it that looked to be so devastating.
Bobby and Grace walked towards Sam and Dean, who were preparing the rest of the bodies to be burned.
"Well, you look like hell warmed over." Dean said to Bobby playfully.
Bobby gruffly replied, "You try exorcising all night and see how you feel."
"Any survivors?" Sam asked, hopeful.
Grace nodded, "The blonde and the heavy guy, they'll make it."
They were quiet. They knew that even though those two had survived, they were going to be scarred by what had happened. Surviving a demonic possession was no cakewalk and the effects afterwards would undoubtedly be detrimental.
Sam cleared his throat, "That knife – what kind of blade can kill a demon?"
Sam had told Bobby and Dean of the mysterious stranger who had miraculously jumped in and helped them. She had wielded a blade that instantly killed the demon and along with that, the human vessel as well. Grace wasn't sure what to think; she had never seen anything like it. She was unsure and uneasy with the whole situation. The way Pride had spoken to her and the way the girl looked at her left her reeling. But, if Sam thought anything was odd he didn't say anything about it. Maybe Grace was overthinking.
"Yesterday, I would have said there was no such thing." Bobby admitted.
Dean, always trying to lighten the mood, said, "I'm just gonna ask it again – who was that masked chick?"
Grace shook her head, "I might be the only one thinking it, but if we let out the seven deadly sins, what else did we let out?"
Dean looked down at the bodies. Without a word he pulled his matchbook from his back pocket and lit one match. They watched as he tossed it on the rest of the corpses and the fire arose quickly.
Bobby rubbed the back of his neck, "I'm going to talk to Tamara and say goodbye."
Grace nodded at him and squeezed Bobby's hand quickly before he walked off. The smell of burning bodies, one it were all too accustomed to, began to fill the air.
They went to wait for Bobby near the front steps of Isaac and Tamara's home to avoid the smoke and fumes.
Grace was so hungry and tired, but she also in desperate need of a shower. She couldn't decide which to do first, but she smiled to herself when her first thought was getting out of Lincoln would be a good first step. Grace's phone buzzed once more and she pulled it out of her pocket. She had six unread messages from Nora and one voicemail. She clicked through the messages and grinned. Nora was back at Bobby's and not so patiently waiting for them to come back. She also sent a few suggestions to help with Dean's deal.
"So, where to next?" Dean asked.
Grace was about to listen to the voicemail, but paused.
Sam answered, "Uh, I don't know. I was thinking Louisiana maybe."
Grace bit her lip, knowing where this was going.
Dean, oblivious as ever, replied, "Little early for Mardi Gras, isn't it?"
Sam rolled his eyes, "Yeah. Listen, I was talking to Tamara, and she mentioned this hoodoo priestess outside of Shreveport that might be able to help us out. You know, with your – with your demon deal."
Dean's mood shifted in an instant, it was like Grace could see the walls just come up around him. He looked at her and she only stared back, resting her head on the banister of the front porch. It was time for this conversation and she wasn't going to help him out of it. She didn't have the energy.
"Nah." Dean tried to play off.
"Nah"? What does that mean,"nah"?" Sam countered, he rose to his feet and stood before Dean.
"Sam, no hoodoo spell's gonna break this deal, all right? It's a goose chase." Dean told him honestly.
"Yeah, but we don't know that, Dean—" Sam was desperate now.
But Dean cut him off, "Yes, we do. Forget it. She can't help."
"Look, it's worth—"
Dean raised his voice, "We're not going, and that's that. What about Reno, huh?" Grace watched the two of them and was silently praying Dean would tell him the truth, just so they could get it all on the table. Dean gently smacked Sam's arm and turned to walk away, but Sam grabbed him, forcing Dean to look at him.
"You know what? I've had it. I've been bending over backwards trying to be nice to you, and I don't care anymore." Sam's voice was starting to rise.
Dean let out a breath, "That didn't last long."
Sam scoffed, "Yeah, well, you know what? I've been busting my ass trying to keep you alive, Dean, and you act like you couldn't care less. You know what you're leaving behind? Who you're leaving behind? You have people who love you! What, you got some kind of death wish or something?"
"No, it's not like that." Dean whispered. Any liveliness he had was not enough for this. Grace slowly got to her feet, ready to intervene. Why did she have to feel so protective over him?
"Then what's it like, Dean?" Sam pressed.
"Sam-" Dean faltered.
In true Sam fashion, he looked near tears as he said, "Please, tell me."
Finally giving up, Dean began to confess, "We trap the crossroads demon, trick it, try to welch our way out of the deal in any way? You die. Okay? You die. Those are the terms. There's no way out of it. If you try to find a way, so help me god, I'm gonna stop you."
Sam took a step back, stunned. He looked at Grace, then back to Dean.
"How could you make that deal, Dean? Grace, did you know?" Sam already knew she did.
"Leave her out of this. I asked her not to tell you, because I would. I couldn't live with you dead. Couldn't do it." Dean ran his hands through his hair. Grace went to stand by Dean and even though she was uncertain of where they stood with one another and she didn't like to display their affections openly, she took Dean's hand in hers and squeezed it gently. Sam felt his anger flare.
"So, what, now I live and you die?" Sam whispered.
"That's the general idea, yeah." Dean stood firmly.
"Yeah, well, you're a hypocrite, Dean. How did you feel when Dad sold his soul for you? 'Cause I was there. I remember. You were twisted, and broken. And now you go and do the same thing. To us." Sam paused.
Grace could see Dean's breaths picking up and she was trying to control her own emotions. John's death was a breaking point for all of them; she couldn't imagine what Dean's would cause.
"What you did was selfish." Sam's voice was rising.
"Yeah, you're right. It was selfish. But I'm okay with that." Dean said. Grace let go of his hand and stared at him.
"I'm not, Dean." Grace's voice was soft.
Dean tenderly looked down at her. He didn't want to hurt her or Sam. He was trying to protect his brother and this was the only way. A life for a life. He was relieved he even got a year.
"After everything I've done for this family, I think I'm entitled to make this decision," He took a breath, "Truth is, I'm tired. I don't know, it's like there's a, a light at the end of the tunnel." Dean told them.
"It's hellfire, Dean." Sam retorted.
Dean shrugged, "Whatever. You're alive. We're all together. I feel good – for the first time in a long time. I got a year to live, that ain't changin'. I'd like to make the most of it. So what do you say we kill some evil sons of bitches and we raise a little hell, huh?"
Before any of them could respond, Tamara walked up with Bobby beside her.
"I'll see you guys later. Thank you." She murmured.
"Take care of yourself Tamara." Grace mustered up as much a smile as she could.
Tamara nodded and began to walk off.
"Any idea where she's going?" Dean asked Bobby.
"She said she's got a car out back…she just needs time to clear her head." Bobby told them.
"I think we should get back to Sioux Falls. Are you guys coming?" Grace turned to Dean.
"Yeah, then we'll decide where we go from there."
"I'll ride back with you Bobby." Sam said.
"Alright, but you drive." Bobby looked every bit of his age in that moment.
"Deal." Sam said.
The two of them began to walk towards Bobby's car and Grace hesitated before she ran up to Sam, catching him before he climbed into the drivers seat. She knew that she had hurt him by keeping secrets from him.
"Are you giving up?" Grace asked him squarely.
His brow furrowed, "Of course not."
"Good, because I'm not either."
"Really? I mean what about what Dean said?" Sam asked.
Grace shrugged, "There's got to be a way to save you both. There has to be."
Bobby slammed the passenger door shut, "Okay, let's get a move on."
"We'll talk later." Grace promised.
With that she made her way over towards the impala. She heard Sam and Bobby drive off; surely they would beat them home. However, she was transfixed on Dean. He was leaning against the hood, his arms crossed over his chest. She couldn't tell if he was angry or only processing everything that had happened. She stood before him, unsure of what to say.
He didn't take his eyes from her as he moved towards her. Dean towered over her but she was pleasantly surprised when he wrapped his arms around her. Her muscles began to relax and her head rested against his chest. His heart was thumping loudly beneath her ears and it calmed her down.
"Gracie…I'm sorry." He whispered.
She looked up at him, "I know."
He leant down and she met him halfway as their lips touched. He was warm and inviting as always. Every kiss with Dean was something to be remembered. She felt like she was the only one who saw him this way, who knew him this way. He could let his guard down completely and not have to worry about any judgment from her.
Her phone buzzed again and she groaned, "I'm sorry, this number has been calling me nonstop." Grace pulled away and grabbed her phone and tried to answer in time. The caller had hung up, but Grace saw that same number. She clicked over onto her voicemail and was ready to listen.
"One second." She murmured to Dean.
She listened to the audio recording.
"Hi, uh, this is Peter Noland…again. Most people just call me Pete though. Anyway, uh Ash called me a few weeks back with your name and number. He told me he gave you some information about me and I guess I was hoping you'd reach out. I uh…I know you have some questions so if you want to give me a call back or, uh, if you ever find yourself in Lawrence I own the Old Town Tavern and I'd like to see you. Anyway, thanks Grace. Hope to here from you soon."
She thought about Ash and one of the last times she had spoken to him. Her mind raced with the information he had supplied her with. If Peter knew her family when they were hunters, then maybe he knew not only more about her parents, but also what they studying or hunting. Grace's heart leapt, this could be the answer to all of her questions.
"Who was it?" Dean asked once more, this time exasperated.
Grace tried to hide her new sense of hope.
"Dean, I have to go to Lawrence."
OoOoOo
Dean tapped his fingers on the steering wheel along to the beat as soft rock drummed through the radio. After leaving Lincoln, they had stayed on the road. For Grace, they couldn't get to Sioux Falls fast enough. They were only about twenty minutes out from Bobby's, but the drive had felt like it was taking forever.
"Run this by me one more time." Dean asked, his eyes staying on the road before them.
Grace yawned, "When Ash was alive, you know he was looking up some things for me. He told me about my aunt's ex husband and that he had a place in Lawrence, a bar that he owns. He called and I think he might have some information." Lack of sleep was getting to Grace, her eyes burning from keeping them open.
Dean waved his hand, "Yeah I got all that. But information about what?"
Grace had kept silent about the hope she was feeling. Maybe this Peter Noland guy knew something more? She hadn't known angels existed, and maybe there was more out there. It seemed like the best option so far.
"Dean, I still need to know about my parents. Your deal doesn't change that." She tried to sound aggressive to throw Dean off her. She didn't want him asking to many questions. While she did still desire to know more about her family, at this point in time, Dean's deal was the priority.
Dean clenched his jaw, "I know that. I'm just saying…do you need to leave as soon as we get to Bobby's? I mean you don't even know this guy. And you're meeting with your aunt wasn't a walk in the park exactly."
She knew Dean was trying to look out for her and that he was probably right. Maybe Peter would be exactly like her Aunt Lynn-rude and not helpful in the slightest, but maybe it would be more fruitful than that.
"And you know…" Dean trailed off.
"What?" Grace looked at him.
"You haven't asked me to go with you." It was obvious Dean was embarrassed of his sentiment and him even pointing it out indicated that it bothered him. Grace bit the inside of her cheek and sighed.
"Nora will go with me. I won't be alone." She reassured him.
"I know."
"But you wanted to be the one to come." Grace concluded.
A small red flush began to creep up Dean's neck and Grace felt a small stroke of satisfaction. Dean wanted to spend more time with her and that was about as close as he would get to saying it.
"I'll stay for tonight, but I'm leaving first thing in the morning." She gave in. Dean visibly relaxed.
When time was the only thing you had left, you felt how fleeting it actually was.
OoOoOo
Nora wrapped her arms around Grace and rubbed her back. "Oh my gosh, I missed you so much. How are you? How was the hunt?" Nora bombarded her with questions the second she walked into the door. Bobby, Sam, and Nora had been sitting on the screened in back porch having a drink while they waited for Grace and Dean.
"It was okay." Grace eyed Nora suspiciously.
"The seven deadly sins? I mean that's legendary. Hunters are going to be all over this." Nora exclaimed. Her hair was starting to grow out a little longer, but she had tied a red bandana around the top of her head to keep the strays back. She was wearing a white t-shirt and shorts, with a red plaid button down tied around her waist. Grace didn't know the last time she had hunted, but if she had to guess it had been a long while and it agreed with her. Nora looked refreshed and happy.
Nora cocked her head to the side, "Hiya Dean, looking as rugged as always."
Dean chuckled, "Nice to see you too Nora."
"How's the house hunt?" Grace asked, genuinely interested.
Nora sighed dramatically, "It's hell."
Grace raised her eyebrows and Dean crossed his arms, a smirk forming quickly over his lips. Nora, immediately realizing what she had said, blushed, "I mean…it's not the most fun I've ever had."
"On that note, I'm going to bed." Bobby grumbled. He hugged Nora good night and gently clapped Grace on the shoulder. They all said goodnight to Bobby. Sam yelled something out about ordering pizza and Grace gave him a thumbs up. She threw her bag over her shoulder and made her way upstairs.
"I'm going to take a quick shower." She mumbled
She was happy to be back in her room, even if they had only been gone for two days. She tossed her bag aside and went into her bathroom. Grace looked at herself in the mirror and hated what she saw. There were bags under her eyes; her hair was a frizzy mess. Her eyes and face looked puffy. She didn't look like a twenty-year-old woman at all. Grace made a face at her reflection and then turned started her shower. She quickly undressed and stood under the hot water. The water was scalding hot and left her skin red, but clean. She quickly shampooed her hair and washed her face, trying to wash away the last two days. As the water washed over her face and hair, Grace closed her eyes and let herself forget about everything. She just closed her eyes and willed her body and mind to slow down. Her breathing became deeper and when Grace opened her eyes again, she felt better.
A knock on the door startled her and before she could say anything she heard the knob turn and someone walk in. "It's just me." Dean said. Grace was surprised. Even though they had been sharing her room since the gates opened, nothing sexually had really happened between them, aside from a few heavy makeouts. She knew Dean's reputation, but he never pushed her and she hadn't either. She hadn't even seen him naked yet.
Grace turned the water off and peeked out behind the shower curtain. Dean handed her a towel and she took it gratefully. She wiped her face and wrapped the towel around her body. When she pulled the curtain and stepped out, Dean was standing there waiting for her.
"What's wrong?" Grace asked, confused why he was standing there.
"I uh…nothing's wrong. I know there's a lot to say and with everything going on, it's been hard. I know this hasn't been easy on you and that it won't be. And…I'm not good at these talks, but we can call this quits and walk away now before…"
Grace hadn't realized she was holding her breath.
"Is that what you want?" She whispered, wishing she could crawl into a hole and never leave. Embarrassment and dread flooded her.
"No." Dean said vehemently.
"Then why would you say that?"
"Because I'm a selfish bastard. And I want you. Even if in the end you're the one who has to suffer. I just want to give you the out." Dean tried to explain. She wished everything wasn't circling around his imminent death and maybe in a week or a month, that wouldn't be hovering over all of them. They could have a few days of solace and peace; just blissful ignorance pretending everything was normal. Because, Grace knew that when Dean was gone she was never going to be the same. But she wasn't sure she could just not be with him until then.
Grace stepped forward and cupped Dean's face in her hands. She pressed her lips against his fervently and pressed her body against his. Dean, momentarily stunned, finally put his arms around her. She let out a soft moan as Dean's tongue pressed against hers and she gasped when he lifted her up and sat her on the bathroom sink. She felt like she was in a frenzy as Dean's lips moved to her neck, every touch felt like her skin was on fire.
His hand firmly held one of her thighs, the rough skin of his hands holding her in place. Grace felt like she couldn't catch a breath and her body was aching. This was new territory for her.
"I want to see you." Dean's voice was low, almost a rasp.
Grace pulled back from Dean and looked at him and could see he was just as excited as she was. Is this what it always felt like? Grace slowly put her fingers underneath the hem of Dean's t-shirt, feeling him. She lifted his shirt part ways and Dean quickly pulled it off. Her eyes instantly went to his tattoo and then over his muscled chest. Grace felt physically inferior. Her breasts were small and she was too bony in some places. Dean had probably been with women who were way more beautiful, curvier than she was.
"Grace?" Dean's voice caused her to refocus.
She was starting to lose her confidence. She hesitated before said, "What if you don't like what you see?"
Dean shook his head, "Trust me, that isn't possible. We don't have to do anything that you don't want to."
And she did trust Dean. Irrevocably. She stayed sitting while Dean opened the towel so that it fell down around her. His fingers ghosted over her skin, causing her to shiver. Her heart was about to beat out of her chest as she felt Dean's gaze make his way over her body. Dean kissed her again as if to reassure her that everything was okay. She clung to him, his skin feeling so inviting to her.
"Can I touch you?" He whispered.
She couldn't imagine this was how Dean was with everyone else. But he was with her and she hoped they were different. Grace nodded earnestly before letting out a breathless yes. It felt like Dean's hands were everywhere and her body was vibrating. There was an almost painful ache growing inside of her. She quickly moved to unbutton Dean's jeans and she pulled them down. Her breath caught in her throat as she saw just how excited he was in his black boxer briefs.
When Dean's hand reached below her belly button Grace had to remind herself not to stiffen. This was uncharted territory. But everything Dean had done up to this point felt so good and this was no different. She felt his finger at her entrance and she looked up to him.
"Is this okay?" He whispered.
Grace nodded, her eyes hooded as she rested her head against Dean's chest. She felt the pressure at first, but then began to relax around him. She knew she was wet from excitement and she could tell Dean approved. Without thinking, her hand went to touch Dean over his briefs. He sharply inhaled and Grace felt satisfied that she was doing it right. Dean's breathing was heavy as Grace let out a moan. Dean had begun to move faster. Her body began to heat and she felt pressure in places she never had before. She held onto Dean like he was her lifeline and bit down on his shoulder when she felt the dam break. Grace squeezed her eyes tight and tried to regain control of her breathing.
Dean tilted her head up towards and him and kissed her once more.
They stayed in that position, holding each other for a few moments. Grace's body felt like jelly and her legs wouldn't stop trembling. She'd be happy to go straight to sleep. While it wasn't her first orgasm, it was the first brought on by another person. She couldn't wait for it to happen again.
"Are you okay?" Dean asked, seeming nervous.
Grace looked up at him and smiled, "Yeah, are you?"
Dean let out a soft laugh; "I've wanted to do that for a long time."
"You didn't uh…you didn't finish." Grace said lamely.
Dean shrugged, "I'll be fine, but you should get downstairs before Nora comes barging in here. We've been up here awhile." Grace nodded, realizing they had been up here for longer than she had anticipated. Slowly, she got to her feet and realized how unsteady she was. Dean helped her regain her balance.
"I'll be down in a few minutes." He murmured and squeezed her hand. She watched as he turned the shower on. Grace begrudgingly left the bathroom and pulled on a pair of running shorts and an old t-shirt. She heard the shower curtain being pulled open as she stepped out of her bedroom.
She leant against her door for a second, taking a few breaths before walking down to join Nora and Sam.
OoOoOo
"So you think this guy might have some answers?" Sam was trying not to be too optimistic. It had been about thirty minutes and Dean still hadn't come back downstairs to join them, which was distracting Grace. They sat out on the back porch, the cool fall breeze embracing them. Nora had lit an old citronella candle and placed it in the middle of the table, the smell reminding Grace of summertime.
"Maybe. I mean it's worth a shot. What about that priestess you were talking about? In Louisiana?" Grace tried to concentrate.
"Might be a dead end, might be worth a shot." Nora piped in.
"We have to field every option." Sam said sternly.
"I think we should check out Peter, he's more promising. And Sam, it will be your responsibility to play it cool around Dean. Something about you Winchesters, you can't ever control your emotions around each other." Nora scolded. Sam glared at her, but once he realized she was mostly kidding he softened.
Dean walked into the room carrying two boxes of pizza, his hair still wet from his shower. Grace felt butterflies in her stomach as she looked at him. He seemed…almost lighter as he set the boxes down, his cheeks rosy.
"I paid for it. No reason to thank me." Dean teased at Grace as he took a seat and twisted the cap off his beer. Sam opened the boxes and began to eat. Grace's stomach was rumbling and she quickly followed suit.
"Wasn't planning on it." Nora quipped.
It felt completely normal for the four of them to be sitting around on Bobby's back porch, eating and drinking. The conversation flowed smoothly and no one mentioned the deal. Grace felt like she had her family around her, all together. It was nice to pretend that everything was okay.
"What will you guys do after we head out tomorrow?" Nora asked casually.
Sam shrugged, "We'll find a hunt I guess."
Dean nodded in agreement.
From there, the conversation flowed casually. Sam and Dean were more interested in Nora's house hunt than Grace would have imagined. It was something so normal, but not a reality for the three of them. Grace could see Nora actually settling down with Chase and she was happy that her best friend had found him.
When Grace glanced at the clock and saw it was close to midnight she sighed. "I don't think I can keep my eyes open any longer. I've got to get some sleep." Grace stood; ready to excuse herself from the table. Dean watched her closely and Nora couldn't help but stare at the two of them. She had known they were "more together", but neither of them were going to throw out terms like boyfriend or girlfriend. It felt too juvenile, but then maybe it was immature not to label it?
Grace shook Nora's shoulder, "Is that okay with you? If you drive tomorrow?"
Nora laughed, "Yeah, don't worry about it. Get some sleep."
They all said goodnight and Nora cracked open another beer. If she was right about her suspicions, Dean would be getting up to follow Grace in exactly….
"I'm really tired man. I'll see you guys in the morning." Dean excused himself quickly.
When she couldn't hear Dean's footsteps anymore, Grace let out a low whistle. Sam chuckled and took another bite of pizza. "He didn't even last five minutes." Nora snickered.
"Yeah, they're pretty inseparable." Sam murmured.
"The great Dean Winchester is whipped." Nora smirked.
Sam nodded slowly, "Looks like it."
OoOoOo
"Say goodbye to Sam for me, and Bobby." Grace lingered by the front door as Nora waited in her Jeep. The sky was still dark, but at the edge of the horizon a glimmer of the sun was begging to rise. Dean's eyes were still heavy with sleep as he nodded. She wasn't ready to leave, because when she got back she wasn't sure the Winchesters would be there.
Dean pulled her in for a hug and Grace rested her head against him. She was hoping now more than ever that Peter Noland was going to be able to give them some answers. In fact she was desperate for them.
She wanted to tell Dean she would miss him, but she stayed quiet. She was just as guilty when it came to holding back anything in the realm of emotion. Dean rubbed her back and let out a heavy sigh.
"Nora is giving me the stink eye." He muttered against her hair.
Grace pulled back and laughed, "She's just tired," she paused, "Be safe, okay?"
"You too. Call us if you need anything." Dean instructed her.
Grace and Dean both leant in at the same time and shared a quick kiss, which was interrupted with Nora slamming on the horn.
OoOoOo
"I'm worried about you." Nora said about an hour into the drive. Grace had tried to sleep and failed miserably.
Grace rested her head on the passenger side window, the cool glass feeling comforting against her skin. "Why?"
Nora let out a breath, "If this is a dead end, if every avenue we try is a dead end and we can't help Dean…"
Grace clenched her jaw, "I'll be fine. I'm always fine."
Nora shook her head, "This is different. I mean you and Dean are practically-"
Grace yawned, "What's going on with Chase and you? Are you guys hunting still or taking a break?"
Nora begrudgingly allowed the conversation topic to be switched, "Taking a break, trying my hand at the whole normal girlfriend thing. Plus, Chase likes to be close to his family. His mom is getting older and she likes having us around."
Grace smiled, "You seem really happy Nora."
"You know, I think I finally am."
"I really do appreciate you coming down for me."
"I know you do kid." Nora winked at her.
OoOoOo
The Old Town Tavern was a two-story restaurant/bar right off the interstate, just past the "Welcome to Lawrence" billboard. The building was a little older with white siding definitely in need of a touch up. It looked more like a home converted into a bar from the outside. Grace felt slightly uneasy being in Lawrence. This town didn't hold good memories for her and certainly not for the Winchesters. What were the odds that one of her old family members was living here now?
Nora and Grace eyed the building, wondering if it was even open. There were no cars in the parking lot, but an old pickup was parked around back. "Should I call him? I mean I have his number." Grace asked.
Nora shook her head, "Let's just go inside…if it's open."
The two of them made their way inside, pleasantly surprised to find it was indeed open. There was a huge circular bar in the middle of the room surrounded by wooden tables and booths. An old jukebox straight from the 1950's was playing a soft tune. The only other people in the room were the bartender and one customer.
Grace made her way towards the bar and took a seat, Nora following suit.
The bartender appeared to be closer to Grace and Nora's age. He was much taller than them and athletically built. His eyes were such a dark brown that they were almost black, similar to his hair that lightly gelled back. Grace noticed that his right arm was covered in a sleeve of tattoos, her eyes settling directly on the anti-possession symbol delicately inked amongst a mass of other markings. Out of habit her fingers instantly went to her bracelet and the tiny symbol. At least she knew she was in the right place.
"We're closed." The bartender said as he washed a dirty glass. His voice was gravelly and stern.
"Well next time you should lock your doors then." Nora responded sweetly.
The bartender said nothing.
"I'm looking for Peter Noland." Grace told him.
Still no response.
"Are you this rude to everyone or is it just women?" Grace snapped.
Finally he looked up and cracked a smile. If he wasn't such an ass he would be kind of handsome.
"Don't mind Luke, he's harmless." A middle aged man with salt and pepper hair and a freshly shaven face approached the bar as Luke continued to tend to the bar. The stranger had dark grey blue eyes and a small scar above his right eyebrow.
Grace glared at Luke once more before she turned her attention on the man.
"I'm Pete, the owner." He extended his hand, which Grace in turn shook.
"I'm Grace Bradley. I got your voicemail." Grace began. Now that they had driven all this way and she were standing before him, she wasn't sure where to start. Pete's eyes flashed in recognition and then his features softened. He was a little taller than Grace and he wore a grey plaid button down and jeans.
"I should have recognized you, I'm sorry," he paused, "I didn't mean to call so many times, but word travels fast amongst hunters."
Grace guessed, "You were worried?"
"Ash called and said you were looking for information about our family. I thought I would have heard from you earlier." Pete chuckled uncomfortably. Grace noticed that he said our family, but she didn't really feel that way.
"Uh…well I actually wanted to ask you about crossroad demons." Grace kept her voice low. She knew it was a touchy subject and was trying to keep her voice low.
Pete's eyes widened, "Because of the Winchester deal?"
Grace let out a breath, "Word does travel fast, huh?"
"You think I can help." It wasn't a question, but a moment of understanding.
Grace nodded.
Pete took a breath, "We should talk somewhere more private."
Grace nodded in agreement.
OoOoOo
"So you live here too?" Grace attempted to make conversation. They were sitting in Pete's office, which was really just a small room off the kitchen. He had a framed picture of a lake scene and one small filing cabinet in the corner of the room. On his desk were spread out papers, a calculator and a tiny, framed picture of a golden retriever.
"Just upstairs, got everything I need. And two extra spare rooms that some hunters use when they are passing through." Pete was more shy than she had been expecting, but he offered her a smile.
Grace cleared her throat, ready to get down to business. "Ash showed me drawings of the colt and sigils that summon angels. Were you with everyone when they were, uhm, into all of that?" Grace had no idea how to phrase her questions or what she really wanted to know.
Pete pulled a glass decanter and poured himself a small glass. Grace watched as he took a sip and then he looked up at her, a forced smile forming. "You'd be twenty now? Right?" Pete asked.
Grace furrowed her brow and nodded.
An awkward silence loomed. She was grateful that this conversation seemed to be going better than it did with Lynn. At least Pete wasn't being rude or shutting her down.
"My ex-wife, called as soon as you left her house, the first time I've heard from her since we divorced. She was yelling and screaming at me about your visit." Pete clicked his tongue.
"It didn't go well." Grace wanted to get back on track.
"There are a lot of open wounds from back then." Pete told her.
Grace bit the inside of her cheek, "Pete, I appreciate you taking the time to talk to me and usually I would want to talk about my parents and everything that happened. But, I need to know how to break a deal."
Pete took a breath, "So that's the only reason you're here." Disappointment laced his words. Grace frowned and she clasped her hands in her lap. Why did she suddenly feel so guilty? This had been her grand plan all along and now she felt like she had only made a mistake.
"I feel like I've offended you and that wasn't my intention." Grace chose her words cautiously.
Pete gave her a tight lipped smile, "No, not offended. Grace, do you know who I am?"
Grace hesitated, before saying, "Peter, well Pete Noland. You married my aunt and then got a divorce. You hunted with my parents." She felt like she was saying the wrong thing.
"Those things are true."
"Okay, what am I missing here?" Grace finally asked.
"I thought Ash would have said something, or told you. I thought he did. Maybe he was just trying to protect you." Pete seemed uncomfortable as he shifted in his chair.
"Protect me from what?" Grace pressed.
Pete ran his hands through his hair and let out a breath. Grace felt herself tensing, bracing for whatever he was going to say next.
He looked at her, his expression suddenly sad.
And Grace's stomach churned.