Chapter Thirty-Six
Piper slowly stirred her tea as she stood at the door of her daughter's bedroom, watching as Dean and Melinda slept. They'd been asleep for nearly seventeen hours, almost from the moment they'd showed up on the doorstep, and they hadn't moved. Not even a turn. Melinda was asleep on her side, with Dean curled around her, his arm over her stomach, holding her close to him.
Piper let out a sigh as her husband walked up behind her, laying his hands on her shoulders. She leaned back into him, and he pressed a kiss to her temple.
"They're still asleep?"
Piper nodded, speaking just as softly as Leo.
"They haven't moved."
Leo nodded.
"They're probably exhausted, honey."
"No, it's … It's bad this time, Leo."
Piper turned around, and Leo stepped forward, pulling the door shut as he led Piper down the hall. She set her cup of tea on the dresser in their bedroom, then pushed a hand through her long brown hair. She turned to face her husband.
"Did you see her?"
Leo sighed as he nodded.
"She looks terrible."
"I know she does."
Leo ran a hand over his face, then spoke quietly.
"She started crying when I hugged her."
Piper looked up at him, then walked over to him.
"She what?"
Leo nodded.
"Did you really think I needed her help with that Chevy in the garage?"
Piper closed her eyes.
"I swear I—"
"Don't."
Piper stopped, blinking at Leo.
"Excuse me?"
Leo sighed.
"Tomorrow is Peyton's birthday. Mel's is in two weeks. Maybe we can just—"
"What, celebrate? Pretend like everything is fine and just sweep our feelings under the rug? That is not the kind of people we are, Leo."
He closed his eyes.
"They're in the middle of the Apocalypse, Piper. This is something brand new, something we've never dealt with. We have no idea what they're feeling or what they're going through."
"So, what? We just ignore it? I get that those Winchester boys have done that their whole lives, but that is not what the Halliwells do."
"Maybe it should be."
Piper covered her eyes with her hands.
"I'm going to pretend you didn't just say that."
"I'm only suggesting that—"
"Dr. Phil, where did you go? Mr. Share-Your-Feelings? All of a sudden you want to gloss over the bad stuff and only see the good? What the hell, Leo?"
He grit his teeth, closing his eyes. Piper went on.
"I am not going to stand back and just let this roll by. They are messed up, and I need to help them. Help my daughter, if nothing else."
"Don't you think I want that?!"
Piper stopped as Leo yelled. He shook his head, pointing at their door.
"She's unraveling, Piper. Yeah, they're all a little messed up, but our daughter is losing it."
Piper's dark eyes went wide, and Leo shook his head.
"I don't know how to help her. I don't have a damn clue as to how to even start. I don't want to just pretend everything is fine, but honey … If we push this, push her …"
He shook his head again.
"Leo."
He looked up at her, letting out a sigh. Piper shook her head, tears welling up in her eyes. Leo walked over, taking his wife in his arms, while she started trembling. She shook her head again, and Leo sighed.
"One day at a time. We'll just take it one day at a time."
Piper shook her head, and Leo blew out a breath.
"Shh, honey. It'll be okay."
"How?"
Leo let out a quiet laugh.
"I don't have the slightest clue."
He gently ran his hand up and down Piper's back.
"I guess we just pray she'll come to us"
Piper took in a deep breath, letting it out slowly.
"Before it's too late."
Peyton's birthday was quiet, celebrated with the family. Sam took her to a hotel on the coast, and they spent two days in the king-sized bed, before a call from Bobby sent them to a case in Massachusetts. Dean opted out of that one, asking Sam for a breather, which Sam readily agreed to. Sam and Peyton came back to the Manor just in time for Melinda's birthday, which consisted of a family dinner and getting drunk with her female cousins.
Dean spent more time than not in the garage with Leo. Most of the time, they worked in silence. Dean on his Impala, Leo on whatever car may have been brought in. Sometimes they'd switch, and sometimes, Leo left Dean alone and let him work on whatever he wanted.
Dean and Melinda walked on eggshells around each other. Even so, the issues between them somehow took a step back, and they grew closer. They still slept in the same bed every night, and every morning, Melinda would wake up firmly embraced in Dean's arms. At which point, she'd pretend to go back to sleep until he woke up.
"I'm so excited!"
Piper smiled as she dabbed more lip gloss on, glancing down at the little girl dancing at her feet.
"Are you ready?"
"I've been ready, Nana."
Piper let out a laugh, lifting the blonde wig onto her head. She tousled the hair a little, taking the crown Kate handed her.
"Thank you."
"You make a very good Glinda, Nana."
Piper smiled, smoothing a hand over her fluffy pink dress.
"And Prue said I'd never wear this again. Ha!"
Leo walked into the room, stopping and letting out a sneeze. He shook his head.
"I just don't know if this is going to work."
Piper let out a laugh as she walked over to him.
"First of all …"
Piper reached up and gently pulled the mustache from under Leo's nose.
"The wonderful wizard didn't have a mustache."
Leo rubbed the skin above his lip, then let out a breath.
"Thank goodness."
"Papa, look at me!"
Leo looked down, a wide smile crossing his face.
"Why Dorothy! Aren't you supposed to be in Kansas?"
Kate erupted into giggles, throwing her arms around Leo.
"It's me, Papa. Katherine Patricia Halliwell."
"What? I just knew Dorothy was here."
Kate giggled again, and Leo leaned to kiss her cheek. The front door opened, and Phoebe called out.
"We're here!"
"Dining room!"
Kate's mouth dropped open when Phoebe and Coop, followed by Paige and Henry, walked into the room.
"Aunt Phoebe, you're scary."
Phoebe smiled.
"Then my costume is complete."
She cackled, and Piper rolled her eyes. Peyton walked into the room, stopping short. She laid a hand over her heart and let out a breath.
"Jeez, Mom. You scared me."
Phoebe held out a hand, and Peyton shook her head.
"It's not every day you see your mother… green."
Phoebe rolled her eyes.
"It's paint. And no one has said a thing about Henry being silver."
"Well, that's because Uncle Henry's hair was already silver, so…"
"Hey!"
Everyone laughed, and Paige leaned over to kiss Henry's cheek. She held out a hand and Peyton took it, leading Paige to the kitchen table. Kate followed after them, curiosity all over her little face. Peyton smiled as she reached for the thick eyeliner pencil, beginning to draw across Paige's face.
"Aunt Peyton, what are you doing?"
Paige and Peyton smiled, and Paige closed her eyes as Peyton continued to draw.
"I am making Aunt Paige into a scarecrow. Watch."
Kate did, completely engrossed in Paige's transformation. When Peyton was done, Kate's mouth dropped open before she smiled.
"Wow! You did good, Aunt Peyton."
"Thank you. Now, come here. Let's sneak a little makeup on you."
Kate let out a cheer, and in a few minutes, Peyton carried a rosy-cheeked and red-lipped Kate into the living room. Wyatt knelt down and Peyton set Kate on the floor, smiling as Kate ran into her father's arms. Wyatt stood back up and Kate gently patted the hat on his head.
"I'm kind of scared of the flying monkeys, Daddy."
"Well, you've got nothing to be scared of tonight. It's just me and Uncle Chris."
Chris waved at Kate from across the room, and she waved back. Kate let out a giggle, and Wyatt turned back to see what she was laughing at. Coop was bent over, letting Peyton draw on his face.
"Aunt Peyton made Aunt Paige a scarecrow, and now she's making Uncle Coop the Lion!"
Wyatt nodded, and Kate gasped.
"I forgot my basket in my room!"
Wyatt set her down, and Kate ran off, running carefully up the stairs. Wyatt walked back over, stepping back as Paris appeared in the room.
"Not late!"
Phoebe walked over and gave her a hug, and Paris shook her head.
"You make the perfect Wicked Witch, Mom."
"Watch your tone."
Paris laughed, and Matt walked over, covered in silver paint. Paris narrowed her eyes.
"Uncle Henry's the Tin Man. Who are you?"
Matt let out a sigh.
"Doctor Doom."
Wyatt let out a laugh, and Paris adjusted the gold cuffs on her wrists. Anna and Jenny walked over, dressed identically in light blue dresses with pink bows. Their hair was done in the same way, pulled back from their faces on one side with a barrette. They both had knee socks and Mary Janes on, and Paris narrowed her eyes, shaking her head.
"I don't know."
Anna and Jenny both widened their eyes, reaching out and taking each other's hand, speaking together, low and creepily.
"Come play with us."
Paris squeezed her eyes shut, shaking her head and pushing Matt in front of her.
"No! No, no, no. That movie creeped me out so bad. Stop it!"
Anna and Jenny let go of each other's hands, laughing. Sam walked into the room, taking one look at the twins and smiling widely.
"Oh, Dean's gonna freak when he sees you two. He loves The Shining."
Anna and Jenny smiled, and Paris turned to Sam. He let out a sigh, then pulled a hat from his back pocket. He put it on his head and Matt burst out laughing. The twins covered their mouths and Paris bit her tongue.
"Oh, shut up."
They all started laughing, which made the Charmed Ones and their husbands glance over. Piper bit her lips.
"Oh my."
Sam let out a sigh and Peyton walked over to him, pulling him down by the antlers on his hat and kissing his lips. She zipped up her suit, pulling the hat on her head, then turned to face everyone. Phoebe let out a laugh, and Coop nodded, a smile on his face.
"Rocky and Bullwinkle?"
Peyton pointed at him, and everyone laughed again. Peyton walked over, bumping hips with her sister.
"Wonder Woman."
"Yeah, but I'm dressed as Wonder Woman."
Peyton laughed as Paris gave her a wink. Kate came skipping back into the room, walking up to Paris and showing off her red shoes. Paris oohed and ahhed over them, until Kate looked around.
"Where is Aunt Melinda and Uncle Dean?"
Piper shrugged her shoulders, and Kate let out an exasperated sigh. She heard footsteps and ran for the stairs, and Peyton followed behind her.
"Katie, it sometimes takes Mel a little while to … Holy… Whoa."
Kate blinked up as Melinda made her way down the stairs. She let out a sigh at the landing, putting a hand on one hip.
"Too much?"
Kate and Peyton slowly shook their heads, and Melinda rolled her eyes beneath the mask that covered her eyes, resting above her nose. Peyton and Kate just watched her, not saying anything, and Melinda ran a hand through her straight blonde hair.
"Hey, Piper was wondering where Kate ran off … Wow."
Melinda lifted her eyes to Sam's, a smile curling across her lips.
"Howdy, Bullwinkle."
Sam swallowed and nodded, grunting at the punch Peyton gave his stomach. He gently rubbed his stomach, and Anna poked her head around the corner.
"Hey, we congregating in here now? Holy sh—crap."
Anna whistled, and the rest of the family walked into the foyer, stopping short when they saw Melinda. She rolled her eyes, blowing out a breath.
"Okay, I don't understand everyone's reactions, but if you're all going to—"
"Mel."
She locked eyes with Peyton, who shook her head.
"Have you seen yourself?"
Melinda shook her head, and Peyton held out a hand. Melinda took it, making her way down the rest of the stairs, then followed Peyton to the kitchen, where a full-length mirror was set up. Melinda's eyes widened as she took in her reflection.
"Oh my god."
She ran her hands down the skintight bodysuit. She'd taken to running lately, going with Dean or Peyton when they had a few spare hours. Especially since they'd been back in San Francisco, she'd found at least one time a day to go get some fresh air and exercise. And now, the benefits were visible.
"Wow."
Peyton let out a laugh.
"No shit, wow. You look incredible."
Melinda smiled over at her, the first real smile Peyton had seen from her in a while, and Peyton blinked back tears. Piper walked into the kitchen, slowly shaking her head.
"Well. Catwoman. Damn, girl."
Melinda let out a laugh, walking over and hugging her mother. Piper slowly ran a hand down Melinda's hair. They walked back into the foyer, and Kate was bouncing on her toes.
"We have to go! All the candy's going to be gone!"
Leo shook his head, laying a hand on top of Kate's head.
"There's just one person that we're waiting on."
"Okay, hang on. If you're Catwoman, then that means Dean must be …"
Matt glanced to the top of the stairs, where Dean was slowly making his way down. Matt rolled his eyes, while Sam blew out his breath, rolling his eyes as well. Kate let out a gasp, and she walked to the bottom of the stairs. She turned back, eyes bright as she looked at her family.
"Batman! He's really Batman!"
Dean knelt down, scooping Kate into his arms, speaking in a low, gravelly voice.
"She's right. I'm Batman."
Sam rolled his eyes again, taking Peyton's hand and leading her to the door. Dean carried Kate over to the door, until Piper spoke up.
"Little Dorothy, basket!"
Kate gasped, wriggling in Dean's arms until he put her down, then ran for her basket. She walked over to Piper, looking up at her.
"Toto, too?"
Piper smiled as she reached back, taking the stuffed dog that had just orbed into Paige's hands.
"Toto, too. Let's go!"
Sam and Peyton walked out first, then Piper and Leo walked out, Kate in between them. Wyatt and Chris followed after them, and Matt walked up, looking up and down Dean's costume.
"Impressive."
"Likewise, Doctor Doom."
"Yes!"
Matt held up his hand and Dean gave him a high five. Matt puffed out his chest as he walked out. Paris walked out with her parents, with Paige and Henry right behind them. Dean stood by the door, glancing at the hallway as Anna and Jenny stood there. He narrowed his eyes, letting out a laugh as they reached out and took each other's hand, walking slowly towards him. Dean clapped his hands together as they repeated the words they had said earlier.
"Come play with us."
Dean laughed again, moving to kiss each twin's cheek.
"You two … You're awesome."
They laughed, shaking their heads as they walked out. Dean glanced around, looking out the door, calling out softly.
"Mel?"
He heard the click of high heels behind him, and a smile crossed his face. He didn't turn around yet, still facing towards the door.
"So what did you go with? Batgirl? Robin? That reporter chick Nicole Kidman played that time Val Kilmer was Batman?"
"You tell me."
He turned around, the smile sliding from his face as he got a look at her. The sleek black bodysuit clung to her like a second skin. The boots came up to her thighs, but even in the stiletto heels, she wasn't as tall as he was. Her crystal blue eyes peeked out through the black lace mask surrounding her eyes, and her hair was straight, little cat ears sitting atop her head. Dean swallowed.
"Damn, baby."
"Guess all that running's been paying off, huh?"
Dean couldn't answer her. He couldn't stop staring at her. She stepped closer to him, reaching out and running her fingers over his chin, at the ever-present stubble there. Dean lifted a hand, gently touching the ears at the top of Melinda's head.
"You're so beautiful."
Melinda felt her cheeks warm, and she opened her mouth, but whatever she was going to say died away when Dean leaned in and pressed his lips to hers. She looped her arms around his neck as his arms came around her waist, pulling her close to him.
"Ew, they're kissing!"
Laughter sounded from outside the door. Melinda laughed as Dean turned and narrowed his eyes at Kate, who put her hands on her hips.
"We are late for trick-or-treating."
"I'll show you late."
Dean took a step forward and Kate squealed as she ran down the porch steps. He turned back to Melinda, taking her back in his arms, and she smiled as she used her thumb to wipe away lipstick from his lips.
"Mel—"
"We're late, remember?"
Dean nodded, and she leaned closer, slowly laying her lips at the corner of his mouth, then turning and walking out the door. Dean ran a hand down his face, letting out a long sigh before turning with a flourish, making his cape fan out behind him.
Anna and Jenny throw an incredible Halloween party every year. It is the busiest night for P3, their yearly money-maker, and nearly all of San Francisco comes out for it. This year was no different. They got rave reviews for their costumes, but the talk of the night was definitely Batman and Catwoman.
She was beautiful. The black suit, combined with the porcelain tone of her skin and the honey color of her hair, gave her an almost-exotic look. Her blue eyes stared out from a black lace mask on her face, and anyone who looked at her felt mesmerized, as if they were caught under her spell.
No one felt that as much as Batman did, though.
He'd been through shots of whiskey, more beers than he remembered. And every time he glanced across the bar, happened to see those blue eyes looking back at him, he felt sweat roll down his back. Every time she took a sip of whatever drink she had at the moment, all coherent thoughts would leave his mind.
Sam had given up trying to talk to him. Matt sat back and watched him, smirking around his beer. Piper and Leo had gone home shortly after trick-or-treating, taking an oversugared Kate with them. Phoebe and Coop left, with Phoebe moaning about how to remove her makeup, before Henry decided his paint was itchy, and he and Paige left, too. Wyatt and Chris sat near Matt, doing shots and making fun of Dean, who paid them no attention at all. Jenny and Anna ran around bartending, watching the doors, making sure the bouncers were on point. Paris helped some, until she bumped into someone who had to be Jay Gatsby, Peyton and Sam decided.
Sam drained his beer, feeling the buzz and enjoying it. Peyton was burning up the dance floor, pleasantly buzzed as well. Melinda was beside her, laughing and dancing, her inhibitions back in her second rum and pineapple juice. Sam tossed his beer bottle into the trashcan by their tables, and stood up, stretching his arms, popping his back, then walking over to the bar. Dean stood there, an empty bottle on the bar in front of him, and his eyes on the dance floor. Sam let out a sigh as he set his forearms on the bar.
"What's up, Batman?"
Dean shook his head, glancing at his bottle, realizing it was empty. He shook his head, then let out a breath.
"She's killing me, Sammy."
"Who, Mel?"
Dean shot him a look, then nodded. Sam smiled.
"Why don't you go get her, then?"
Dean sighed.
"Look at her. She's smiling. Hell, Sam. She's laughing. I can't tell you the last time I heard her do that."
Melinda looked over then, a smile on her lips as she took in the Winchester boys. Sam smiled, then glanced down at his brother.
"This little vacation must have been what she needed. What we all needed, if we're being honest."
Dean nodded, and Sam turned around just in time to catch Peyton as she ran at him, jumping into his arms. She pressed her lips to Sam's, kissing him long and deeply. She pulled back and Sam set her down, and she grabbed his hand.
"Dance with me, Bullwinkle."
Sam let out a laugh, but he let her pull him onto the dance floor, dancing with her while everyone in their vicinity laughed. Melinda walked off the dance floor, able to saunter to the bar despite the heels she wore and the drinks she'd had. She smiled as she leaned on the bar, looking up at Dean.
"So Batman."
He smiled, turning to face her, leaning up against the bar beside her.
"So Catwoman."
She looked at the bar, then back to him, blinking slowly. Dean felt his mouth go dry, and Melinda leaned up, laying her lips right at his ear.
"Take me home."
Dean locked eyes with Jenny, and at the look he gave her, she fumbled the cup she was getting ice with. He nodded towards the beer, and Jenny waved him off. He took Melinda's hand, leading her to the stairs, keeping her hand in his as they walked out of the club.
Peyton smiled up at Sam as the door closed. She tugged on his sleeve, and he smiled as he bent down, putting his ear in her reach, shivering when he felt her breath on his skin.
"Ten bucks says they don't make it to a bed."
"The Impala's in the garage. Maybe they make it there."
Peyton laughed as she threw her arms around Sam's neck, kissing him again, before going right back to dancing.
Dean's back was against the brick wall, his face in Melinda's hands. His hands were in her hair, both of them breathing hard as they kissed. Dean's hands slid down to Melinda's hips, and as she gasped, pulling away from him slightly, he managed to switch their positions. He let his hands slide around, and Melinda pushed from the wall, pulling him closer, groaning as he fixed his mouth on her neck. Dean kept one arm around her, and she finally got out of his grip, pushing hands through her now-messy hair, breathing hard. Dean watched, aching to have her back in his arms, and he let out a breath of relief when she walked to the road, waving a hand. A cab drove up, stopping in front of them. Melinda bent down, speaking through the passenger's window.
"1329 Prescott Street."
"And step on it."
Dean climbed in, and Melinda was right behind him. As soon as Dean sat, he had a lap full of Catwoman, her hands at his face, her lips on his. Dean let out a quiet moan into her mouth, and Melinda let her hands drift down, lacing her fingers with his. After a minute, he let go of her hands, dragging his fingers up her thighs as her hands went back to his face, tracing the stubble on his chin, gasping quietly as he continued to touch her.
"God, Mel. You're killing me."
She gasped as he squeezed her hips, then fixed her mouth on his. Neither of them noticed when the cab came to a stop, until the driver cleared his throat. Melinda sat back, lips swollen and red, blinking as Dean smiled. He reached into his wallet, dropping some bills on the seat in front of him before opening the door. Melinda climbed out, pushing a hand through her hair. Dean followed her out, smiling as the cab drove away. He heard a little cough from the porch, smiling when he saw Melinda in the porch light.
"You coming, Batman?"
Dean let out a laugh, walking over and up the steps, kissing her again. They got a little sidetracked, until Melinda used her powers to open the door. They somehow managed to be quiet as they walked inside, locking the door behind them, then up the stairs, stopping at their bedroom. Melinda walked in, with Dean behind her, then let out a sigh as she shut and locked the door.
"I'm so glad we sound-proofed this room."
She gasped as Dean's arms came around her, his lips at her neck. She tilted her head, giving him more access to the sensitive skin, then lifted a hand, meaning to run her fingers through his hair, letting out a sound of frustration when all she encountered was his mask. Dean let out a quiet laugh, stepping back and undoing the snap, shaking his head as the mask came off, and Melinda tossed it into a corner as she moved forward, wrapping her arms around his neck, fixing her mouth to his. Her hands pushed through his hair, and Dean found the zipper at the base of her neck. He pulled it down, little by little, dragging a finger across the skin he bared.
"Now you're killing me."
Dean laughed again, dragging the zipper down, letting out a grunt when Melinda pushed him down on the bed. She turned away from him, lifting her foot to the low bench at the end of the bed, unzipping the long zipper on her boots. Dean did his best not to swallow his tongue as he watched her, biting back a groan of his own when she sighed, letting the boots lie at the end of the bed, letting the bodysuit pool next to them. Dean stood up, turning back so she could unzip his costume, and he let it fall to the floor, stepping out of it and coming back to sit on the bed, taking Melinda's hands and pulling her close to him.
"Next time, you're leaving those boots on."
She closed her eyes as her whole body shivered, and Dean smiled as he bent forward and pressed a kiss to her stomach.
"Oh, god."
Dean hooked his fingers in her panties, sliding them down.
"Oh, god."
Dean stood up, lifting Melinda up and laying her on the bed. He kissed her soundly, then mouthed his way down her body while she gasped. Melinda's hands went into his hair, tugging just on the pleasure side of pain, bowing up on the bed, whispering his name until no sound at all came from her mouth. He helped her ride it out until she collapsed back onto the bed, downright whimpering until he came back to her, kissing her lips, quieting her down. He kissed to her cheekbones, smiling when he realized she still had her mask on. He kissed around it, taking her hands and pressing them down by her head, and she gasped. He moved back, but she nodded, wrapping her legs around his waist, making him groan.
"Mel—"
She pushed him gently, until he rolled over, gently running his hands over her skin. She reached back and undid her bra, flinging it aside before reaching down to push Dean's boxers away. Before he could say anything, he was squeezing his eyes shut, identical to Melinda's expression as she sank down. He reached for her and she took his hands, locking her fingers with his as she raised up, then slowly sank back down, both of them groaning.
"Baby. Oh, fuck, baby."
"Dean. Oh."
He surged up, taking her face in his hands as he kissed her deeply. She moaned and whimpered, biting his lips as he groaned, moving to grip her shoulders, switching their positions, laying Melinda down and rolling his hips. She gave a high-pitched moan, reaching up to pull him closer, digging her nails into his back. He let out a hiss, kissing her shoulder, her cheek, her lips, any inch of her skin that was available to him. He felt her grip tighten on him, heard her breathing speed up, and he kissed her deeply as he followed her over the edge.
Melinda lay panting on the bed, rolling with Dean as he held her close to him, rolling onto his back. She laid her head over his thundering heart, breathing hard as he kissed the top of her head, rubbing his hand up and down her arm.
"I love you. God, Mel, I love you so much."
Her eyes were so heavy, so she closed them, murmuring that she loved him too, hoping he heard it before she drifted to sleep.
Dean woke up late the next morning. Well, afternoon, if he was telling the truth. He looked down at his chest and laughed quietly at the masked beauty still sleeping in his arms. He ran his fingers through her hair, letting out a long sigh. Melinda moved closer to him, a frown crossing her face when she shivered slightly. Dean smiled, pulling the blanket further up around her, and she let out a sigh when she was bundled up again.
Dean smiled, leaning down to gently kiss Melinda's cheek, doing it again, then stealthily crawling out of the bed. He let out a breath when he stood up, wanting to laugh out loud when he thought back to why his muscles could be so sore. He grabbed a pair of basketball shorts and a white t-shirt, then made his way downstairs. Piper smiled at him from her spot at the kitchen table, and Kate was sitting beside her, both hands holding up her head. Dean went for the coffeepot, pouring himself a cup, then leaning up against the counter.
"Long night?"
Dean smiled behind his mug, rolling his shoulder, feeling the scratches on his back twinge painfully.
"You could say that."
Piper shook her head, going back to reading the paper. Dean whistled low, and Kate cut her eyes over to him. Dean took another sip of coffee, then spoke to Kate.
"Why the long face, pretty girl?"
Kate gave a long sigh.
"I have a Halloween hangover."
Dean laughed, and Piper bit her lip behind the paper.
"Who told you that?"
"Nana."
Piper locked eyes with Dean, both of them smiling. Kate sat up straighter.
"Where's Aunt Melinda?"
"She's still sleeping."
"Does she have a Halloween hangover, too?"
Dean and Piper both laughed, and Dean nodded as he finished off his coffee. He walked over and kissed the top of Kate's head, then walked outside. Kate looked over to Piper, who turned the page in her newspaper.
"We are going to let her sleep as long as she wants to."
Kate let out a breath, sinking back into her chair. She opened her mouth and Piper turned her head, focusing on another article.
"Don't even bother asking. You've had enough candy for a year, at least."
Kate put her head back in her hands, blowing out her breath. Piper smiled behind her paper, turning the page.
Dean walked into the kitchen just before the sun went down, a wide smile crossing his face when he saw who was sitting at the table.
"Hey, beautiful."
Melinda didn't answer him, so he finished washing his hands, then walked over to her.
"Hey."
"Hey."
She spoke quietly, and Dean sat down across from her.
"You okay?"
She shook her head.
"I don't feel good."
"You hungover?"
Melinda shook her head.
"It's a different not feeling good."
Dean narrowed his eyes.
"Baby, you sick?"
She shrugged her shoulders, pulling the robe tighter around her shoulders. That's when Dean realized that it was his robe she was wearing. Her pajama pants, but the shirt she wore was his, too. She usually stole his shirts, would wear them to sleep in, but when she was sick, she would wrap up in as much of him as she could. Dean smiled, leaning over and laying his lips on her forehead.
"You want to go back to bed?"
Melinda shook her head.
"Mama's getting me some soup."
"Oh, that'll make you feel better."
She shrugged again, sniffling. Dean smiled, standing to his feet.
"I think I know what might help."
He held out a hand, and she took it, and when Piper walked back into the house, she found them on the couch, Dean trailing his fingers through Melinda's hair as she slept with her head on his lap, The Phantom of the Opera playing on the television. Piper let out a sigh.
"She's sick."
Dean sighed and nodded his head.
Dean dreamed of fire.
He usually did on November second, but this time, it seemed so real. He was sweating, and he kicked the blanket off, sat up and pulled his shirt from his head. He laid back down, letting out a breath. He heard a ragged breath beside him, and he sat up again.
"Mel?"
She didn't answer, but as his eyes adjusted to the darkness, he realized she was shivering. He yawned, reaching down and grabbing the blanket he'd kicked off, pulling it back up, tucking it around her, settling it around his waist. He let out a sigh, closing his eyes, groaning when the heat seemed to surround him again. He kicked the blanket back off, careful to leave it up around Melinda.
She coughed, letting out another ragged breath, and he sat up again.
"Baby? Hey."
She didn't answer. Didn't move at all. Dean turned the lamp on, looking at her pale face in the dim light.
"Mel, hey. Wake up, baby."
She didn't. He reached over, sucking in a breath when he felt the heat radiating off her forehead.
"Shit. Baby?"
He pulled the blanket from her, rolling it down to her waist, walking over to the first aid kit she kept in her drawer, pulling it out and finding the thermometer. He turned back to the bed, watching her shake, teeth chattering.
"Shit."
Dean walked back over, pulling the blanket up, tucking it around her. She gave a ragged breath when he did, moaning quietly as a knock sounded at the door. He walked over, poking his head out to find Kate and Piper standing there. He blinked at them, and Piper gave him a smile.
"Is Mel okay?"
Dean scratched his head.
"She, uh—She's got fever, but I haven't …"
He held up the thermometer and Piper nodded. Dean opened the door, letting them in. Kate stayed by the door, but Piper walked to the bed, laying her hand on Melinda's forehead.
"Good Lord."
She held out a hand, and Dean laid the thermometer in it. He stood back by Kate and watched as Piper, with the precision only a mother can show, gently rolled Melinda, maneuvering the thermometer under her arm. They waited, and when it beeped, Piper pulled it out, and Melinda moaned, burrowing back under the covers. Piper's eyes widened, looking to Kate.
"Go wake Papa up. Hurry."
Kate ran down the hall, and Dean stepped forward.
"Piper, what's—"
"One hundred and four."
Dean shook his head, and Piper walked to the first aid kit. Piper looked up and motioned to Dean.
"Go to the bathroom and get a glass of water."
He did, walking back in the room a few seconds before Kate and Leo. Leo walked over to Piper.
"Hey."
Piper leaned back, shaking her head at him.
"Her temp is 104 under her arm. I've tried to wake her up to get her to take some Tylenol, but she—she won't wake up."
"Give me the thermometer."
Leo walked over to the bed, holding out a hand for Piper to lay the thermometer in. When she did, Leo maneuvered Melinda into opening her mouth, and he put the thermometer under her tongue. She gave a quiet moan at that, then seemed to settle into his arms. When the beeps sounded again and he looked at the thermometer, Leo swallowed. He looked up, meeting Piper's eyes.
"One-oh-five point six."
Piper laid a hand over her mouth, and Leo looked over to Dean.
"Get dressed."
"What's happening?"
Leo stood up, and Piper led Kate from the room. Leo walked over, glancing back at the bed.
"She needs to go to the hospital."
"Hospital? Leo, what—"
"Her fever's too high. She's not responding like she should. She sent out the SOS, so—"
"What SOS?"
Leo sighed, and Dean reached over, grabbing a pair of jeans and sliding them on over his boxers. While he looked for a shirt, Leo spoke, not taking his eyes from the bed.
"She hasn't done it in years. She used to do it when she was little, especially before she could walk or talk. She kind of … projects her illness. Piper and I used to wake up feeling sick, only to find Melinda throwing up in the bathroom. I can't count the number of times we woke up sweating, only to find her with a fever. It's been years, though, since she's done it."
Dean looked back at the bed, shaking his head.
"Fire."
"What?"
"I was dreaming of fire, and I started sweating. Kicked the blanket off, but got cold again. Pulled the blanket back up and got hot again."
Leo smiled.
"That was her. She did it to Kate and Piper, too. Kate came in and woke Piper, and she realized what was happening."
"Leo, is she going to be okay?"
He smiled again, stepping up and squeezing Dean's shoulder.
"That's why we're going to the ER. I'll be back in a second."
Dean walked to the bed, pulling his jacket on. Melinda let out a whimper, and Dean sighed.
"It's going to be okay, baby."
He lifted her from the bed, and she gasped when she was in his arms. Her entire body trembled, and he grabbed his robe, tossing it over her as he walked down the hall. Leo and Piper stepped from their room, and Piper was pulling her hair up into a ponytail.
"I sent Kate to Wyatt. She'll tell him, he'll tell everyone else. Let's go."
Piper led the way and Leo walked behind Dean, who carried Melinda in his arms. Leo drove, while Piper sat in the passenger's seat, glancing behind her to see Melinda in Dean's lap, moaning quietly and shivering as he ran his fingers through her hair.
"She's got the flu."
Piper and Leo looked at the doctor, but Dean couldn't take his eyes from the pale, beautiful girl in the hospital bed, oxygen tubes in her nose and an IV in each arm. Dean rubbed a hand over his forehead, and the doctor spoke again.
"Has she had the vaccine this year?"
Piper looked to Dean, who shook his head.
"She made us get one last year, but … we've been busy."
"Instances like this is why you make time for such things."
Leo stepped to the doctor, laying a hand on his shoulder and leading him out of the room, asking a question about something. Dean shook his head as he looked at Piper.
"Can you believe that son of a bitch? Acting like it's my fault she's in here?"
"It's not your fault, honey."
"We haven't had time for a flu shot. Between War and Famine, and keeping Lucifer away from Sammy, and oh yeah, the Apocalypse, forgive me for not dropping by a Walgreens."
"Calm down."
Dean blew out his breath, and Piper stepped over, gently rubbing his back.
"People get sick. She's been relatively healthy for a while, so … It's okay, Dean. And it's not your fault, so don't even."
Dean smiled softly, nodding his head. He sighed, and Leo walked back into the room.
"Okay, so she's going to need to stay and get more fluids, not to mention finish out the antibiotics. Definitely tonight, maybe tomorrow."
Dean let out a sigh, pushing his hands through his hair.
"I'm staying with her."
Piper smiled, but nodded.
"We'll be back later, and we'll bring you some things. Call us when she wakes up?"
Dean nodded, and Piper patted his back as she and Leo left. Dean pushed a hand through his hair, then sat back in the chair by the bed, taking Melinda's hand in his own and kissing it gently. He sat there, just staring at her, watching her sleep, for hours. He got up a few times to stretch his legs, go to the bathroom. But for the most part, he stayed by her.
And when she opened her eyes at 4:07 that afternoon, it was his smiling green eyes that she saw.
Okay, so here's my thought process. I wanted to speed up my timeline a little bit. Plus, they needed a break from the hell on Earth they'd been going through. So I gave them a little vacation, a step back from the monsters and angels and demons. We'll get back to the action in a big way in the next chapter.