A/N: Out of curiosity, who do you picture Nate as? I'm kind of picturing Josh Hopkins but I figured I'd leave it up to you guys to decide who Nate should be portrayed by!

I waited for Nate to pick up as I got my purse and car keys together. I was out the door when he finally picked up.

"Hey," I said.

"Hey," Nate said back.

"Listen, I probably won't be at the park today. I'm going to go visit my sister… she's pregnant and she always just wants me to come over this morning. I'll uh, well, I'll see you at the thing tonight and you can meet everyone," I replied.

"Oh, okay. Sounds good. I'll see you then," Nate replied, somewhat distantly.

"Alright. Is everything okay?" I asked.

"Yeah, everything's fine. Don't worry. I'll see you later tonight," Nate replied.

"Okay, bye," I said back, before hanging up the phone.

I was in a ridiculously good mood this morning. I had woken up to Dean – which was good because he hadn't just left – and he and I were really getting better. Things were still tense around the house but they were much better than before. They weren't as serious anymore and Dean and I were finally starting to get back to our normal selves.

I knocked on the door of Sawyer's apartment and she called, "Come in! It's unlocked." I opened the door and walked in.

"Hi!" I called, going into Sawyer's apartment.

"You're in a good mood things morning. That hasn't happened for a while," Sawyer observed.

I giggled, "Yeah."

"Did you just giggle?" Sawyer asked.

"Yeah. Dean is home and we're working things out. It's great. It's really just… great, Sawyer," I gushed. For some reason I just felt over the moon about today.

"That's great, sweetie," Sawyer said, eyeing my strangely. "Sorry, I just haven't seen you like this is a really long time so it's weird for me. Don't get me wrong. I'm happy that you're happy… it's just almost… scary."

"Hm. I am the broody sister, aren't I?" I asked.

"Yes," Sawyer replied.

"So how are you? You're what, five months along, now?" I asked, changing the subject.

"Oh, yeah. God, Mer, I don't know how the hell you did this! The morning sickness is over with and everything… was two months ago but it's so much work and sometimes my feet look huge and my boobs always feel huge. How did you do this twice?" Sawyer asked, letting out a stressed sigh.

I chuckled, "Yeah, it really does but it's all worth it. I know that sounds horribly cheesy to say, but it really is."

"We weren't even planning to have a baby, Mer! This all just happened so fast…" Sawyer trailed off.

I gave her a reassuring smile, "I know but you and Sam love each other and you are going to love your son. You've just got a bad case of the cold feet. Don't worry. The first time and even the second time I was pregnant with John, Dean and I constantly freaked out about the baby. This is perfectly normal."

"Oh good. I was starting to think I was just going to be a bad mom or something," Sawyer confessed.

I shook my head, "No, Sawyer! I've seen you with John, Jude, and Renee. You care and love all three of them so much but this is your own kid we're talking about! You are going to love this baby so much, Sawyer."

She smiled, "Thanks. By the way, are we still on for the teacher education benefit thing-y tonight?"

"Yeah," I replied.

Sawyer and I talked for a little longer before I went home and spent the rest of the day with my family. When the time had come, Dean had taken John and Jude over to Andrea's while I finished getting read. As usual, Dean was done getting ready way before I was.

I was nervous about tonight. Dean and I had both agreed that we were going to use tonight as a way to see what alone time was like after all we had been through. It was a night about getting back to our normal selves. It was supposed to be about us and nothing else – no hunting or anything. I was also nervous because Nate was meeting everyone tonight. Of course, they wouldn't know who he was, but it was a start. I knew that our family just couldn't handle two hurricanes and I knew it would be easier to slowly introduce Nate to everyone.

I was already dressed and was finishing up some light makeup. I stared at myself in the mirror and put on some dangly, silver earrings that went with my black sleeveless knit dress from White House Black Market. The side was ruched with a tulip hem which hugged my every curve flatteringly. I heard the door open and close and footsteps towards the bedroom. I put my hair in a half up half down up do and as Dean came into the bathroom, I put on a little lipstick.

"Have I ever told you how much I love your lips?" Dean asked, placing his hands on my waist and pulling me close to him. I smiled and closed the lipstick before putting it back down on the bathroom counter. I giggled a little.

"Hi, babe," I said back.

"No, really. And this spot," Dean said. I glanced at our reflection in the mirror as his eyes were glued to my neck.

"What spot?" I asked, giggling.

"This one," Dean replied, before kissing the skin on my neck right under my ear. I smiled and closed my eyes as Dean made his way down my neck, kissing it. I let out a soft moan before pulling away.

"Dean, we probably shouldn't… not now since we uh, have to get to the thing tonight," I said back.

"What is this thing again?" Dean asked.

"It's a benefit to raise money for education. No students come so we can drink," I chuckled.

"Good," Dean said, pulling me in for one kiss. He pulled away and looked me up and Dean, raising an eyebrow. "My, Mrs. Winchester, you look beautiful tonight."

"You're looking quite handsome tonight as well, Mr. Winchester," I replied. "We should get going though. I would really love to stay here with you though."

"Why can't we?" Dean asked, curiously.

I shook my head, "A lot of people are expecting me to be there and we can't just leave Sam and Sawyer all alone."

Dean sighed, "You're right."

"Hey, Dean?" I asked.

"Yeah?" he asked back.

"I'm glad that things are getting back to normal – well, as normal as we could ever be. I guess what I mean is that things between us are getting back to normal," I answered, honestly.

"Me too, baby," Dean replied. He offered out his hand to me and I took it as Dean led me out of the house and to the Impala.

We got the benefit and immediately found Sam and Sawyer which was good. I had to say hi to a couple of people but other than that, I had tons of time to spend with my gorgeous husband. Dean and I were talking to Sam and Sawyer. Dean slipped an arm around my waist and I smiled. It was just the little things he did that he hadn't been doing since Bobby died that made me smile. It made me feel like we would be able to get past our gloomy phase.

"I just can't seem to keep my hands off of you tonight, but who could blame me?" Dean asked, a seductive tone in his voice as he leaned in close to me to whisper in my ear. I giggled and bit my lip as Dean's voice sent chills down my spine.

"Well if it helps, I'm not complaining," I replied. Dean smirked, but before he could say anything back, we were interrupted.

"Meredith, hi," I heard a voice say. Dean pulled just a little bit away from me and the two of us turned around to see Nate. My eyes lit up as soon as I saw him and I smiled.

"Hi, Nate," I said back.

"Nate?" Dean asked, raising an eyebrow at me.

"Sorry. Uh, Dean, this is Nate Parker. He's a… new teacher at the school. The history department just hired him. He's teaching," I started, looking over at Nate.

"I'm teaching a course in twentieth century rhetoric. It's a mix between history and philosophy. The kids study philosophies and ideas from some of the greatest writers but most of them are political so history is tied into it as well," Nate replied.

"I see," Dean said back.

"Nate, this is my husband, Dean," I introduced.

"Nice to meet you," Nate replied, offering his hand to shake.

"You too," Dean replied, shaking Nate's hand.

"Well uh, I'm going to run to the bathroom but you two talk," I said, trying to find an excuse for me to leave.

"Oh," Dean said.

I smiled politely before walking away. I didn't want to dictate the conversation because I wanted to see if Nate and Dean would get along. I'd talk to them individually later to see what they thought of each other and to see whether or not it would be a smart idea to tell Dean who Nate really was. I ran to the bathroom and took a deep breath, looking at my reflection in the mirror. Things seemed good. I waited a couple of minutes before going back out there to find Dean and Nate again. The two were standing around making small talk.

"Hey," I said.

"That was quick," Nate observed.

"Yeah. So what were you two talking about?" I asked, trying not to sound too curious.

"Not much," Dean replied. His eyes seemed to be scanning the crowd and it was obvious that he was not focused on what was going on now.

"Oh… okay. So Nate, how's your son, Tommy?" I asked, curiously. Maybe if Dean picked up on that, he'd be able to talk about John and Jude and they could bond over fatherhood? Ugh, then again, I felt like I was forcing it and Dean didn't seem too focused on what we were doing. I looked to where Dean was looking but it was just a couple of professors from University of Sioux Falls. I sighed.

"Tommy's great. He and I went to visit the art museum the art museum the other day. It's lovely," Nate replied.

"Yeah, we love the art museum. Well, except for Dean," I said. There was no response from Dean. Maybe I spoke too soon. Maybe things weren't going as well as I thought they were and what the hell was wrong with Dean? I elbowed him in the ribcage. "Isn't that right honey?"

"Ow! Wait, what?" Dean asked, finally looking at me.

"I was just talking about how the boys love to go to the art museum but that you think it's boring and so we only go when you're out of town," I replied, giving him a funny look.

"Yeah, oh, yeah the art museum… you drag me there every once in a while…" Dean said, his eyes returning to the crowd.

"Sure," I said, unsatisfied.

"I'll be back, babe," Dean said to me, putting his hand on the small of my back.

"Dean, wait-," I started but Dean just kissed my cheek and left. I sighed and crossed my arms over my chest. "He's not usually like that."

"No, it's okay. I get it. But you look like you could use a drink. Why don't I get us some wine?" Nate suggested.

"That sounds great," I nodded. Well, this night hadn't exactly gone the way I had planned it to go. Where did Dean even disappear off to?

"Hey, Mer, Sawyer's not feeling well so we're going to head out. Thanks so much for inviting us though," Sam said, coming over to me.

"Oh, no. Sawyer, are you alright?" I asked.

"Yeah, I'm just exhausted and am not really up to it. Besides, my hormones are going crazy and the baby is using my ribcage as a punching bag," Sawyer replied.

"Aw, well feel better. Don't worry about. Dean… should be back any time soon," I said, almost just to reassure and comfort myself.

"Call if you need anything," Sam said, before both Sawyer and Sam left. I scanned the crowd for Dean but he was nowhere to be found.

"Hey, Sam, have you by any chance seen Dean?" I asked, curiously.

"No, uh, I'm sure he just went to the bathroom or something," Sam replied.

I nodded slowly, "Yeah, okay. I'll see you guys later. I hope you feel better, Sawyer!"

"I got white wine. I hope that's okay. It's all they had left," Nate said as he joined me again.

"That's great, actually. Hey, do you want to go sit somewhere and talk? Dean will be able to find us…" I suggested.

"Sure," Nate answered, nodding his head. The two of us went to find somewhere to sit on a couple of couches in the room that the gala was being held in.

"I'm so sorry, Nate. I didn't know that Dean would be pulling another disappearing act this time. I really wanted you guys to get to know each other!" I apologized.

"No, it's fine, Meredith. There's nothing you need to worry about. When you left, it was all kind of awkward small talk. He's not a man of many words, is he?" Nate asked back. I laughed a little and took another sip from my wine glass. I closed my eyes, just enjoying the bitter taste of the wine. This was just what I needed at the moment.

"Uh, I guess. He's just- he has a hard time opening up to people he doesn't know very well. That's all," I said. I had this weird feeling. Was I just making excuses for Dean? Was he just generally this unfriendly to most people? He had always been so good to me though. Why was I antagonizing him now? "Anyways, I really don't want to talk about me right now. I'm… let's just not talk about it, okay?"

Nate nodded, "That sounds like a great idea. How about we both agree that tonight, we just have fun? No discussion of our problems or any past hurts like we usually talk about. We only talk about the positives tonight."

I smiled. That's exactly what I needed right now. That was what Dean and I were supposed to be doing tonight: "That sounds perfect."

Later that evening, Nate and I were still sitting there, just talking and laugh. There was still no sign of Dean, but I had stopped caring after a while. Besides, we weren't talking about problems anymore.

"Oh, no. I don't think you understand. I was a mathlete in high school," Nate laughed.

"Oh, I do. I was the girl in English class that actually did the readings," I replied.

"I was themathlete," Nate said back.

"Okay, fine! You win. You're the bigger nerd! By the way, good cover about the whole history class thing. Dean went to Sioux Falls High and he knows most of the teachers that teach the standard classes. It was a unique idea and hell, I'd take that class," I complimented.

"Thanks. I took a class like that in college and it was just the first thing that came to mind," Nate replied. Just then, "Never Say Never" by the Fray came on. There were a couple of couples dancing and it was a slow song.

"Oh, I love this song," Nate smiled.

"Really?" I asked.

"Yeah," Nate shrugged. "Look, I'm sorry, Meredith. About your husband."

"You know what, you want to dance?" I asked, changing the subject. We had been talking about the song and it was honesty the first thing that came to my mind.

"Really?" Nate asked. It was his turn to be surprised now.

"Yeah," I replied.

"Okay," Nate said, with a small chuckle. "For you, madam." He offered his hand out to me and I giggled a little.

"Merci, Monsieur," I answered, taking his hand. He pulled me out to the dance floor and we danced, talking as we danced. "The reason I asked is that I never really knew a grown man that admitted to liking the Fray. I like them a lot… I mean, they're a little mushy but still."

"Hey, I've always heard that a man in touch with his feelings is always the best," Nate replied.

"Or gay," I teased.

Nate laughed: "You do remember that I was married before this?"

"I'm just teasing! No, a man in touch with his feelings is always a plus," I replied.

"Ah, well, I am very far from gay," Nate replied, staring deep into my eyes. I felt this little jolt of electricity that made me feel very uncomfortable at the moment. I loosened my grip on Nate. I wasn't quite sure whether or not I was uncomfortable with the feeling or uncomfortable that I was having the feeling at all.

"Right. So uh, yeah the reason I brought it up though is that Dean is quite the opposite of a man in touch with his feelings. He can't stand stuff like the Fray or Parachute or whatever. He's much more of a Led Zeppelin guy," I replied.

"I see," Nate said, twirling me around once. I laughed a little and Nate smiled back at me.

~3rd Person POV~

"Thank you so much Professor Medina. This has all be very helpful," Dean said.

"You're welcome, Mr. Winchester. By the way, if you don't mind me asking, what exactly is your interest in Dick Roman?" the man asked Dean back.

"No reason. He's uh… an inspiration of mine and since you have done a study on high successful men in your anthropology research, I was just very interested in talking to you. My wife is a teacher as well so I figured I'd uh… pick your brain a little," Dean answered, cringing as he said "inspiration."

"Well, it was lovely talking to you," Professor Medina replied. Dean thanked him once more before going to find Meredith again. Dean was shocked and hurt as soon as he saw her dancing with that Nate guy. What exactly did he think he was doing? Meredith was Dean's wife and there was a burning sensation of jealousy as Dean watched the two dance together. The song ended and Meredith looked almost… happy. Dean swallowed hard and grabbed a glass of wine, downing it.

"Mr. Winchester, good to see you again," a voice said. Dean turned around to see Mr. Capulet, his old history teacher.

"Yeah… sure… stupid history teacher," Dean muttered to himself, while watching Meredith and that Nate guy go off together and sit down to talk.

"Excuse me?" Mr. Capulet asked.

"Nothing- not you! That stupid Nate Parker guy. Why did you hire him anyways? I bet he's a bad teacher," Dean scoffed.

"Mr. Winchester, we haven't hired anyone in the history department for years. I don't know what you're talking about," Mr. Capulet said. Something struck Dean deeply. Was he losing his wife?

~End 3rd Person POV~

I saw Dean coming and stood up from the chair that I was sitting in.

"Dean, where have you been?" I exclaimed.

"Nowhere. It doesn't matter. Let's go," Dean replied between gritted teeth.

"Dean, what're you-," I asked.

"Can we just go?" Dean asked, almost shouting.

I just stared at him for a while. Just as things seemed to be working out, they were falling apart. I swallowed hard, feeling way too many things all at once. "Yeah, okay. Let's go."

Dean and I got in the car and said nothing on the way back to the house. I was not looking forward to the conversation we were about to have because I had a very strong feeling that it would turn into yet another fight. This time, though, I had a feeling that it'd be really bad.

"What the hell was that?" Dean asked as soon as we got home.

"What are you talking about?" I asked back, angrily.

"Nate," Dean grunted out.

"Seriously, Dean? You're mad about Nate? It was one little dance!" I exclaimed.

"It didn't look like one little dance," Dean snapped.

I sighed, trying to collect myself, "Well, you know maybe I should be asking you the same thing."

"Oh, don't turn the tables on me now," Dean shook his head.

"Yeah well if you can ask, so can I. You were gone for more than half an hour Dean. Where the hell did you go, Dean? I mean… you left me with a lot of questions," I begged.

"Meredith, I can't-," Dean said.

"Can't or won't?" I interrupted Dean. Dean just stared back at me.

"Fine," Dean sighed. "But you're going to hate me because… because there was professor there that did a study on successful men. He uh… he has connections with Dick Roman. I was investigating."

"Dean, you promised we would leave that all behind tonight," I reminded.

"Don't you think I know that, Meredith? But I can't stop thinking about Bobby? I can't leave Bobby behind! I'm sorry that I can't be who you want me to be. You know what? I just… I need to go," Dean started.

"Dean, please don't!" I cried.

"Why not? I come home and all we do is fight!" Dean exclaimed.

"Because you keep leaving!" I shouted. I could tell that that really hit Dean.

"You know what? Fine. If Nate is what you want then fine," Dean declared.

"Dean, I don't want to be with Nate. I want to be with you but you're making it impossible to be with you. Every time we try to fix things you leave. Did you just hear yourself? You said you needed to go. Well you know what, Dean? I'm tired of you leaving like this. Just because we get into an argument does not mean that you're supposed to just go, Dean," I chastised.

"Meredith, I have a job to do," Dean argued.

"Yeah, and you have a job to do here too. You have a responsibility to your children to be here for them. You've barely been here for a couple of days and Jude needs you. I can see it in the way that he looks at you and the way that he looks at me when you're gone. He needs you to be here and to be his father because he's so lost right now," I said. Dean didn't say anything.

"I owe it to Bobby," Dean finally said.

"You… you owe it to Bobby? Dean, would you listen to yourself right now? The last thing Bobby would want you to do is seek out revenge. Bobby would want you to be here for your sons… he-, God, damn it, Dean. You always said that you didn't want to be John. He hurt you and Sam so much. He could never be the father that you wanted him to be. He continuously left you and Sam in motel rooms, day after day, never explaining what was going on, leaving you two lost and confused. Well, way to go John because that's sure as hell who you're turning into! You don't think Jude has questions? Well, he does, Dean. He's hurting so much right now and he needs his dad." I exclaimed.

Dean just stared at me and I could tell that what I had just said had really hit him hard. "I'm sorry, I-."

"No, you're right. I am just like my father. I've got to go," Dean said, grabbing his jacket and keys.

"Dean, wait!" I exclaimed. "It was out of spite. I shouldn't have-, I didn't mean it, Dean."

"No, you're right, Meredith. I… I think need some time. Sammy called and he has a couple of cases lined up. I'll call you from the road," Dean said, stoically. I stood there, wanting to lock the door and not let him leave but instead, I let him leave and it was one of the most painful things I've ever had to do. If I hadn't, I knew Dean I would've fought more and I just couldn't do it anymore. It would've just made things worse.