Disclaimer: Everything and everyone you recognize belongs to the CW, Eric Kripke and whoever else is responsible for bringing Supernatural to life. All the OC's are my own creation.

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Chapter 25

It was still dark downstairs as Sam and Isabeau quietly ventured into the kitchen. Sam felt along the wall for the light switch as his hand firmly held unto hers. She tiptoed behind him and giggled when she tripped over her own feet. He caught her just in time.

"You okay?" He whispered, pulling her to his side.

"Yeah, just clumsy, I guess." She smiled up at him. Sam looked down into her bright blue eyes and lowered his head, placing some feather light kisses on her forehead as she leaned into his touch. "Can we just…" she sighed.

"Can we just what?" he asked softly.

"Just stay like this for a moment longer?" Instantly his arms tightened around her small frame, pulling her impossibly closer. His strong chest moved slightly as his heart continued a steady rhythm below her ear. Isabeau felt warm and safe in his embrace. His muscles moved under his tight t-shirt as he drew patterns on her lower back while holding her firmly against him.

"It's nice here." She said quietly, staring into the empty kitchen.

"What, here in the kitchen?" He asked, breathing in the now ever familiar cinnamon and vanilla scent in her hair.

"Here in this house with you; with your family."

"Yeah, it is." He nodded, wondering what she was thinking. It grew quiet between them. It was a comfortable silence. Outside the birds were welcoming the morning but throughout the house everyone was still sleeping. Isabeau turned her head and looked up. Reluctantly Sam loosened his arms.

"Where will we live after getting married?" she asked. A worried frown etched between her brows. "And what will it mean for us? I'll have powers then, right? But I'm illegal in this country, so I should probably go back home and apply for a visa and then apply for a green card here, right?" She scrunched up her nose at the thought as the realization settled it. Suddenly everything seems difficult and a lot of schlep. "And will our marriage even be legal? I mean, aren't you and Dean technically dead? How does it even work?"

Sam placed his finger under her chin and tilted her head slightly back. Bending down he kissed her softly on the lips, feeling her melt into him. It was the sweetest kiss. Pulling away, he cupped her cheeks and stared into her eyes.

"You worry too much about things that are not yet a problem. Technically, according to the world, we will never be legally married and registered on any such legal system, but Bobby has ways and means around that. As long as the monsters know I'm alive, you've got nothing to worry about. As for a visa and all that, I'm not sure how it works. I think you can apply for a working visa or get married to a legal citizen to apply for a green card in order to stay here but I have never really looked into that. But we'll work around that. Besides, it's not like you guys came here via normal means, so going back it will have to be via Cas-Air again." He smirked. "Besides we don't have to get married right away. I mean, we can wait until you feel ready. I can't imagine that the next two days will be easy and we will all be busy with the spell and preparations. There's so much to do."

"Yeah, you're right." She slowly let out a breath she's been holding. "We can't do anything else right now. We've got much to prepare for and we haven't even told anyone yet. I'm sorry. I was just thinking out loud. It still feels unreal. I'm expecting to wake up any moment now."

"Believe me, it's all real!" he leaned in and kissed her again. She moaned into his mouth as he pushed her back against the counter. Her arms curled up around his neck, her fingers tangled in his hair and he groaned as they both pulled apart for some air.

"Maybe we shouldn't wait too long, you know." She bit her lip as she looked up into his hazel eyes.

"Yeah, maybe," he pants before dipping his head to devour her mouth again. She melted into him, slipping her hand around his shoulders and then under his arms, holding onto his back, pulling him closer but Sam stopped her, breathing hard.

"We should probably try to avoid situations like these." He smirked, "I mean, if you still want me to make you an honest woman and all that."

"Yeah, probably," she licked her lips as she looked again up, running her fingers over his cheek, down his neck and finally resting over his chest, tapping lightly over his heart.

Sam looked into her eyes a little bit long. There was so much love between them. She felt like home. "How about some coffee?" He cleared his throat, fumbling behind her for the kettle but Isabeau quickly stepped out of his embrace, shaking her head.

"I…uhm…maybe I should just go shower and then I'll see you a bit later?" She smiled shyly.

"Uh, sure." Sam watched her walk towards the stairs, missing her already.

"Hey, Sam," she quickly turned around, looking at him. He looked back at her expectantly. She kissed her hand and blew the kiss towards him before disappearing up the stairs to go get ready for the day.

ooOoo

Dean lazily came down the stairs, stifling a yawn. He found Sam standing quietly in the kitchen, staring out the window over the salvage yard.

"Morning Sammy, you're up early." He piped, reaching around his brother for the coffee pot.

Sam only hummed in response. Dean poured his mug to the brim and brought it slowly to his lips. He took a small sip, reveling in the warm liquid filtering through his sleepy bones, slowly waking him up. He carefully walked over to the kitchen table, trying not to spill a drop but stopped again and took another sip, savoring the taste on his tongue. He placed the mug on the table and turned around to look back at Sam.

"Something wrong?" he asked, staring at his brother.

"Dean, can I borrow the car?" Sam asked suddenly without turning around.

"Why?" Dean asked, suspiciously eyeing his brother.

Sam slowly lowered his mug and placed it in the basin before turning around, looking at Dean.

"I need to run an errand." He sported the whole puppy dog look.

Dean grunted quietly. He hated it when Sammy pulled the puppy dog eyes on him. It was so frustrating because he knew he would cave and he didn't even know why.

"Did something happen? I thought I heard some noises coming from your room last night." He said half smirking.

"Everything's fine Dean."

Frowning Dean reached his hand inside his jeans for the keys but then he froze. A small frown appeared between his eyes. "You know, if it's condoms you need, I still have a stash in Baby somewhere."

Blushing blood red, Sam looked away. "God Dean! It's not like that!" He whispered, frantically looking anywhere but at his brother.

Dean suppressed a laugh. It was fun to see Sam squirm. "So supply run then? But didn't we just go yesterday?" Dean stalled. He knew something was up with his little brother. He seemed nervous.

"No, not for supplies," Sam shook his head as he nervously shifted his weight from one foot to the next.

"Oh?" Dean slowly removed his hand from his pocket, but left the keys inside. Still frowning he looked up at Sam and this time he really looked. Sam looked fine, maybe a bit tired with the dark circles under his eyes but otherwise mostly bright eyed and bushy tailed. Except for that blush. Sam didn't often blush like that. But if it wasn't about sex then what was it?

"Come on, dude. I promise I won't scratch her." Sam urged, holding out his hand.

"Tell me."

"What?"

"Tell me." Dean pushed. "What are you…?" He paused for a moment, thinking. NO FREAKEN WAY! His eyes went big with realization. "Sammy?"

"Dean, please." Sam was pleading now.

"You dog!" Dean said out loud, briefly looking over his shoulder to make sure nobody heard that before abruptly walking around the table, pulling his brother in a bear hug.

"Dean, common!" Sam complained, trying to wiggle out of his embrace. But Dean held on tightly. Eventually Sam's arms slipped around his brother's back and Dean gave one final squeeze before stepping back, looking up at Sam.

His boy was smartly dressed. "Dude, you asked her?"

"I…uhm, I-I should…uhm," Sam stumbled over his words but Dean didn't give him a chance to finish as he excitedly continued.

"What did she say?" He urged; a grin plastered all over his face.

Sam rubbed the back of his neck as he stared down to the floor. "Uhm, yeah." He breathed out.

"Yeah?" Dean's eyes sparkled.

"Yes, Dean, she said yes!" Sam huffed as he held out his hand. "Now, may I please borrow the Impala? I'll be back later."

Dean reached for his coffee but stopped short, looking down. "I think I need something stronger."

"Dean, it's too early to drink!"

"Celebrate, Sammy! We can celebrate. This is huge!" He grinned from ear to ear as he opened the fridge to take out two beers but Sam cleared his throat.

"Dean, the keys please."

Dean turned around, placing the one beer on the table for Sam as he opened his and took a large gulp, closing his eyes for a second as the ice cold beer rushed down his throat. Maybe Sam was right, it was a bit too early for drinking. Holy shit! My baby brother is getting married. He thought as a frown etched between his brows. "Wish you would've said something earlier, dude."

"It was spur of the moment, I'm sorry, Dean." Sam sighed as he frustratingly ran his fingers through his hair.

"I get it, sure." Dean said as he took the keys out of his pocket, looking down at them. "Want me to come with?" he didn't look up this time, waiting as he continued to stare at the keys in his hand but Sam didn't answer.

For a moment it was quiet then he lifted his head, smiled at his brother and threw the keys to him. Sam caught them with ease in one hand. "Not a scratch, you hear me," he said, holding the beer around the neck while pointing a finger at Sam.

"Thanks man."

"I mean it, Sammy, and you park her far away from other customers."

"Dude! I know." Sam huffed frustrated, stepping towards the kitchen door.

"And get me some pie, will ya?!" Dean called as Sam slipped out of the door.

"Where's he off to in such a rush?" Nelle asked quietly behind Dean, making him jump slightly as she planted a kiss on his cheek, humming happily.

"Going to town for something." Dean replied, staring at the door. He listened for the roar of the engine as Sam pulled out and drove off.

"But didn't you go on a supply run yesterday?" She asked curiously. "Or is it for the spell?" she paused over the stove where she was already preparing to fry some eggs and bacon.

"Yeah." Dean replied as he turned to look at her, while finishing the last of his beer. He was deep in thought.

"Are you still sleeping, Winchester?" Nelle asked as she stepped in front of him again, quickly taking his face between her hands and planting a kiss on his lips. He reciprocated, holding her body tight to his and for a moment they forgot where they were. It felt like a lifetime but in reality it was only a couple of seconds.

"Oooh the eggs," she giggled as she wiggled out of his arms to attend to breakfast. "Will you set the table, please?" she asked over her shoulder as she flipped the eggs and added some bacon in the pan.

"Dean?" she asked again and turned around, only to find herself all alone in the kitchen. "Well, okay then," she said out loud to the empty room, shaking her head. Thinking back to the massage and the happy ending of the previous night, she couldn't help but smile as she quickly reached for the plates and set the table before the rest of the house woke up.

ooOoo

Dean watched Nelle slip from his arms and turn back to the stove. HOLY SHIT! Sammy is getting married, it echoed through his mind once again. He hastily turned around and ran the stairs, two at a time.

"Bobby!" He called out as he lightly knocked on Bobby's door but opened it up without waiting for a response.

Bobby was already dressed for the day, busy tying his shoes when Dean interrupted him. "What ya yapping about so early, boy, can't a man get some beauty sleep around here?" Bobby asked as he finished up his shoe laces.

Dean leaned against the door frame, catching his breath.

"Well, are ya gonna tell me or continue to support the door, ya idjit?" He glanced at Dean through narrowed eyes.

"It's Sam, Bobby."

Bobby looked up sharply. "Is something wrong? What happened?" He quickly stood up but Dean shook his head.

"No, nothing's wrong. Well, yeah, sort of but…" Dean bit his bottom lip then ran his fingers through his hair before he started pacing.

"Well are you gonna tell me?" The older hunter looked concerned.

"He…he asked Isabeau to marry him."

"He what?" Bobby frowned. "When?"

"I-I don't know. It must have been this morning or maybe during the night." Dean stopped pacing, briefly looking at Bobby.

"Well, that's good right? It means he is now all grown up, capable of making good decisions and she's a nice girl, you know."

"I…ugh." Dean sat down on the bed, resting his head in his hands.

"You're not happy?" Bobby asked, looking at Dean.

"I am. I mean, it's very sudden and he didn't quite talk to me about it before he did it. You know. I kinda wish he did…"

"Why? So you could talk him out of it?"

"Well, no. Maybe. I don't know." Dean huffed. "He's too young, Bobby. And with the life we live. I don't know. I don't think marriage is such a good idea. Besides, he only knows her like two weeks or something. Do you think she brainwashed him?"

"Whoa, calm down, Dean, I can't make a lick of sense of your ramblings."

But Dean didn't calm down, just rambled on. "She's a witch after all. Maybe she placed a spell on him in the dream world. Maybe he's doing this out of obligation or something. Oh god! What if he's possessed, Bobby?" Dean's eyes got big as he thought it over. "And I gave him the keys to Baby this morning. Son of a bitch!"

"Dean. DEAN!" Bobby stood over Dean, shaking him slightly. "Calm down, boy!" he urged, looking down at Dean. "The only thing Sam is possessed with is love. Besides, doesn't he still have his anti-possession tattoo?" He sighed heavily and sat down next to Dean on the bed. "And he didn't tell you because we've all been busy with this mystery. Give the boy a break. He met the girl of his dreams literally in his dreams and they're in love. As for marriage, who gave you the crazy idea that we can't get married in this life?"

"We can't Bobby. There are too many risks. You know the women in our lives all die."

"Well Nelle is still here, ain't she?"

"Yeah but we haven't..."

"Haven't what? Hunted recently? Hello! Where have you been doing the past two weeks? Give the boy some happiness. He deserves it and so do you."

"But…"

"No buts, Dean. I didn't want to say anything before, but why don't you ask Nelle to marry you. She's cute, practically family already and besides, I like her. As a matter of fact, I like Isabeau too and there's no rule that says you can't fall in love, get hitched or have babies. There are many hunters that are married and have kids. It will be your choice to raise your kids in the life but with things as they are now, I can't see why not."

"Bobby." Dean shook his head, as he focused on an intricate pattern on the wooden floor next to the bed.

"No Dean. You have been running away from domestic life for far too long. I've watched you and Nelle the past couple of months. You're already acting like a married couple, might as well make it official. Besides, there are other hunters that are dealing with a lot of cases I send their way. I really think you and Sam deserve a long, supernatural free, extended holiday. You've given your lives to each other and to this world. You've saved the whole planet multiple times. It's time to step down and give others a chance. You can always take a hunt here or there but ya don't have to. Stay home, make a life with the girls, and be happy for once."

Dean looked up, nodding slightly. He didn't want to consider it yet. The idea of making a home, having a life outside of hunting kinda scared him. Hunting is all he's ever known aside from the couple of months he stayed with Lisa and Ben. A dull sadness crept over him as he briefly thought of them. Wondering where they were, if they were happy and healthy and safe. Then Nelle's lovely face popped up in his mind's eye, smiling up at him. Maybe he's been stupid all this time. Maybe happiness has been here all along, he just had to make it permanent.

"Maybe you're right."

"Damn straight I am." Bobby chuckled as he got up. "Now, if my nose is not deceiving me, I bet Nelle is making a feast downstairs." He walked over to the door and looked back at Dean, still sitting on the bed.

"Thanks Bobby, you always know just what to say. I'll be downstairs in a bit." Dean smiled at him before getting up and walking over to the window to look out over the sea of metal.

ooOoo

Excited, Sam opened the driver's door and slid behind the wheel. He placed the bag of bakery goods on the seat next to him before slipping his hand into his pocket. He took a deep breath before taking hold of the tiny black velvet box. He wasn't even sure what he wanted to get when he arrived at the jewelry store a couple of hours earlier but he knew he picked a good one after one look at that display case. The silver set of claddagh rings caught his eye.

As if destiny demanded it, the ring he picked was made from solid sterling silver and already decorated with Irish and Celtic symbolism. Set between the friendship hands was a three-dimensional caged heart with a traditional Celtic crown, covered with heart-shaped cut outs which revealed one loose heart-shaped stone inside to represent safety and protection. He picked the pink Tourmaline stone because Isabeau was born in October. The jeweler told him that he could add two more stones, should he wish to. He decided to leave that up to her.

He also placed an order for his own wedding ring, and paid for the engraving of both rings at a later time. He couldn't have picked a better engagement ring since, in true claddagh fashion, he already knew about the symbolism. The traditional Celtic crown stood for loyalty, the hands for friendship and the heart for love.

Sam slipped the little box back into the pocket closest to his heart and turned the key in the ignition. He couldn't wait to get home.

End notes:

For a preview of the ring, check it out here: tinyurl dot com/boundiz