"Okay, now take a deep breath and squeeze." Dean coached her as they laid side by side on the ground. Sara took her time to steady her hand as she looked through the scope on the large rifle. Dean had set it up on a stand, and Sara slightly adjusted to push her shoulder against the butt of the gun.
She breathed in, and as she released that breath she squeezed the trigger. The loud noise was muffled by her ear plugs, but was still enough to make her jump slightly. The kick wasn't pleasant, but it wasn't as bad as she first feared it would be.
"A little off center." Dean said as he peered through his binoculars.
"Well excuse me, I'm only doing this for like the third time ever in my life. Honestly I'm just happy it landed in the circle." She shrugged as she pulled back and ejected the casing from the side of the gun. It bounced against Dean's arm and he gave her an offended glance causing her to laugh.
"Let's go again."
Sara sighed. Trying to hide the fact that all she wanted to do was curl up in the corner of the library. But Sam and Dean both had been overly observant of her activity level since coming back from their last hunt. Sam was pushy. Insisting she get checked out, Dean on the other hand was much more subtle about cutting training sessions short, until today.
"Unless… you wanna go back to the bunker?" He offered.
"I'm fine, Dean." She said with an eye roll as she chambered another round.
"You gotta admit… you're not really yourself lately."
"Please stop, you and Sam are making half of this up in your head. I'm just tired. That's not unusual for people, especially people who had warding carved into their bones."
"… Whatever." He shook his head as she leaned down and peered through the scope again. He watched quietly as she positioned her body and tilted the barrel to the best angle.
"Too low." He mumbled.
"Shut up." Sara said back before squeezing the trigger. But she was indeed, barely hitting the bottom of the target. "Okay. Fine. I'm done."
Dean could see her irritation in her movements as she pushed herself off the ground. He followed as he lifted himself up, and then grabbed the rifle, emptying any rounds that may still be loaded.
"You did okay, it takes practice." He said as he came up behind her, pulling out her ear plugs and sliding her jacket back on over her shoulders.
"When are we leaving again, I'm sure you two have found a case by now." She asked, ready to get back on the road and force their attention elsewhere. She was tired of having them obsess over her sleep habits.
"We've been looking through a few possibilities. Nothing concrete."
"We've gone to plenty of hunts without concrete evidence." She said as she crossed her arms.
"Sara."
"No. Don't 'Sara' me, Dean. Say it… Why can't we go on a hunt."
"Because." He sighed. "Sam thinks there really might be something wrong, and I kinda think maybe he's right."
"Well there's not, and we can either sit here and watch me go to bed early, or we can get out there and do some good to someone and I'll sleep in the car."
"You're being ridiculous. Just. Go see someone, for Sam's sake. He's driving us both nuts."
"Yeah yeah yeah…" She mumbled as she slid into the passenger seat. Dean finished putting the rifle and supplies in the trunk before getting in and starting the car. Sara instantly turned up the music, making it clear she was done with conversation for the time being. Dean shook his head.
Damn this stubborn ass woman.
…..
…..
…..
"Sara, please. For me. Just go, get some lab work done!" Sam begged exasperated from the edge of her bed where he sat. He had brought her a cup of coffee as this was the third day in a row she slept past 9, which she hardly ever did before. She was usually the first one up.
"Sam. Please stop worrying, I'm fine. I'm just tired. That's all. Its probably just the warding or something."
"That was days ago. Please, Sara. I would feel so much better if you'd just get checked out. Make sure its nothing else."
"Sam… you and I both know its probably something related to that."
"Well if it is then I'll look into that, but not until we rule out the medical part."
Sara leaned back and rolled her eyes. She had to admit, she was more tired lately than she had ever been in her life. She couldn't remember the last time she slept so much… it bothered her, but she would rather live with it then be more of a problem. She couldn't handle it if there WAS something wrong… and she couldn't burden them with it either.
"Do we have a case yet?"
"Dean left this morning. Small case, only about 8 hours away. He'll take care of that, and I told him I'd take care of you." Sam said with a pointed glare.
She realized then she wasn't getting anywhere with these men until she caved, and she was tired of being in the way of them hunting.
"Fine." She sighed as she rolled her eyes. "You'll have to take me to an urgent care clinic or something. I doubt I'll get a same day appointment with anyone in town."
"I'll figure that out. Just… get dressed and I'll find us a place." He said as he stood, just happy she was willing to go somewhere at all. As he walked out and closed the door behind him Sara stood and stretched. Steadily making her way to the shower.
She let the hot water melt away the tension in her shoulders, feeling more awake by the minute. She told herself over and over again that Sam was just being dramatic. That he and Dean were worrying for nothing. She had spent the last few days relaxing, do a little training on and off with Dean, and maybe going to bed early a night or two.
But deep down, she was beginning to question even her own medical knowledge. She didn't understand why she was suddenly so tired, and why it wasn't getting any better.
Sam wandered down the hall to the library, searching for the nearest urgent care, knowing it was the best bet to getting answers sooner rather than later. His phone buzzed in his pocket and interrupted his thoughts, he glanced down seeing his brother's name across the screen.
"Hey." He answered.
"Hey, I think we've got an angry spirit here."
"Yeah, you good on your own still or is it complicated?"
"Nahh. He's buried a couple of towns over. I'm going to check it out now. I can probably get away with a salt and burn tonight and be back by tomorrow night."
"Good."
"What are you doing? You sound distracted."
"Looking for a clinic to drive Sara to."
"Oh." Dean said surprised. "She's actually gonna go?"
"Well I didn't give her much of a choice, but yes… finally."
"Let me know."
"Yeah. You got it." Sam said before hanging up the phone.
…..
…..
…..
Sara tapped her foot as she sat in the warm beige waiting room. Sam sat next to her, insisting that she didn't have to be alone. She assured him she'd be fine, but part of her wondered if he was afraid she would just dip out.
Sam sat patiently, flipping through and old magazine that was sitting on the table beside him.
"Sara." A nurse called out as she opened the door.
Sam looked up to her, asking silently if she needed him to come with her.
"I'm fine." She smiled as she stood. Sam watched as she walked behind the nurse. Taking a deep breath knowing that they would finally get some answers. He had concerns it was a supernatural related issue, but he was more concerned it was something medical. The supernatural they can fix… he can't control modern medicine.
"Okay, you can have a seat right here." The nurse smiled as Sara sat next to the vitals machine. The nurse hooked up her blood pressure cuff and hit the button, scanning her temperature as they waited.
Sara sat back and took a deep breath, she was comfortable in this environment. The medical equipment and charts on the walls reminded her of home. Reminded her of the job she loved and missed.
"Hmmm.. The nurse mused. "Let's check that one more time."
She hit the button and the cuff inflated again, Sara watched as the numbers went lower, and lower.
"Do you normally run a low blood pressure?"
"Not that I know of. I haven't checked it in a while to be honest."
"Well. What's brought you in today?" The nurse asked as she brought Sara into an exam room.
"I've been overly tired lately. Like, napping, going to bed early, feeling exhausted even when I've not done anything out of the usual. I have some changes in appetite and my cycle as well."
"What kind of changes?"
"I haven't had one in about 4 months."
"Well, we will need a urine sample to rule out pregnancy just to be sure."
"Oh, that's not necessary. I've not been active in months."
"Months?"
"Like.. a year almost."
"Well, they'll want us to rule it out just incase."
Sara sighed as she shook her head up and down, accepting the cup from the nurse. She did her business and returned, she sat as she had her blood drawn.
"Okay, this will take about 30-45 minutes to run in the lab."
"Can you send my friend back with me please?"
"Sure." She smiled as she closed the door.
Sara leaned back against the wall. Nervously kicking her feet against the edge of the exam table. A few minutes later there was a knock on the door as it opened, Sam peeked his head in before he entered. Sara smiled slightly.
"They said you asked for me?" Sam said concerned.
"Yeah, it's gonna take some time to run the labs… so I figured we might as well wait together. I was bored anyways."
Sam shook his head up and down, but he could sense that Sara was nervous. He wondered why, she hadn't been nervous since they arrived. Irritated, but not nervous. What had changed?
"Did they say anything so far?"
"Um, that my blood pressure was pretty low."
"Is that normal for you? I know some people run low or high." Sam asked, his mind running the different causes of low blood pressure.
"No. Not usually. I mean I haven't checked it sine I've been with you guys, but I used to get it checked when I had migraines at the hospital. The other nurses were always concerned it would be high, which it was occasionally but never low."
"Well, I'm sure its no big deal." He smiled. As he stood against the counter across from her.
"Sam." She said softly.
"Yeah?"
"If it is something… can we not tell Dean? I mean you're a little over bearing but he is so dramatic sometimes."
Sam laughed and shook his head, knowing she was right. Dean could be overly protective even when nothing was wrong. If there was something going on, then he would obsess over it, never admitting to it, but still.
"We'll see. He's worried about you too. We just know you're not you."
"You know, with the exception of Anna I don't think anyone knows me like the two of you. I never really stuck around with people long enough to get there."
"Well, being in life and death situations so often you have to trust each other. You have to know the people you hunt with well enough to pick up on subtle signals and changes. You just pay more attention, its like second nature really. You know us pretty well too by now."
"Yeah. Sometimes I wonder."
"About what?"
"About what you two are really thinking… sometimes. I feel like you censor things, for my benefit."
"Like what?" Sam asked genuinely curious.
"Like, when I don't feel comfortable with something on a hunt. Sometimes I wonder if you guys talk about it when I'm not around. Like, I'm in the way. Or I'm holding us back. Or… when you two have those damn conversations where you don't say anything. It makes me feel like you're saying things you don't feel like you can say to my face."
"Sara, if we discuss something that happened on a hunt where you weren't comfortable it would only be to make things easier for you. Never in a negative way. And I know Dean and I have a habit of talking without talking, but its usually only when we're worried about you."
"I just wish sometimes I wasn't excluded from those conversations."
"Noted. We'll do better." Sam smiled at her.
They continued small talk for another several minutes before a knock on the door caught their attention.
"Sara?" The doctor asked as he stepped into the room. Sam moved to stand in the corner and out of the way, staying close to Sara's side.
"Yes." She smiled as he walked in and sat down across from her.
"Well, you're not pregnant."
"Good to know." She chuckled. Sam smiled awkwardly.
"But your labs are concerning. Your hemoglobin and hematocrit are low. This basically means that your red bloo-"
"It's okay, I'm an ER nurse. You can shoot it straight."
"Ah, I see." He nodded. "You're anemic. Very anemic. Your blood pressure was low, which I feel like is caused by the low blood counts. Your white count was slightly elevated, but not high enough that it bothers me. And based on this lab work I would assume your vitamin D and Iron are low as well. Maybe even your B12 levels."
"What would cause everything to be so low? I mean, she's never been tired like this before?"
"I don't know, have you had any traumatic blood loss in the last several months?"
"No." Sara shook her head… but Dean had.
"Your menstrual cycle has been skipping because your body is trying to compensate for the low counts. I'm not surprised by that. I'm not sure what the cause is, but I'd like to go ahead and get you started on some supplements. It will take a couple of days to get the rest of the labs back but I don't feel like we should wait, the sooner the better. I'll send over some Vitamin D, B-12 injections weekly to start out, and some iron tablets as well. Hopefully in a month or so you'll start to feel better. If the rest of the lab shows us something different then I'd recommend further work up. Maybe some scans to make sure you don't have any bleeding."
"I don't have any signs of GI bleeding or unusual bruising. I don't think that's a concern."
"Yes, well nurses, especially trauma nurses don't think anything is a concern until their arm falls off." The doctor smiled as he stood and walked out. Sam chuckled as Sara smiled back at him.
"Can we get the hell out of here now?" She asked as she hopped off of the table.
"Yes, let's get you some food and then go to the pharmacy."
"Yes Dad." Sara rolled her eyes.
…..
…..
…..
"Um, it should be under Winchester. Sara Winchester." Sara said politely at the counter. She convinced Sam she was plenty capable of picking up her own medications and that he was safe to wait in the car.
"It's going to be about 10 more minutes." The tech informed her. "You can have a seat or shop if you'd like."
"Okay, thank you."
Sara wandered about the small town pharmacy. It was stocked with medications, medical supplies, and boutique styled clothing. Hand bags and jewelry lined the wall.
"You know that's a gimmick to make you spend your money right?" An unfamiliar voice called to her from a few feet away. She turned in surprise.
"I'm sorry?" She asked confused. She looked the man up and down. He was attractive as he smiled at her. Brown eyes. Blonde short curly hair. His tan skin and toned arms catching her eye.
"It's a gimmick… they don't even start preparing your meds till you get here so that you'll spend your time shopping and buy some silly trinkets. Its all about the money." He teased as he approached her.
"Or- they could just be busy… it is the end of the month after all."
"And what role does that play?" He asked with genuine curiosity.
"Most people who are on monthly maintenance medications get them on a schedule, especially the elderly because their social security and Medicaid pays for them only a certain amount of times every month. So they usually get really busy at the end of the month and the beginning of the next month."
"Wow. Are you a pharmacist?"
"No." Sara smiled as she turned back to the jewelry.
"Well come on then, spit it out. You obviously know someone on the inside. I could use a friend like that."
"I'm a nurse." She finally said as she ran her fingers over the small chains.
"Ahh, so you are on the inside. Do you work in town?"
"Um, no. Taking a break."
"Really? Why"
"Do you usually ask this many questions to strangers?" She retorted as she crossed her arms. Partially flirting, and a part of her a little nervous that someone was so interested in her. Could he have intentions other than hitting on her?
"Only when I plan on continuing this conversation over dinner."
"Oh?" She smiled. "And do I get a choice on that matter?"
"Depends… where are we going to eat?"
"I meant a choice on whether or not I'm going to dinner with you."
"I mean sure, but the only choices you regret are the ones you don't make."
"That. Was cheesy…" She said as she turned back to the handbags on the wall. He chuckled behind her.
"I'm Cameron." He said as he extended his hand.
"Pleased to meet you, Cameron." Sara said slyly as she reached out and shook his hand.
"… Are you going to tell me your name?"
"No." She smiled at him again.
"Winchester!" The tech at the counter yelled, catching Sara's attention.
"Ah, and the lady claims a name." He said as he watched her turn towards the counter.
"Sounds like I'll be leaving now."
"Winchester." He called out as she turned to walk away.
"It's Sara."
"Sara." He nodded. "Meet me for dinner… tomorrow night, at 7? I'll be at Little Italy down off Main St."
"Again… do I get a choice in the matter?"
"No." He winked. Sara smiled as she shook her head and walked towards the counter.
"Here you go Ms. Winchester. It'll be $28.32." The tech said handing over a paper bag.
"Thank you." Sara said as she handed over her cash. She looked down and saw the pen and sticky pad laying next to the register. She didn't know what came over her, but as the tech collected her change she reached for them and scribbled her number down, pulling the note free from the stack.
She accepted her change and made her way to the door, passing the mysterious yet attractive and friendly man who was leaned against the back wall near the seating area. As she approached he was buried in some pamphlet off the wall. Something he surely picked up out of boredom. She reached out before he saw it coming and tapped the note onto the paper in his hand, not making eye contact as she continued to walk out the doors.
She giggled to herself when she was alone.
For the first time in a long time, she felt intrigued. Flattered by the attention of such a good looking and charming man.
Dean excited her, but she had convinced herself he wasn't interested. Maybe Cameron was just what she needed to get her mind elsewhere. Of course it couldn't be anything serious, her new life wasn't ready for that yet. But what was the harm in having some fun?
"Well you seem a little giddy." Sam said as she climbed in and he noted the blush on her cheeks and grin on her face.
"Umm, I think I have a date tomorrow night." She said hesitantly.
"Oh? A date?" Sam smiled at her.
"Yeah… I mean is that okay?" She asked, suddenly feeling nervous. Worried maybe it was too much, that it would complicate things for them. Afterall they were brothers and Sam had encouraged her to pursue things with Dean.
"Sara." Sam scalded said with a hint of shock. "You did not just ask me that… of course that's okay. You're still a person. You still have a life. You don't ever have to ask mine or Dean's permission to do something like that."
"Do you think it's safe?"
"I'm sure it is. We'll run a quick background check to make sure there aren't any red flags, supernatural or not. Did you get his name? Or a number?"
"Just his first name. Cameron. I kinda gave him my number."
"I'm sure he'll call. We'll check it out then."
"Okay." She nodded, smiling to herself again. Sam watched her out of the corner of his eye. It made him happy to see her excited about something so normal. He knew this was a lot more than just a date for her, he knew that this was a symbol of 'normal' for her. Casual dating was part of her life before they had turned her world upside down, and it seemed like something that would be good for her to get to experience again.
He did have some concerns about how she would manage a relationship while living with them in the bunker and being out on the road so much, how she would explain things to someone, but he knew that wasn't something to put much thought into until the time came it was needed.
This was just a date.
…..
…..
…..
"Sammy." Dean called out as he opened the door and made his way down the steps into the library. Sam made his way around the corner to meet him.
"Hey, everything go smoothly?"
"Yep. How did things go with Sara? I never head back from you today."
"Oh, it went okay. Her labs are out of whack, blood pressure is low, she's definitely anemic. They started her on some meds to help."
"Oh… why? What caused it?"
"Not sure, waiting on the rest of the lab work to come back. They said it would take a couple of days."
"How is she?"
Sam asked himself if he should answer that in detail. She had been down right cheerful since they came back from the pharmacy earlier. Her phone rang a few hours after they made it home, and he could tell right away it was the same man who made her blush earlier that day.
"She's doing better, she had a good day."
"Good. I'm gonna go check in."
"Okay." Sam said, knowing that conversation would come up on its own. He hoped Dean rolled with it as well as he had, and he wondered if maybe it would be the push he needed to come clean to Sara.
Dean set his bags down outside of his room and made his way to Sara's. The door was half open, so he didn't bother to knock as he pushed it open the rest of the way. He spotted her laying on the bed, smiling at her phone. He wondered what had caught her attention, she looked happy. He had seen that look before, and he couldn't explain why it made his knees slightly weak.
"Hey you." He said as he leaned in the doorway, Sara immediately put down her phone and sat up to greet him.
"Hey, everything go okay?"
"Yeah. Easy one… no fuss. How are you feeling?"
"I'm fine, Dean."
"Sam said your labs were off?"
"Yeah. Uh, I am going to start on some vitamin D and B12 injections… probably some Iron too. I may actually have to bother one of you to help with these injections. They're intramuscular and I think that it will be easier having one of you do it than me twisting my body to try by myself."
"Yeah, sure." Dean nodded. "Sam said you had a good day, what are you looking at over there smiley?"
"Oh." Sara paused looking between Dean and the phone on the bed. "Umm.. I uh. I have a date tomorrow actually."
She stuttered as the words left her mouth. Dean took in her nervousness, and it caught him off guard.
"Oh, well. Did we check the guy out?"
This was all he could think to say… his own emotions at the moment confused him, and he knew that he needed to play it cool for the time being.
"Um, I gave Sam his number. He said he was gonna run it tonight and see."
"Okay, well I'll see if he needs help." Dean smiled as he turned to leave.
"Hey Dean." Sara called out.
"Yeah?"
"I'm glad your back safe."
"Of course." He winked as he walked back down the hall towards the library. He came across Sam sitting on his laptop. He could tell he was digging into a report on someone. His curiosity got the best of him.
"So… is that him?"
"Yeah." Sam sighed, knowing exactly what Dean was asking about. Dean came and perched over Sam's shoulder.
"Anything we should be worried about?"
"Not that I can see. He seems like just a regular guy. Lives in town. Lived here his whole life."
"Hmm." Dean mused. "Any criminal records?"
"A couple of drunk and disorderlys from about 10 years ago. Nothing that really concerns me."
"Okay." Dean nodded as he pursed his lips. "So… did you see him?"
"No. She met him in the pharmacy. I was in the car."
"Okay, well I'm gonna grab a beer. You want one?"
"Sure." Sam said as he watched Dean carefully. He could tell his wheels were spinning even as he stared at the back of his head moving down the hallway. He knew Dean better than that… he's playing calm and collected on the outside, but on the inside he wasn't so laid back.
Dean turned into the Kitchen and grabbed two beers out of the fridge, popping the top on both of them. Downing the first one before leaning against the counter and starting to sip on the second.
Who was this guy… and how did he land a date with someone like Sara? He must have been a smooth talker, although he never pictured Sara falling for something that easy. What was it about this guy that caught her attention?
Why the hell did it bother him this much… he had told himself over and over to stop getting too comfortable in bed next to her. To stop watching her so much.
He had thought maybe… she remembered that night in the hotel. The night she wanted to be with him, but he couldn't for the life of him figure out why she would say she didn't if she did. What reason would she have?
So was it his mind telling him there were mixed signals when there wasn't? Or had he just not figured out what she's thinking…
And now enters someone new into the picture… Was this just a casual one time thing? Did she want to pursue something serious? Was she just doing this to make him jealous?
His mind ran 100 miles an hour as he finished his second beer and grabbed another on his way back to his room to shower. Hoping the hot water would help him clear his mind.
…..
…..
…..
"Hey, could I bother one of you for a trip into town later today?" Sara asked as she slid some bacon off the pan and onto each of their plates.
"Sure. Where you need to go?" Sam asked, curious why she didn't want to drive herself.
"Well… I need your opinion on something to wear for tonight. All I packed when we left Colorado were jeans, tshirts, a few other things. Nothing… date worthy." She shrugged as she sat down across from Dean at the table.
"Ooohhhh, Sara's trying to get fancy tonight." Dean teased. He had decided in his slightly drunken stupor last night that he would let this play out for now… see what happened.
"Yeah yeah, shut up Winchester. Unlike you some of us actually have to put in some effort before we drag the opposite sex into bed."
"What can I say? I'm irresistible." Dean shrugged as he chewed on his bacon. Sara smiled and threw a napkin at him, which he dodged.
"We'll find something." Sam assured her as he watched the two of them go back and forth. He too was intrigued to see how this played out… Dean was going nuts on the inside, but he had to admit he was playing it off well.
"I can't tell you the last time I went on a date…" Sara mused.
"You date much before you met us?" Dean asked.
"Not really… Anna was always trying to hook me up on some blind date, but other than that just the occasional guy I'd meet at the coffee shop or something."
"You didn't date doctors?" Dean teased.
"No." Sara said shortly. "Most nurses know better than that."
"What's that supposed to mean?" Sam asked with confusion.
"Doctors have a reputation for cheating… with nurses."
She looked up to see both Sam and Dean with a surprised look on their face.
"I'm not saying they all do it… I'm just saying, it's a well known thing." She explained further.
"Sooo… nurses purposely don't date doctors?"
"Not generally… I mean sometimes, but that whole marrying a rich doctor and working together thing very rarely works for anyone."
"Well, I guess it's a good thing I'll never be a doctor. More nurses for me." Dean said as he shoved his mouth full of food. Sara shook her head at him.
"I'm gonna get dressed, can we leave in about half an hour?"
"Sure. I'll meet you by the car." Dean said as he chewed.
"Thanks Romeo."
Sara went to get ready, and Dean finished his breakfast and coffee before throwing on a fresh shirt and pair of jeans. He stood against Baby as he waited for Sara to come through the door.
"Ready?" She asked as she finally appeared.
"Yup." He said as he slid in, starting the engine as Sara got settled.
"Any idea where you want to go?"
"Good ole Target should do the trick."
"Do you women ever go anywhere other than Target?" He sighed… he'd maybe been in a Target once in his entire life before Sara came along, now he couldn't get away from it.
"Don't hate on Target." She warned with a finger pointed in his face.
They drove the rest of the way in comfortable silence, the music playing in the background. The sun was out and there was a warm breeze as Dean rolled the windows down and Sara waved her hand against the wind. They parked, and made their way inside. Dean uncomfortable, but following closely through the racks of women's clothes.
"Okay… two things I need help with. What do I wear, and how to I conceal my gun in it."
"You're bringing your gun?" Dean asked impressed.
"I mean… I thought I had to take it with me everywhere."
"Yeah, no. You should. I'm just surprised you thought about that."
"I'm not stupid, Dean. I know it could always be a trap… if you think I haven't thought about that then you're the stupid one. I want to be safe."
"Sweetheart. I never once thought you were stupid." Dean told her flatly.
She smiled at him as she went back to flipping through clothes. She was frustrated, not finding anything that caught her eye. She wanted to be casual, but sexy… and nothing seemed to fit that bill.
"Okay… seriously. None of this is catching my eye. Tell me what to wear."
"I don't know." Dean shrugged. "Clothes… maybe not the sandals we bought the last time we went to the store."
Sara deadpanned as she turned back to look at him. He winked.
"I mean, do I get a dress? Or… something more sleek? Black?"
"Black is classy. Never say no to black." Dean nodded. He had to admit she looked good in black, it contrasted well with her skin tone and her eyes.
"Okay… black it is." She said as she moved towards the wall. There she found a sheer black top with a bandeau attached underneath. It was simple, but still sexy. She grabbed it and moved to find a pair of distressed jeans. Once she picked her size, she made her way over to the shoes, where she grabbed a pair of black wedge heels.
"Alright, let's see how it looks." She said as she led Dean over the fitting rooms. He stood against the wall as she moved into a stall and locked the door behind her.
His mind began to wander as he waited for her to come out… what would it be like if he had asked her on a real date. Would she care this much?
Would she reject him completely and he would have ruined the good thing they have going at the moment?
"What do you think?" Sara's voice caught his attention as she stepped out into the small hallway with the mirror at the end. Dean watched as she picked at her top and spun, looking at herself up and down with frustration on her face.
What could she possibly be frustrated with, he asked himself. In his mind, she looked hot.
"Yes." Was his short and to the point answer.
"Yes what?"
"Yes." Dean said again as he smiled slightly. "You should definitely wear that."
Sara blushed slightly as she turned back around.
"Okay… let me get changed and we'll get out of here."
…..
…..
…..
"Come in!" Sara called out from the bathroom as she finished lining her lips before applying a smooth matte lipstick.
"Hey." Sam said as he came in. "Wow, you look great!"
"Really?" She asked as she peered down at her shoes, straightening up her outfit again.
"Yeah, Sara… you look beautiful."
"Aw, thank you Sam.
Sara wondered at this moment why she had never invested in guy friends before… with the exception of Anna they were better friends than any girl she had befriended in the past.
"I have a weird question."
"… Again?" Sara said as she crossed her arms and leaned against the wall. Knowing his last personal question forced her into a doctor's office.
"Ha, no." He shook his head. "Do you mind if one of us drops you off tonight? I would just like for us to be able to scope out things around the restaurant. I didn't see anything to worry about on his background check, but I wanna make sure there's nothing there."
"Oh." Sara said surprised. "I mean, sure. Okay."
"It's really just us being cautious, I don't want you to worry."
"Yeah, no I get it… I appreciate it really."
Okay, well I'll check with Dean. See if he wants to go, or if he wants to keep looking for another case.
"Good. We should take one… I hate being the reason we have to stay behind."
"Sara, It's not you. Sometimes we all need a break." Sam assured her as he walked away.
Sara went back to putting on her final touches, then she carefully strapped a holster and her smallest pistol to the back of her jeans where she was sure it would go unnoticed. She did a final once over and misted herself in her favorite perfume. Then she made her way down the hall.
The sound of shoes clicking against the floors caught Dean's attention as she walked, slowly making her way to the library to meet them.
"Hey." She smiled. His breath hitched in his throat for a moment, and he picked up his beer to swallow it down. She was beautiful, and he struggled to hide his jealousy for a moment.
"You ready to go?" Sam asked.
"Yeah." She nodded and smiled.
"I'll drive you." Sam smiled.
For some reason, Sara felt the slightest hint of disappointment that it wasn't Dean. She didn't know why… why would she want him to be the one to take her to meet her date? To make him jealous… to show herself off?
She shook the thought out of her head.
"Hey, find us a good one." She smiled as she stopped and turned back to Dean.
"You know I will." He grinned back as he watched her leave. Once she was out the door he closed the laptop and ran his hands down his face.
"I need to get laid." He mumbled to himself as he stood, going for another beer.
…..
…..
…..
"Okay, I'll drop you here and let you walk in. Just keep your phone close by. Text us if you need us, let us know when you're ready to be picked up… don't hesitate to shoot us a 911 if things take a turn."
"Sam. It's fine." Sara assured him, but it was false assurance as she herself was nervous. Not necessarily about her safety… but about being on a date. She didn't know what to expect, how to act. She just hoped it would flow naturally like it did at the pharmacy.
"Okay, have fun." He smiled.
Sara leaned over and kissed him briefly on the cheek.
"Thank you, Sam. For everything."
With that she was out of the car and in the restaurant. Sam knew she was early, and took the opportunity to walk the perimeter of the building before her date or anyone else took notice. Once he was satisfied that nothing was there, he moved back towards the car. He peeked in the window and noted Sara still sat alone, a glass of water on the table in front of her as she flipped through the menu. He looked down at his watch and noted that it was still 5 minutes till 7.
He was slightly disappointed the guy wasn't early, and hoped that he would be on time. He slid back into the car and pulled out on the road headed back towards the bunker.
"Back already?" Dean asked surprised as he heard Sam come down the steps.
"Well I wasn't going to sit in the car all night, she's going to call when she's ready."
Dean's mind began to spin.
"Well yeah, but. What if something happens? I mean we're like twenty minutes away."
"Dean. It's fine." Sam assured him.
"Yeah." Dean shook his head. "I'm uh, gonna run and get a drink somewhere."
He stood and pulled on his jacket. Sam watched, and fought the smile pulling at his lips. He knew better, he knew where Dean was going… but he didn't exactly want to stop him.
"Okay." He finally nodded as he made his way back down the hall towards his room.
Dean made a quick escape to the car before Sam could say another word about it. He told himself over and over again that he was being ridiculous but he couldn't stop. He couldn't bring himself to turn around.
He had to know…
He had to know she was safe. He had to know who this guy was. He had to know that she was being treated well. He couldn't be this far away from her when she might need them.
And the other half of his brain was screaming at him for how stupid he sounded as he parked about a half a mile back from the restaurant, walking up the side walk across the street. He stopped and leaned against the building, looking straight ahead through the large glass windows on the outside of the restaurant. It took him a moment, but he finally spotted her inside the crowded room.
"What the hell…" He mumbled to himself as he looked down at his watch. It was 7:30… and she was alone. He watched as the waiter came by and offered her something, he assumed another drink by the way she pulled her glass closer to her at the table. He moved forward to cross the street. Hoping to get a better view.
Once he was sure he was out of sight, but still in a good spot to see her he stood still and just watched. She checked her phone… She looked up at the clock on the wall across the restaurant. She looked around at the tables around her, filled with people. She began to twist her fingers back and forth, something she did when she was anxious.
"Where the hell is this guy…" Dean said as he looked up and around, wondering if he'd see him running up the street, in a rush to apologize to her for being so late.
Dean waited another fifteen minutes or so, and then he made his way back to the impala. He couldn't stand to watch her sit, growing sadder by the minute. He wasn't going any where, he was sitting in this car as long as she was sitting in that restaurant. He debated with himself, should he just go in?
Would that bother her… would it bother her that he was watching? Would it give him away?
He had been sitting in baby for maybe another ten minutes when his phone beeped. He stopped and looked down and opened the text from Sara.
Sara: Can you come pick me up?
Dean: Give me five minutes. I was coming to town for a beer run.
"Finally" he thought to himself. He was hoping she would reach out, but he was more afraid she wouldn't. That she would sit there for hours before actually calling for a ride home. He wasted a few more minutes and waited until he saw her wander out to the street, leaning against a lamp post. He turned on the car and slowly pulled up to the sidewalk. She didn't make eye contact as he pulled up, just kept her eyes on her feet as she walked, getting in and closing the door.
"Thanks for the ride." She smiled briefly at him before turning back and looking out the window. Dean could tell she was crushed.
"Night ended kinda early, everything okay?" He asked. Hoping she would talk to him about it.
"Yeah, I just got to feeling tired, and I don't think its gonna go anywhere anyways." She lied to him, convincingly Dean had to admit. Had he not spent the last half hour watching her sit alone, he probably would have believed her.
He only nodded in response. Debating what to do next. His mind battled back and forth… until finally he couldn't stop himself.
"Sara." He finally said catching her attention. "He's an idiot."
She didn't reply, she simply turned her face away from him. Focused on anything other than having to look him in the face and watch him pity her. Feel the embarrassment of being stood up in front of Dean Winchester of all people. Suddenly she was angry at herself for not texting Sam instead.
"I'm hungry." Dean said plainly. "Mind if we stop and grab a bite?"
"That's fine." She mumbled as she fidgeted in her seat.
"Did you eat?" He asked softly.
"I'm not hungry."
"That's not what I asked."
"I'm fine, Dean."
Her eyes still glued to the passing trees outside the window.
He took a deep breath and pulled into the first taco place he came across.
Sara noted he ordered enough food for three people… in Dean talk that usually meant he was hungry, but then she heard him order two drinks, and knew what was coming next.
She sat quietly as he set the food on the seat between them and the drinks in the cup holders. She listened to the radio as they drove, realizing suddenly that they weren't headed the right way to go home.
"Where are you going? We passed our turn."
"We're going to eat dinner." He said as if it was obvious.
"Dean…" Sara sighed. "Please, just take me home."
"Dressed like that? No way."
Sara's eyes watered. She wanted so badly for him to WANT to be on a date with her, not just because he felt sorry she was stood up by some asshole. She kept her head turned away from him, but moved quickly to wipe her face as the tears overflowed down her cheeks.
Dean noticed, but didn't speak. He knew they weren't far from the park. The one with the pond, and the lights around the pavilion. He had come across it by accident one night, driving to clear his mind after a bad hunt and an argument with Sam.
Finally they turned down a gravel road, Sara watched as a pond with a softly lit dock came into view. Dean pulled up to the edge of the water next to the dock, rolling down the window and turning off the engine. The air was comfortable, and he enjoyed the sound of the frogs and crickets.
"You should eat." He said as he pushed the bag towards her.
"Thanks." She sighed as she reached in and grabbed a taco, knowing he wouldn't leave her alone until she ate something.
"Did he at least call and give some half assed excuse?" Dean said after a few minutes of silence and chewing.
Sara shook her head and finally turned to look at him.
"No. Dean, he didn't… He didn't call. Or text. Or answer when I called and texted. He didn't show up. He stood me up. Is that what you want to hear?" She asked, feeling her emotions begin to swell again.
Dean watched her face go from irritated, to angry, to just plain sad in a matter of moments as she spoke. He wanted so badly to make her see that she was better than this guy deserved anyways, that he was surely doing her a favor because he could never be good enough.
"Sara. He's a fucking idiot. His loss, seriously. I mean if this is the kind of guy he is, then I'm glad he didn't show, because you shouldn't have to deal with someone who has no respect for your time, and can't see what he has."
Sara stared forward out the windshield at the water, wringing her wrists over and over again while her half eaten taco sat on the dashboard.
"Stop." He said as he reached over and grabbed one of her wrists in his hand. She turned away from him again. "Sara, stop hiding from me. I mean come on, we live together. We see each other every day, good and bad. Why can't you talk to me about this?"
"Because I can't." She finally answered, wiping her face again, angry that it was betraying her.
"Sara. You saved my life. You know there is nothing that could make me think less of you, talk to me."
"I just… feel stupid." She finally sighed as she stared down at her feet. "I never should have agreed to this. It was stupid. I shouldn't' have asked you to come. I should have just waited it out, and called you in a couple of hours."
"And do what?" Dean scoffed with a mouth full of taco. "Sit on a bench all night?"
"Well, that would be better than having to admit I was stood up." She mumbled.
"Okay… so where are we going?" Dean asked as he threw his trash back into the bag.
"What?" Sara asked confused. Finally looking up to him.
"Where do you wanna go?"
"Home." She said exasperated.
"No" He said plainly as he took a drink. "You look way too hot to just go home, we're going somewhere."
"Dean." She chuckled, feeling something other than embarrassed for the first time since he showed up.
"I'm serious." He said with a straight look on his face. "Either you pick or I will."
"You pick." Sara mumbled as she also threw her trash into the bag.
…..
…..
…..
Dean walked Sara into the bar, it was Saturday night and it was clearly a popular spot. He had honestly never been here and had only passed it on his way in and out of town, so he figured they might as well stop there.
"Want a table?"
"Sure." She said, still refusing to look at him.
"Want a drink?"
"Whiskey sour." She said, Dean turned to her in surprise. It took her a minute before she met his gaze. "What?" She asked feeling self conscious.
"I'm just… surprised. That's all." Dean said with his hands up. He walked her over to a table, and then made his way to the bar, ordering them drinks, following Sara's lead and drinking whiskey himself.
He made it back to the table and slid the glass in front of her, she tipped it back and sipped, and then she tipped the glass up and downed the entire thing.
"Uhh, I think you're supposed to sip on that."
"I think I need another." She said as she pushed it back onto the table.
"Sara…"
"Dean."
"Stop letting this asshole ruin your night. You're young, and hot, and we can do anything you want."
"I want another drink." She challenged.
Dean was hesitant to grab her another. He knew she was drinking because she was upset, and that it probably wouldn't end well… but he also knew she was more willing to be honest with him if she was drunk, and for that chance he'd risk an angry drunk.
"Okay, be right back."
Sara watched Dean make his way through the crowd, she felt like she could puke. Or cry. Or do both, how did she end up here? Ready to cry in a bar next to someone like Dean… it wasn't exactly an ideal situation. She knew that if she drank enough, she could blame it on the alcohol. She could touch him, lean on him, and tell him the way her pride was wounded. And in the morning she could blame it all on the whiskey.
Dean returned with two more glasses. She looked up to him in confusion.
"I can see that this isn't a 2 drink kinda night." He said as he pushed both glasses towards her. She drank the first one quickly, and the second she just sat and sipped on, letting the liquor burn on its way down her throat.
"So who got you started on whiskey sours?" Dean aked.
"Honestly… an old boyfriend. Not the cop, but the one before him."
"Yeah, and why'd you dump him?"
"Went to his apartment and there was underwear in his bathroom floor."
"…So?" Dean asked confused.
"Black polka dots on a g-string… they weren't mine."
"Ohhhhh." Dean nodded as he understood now.
"I'm going down for another, you want one?"
"Sure." He smiled as he watched her down the rest of her 3rd drink… knowing it was only a matter of time before it starts to catch up to her. He watched carefully as she made her way to the bar and sat on the stool.
He watched the people around her move past, some interacting and some not. Mostly men… they could see it. That she was something to be desired, so why couldn't she?
He noticed as she lifted two shot glasses in the air back to back, then after another few minutes she stumbled her way back to him, whiskey sour and another beer in hand.
"Here ya go." She said as she plopped down on the chair next to him. He decided it was time to see if her whiskey was kicking in.
"So, you wanna talk about it yet?"
She swirled the ice in her drink, and then looked up to Dean.
"Fuck it." She mumbled. "What do you want?"
"I want to know why you're so upset."
"I was fucking stood up." She said blatantly and slowly as she looked him in the eye.
"Yeah, but you barely know this guy… he's nothing to you."
"Its not him." She rolled her eyes and tipped her glass back, downing what was left.
"Then what is it?"
"Its you!" She finally replied. "I mean… you have women crawling up your legs everywhere we go, and the one time someone actually makes a move, they fucking stand me up. Like, how pathetic is that?"
Dean could tell the alcohol was really kicking in now, he knew she needed to slow down.
"Sweetheart, its not you… it's him."
"Ohhh… Its not you its me." She mocked as she threw an ice cube from her glass across the table. "That's a good one."
"Sara, I-"
"I look hot tonight." She suddenly said putting a finger in his face. "I… look so hot. And he'll never know that."
She swayed on her chair as she looked around at the bar.
"These people… they know." She nodded finally. "They know."
"Know how hot you are?"
"No… how pathetic I have to be to look this hot and still get blown off. Its like. I'm a walking train wreck, Dean. I'm a fucking disaster. And they can see it… he could see it. So he didn't come."
"Sara." Dean chuckled. "You're not a train wreck."
"PSSHhhhhh…" she laughed. "I have no fucking identity… I don't exist in the world. I can't be a nurse anymore. I can't make friends… I'm too scared to leave the bunker some days. I'm being hunted!" She said getting more dramatic as she went. "I'd call that a fucking train wreck."
Dean slowly began to understand this was more than just a date for her… he couldn't fix most of that. But maybe, just maybe he could make her see that the guy was a loser.
"So what? Everyone's a wreck sometimes."
"Sooo… no one wants to fuck a train wreck."
"Oh you're wrong there. Men will fuck anything."
"Well not me…" Sara sighed, her eyes watering slightly. "I wasn't even worth a text message to say he wasn't gonna show."
"Sara, don't. Don't do that." He said as he reached up and rubbed his thumb across her cheek. She sat against his hand for a moment before pulling away, knowing she had to be careful. She couldn't get too close.
"Its true." She said as she tried to stand from her seat. She stumbled and Dean reached out to steady her. She leaned against the table. "I need another drink."
"Lets slow your roll there."
"I'm fine." She said pushing him off. He shook his head and began to wonder if he made the wrong choice taking her to the bar. He followed her down and sat beside her on the stool, worried she'd lose her balance while waiting on the bartender.
"You want a beer?"
"Nope." She said popping the P.
"You should take it easy on the whiskey, it's catching up on you fast. You didn't eat."
"Yeah well, I'll live."
"You wanna dance?" He asked noting that the jukebox was playing some sappy country song, and that Sara needed a break from the alcohol.
"Dean Winchester doesn't dance…" She said plainly. Remembering his words.
"Shut up." He rolled his eyes as he grabbed her hand and pulled her to small open spot in the floor near the speakers. She let him slowly guide them, rocking back and forth. His hand in hers, his arm around her waist, and his thumb gently rubbing against her back.
"Dean." She mumbled, feeling herself begin to melt.
"Yeah?"
"How come he didn't want me?" She whispered. He tightened his grip around her slightly as she leaned her head against his chest.
"Because he didn't know you." Dean said after a moment of letting her sniffle. "He didn't know what he was missing."
"I felt so stupid… sitting there all alone." She continued. "Like the waiter looked at me with pity every time he walked by. They probably talked about me."
"I'm sorry sweetheart."
He hated this man he'd never met. He hated that Sara based her worth on someone who had no idea who she really is.
"You looked at me… like you felt bad for me." She mumbled. "I hate that look."
"Sara, I don't pity you, or feel bad for you." Dean said pulling away to make her look at him. "I feel bad for that asshole, because he could be here right now, and he lost his chance."
Sara gazed at him for a long moment, letting his words fill her drunken thoughts. She wanted nothing more that to stay right here. For as long as he'd let her.
The song ended shortly after, and Dean led her back to a stool at the bar.
"I want tequila." She mumbled.
"Whoooa. Tequila and whiskey sounds like a bad idea." He warned. "Let's get a beer."
"No. I don't like beer." She said shaking her head.
"How about we take it easy for a bit."
"Can we go back to the car?" She asked him suddenly.
"Sure." He answered confused.
Sara was just drunk enough to get away with it… just drunk enough to try.
Dean paid the tab, and escorted Sara back to the impala. He opened the passenger door letting her slide in, then he slid into the drivers seat. He turned to look at her, her eyes glossy and unclear. She was drunk, and it didn't take her long to get there. She had no interest in milking it tonight. She just wanted to forget.
Sara slid over in the seat until she sat against Dean's side. Leaning against him as he found a song on the radio to listen to. Dean draped his arm over her shoulders. She waited only a moment before taking her chance to turn her body to face him, sliding into his lap.
She straddled him, her forehead laid against his in the dark, no street lights nearby to expose them. He couldn't stop himself and his hands slid down to her hips, squeezing them slightly as she rubbed her fingers down his neck, leaving a trail of soft kisses behind them.
Dean breathed out a deep moan, and the sound of that ignited a fire within her. She moved her lips across his jaw line and back to his mouth, where she let herself taste him once again. It was better than she remembered, and she took this chance to run her hands under his shirt, rubbing against his skin.
"Sara." He whispered as she pulled away and went back to leaving a small trail across his neck, nipping softly as she moved down lower.
"Don't… don't say it." She whispered back. Knowing that he would stop her soon.
However he couldn't, he couldn't even stop himself. His hands went down and cupped under her, his thumbs hooking into the back pockets on her tight jeans. He kissed down her neck and onto her chest, feeling her breath getting heavier as he went.
The sound was hypnotizing, and her hands playing and pulling softly at his hair while they wound behind his neck kept him locked into a trance. Her hands wandered down past his chest and straight to his belt where she began to fumble with it.
She quickly gave up trying to undo the damn thing and moved her hand again, rubbing against the inside of his thighs until something hard fit into her grasp. Dean's entire body was on fire at this point. He knew if he didn't stop right now, he never would.
"Sara… wait." He said as he grabbed her face with his hands. Kissing her again. "It can't be like this."
"Why…" She whined.
"I don't want you to regret it. I don't want you to wake up and wish you hadn't done this."
"I won't." She begged silently.
"You're drunk sweetheart." He finally said as he ran his hand through her hair, smiling slightly as she began to settle and be still in his lap, no longer grinding her body against his.
"… I'm sorry." She finally mumbled, her eyes glossy and watering at the edges.
"Don't be. Don't ever be sorry." He told her as tilted her face down and kissed her again. "Let's get you home, okay?"
She nodded leaned her forehead against his once more before she finally pulled herself off of his lap, but she didn't let him go. She stayed tucked under his arm, his hand rubbing against her shoulder softly as he drove. She let herself trace shapes along the top of his leg.
Wishing he hadn't stopped her… wishing for once he would be drunk enough to want it too.
…..
…..
…..
Sara began to stir, and her brain felt like it was being knocked against her skull.
"Owwww…." She groaned as she moved to sit up. Noting she was still in last night's clothes.
"Morning." Sam smiled from the chair across the room, holding out a cup of coffee.
"… Why." She mumbled. Not able to finish her thought of "why are you in here".
"You were passed out drunk when Dean carried you in, wanted to check on you this morning. See how you felt."
"I feel hungover." She said as she melted against the headboard, trying to rub the dark make up out from under her eyes.
"Yeah… anything you wanna tell me about last night?"
Sara sighed as she looked down at the cup in her hands.
"I'm so stupid." She finally whispered.
"Sara, screw that guy… he wasn't good enough for you anyways."
"No, no… I mean. Yes. Like, I'm upset about that, but… I tried to sleep with Dean."
"Oh." Sam nodded, understanding now why Dean had such a hard time leaving her in her room alone last night.
"Sam… what's wrong with me?"
"Sara. I wish you'd just tell him. Talk to him."
"I can't. Sam… it would ruin everything!"
"I don't think so." He shook his head as he sipped on his coffee and stood.
"You should get a shower, you look like you need one before we hit the road."
"Yeah, okay." She agreed as she moved to stand, grabbing some Tylenol off of her dresser and swallowing it down with her coffee. She moved slowly but made her way to the bathroom, puking a few times before finally climbing into the shower.
Once she was out, she began to throw some clothes into her bag, getting ready for the next hunt. She wasn't even sure what it was, but she was just thankful to have a distraction, for both herself and Dean. As she finished packing her bags, she came cross her bag of meds. She tucked her pills into the side pocket and grabbed a vial of B-12 and syringe.
"Sam? Dean?" She called out in the hall.
To her surprise Dean popped around the corner and into her doorway.
"Hey, you good?" He asked.
She turned and looked at him, trying to hide her stutter as she attempted to speak.
"Uh, y-yeah I need help."
"What's wrong?"
"Um, my shot… I just. Need someone to do it."
"Oh." Dean nodded. Remembering she had mentioned she would need someone to do it. He moved towards her, and he could sense her nervous energy. He was worried she remembered… that she remembered and regretted it.
He wondered if he should say something, but her reaction to his presence answered his question for him. He shouldn't say a damn word.
"You just need to make sure it's in the muscle." Sara said as she undid the button on her jeans and slid her jeans down her hip, exposing a good spot to give the injection.
Dean was preparing to give her the shot when something caught his eye.
"Hey, Sara…" he asked hesitantly.
"Yeah?"
"Did… did you get another tattoo?" He asked as he set down the syringe.
"No?" she asked in confusion.
"Move your hand." He instructed as he pulled her jeans down slightly farther. Revealing a scarred symbol very very low on her back, somewhere she could never see it on her own, and where no one else would have either, unless of course she was undressed.
"What is it?!" Sara asked, becoming afraid, not understanding what was going on.
"Sara, there's something on you. Its like. A mark." Dean said as he rubbed his thumb across it. As he did it began to glow red and became hot to the touch.
"Sam!" He called.
"Dean… what is it?" Sara asked beginning to panic.
"I don't know." He said not meeting her gaze. "Here, you got a mirror somewhere?"
"Uhh. Yeah." She said as she leaned across and grabbed a make up mirror off the dresser. She opened it and reached back behind her. Dean exposing the mark again as he moved her jeans out of the way.
"Oh my God… Dean. What is that?"
"What's wrong?!" Sam came barging in. Confused at the sight in front of him.
"What the hell is this?" Dean asked as Sara moved her arm and revealed the scarred symbol again.
Sam looked between the symbol and Dean, and then up to a very scared Sara.
"Call Cas." Sam mumbled. "I'm going to see if I can find it anywhere."
With that Sam was gone.
"Sara, put on something that's more comfortable. We gotta get this checked out okay?"
"Dean is it bad?" She asked, her voice shaking.
"I don't know… but whatever it is. We'll figure it out. I promise."