Happy Sunday, beautiful SPN Family! I hope you're well and enjoying your weekend! I'm not going to blab too much here, we'll get right down to business. I would be amiss if I didn't give a shout out to my girl, Jenmm31. Best. Beta. Ever. Just saying. Alright, people you know the drill! Read, review (please!) and enjoy!

A/N- this is part 2 of a 3 part case story. If you haven't read the chapter before this one, please do, otherwise it ain't gonna make a lick of sense. In this story, Natalie is 19. Please see profile page for disclaimer.

Natalie grinned as she looked at the message. She couldn't believe Will had texted her so soon. Dean caught the look on her face, and immediately knew what was up.

"Well, that didn't take long," he muttered to himself. Sam turned his head towards his brother, wanting to know what that was about. Dean looked at Sam, but shook his head. Not now, his gaze said. Sam bobbed his eyebrows once in surprise, but didn't press the matter. He instead started sorting through the piles of paperwork that they had collected from the police station.

"Alright, so there has got to be something connecting these three victims," Sam mused. He opened his laptop and fired it up. "Did you guys find anything in the morgue?" he asked, looking from father to daughter.

Dean shrugged. "No signs of any damage on the bodies. But there was one weird thing."

"And that was?" Sam asked, sitting up in earnest.

"They...and this is going to sound bat crap crazy...but they smelled like apple pie."

Sam's eyebrows furrowed, not quite believing what he was hearing. "I'm sorry...they...what?"

"Smelled like freaking apple pie, Sam," Dean said, embarrassed at how crazy it sounded, even to his own ears.

"It's not crazy," Natalie said soothingly, as if she could read Dean's thoughts. "I smelled it on the girl, and you caught the scent on both the older people. It was weird, but it was definitely there." Natalie turned to look at Sam. "Is there any kind of poison that gives off an apple scent?"

"Well, we know where you're starting your research," Dean interrupted before Sam could speak. Natalie just snorted in response, and pulled her laptop out of her own bag. She plopped down on her dad's bed, sitting cross legged. Dean shot her a glare.

"Please. Make yourself at home," he said, a touch of humor in his annoyed voice.

"Thanks!" she replied back sweetly.

Dean rolled his eyes as Sam laughed at her antics. "Did all three of the victims smell the same? Like had the same scent?" Sam asked, still chortling a bit.

Dean nodded, and then shrugged. "Well, the two that I got a whiff of did. Nat? The girl- she smelled-"

"Like apples," Natalie said, not looking up. Dean raised his eyebrows, and turned to Sam, confirming it. Sam shook his head.

"Apples. Apples. Do you know of any lore involving apples?"

Dean looked insulted. "Me? Know fruit? You must be joking." Dean shook his arms, like he was trying to get rid of anything healthy that may have entered his system. "Unless it's in pie, I don't even acknowledge that it exists."

Sam's face fell into bitch mode. "Well, looks like you know where YOU'RE starting your research," he taunted his brother. Dean just huffed, and started pulling their lore books out of one of their bags. Sam began flipping through the piles of paper they had gathered. For the longest time, there was no sound in the room but the clicking of a keyboard, the occasional flip of a page, and the concentrated breathing of three hunters determined to find answers.

"Hey- check this out," Natalie said suddenly, breaking the silence. Both Dean and Sam looked up. "This druid website is talking all about the different meanings of apples in different cultures. A lot of them are related to demonic possession and witchcraft rituals."

"I thought you were researching poisons?" Sam said, a stern edge to his voice. Natalie had to restrain herself from rolling her eyes. He still sounded the same as when he would catch her playing on the computer instead of doing her homework.

"That was a dead end," she replied, keeping her tone even. "Sometimes poison gas smells like rotten apples, but that would leave traces in the victim's blood work, and, if you remember, all the toxicology reports came back totally clean. So no go on poisons." She hunched down, reading the small print on the website. "But there's a lot of crap about apples, all over ancient history. There's an apple tree in the Garden of Hesperidies on Mount Olympus, but it's not supposed to have any magical qualities. In Polish lore, they believed that putting an apple under your pillow could induce dreams about the future."

"So we could be dealing with some sort of witch scryer maybe? Or a psychic looking for answers about the future?"

"Maybe. But doubtful. How could a psychic kill 3 people at the same time?"

"Beats me. But a witch could do it."

"Man, I freaking HATE witches."

"Well, then let's hope that's not what it is." Natalie kept scrolling. "In European folklore, they said that giving enchanted apples to a person could cause demonic possession."

"I think we need to pay a visit to these victims' murder sites- see if we can find any apples shoved in places they shouldn't be, you know?" Dean said. Sam nodded his assent.

"It's worth a shot. Does the website say anything else?" Sam asked his niece. She squinted at the laptop, and continued to scroll.

"In Druid culture, apples were thought to keep people young."

"Well, seeing as all the victims are dead now, I'd say Druids are probably not involved," Dean threw out casually. Natalie's smile twisted to the side.

"There's the Judeo-Christian thought of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil being an apple tree."

"Yeah, but wasn't that actually a more modern religious convection?" Sam asked, trying to remember. "Wasn't it originally thought to be like a fig tree or something?"

"Exactly right," Natalie said, smiling at her uncle, then looking back down at the computer. "They changed it to an apple tree in the earlier part of the nineteenth century; they thought it would be more relatable to the masses." She shook her head. "I really don't know, guys. I mean, the whole apple thing is kind of a wild goose chase here."

"Well, we don't have any better leads to go on," Dean said, standing up and putting his jacket on. "Alright. Sam and I are going to go check out this dentist's office, see if we can find anyone who's seen the missing girl, or knew the receptionist."

Natalie looked up with a huff. "Why can't I go?" she asked. Dean snickered to himself. She had no idea how much she sounded like a four year old version of herself when she said that. But he had a plan to erase that pouting look.

"Because I need you to break into the loan officer's business accounts," Dean said, a smug grin on his face. Yup- sure enough, Natalie's eyes lit up like a Christmas tree when he said that. She was a computer hacking genius, and loved a good challenge. The higher the Firewall, the better, in her opinion. "See if you can find anything that means the old guy was up to something."

"With pleasure," Natalie said, the evil grin spreading on her face. "You got an email address for me?" she asked Sam. Sam fished through the papers for a moment, then came up with Dutcher's file. He handed it over.

"Thank you," she said, immediately flipping it open, and beginning the search. Sam and Dean headed for the door.

"Oh, and don't forget to return that text," Dean threw over his shoulder at Natalie. She couldn't help the stupid grin that spread across her face.

"I will, don't worry," she said reassuringly.

"Don't keep him waiting," he pressed. She finally looked up, the grin still firmly in place. Dean smiled- it was so rare she let her guard down enough to actually smile- he treasured when it happened.

"I am trying to work, and you keep distracting me with dating advice? Seriously- did hell freeze over when I wasn't looking or something?" she teased.

Dean shrugged, still thrilled to his core that she was actually smiling, but kept his face stoic, as usual. "Come on. I'm the king of dating. You could do a lot worse than taking advice from me."

Sam stopped, and turned. "How the hell could she do worse than listening to you for dating advice?"

"She could take dating advice from YOU."

*SPN SPN SPN*

Sam and Dean walked through the door of the dentist's office. Sam looked around, surprised at the interior decorations. The office had a distinct "beach" feel to it. The walls were covered in pictures of sailboats, the ocean, and various coral reefs. The wooden floor below was the bleached white normally found on old Floridian porches, and the seats matched the ocean blue paint on the walls.

The boys walked up to the reception desk, where a young man was sitting. "Can I help you?" he asked.

Sam and Dean pulled their fake badges out. Sam thought he saw the receptionist's eyes flash with a bit of panic when he saw "FBI" plastered on the IDs, but it was quickly replaced with a smooth face. "We'd like to ask a few questions about your former employee, Kaylee Costa."

"I'm new here- I didn't really know her. This is only my first week," the kid said, a little too quickly. Sam and Dean exchanged a brief glance. "I'm Ryan. Ryan Pearson. I'm a student at MCC, I just started here." Sam's brain clicked at the mention of the college.

"MCC? Isn't that the same college that Kaylee went to?" Sam asked quietly. The boy fidgeted for a moment before answering.

"Yeah, but I didn't know her. Never met her before in my life," Ryan said in a rush, then folded his arms tightly across his chest. Dean raised his eyebrows and nodded his head. He didn't believe this kid for a moment, but it was clear Ryan was on the verge of clamming up. Dean didn't really want to get into an altercation in the middle of a dentist's office with a pimple popper.

"Can you get us someone who did know Kaylee then, sport?" Dean said in a patronizing tone. Sam inhaled slowly. Hadn't Dean learned his lesson in the sheriff's office?

Ryan jumped up right away. "Of course, officers."

"Detectives," Dean corrected.

The kid stopped awkwardly and turned around. "What?"

"We're detectives," Dean said a bit louder. How stupid was this guy?

"Oh. Okay," Ryan said with a rude shrug, before turning and walking away. Dean was thoroughly annoyed by this time. Arrogant bastard, he thought. He turned to Sam and, without any preamble at all, smacked him on the back of the head.

"Ouch! What the hell, Dean?" Sam said, jerking away from his big brother.

"That's for stepping on my foot in the sheriff's office earlier," Dean growled.

"That was hours ago, you jerk."

"Well, I forgot about it until right now," Dean shot back, then started looking around the room. His eyes landed on a gigantic fish tank on the back wall of the waiting room. "Dude- check it out," Dean said, walking over to the glass enclosure, all animosity towards Sam forgotten. He moved his face close to the glass; so close, his nose was almost touching it. A brightly colored fish swam boldly right up to his reflection. "Look at this one! I think it likes me," he said with a self satisfied grin. He began imitating the fish, making the same puckered kissing face it was. "Are you seeing this?" Dean asked excitedly, then turned to Sam. He was surprised to see the confused and annoyed look on his brother's face. "What?" he said broadly.

"Dude."

"What?"

"Men over forty shouldn't be that into fish. It's weird."

"So?"

Sam just shook his head, and watched Dean turn back to the tank, his eyes following his new fish friend. Just then, the door to the back offices open. Dean straightened up quickly, smoothing out the lower part of his monkey suit. The dentist walked towards them, hand extended. Dean liked the look of this guy. He had a rather avuncular feel to him- middle aged, just a bit overweight, but a full head of hair and a large, perfectly white smile. Dean randomly wondered if there was such as thing as a dentist with bad teeth.

"Gentlemen- I'm Dr. Wilder. Ryan told me you were from the FBI?" he said in a pleasant voice.

"Yes, sir," Sam said, while he and Dean pulled the badges back out. "We'd like to ask you a few questions about some of your former employees." Dr. Wilder nodded sadly.

"What a shame," he said, his eyes filling with tears. "Kaylee was such a wonderful girl. I sincerely hope you gentlemen are able to find Debra before something awful happens to her as well." Sam nodded- Debra was the name of the missing dental hygienist.

"That's what we're hoping as well, sir," he said reassuringly. "Tell me- before either of the women went missing, did you notice any strange behavior from either one of them?"

"Strange? Like how strange?" Dr. Wilder asked, confused.

"Like sudden mood swings, short tempers, that kind of thing?" Sam offered, trying to offer suggestions that would clue them in if the women had become possessed.

But Dr. Wilder was shaking his head. "No, not really. I mean, Debra kind of kept to herself, but she was always like that. Kind of a loner, that one. Now Kaylee, she was a ray of sunshine. She was always asking how your day was, wanting you to tell her every detail of your life, because she genuinely cared." The dentist's began to well up again. He paused for a moment, and reached in his coat for a tissue to blow his nose. "Excuse me, fellas," he said huskily.

"Take your time," Dean said, not unkindly. The dentist blew, and quickly stuffed the tissue back in the pocket. He cleared his throat, and continued. He nodded and smiled at the Winchesters, indicating that he was ready to go on talking.

"Were you and Kaylee close?" Sam asked.

"Not really outside of work. But she was just such a sweetheart. When I was going through a bout of lung cancer, everyday, she'd ask how I was doing, what she could do to help. I really believe that her support is a big part of the reason why I'm still here today." Sam nodded. Again, the disturbing thought of how much this girl really did sound like Natalie was growing in his mind. The thought of losing Natalie like this poor girl was more than he could take. He wasn't sure how life would continue on- she had altered them both so completely. The dentist continued, completely unaware of Sam's thoughts. "I do know that she and Debra were getting close, though."

"Oh really? And how do you know that?" Dean asked, leaning back casually in his chair.

"They were always taking their lunch break together. Any time I'd walk into the break room and see them together, they'd be talking in hushed voices. They'd clam up completely when I walked in, but they'd still be perfectly sweet to me."

"Any idea what they were talking about?"

"Well, the rumor going around the rest of the staff was that Debra had found herself a boyfriend."

"Why wouldn't she want to talk about that?"

"Because the rumor was that the boyfriend was married." Dean and Sam both straightened up at that. Now they were getting somewhere.

"Any idea who this guy may be?" Sam asked. The dentist shook his head.

"Like I said, they both clammed up the second I walked in. The rest of the girls on staff were just falling over themselves, trying to figure out who it was," Dr. Wilder explained with a chuckle. Sam and Dean exchanged a significant look.

"Last question- did you smell or feel anything strange in the weeks leading up to the murder and disappearance?" Sam asked casually.

"Cold spots, smell of rotten eggs, anything like that?" Dean added. Once again, the dentist shook his head, looking thoughtful.

"Nope- can't say there was anything strange- feeling around here. As for smells- one of the girls did decide to burn a new candle or something, but I never saw it, only smelled it. It was kind of nice," he said, remembering. Sam and Dean leaned forward, encouraging the dentist to go on. "Like apples."

Yahtzee.

*SPN SPN SPN*

"You are not going to believe what I found!" Natalie sang out as Sam and Dean walked through the door of their motel room. She was still at her laptop, wriggling around like a two year old who had been told to stay still.

Dean yanked off his jacket and loosened his tie, making his way over to her. "What'd you find?" he asked.

"So this Dutcher- the loan officer at the bank? He made several loans to people who were using false names."

"How did you find that?" Sam asked incredulously, pulling his shoes off.

"It's all in his email. Well, his personal email- after I hacked his work one and found all the files, it was no problem finding his personal email and tearing it up."

Dean smiled proudly. "Alright Miss Nancy Drew of the Hacking World- show your work."

Natalie clicked on a tab. An entire list of email to one address came up. Dean leaned in for a closer look. "Who is DBSMan01?" he asked, reading the email address. He stood up and looked at Sam. "Drive-by-shooting man?"

Sam thought a moment. "Delta Bravo Sierra Man?" he offered.

"Dough Boy Soon Man?"

"Dull Boring Stupid Man?"

"Are you two done?" Natalie asked, annoyed. The brothers grinned at each other, and focused back on her. "It belongs to a Mr. Robert Ives. I'm not sure what the email address stands for- although you two gave some fantastic guesses," she said sarcastically. "He was under the fake name David Collins in Mr. Dutcher's loan records."

"Ives, Ives..." Dean mused, rubbing his hand along his jaw as he started to pace the room. "Isn't that the last name of one of the victims? Ives?"

Sam snapped his fingers and pointed. "Yeah- the, uh...the housewife. Friend of the sheriff's wife. Susan Ives."

Natalie began furiously typing, and was quickly rewarded by a ping from her search. "Sure enough. Robert and Susan Ives, married in 1981, no kids."

"Did you find out why he had a loan under a fake name?" Sam asked.

Natalie shook her head. "Nope. It seems that for all the care Dutcher DIDN'T put into keeping his email safe, he certainly made up for it in code speak in the email. He never comes right out and says what it's all about. But it's clear- he was blackmailing Robert, saying that if he didn't pay back the loan, PLUS added interest, Dutcher was going to spill his secret."

"So we got one guy connected to two of the murder victims- this Robert Ives- he's worth checking out," Dean said. Natalie checked her phone, and stood up.

"It'll have to be tomorrow- I've got a date tonight," she said, a smirk on her face. Dean took a deep breath, and returned a genuine smile.

"Glad you returned his text," he said. He made a note to pick himself up a congratulatory pie for keeping his cool AND supporting his daughter on this date.

"And well done not freaking out," she said back, teasing him. He tried to suppress his smile, but failed.

"Alright, squirt- be back by midnight," he said, then turned towards his bed to go sit. Natalie laughed.

"Come on, Dad, I'm nineteen. Legally an adult. You can't give me a curfew anymore."

Dean slowly turned back to her, and gave her The Eye- the same one that had over the years instantly made her fall in line with whatever he said more times than he could count. It did not fail now. He watched as his daughter's eyes grew wide- she knew better than to question him, even if she was "legally an adult" now.

"Midnight it is, sir," she said, gulping. He gave her a self satisfied grin, and tossed her a small object. She caught it perfectly, and opened her palm to examine what it was. When she saw it, she gasped. "Seriously?" she whispered, disbelieving. "You're letting me take the Impala tonight?"

"Treat her good," Dean said with a casual shrug. Natalie wasn't fooled- she knew how insane her father was about this car. This was monumental- the fact that not only was he staying calm about her going out, but he was letting her drive Baby. Gratitude and giddiness bubbled up inside of her, and she launched herself into his arms, nearly knocking him over. Once Dean caught his breath from the force of her assault, he just grinned and patted her on the back. After a moment, he held her away at a distance. "Midnight," he repeated, sternly.

"Yes sir," she said, giving him a rare smile, but smothering it just as quickly as it came. "Hey."

"I know. You too."

"I know." Dean let her go with a sigh. He wanted to see her smile again- for real. Someday he would.

"Make sure the guy treats you right, too," Sam threw at her, with a smile. She waltzed over to her uncle, pressing her lips together in amusement.

"You bet I will," she said, then hugged Sam hard around his middle. He squeezed her back, then held her away just as Dean had done.

"Good. Otherwise, we'll be waiting," he said.

"With loaded shotguns," Dean growled from his bed.

"I'd expect nothing less," Natalie giggled. She started walking towards the door.

"Cell phone?" Dean called out. She picked up her purse which was on a chair by the door, and held it overhead as confirmation that the phone was in there. She walked out the door, turned, blew a kiss at both of them, and then made her way towards the Impala.

Dean couldn't help it- he couldn't stay casual any longer. He bolted off the bed, and made it to the window, just in time to see her take off out of the parking lot. He put his left elbow up, bent, against the window, sighing. He knew she was growing up- hell, she HAD grown up- but that knowledge never made it any easier whenever he watched her leave. He knew that she rarely went on dates, and it wasn't because the guys weren't looking at her; she was just not willing to give her heart to just anyone- it had to be someone special. That thought gave Dean a rare moment of peace, but at the same token, made him sad, just a little bit. He wanted her to find love and to be happy, even if that meant eventually leaving the hunter's life. He knew that she was determined to never do that, but he also knew the temptation to just walk away- to try to have a normal life- was strong. He knew she was a smart kid, and he trusted her with his life, but he also wanted what was best for her, even if that meant that she wouldn't be with him anymore. And that thought made him more than a little sad. He continued staring out of the window, long after she and the car had disappeared. He didn't know how long he stood there, until suddenly, Sam was beside him. He turned to look at his little brother. Sam had a sympathetic look on his face, and a tumbler of whiskey in both hands. He held one out to Dean, who took it, gratefully. They both stood, sipping in silence, lost in their own thoughts.

*SPN SPN SPN*

At seven o' clock on the dot, Natalie pulled up to the restaurant that Will had made a reservation at. She was surprised to see it was a barbecue joint, but hey- this was the South after all. Will was standing in front of the restaurant, waiting for her. His eyes widened when he saw the car.

"Wow," he whistled appreciatively when she walked up to him. She grinned.

"'67 Chevy Impala. Best car God ever created," she said, giving Baby an affectionate grin.

Will smiled and ducked his head. "It's a great car, but that's not what I was 'wow'-ing at." It took Natalie longer than she'd like to admit to realize he was talking about her. He gestured with his hand towards the door. They walked side by side, until he stepped forward to open the door for her. Natalie checked that off the list in her head- opens doors. Sam had taught her all about how a lady should be treated while on a date, and she had never forgotten that lesson. So far, Will was making the cut.

When they walked inside, Natalie almost stepped back for a moment in surprise before grabbing a quick hold on herself. This place was rather nice- for a barbecue joint. She was looking around in wonder.

"This is...unexpected," she said, with a sideways grin. Will laughed.

"I know, right? Barbecue joint that's actually not a crap hole?" he joked. Natalie snorted a laugh in response. "It is the South, after all," he continued, putting an exaggerated drawl into his words. Natalie laughed outright at that- it had been her exact thought pulling up to the place. It also made her feel a tiny bit giddy that he had the same thought that she did. When the hostess seated them at the table, Will, being the perfect gentleman, held her chair out for her. Holds chairs- Natalie checked off in her head. Uncle Sam would be proud.

"This is way better than coffee," she said as Will sat down.

"Just wait till you try it- for being in Jackson County, Missouri, this place gives Mississippi barbecue a run for its money," Will said proudly.

"Really? I don't know- I've had some pretty amazing barbecue from Mississippi," she said with a sassy grin.

"Trust me- you haven't even lived yet," Will said, with his own sassy smile. Natalie melted a bit. The waitress came and took their orders. While they waited for their food, they began just chatting, getting to know each other. Natalie had her back story down pat, and had so for years, so each and every detail that Will pried her for was in place. And he pried more than anyone ever had before. She found herself thinking that no guy had ever actually asked her this much about herself before. He wanted to know details that she had only ever thought of when she was bored. And he was genuinely interested. Once that thought hit, she self consciously went into her own protective mode, asking about him instead. Besides, she really wanted to know all about him. She had been searching for someone to intrigue her, and there was a chance that he was sitting across the table from her, right now.

He told her all about medical school, about how he had decided to go into forensics and pathology from watching crime shows on TV. It seems he had been alone a lot as a child- he had two older siblings who were supposed to be in charge of taking care of him while their parents worked non-stop, but in reality, they had fought more with each other than taken care of him. Natalie's heart twisted as she imagined a four year old Will, left all alone, no one to play with, let alone talk to, except the TV. It suddenly occurred to her how lucky she was. She had always had her dad, her uncle, and, until recently, her surrogate grandfather. She had really never known what is was like to be lonely. Sure, she had been left on her own plenty of times when she was a kid, but she knew someone was always coming back for her. She reached out her hand to Will across the table. He stopped talking when she suddenly covered his fingers with her own. His stunning blue eyes found hers, and the tangible moment between the two was unmistakable.

They continued to talk, sharing everything from favorite movies (they had quite the discussion on Star Wars vs. Avengers) to childhood homes (Will had grown up in a split level just outside of Jackson County, Natalie completely made something up) to who the best James Bond really was (that one didn't last long- they both agreed with each other completely). They talked hour after hour, laughing, and just enjoying each other's company, until they were the last two in the restaurant. When it finally dawned on Natalie that they had closed the place down, she stood up quickly.

"We should get going, otherwise the manager's going to kick us out and ruin this very fine evening," she said with a giggle. Will laughed and stood up, collecting his credit card (paid for dinner, she checked off) and once again, held the front door for her as they exited. They both walked slowly towards the Impala, dragging their feet. When they finally reached the car, Natalie turned to him, a gentle and sincere smile on her face.

"I really hate for this evening to be over," she said boldly. Will smiled- it was exactly what he'd been hoping to hear.

"Who says it has to be?" he said, almost in a whisper. She cocked her head to one side, grinning impishly.

"Where did you have in mind?"

Will looked at the Impala. "Are you okay driving somewhere? I walked over, and the place that I want to show you is a bit of a hike."

"Hop in."

About ten minutes later, they pulled up to an old park towards the outskirts of town. There was a dilapidated playground that, judging from the height of the weeds, hadn't been used in a while. They pulled right up to the back edge of the parking lot, where the park opened upon a large field. The twilight blue of the gentle night was soothing and magical. The field smelled of wildflowers and wind. When they climbed out of the car, Natalie looked up and gasped. She had never seen so many stars at one time. The ink blue curved sky was sprinkled with the dancing lights. Usually, the stars were hard to see in the glare of the neon coming off of the motel signs. Even at Bobby's, or at the bunker, the stars didn't look as close or inviting as they did, in this moment. Natalie and Will climbed onto the hood of the Impala, Natalie sitting cross legged, Will, with his elbows on his knees.

For a long time, they just didn't speak. They simply stared at the beautiful specks of twinkling lights in the sky. Suddenly, a falling star shot across the sky. Natalie thought with humor to herself- I hope that's not one of the angels I know.

"Make a wish," Will said quietly, not looking at her, still gazing at the sky. Natalie thought for a moment, then turned to Will.

"Got it. And I know that I'm not supposed to tell, but that'll be counterproductive," she said in a teasing tone.

"Well, now you have to tell me," he said, his mouth twisting in amusement.

"Alright. You asked for it," she said, still thrilled that she was on a date with someone who didn't even so much as blink when she used the word 'counterproductive'. It was so nice being able to talk to a guy who was actually intelligent- and not related to her. "I wish that you know what an amazing night you've given me," she said simply. He stilled for a moment, then turned and looked at her. Even in the all encompassing twilight evening, she could still make out the fathomless blue of his eyes.

"I feel the same way, Natalie," he said quietly, his voice almost caressing her name. She felt a little thrill at hearing it. He leaned in, not all the way, but just enough to let her make the choice. She leaned over and kissed him, gently. When they parted after a moment, he let out a deep breath.

"Wow," he said to himself, clearly smitten with her. Natalie blushed and looked down.

"I don't usually kiss on the first date, just so you know," she said, a joking tone creeping into her voice, which Will caught immediately.

"When do you usually kiss? What number date?" he asked with a grin.

"Oh, I don't know. Maybe like the second or third," she said nonchalantly. The truth was, they had never stayed in one place long enough for her to have a third date. She had kissed a handful of guys, but none of them like Will. This guy was...intriguing.

"Geez- you move at a snail's pace," he complained, but couldn't keep the grin from his voice. She giggled in response. "Okay, but seriously," he said, then paused.

"What?" she asked.

"This is really forward of me, and forgive me if I'm inappropriate, but how on Earth are you single?" That made Natalie laugh out loud.

"You're joking, right?"

"No way. I've never met anyone like you. I've been with plenty of girls..." he trailed off, then looked at her, realizing what he'd just said. "Oh my god. I'm so sorry, that was just the worst thing I could ever have said."

Natalie chuckled a bit. "Well, it wasn't the best, but it wasn't the worst."

He breathed a sigh of relief. "Well, I meant it as a compliment. You're so...clever. You use actual vocabulary words when you talk. You know what you like and what you don't. And quite frankly, you're beautiful. How the crap did I get so lucky?"

"Maybe I was just waiting for someone like you," she said, her insides shaking a bit. She had NEVER said anything like that before, and she wasn't sure if it was too forward to say now, but there was no turning back. Will was still staring at her. For two seconds, her heart stopped, thinking she had blown the whole thing. But then a slow smile crept over his face.

"Well, I'm here now," he said, and leaned in again. This time, he didn't pause- he went right in for the kiss. And she let him. After another moment (a very wonderful moment, to Natalie's way of thinking), he pulled away, but remained close by her side. They sat in a comfortable, sweet silence for a long time. Natalie finally leaned her head down onto his shoulder, snuggling into his warmth. He turned his face towards her and kissed the top of her head. She gave a contented sigh.

"Okay, I have to know," he said finally, as if he couldn't take the waiting any more. She sat up, looking him in the eyes. He took a deep breath, and plunged ahead. "No one has ever...captured your heart before?"

Natalie sat back a bit. "This is the kind of thing you ask on a first date?" she said, teasing, but with a hint of sarcasm. In truth, no one had. She had never gone too far with anyone, not trusting anyone to betray her. She had kept a small portion of her heart locked, but here Will was, wanting to know what was inside that portion. And on the first date, no less. In response to her question, he shrugged.

"This doesn't feel like a first date to me. Does it to you?" he asked, scooting closer to her. Natalie shook her head slightly- it was as if he was reading her thoughts. She felt like she had known him for lifetimes before.

"No. No it doesn't," she agreed. She found herself being drawn into him, falling slowly. She wasn't sure she wanted to stop falling. All she wanted to do was hang on to this falling. His words poured out of him like a fountain.

"You're amazing, Natalie. I can't believe no one has reached out to pluck you from the vine yet." He leaned in, even closer. Natalie could feel his breath, warm against her ear. "To have someone who cares, someone who respects you, and admires you, and you can trust- that's just the best feeling in the universe." He wrapped his arm around her, pulling her towards him."To know what that's like is one of the greatest gifts in the world. And you deserve all the greatest things in the world." His words touched her soul. Here was someone, telling her that maybe she was actually good enough. Maybe she was worth something after all. "You deserve to know what that's like." Her heart stopped for an eternal beat. "Don't you want to know?" he whispered breathlessly into her ear.

She slowly turned to look him full in the face. The depth of his eyes called to her. The knowledge of feeling cared for- possibly even loved- maybe this was what she was looking for all this time. Yes. Yes, she did want to know.

Without another thought, without another word, she reached up, and pulled his face towards her, crushing her lips to his. She kissed him with enough passion to make all the stars go supernova.