Changing Tides

Jo shut off the lights in the kitchen and headed to the front door to lock up for the night. Just as she turned off the open sign she heard the familiar rumble of a certain black car. Her eyes lit up as she opened the door. The Impala had come to a stop at an angle to the building. She saw the driver's side door open and Dean got out took two steps and fell to his knees.

"Dean!" she cried running to his side.

"Jo, help…"

"Mom," she screamed, "Mom…"

"What the hell?" Ellen said as she came out of a back room to see Jo struggling to get Dean Winchester to a chair, the whole front of his shirt was soaked in blood. The side of his neck torn open.

"Dean, what happened?" Ellen asked.

"I pissed off a vamp…or two…or twenty," he said with his usual sarcastic wit.

"Where's Sam?"

"No idea, he is still pissed at me for the whole dad thing. I haven't seen him in weeks."

"You dumb son of a bitch, you were hunting vamps without backup? If you weren't already dying I would kick your fool ass, boy." Ellen castigated him.

"I'll take a raincheck," he half laughed half choked.

"Dean," Jo said obviously struggling to control her emotions as she put pressure on his wound trying to slow the bleeding.

Dean looked at her, his eyes half closed, "Hey…Jo…"

"Let's get him to the bed in the back room," Ellen said.

"Ash, wake up!" Jo yelled.

"What the hell?" Ash said opening his door.

"We need some help here," Ellen said.

They got Dean to the bed maneuvering him as carefully as possible. Jo touched his face, tears filling her eyes.

Ash came into the room with clean towels and a first aid kit. "I'm boiling some water. What happened to him?" he asked.

"Vampires," Ellen replied.

"Damn you, Dean Winchester," Jo said softly.

Dean raised his head slightly letting out a growl as the pain grew more intense. "Sorry, I didn't know where else to go," he said through clenched teeth.

"You're going to be okay," she said trying to reassure herself more than him.

Dean looked up at her soft brown eyes as she gripped his hand. "Jo," he smiled then everything went dark."

Ellen cut his shirt open exposing deep gashes and obvious bite marks. He was lucky to be alive. She thought about John and all the times she had stitched him up after a fight. Dean was every bit his father's son.

Jo cleaned the wound on his neck keeping the bleeding under control as Ellen sterilized it and stitched him up. It took well over an hour to get him stabilized. Jo gave him a shot of painkillers and covered him with a blanket.

"Jo, honey…" Ellen said, "Go on to bed."

"I want to sit with him for a while…please."

"Alright."

As Ellen walked out of the room shutting the door behind her, she shook her head slowly. She'd known her daughter had feelings for Dean for a while now and it scared her to death because she had been down that road and it led nowhere good.

Dean opened his eyes looking around the room as he tried to remember where he was. It all came back to him when he saw her asleep curled in a chair next to the bed.

"Jo," he said softly.

Jo woke up the second she heard his voice and moved to his side. "Hey," she smiled then checked the bandages. "How's the pain?"

"Tolerable," he grinned.

"Dean," Jo said looking into his eyes, "You scared me to death."

"I'm sorry."

"Don't ever do that again."

"I'll try not to."

Jo touched his face, she longed to kiss his full lips. She'd imagined what it would be like for months. Every time he walked through her door and left again he took more of her heart with him. "Dean, I…"

"How's our patient this morning?" Ellen asked as she came through the door.

"Still kicking," he replied. "Thank you, Ellen…both of you."

"You're welcome, though as soon as you're on your feet I am going to kick your ass."

Dean grimaced as he tried to sit up.

"What are you doing?" Jo asked.

"I have to get out of here, those bloodsuckers are gonna be looking for me."

"Lay back down, you aren't going anywhere," Jo said.

"I can't stay here I'm putting you in danger."

"Dammit Winchester, you're staying put. We can handle ourselves if those things come knocking. You need to heal," Ellen said.

"Where's my phone, I need to call Sam? Not that he cares."

"I called and left him a message," Jo said.

"What happened between you two anyway?" Ellen asked.

"Doesn't matter."

"Well, lay back down and rest. You're not leaving."

Dean relented his head settling back on the pillow again. Ellen left the room shutting the door behind her. Jo sat down on the edge of the bed and proceeded to check his bandages for any bleeding.

"Jo, you're crying," Dean whispered.

Quickly wiping her tears away, she shook her head. She couldn't speak or she risked falling apart in front of him.

"Jo?"

"Don't please," she said then got up to leave the room.

"Jo, don't go."

She stopped, keeping her back to him as tears streamed down her face. "Get some rest, Dean," she said then walked out the door.

Dean woke up alone in the room. He heard the sound of thunder, rain pelting the windows the howling wind. He was able to sit up moving back against the wall. The pain killers were starting to wear off.

Reaching over to turn on the lamp beside the bed he discovered it wouldn't turn on. The power was out. "Crap," he said softly. He managed to get to his feet and stumble to the door. Opening it he found the bar empty and quiet.

"Hello?"

Lightning flashed illuminating the entire room. Dean saw Jo and Ellen their bodies ripped to shreds lying in pools of blood. "No!" he yelled falling to his knees next to Jo pulling her lifeless body into his arms.

"Jo," he said softly cradling her against his chest, "I'm sorry…so sorry."

"Dean, wake up!"

Dean opened his eyes. He looked up at Jo and felt such relief. "You're okay," he smiled his green eyes shining with tears.

"You were having a nightmare; I had a hard time waking you."

"The painkillers I guess."

"You were saying my name."

Dean closed his eyes trying to push away the images. "You were dead," he said.

"I'm here…I'm okay."

"It's storming," he said as he heard the rain and wind.

"Yeah, the power is out."

"I need to leave; I can't risk them finding me here."

"Dean, it's okay."

"Has Sam called yet?"

"No," she replied.

"Where's your mom and Ash?"

"Mom, went to town for supplies and Ash is passed out."

Dean sat up leaning back against the wall. Jo sat next to him checking his wounds.

"Do you want me to give you more painkillers?"

"No, I'm okay, thanks. I need a clear head."

Without thinking Jo placed her hand on his. Dean looked into her eyes then laced his finger through hers.

"Dean…" she said her lip trembling.

"I'm sorry, Jo."

"For what?"

"I'm really not good for you," he said.

Looking at him in surprise she shook her head. "No, you're not…but that doesn't change how I feel."

Dean reached out to caress her face, she tilted her head welcoming the sensations his touch awakened in her. He drew her close pressing his lips to her forehead then after looking into her eyes for a moment he kissed her sweet mouth.

Jo drew back slightly his green eyes drawing her in. She kissed him full on the mouth it was even better than she had imagined. His lips were so soft and warm. His hands slipped around her back pulling her closer.

"We should stop," he said.

"I don't want to," Jo smiled.

"Jo, I don't want to hurt you. You mean too much to me."

"Dean, I'm not stupid. I know there is no future for us. But I want to know what it's like…" she smiled, "Just once."

Dean drew her onto his lap kissing her with abandon. Her lips tasted so sweet her body fit perfectly against his. He closed his eyes tilting his head back as she ran her hands over his stomach reaching for the button on his jeans.

"Oh God, Jo," he moaned his hands sliding around her hips.

"I want this…" she said huskily against his mouth.

"Me too," he said breathlessly.

"Dean," Jo arched her back pulling her denim skirt up so he could touch her. She felt his hands moving along the inside of her thighs sending shivers all through her body.

"Take it slow," he smiled.

"I can't…I need you so much," Jo said as she pulled her tank top off and unhooked her bra. She needed to feel his skin against hers.

Dean pleasured her with his fingers until she couldn't take anymore. He let out a growl of raw desire as she lowered herself down on him.

"Oh God," she gasped holding perfectly still as she felt him deep inside her.

"Jo," he moaned holding her hips as she slowly started to move. She felt so good.

Jo closed her eyes throwing her head back, crying out his name as her body responded to him with such intensity that it almost frightened her. She had never felt like that with anyone before him.

"I'm so close he whispered thrusting his hips upward driving into her fully as his release began to build. "Jo…yes," he groaned as they crashed over the edge and into the abyss of sheer pleasure.

Jo clung to him their bodies still joined their hearts pounding. "That was…"

"Yes, it was," Dean grinned kissing her mouth as his hands cupped her breasts.

"I think that was a mistake," she whispered laughing softly.

"Why?" he asked.

"Because now I want more," she said.

"So do I, but I think it will have to wait until I am fully healed," he grinned.

"Oh Dean, I'm sorry…did I hurt you?"

"God no, that was amazing."

"Should I get off you?"

"Not yet," Dean smiled kissing her tenderly.

"If mom catches us like this she will kill us."

"True."

"I should move," Jo said as she kissed his lips again.

"Yes, you should," he grinned but neither of them wanted to.

"Maybe I will just stay here all night," she purred laying her head on his chest.

Seconds later they heard Ellen return. Jo scrambled off Dean's lap. She put her top on kicking her bra under the bed as she pulled her skirt down. Dean covered himself with the blanket as she dropped into the chair letting out a soft giggle.

"You're so bad," Dean grinned as Ellen opened the door.

"How's our patient?" she asked.

"I think he'll live," Jo said with a glint in her eyes.

Dean looked away to keep from bursting out laughing. "I think I'm on the mend."

"Good," your brother called he is on his way.

"Really?"

"Yeah, I had a little talk with him."

"Thank you."

"No problem," Ellen said, "Do you want something to eat?"

"Um…sure," he responded his eyes drifting down Jo's legs then back up to meet her gaze.

"Bad boy," she said barely loud enough for him to hear.

"What?" Ellen asked.

"Nothing, Mom, I'll give you a hand with dinner," Jo smiled then jumped up leaving the room her mom followed.

Dean slid back down in the bed. He couldn't believe what had just happened. He knew he shouldn't have let it get that far. The last thing he wanted to do was ruin what they had between them.

Sam showed up the next morning. He had Rufus drop him off. He was still mad at his brother, but Ellen had set him straight on a few things. He walked into the roadhouse and Ash pointed him toward the back room where he found his brother trying to put on a shirt.

"What the hell, Dean?" Sam asked as he saw the bandages on Dean's neck, side, and chest.

"Hey Sammy," Dean responded.

"What were you thinking? Hunting vamps alone."

"Yeah, I know I already got reamed by Ellen for that."

"Are you ready to go?"

"Yeah, just give me a minute. I need to say my goodbyes."

Dean stood up as Jo walked in. "You're leaving," she said feeling her heart sink.

"I gotta go," he said then took her into his arms. "Thank you…for everything."

"You're welcome," Jo smiled, "Don't be a stranger."

Sam watched the exchange curiously. There was obviously something going on between them. "Is everything okay?" he asked.

"Of course," Jo replied.

"Just fine," Dean said then he kissed Jo on the forehead, "See you later."

Passing Ellen on the way out. Dean hugged her. "Thank you, Ellen."

"You're welcome. Now don't let there be a next time."

"Yes, ma'am."

As they walked out the door, and toward the Impala, Dean stopped to look back at Jo where she stood on the porch. She waved goodbye then turned to go back inside. He felt a sudden wave of regret. He hoped that what happened between them would not end up causing her pain down the road. That's the last thing he wanted.

Sam studied his brother. He knew him too well. "Dean, did something happen between you and Jo?"

"What? No," Dean replied as he got into the passenger seat.

Sam got behind the wheel. "Really? You're going to sit there and pretend that what I just witnessed between you two was nothing?"

"Just drive, Sammy."

"Did you and Jo…" he asked knowing the answer by the look in his brother's eyes.

"Sam…"

"You're playing with fire, man. If Ellen ever finds out."

Dean knew it was pointless to keep denying it. "Yes, okay…something happened. Maybe it shouldn't have, but it did."

"Dean, it's Jo…you can't seriously believe there won't be repercussions. The girl has had a thing for you for like ever."

Looking over at Sam, Dean gave a slight nod, "I know."

"How do you feel about her?"

"I care for her," he replied, "She is a great girl."

"Jo isn't someone you can just have a one-night stand with then walk away, Dean."

Dean lowered his gaze and nodded, "I know that."

"You're an idiot," Sam said then starting the car he hit the gas spinning the wheels in the gravel.

Dean knew Sam was right. He never should have allowed things to go that far between him and Jo. But still, the thought of her made him smile as he remembered how good it felt to be with her. It was a feeling he would and could never forget.

Jo had just finished wiping down the bar when her mom came in from a run to the store. Her heart was pounding. She felt on the verge of tears. She didn't know how she was going to tell her mother that she was pregnant with Dean Winchester's baby. She'd found out that morning when her doctor called.

"Hey Mom," she said putting glasses away.

"Jo, you okay? You look kind of flushed?"

"I'm good…I need to tell you something. You're not going to like it."

"What?" Ellen said.

"Mom, that last night that Dean was here…um…we were together."

"Jo, what are you saying?"

"I'm pregnant…it's Dean's."

"Son of a bitch I am going to put a bullet between his eyes," Ellen hissed.

"Mom, no…I instigated it. I am responsible."

"The hell…he is a grown man."

"And I am a grown woman."

"I can't believe you could be so stupid, Jo. He hasn't been around for two months."

"Mom, I don't regret it for one second."

"Jo, he is a hunter…a Winchester, you know he isn't father material."

"I'm happy, Mom. I really am. I want this baby I am going to keep it. I love Dean and I always will. This child is a part of him that I will always have with me."

"Have you told him yet?"

"No, and I'm not sure I should."

"What? You have to tell him, Jo. He needs to take responsibility."

"I just need some time."

Ellen walked around the bar and stood in front of Jo. Shaking her head as tears sprung to her eyes. "Dammit, girl…what have you gotten yourself into?"

"Mom, I love him…I really do."

"I know you do."

"You knew?"

"Yes, I saw the way you looked at him from day one. I'm not blind. And honestly, I get it. I never told you, but there was a time when I had feelings for John. Before your Dad and I were together. Dean has his father's charm it's easy to overlook the flaws."

"Really?" Jo asked.

"Yes."

"Did Dad know?"

"Yes, he did. I never told John. He was so in love with Mary nothing would ever change that. I loved your dad with everything I had, but John still had a place in my heart just like Dean will always have in yours no matter what happens."

"Mom, I am not going to pretend that Dean and I will ever have a future together, but I know that I am going to love this baby with all I have."

"I know, baby girl…I know," Ellen said embracing her daughter, "I'll be right there with you through it all."

Dean drove the Impala off the highway into the parking lot of the roadhouse. Sam was caught up in reading something. He looked up realizing where they were.

"What are we doing here?" Sam asked.

"I need a drink," Dean smiled.

"You are here to see Jo and you know it."

"Yeah, I am. I just spent four months in Hell I need to see her."

"You're going to freak her out, she thinks you're dead."

"I need to see her, Sam."

"Fine," Sam said, "But let me go in first so I can at least prepare her."

"Okay," Dean said.

Sam got out of the car walking up to the door. He entered the roadhouse to find both Ellen and Jo behind the bar.

"Hey," Sam said.

Ellen looked up in surprise. "Sam, what are you doing here?"

"Um I wanted to come in first. There's something you and Jo need to know."

"Sam," Jo came out from behind the bar her hands on her rounded belly.

"Oh my God, Jo…you're…"

"Pregnant…yes I am," she smiled.

"What do we need to know, Sam?" Ellen asked.

"Jo…is it…"

"Yes, Sam, it's Dean's," she nodded the pain in her eyes broke his heart.

"Wow," he said.

"Are you going to keep us in suspense or what?" Ellen asked.

"Sam, I got tired of waiting," Dean said as he opened the door and walked in.

"Oh my God," Jo burst into tears. She grabbed onto the bar her face going white as she fainted. Dean caught her before she fell picking her up in his arms.

"Jo," he said as he sat down in a chair holding her tightly against him. His hand caressed her face. "Jo, baby…it's okay. I'm so sorry."

Ellen ran over with a glass of water for her daughter and a cool towel. She looked at Dean her expression unreadable at first then her eyes teared up. "She thought you were dead…we all did."

"I was, Ellen," Dean said, "I just got back."

Ellen smiled through her tears. "It's good to see you."

"I'm so sorry, Jo," he said kissing her tenderly his hand on her face.

Jo didn't dare open her eyes out of fear that he wouldn't be there when she did. That he was not really holding her in his arms.

"Ellen…" he said looking at her with such emotion in his eyes that it broke her heart, "I didn't know."

"She didn't get a chance to tell you before you…"

"I'm so sorry," Dean said tears sliding down his face, "Jo, open your eyes, please."

"Dean, you're really here," Jo whispered looking up into his beautiful green eyes. She burst into tears wrapping her arms around his neck so tight he could barely breathe.

"Jo," his voice broke, "It's okay…I'm here."

Sam sat down at the bar. Ellen turned and hugged him then motioned for him to follow her to another room and give them some time.

Jo drew back looking at Dean, her hands on his face feeling his warmth, his heart beating. He was there…he was alive.

"I can't believe it," she smiled. Taking hold of his hand she placed it on her stomach then looked into his eyes again as the baby kicked. His eyes lit up when he felt it.

"My baby," Dean said.

"Yes," Jo laughed.

"I can't believe it," he grinned and kissed her passionately.

"Dean, I heard you were dead…in hell," she said.

"I was."

"How are you back?"

"Long story for another day," he said, "Right now all I want to do is hold you."

"Dean…"

"Yeah?"

"I love you."

Dean caressed her cheek then kissed her. He closed his eyes tightly. "I love you too," he said softly. He couldn't tell her that it was the memory of her touch and her smile that got him through his time in hell. It scared him to death to know he was going to be a father, but he was happy.

Dean stayed close to Jo, as she squeezed his hand the contractions were happening one after the other. He kept her gaze locked on his as she cried out in pain.

"I hate you, Dean Winchester," she hissed through clenched teeth."

"I know," he grinned.

"I am never doing this again," she half laughed half screamed.

"Not much longer," he said wiping her forehead with a damp cloth.

"Son of a bitch," she yelled digging her nails into his wrist.

Dean couldn't help but laugh.

"Shut up, asshole."

The more she swore at him the harder he laughed the madder she got.

"I'm going to kill you when this is over."

"Okay," Dean smirked.

Jo looked at him and busted up laughing. "I really hate you."

Dean put his hand on the back of her neck and kissed her hard. She tried to bite his lip, but he pulled back. "Easy wildcat," he smiled.

"Suck it Winchester," Jo said.

The doctor told her it was time to push so Dean put is arm around her as she squeezed his arm. Seconds later the baby was out and screaming at the top of its lungs.

"You have a beautiful baby girl," the doctor said.

"A girl," Jo smiled looking at Dean.

Dean was grinning from ear to ear as the nurse cleaned and wrapped his daughter and placed her in Jo's arms. "She is gorgeous just like her mom."

"What should we name her?" Dean asked.

"What do you think of Mary Ellen Winchester?"

"Perfect," he smiled then kissed her.

"I guess I can forgive you," Jo said then looked down at their daughter.

"I love you," Dean smiled his eyes glistening with tears.