A/N: I hate to be downer, but I have received many messages asking if I'm alright and where my next chapter is. I'm soooooo sorry! The truth is, my Grandfather passed away and I've been extremely busy with family issues this past week and a half. On top of that, I just began a very difficult class. It's my last class before I obtain my Bachelor's, so I have a gigantic paper due. I wrote half of this chapter before everything happened. I definitely plan on finishing this story, but my updates aren't going to be crazy fast like they previously were, lol. Unfortunately, this is a short chapter and only in Skylar's POV. I had to upload something for my readers though and explain my absence. Thank you for your patience and understanding!

Skylar continued to feel weak following the days since she was released from the hospital. They had yet to hear from Castiel. He was ignoring their prayers. Chances were, Lucifer had found a vessel and they were remaining in the dark. It was hard to follow a lead when nothing supernatural had occurred yet.

Skylar swayed gently on her swing, relishing in the cool night air. It was one of the rare moments when she didn't feel overwhelmed and suffocated. She could see the motel they were currently staying in from her position at the park nearby.

Ever since their conversation, Dean had surprisingly relaxed his domineering hold on her. Skylar smiled as she allowed her thoughts to drift to that day when she had blurted out that she loved him. While she instantly caught her breath, scared of what he would say, Dean had returned those words in a sincere voice that had left her basking in the moment.

She loved him more and more with each passing second. And while his drinking had resumed, his anger seemed to have subsided a bit. A part of her felt that it was due to his fear of losing her. If that were the case, then Skylar was okay with that. The effort he was exuberating lately was more than impressive. He hadn't lost his temper in nearly a week. That had to have been some kind of record.

However, Ruby was no longer in the picture, and that had made a world of difference in and of itself. Dean and Sam were taking routine jobs that included ghosts, vampires, and your typical werewolf. They were busy, but not overwhelmed.

Skylar opted to stay behind, claiming that she was too weak to be of any real asset. But she was embarrassed to admit that she hadn't been any real help on the jobs that they have taken. Sam said that all she needed was practice and Dean would flat out lie and tell her how beneficial she was. Furthermore, after her near death experience, she wanted nothing more to do with hunting.

Her husband had a reputation as being one of the best hunters to ever live, along with every other Winchester. And while she was now a Winchester herself, she knew that she would never live up to that notoriety.

She could claim weakness for so long before she would be forced to tell Dean of her desire to sit on the sidelines from here on out. She couldn't do it anymore. It wasn't ingrained in her the way it was in every other born hunter, past and present. He may not want anything to do with her after she told him, and that left her panic-stricken.

She couldn't lose him. Not now…not ever.

In the midst of her thoughts, she was brought back to reality as Dean's athletic figure made his way towards her. In the dark, the shadows created a striking picture against the backdrop around them. She smiled to herself, noticing how he kept his head bent while he walked. While he remained commanding in his strides, it was clear he was trying not to be intimidating.

Without a word, he sat down in the swing next to her. He remained silent while turning a sideways glance her way. His green eyes softened on her form and a small smirk etched the corner of his perfect lips.

"Is anything wrong?" Skylar asked to break the silence. Dean shook his head 'no' while turning his gaze from her. He swung lightly in response.

"It's a little cold out. We're not in Arizona anymore."

"I'm fine," Skylar answered, knowing where he was going with his statement without directly telling her what to do. She pulled her jacket closer together to ward against the Little Rock December chill.

"I'm not telling you what to do," he shrugged. "I'm just strongly suggesting. A cold is the last thing you need. You still look like shit."

Skylar went to open her mouth and protest. When she turned his gaze to his, he was looking at her with amusement on his handsome features. He winked at her, instantly setting her heart into overdrive. Skylar closed her mouth, smiling slightly in response while lifting her hand to move her hair from her face. The wind made her dark locks a tangled mess.

She rose from her spot on the swing. Without a word, she went to stand between Dean's legs. He stopped swaying as she put her arms around his neck and hugged tight. She knew that Dean was new to the whole hugging thing, but he seemed to enjoy her newfound embraces. He hugged her back around her waist, squeezing tight.

"What's wrong, Baby Girl?" he asked in concern.

"Nothing," she answered honestly. "I love you. That's all."

Dean scoffed, the amusement evident in his voice. "I love you," he responded.

"Can't we just stay here for a while?"

Skylar dared to indirectly ask to stay in Little Rock. There wasn't anything keeping them in Arkansas. They were here on a passing hunt that could be taken care of in mere hours. The silence stretched. She lifted her head and dared to look at him. His brow was furrowed at her question.

"There is something wrong," Dean stated in a firm tone. Skylar gave a heavy sigh before looking into the distance. She reluctantly shook her head, lying to the both of them. Dean didn't look convinced, but decided to not say anything more. He reached up, grasping the back of her head gently, drawing her lips down to his own.

Skylar audibly sighed as their lips touched. She deepened the kiss instantly, not able to get close enough. She relished in the feel as their tongues dancing lightly together, wanting all that this gorgeous man had to offer. It was the first time he'd kissed her in far too long.

Much to her disappointment, Dean broke the kiss, grabbing her lightly by the neck and pushing back. She noted the desire on his face. He looked torn between continuing and doing the right thing, she was sure.

"You're too weak, Sky. You said so yourself," he grinned.

It was at that moment that she regretted playing up her ailment to keep from being forced to hunt. She nodded reluctantly. Dean rose from his spot on the swing, gently kissed her forehead, and lifted her up by the back of her knees. She wrapped her legs around his waist while burying her face in the crook of his neck. It was moments like these that she lived for.

She laid a kiss against his skin, pushing thoughts of the future aside.