Chapter 18:

Sam did take it slow for Candy's sake. He continued to sleep in a different bed, as well as keep his hands to himself. Only after a particularly rough case did Sam slip into the bed on the other side of Candy, leaving her wedged between the brothers; she never slept better than she did sandwiched between Sam and Dean. For two weeks, things went on like normal. Eventually, Sam grew impatient with taking things slow. He wanted to touch Candy, to hold her and feel her in all of the ways he did before the pit.

It started with a kiss. Just a little peck on the lips. It sent a wave of jealousy through Dean, but he knew the time was coming that Sam would give up on taking things slow with Candy. If it was a little kiss, then Dean could handle. Except, it was only a week later when Sam decided to snatch Candy up in his arms and kiss her with more passion than before. Candy, herself, seemed nervous and unsure, almost as if it didn't quite feel right to her.

Over time, however, Candy fell into the duo relationship, as did Dean. It became easier to handle, because each night, Candy snuggled up close to Dean's side, one arm over his stomach, and as long as she reached for him at night, he would be okay. Plus, Sam was so much happier than he was before. It seemed like he had been able to release this festering thing inside of himself. He was relieved, and because Sam was relieved, Dean was relieved.

The only barrier they hadn't broken was intimacy. Dean was dead set on Candy being only with him in that way, and she didn't oppose. In fact, Candy felt a pang in her chest every time Sam even hinted towards it, as if she wasn't a bad person until she crossed that line. She was sure that Dean wouldn't want her anymore if she did anything like that with Sam. Of course, Dean was wildly in love with her, and there was nothing that could make him decide he didn't want her anymore. Candy didn't know that. All she knew was that Dean resented the idea of letting Sam get intimate with Candy.

Cas had taken Adam with him, and temporarily, Adam was being housed in heaven's prison with all of the rogue angels and traitors that crossed over to Raphael's side. Castiel made sure that Adam was fed and taken care of properly. Even if he was a horrible person, Cas's conscience kept him from torturing or neglecting Adam, or any human for that matter. Turned out that his soft spot for the Winchesters somehow naturally included Adam.

After a couple of weeks passed, Adam began asking for Cas to take him down to see Candy. After refusing him, Castiel was accused of having feelings for Dean's girlfriend, which was hard for him to deny. While Sam actively fought Dean over Candy, Cas had resigned to staying her companion and guardian angel, nothing more. He was confused for a long time about his feelings towards Candy, considering he didn't think he could feel attracted to a human in that way, or anyone for that matter. Yet, when he looked at Candy, he knew that she was the most gorgeous thing on Earth. Candy wasn't aware of how alluring she really was to the men around her, and it was almost unfair how easy it was to fall for her. Castiel resented his emotions, but there was no fighting them. Castiel was entirely content on being her friend.

Eventually, Adam stopped asking and started begging. Not knowing what to do anymore, Castiel dropped down to Earth to asked the boy's older brothers for their advice. Dean said no, while Sam thought it might be a good idea. After a lot of convincing, Dean agreed. The next morning, much to her dismay, Candy woke up to Adam standing at the end of her bed. Dean and Sam were on either side of her, hovering protectively near her.

"What is he doing here?" She turned to Sam. He took a deep breath as he prepared an answer, but before he could speak, Dean interjected.

"He asked to see you," Dean explained. "For whatever reason."

"To apologize," Adam sighed. "What I did to you was completely wrong. I shouldn't have used you to get to my brothers, and I'm sorry. I don't want to help Crowley anymore, okay? I want to hunt. With you guys."

"Hunt? You're not ready."

"I am, Dean.I fought like hell in the cage. Pun intended," Adam smirked. "I won't stay in the same room, or even drive the same car. Crowley is a cold-hearted son of a bitch, and he can shove his plans up his ass. I have to make up for what I've done. This is the only way I could think to do it." Candy combed her fingers through her tangled curls tiredly before flopping back down on the bed with a light huff.

"I forgive you," she muttered. "It's not up to me if you hunt or don't hunt."

"It's a dangerous job," Sam explained, "and you could easily be killed. Death comes with the job."

"You're the only family I have left, and I'd be stupid to not embrace it," Adam frowned. "You're my brothers, and I want to be a part of this. A part of a family. Crowley cant give me that, and its the only thing I could ever ask for. Please. Give me a chance."

"Candy?" Dean looked to her.

"Let him. It won't bother me."

"Fine," Sam nodded. "You have one chance. Don't blow it."

"I won't."

A/N: Sorry it's so short! I wanted to post something tonight that could lead into the next chapter. Thanks for your patience X( I still don't have internet, and its hard to type on my phone so I've been trying to wait. But its not fair to you guys so... I'll do better! Hope youre excited for more! Read and review if you're feeling it today lol and thanks again for reading!