The bed was empty when Dean woke up the next morning. He could hear chearful voices coming from the kitchen so he chose to walk out there. Roman and Sadie were sitting at the table with empty plates in front of them. He held his breath for a second as he saw her. She was so beautiful in that striped dress. Her eyes were alive and she was laughing at whatever Roman had just said.
She noticed him first. Her smile died and the fire in her eyes was immediately put out. He felt so guilty. Roman turned his head and looked at him too.
"Good morning, Dean," he said.
"Morning. I see you got the dress out of the car," Dean said.
"Yeah, I didn't think you would mind," Roman said.
"I don't," Dean said.
Roman leaned back and put his hands on his belly.
"She's a keeper, Dean. She sure can cook," he chuckled.
She stood up and started clearing the table.
"Take a shower, Roman," Dean said.
It wasn't a request. It was a direct order.
"Yeah, I could use one," Roman said, got up and hurried to the bathroom.
For a few seconds Dean just watched her as she cleared the table for the breakfast he hadn't been a part of.
"Sooner or later you have to look at me," he said.
She put the plates in the sink with a sigh and turned around to look at him.
"Aren't you gonna say anything?" He asked.
"I'm afraid that whatever I say might set you off again," she answered.
He dropped his shoulders and the guilt was clear in his face. He walked over to her. She cringed and tried to back up against the counter. He hated that he had that effect on her. He quickly wrapped his arms around her and pulled her in for a hug.
"It wasn't you. It was Miz. He said some things that pissed me off and once I get like that, I have a hard time coming down again and I lash out at whoever is near me," he said.
He just held her like that until she finally responded and put her arms around him as well. She didn't hold as tight as he would have liked her to but just to feel her arms around him was a thing he treasured. He spun her around and slowly walked her backwards into the livingroom. He dragged her with him down on the couch. They lied there and just looked at each other. He reached up and pulled her hair behind her ear.
"I really am sorry. Forgive me," he said.
"You gotta understand that I've been around more violence than you can ever imagine. I've experienced more than anyone should in an entire lifetime. I thought you were different," she said.
"I am different," he said.
"Only sometimes. When you're Dean, you're different," she said.
"I am Dean most of the time. I've worked so hard to get to where I am today but sometimes I just snap," he said.
She moved her eyes from his and rested her forehead against his chest.
"I promise I'll work harder. I don't wanna be that guy. He's my past. I feel so bad for what I did yesterday. All I wanna do is make you smile," he said and kissed the top of her head.
He let his hands caress her back and he felt her tighten her arms around him.
"This feels good," he mumbled into her hair.
Everything was quiet as Roman exited the bathroom. For a moment he felt uneasy until he found them on the couch all curled up. Dean looked up and smiled at his friend. Roman signaled with his hands, asking if he should leave. Dean lightly shook his head before finally pushing himself and Sadie up to sit.
"Oh, hi Roman. Didn't hear you come out," she said as she saw him standing there.
Dean got up and found his wallet. He took out his creditcard and handed it to her along with a piece of paper where the code was written. Her jaw dropped and he couldn't help but smile.
"I told you yesterday it was my treat. Buy whatever you want," he said.
"But... I could just empty your account and run away," she said.
"I trust you," he said.
"You're the first," she mumbled.
Before he could answer, the door bell rang.
"Ah, Alexa's here," Dean said as he went out to let her in.
"Hey girl, you ready?" Alexa asked.
"Just need to pee first," Sadie answered and disappeared into the bathroom.
The moment the door closed, Dean turned to Alexa.
"Look, I need you on board here. I gave her my creditcard. Make her buy stuff. I don't care what it is. Just give her a good time out. She deserves it," he said.
"Don't worry, Dean. I'm an expert in using money," Alexa laughed.
Sadie came back out.
"I love your dress, by the way," Alexa said.
"Thanks. Roman bought it for me," Sadie said.
Dean swallowed hard.
"Lucky you. First Roman buys you a dress and today everything's on Dean. Girl, learn to share, please," Alexa joked.
"Have a good day. I'm gonna drive Roman home but if you need anything, give me a call," Dean said.
Sadie gave him a look.
"Oh right, we never exchanged numbers. Give me your phone and I'll put my number in there," he said.
"I don't have a phone," she said and looked down on the ground to hide her embarrassment.
"Oh," Dean said as it hit him.
Of course she didn't. How would she ever be able to afford that?
"But Alexa got my number and I got hers. Call me if you need to, alright?" He said and smiled.
She nodded. Shortly after he watched the two women leave.