Woo-hoo, new chapter! Let me know what you think of this one. I've tried to kind of give a few hints in past chapters as to a possible plot line, and this starts it up.

In other news, I am very proud to announce that I am participating in a very special fundraiser. I don't know if you've heard about Fandom Author's Note, but it is an incredible website. If you have the time, check out . If you click on the Stories4Charity tab on the side, you'll see a pretty cool thing. All the details are there, but in a nutshell, you can purchase a fic from me! For a small fee, you can give me a prompt of whatever you want, and I'll write you a custom story. All proceeds go to putting on a convention for fans and writers of fanfiction. How cool, right?! Please, if you can, go check that out, and let's get to writing, huh? ;)

-SIXTEEN-

Melinda lifted her head from Dean's shoulder, and he smiled gently at her.

"Hey, you."

She smiled at him, lifting a hand to touch his face, his eyes closing at her touch.

"Hey, back."

Her voice was barely above a murmur as she stroked his cheek, and he turned his head to press his lips against her palm.

"You okay?"

She smiled as she nodded.

"Are you?"
"Never better."

Dean gave her a smile, and she let out a sigh.

"Oh, Dean."
"Don't do that."

He lifted a hand to cup her face, rubbing his thumb along her cheekbone, wiping away a smudge of mascara.

"It's—"
"Don't you dare say it's okay. This is so very far from okay, Dean."

He shut her up the only way he could right then, by leaning forward and pressing his lips to hers. He reached up, threading his fingers through her hair as his tongue gently twirled around hers. He was the one to break the kiss, leaning back just far enough to rest his forehead against hers, and she reached up, laying her hands on his face as she let out another sigh.

"Are you all right, Mel?"

He murmured the words, not opening his eyes or moving away from her. He smiled as her breath ghosted over his lips.

"I am now."

Melinda shook her head, not opening her eyes or moving as she spoke.

"I can't believe we just did this."

Dean let out a quiet laugh.

"Believe it, baby."

Melinda leaned back then, causing Dean to open his eyes as a frown crossed his face at the loss of her skin on his. The smile on her face put one on his as well.

"I can't believe you had a condom in your wallet."
"Hey, first thing John Winchester taught me about sex was always keep one handy."

Melinda let out a laugh.

"And that was about the extent of 'The Talk' with my old man."
"Well, I'm grateful to him right now."

Dean let out a laugh as he ran his fingers over her cheek. Melinda let out a sigh, shifting on the counter, and Dean let out a breath as he stepped away from her, disposing of the condom in the trash can before buttoning his shirt back up. Melinda lowered herself from the counter, straightening her dress. She turned to the mirror and let out a groan.

"Jesus, Winchester."

He turned to her, stopping as he was tucking his shirt in. Melinda shook her head.

"You destroyed my hair."

Dean grinned.

"And do I regret it? Hell no, I do not."

She let out a quiet laugh, reaching for some of the pins that were scattered over the counter. She twisted some of her hair up, sliding a pin into it, reaching for another when she stopped. She gripped the edge of the counter, letting out a ragged breath. She couldn't look at herself in the mirror, and she didn't see or hear Dean coming up behind her until she felt him slide the pin from her hair, letting it back down, running his hands through her hair, massaging her scalp. She let out a moan, leaning back against him.

"What are we going to do?"

He moved closer to her, pressing his chest right up against her back, keeping his hands in her hair.

"We'll figure it out, Mel."
"I can't go back out there. I can't face …"

Her eyes were wide as she turned to face him.

"Oh, god. We just… And they… They're right outside, Dean!"
"Easy, baby. Take it easy."

He pulled her into his arms as she let out a ragged breath. She closed her eyes as she put her face into his chest, breathing in deep, focusing on the feel of his fingers gently massaging her scalp.

"I can't go back out there."
"Okay. We won't."
"We can't just leave them."

She felt him kiss the top of her head.

"Kitchen's right next to here. You can slip out through there, and I'll make up some bullshit excuse and pick you up out back."
"Dean, you don't have to—"
"Hush."

He bent his head and kissed her again, and she sighed into his mouth as she kissed him back. Soon, he pulled away, kissing her forehead.

"You head out, and I'll meet you there in two minutes."

Melinda nodded, and Dean kissed her once more before he left the bathroom. Melinda pushed her hands through her hair, turning back to the mirror and letting out a groan. She gathered the pins up from the counter, washing her hands before she walked out of the bathroom. She glanced around, slipping into the kitchen, never noticing Anna's dark eyes watching her leave.

Melinda stood outside with her arms wrapped around her chest until she heard the familiar rumble of the Impala. She watched as Dean pulled up in front of her, putting the car in park before he climbed out, walking over and wrapping Melinda in his arms, pressing a kiss to her forehead before he walked her to the car, opening the door for her, shutting it behind her. They drove to the apartment in silence, and halfway there, Dean reached over and took her hand. Her hand was cold, shaking slightly, and Dean gripped it tightly until they arrived at the bar.

He tossed his keys onto the table near the door, letting out a sigh as he rolled his shoulders. Melinda stood by the chair, sliding her shoes off, setting them by the door. She stood in the middle of the room, her back to Dean, until she finally turned around, tears sliding down her cheeks as she whispered his name. He walked over and grabbed her, pulling her to his chest and holding her as she cried. She gripped his shirt in her fists, whispering his name as he ran his hand through her hair.

"It's not supposed to feel this way, Dean."
"I know."
"It's not supposed to hurt like this."

Dean closed his eyes.

"I know, baby. And I'm sorry."

She shook her head.

"I don't know what to do."
"Don't think about it tonight."
"Dean—"
"Just be with me. We'll figure it out tomorrow."

Melinda let out a sigh, shaking her head.

"I just—"

He shut her up again by kissing her. He held her tightly as their lips moved together, and when he moved back, she blinked her big blue eyes at him and he groaned as he pulled her to him again. She shivered as his lips pressed against her neck, and she lifted a hand to his head, holding him right where he was. He smiled against her skin before he kissed her again, standing up straight and realizing she'd unbuttoned his shirt again.

"Mel, you—"
"Kiss me."

Whatever he was going to say was gone from his mind as he cupped her face in his hands and pressed his lips against hers. He heard the content little sigh she gave and he walked backwards, taking her with him, only running into the wall once, making her laugh before he pulled her into his bedroom. He turned her around, walking behind her, moving her hair out of the way as he kissed her neck again. She shivered, reaching back to hold a hand at his waist as he slid the zipper down her back, painfully slowly, kissing the skin he exposed, pushing the dress off her shoulders, turning her to face him as the dress pooled at her feet.

"You're not …"
"Someone disposed of my underwear at the restaurant and I never got them back."

Dean cleared his throat, trying and failing to get control of his mind, and Melinda just smiled as she leaned forward, looping her arms around his neck and bringing his lips to hers. Her fingers threaded through his hair as his arms came around her, and she pulled his belt through the loops, dropping it on the ground as she unbuttoned his pants, sliding the zipper down before he grabbed her hands. He made her laugh as he basically tossed her onto the bed, smiling as he kicked his pants off, shrugging the shirt off his shoulders, letting out a laugh as Melinda's bra hit him in the face. He shook his head, climbing over her, a wide smile on his face.

"Now listen here."

Melinda laughed again as he nuzzled her neck, letting out a gasp as she felt the gentlest press of his teeth against her skin.

"Oh, god."
"You can call me Dean."

She pulled away from him, sitting up as she laughed, and Dean pressed a kiss to her shoulder. She turned back to look at him, lifting a hand to gently push through his hair. He smiled at her until he leaned forward, pressing his lips to hers as he laid her back against the pillows. She wrapped her arms around him as he moved to hover over her, and after what felt like forever, he moved, pressing a kiss to her shoulder again. He looked down at her, and she lifted a shaking hand to roll over his face. His eyes drifted shut as she traced from his cheekbone over his eyelid, down his nose, and he kissed her fingers when they grazed over his lips. He opened his eyes, and her hand cupped his cheek. His voice was low, rough and wrecked as he spoke.

"You're not laughing anymore."
"Doesn't seem so funny now."

He bent to kiss her again, keeping his eyes open, watching as hers drifted shut, as her hands came up to cradle his face again. Dean moved back from her lips, watching her as he pressed a kiss to her heart, keeping his eyes on hers as he made his way down her body, hearing the hitches in her breath, feeling her jump as he pressed a smiling kiss just under her bellybutton. He ran the tips of his fingers down her leg and she gasped, squeezing her eyes shut as he took hold of her knee, moving it as he settled between her legs.

"Oh god. Dean."

She could barely breathe, could only whisper his name as sensations slammed into her. Dean's breath on her skin, the feel of his lips against her, his fingers. She came suddenly, almost without any warning, her hands tangled in his hair to hold him to her. Her hands fell limp as her body relaxed back onto the bed, and it was all she could do to just breathe as he made his way back over her, rummaging through the nightstand. She heard his sharp intake of breath before she felt his palm against her cheek.

"Mel?"

She smiled, opening her eyes, seeing the emerald green staring back at her. A smile spread across his handsome face.

"You still with me?"

She nodded, pulling him down to kiss him again. Dean smiled against her mouth as he moved over her, and she broke away from the kiss, turning her head to the side, taking in a deep breath as he slid into her.

"Mel? Are you—"

She groaned as she reached up, fingers carding through his hair, tugging harshly as she pulled his lips to hers. Dean answered with a groan, slowly thrusting his hips. Melinda broke from the kiss again, throwing her head back, giving Dean full access to her throat. As he fixed his lips on her, dragging his tongue across her skin, she shook her head.

"I can't—Don't be easy."
"Mel."
"Dean, just—oh god—yes."

She moaned as he began thrusting harder, deeper, and he hissed as he felt her nails digging into his back. He let out a groan as he felt her scratch down his back, closing his eyes when he latched his lips back onto hers. He let a hand come up, cupping her cheek, pulling back from the kiss, staying close to her, basically just exchanging breath until she cried out. Her hand slapped onto his back, nails digging into the skin just above his hip, and Dean cried out, too.

She'd fallen asleep on his chest, curled into his side, ear over his heart, lulled to sleep by the sound of his steady heartbeat. Dean always slept on the side of the bed closest to the door, body curled around her, as if protecting her. Melinda wouldn't admit it to him, nor to herself, but nothing made her feel safer, more protected, or content than sleeping beside Dean.

Now, though, she found herself caught in that place between waking and sleeping, eyes still closed, breathing deep and even, but hearing the sounds of the room. The ticking of the clock, the wind through the tree outside. As she continued to come back to consciousness, more realizations hit her. The warmth she was feeling was body heat, other than her own, radiating from above her. She could feel gentle caresses on her face and arms, gentle kisses against her cheeks and neck. She blinked open her eyes, slowly, and Dean pushed himself up on his arms, looking down at her. Melinda blinked again as a smile crossed his face, and she let out a sigh as Dean bent his head, gently pressing his lips to hers. The breath caught in her chest at the tenderness of it, and she let herself just feel. She could feel his rough fingers as they skated over her skin, before he laid his warm palm against her stomach. She felt one of his hairy muscled thighs in between her legs, his strong arms holding him up on either side of her head. She reached up, laying her hands against his sides, feeling the muscles jump and tighten under her touch, listening as Dean let out a ragged breath. He lay down on top of her, rolling them over, putting Melinda on top of him.

She straddled his stomach, sitting up, shaking her hair out, looking down at him, and the breath caught in his throat. She was so beautiful, and if he wasn't currently feeling her against him, he wouldn't believe she was real. Her hair around her head glowed like a halo in the moonlight that spilled in through his window, and Dean swallowed hard. She was staring into his eyes, blue eyes burning into his green. He opened his mouth, but no words came out. He just reached up, pulling her face down to his, fixing their lips together again. She smiled at him as she sat back up, letting her head fall back on a quiet moan as Dean's hands slid over her body.

Dean took hold of her knees, straightening them out as he laid her back, coming over her, never quite so thankful for such a big bed. Her hair fanned out on his sheets, the blankets long ago kicked aside. Dean bent to place kisses against her neck and chest and Melinda's hand came up to run through his hair. He leaned up to stare into her eyes, and her shaky hand lifted to rest against his cheek. He closed his eyes, leaning into her touch, and when he opened his eyes again, he found her staring back at him. He leaned back, pulling her up with him, pulling her closer until her legs were on either side of his hips, her arms around him, mouth fused to his. He held her close to him, his chest against hers, thighs beside hers.

After what felt like forever, he laid back, pulling her on top of him. She settled over him, hair falling around their faces like a curtain. Dean moved his hands, taking handfuls of her hair, making her smile. She smiled as she reached over, taking a condom off the nightstand, and when he was gripping the sheets, breaths heaving in and out of his lungs, she slid the condom on, moving over him, sinking down, taking him in.

Their groans mixed, Dean letting go of the sheets and taking hold of Melinda's hips as she slid up and down. She set an easy, slow rhythm, designed to drive them both mad. Dean's fingers were digging into her hips, and Melinda smiled, reveling in the feeling. She leaned over, grasping onto the headboard and he groaned, wondering exactly when it was that he'd given her the reins. He decided he didn't really give a damn when she swiveled her hips, making him groan, breath hitching in his chest. He canted his hips up, causing her to gasp, falling forward, hands falling onto Dean's chest and he took her hands, giving her the leverage she needed, and she moaned as he continued to thrust up, as she pushed back to meet him.

"Dean."

He gasped, the pleasure slamming into him without any hint of a warning. He groaned, squeezing his eyes shut, never hearing himself say her name. That sent Melinda over the edge, clenching around him, body bowing back as she whispered his name.

Dean's mind woke up long before his body did. He lay in bed for what seemed like the longest time before he felt a shift in the bed, heard and felt a sigh against his chest. He blinked his eyes open, looking down to find Melinda asleep, one soft hand on his chest near her face. She was breathing slow and even, her blonde hair spilling over her shoulders and back. Memories of the night before came flooding back to him.

The dinner. He'd watched her the whole night, knowing something was up, but not knowing what. When she'd gotten up from the table, all but running away, all could think was he had to get to her. He remembered giving Anna and Brady some bullshit excuse, but for the life of him, he couldn't remember what he'd told them. All he could think of was Melinda. He'd stood outside the bathroom for the longest time, finally knocking. When he heard her cry out, he'd picked the lock.

Thank God he'd remembered to lock it behind him.

He'd taken her in his arms, holding her close as she cried. And when she talked, he just stood there, a little bit in shock, if he was to tell the truth. He'd never really thought about having kids. Not until Melinda said she wanted them. Kids that looked like him. A green-eyed little girl and a bow-legged little boy. That's what she wanted.

That's what he wanted, too, he'd discovered. As long as the girl had blonde hair, and the boy had bright blue eyes. But the sentence that stuck in his head, the one that made him forget where they were, who they were with, made him forget himself, was the one she'd uttered as tears coursed down her cheeks.

"I can't be here with Brady when all I want is you."

After she'd said that … Dean couldn't breathe. He'd fucked up rather royally with her, and she still wanted him. He wanted her, wanted her with every breath he took, but he never imagined she'd want him back. How could she? He didn't deserve her. She deserved … He couldn't remember the guy's name. He couldn't remember his own name. The only coherent thought he had was her name.

Melinda.

She'd turned away from him, trying to find some little bit of strength, and he couldn't stand to be away from her one second longer. He'd moved up behind her, putting his nose behind her ear, breathing her in. He just knew he'd overstepped then, looking into the mirror, seeing her blue eyes looking as needy and desperate as his own. He turned her around, and she caught him completely by surprise when she took hold of his shirt and kissed him.

It wasn't like he was going to fight it, though.

Somehow, he had the clarity of mind to pull his wallet out, was in enough control of his senses to push it into her hand. He knew that all she had to do was shake her head, tell him no, and that would be it. He'd find some way to move away from her and let her go. But when she set the condom in his hand, closing her palm over his…

He closed his eyes, lifting a hand to run through his hair. He looked back down, watching Melinda's bare shoulders lifting and falling as she breathed. He moved his hand, gently brushing his fingers over her shoulder, and she sighed, moving closer to him, murmuring his name. Dean smiled, leaning to press a kiss to her forehead. She shifted again, and Dean brushed his fingers through her bangs. Sleepy blue eyes slowly blinked open, looking up with a yawn as Dean smiled down at her.

"Good morning, beautiful."

He leaned down, bending to rest his lips against hers. Her lips were full, slow against his, as she was still caught in that place just before fully waking up. He leaned back, smiling as she shook her head, her voice low and rough with sleep.

"Don't stop."

Like he could ever deny her anything. He moved to fix his lips back on hers, feeling her arms come around him, feeling her fingers gently pressing into his back. Melinda let out a sigh as Dean kissed down her jaw, fixing his mouth on her neck, and she let out a quiet moan.

Melinda had a soft smile on her face as she ran her fingers through Dean's hair. He had his head on her stomach, one hand spread wide on her hip, tracing patterns into her skin. Melinda took in a deep breath, smiling as Dean lifted his head to look at her.

"You okay?"

She nodded, and he settled back down, going back to tracing. She slid her fingers through his hair again, speaking softly.

"I missed this."

Dean smiled, and she spoke again, quieter than before.

"I missed you."

He lifted his head again, meeting her eyes. She gave him a little smile as she lifted her shoulders, let them fall. And Dean moved up, crawling up the bed until he could press his lips to hers again. Melinda let out a sigh, sinking down into the covers as Dean came over her.

And he pulled back, both of them sitting up as Melinda's phone began to ring.

She looked around the room, as Dean did the same, before he crawled out of bed, walking naked into the living room, then back with her purse in his hand. She tucked the sheet around her as she dug for a moment before pulling her phone out.

"Hello? … Oh, hey, Jess. … What? … No, I'm—oh."

She made a face, glancing to Dean. She covered the phone with one hand and whispered to him.

"Sam and Brady had coffee this morning. They talked about us leaving last night because I was sick."
"Tell her you still are."
"She'll come over here."
"Well, that will ruin all my plans for today."

Melinda smiled.

"What plans?"

Dean's smile was absolutely wicked as he whispered back to her.

"Talk to your sister."

Melinda smiled as she narrowed her eyes, but removed her hand.

"No, I'm still here, Jessie. … Listen, it's kind of a long story. … Last night, I mean."

She gasped, covering the phone again as she whirled around.

"What the hell are you doing?"

Dean shrugged his shoulders.

"If you have to ask, I guess I wasn't doing it right."

Melinda blushed.

"Well, stop it."

Dean held his hands up, palms out as he smiled. She shook her head, putting the phone back to her ear.

"What? … Jess, no. Just … What? Wait, wha—Oh."

He'd moved back to where he had been, head on her shoulder, pressing his lips to her neck. Melinda shook her head and he moved back, smiling before he moved forward again, nibbling on her shoulder.

"What? … Jess, I am—I am paying attention."

Dean smiled, pressing his lips to the place where her neck and shoulder met, and Melinda let out a quiet sigh. Her eyes drifted close as Dean kissed up, letting one hand come up and gently begin to massage her neck.

"Jess, I … Hmm? … I'm trying to pay attention. What did—what did you say?"

Dean grinned as he kissed her neck softly, letting his tongue touch her skin, and her head fell back, into his waiting hand. Her arm fell from holding the phone to her ear, and Dean took the phone from her.

"Jess, she'll have to call you back. … Yeah. Later. … Much later."

He hung up while Jess was still talking, and tossed the phone on the bedside table. He moved back to lay Melinda down, tugging the sheet from her limp hands, bending to kiss her before he moved back to smile down at her. She smiled back, letting her hands come up to run her fingers through his hair.

"You know she'll never settle for that."
"I may answer one more time. Then, all bets are off."

Melinda smiled, pulling him back down to her, and he lifted her to hold her close. She closed her eyes as he pressed his lips to her neck again.

"Then again… You may just need to keep doing what you're doing."

Dean smiled, nodding slightly as he laid her back against the pillows.

Dean kept running his fingers through Melinda's hair, which was still wet from them using all the hot water during their shower. She held up another grape, and he ate it from her fingers. They were standing at the kitchen sink, and Melinda had an assortment of fruit from their refrigerator that she was washing and eating, simultaneously feeding Dean as well. They were both still wrapped in their towels, and both kept stealing kisses, sometimes enough to put the fruit aside for a few minutes.

"Ooh, a strawberry."

Dean smiled as Melinda washed it, patting it dry with a paper towel.

"You know what I like?"

Melinda smiled as he kissed her cheek immediately after asking his question.

"What?"

Dean smiled.

"Chocolate-covered ones."
"Listen at you, being all romantic."

Dean laughed, wrapping his arms around her from behind, pressing a kiss to her hair. He turned her around, pressing her against the counter, and she let out a laugh.

"What are you doing?"
"Stop asking me that question. You're making me doubt my abilities."

She laughed again, and he moved closer to her.

"Eat it. I want to watch you."

Melinda felt her cheeks heat up, but she smiled.

"Mr. Winchester. You want me to put on a show?"

He shrugged his shoulders, and she smiled, lifting the strawberry to her lips, giving him exactly what he wanted. When she was finished, she tossed the leafy top of the berry towards the trashcan and pursing her lips.

"Hmm. There seems to be a little bit of a mess…"

Her sentence trailed off into a gasp as Dean put his hands on her hips, lifting her nearly effortlessly onto the counter. He put his hands on her knees, spreading them apart and stepping close to her. He took her hand in his mouth, licking the strawberry juice from her fingers as the breath hitched in her throat.

"You know, we … We always seem … to end—end up here."
"Hmm?"

She swallowed as he moved to kiss her chin.

"You know. Doing … unmentionable things in the kitchen."
"Complaining?"

She shook her head.

"Not in the least bit."

He smiled as she wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him even closer as she pressed her lips to his. His hands slid up and undid the towel, letting it fall around her hips on the counter. She moaned when his bare chest came in contact with hers. She smiled as his hands drifted up into her hair.

"Dean, you … You know we will have to leave this apartment eventually."
"I know. But not now. Not today."

She smiled, and he leaned in, kissing her again, breaking away, both of them freezing, their eyes flying open when they heard the gasp at the door.

Dean turned just a bit, glancing at the doorway, and Melinda looked over his shoulder, mouth falling open when she saw Sam and Jess standing there, looking identical, both with a hand covering their eyes. Sam nodded.

"This is one of the circles of hell, right? It's got to be."

Dean and Melinda both shared a groan, and Dean lifted the towel back up, helping Melinda wrap it around herself, moving out from between her legs. He lifted her off the counter, adjusting his own towel.

"Apparently no one knocks anymore."

Melinda's cheeks burned hotter as she stood behind Dean, and Sam let out a sigh.

"Well, you know, this was the last thing we expected to find here."
"Yeah, so much for being sick, little sister."

Melinda made a face, and Dean blew out his breath. Jess groaned.

"For the love of God, go put some clothes on."
"You know, I had the weirdest thought that this was my damn house! And last I checked, a man could do what he wanted in his own damn house, whether it be walking around in a towel or—"
"Getting freaky in the kitchen?"

Melinda snorted at Jess' statement, and Sam let his hand fall from his eyes. Jess peeked through her fingers, then made a disgusted face.

"Jesus, Dean. You have a huge hickey on your neck."

Dean smiled.

"And, if I'm not mistaken—which, by the way, I'm not—your sister has one on the backside of her thigh."

Dean took the punch Melinda laid on his shoulder with pride, gritting his teeth and not giving in to the urge to rub it. Sam just closed his eyes, shaking his head, until Jess turned and put her face in his chest. Sam laughed quietly as he ran a hand over Jess' blonde hair. Dean turned around, stepping closer to Melinda, setting his hands on her hips. She tilted her head to the side, ignoring Jess' groan of disgust. Dean whispered softly, barely even moving his lips as he murmured to her.

"Do you trust me?"

Melinda smiled, her answer leaving her mouth without a second thought.

"Yes."

Dean blinked, a shocked look on his face. Melinda reached a hand out, letting it roll down his arm, and he shook his head, swallowing and putting a smile on his face. He turned around, still smiling.

"Get out."

Sam and Jess' faces fell. Jess looked to Sam, then to Dean.

"What?"
"You heard me. Out."
"Wait a minute."

Dean let out a laugh, reaching down to hold the towel around his waist.

"First you bust in here without even knocking, now you're … What? Pitching your tent here?"
"Just chill out for a second, Dean."

Dean gave his brother a look.

"Out. Now. We can talk tomorrow."
"Whoa, now. Everyone just calm down."

Dean let out a laugh as he looked to Jess.

"Oh, I'm calm. Mel's calm. You two seem to be the problem."

Melinda bit her tongue, trying not to laugh. Jess and Sam exchanged another look, and Jess narrowed her eyes.

"Mel."

Melinda pursed her lips and shook her head.

"Staying out of this one."

Jess mouth dropped open.

"You are in a towel! Which was around your hips when we walk in, close to where he was!"

Jess pointed to Dean, and Melinda coughed to cover her laugh. Dean looked to Jess.

"Get out."

He enunciated his words, and Melinda couldn't help the laugh that bubbled out. He turned and gave her a wink, then motioned towards the bedroom. She gave him a nod, smiling widely as she walked past her protesting sister. Jess turned back to Dean, exasperated. Sam smiled behind her, arms crossed over his chest. Jess shook her head.

"What the hell is going on here?!"

Dean sighed.

"We can talk tomorrow. Go."
"No. I want to talk now."
"Well, that's too damn bad."

Sam and Dean managed to walk her backwards, until Sam was standing at the door. Jess shook her head, and Dean sighed.

"I just wanted one day. Just to give her one day where she didn't have to worry about anything. No talking to anyone, no having to explain herself. One day of nothing but letting me love her. Okay?"

Jess' eyes were wide, and Sam wore a similar expression on his face. Dean looked from Jess to Sam, then shrugged his shoulders.

"What?"

They both shook their heads, Jess stepping out the door a minute after Sam. Dean let out a sigh.

"Thank you. We'll call tomorrow."

They nodded in unison, and Dean shut the door, locking it. Jess blinked, then slowly turned to face Sam.

"Did he just …?"

Sam nodded. Jess swallowed.

"He loves her."

Sam nodded, moving to lay a hand on Jess' shoulder before they turned and walked down the steps, riding back to their place in silence. In the apartment, Dean let out a sigh, walking towards the bedroom, finding Melinda sitting on the edge of the bed. She tilted her head as he walked in, giving him a smile.

"Hey, you."

Dean smiled, letting out a breath as he walked to the bed. He sat beside her, moving to nuzzle her neck, making her laugh before her hand came up, gently caressing his face as she leaned into him.

"You get rid of them?"

Dean smiled.

"Yes, I did."
"My hero."

Dean let out a laugh, lifting his head to look at Melinda. She smiled at him, moving to take his face in her hands.

"Whatever it is that's going on in here…"

She gently tapped a finger at his hairline, and Dean smiled. She continued.

"Let it go. It's not important right now, and it'll still be there tomorrow."

Dean nodded, and she lifted his face, causing him to bring his eyes back to hers.

"Just be with me right now, Winchester."

He nodded again, and she moved to undo her towel, tossing it onto the ground, moving back on the pillows. He swallowed as he looked at her, the lust burning away the green of his eyes. Melinda held out a hand, and he reached to take it. He moved over her, and she undid the towel from his waist, dropping it beside hers. He leaned down, and she let out a sigh as his lips met hers.

The next day, Dean and Melinda met Sam and Jess in the coffee shop. Dean did most of the talking, keeping hold of one of Melinda's hands, something Jess could barely take her eyes from.

After they left there, Melinda met Brady for lunch. It didn't last very long; in fact, she didn't even eat. She just let him know that things weren't going to work out, and that she was sorry for leading him on the way she had. Brady had just smiled, telling her that, deep down, he knew. And he'd always known that he couldn't compete with Dean. She cried, even with Brady telling her it was okay, and when she left, even though it was barely noon, Brady ordered a shot of whiskey, washing that down with another.

Dean's talk with Anna went nowhere near as smoothly. She immediately started to cry, asking him what she'd done wrong. He hated having to do it, but he told her that it wasn't her fault; it was his. He was an awful person, something she told him over and over again, and he just nodded. He accepted the stinging slap she gave him, just nodded when she told him he could go to hell. She stormed out of the restaurant, and Dean let out a sigh before gathering his things, leaving a generous tip for the waitress who'd been wise enough to visit their table once, then steering clear.

Dean walked into the apartment, not even bothering to turn on the light. He shrugged out of his jacket, dropping his keys onto the table near the door. He turned towards the kitchen, fully intending on drowning his sorrows in a couple of beers.

But he stopped when he noticed he wasn't alone.

"Mel?"
"Yeah."

She was sitting in the corner of the couch, knees drawn up, arms resting around them. She was staring out the window, covered by the dimness of the room and the waning sunlight.

"Baby, what are you doing?"

She took in a deep breath, letting it out slowly.

"Nothing. Just sitting here."
"Mel."

She smiled, finally looking his way. The look on her face made his chest feel tight. He walked over to her, sitting on the coffee table beside the couch. She let out a shaky breath, looking back out the window.

"Hey."

Dean reached over, taking her hand in his, trying not to let it bother him when her face scrunched up. She closed her eyes, but a tear still fell down her cheek. He reached out and thumbed it away, and she let out another shaky breath. Dean ran his thumb across the back of her hand.

"Talk to me."

She let out a strangled breath, then looked to him, tears in her eyes and rolling down her cheeks.

"I feel so awful."
"You talked to Brady?"

She nodded, and he squeezed her hand.

"He was so nice, so … so understanding."

She shook her head, choking back a sob.

"I didn't deserve for him to be so nice."
"Well, if it makes you feel any better, Anna was not quite so understanding."

She looked to him, taking in another shaking breath.

"Really?"

Dean nodded, lifting a hand to his face. Melinda made a face.

"She slapped you?"

He nodded, looking down at their hands.

"Still kinda stings."

Melinda smiled.

"I'm sorry."
"I deserved it. She was great, but … I didn't … I mean, my … My heart was never in it."

He looked from their hands to her eyes, his voice going soft.

"No surprise, since my heart was always with you."

Melinda stared at him, and Dean took a shaking breath.

"Mel, I—"
"Don't. Please, don't—don't say it."

She sniffled, squeezing his hand. Dean nodded, looking to their hands again.

"Are you scared?"

She let out a laugh.

"Terrified."

He smiled.

"So if I say it …"

She sighed.

"I don't know. I don't know why I'm so scared. I think I'm afraid that it will change everything, and so much is going to change soon, and I … I just don't think I …"

She let out a breath, and Dean leaned over, kissing her forehead.

"Okay. Calm down. I won't say it."
"I'm sorry."
"Don't be."
"You deserve—"
"You. And when you're ready, we can both say it."

Melinda smiled.

"Pretty sure of yourself, huh?"

Dean smiled.

"Little bit."

She let out a breath, looking back towards the window, and Dean let go of her hand, leaning over to take his boots off. She turned to watch him, and when the shoes were gone, Dean motioned to her. She moved on the couch, letting him settle into the corner, and he reached for her, pulling her back against his chest, and she let out a long sigh when his arms came around her. She relaxed into him, eyes closing as she let her head rest on his shoulder, as his cheek came to rest on her forehead.

He was late for work that night, because he just couldn't bring himself to leave her while she slept so soundly in his arms.

May arrived, and with it came graduation. Jess, then Melinda, and eventually Sam each walked across the stage, smiling widely, the girls blushing when they heard Dean yelling at the top of his lungs for them. They took tons of pictures in their caps and gowns, fielding questions from nearly everyone that stopped to talk to them. Sam would be starting law school in September, while Jess would begin medical school at the same time. Melinda was happy with her degree, and graduating magna cum laude. Dean was beaming, sticking close to his brother and his girlfriend, the latter of whom he'd barely left her side since they reunited nearly a month ago.

Dinner with Melinda and Jess' parents went surprisingly well, as the Moores couldn't be happier with their children, even if they did want Melinda to further her education. They didn't push that topic, nor did Jess. Dean stuck close to Melinda, insisting that after dinner, the graduates gather at the bar, something not one of them objected to.

Celebratory shots were passed around, full-out with the salt and lime and everything. They each did two, before Sam grabbed a handful of quarters and dragged Jess to the jukebox. Dean leaned over the bar, kissing Melinda.

"You taste like tequila."
"Hmm, wonder why?"

She winked at him before leaning in for another kiss. Dean's phone rang, and he pulled it out, giving a puzzled look before glancing at Melinda. She smiled, nodding.

"Go answer it. I'll hold down the fort."

Dean snorted, shaking his head as he pushed through the swinging door that led to the back. Melinda turned on her stool to see Jess dancing around, Sam smiling and shaking his head at her. The song ended, and an old Spice Girls song came on. Jess looked up, gasping in a breath, her mouth open as she looked to her sister.

"Mel! It's our song! Get over here!"

Melinda laughed as she jumped off the stool, pushing Sam out of the way as she danced with her sister, both of them giggling more than they sang, Sam grinning like a fool as he watched them. They were singing too loudly to notice the swinging doors open again, and they didn't notice Dean as he walked in, propping his elbows on the bar, staring down at his phone. They went through another song before Melinda looked over, taking Jess' hand and leading her back towards the bar. Jess reached out for Sam, causing them to walk in a sort of train, collapsing onto three barstools.

"Hey, barkeep."

Jess tapped a hand twice on the bar, but Dean didn't look at her. Jess exchanged a look with Melinda, who spoke softly.

"Dean?"

He glanced up then, meeting her worried eyes. He opened his mouth, but nothing came out. He looked back down to his phone, and Sam stood up, moving closer to his brother.

"Dean? Hey. What's up, man?"

Dean looked to Sam, holding out his phone.

"That was … That was Bobby. He said he—he hasn't heard from Dad in a while."

Sam let out a breath.

"So he's working overtime on a Millertime shift. Don't act surprised. He's done this before Dean."
"Not for three weeks."

Sam went quiet at that, and Melinda reached over, taking Dean's hand.

"Honey?"

Dean swallowed, looking to Melinda.

"Dad's missing. And Bobby thinks we need to go look for him."