Here is the next chapter for you all. Not as much schmoop, but a bit of attitude from our Sammy. I hope you like it.

Cindy.

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Sam sat gazing out over the front yard of Bobby's property, taking in deep breaths of fresh, cool air. He'd been cooped up inside for so long he'd almost forgotten what fresh air smelled like. It'd taken him over two weeks to regain enough strength to even get downstairs and today was the first day Dean had allowed him outside. He felt all of five years old again with the way Dean fussed over him, making sure a light throw blanket was tucked around him so he didn't, in Dean's words "Catch a chill." Sam had looked at him like he was crazy before he had asked him when the hell he'd starting talking like that, to which Dean had merely shrugged his shoulders and thrown him a sheepish grin.

Sam had asked Dean to get him something to eat and at first Dean had balked at the idea of leaving his supposed invalid little brother all by his lonesome on the porch, open and vulnerable to any kind of supernatural attack. Sam had come back with a threat of his own supernatural attack if Dean didn't stop hovering and treating him like a child. Dean had raised an eyebrow, but had relented when Sam had insisted he was fine, that he'd be fine for a few minutes on his own and that for God's sake, he wasn't dying. So that's where he was now, sitting in the rocking chair on Bobby's porch, all snug in his blanket, waiting for Dean to emerge with probably enough food to feed five grown men because apparently, according to Dean, Sam was wasting away and even a slightly strong breeze would surely blow him right into the next county.

Sam relaxed back in the chair, a large sigh escaping as he smiled softly. As much as Dean was driving him completely batty, Sam really wasn't mad at all, just slightly annoyed. He understood how Dean felt, how absolutely terrified his brother had been and so it was with lighthearted exasperation that he let Dean know it was okay to give him just a little space. Dean was really trying too and Sam knew how hard that was for him, to let Sam out of his sight. God, but didn't Sam love his brother a little bit more with each passing minute.

Sam sat forward a bit, sensing rather than seeing a presence in the trees to the right of the porch and the hairs stood up on the back of his neck as he became certain that the presence was of a demonic nature. Sam huffed an irritated breath when Ruby emerged from the trees and strolled confidently up to the porch before climbing the stairs and moving to stand in front of the seated man.

"Ruby…what the hell are you doing here?" Sam questioned angrily as the demon crossed her arms over her torso.

"That's not a very nice welcome, Sam," Ruby snapped, glaring down at the smirking hunter.

"No worse than your farewell the night the hounds came for me," Sam retorted. "Dean told me what you said, Ruby," he added when Ruby arched an eyebrow curiously.

"Oh, well…that was to piss Dean off more than anything, Sam. I really missed you, you know," the demon said as she reached her hand out and trailed her fingers longingly down Sam's cheek.

"Get your filthy hands off my brother, bitch!" an angry voice shouted from the open doorway to the house.

Ruby pulled back and turned amused eyes Dean's way, a sneer curling her lip. "We were just getting caught up, shortbus. What's your problem anyway?" she growled.

"My problem is you being anywhere near Sam so step back before I rip you apart!" Dean hissed as he moved toward Sam and the demon.

Ruby lifted her hands in mock surrender and moved a few steps away from Sam, who wearily cast his gaze from one adversary to the other. He wasn't sure if he was strong enough yet to take Ruby out if she threatened Dean, but he wouldn't hesitate in trying if it meant keeping his brother safe. Dean quickly stepped between Sam and Ruby and set the plate he had been carrying on the small table next to Sam's chair. He glanced over his shoulder at his brother before turning his gaze back onto Ruby.

"Sam, get in the house," Dean instructed, his eyes never leaving the dark haired demon before him.

"No, Dean. I'm not leaving you," Sam answered as he pushed the blanket from his legs and stood shakily up behind his brother.

"Sam…this isn't up for discussion. Get in the house…now!"

"Dean…"

"Oh for fucks sake, Dean! What do you think he is? A five year old you can boss around whenever you want? He's a grown man so why don't you go in the house and let us talk in peace!?" Ruby spat.

"Shut up, Ruby!" both brothers hissed simultaneously.

Ruby eyed them both and rolled her eyes. "Look…I just came here to check on him and do some catching up."

"No, Ruby…you came here to mess with him some more. And maybe to get into his pants again…"

"Dean!" Sam cried indignantly.

"Well! She's not here for anything good, Sam. She doesn't give a shit about you…only what she can use you for."

"I know, Dean," Sam said softly as he moved around his brother to stand before Ruby. "You need to leave, Ruby," he instructed evenly.

"And if I don't?" the demon queried defiantly.

"If you don't, I'll dispense of you like I did Lilith," Sam stated.

Ruby's eyes widened and she glared fearfully up at the towering hunter. "You wouldn't do that. I saved your life, Sam. I kept you from getting lonely…"

"Oh for fuck's sake! Get the hell out of here, Ruby!" Dean spat with disgust.

Ruby stood her ground as she stared up at Sam's face. Sam turned his eyes on Dean before returning them back to Ruby.

"I've already thanked you for saving my life. The rest of it…the rest of it meant nothing. That was just me dealing with my grief and loneliness. You just happened to be the closest warm body…well…you know what I mean…"

"So…our time together didn't mean anything? You…"

"I used you like you used me. Nothing more. Lilith is dead, just like you wanted. There's no reason for you to be here anymore."

Dean shuffled restlessly behind Sam, and the taller man reached back and brushed his fingers reassuringly against his brother's arm. Dean's movement quieted as he stood tall and defiant behind his brother, ready to make a move if need be. Ruby glared at Sam angrily as the man stood firm and proud before her.

"I may have more use of you, Sam," she said.

"No, Ruby. We're done. You leave now and I'll let you live. Consider it repayment for my life. If I see you again, I won't hesitate in killing you. You stay away from me and you stay away from Dean and Bobby. If you think I won't do it, just try me," Sam said, his eyes conveying the seriousness of his words.

Ruby stepped back, the fear returning as she realized that Sam meant business. "Fine," she huffed as she moved toward the steps. "We could have accomplished a lot together, Sam."

"I don't need you to accomplish what has to be done, Ruby. I have Dean and Bobby. Now go while you still can."

Ruby shook her head and stomped down the steps, brushing briskly by Bobby who had appeared from around the side of the house, his eyes wide at the conversation he had walked in on. Ruby stormed across the yard and disappeared into the trees just as Bobby's feet landed on the porch floor.

"What the heck was that bitch doing here?" he queried as he eyed the brothers.

"Just thinking she and Sam could pick up where they left off," Dean spat with disgust.

Sam turned toward Dean and the older brother quickly reached out when the younger began to sway. Dean grasped Sam's arm and guided him back to the chair, Bobby moving behind to help if need be. Once Sam was safely seated, Dean retrieved the blanket and tucked it around his trembling brother.

"Are you okay, Sammy? What's wrong?" he queried fearfully.

"I'm fine, Dean. Just got a little lightheaded is all," Sam answered, his voice suddenly sounding very tired.

"Yeah? Well if you'd eat more you wouldn't get so weak," Dean admonished. "Speaking of," he muttered as he picked the plate containing a sandwich and apple slices up and handed it to Sam.

Sam took the plate and smiled appreciatively. "Man, I'm glad she left 'cause I don't think I could have taken her out quite yet," he said softly.

"I would've handled her, Sam. Now eat,' Dean said sternly.

"Thanks, Dean," Sam whispered before picking up the sandwich and taking a bite.

Dean nodded approvingly as he sat back on the railing, watching as Sam made quick work of the lunch he had prepared. Once Sam finished, he yawned widely and stretched his arms over his head as his eyes began to droop. Dean pushed off the railing and smiled at Bobby as the older man looked on. He walked to Sam and pulled the blanket from him.

"Come on, Sammy. Let's get you inside so you can rest," Dean said as he grasped Sam's arm and helped him up.

Bobby moved to open the door for the brothers, following behind and shutting the door once they were all inside. Dean guided Sam to the couch and once the taller man was settled, he spread the blanket over him. Even breaths ghosted from Sam's lips as he slipped into a deep slumber and Dean reached down to tenderly brush stray strands of chocolate hair from his closed eyes. He motioned for Bobby to follow him into the kitchen and once more sandwiches were made, both men sat at the table, speaking in hushed tones so as not to wake the youngest member of their family.

"So…Ruby huh?" Bobby started, not really sure what to say.

"Yeah. The bitch sure has a lot of nerve showing up here," Dean answered, anger flaring in his green eyes.

"So what do we do? You think she'll be back?" Bobby queried.

"Probably. I don't think she can stay away from him," Dean replied, his eyes moving to look through the doorway to fall upon his sleeping brother.

"He'll be okay, Dean. You heard him. He sounded pretty serious."

"Yeah. I don't know though. He feels he owes her. I just don't want her to get her claws into him again. She had him so messed up before."

"She won't get to him again, Dean. I'm sure Sam will follow through with his threat."

"I hope so. But, just in case…let's keep her knife handy. She shows her face again…she dies…"

Bobby nodded and picked up a sandwich, smiling when Dean did the same. The men ate in silence as they pondered the day's events. They would need to be vigilant in watching over Sam as it was apparent the young man was still too weak to protect himself properly. Dean's thoughts turned suddenly to Castiel as he still had questions that needed to be answered. But, that could wait until another day.

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So? Hopefully that was pleasing to everyone. I hope you will let me know. Well, we are winding down folks. Just two chapters left. Still a bit of drama to come, but don't worry...there'll be no blood. More tomorrow.

Cindy.