Vinnie's spell book was a bust. "Spell book" was a generous term for it; it was a collection of papers held together with a paper clip. Sam flipped through it. It was a lot of white magic bullshit from the internet, a lot of "think positive" and "visualize your desires" and "do no harm" type of crap. If the witches they dealt with did this kind of magic, their lives would be a lot easier. It wasn't that he didn't believe in white magic; with so much bad shit in the world, there had to be a balance somewhere. It was just that most of these spells wouldn't cause the kind harm of harm Vinnie had caused Keith. And it still bugged the hell out of him that Keith wasn't dead. A serious bad witch would have killed Keith straight up. None of this lingering illness crap. Vinnie had gotten something muddled, and demons came into it somewhere, and Sam was frustrated he couldn't see how it all fit together.

Dean and Veronica were leaning on the kitchen island; Sam was in an armchair, going over the papers while Dean and Veronica examined each other's fake IDs.

"No, see, your ink bled a little here. If someone actually looked at it they'd know it's fake." Veronica said, picking up one of Dean's IDs. "And the blue here is too dark." Dean shrugged.

"No one looks that closely."

"Your Fed ID is perfect, though." She said, picking up Dean's FBI badge. "I actually can't tell the difference."

"This one says you're 25!" Dean said. "Obvious fake." He flashed a grin at her.

"I can pass for 25." She said indignantly. His eyes went over her petite frame and her delicate features.

"No way. You get into clubs with this?" He said, picking it up. He realized it wasn't a fake ID. It was an actual State of California ID, but the birthdate was wrong. "How did you get this?" She smiled, her eyes dancing.

"If I told you, I'd have to kill you." She teased.

"I'd like to see you try." Dean challenged her, a suggestive grin on her lips. She grinned back, her eyes holding his and then travelling slowly to his lips and back to his eyes. Dean felt the look all over his body, as though she were actually touching him. She's just a kid, he tried to remind himself, but with her eyes blazing like that and that tantalizing smile, he didn't want to remember. He wanted to see what she'd do if he kissed her lips, her neck, her shoulders. He wanted to feel her skin under his hands and make her gasp with delight when he touched her. He could see the same desire in her eyes, and he didn't care that she was maybe too young for him or what it might mean if they did go that far. He could see she didn't care either, she just wanted him. Her lips on his, her hands sliding over his shoulders, their bodies pressed together. Dean's eyes went a shade darker, their green depth lighting up with desire, and neither cared that they might be making promises they couldn't keep.

Sam coughed discreetly. He was surprised the whole apartment hadn't burned down from the heat Dean and Veronica were generating. He wanted to remind them that he was here, because it seemed like they'd forgotten and they were three seconds from ripping off each other's clothes. And he definitely didn't want to see that. Dean broke eye contact with Veronica reluctantly, but they swayed closer to each other. Sam thought it was a pretty good time for him to make an exit.

"Uh. I'm going to get lunch." He said, trying too hard to be casual. Dean flickered an annoyed look at him. "I'm going to call Bobby about this spell, it's bothering me. You guys want anything?" Besides each other, Sam added to himself with a grin.

"I can make lunch, you don't have to-" Veronica started. Dean interrupted her.

"No, Sammy wants to. He wants to go for a long drive." He said, tossing Sam the keys to the Impala. "Sam'll be back later." Dean said, his eyes on hers. A blush rose to her cheeks under his intense graze, but she held her eyes to his. Sam left, a chuckle escaping him as he closed the door.

Veronica's heart was pounding so hard she was sure Dean could hear it. Sam's exit had given her just enough time to doubt herself, to doubt Dean, to tell herself that it was a dumb idea. Dean saw doubt in her eyes, and his smile relaxed from suggestive to reassuring. He put his hand under her chin so she couldn't look away from him. He closed the space between them, waiting for her to make a move. She rose to her tip toes and pressed her lips to his. For a moment he didn't move, and then his arms went around her, pulling her close, and his lips moved against hers. She melted against him as his hands slid over her and he kissed her back. He buried one hand in her hair, the silky mass tangling in his fingers. Her hands went to his shoulders and trailed down his arms. He pulled away from her to catch his breath, to think for a moment.

"Veronica…" He trailed off. "Only if you want to." She laughed, the sound throaty and suggestive.

"Want to? Jesus Christ, Dean." She said breathlessly. He wanted to say more, but she kissed him again, slower and deeper. "Shut up." She said against his mouth. He kissed her and his hand slid up her shirt, surprisingly gentle for a guy who fought demons for a living. Her skin felt electric under his touch, and as he tipped his head forward to kiss her neck, the world slipped away from her. The only thing that mattered was his lips on her, his hands on her, the feel of his body next to hers. She pressed close to him and made a sound in her throat as his hands slid down to her hips. She was all desire; she couldn't get enough of him. He pulled her shirt off, his hands sliding down her arms as he let her shirt fall to the floor. His lips trailed over her collarbone and her hands went to his shoulders, pulling him closer. She tugged his shirt up, wanting it gone. He took it off and kissed her, his lips urgent. He was surprised his hands trembled slightly as he unbuttoned her pants and slid them down her hips, like he was some kid at prom. Her hands tugged at his belt too, with an urgency that matched his. He lifted her and put her on the counter so he could reach her better. He looked into her eyes and realized his breathing was as heavy as hers. The corners of his mouth twitched and she smiled back.

"Dean." She said, her voice husky with lust. The sound of her saying his name drove him close to the edge. He didn't say anything, but caught her gaze and held it for moment. She let out a little sigh and closed her eyes, enjoying the pleasure of him thrusting into her. She moved her hips against him, quickening the pace, and he followed her lead. She couldn't help moaning now, and she said his name as she gripped his shoulders. He groaned in answer. He quickened the pace again but she stayed with him, her hips rocking in time with his. He could feel her getting away from him, reaching her peak before him, and he didn't want to let her. He put his hands on her waist, slowing her down. Her throaty moan escaped her lips and she leaned towards him, her mouth seeking his. She moaned against his lips, and her hips pushed harder against his. He followed her again, suddenly so close to the edge he could feel himself losing control. He wanted to look at her, but she kept her mouth on his, her hands in his hair. He put his arms around her as she breathed his name, her limbs going liquid with pleasure. A moment later, he felt the delicious build up that meant he was about to come. She felt him quicken and moaned his name in his ear. He let out a growling moan and she rocked against him, wanting more, wanting everything. She clung to him as she reached her peak, saying his name. He couldn't hold back any more and with another thrust, he said her name too, full of lust and satisfaction.

After a few moments, he moved away from her, letting her slid off the counter. She started to reach for her clothes but he put his arms around her and pulled her close, resting his head on top of hers. He was already determining that this wouldn't happen again, that he wouldn't taint her with his presence. But for the moment, he took comfort in her.

Sam's conversation with Bobby wasn't comforting. He'd gotten into the Impala and dialed Bobby's number.

"Hey Bobby." Sam said when Bobby answered.

"Hey boy." Bobby answered. "How's the witch thing coming?"

"Listen to this." Sam said, reading out the Latin. As he heard the words out loud, he realized what was wrong with it and smiled grimly.

"Repeat that?" Bobby said. Sam reread it, carefully pronouncing every word. Bobby sighed.

"What kind of idjit witch are you dealing with?" Bobby demanded. "That's all kinds of wrong."

"Yeah." Sam said.

"That witch tied a cross roads demon to a sickness spell! I didn't even know that was possible." Bobby said. "The way it's worded, you have to exorcize the demon to get rid of the sickness."

"Yeah. But not just anybody can summon the demon, can they? It has to be…" Sam read the Latin to himself again. "A pure soul." He let out a sarcastic laugh.

"Well, that puts you and Dean out. Dean's already sold his soul, and you…" Bobby trailed off, leaving a lot of things unsaid. You have demon blood in you. You died and came back. You were supposed to be the leader of the Armies of Hell. Your brother sold his soul for you. But Sam knew there was no judgement from Bobby. Facts were facts, and he knew them as well as Bobby did. Those things didn't need to be said, and Bobby moved on. "I think it puts pretty much every hunter I know out, too. There's blood on every hunter's hands." Sam nodded, shutting his eyes. He thought of Jo Harvelle, but rejected the idea. She'd come and might be able to summon the demon, but Dean wouldn't like that. And Ellen would kill him if he put Jo in that much danger. He was sure he'd be able to exorcize the demon before the deal was sealed, but still. Ellen Harvelle had a bad side he did not want to get on.

"What should I do?" Sam asked, though he knew Bobby didn't have an answer.

"I don't know, Sam. A pure soul? Pretty hard to find these days." Bobby said. An idea flashed in his head, but he pushed it away. If Dean would be upset by putting Jo in that kind of danger- Jo, who had been raised around hunters and was turning into a damn good hunter herself, who knew how to handle herself in a dangerous situation- he'd go ballistic if he knew what Sam was thinking. Besides, he'd hate himself if he asked Veronica to do that. He was supposed to be helping her, not putting her soul on the line.

"Sam, what are you thinking?" bobby asked. Sam shock his head.

"Nothing, Bobby."

"Don't do anything stupid, Sam." Bobby said. "At least not stupider than usual."

"Yeah." Sam said. Bobby paused.

"And look after your brother." Now Sam was silent.

"I'll try." He said after a moment. It was the best he could do.

"Take care, boy."

"You too, Bobby." Sam snapped his phone shut, thinking. Maybe he wouldn't have to ask Veronica. He was impressed how fast her mind worked. Maybe if he gave her the facts, she'd figure it out by herself. But then, Dean would be a problem. Dean wouldn't want Veronica endangering herself. Sam had a hard time thinking of Veronica as a damsel in distress, but he knew Dean would see it differently. She was an innocent, one of the people they spent their lives saving. He'd try to stop her, try to do everything himself to spare her. As he always did. But Dean couldn't do it this time, and Sam knew Veronica could. Anybody else might give him pause, but he trusted that Veronica could do what needed to be done. She was made of the same kind of steel the Winchesters were, though she was forged in a different fire. The best compliment Sam could give her was to trust her to be able to handle herself, and he did. He'd give her the information and try to work himself into her plan.

When he got back to Veronica's, Dean and Veronica were sitting on the couch, watching TV. Dean's arm was comfortably around her, and she was snuggled into his shoulder. Sam couldn't help the smirk that crossed his face, but managed to wipe it away before Dean looked at him. Knowing his little brother, though, Dean still shot him a hard glare. Sam's lip twitched and he tossed a paper bag of food at Dean, sitting down in the big arm chair.

"Guys have a nice afternoon? " Sam said, his voice neutral but his eyes teasing. Dean gave him another glare, but Veronica's eyes danced in response.

"Nice is a word for it, yes." Veronica said with a grin. Her eyes caught Dean's and his expression softened.

"Here, I got you a salad." Sam said, handing her a bag. "I didn't think you'd like Dean's heart attack inducing cheeseburger."

"Life is short, right?" Dean said with a cocky grin. Pain tightened Sam's chest as he thought how short Dean's life would be. He fought down the retort that was rising to his lips, though, fought the urge to fight with his brother. He glanced at Veronica, whose eyes were sympathetic. He tilted his head at her and the corner of her mouth went up.

"So I talked to Bobby." He said, and told them about the spell. Veronica frowned and Dean shook his head.

"What an asshole." He muttered, his mind working. "So how do we gank it?"

"We need a pure soul to summon the demon." He said evenly, his eyes catching Veronica's for a moment. "At a crossroads, at midnight. Like a regular crossroads demon." Sam explained. Veronica sat very still, listening.

"A pure soul?" Dean repeated.

"Yeah. Bobby thinks you and I are out. I'm… tainted, and you… your soul is already sold." He said, not looking at Dean. "Bobby thinks other hunters are out too. But I have an idea." He didn't look at Veronica either, it was important that Dean didn't realize what Sam was telling her. Details would distract him. "Jo."

"Sammy-" Dean said, his voice dangerous.

"I know. Ellen would kill us." A small smile passed over his face as he remembered the uncomfortably silent drive back to the Roadhouse with Ellen when Jo had joined them to hunt the ghost of a serial killer. Jo had been bait, and she'd been in real danger, but they'd all come through fine, Jo and the boys in one piece. Ellen hadn't quite seen it that way, though.

"Bobby said he'd look into it, so we're just going to have to sit tight." He paused. "We could try a summoning spell at the hospital. It's a long shot, but it could work." Dean nodded. Bobby had said no such thing, but Sam knew Dean so well, he knew what would distract him long enough to give Veronica a chance.

"Okay. Let's summon it to the hospital." Dean said, starting to move.

"In the middle of the day? We have to wait until at least dark." Sam said reproachfully. Dean gave Sam a hard look. He might not be as smart as Sam, but he wasn't stupid. Sam kept his face as innocent and puppy dog as he could and did not look at Veronica.

"Jesus, is he always this much of a pain in the ass?" Veronica said, exasperated.

"Yes." Sam answered, still holding Dean's gaze. Dean sighed.

"I'll go to the hospital. I'll summon it." Dean said. Sam dropped his eyes so Dean wouldn't see the victory there. Dean turned to Veronica, his tone softening. "Don't get any dumb ideas, Veronica. I'll take care of this." His hand found hers, fingers entwining. Sam let out a huff of annoyance because Dean had caught on. But he saw the way Dean looked at Veronica and knew that was only thinking of her, working from what he knew of her. What Sam had told her didn't register at all.

"My soul probably isn't that pure anyways." She said, thinking of the past year and all the people she'd hurt. "And I wouldn't know how to do an exorcism." Dean relaxed a little and Sam nodded, already trying to figure out a way to get her an exorcism spell without Dean noticing. And then he froze. She hadn't said she didn't know how to summon a demon, she'd said she wouldn't know how to exorcize one.

His eyes went to her and found her looking back to him, her eyes steady. He tilted his head slightly, the way he would at Dean, and she gave a very tiny nod. And he knew his trust in her wasn't misplaced. He flashed a smile at her and she smiled back briefly, and then turned to Dean. Sam leaned back, eating his lunch thoughtfully. Veronica was not someone to underestimate. His admiration of her went up more. She was formidable, and he almost felt sorry for whatever demon she would be facing.

Almost.

Dean and Sam had stayed with Veronica until after 10 pm. They'd watched movies, and Sam had done some research on Veronica's computer. Dean had given him a suspicious look when he'd asked to use Veronica's lap top, but didn't say anything. His belief in his ability to fix this for Veronica was firm, so whatever Sam and Veronica were up to was moot. There would be no need for half hatched plans and stupidity on their parts. Dean had it covered.

After 10, he'd decided it was plenty of time to go to the hospital and try to summon a demon. He'd gotten the supplies ready, but then went back into the apartment.

"Sammy, don't let her leave. Don't let her do anything… anything. We'll handle this." He said, his eyes flickering to her as he spoke in a low voice to his brother. Sam nodded earnestly. Dean was still wary about what had passed between Sam and Veronica that afternoon, but he was sure if this summoning worked- and if Bobby had said it, it almost certainly would- he didn't need to worry about it. He kissed Veronica before he left, trying to let her know he'd take care of it and she didn't need to worry. He drove to the hospital, something nagging at the back of his mind. He pulled into the parking lot, turning it over in his mind. When did Sam agree so readily? Why hadn't Veronica said anything when he left? Why did he get the feeling something was off about this? And since when could you summon a cross roads demon away from a crossroads and before midnight? Demons had rules.

With a sound of annoyance, Dean took his phone out of his pocket and dialed Bobby.

"Dean? I thought you had that cross roads demon-witch to take care of." Bobby said.

"Yeah. I'm at the hospital." Bobby waited. "To do the summoning spell you told Sam about?"

"The hospital?" Bobby repeated. "Dean, it's a cross roads demon. You of all people should know when and where to summon a cross roads demon." Dean closed his eyes. "Balls. What is Sam up to?"

"I don't know." Though he had a sick feeling that he did know.

"You boys have a talent for stupidity, I'll give you that." Bobby said. "Go find your brother, and you call me the minute you find him so I can tear him a new one." Bobby hung up, and Dean was momentarily comforted by Bobby's concern. He sped back to Veronica's, hoping the ten minutes he'd been gone hadn't been enough for them to take off. He'd thought they didn't have supplies, but with a sickening twist of his gut, he remembered handing Sammy the keys to the Impala. The Impala that had the arsenal, which included summoning supplies. He pulled up outside of Veronica's apartment, and saw all the lights were out. They had ten minutes on him, he didn't know what she drove, and he had no idea where the right cross roads was.

"Son of a bitch!" He yelled.