Chapter 27

"I'm going to the store," Jess growled, ironically with no intentional aggression. He began zipping up his leather jacket to protect himself from the winter cold.

Luke glanced at him and then turned back to taking Kirk's order. "Okay. Don't forget toothpaste. We're out."

"Okay." Jess turned away and walked out the door.

Kirk looked up. "Oh, so I see he's willing to spare time shopping for the diner when he's not doing his 'job'," Kirk said bitterly.

Luke frowned down at Kirk, then walked away without bothering to take his order.

Jess spent as little time in Dose's market as he could, seeing there was the fact that Taylor Dose was there. He hadn't been to any recent town meetings – not unintentionally – and wasn't sure what approach the bitter old crone would take. Jess had it down between knives and pitchforks, horses with white hoods, or tar and feathers. Regardless, Jess was resistant to finding out.

"Lettuce... mustard... bread... and toothpaste..." He muttered to himself, gathering up all the items. He did a double-take close to the counter then headed for the toothpaste. He stared down at the crumpled up list in his hands as he walked in his usual quick speed – but looked up when he almost bumped into someone worse than Taylor Dose.

Dean.

The big moose, standing there holding up a box of tampons, looked over at the emo boy in the with the over-gelled hair and leather jacket. Then when he realised who it was, turned his indifferent look into a glare.

Jess stopped, then glanced up at him then at the toothpaste section Dean was standing near, then back at him. "...Excuse me," he muttered. He took some quick, light steps near him and chose the first toothpaste his fingers met. Dean didn't say anything, just continued to glare.

Jess hesitated, shifting foot to foot, while subconsciously leaning away from him at thirty degree angle. But he turned and walked away, only making it to the end of the isle, before turning back around.

He gestured a hand towards Dean. "Hey, uh..." He began. Dean turned back around and glared at him again, coming up with a retort in his mind in preparation for his next witty insult.

Jess gave him a weak smile. "...Congratulations on getting married."

Dean frowned, completely surprised.

Jess gave him another weak smile, turned and walked away towards the counter.

Huh.