Stay With Me

by LeadaAlexys

Dean and Sam have finally found some place they could call home. Even with their dad gone most of the time things are going well for the Winchester brothers. Dean even has a few friends. Ryn in particular is a huge upside. But Dean starts feeling a little off...he's fine though. He needs to keep working to make sure Sam is taken care of. He doesn't have time to be sick.

Stay With Me

Ryn was a high school senior in Boise Idaho. She has wavy brown hair, tanned skin and an athletic body. She's one of those people who is friends with everyone. So, when she heard there was a new student coming to her school, she decided then and there to ask them to eat lunch with her. It was her first block of the day, English, and Mrs. Shurley, the principal, came into the class to introduce the new student. His name was Dean. When Andy saw him, she knew he was special. Not just because he was gorgeous, with spiky blonde hair, bottle green eyes, and a quirky grin. It was the way he held himself. Confident, with a slight edge of nervous energy. Mr. Greg invited Dean to sit down. Andy smiled at him as he passed by, and he smiled back. Her heart fluttered. She scolded herself. 'You haven't even met him yet.' After class she introduced herself.

"Hi, I'm Andy." she said with a smile.

"Dean."

"What class do you have next?"

"Uhh, biology."

"Awesome, me too. Want to walk together?"

"Sure thing."

"So, what brought you to Boise?"

"My dad, he got a job near here."

"That's cool." Ryn chatted away as her normal self. She could tell Dean was a bit quiet. But he had some serious swagger. She liked him already. When lunch rolled around Dean accepted her invitation to have lunch together. It was nice. Ryn introduced Dean to her friends, and he fit in pretty well. Ryn didn't have any classes with Dean for the rest of the day and she didn't see him after school. She sighed. 'Oh honey, careful of that rebound. What has it been, a month since you and Kyle broke up? Give it a rest girl.' She hopped on her motorcycle and rode home.

Dean was not too happy about starting at a new school, and he knew Sammy wasn't happy about it either. When Dean got into his first class and saw a beautiful brunette smile at him, he decided to keep his chin up. He could do this. Ryn sure was chatty girl. Dean didn't mind much. Mostly because she wasn't a bimbo who said nothing just to fill the silence. She actually had things to say, and asked questions about things Dean would say. As much as she wasn't really his type, Dean couldn't help liking her. He got home that first day after school with a smile on his face. His Dad wrapped up the case that had brought them here in the first place in a few days and decided to try and stay in the area for a while. It was only two weeks later; Dean came home from school again with a smile on his face after a good afternoon hanging out with Ryn. The smile was wiped away when he saw his dad packing his duffle.

"Found a case. I'm heading out in about an hour."

"Ok, I'll get packing," Dean said resigned to the fact that he was leaving a good thing behind, again. He could feel Sammy building up for a complaint, but luckily John beat him to the punch.

"No, son. We just got settled here. This should be a short one. Only a week or two. You boys can stay here. I'll leave some cash, and the rent is paid for this month, but Dean, you might need to pick up some work to keep up with rent." Dean sighed internally. He figured he would have had to do that anyway. The only place that had been available here was a bit above their usual pay scale.

"Yes sir." Was all Dean could say. Sam huffed off to their room and Dean tired to figure out what to make for dinner. He ended up making a kitchen sink version of pasta carbonara, which was pretty good. He found the cash that Dad had left them. It was $200. Not much wiggle room if Dad was gone longer than he expected. Dean sighed. He'd have to find a job quick.

Ryn and Dean were becoming pretty good friends. They hung out at lunch and had good conversations about everything. For once school didn't feel like a complete waste of time to Dean. He still hadn't found a job, but he and Sam had done a few odd jobs for neighbours for extra cash. Sam kept asking about money to play soccer and go on field trips, but Dean was worried that they would run out of money for food sooner rather than later. Halfway through the second week, Dad called to tell them it was going to be a bit longer. Dean had figured as much. His dad was a horrible judge of time. Dean was wandering around town one day when he found an auto body and repair shop. On a whim he went in and gave in his resume and an application. He didn't think he would even be considered seeing as he didn't have any real experience. So, he was stunned when two days later he got a call in for an interview, and a day after that got an offer. He'd be making good money with flexible hours. He was so excited he had to tell Ryn.

"I know I just heard! I'm so excited for you!"

"What do you mean you just heard?"

"My dad told me. He owns the shop. Didn't he tell you that?" Dean was stunned.

"No, he didn't…" now he was starting to wonder if he had only got the job because of Ryn.

"We're going to be working together!"

"Hold on, what?"

"Yea I work for him. I mostly do work on motorcycles and do some of the detailing work."

"Seriously?"

"Yup. I'll see you on Friday!"

Not only was it a new experience working with a girl, but it was a new experience working with someone his age that shared the same passion for cars (and motorcycles) that he did. Ryn really knew her stuff. Dean was impressed. Here was a girl who could rebuild a carburetor faster than Dean could. The weeks rolled by. Dean and Ryn were getting closer, he had even made friends with some of the guys Ryn hung out with. Most of them were grease monkeys so they had a fair amount in common. Dean was surprised at himself. He wasn't really one to get friendly with folks his age, but Ryn and her friends were all good people and something about her made him feel comfortable and able to open up a little. The fact that she was drop dead gorgeous didn't hurt either. Sam was doing well too. He had a few friends at school, and he was focused on his schoolwork as usual. Dean knew it was doing him good to be in one place for a while. Dad popped in and out. Dean was pretty sure he hadn't been home more than a week in a row for nearly two months. But they were managing. Dean picked up as many shifts as he could at the garage and Dad was actually getting some regular cash into the bank account Dean had access to, so Dean was able to keep Sammy fed. One night John called saying he caught another case and would be gone for a while. He left some extra money in the bank account, and they would have to make do. Dean did what he always did and 'Yes sir-ed' his way through the conversation but the truth was he was starting to freak out a bit. Sam was going through a bit of a growth spurt and was eating like a horse. As much as Dean's job was keeping them afloat it wasn't enough to pay the rent and keep food on the table every month. Dean was going to have to start cutting back a lot to keep Sam going. Not that he hadn't done that before, but it was still a tricky thing to deal with. At least the school had a lunch program…and free breakfast if you got there early enough. They would be ok…he hoped.

Ryn liked working with Dean. He really knew his stuff and he could back up a lot of his swagger. The downside was it made him even more attractive to her. She did her best to just keep their relationship a friendship. She knew it was still too soon after Kyle, but Dean really was something special. Beyond his good looks he was smart, if not school smart, and a bit of a goofball. He was devoted to his younger brother, and loyal. Ryn found herself doing anything to make him smile and joke around with her, which luckily was pretty easy. She noticed that Dean didn't often bring lunch, but he also wouldn't let anyone treat him ever. She would ask Dean over for dinner sometimes, but he never took her up on it. He usually would say that he had to get dinner for Sam, or that their dad was working late, and he had to be home for his brother. Ryn understood as much as an only child could and she hoped one day she would get Dean over for dinner.

One month later:

It was Saturday and Dean was feeling off. His head was fuzzy, he was exhausted, and he had been fighting a headache on and off for days. But he had to get to work. He made it through the day without giving himself away. Around lunch time he started feeling a scratchiness in the back of his throat. Through the rest of his shift, he had had to stifle a few sneezes and had a small coughing fit in the bathroom, but he made it through. The next week saw him getting steadily worse. His nose would alternate between running like a tap, and getting so blocked he couldn't even sniffle. Sam luckily, was oblivious. He had some big project he was working on with a classmate and a test to study for, so he was out of the apartment most days that week. The only one who noticed that something was off was Ryn.

"Dean, are you ok?" she asked. He looked up at her. Her eyes were tight with concern. She actually reminded him of Sam a little in the moment. They were in Bio working on an assignment together. Dean was having a hard time focusing and Ryn had caught three mistakes he made in labeling.

"Yea, I'm fine." His voice was raw and a bit of a giveaway, but he managed to smile at her.

"You sure? You sound like you're coming down with something."

"I'm fine Ryn, promise." Dean amped up the smile to his most charming. She punched him lightly on the arm.

"Put that shit eater grin away," she laughed. Dean loved it when she laughed.

Ryn had been keeping a close eye on Dean over the past few days. She could tell he wasn't feeling great, but he wasn't letting on at all. He was still at school, and he was still at work. Today though, he looked like death warmed over. He was pale, so much that his dusting of freckles were standing out in stark relief, and he had dark smudges under his eyes and his voice was wrecked. She sighed as she watched him trudge out of their English class to head to lunch. Dean seemed to be the kind of guy who would end up in the hospital before he let on that something was wrong. They were both working tonight, she hoped she could convince him to go home early.

They were working on a car together. Ryn was doing a break realign while Dean was changing some fluids. He had to turn away to drive a sneeze into his shoulder and he swayed slightly after. He shook his head slightly like a puppy.

"Dean, maybe you should give it up for today. Go home and get some rest," Ryn said as she tightened the last nut she needed to.

"I'm fine Ryn I can finish up."

"You know you don't have to impress anyone Dean, you-

"Who's trying to impress anyone?" Dean said hotly and glared at her. His glare was rendered ineffective as his face dissolved and he sneezed harshly into his shoulder again. He went back to draining oil. Ryn rolled her eyes and sighed. This boy sure was stubborn. She was done with her work for the evening, so she went to put her tools away and thought about doing a quick tune on her bike, but decided against it for that night. She was tired and just wanted to get home and shower. She wandered back into the garage to tidy a few things up and heard Dean coughing. He was just lowering the car they had been working on down off the hoist. The moment it touched down he dissolved into a hacking fit that bent him double. Ryn went over to him and put a cautious hand on his back. He flinched slightly, but Ryn kept her hand where it was.

"Dean, seriously, you need to get some rest," she murmured. Dean stood, breathing heavily. He rolled his shoulder and pulled away from Ryn's hand.

"I can't Ryn."

"Why the hell not?"

"I just can't."

"Dean, for Christ's sake, you're sick, you need to get better."

"I can't Ryn…I…I need the money." He said it so quietly she almost missed it. Dean straightened up and avoided her eyes. Ryn stared for a moment.

"Dean…are…are you and Sam ok?"

"We're fine."

"You sure?"

"Yea, promise Ryn. Things are just a bit tight right now." Dean coughed again into a fist. He cleared his throat and gave her a weak smile. "I've got a couple days off. I'll rest up."

"Ok, just…take care of yourself."

Ryn worked the next day, which was Friday, and was glad not to see Dean since the first time she met him. He had been at school, but he had avoided her for most of the day. She understood. He had admitted something pretty big to her the night before and she got the impression that he was embarrassed about it. She really hoped he was relaxing at home or sleeping. She had Saturday and Sunday off, but her Suzuki needed some tuning, so she swung by the shop after hanging out with some friends that afternoon. What she was not expecting, was Dean. She caught a glimpse of him carrying some boxes of new parts into the shop. He looked no better. In fact, he looked worse. She could hear the wheeze in his breath, and as she got closer to him, she could see his hands were shaking.

"Dean, what the hell are you doing here?" she asked. It came out a bit harsher than she had intended. Dean jumped.

"Hey, I didn't think you were in today," he breathed out. He had the good sense to look a little abashed and he ran a nervous hand over his hair.

"I didn't think you were either," Ryn stated giving him a disapproving stare.

"Picked up an extra shift." Dean caught a bubbling cough in his elbow.

"Dean, seriously. What is wrong with you? You're going to drive yourself straight into the ground if you're not careful."

"I'm fine. Don't know what you're talking about," Dean grated out. Then he coughed heavily again…and again… and then it seemed like he couldn't stop. He put a hand on the hood of the car he was working on to steady himself. Ryn went to grab him a bottle of water. He took it gratefully and drank. He was breathing shallowly but the coughing stopped. He sank onto the hood of the car and rubbed a hand down his face. Ryn crouched down in front of him and put a gentle hand on his knee.

"Dean, please. Go home and rest," she nearly begged. He didn't say anything but looked at Ryn with glassy eyes. He looked utterly defeated. Tentatively, Ryn put a hand to his forehead. Her eyebrows drew together. "Oh Dean. You're burning up," she moved her hand to cup his pale cheek. Unintentionally he leaned into her touch and closed his eyes. "Ok, that's it. I'm going to tell my dad you're sick, and then I'm going to take you home."

"'S ok. I c'n walk home." Dean slurred slightly.

"Not a chance sweetheart." Ryn guided Dean to a stool nearby and then went looking for her dad.

"Daddy?" She found him in his office.

"Hey sweetie, what up?"

"Dean is really sick, he needs to go home. If you need, I can cover his work, but I want to drive him home first. Can I take your truck?"

"I thought he was looking a bit rough. He came in looking for extra hours so don't worry about covering. Go on and take him home. Maybe look after him a bit, and don't worry about making it home for dinner. I know you're sweet on him." Ryn couldn't help rolling her eyes as her dad handed her a set of keys.

"Yea yea. Thanks Daddy." Ryn went back to Dean who was still sitting on the hood of the car he had been working on. His head was in his hands. Ryn put a hand on his back. To her surprise he didn't flinch away.

"Come on Dean. Let's get you home." Dean looked up at her with bleary eyes. He nodded and got up. He swayed a little bit, but caught himself, took a deep break that crackled unpleasantly and followed Ryn. She got him into her dad's truck with relative ease. He passed out quickly once they got on the road.

When they got to the apartment, Ryn had to help Dean out of the truck. He was obviously dizzy and seemed weak on his feet. When she knocked on the door Sam answered it with a grouchy "What, did you forget your key's again D-" he stopped short when he saw his brother being supported by his friend. "Dean? What's wrong?" Sam was instantly in concern mode.

"M ok Sammy, just a bit under the weather." Dean said, smiling at his brother. Then a grating cough ripped out of him and left him breathless. Ryn led Dean to the couch and got him sitting down.

"Sam, do you have a thermometer?" Sam nodded and disappeared towards the bathroom. Ryn got a glass of water for Dean, who accepted it gratefully. Sam came back with the thermometer and gave it to Ryn. She uncapped it and held it out to Dean, who took it under his tongue without question. Ryn and Sam waited for the tell-tale beep that would deliver the sentence on Dean. When it came, Ryn pulled out the thermometer and looked at the display.

"103.2, Jesus Dean. When you get sick you don't mess around. You should go to bed."

"I gotta…get dinner going…for Sam." Dean said, trying to get up and not quite managing it. Sam rolled his eyes.

"Dean, I can get my own dinner for once. Please, just take care of yourself."

"Sam's right Dean. Let us deal with dinner, you go to bed, and get some rest my friend."

"S'my responsibility…take care of S'mmy." Dean said, sounding slightly delirious. Ryn just stared. She knew her friend was devoted to his brother, but this was ridiculous.

"Dean, you can't take care of Sam if you can barely stand." Ryn said. "Come on. Let me help you to your room." Dean coughed heavily into a fist. When he stopped, he looked wearily up at his friend and nodded. He reached out to her, and she took his hand and pulled him up, swinging his arm around her shoulders. Dean seemed to rally a bit and made it steadily to the bedroom. Ryn sat him on the bed and started helping him take off his boots.

"I can do that Ryn, I'm not a kid," Dean said, trying to push her away.

"You might not be a kid, but you can let someone help you. I can still take care of you and make things a little easier," Ryn said, smiling up at him. "Now get into bed. Sam and I will come get you when it's dinner time." Dean stared at her for a moment and swallowed heavily. Ryn was shocked when she saw a sheen of tears coming into his eyes. She got up and sat on the edge of the bed and placed a soothing hand on Dean's back. He hesitated for a moment, then leaned into Ryn, resting his hot head on her shoulder.

"Ryn…thank you," he said quietly "for everything." Ryn put an arm around his shoulders and gave him a squeeze.

"You're welcome sweetheart, any time."

She got Dean tucked up in bed. He could barely keep his eyes open.

"I'll come and get you when dinner is ready, if you want anything." Ryn got a muffled 'Mmm' in response as she closed the door gently. She smiled slightly to herself, glad she finally got him into a safe warm bed and resting. She went into the living room where Sam was sitting on the couch reading a textbook and taking notes. Ryn sat on the couch and sighed heavily.

"Is he always this stubborn?" Ryn asked. Sam glanced at her and nodded. She and Sam had only met a few times when he had stopped by the shop to walk home with Dean. The few interactions they had told Ryn that he was a typical young boy who was just starting to figure out life. He seemed shy and reserved.

"Yea, he's just like that," Sam said. He put his pencil down and closed the textbook. "I didn't even realize he was sick until just this morning. He doesn't like people to think he needs help." Sam looked down the hall to the closed door and sighed.

"Well," Ryn said sitting up, "what do you feel like for dinner?"

Sam and Ryn had a surprisingly fun time making marinara pasta together for dinner. They talked about bits and pieces, Ryn's job at her dad's shop, Sam's frustration about moving around so much and some shared interests. When everything was ready Ryn went to check in on Dean. Opening the door, she poked her head in. The room was full of a sickly heat. Dean was curled into a tight ball, blankets wrapped tight around him. Ryn stepped into the room and softly went toward the bed. She crouched down and placed a hand on Dean's back and rubbed a small circle. Dean sucked in a crackling break and let out a soft moan.

"Sammy?" he muttered.

"It's Ryn, Dean, do you feel up for some dinner?" Ryn said noticing the thin sheen of sweat standing out on his forehead. Dean slowly blinked his eyes open and looked fuzzily at Ryn. He licked his lips and seemed to think for a second. He nodded and started extracting himself from the blanket burrito he had wrapped himself into. When he was fully unwrapped and was hit with the air he shivered and folded his arms around himself.

"Do you have a sweatshirt or something you can put on?" Ryn asked. Dean nodded and pointed to a balled-up lump of black fabric resting in the corner of the room. She grabbed it and tossed it to him. Gratefully he put it on and zipped it up, then buried his hands in the pockets.

"Come on," Ryn beckoned him to follow her. Dean got up stiffly and shuffled after her into the living area. Sam glanced up from stirring the sauce pot. His brows drew together in concern.

"Jeez Dean, you look like hell," he said.

"Well, you're no peach yourself Sammy," Dean replied. His voice was absolutely wrecked. Sam winced in sympathy. Dean collapsed into a chair while Ryn and Sam dished up the pasta and sauce. Ryn put glasses of water at each of their places but gave Dean an extra large one. Dean eyed her.

"Drink all of that mister. You'll need the hydration," she said with mock sternness. Dean looked at his bowl sizing up the meal his friend and brother had put together. He grabbed a fork and had a bite. His eyes closed and he let out a sigh.

"That is delicious," Dean said with a smile. They ate in a comfortable quiet. Once Dean was done he looked at Sam.

"How's that project coming Sammy?" He asked, his eyes were slightly clearer than they had been. The meal had clearly done him good.

"Nearly done, just getting the last few details in," Sam replied with a small proud smile.

"Nice work," Dean said, nodding his head. He sneezed into a fist. Ryn started gathering up the dishes. Dean got slowly to his feet and started helping. Ryn thought about protesting, but the determined look in Dean's eyes told her that it would not be worth the fight. Together Ryn and Dean did the dishes, while Sam kept working on his project. Ryn was just finishing the last few plates, and Dean was drying when he leaned gently into her. She looked over at him, slight concern in her eyes. Dean gave her a soft smile.

"I know I said it already, but…thanks…again. Really. I don't know what I would have done without you today." Dean said, somewhat haltingly. Ryn's heart did a flip-flop. She leaned back into him.

"You're welcome. I don't like it when my friends are not ok. Particularly when there is something I can do to help," she said. Dean chuckled softly, then coughed and sighed, slightly frustrated. "Probably should go back to bed when we're done here. An hour nap does not a proper rest make," Ryn said. She took the towel Dean was holding and hung it up on the oven handle. Dean was standing in the middle of the kitchen, eyes glazed over, mouth hanging slightly open. Suddenly, he sucked in a sharp breath and drove a sneeze into the back of his wrist.

"Bless you," Ryn and Sam said together. Ryn went over to Dean and pulled a tissue from a box she had noticed on the coffee table. She handed it to Dean, who took it gratefully. He blew his nose, then swayed slightly. Ryn put a hand on his elbow, steadying him. She lightly ran her fingers through his dishevelled hair. Feeling the still sickly heat coming off him she nodded to herself.

"Yup, bedtime. Come on you," she said and took his hand that didn't still have a tissue in it and started pulling him towards the bedroom. Ryn put Dean back to bed with another glass of water on the side table and found some Tylenol in the bathroom. Dean took it without argument, then settled into bed. Without really thinking, Ryn leaned in and kissed his forehead softly. Dean froze and glanced up at her wide eyed. She smiled a little sheepishly.

"Good night Dean, feel better soon. I'll leave my home number with Sam. Call if you need anything ok?" She said in a rush and left the room, closing the door behind her. She wandered back to the living room where Sam was on the couch watching tv. He looked up at her and smiled a little shyly.

"Thanks for taking care of Dean," Sam said "he's usually so focused on taking care of me, he won't really let me take care of him."

"I can see that," Ryn said nodding, "happy to help. I'm going to head home now. Think you'll be ok Sam?"

"Yea, we'll be good." Sam said. Ryn grabbed a pen out of her bag and a piece of note paper and scribbled her home number on it and passed it to Sam.

"If either of you need anything, just give me a call. Any time," Ryn said equally shy. Sam nodded.

"Thanks again Ryn," he said. Sam stood and gave Ryn a hug.

"Hey, do you think it would be ok if I came by tomorrow afternoon, just to see how he's doing? I'll bring dinner if you like?"

"Sure! Dean usually likes soup when he's sick, but he also loves burgers." Ryn smiled and nodded.

"I'll bring some options! See you tomorrow, Sam," Ryn said with a wave and left.

The next day she went back with fixings for both her famous burgers and her mom's tomato beef soup so Dean and Sam could decide what they wanted. Sam opened the door when she knocked and gave her a soft smile. She could see Dean on the couch, wrapped in a blanket from his bed, looking just as miserable as he had the day before. He gave her a startled look when she came in with her grocery bags.

"Ryn, what…what are you doing here?" Dean said, struggling to sit up a bit straighter and shrugging out of the blanket. He seemed to regret that action as a shiver ran through him.

"I just wanted to come check and see how you were doing and offer to make you dinner again. Sam and I had such a fun time yesterday we thought it might be good to do it again."

"You don't have to do that Ryn, we don't need charity," Dean said gruffly. Ryn was a little taken aback, and it must have showed on her face.

"Dean!" Sam said sternly, "just let someone do something nice for you for once." Dean rolled his eyes. Sam looked at Ryn. "I'm sorry for my brother's bad attitude," Sam said looking pointedly at Dean. "He's just being cranky because he's board." Dean rolled his eyes at Sam and huffed as he brought the blanket back up over his shoulders. Ryn put the bags down on the kitchen counter and looked over at Dean.
"I'm not doing it for charity Dean. I like cooking, particularly for people I care about. But if you don't want me here I'll go home," she said, turning away fighting back the sting of angry tears.

"No Ryn, wait," Sam said catching her arm as she turned to walk back out the door. Ryn hesitated for a moment. She could see Sam looking at Dean, eyes pleading. Dean glanced up at Ryn, and must have seen the tears she was holding back. His face changed then. He looked downcast and guilty. Ryn turned to Sam.

"Could you give us a minute?" she asked quietly. Sam nodded and went to his room. Ryn moved away from the kitchen. Dean kept his eyes on her. She came over to the couch and sat down with him holding his look. She studied him for a moment, long enough for Dean to squirm a little.

"Dean, I'm just going to come out and say it," Ryn said with a sigh. Dean looked at her warily. "I like you Dean. I really like you. I feel like…maybe I'm way off base…but I feel like you like me too, but I'm also your friend. I was your friend first, and I will still be your friend, even if there is nothing more between us. So, I want you to know, I will never be here, with you, out of charity. You are my friend Dean. I care about you, and I care about Sammy. You're both important to me. So don't you ever think that I am only here for you out of charity. Understand?" Ryn finished her speech looking Dean square in the eyes. He looked back at her. Pale faced, ragged breath and all. He nodded slowly, then leaned heavily into her.

"I'm sorry Ryn, I can be a bit of a jerk sometimes. I don't really know how to have friends," he said. Ryn chuckled a little sadly and threw an arm around Dean's shoulders and pulled him close.

"Well, you have one now, so you'll just have to learn. Movie marathon?" Ryn said with a squeeze. Dean nodded emphatically.

They watched movies for the rest of the day, with the occasional snack that Ryn had brought. Then Ryn and Sam made the tomato beef soup. Dean loved it. He was up and down most of the day. He had a few naps, and his fever fluctuated between 99 and 102. He was still coughing regularly, and it still did not sound good. Ryn held back her concern. She knew the boys didn't have a lot of money and she guessed that they didn't have insurance. Sam went to bed early. He had a club before class in the morning and he wanted to be fresh. Ryn luckily had a spare first thing, so she was staying a bit late. Dean settled in on the couch and started nodding off. It was around 9:30 when Dean started shivering under his blanket and moaning softly and was even more pale. Ryn shifted and slipped a hand on his forehead. He was hot, really hot. She went to get the thermometer.

"Dean, sweetheart, I need a number ok." Dean nodded while another shiver ran through him. His temp came back as 104.

"Shit Dean, you really don't play around when you get sick." Ryn muttered to herself. She was genuinely worried now. She got up and grabbed a face cloth from the bathroom, and a bowl filled it with cool water. She went back to Dean and pressed the damp cloth to his face. He hissed a breath through his teeth and shivered.

"Cold," he said quietly.

"I know, but you're burning up and I want to try and cool you off a bit."

"Ryn…" Dean murmured, "I really don't feel good." Ryn's heart lurched.

"I bet you don't sweetheart. Let me try and help you."

Ryn tried her best to bring Dean's raging fever down. He eventually fell asleep or passed out. Ryn wasn't sure. She knew it was getting late, but there was no way she was going to leave Dean like this. At one point Dean started mumbling in his sleep. Something about monsters, his dad, and Sam. After a particularly panic-stricken call for his brother Dean suddenly went completely rigid. Ryn watched in horror as his back arched, nearly sending him off the couch.

"Oh my god Dean!" Ryn nearly screamed. At the sound of her voice, Sam came bolting out of his room and slid into the living room. He stared dumbfounded at his brother as he was gripped by a seizure. Ryn looked at him.

"Sam, stay with him, I'm going to call my dad!" Ryn said urgently. Ryn rushed downstairs to the pay phone she knew was just outside the building. She dialed hurriedly. Someone picked up on the second ring.

"Hello?" came her dad's voice.

"Daddy…" she was barely holding back the hysteria in her voice.

"Ryn, what's wrong, are you ok?"

"I'm fine Daddy, but Dean…"

"What's happened to Dean honey?"

"Daddy he's really sick, I think he just had a seizure. Daddy I'm really scared, can you come?"

"I'll be there in five honey, stay with him ok?"

"Ok…"

Ryn said with a sob and hung up the phone. She ran back to the apartment. Sam was kneeling next to the couch. It looked like Dean wasn't seizing anymore. Sam looked up at Ryn, tears streaming down his face.

"Ryn, is he going to die?" Sam sounded so much like the little boy he was, and Ryn nearly completely fell apart. But she managed to push down her own fear in order to reassure Sam.

"My dad is on his way Sammy. We can take him to the hospital, and he'll be just fine. We just have to get him the right medicine," Ryn said with far more confidence than she felt. She had no idea if Dean would be ok.

Ryn's dad was there in record time. He and Sam got Dean into the car. He was barely conscious. Ryn followed. They got Dean to the hospital. They took him in quickly once Ryn told them what the seizure had looked like and what he had been going through the past few days. Sam was able to give most of Dean's information and was able to tell the nurse that their dad was out of town on business, and not easily reachable. Without missing a beat, Ryn's dad stepped up and offered to be a temporary contact for Dean as needed.

"I'm sorry to have to ask, but there isn't any insurance on file," the nurse mentioned looking between all of them. Sam was in a bit of a daze, but the question sparked something in him. He started looking for his wallet, but he didn't find what he was looking for in his wallet. He searched Dean's jacket for his wallet. He found it and started looking through it. He sighed with frustration. His hands were shaking. Ryn took the wallet from Sam and did a quick search. She found what she hoped was the right card and gave it over. Sam breathed a sigh of relief. Once the insurance had been run, Sam and Ryn went to find seats in the waiting room while her dad stayed talking to the nurse.. Sam sat huddled in a chair, folded in on himself. He looked so much younger, the fear etched on his face. Ryn wasn't sure if Sam would accept comfort from her, but he looked so small and scared she had to do something. She reached out a hand and touched him lightly on the arm. He turned to her, eyes wide with so many emotions. She watched as his eyes filled with tears. She could see him fighting them.

"It's ok Sam, I'm scared too," Ryn said, her voice cracking slightly. That broke the dam and Sam threw himself into her arms with a gut-wrenching sob. She held on to him tightly until he was able to get himself under control. Then she looped an arm around his shoulders and pulled him in. He laid his head on her shoulder and settled in.

It didn't take long for the doctor to come to see them.

"Dean Winchester?" she said. Sam jumped up.

"Is my brother ok?" he asked in a rush as Ryn's dad stood and shook the doctor's hand.

"He's stable, and his fever is coming down a bit. He has pneumonia, probably a secondary infection from a virus or something like that. He's on some heavy antibiotics and painkillers. I'd like to keep him overnight at least to monitor his fever and make sure the drugs are doing their jobs and get some extra fluids into him.

"Can we see him?" Sam asked, nearly bouncing with nerves. The doctor nodded and waved to them to follow. Dean was hooked up to an iv and a heart monitor. He was pale still and looked younger as well. When Sam saw him he had to swallow hard to keep from breaking down again. Ryn got a chair for Sam, he smiled at her gratefully and sank into it.

"He's going to be ok Sam," Ryn said, putting a hand on his shoulder. Ryn sank into the other chair in the room and sighed. The room was quiet for a time, nothing but the sound of the oxygen machine. After a little bit she and Sam started chatting. The conversation ebbed and flowed comfortably. During one of the lulls in conversation Sam went to get a drink. Ryn moved into the chair next to Dean's bed and took his hand.

"Dean, I know you probably can't hear me, but I need to say this, you have to fight. You have to fight for Sam. Please. Fight to take me to Prom, fight to see your brother finish a full year of school. Fight to stay. Please Dean…please…fight to stay with me." Tears were in her eyes, but she swallowed them down. That was when Sam came back. Ryn started to stand, but Sam shook his head and curled into the other chair. Ryn smiled at him and continued to hold Dean's hand.

When Ryn started nodding off in her chair, her dad took her home, then went back to the hospital so that there was an adult with him. Ryn couldn't describe how grateful she was to her family. Dean had become a really good friend, even in spite of her feelings for him, and her parents understood that. She slept late and her mom called her off school for the day. Her dad called around 2pm to tell her that they were discharging Dean.

I offered to have them come to us and stay in the garage apartment. Would that be ok with you?

Of course, I think that's a great idea!

I don't know if they will go for it, Dean is thinking about it right now.

Ok, thank you Daddy.

Dean said no. Ryn was really disappointed, but she did understand. Knowing how Dean perceived charity, she figured he would not want to take something like a handout from his boss. She was both sad and happy not to see Dean at school. She took notes in Bio and English for him, and noted the homework. She saw Sam sitting with some of the soccer boys. He looked ok, but Ryn could see the lines of stress in his face. She went over to him and touched his shoulder. He looked around and started when he saw it was her.

"Can I have a moment?" she asked, internally rolling her eyes at the whispers the younger boys started because 'a senior was talking to a freshman.' Sam immediately got up and walked away with her.

"Sorry for pulling you away,"

"It's ok, how are you?"

"I'm doing ok, how are you doing?"

"Ok…I don't like leaving him alone…"

"Is he doing better?"

Sam looked down and shrugged.

"He's still got a bit of a fever, but it's down a lot, and his cough is still pretty brutal."

"Did he tell you what my dad said?"

Sam shook his head and looked up at her. "About you both coming to stay with us?" Sam looked back at her wide eyed.

"No, he didn't say…" Sam trailed off then his face fell a bit "Dean would never go for it though, and if Dad found out…I don't think it would go well." Sam said. Ryn nodded and sighed.

"Is it ok if I come over after school? I'll give you a ride."

"Yea for sure, if he complains I'll kick his ass," Sam said. Ryn leaned in and gave him a hug. "I'll see you later."

Ryn and Sam met in the parking lot at the end of the day. Sam was pretty sure he turned a few heads when he got on the back of Ryn's bike.

Sam opened the door chatting easily with Ryn. Dean was in the front room on the couch. He was ash pale, dark circles still under his eyes, and his breathing was laboured. He looked up and his face brightened when he saw Ryn was with Sam.

"Hey," he said roughly.

"How are you feeling?"

"I'm ok,"

"Did you take your meds?"

"Yes Sam, I took my meds," Dean said, rolling his eyes. Sam rolled his eyes back and went to put his bag in his room. Ryn sat on the couch and smiled at Dean. He smiled lightly back at her.

"You gave us quite a scare last night sweetheart," giving Dean a look. He looked a little shamefaced.

"Sorry about that…I -" he was interrupted by a coughing fit that forced him to sit up. When it passed he collapsed back and groaned. "I fucking hate this."

"Not going to lie, it looks pretty shitty," Ryn said. Dean rolled his eyes at her and then smiled. "So…" Ryn said looking a little embarrassed, "I didn't really get a chance to hear your answer about what I told you the other day…" Dean looked at her puzzled for a moment. Then understanding dawned and a flush rose up his pale cheeks.

"I…I um…I like you too Ryn," Dean said only tripping over his words for a moment. Ryn grinned.

"Would you go out with me, when you feel better obviously," she asked.

"Hell, yea I would," Dean agreed emphatically. Ryn laughed and snuggled into Dean tucking herself firmly into his side. Sam then poked his head into the room.

"Is it safe?" he asked with a sly grin.

"Enough," Dean replied.

They spent the afternoon in quiet comfort. Ryn helped Dean understand the English homework she had brought, and then they ordered some pizza. Dean was clearly wearing out by about 9:00 so Ryn took herself home. This became their pattern for the next week. Ryn brought homework and occasionally food and they hung out until Dean was done. Then Ryn would go home and repeat the cycle. It was Saturday of that week that Ryn showed up and Dean was dressed in his work clothes, lacing up his boots looking like he was about to leave. Sam was out with the soccer team. Ryn was pretty sure he would not have been happy if he could see his brother just then.

"Dean…what 'cha doing?"

"Going to work,"

"You're not scheduled,"

"I figured I'd just show up and see if I could pick anything up," Dean said and coughed. He was definitely getting better, but he wasn't there yet.

"Dean, honey, it is so not a good idea to go back to the shop yet,"

"Ryn I can't keep not working, I just can't ok…" he said. Ryn looked at him seriously.

"Dean, you are still recovering from pneumonia, you had a fucking seizure right in front of me…why can't you just let yourself rest?"

"Because we are going to get kicked out if I don't!" Dean shouted. Ryn took a step back at the force of his words. Dean blanched thinking that he had scared her and ran his hands through his hair frustrated.

"Ryn, I am two days away from getting us kicked out of here because I can't pay the rent. I need to work," Dean said firmly. He was pleading in his mind that Ryn would understand. He knew he could ask for an extension on the rent this month, but he knew it would get back to his dad and he wasn't about to let him down like that.

"Dean…we have a place you can stay. It's an apartment above the garage, you'd have your own space, own kitchen. Just come stay with us, please." Now Ryn was pleading. Pleading Dean would just accept the help. Accept that there were people who just wanted to help and expected nothing else back.

"I'm not going to mooch of my boss because I'm dating his kid,"

"Dean for fucks sake, just take the help, it's not mooching if we offer. Please, it would be good for Sam too. He still has a place to come home to, still has a place with a real kitchen and not some crappy motel. Please Dean…" Ryn knew she had him when she mentioned Sam. Dean hesitated. She could see the gears turning in his head. Finally, he sighed.

"Let me talk to my dad about ok?"

Dean called his Dad that night. He didn't pick up, but Dean made a choice. The rent was better, and he could afford it alone, so he left him a message with what was going on and the new address. That weekend, they moved what they had out of the place and into the garage apartment at Ryn's. That was the arrangement for the next few months. They had a separate phone line to the apartment, so John was able to check in regularly. He even stopped by a few times, never staying more than a few days. Dean and Ryn made their relationship official, and neither could have been happier. Dean started doing well in school for the first time in years, and Sam was doing amazing, and had grown close to 5 inches.

One night, in late May, Dean got a call from John. He was heading to California and wanted the boys packed and ready by the next day. Dean didn't know what to do. He had never felt as safe and comfortable as he had here. He had a steady job that he knew he could apprentice at if he really wanted to. Sam was flourishing…and there was Ryn. He knew Sam would put up a fight, and this might have been the first time in Dean's life, he would have agreed. He told Sam, and he reacted exactly how Dean expected.

"Dean, he can't just uproot us again! Everything is great here, I have friends, you have friends and Ryn. Why would he take us away from this?"

"Says there's a few jobs in California he wants to check out and needs some help with them."

"He's done how many jobs without us over the last few months, why does he need our help now Dean?"

"I don't know Sammy, it's Dad,"

Sam sighed and looked down, a few tears leaking out of his eyes.

"What are you going to tell Ryn?" Sam asked quietly. Dean blew a heavy breath out between his teeth.

"I have no idea."

Dean and Ryn had plans that night. Ryn had some date planned with him. She knocked on their door around 7 and took Dean by the hand pulling him out to the garage proper. She passed him a set of keys and led him to a car. It was a 1969 Pontiac Tempest.

"Now, I know you are probably thinking that this isn't as sweet as that Impala you rolled up in on that first day you got here, but this has been my dad's baby for ever and he agreed to let us take her out tonight," Ryn said excitedly. Dean stared at the keys in his hand, and the car in front of them. He turned to Ryn and kissed her soundly.

"This is awesome," he said and ran around to the driver's side. "But where are we going?"

"I'll tell you where to go," Ryn winked at him.

She directed him down back roads that he had never been, and around winding trails until she told him to pull into a gravel track that led to an open field surrounded by woods. Then she pulled a couple of blankets and a bag that had food and a few bottles of beer.

"What are we doing here?" Dean asked as Ryn laid out one of the blankets.

"We are having a starlight picnic," she said looking up. It wasn't quite dark enough yet, but Dean could just see the hint of stars coming out in the sky. They had a beautiful night eating good food, enjoying a beer and watching the stars and just talking. It was only when they finally fell quiet, curled together lying back and looking at the sky, that Dean felt the dread wash over him. Something must have shifted in him, because Ryn looked up at him.

"Everything ok?" she asked. Dean sat up and pulled her up with him.

"Ryn, this has been the best date I have ever had. Thank you, you've done so much for me and Sam, and I can't thank you enough,"

"Dean, babe, you're making me nervous."

"I'm sorry…I got a call from Dad yesterday…"

"And…"

"He's taking us to California."

"What?"

"California, he wants Sam and me packed by tomorrow night."

"Ok… for how long?"

"Not sure, it could be a while,"

"But what about graduation? We only have a month left."

"My grades are so much better now I could probably just test out and get my GED at this point,"

"Is that what you want?"

"No, but it's what I can get,"

"Does this mean…does this mean you wouldn't be coming back…at all?" Dean looked away from Ryn and nodded slowly. His heart broke when he heard the catch in Ryn's breath.

"So this is it?"

"I think so,"

"It's not fair."

"I know, but this is my life, this is how it goes,"

"Dean…I…"

"I don't want to go Ryn. I don't want to leave you, but my dad needs me."

"Dean…I think I love you,"

Dean was speechless. He stared at Ryn. Here eyes were shining in the starlight. He swallowed thickly.

"Why?"

"That's what you ask?"

"Ryn, you deserve so much better than me."

"I don't think I do…"

"Ryn…I…I can't,"

She nodded and brought her knees up to her chest hugging them to her. Dean saw a tear course its way down her cheek.

"I'm so sorry Ryn," he said reaching out to her. She looked at him with watery eyes.

"Can you take me home now?" she said quietly. Dean sighed and nodded, getting up and gathering the remains of their beautiful date. They drove home in an uncomfortable quiet. Ryn cried silently, and Dean's heart was pounding with anxiety. When they pulled in Ryn went straight to the trunk and pulled the blankets and bag out of the back and walked into the house. Dean sighed again and went to their apartment. Sam was in the living room reading when he walked in the door. Sam glanced up.

"You told her didn't you," he said. Dean nodded. "I guess it didn't go well." Dean shook his head and sat heavily on the couch, putting his head in his hands. He felt a hand rest on his back for a moment and he thanked god that Sam couldn't see his face, because that was when he broke.

Sam went to bed not long after Dean and Ryn got back. Dean was too keyed up to sleep right then, but he had changed into comfortable clothes in an effort to convince his body it was time to rest. He kept waring with himself, trying to decide to sneak in to see Ryn or not. He was just thinking it was time to try and get some sleep when he heard a soft knock at the door. He hesitated for a moment, the image of Ryn's dad on the other side fixing to give the guy that broke his daughters heart a piece of his mind. Deciding that he would happily take that punishment, Dean got up and opened the door. Ryn stood there, hair undone and falling around her shoulders. She had one of his oversized AC/DC shirts on over pajama shorts. Dean swallowed hard. Ryn stepped into the apartment, and he let her. She went right over to the couch and sat down without a word. Dean just stared at her. He had no idea what was going on. She looked up at him, emotion clear in her eyes.

"I think…I've accepted it Dean," she said quietly, "but I have a favour to ask." Dean blew out a held breath and sat next to her on the couch.

"Anything Ryn," he said without really thinking. Ryn took a deep breath. Her leg was bouncing double time, and she was clenching and unclenching her hands like she was nervous. Suddenly she stood up and started pacing in the small space. Dean watched her, growing confusion showing on his face. Ryn saw it and huffed out a frustrated sigh.

"Don't freak out please," she said still wringing her hands. Dean held his hand up in surrender. Ryn chuckled softly and seemed to relax a little. She went back and sat close to him, looked deep into his eyes, then leaned into Dean and kissed him. It wasn't their usual soft kisses, full of young crush and promise, it was needy and passionate, hot and almost desperate. Dean responded for a moment, then broke away looking at Ryn seriously.

"Ryn…what…"

"Dean, I want you…I…I want to be with you," her eyes flicked away from him, and a hot flush rose on her cheeks, "I want you to be my first, while I have the chance." Dean's eyes widened as he understood what she meant.

"Ryn…" he breathed. He couldn't say that he hadn't thought about it. She was beautiful and sweet, and he was a typical 18 year old boy. Just the thought of her wanting him was enough to get him going. Ryn glanced up at him again and saw the look in his eyes. Emboldened by that look she pushed his shoulders back against the couch and climbed into his lap, straddling him. She leaned in and kissed him again. More tenderly this time, but with no less heat. He moaned a little as she wrapped her arms around his neck and settled her hips over his. He could feel her warmth through the fabric of his sweats, and it was going right to his hard on. He pulled away from her for a moment and looked up into her deep brown eyes.

"Are you sure?" he asked earnestly. She looked back at him steadily and nodded.

"Please," she said softly. Dean swallowed then leaned in and met her lips again. They stayed there for a long while, making out, building passion. Ryn's hips ground against him and more than a few times Dean couldn't hold back the soft moans of anticipation. Finally, Ryn broke their kiss, climbed off Dean's lap and held out a hand to him. He stood and took her hand. She led him down the hall to his bedroom and pulled him through the door. In a second she grabbed the hem of his shirt and pulled it up over his head. He stood there, shirtless, exposed, in front of her. She stepped into him and ghosted kisses over his chest. She stepped back and crossed her arms, gripped the hem of her own shirt and pulled it off. She wasn't wearing anything underneath. Dean swallowed thickly and looked at her. He had always thought she was beautiful, but this was something new. She was stunning. Dean reached out and pushed a strand of stray hair back behind her ear and let his hand rest on her face. He leaned in and kissed her. Hard and needy in his own right. He slowly guided her back to the bed and they lay down together. They kissed, starting soft and gentle, moving to hot and heavy. Ryn's hands were all over Dean's chest, and his gently caressed and kneaded her breasts. Slowly Ryn's hand moves down to the waistband of Dean's sweats. Her fingers ghost along the sensitive skin between his stomach and hips. Dean shudders, heat flooding into him. His own hand slipped into Ryn's shorts and cupped her bare ass. Slowly Ryn's hand moves closer and closer to his hard on. When she finally makes contact Dean can't hold the strangled moan that tears through him. Ryn's fingers wrap around him, and she slides up and down. She's a little clumsy, but Dean doesn't care. He's drowning in extasy. Coming back to himself for a moment he shifted his hand around form Ryn's ass and slid it to the heat between her legs. Carefully he slides one finger between the slickness of her lips and slips inside. Ryn sucks in a breath and shudders.

"Are you ok?" Dean asks breathlessly. Ryn nodded and ground against him. He shifted a bit and slid the finger up to find the little nub of her clit and gently brushed against it. Ryn moaned. A sound that made Dean's insides melt and his cock harden even more. He played a while longer, fingers dipping into the slick heat every so often. Ryn was grinding against him hard. He had two fingers in her now, then his thumb starts pressing against her clit. Rubbing in a circle and Ryn lost her mind. She panted, high pitched sounds coming out of her. Quiet enough that Dean thinks Sam won't wake up, and suddenly Ryn tensed and held her breath. Dean can feel her muscles inside spasming, and he has never been so satisfied in his life. He thought he could come right there. But he brings Ryn through her climax and holds her when she comes out of the peek. Her chest heaved as she looked at Dean. He's gutted to see tears in her eyes.

"Shit," he whispered. "Ryn…fuck are you ok baby? Did I hurt you?" His hands are gone and he his touching her face concern clear in his eyes. Ryn shakes her head and touched his face in turn. She hiccoughed with a small sob.

"No, Dean no, it was…it was so perfect." She reaches up to him and kisses him again. Hard and intense. "Are you sure?"

Ryn nods. Her hands leave him, and she pushed his sweats down. He glanced at her and sees the want in her. He wriggled out of them and tossed his pants off the bed, while Ryn does the same with her shorts. They looked at each other for a moment. Completely laid bare. Ryn pushed him back against the bed and lies herself on top of him. She kissed him, moved to his neck and bit him softly, moved down his chest and sucked a nipple into her mouth. Dean gasped and trembled. He can feel the smile against his chest and she moved again. Brushing soft kisses all the way down to his hip. Then she looked up at him, face right next to his ridiculously hard cock. She shifted positions slightly and opened her mouth. Dean gasped as slick heat enveloped the most sensitive part of himself and pleasure exploded through him. Then Ryn moved. She sucked and dragged her tongue all over his shaft, his head. Her hand came up and gripped the base of his cock and started moving in time with her hand.

"Oh fuck…Ryn…nnnngg…" Dean was whispering incoherently. He was starting to feel the tell tale pull deep inside. "Ryn," he breatheed, "baby you gotta stop if you want to..huh…if you wanna go farther…"

She pulled off him with a small pop. She crawled off the bed and fished in her clothes for a second and came up with a foil wrapper. She handed it do Dean who tore it open and rolled the condom onto himself. Ryn gave him a slightly nervous look.

"We don't have to Ryn," Dean said, giving her an out if she wanted it.

"I'm ready Dean, I am so ready," and she pushed him back on the bed and straddled him in one fluid motion. Slowly, so slowly, she sunk down on him. Letting herself adjust with each small movement. Dean held himself still. His body screaming at him to thrust up into her. To grab her hips and slam her down on him. He doesn't. He lets her take her time. She moved up again to get some slip and sinks farther on. Dean let out a strangled cry. The she is all the way down on him. Seated comfortably on his hips. Ryn moans breathily. She looked down at him.

"Is this ok?" she asked. Dean nods and ran his hands over her thighs. Then she's moving. Hands pressed against Dean's chest. He is lost. Lost in the sensation, the pressure, the warmth. His hands find Ryn's hips and he guided her rhythm. She adjusted slightly and gasped shuddering. She sinks down, pulling him deep into her and ground on him. She's moving slower now, small movements up and down. The sounds she was making tell Dean that she found something special. Suddenly she is slamming herself onto him, her head on his chest grinding hard. His hips buck up into her without his consent, but she is making the most amazing sounds and he can't believe how tight she's suddenly become. The tightness, and the complete abandon Ryn has given over to ignite something in Dean and he feels that pull. The shivery feeling that builds, and builds, until Ryn slams down on him at just the right moment. His hips stuttered and Dean is coming. Coming like has never before. Spilling is entire being out of his cock and into the beautiful girl that he has to say goodbye to. He drifted out of his ecstasy, and he understood what happened to Ryn when she had reached her orgasm before. Tears were in his eyes unbidden and he collapsed back, boneless into the bed. Ryn gently slid off of him and Dean gasped at the loss. He felt as she removed the condom and disposed of it. Then she came back to him and curled into his side. He put an arm around her, and they held each other for a long while. They drifted off to sleep for a bit, but Ryn woke not long after and got off the bed. Dean watched her as she put her clothes back on.

"Ryn?" he said like a question. He caught the shudder of a sob as she turned to look at him. Tears were coursing down her face.

"Thank you, Dean, that was…everything," she said kissed him and was gone. Dean was left alone, feeling shattered.

In the morning Dean sat on his bed and stared at the floor. He didn't regret being with Ryn last night. It was probably the most amazing experience of his life. It had been a goodbye, he knew that. But he wanted it not to be. He was so conflicted. He sighed heavily and put his head in his hands. He could hear Sam packing, the occasional sob echoed through the apartment. They were ready by late afternoon, and his dad had called to say he was an hour away.

Ryn clung on to him, and not that he would admit it, he clung back to her. She looked up at him, eyes shining with unshed tears.

"Dean, I don't want you to go - you can stay here. Finish school, go to prom with me, I don't want…I don't want to say goodbye."

"I know, I know baby…look here," he pulled out a piece of paper. "This is the address of a friend of ours. Write me, we swing by there pretty often, so I'll get them eventually. I'll send you postcards, we can keep in touch." Ryn nodded and took the paper. The look on her face told Dean that she didn't believe him.

She buried her face into his chest. Then he heard the familiar rumble of the Impala. He held on to her tightly. She looked up at him one more time. The look on her face was so open, and needing connection, and so much…love. It made him shiver.

"Dean," she said, glancing over his shoulder seeing the black car rolling up, panic in her eyes. Dean called to Sam, who came out of the garage with his duffle over his shoulder. Dean let go of Ryn and turned away picking up his own bag. She reached out and caught his arm.

"Dean, please…" she hesitated, "stay with me." She said it in a whisper. Dean nearly broke again. He nearly turned back to her, ready to abandon everything. Then he heard his dad's voice.

"Burning daylight Dean, let's go!"

"I'm so sorry Ryn…I-I can't," he turned away and went to load his duffle in the trunk with Sam, who glanced over at him. Sam went over and pulled Ryn into a crushing hug.

"I'm going to miss you Ryn," he said.

"Me too kid," Ryn said and squeezed him back. Sam went back to the car and slid into the back seat. Dean opened the door, and hesitated. He turned back and jogged over to Ryn. He took her one last time and kissed her deeply. He pressed his head to hers and closed his eyes.

"I will never forget you," he said just above a whisper and joined his dad and brother in the car.

Epilogue:

Ryn wrote to Dean. She wrote letter after letter. Telling him how the shop was doing, what new thing they were learning in bio she thought he might be interested in, what her dress looked like for prom. She tore most of them up. It took her well into the summer to actually post something to the address Dean had given her. She told him she was going to Gonzaga University in Spokane on a mechanical engineering scholarship. She told him she missed him and hoped that one day she might get to see him again. She told him she wouldn't wait for him, but she would always care for him. She also put her post box address at the university on the off chance that Dean followed through on his postcard promise. She cried when she dropped the letter in the post box, and she wasn't sure if she wanted it to reach him or not.

Ryn got a letter at school that November. It was short and sweet. Just like she expected of Dean.

I'm so proud of you for Gonzaga, I hope they're treating you well.

I miss you too Ryn – but don't you dare wait for me. I meant it that I will never forget you, and maybe one day we'll see each other again, but you have to live your life baby. I'm not worth the wait.

Dean

That was what it was. Ryn graduated with honours and ended up taking a job with Triumph Motorcycles USA in Atlanta. She had written and torn up several more letters to Dean over the years. None of them ever felt right. She did eventually send a letter with her new address in Atlanta on the off chance that he might get it. She got a post card one day from Palo Alto California. All it said was Sammy got into Stanford. Pre-Law. It made her smile, and then it made her cry.

Over the next few years, she did well for herself. Bought a house, had a few relationships, lost her mom, and then became one. The dad was a no one really. Just a guy with a sweet bike and a bad boy attitude. He gave her a gift through, her daughter Lexi. For a long time, she was so focused on being a single mother that she never really noticed that the occasional post cards she would get stopped completely. It wasn't until Lexi was nearly five that she stumbled across her memory box with the letters and postcards. She read over them with a bottle of scotch and remembered the boy that stole her heart. She hoped he was somewhere happy. In the way that these things happen it was less than a week later that there was an unexpected knock at her door. When she opened it, familiar green eyes looked back at her with achingly an familiar sweet smile. Her breath caught in her throat, and her mouth fell open.

"Hey Ryn," was all she let him get out before she was in his arms.