It was nearing two o'clock on Dean and Sophie's fifth night at his house when Bobby padded up the stairs and saw dim light under Dean's doorway. He checked over his notes, scribbled on the back of a liquor store receipt, then knocked on the door.
"It's unlocked," Dean called.
Bobby opened the door and slipped inside, closing it quietly behind him. Dean was sitting up in bed with Sophie tucked up against his chest. She had one arm tight around his neck and her face buried in the crook of his shoulder. And she was trembling.
"You're okay," Dean whispered into Sophie's hair, fingers tracing gently up and down her spine, "Just give it a couple minutes and you'll stop shaking and you'll be able to go back to sleep. Don't worry. You're safe. Everyone's safe."
"She alright?" Bobby asked, sitting down on the foot of the bed.
"This is normal," Dean replied, "If that's what you're asking."
"Not a seizure?"
"Just another nightmare," Dean said, "I know she's had a tough night and I'm real sorry if we woke you. Is Sam out sleeping in the Impala again?"
"I think so," Bobby agreed, "And you don't have to apologize. I've got a sick kid. Being woken up in the middle of the night's just part of the job."
Bobby reached out to put a hand on Sophie's back but Dean shook his head.
"I've got something to help," Bobby said.
"We've tried damn near everything Bobby and I think it's just gonna be a matter of time…" Dean began.
"I've looked through every herbal medicine book I have down there," Bobby said, "Not for things to help her sleep. But for things that will prevent dreams. I keep reading about lavender, hyssop and burdock root. I had a friend drop some off. If you want…and I truly mean only if you want…I can go make her some tea and we'll see if she sleeps through the rest of the night with it."
Dean looked down at Sophie, half asleep in his arms now.
"You both deserve the rest," Bobby said.
"We'll try it," Dean agreed.
They were both fast asleep when Bobby made it back upstairs with the tea. He woke Dean and sat the steaming mug and a jar of honey on the bedside table.
"I don't know what it tastes like," Bobby said, "But it smells really bitter. Figured the honey might help her get it down."
"Thanks Bobby," Dean replied, sitting up and gently shaking Sophie awake. She had on sports bra that left most of her chest and her stomach bare. Bobby shuddered at the dark red scars tracing from her collarbone all the way down past her belly button. That werewolf did a number on her. Bobby was shocked that Dean had managed to patch her up and save her life.
Sophie rubbed her eyes and sat up, curling against Dean's shoulder.
"Is it morning?" She asked sleepily.
"No," Dean murmured, stroking her hair, "Not morning yet. Bobby thinks this'll help the nightmares. Drink it for me?"
Sophie nodded and took the mug. She took a sip, gagged, and gestured for the jar of honey.
"That tastes…like swamp water," she said.
"It'll be worth it if it works," Dean reminded her.
Dean came downstairs early to find Bobby already up and making coffee. He rushed across the living room to give the older man a hug.
"She slept through the night!" Dean was ecstatic.