(no subject)

[weirddreams]

Sam planned everything. Asking Dean had only been the first step before he would propose to Ruby; the other steps he took included talking to John and Mary how they would feel if he proposed to her (a demon) as well as ring shopping. He also entrusted Dean to hide the ring while he formulated a plan. The plan came into fruition when asked Ruby if she would like to get away for the weekend on a romantic hike as far as they can go into the woods where they would spent most their time camping. Everyone else got the heads up they'd be gone. He and Ruby started out in the morning with their gear but sometime around noon, between the glances and the less than subtle touches and conversation points, he slowed to a stop when they came to the large clearing his brother described. The sun glimmered off the water; the stream itself gave life to the wild flowers and grasses that swayed in the wind before their very sight.

"What do you think? This is a good of a spot as any to set up camp." They should actually be able to enjoy some daylight and time together, right. Not expecting any complaints either, Sam slides his gear off his back to shrug it off on the ground.

Comments

[peaceonearth]

Proposals seem like one of those things that would take planning. It's not something Ruby is expecting because she's a demon. However, because of that, it's a good thing that Sam had talked to Dean and his parents. John had been taken aback, but he's gotten to know Ruby well enough that he realizes she's not like the demons he's hunted (or maybe she is and she's just the first one he's gotten to know which is a whole other thing). In any case, everyone that loves Sam just wants him to be happy. Ruby makes him happy and when John and Dean forget that she's a demon, they like her.

Ruby and Sam have gone camping before and they'd been talking about doing it before it got too cold here so she isn't surprised when Sam suggests it. She's got no idea what Sam is planning. The glances, less than subtle touches and conversation points are all standard fare for them, but she's very glad when he suggests they stop for the day. She pretends to have a look around the clearing.

"Mmmmm," sh humsas she turns in a slow circle, her attention falling on Sam. "I like the view," she tells him with a purr, sliding her pack her back as well, her eyes fixed on him.

[weirddreams]

Dean and John and Mary liking Ruby enough to approve of it was the biggest thing. A part of Sam wouldn't have known if he could cope with splitting from his family to propose to Ruby if things had gone that way. Good thing it worked out.

Camping with Ruby was the most ideal in terms of privacy (or training with his powers) so he can't say his plan came together quickly enough. Although it counted for something to finally change all that. It wasn't cold nor warm as the season had quickly changed from Summer to early Autumn. His attention spends a moment on the clearing but naturally falls back to her around the time she declares a like for the view. He's used to the look behind her eyes that typically falls on him when they're alone. He'd go as far to say he's flattered (a little turned on) by it.

Sam grins at her a measured amount. "Obviously, you haven't seen anything yet." He is poking a little fun at her or being intentional in the phrasing. The whole point was the surprise waiting for her though. He moves closer so his arms wrap themselves around her waist, not breaking the eye contact they share. "I think I was missing the view a little, too."

[peaceonearth]

Ruby has grown on them (like mold).

It's a good time in the season to go camping. It's cool enough at night that snuggling next to a fire is ideal, but not so cold that they're miserable. The clearing has a great view, but Ruby is pretty partial to her personal view. Flattered is good; so is turned on. She thinks that's what this trip is about: sexcation, a few days alone.

Her eyes quirk up at his teasing, grin flitting across her lips. "Easy Puppy. We won't even get the tent up at this rate.' She leans into him when he wraps his arms around her. Stiletto heels aren't conducive to camping, so she's wearing hiking boots which leave her looking up at him. "Mmmmm," she hums at him. "I do love a tall man."

[weirddreams]

She is a heart infection that Sam wants around for the rest of his life.

It goes without saying that it's part of the reason for the trip into the woods. Ruby can't know half of it. It would spoil the surprise if she did. A few days alone will be enough time to do the proposal right.

He almost considers the possibility of finding themselves without a tent for the night, just the two of them with one blanket under the stars. It is cold enough in the season to make him think twice. "You want to make the tent first?" Despite the signals the two of them are sending out, his hands hold her firmly. Truth be told, he finds her cuter when she is shorter compared to him. It does not bother him to slouch to meet her gaze either. "You've said that before." He tells her distracted by that hum she produces, though he can recall she said that the time they met. "I have a thing about short women too."

Is he trying to wind her up? The tent would be the logical thing to focus on, but there is still time in the day.

[peaceonearth]

That's something she'll be happy to stick around for.

It'll be a surprise worth waiting for and one that Ruby has no idea is coming.

It wouldn't be the worst way to spend a night. Maybe they'll spend part of the night like that looking up at the stars before Sam gets cold and they duck into the tent to warm up. "Want and need are two very different things, Samuel," she tells him with a soft lilt to her voice. A grin quirks the corners of her lips. "In that case, I'll accept being short."

Even though he holds her hands firmly, she glides her fingertips along his palms and along his wrists. She might be trying to wind him up as well.

The plot thickens

[peaceonearth]

The weekend (had it just been a few days or had it been much longer? Ruby was having a hard time keeping track of time) had started out idyllic. It would likely be one of the last camping trips they were able to take until spring. The air was already getting chilly.

The perfection of the camping trip had been interrupted and Ruby was struggling to put the sequence of events together. She'd gone to gather up some firewood while Sam set up their tent but she'd been waylaid by a woman, slammed against a tree. They'd fought, but Tammy had always been stronger than Ruby (being one of the minor fallen angels aka a prince (ess) of Hell gave a demon a lot of power as did age). She hadn't been able to keep Tammy out and when she walked out of the woods out of the camp, leaving Tammy's crumpled host body in a stand of bushes) Ruby hadn't been...Ruby. Nor had she had any power to let Sam know that. Tammy/Ruby had hit Sam on the head hard with a piece of wood and that's where things start to get fuzzy. From the bits and pieces, she can remember, she ought to be thankful for that.

There'd been a slew of atrocities inflicted on her and Sam physically and emotionally (Tammy had been delighted to realize that Ruby actually had squishy, soft, fuzzy emotions for Sam). As per Tammy's M.O., she'd gotten bored and discovered that Sam and Ruby had put together a little family here, which opened up a whole new world of torture for Tammy. She'd gotten the wrong blonde twice (on purpose or by accident) but the horror had only increased when Tammy showed up with Lucy. from that point on, Lucy had borne the brunt of the physical torture, but Tammy had used the human blonde in every way she could imagine to torture Sam and Ruby.

It was ar from over yet....unless the other Winchesters came to the rescue.

Re: The plot thickens

[weirddreams]

Similarly, Sam was having a difficult time placing the events since the afternoon in chronological order. One of the few things he could remember was taking the ring out of the secure place he had hidden it in his bag before things had gone dark. A nagging concern initially had been where the ring had gone when he woke but over time that concern turned on the well being of Ruby and to the blondes and Lucy when they were dragged in this mess. He pleaded to Tammy to let them go, do whatever she wanted with him, but that had just fueled the fire to go in the opposite direction. The result wasn't pretty. The first two blondes --Amber and Daisy. Sam had little trouble recalling their names-- had very little chance surviving what was in store for them. Lucy was different. She held on by a thread. She healed right in front of their eyes, albeit slowly. Sam had never seen anything like it in his life. A luminescent white glow of the skin would heal each injury into a scar or a bruise. Whatever it was, it was good.
His own injuries were substantial. However, when he was lucid, Sam willed himself to focus very little on the pain (all the aches and craving for blood). He heard most of the times when Ruby talked to him to keep him awake and oftentimes apologized or uttered encouragement over to Ruby or Lucy when he was lucid. Stuff like "It will be okay. We'll get out of this," or "I'm... I'm all right. How are you holding up?" 
It was fair from over, yes. Sam had every intention to keep their hopes up. Truth told there was very little hope unless someone rescued them. In time, Lucy's heart stopped too. Sam could feel himself slipping.
What did Dean and the others need? A sign would eventually come when things got dire and Sam asked Ruby to go with a really bad idea to stop Tammy. What idea--
The explosion caused every creature to flock in the opposite direction on the ground or the air. Under normal circumstances, the debris would have crushed everyone inside. Sam and Ruby had used their powers together to trap Tammy with them and remain unharmed (Lucy's body included). It was too much for him, though, and his heart stopped.
but it would start again minutes later. Sam gasped for air the second he was back. His vision was blurry but he could sense Ruby was still near. Trying to speak, he find he couldn't just yet, so his hand reached to touch her face.

Re: The plot thickens

[peaceonearth]

Lucy was mostly too out of it to notice the healing. She's incredibly grateful for it in a subconscious sort of way. Lucy has a lot of problems, but she's never wanted to die and her life is(was) actually getting really good.

Ruby hears Lucy's heart stop and it breaks her a little more, but it's Sam's heart slowing that really makes Ruby decide that it's time. This idea has been percolating in the back of her mind since the moment Tammy kissed Sam with Ruby's blood all over her mouth. When Sam 'suggested' the idea, Ruby knew it was a bad one, but they didn't have a lot of choices good or bad. Lucy was dead and Sam wasn't going to last through another round of Tammy's fun.

The explosion did what it was meant to do. It trapped Tammy and left them (physically) unscathed. However, it was too much for Sam's heart. Ruby tried to talk to him. She told him to focus on her "stay with me, Sam". He'd died in her arms and she'd given him CPR. To be honest, Ruby isn't sure if it's the CPR or this place that brought him back. She doesn't care either. Sam's heart stuttering an irregular rhythm then evening out is the best sound she's ever heard in her entire existence.

The sound of the Impala approaching is a very close second.

Re: The plot thickens

[weirddreams]

In his last moments, Ruby's words sounded as incoherent as everything else had slowly become, but the gist of what she was saying was clear from the look on her face. He smiled at her, weakly, the first time. Though he did do his best to hold on, it wasn't possible. He underestimated how much Tammy could do. It had been painless when he slipped away though.
The reverse, however, was true for when he took his first breath again. All his neurons fired in every direction to see that his nervous system would wake up. He came to with pangs afflicting his mind, but his senses came back one by one. The first was sight, blurriness then clarity, while his hand cupped her face then moved to squeeze her hand as he tested the sensation of his fingertips, completely numb at the time. He let the pain dull and gave himself time to soak in his current surroundings (the fact he was seeing Ruby at the top of the list).
"Ruby, did we make it to Heaven?" His voice was hoarse as he tried to speak coherently. How Ruby would be in Heaven is another matter entirely. Maybe, this was Hell.
If anyone deserved Heaven, at least Lucy did. She shouldn't have been involved from the start either.
The telltale sound of the Impala approaching was more white noise. 

Re: The plot thickens

[peaceonearth]

Painless is something, but not enough for Ruby. She expects to have a great deal longer with Sam by her side. She'd been wholly unaccepting of Sam's death.


Tears pool in her eyes as Sam squeezes her hand. She squeezes his back hard, assuring him that it's okay; they're going to be okay now. However, his question manages to take her by surprise.

"No," she says almost too sharply. Her voice softens and she shakes her head. "Sam we're alive. You're fine. We're still in Itinre." She smoothes his hair off his face, fingertips sliding over Sam's cheekbones. This isn't Hell, but Ruby is also certain that she's not ever going to get into Heaven.

"I need to--I need to see about Lucy," Ruby tells him. "Lay here. Catch your breath." She carefully lays Sam on the floor and moves on hands and knees over to Lucy's body. She's not sure how long it's been since Lucy stopped breathing. Time sort of blurred a bit with the explosion of power.

The explosion served to expose Ruby and Sam's location. Ruby can hear Dean yelling Sammy several moments before the group of them burst into the ruined cabin. "Sammy!" Dean bellows, focusing on Sam, but taking in Ruby bent over Lucy. Castiel, John and Mary are close behind.

The plot thickens

[weirddreams]

If it was the way things were meant to be, the only thing he would leave unfinished would be not proposing to her and being able to say I do. There's no telling if what that attachment would mean for his spirit.

Fortunately, things have a way of playing in a Winchester's favor. He's never seen Ruby cry much less feel the tears trickle down on his face, so this would be a first. He squeezes her hand back as an assurance, but it definitely lacks in strength.

He can't tell right away why she would be sharp to answer. Heaven seems logical considering the events that occurred (Ruby belonging in Heaven isn't even a question), but he will take her word for it. "Alive... We're alive. I guess, I guess being alive has its upside. I won't have to explain to everyone how I ended up dead." Most of all her. Her fingertips rubbing the sides of his temple relax him the most and his eyes close for a few seconds more. He relaxes when she does that (magic fingers!).

When has she ever known Sam to listen to advice about his own wellbeing; Lucy being brought up brings him out of it. He twists over to one side to push himself and sit up. Lucy's physical self was miraculously untouched by the rubble around them as well. "Is she breathing?" Sam thought Ruby meant she was alive. "Help her." The lessons with Ruby have taught him to tap more than he thought was there.

Ruby can be the ears for both of them. Dean's voice isn't as clear as Ruby's being that she was next to him. Dean appearing from no where only startles him further. His first instinct is to push the hand that tries to help him off, only to settle down when he makes the connection. Castiel was right behind Dean, focused on going to Lucy's side. His grace was in stasis, and he couldn't use his powers to instantly heal her. Her current state filled him with dread. He could remember a trick he learned from Netflix though, and placed his fingers on her neck artery to check her pulse.

Re: The plot thickens

[peaceonearth]

If it meant keeping him around, Ruby would take ghost Sam. She much prefers warm, flesh and blood Sam, though.

He’s never been dead before. He squeezes back. That’s enough.

“You know I wouldn’t let that happen, she tells him, her voice a little broken and hoarse. Yes, she’d find a way to bring him back if he died. That goes without saying. It’s good that he relaxes. He needs rest and medical care, but relaxing will do for the moment. She’d blown her power during the explosion so she doesn’t have the juice to do any healing, not right now.

He never listens to advice about his well being, which is why she’s goes ahead and helps him sit up. He’ll do more harm by struggling on his own. She shakes her head at his question. “I don’t think so.” She moves to Lucy’s body and tries some clunky, ineffective CPR. She’s pretty sure that it wasn’t her CPR that brought Sam back now.

The relief is obvious on Dean’s face and in his body when he sees Sam sitting up. “Let’s get him to the Impala,” John says as he rushes in behind Dean. It’s a relief for Dean to let John issue the orders.

Ruby moves away from Lucy, hands going up. “She’s not breathing and her heart...I was trying to help her.”

“Castiel , you and Mary get Lucy.” Whether she’s alive or not, they’re going to get her body back to the bunker. Johns gaze goes to Ruby. “Can you walk?”

Ruby nods. “Yes, but someone has to get Tammy,” she tilts her head to the body partially obscured by the rubble. “Sam and I knocked her unconscious, but she’s not dead.”

Dean scrubs a hand over his face and looks to Ruby. She tilts her chin up, preparing for a fight. “I’m staying with Sam.”

John looks to Dean then to Mary. “Dean and I will get Tammy, chain her and get her in the truck bed. You, Cas and Ruby get Sam and Lucy into the Impala. Head to the bunker. We’ll meet you there.”

Re: The plot thickens

[weirddreams]

It probably goes without saying a lot of people prefer Sam flesh and bone, especially him.

Not in Itinere at least. It helps give him some assurance that he has to be alive because of how real her tight squeeze on him feels.

She saved him once before when they weren't even dating so what she tells him comes across as an understatement. Of course there is no doubt he could count on her. It's why he can see himself spending the rest of his life with her. "Yeah. I would do the same for you." He means that with every fiber of his being, though his voice is not exactly the strongest to carry the message. He should relax until they can find medical help. There isn't a lot of fuel left in his reserves either.

Lucy needs help more than he does at the moment. He barely can tell Ruby thanks, but doesn't resist the help either. He really shouldn't be sitting up as a matter of fact. "Keep trying," he insists. There's not a lot of evidence for him to think Ruby isn't responsible for reviving him. Lucy deserves the same. Sam once showed Ruby where the CPR books were and he has enough confidence if Lucy can be revived, she can manage to do it.

Recognizing that Dean finally showed up is his own relief and subconsciously, Sam lets him help. "What? Hold on a second. We can't just leave Lucy." He means he can't without knowing if she wakes up or not. There's a lot he feels responsible for right now. John giving the orders is irrelevant.

Cas moves to take Ruby's spot over Lucy's body. He briefly glances over to Ruby, not to look at her with blame but work out if there's anything else (apparently not). Suffice to say he can't give up on Lucy just yet and continues CPR on her with mouth to mouth as he's seen on the Netflix. They can move her only if that doesn't work. Mary gives him space until Cas is ready for the assist to bring her body back with them.

Sam follows the conversation by searching the rubble for the body of their oppressor. He supports Ruby with a sigh of relief in what she's saying if anyone catches it.

Mary meets John's look and agrees, extending her hand for the keys to the Impala. She can get them there the fastest with her driving. "Don't take too long. I will need both of you there." Tammy deserves what is coming to her, but Mary worries her companions (Ruby and Castiel) won't have the clearest heads when they get back. Sam can sit up front with Ruby so there is space for Lucy in the back when they move them.

Re: The plot thickens

[peaceonearth]

"I know," she responds and she does know that Sam would do the same for her. She can count on him the same way. It's one reason she wants to spend the rest of her existence with him.

Ruby had read the CPR books. She considers it part of taking care of her human. She also knows a great deal about the way human's bodies work, but not the why. She's not sure it makes her qualified to do CPR, but it's better than nothing. "We're not leaving anyone," Dean assures Sam. He doesn't want to leave Lucy either. He's keeping an eye on what's going on with Lucy.

Maybe it's Cas's Netflix experience. Maybe it was Ruby's prior CPR or maybe it's a fairytale kiss from her Prince. Itinere would certainly find that appealing. In any case, Lucy takes a shallow gasp then whimpers, one eye slitting open. Her brow furrows a little, pulling at a cut near her eyebrow that makes her wince. "You're not--you're not real." Her voice is a scrape of a whisper, throat raw from screaming.

Ruby has no intention of leaving Tammy here to wreck havoc on anyone else nor is she willing to put her knife through her gut right now (even if anyone has the knife here). Dean is all for grabbing the demon that did this and wrecking a little of his own havoc on her.

Dean puts the keys in Mary's hand. "We'll be right behind you," John assures her as he starts to move some of the rubble. He's not too gentle about it either. Mary is right. Neither Ruby nor Cas are likely to have clear heads.

Dean helps Sam to his feet then lets Mary and Ruby take over. Ruby wraps her arm around Sam's waist. "You can lean on me," she tells him quietly and looks over her shoulder at Castiel. "Can you get Lucy?"

John and Dean get the rubble cleared and Tammy's body pulled free. John pulls a mess of zip-ties out of his pocket. "Let's get her hands behind her back. Bind up her feet as well," he passes a few zip-ties over to Dean. "Once we get her to the truck, we can wrap her up with an iron chain soaked in holy water."

Re: The plot thickens

[weirddreams]

He would go to Hell and back for her. Fortunately, he won't need to in this universe or timeline.

Given that she had read all the books, Sam would say she is more than qualified to perform CPR. There are times when he's had to work with less. "I can't leave her behind," Sam clarifies. Though already it goes a long way in assurances to hear that leaving her behind isn't even an option. Castiel tending to her sets him at ease.

Some theories out there would suggest there is a lot of magic in love's truest kiss. Whatever the case, Castiel's mouth moves off of hers so she can catch her breath. He places his head lightly to her forehead to check for fever then shakes his head in response, eyes increasingly worried as he looks over her cuts and bruises. "I am very real. You have been through a serious ordeal." From what he can guess she is not running a fever. It may just be the obvious signs of blood loss or prolonged torture.

If asked, Sam would weigh in that not leaving Tammy behind is the only idea. Honestly, it should be up to all of them what they do with her after though.

Mary takes the keys and shifts her attention to Sam and Lucy. She has no doubt John and Dean will be behind them before too long. All three of them are probably going to be needed back at the bunker to level out the clearer thinking.

Sam uses Dean's help to stand but his brows thread together with Ruby's whisper. As far as he is concerned she is as weak as he is after their ordeal, or she should. Mary resolves it a little by helping Sam stay up by taking the side Dean had. They work together to put him in the front seat. Castiel answers Ruby with a positive "I'll manage," sweeping Lucy up into his arms and carefully placing her in the back. He sees that her head is gently lifted into his lap when he slides in after.

The Impala starts up with a jump and they're off. Mary calls out to Carmen once they're back, steering them to the infirmary. "Get them on a bed. I'll get the kit," she directs so there is less confusion. She hands Ruby some gauze and alcohol then does the same for Cas next. "Clean their surface wounds first so there's no infection." The trouble is what they do from there. Mary is no medical expert. The most she can tell is that Sam and Lucy will need stitches and pain drugs or beer to go with the extent of their injuries.

Re: The plot thickens

[peaceonearth]

No one wants to leave Lucy behind. She's become a family member over the last couple of years. It puts Ruby's mind at ease as well. Selfishly, she can focus on Sam and Lucy deserves to have someone's attention fully focused on her as well.

Lucy's eyes well with tears (she thought she'd used them all up ages ago) when Cas rests his forehead against hers. Tears track silent down her cheeks through the dirt and the blood as she nods, far too overwhelmed to use words. She'd devolve into ugly crying if it wouldn't hurt so much.

The decision about what to do with Tammy will be a point of discussion. Ruby knows that John, Castiel, Dean, Mary, and Carmen have been through their own emotional torture fueled by Ruby, Sam, and Lucy's absence. Yes, they all deserve input on Tammy's fate.

Ruby is weak, but she's a demon and weak is relative. That being said, she's glad Mary takes up on Sam's other side to help him to the Impala. Lucy lets out a little whimper when Castiel picks her up but gasps "Imokay" because right now, there is nowhere she'd rather be.

John and Dean aren't far behind the others. John has Tammy slung over his shoulder like a sack of feed and he flops her down into the bed of the truck with just as much care. It's enough to make Tammy stir. "Don't get excited, Bitch. You're not going anywhere," Dean barks at her. "Dean, look in the toolbox. There are a set of chains," John orders. Once Dean finds the chains, he passes it over to John who starts wrapping the chain around Tammy. The iron, the devil's traps engraved on the metal, and the holy water that it was cured in is enough to drag Tammy into consciousness, but it also saps her of any power she's got. "Scream all you like," John tells her. "There's lots more where that came from."

"I'll hop in the back just to make sure she stays put," Dean offers, levering himself into the bed of the truck and sitting down next to Tammy.

Carmen was prepared for the worst case scenario so when she hears the Impala pull into the garage she opens the doors, clearing the way for the processional. Once Sam and Lucy are settled into beds she nods a little at Mary's instructions. They're solid. Fortunately, Carmen has experience with all sorts of wounds thanks to the emergency room in Lawrence. "I'll start IVs on both of them," Carmen says as she moves to gather the equipment. "Ruby, once you've got Sam cleaned up and we've got them both stable, I'd like to take a look at your wounds."

"I can't get an infection," Ruby tells her.

"I know, but that doesn't mean I can't make sure that you don't need stitches or something else," Carmen tells her as she listens to Lucy's heart with her stethoscope and ties one arm with a length of rubber tubing so she can find a vein.

Re: The plot thickens

[weirddreams]

She is as much a part of their lives as anyone that was born into the Winchester family. Ruby doesn't need to worry about being selfish. Castiel hasn't forgotten about Sam, but Lucy has his full attention.

He is very positive it is how he checks her for fever. She shouldn't cry because nothing else can hurt her now, though the fallen angel can understand the emotions behind why she cries a little now. "You are doing very well." That is a lie for her sake. Anyone can see the bad shape she is in, but what counts is that she is alive. Tears won't do her any good if they seep into her cuts, which is why he lightly daps them away with his tie after resting her in the seat.

Absolutely. It had been hard to sleep at all for Castiel who takes an interest in a human's ability to sleep and do it for himself. Mary just as much. One, let alone two, of their own can't just disappear with things expected to continue as normal. More than likely they will have different ideas, but Tammy deserves what is coming to her.

Weak may be relative to a demon, but Ruby is as much of a victim as Sam or Lucy whether she sees it or not. She is also family. Mary isn't taking any chances with her or Sam in the state they're in. Before closing the door, she makes sure Ruby is comfortable too. Castiel apologizes for causing her pain, tries to be much more gentle carrying her to the infirmary.

Suffice to say no one back at the bunker would complain about Tammy's treatment. The ride back in the bed of the truck may be too comfortable even with the chains around her. For sure, the dungeon has a few upgrades (John may be to thank for that) and is less comfortable.

The most experience Mary has comes from her upbringing where sometimes she saw an uncle come through and stay a week behind a cracked open door. Carmen is a blessing. Whatever she needs, Mary will do it. For now, the best thing she can do is stand back to not get in the way. Castiel and Ruby manage to clean the wounds up sufficiently.

Cas listens in silence to the exchange between Carmen and Ruby, no intention of interjecting at first.

"I agree with Carmen. See that you look after yourself" Their conversations the odd late at night have warmed him to Ruby.

Re: The plot thickens

[peaceonearth]

Lucy is somewhat aware that Castiel is lying to her; however, it's the sort of lie she needs to hear right now.

Everything that's coming to her and more, but Ruby is also very aware that the thing immortal beings like Tammy fear more than anything is the emptiness of actually dying. She'll share that knowledge with them all as well when the time comes.

Ruby appreciates that Mary sees her as family. Ruby is fine. She ends up in the middle of the front seat so that Sam can lean against the door and have a little more room. Ruby hurts, but she's better off physically than Sam or Lucy simply because Tammy had known physical torture wouldn't be terribly effective against her. She'd hurt Sam instead or used Sam to hurt Ruby. Castiel doesn't have to apologize for hurting Lucy. She knows he's not trying to and more than ever intent is important. Besides, breathing hurts Lucy right now. What's important is that it will get better from here.

The dungeon is the best place for Tammy for the foreseeable future. Those upgrades make it even more appropriate for her.

Carmen offers a few instructions for Mary. Once she's got the IVs in both Sam and Lucy, she starts some pain medication then examines them more thoroughly. She sets a couple of Lucy's fingers, bandages wounds, and stitches cuts.

Castiel's agreement with Carmen makes Ruby look up from where she's seated next to Sam's bed. Yes, their conversations have resulted in an uneasy friendship of sorts, at least the beginnings of one, but she's surprised none the less. She nods a little in response. "I'll recharge in a little while. I've got some poultice and ointments that might help Sam and Lucy."

John pulls the truck up into the garage then he and Dean transport Tammy none too gently to the dungeon, tossing her into the cage with the demon trap etched in the floor, chains still wrapped around her. She offers protests, expletives, and threats, but those go ignored for the most part. Both John and Dean are more interested in seeing how Sam, Lucy, and Ruby are doing. They burst into the makeshift hospital ward a moment later. Dean goes to Carmen, one hand resting on the small of her back. His voice is soft and concerned when he asks how everyone is. She responds in kind, assuring him that she's got everyone stabilized for the moment.

John goes to check on Mary then looks down at Sam, one hand brushing against his forehead. "You're okay now, Son," he assures him a bit awkwardly, not sure what to say to Sam, but wanting him to know that he's glad Sam is back.

Re: The plot thickens

[weirddreams]

Normally, he would not lie to her; however, she can thank Dean for teaching him the value of lying for the right reasons. Maybe it also counts as bedside manner.

The most likely result is sending Tammy into the Empty when the time is right.

The truth is Ruby has earned it, especially with the way the demon ignores herself and helps Sam now. Mary takes comfort that Ruby can watch Sam while she drives. Sam aches all over, but try as he might the last thing he can do is sit up straight so he's grateful for the door to lean against. Tammy had made him do things he didn't want to do to both Lucy and Ruby, most of it fresh in his mind. The car ride back is uncomfortable and a struggle to remain conscious. Castiel will see that she does get better from here. His focus starts with watching that she is still breathing.

There is no way for her to escape the chains and demon trap in the dungeon.

Mary has a fair idea of where everything is in the infirmary and assists without delay. Sam does as he's told after Lucy gets her pain medication and lays down with his head facing Ruby the whole time. He's not the biggest baby but he grunts or winces but bares the alcohol or stitches to clean him up. It could be described as eerily quiet in the room amongst Carmen, Ruby and Castiel, but despite that he begins to nod off when Carmen is done.

John and Dean bursting into the room stir him awake again though. Sam's brows go up, uncertain if he is dreaming. He opens his mouth as if to speak but pauses to cast a look over on everybody in the room, with growing relief abundant. "Dad? Mom? Dean. I knew you guys could find us." Well, the drugs have started to kick in. It should be easier for them to converse.

Re: The plot thickens

[peaceonearth]

A lie isn't always a bad thing.

It's the best outcome and probably the one that Tammy fears the most.

Well...Sam is a lot more fragile than Ruby. Ruby rests her hand on the back of Sam's neck while Mary drives. Occasionally, Ruby looks over her shoulder at Castiel and Lucy. She's keeping an ear on both Sam and Lucy's heart rates (they're too slow for her liking).

Carmen appreciates the help. It keeps her from running herself ragged. Ruby scoots onto the bed with Sam, stretching out facing him. She's battered and bruised, but unwilling to leave Sam alone while he's awake. It is quiet, but the quiet is good for them. Lucy, Sam, and Ruby have been surrounded by a lot of negative sounds the last few days. When Carmen does speak, it's softly.

Lucy startles awake as well. She looks for Cas and reaches for him. "Course we would, Sammy," Dean assures him. John nods a little. "We would have been sooner but we--we thought you two were just out camping." He feels damn guilty about that too.

Re: The plot thickens

[weirddreams]

The most frustrating thing about his frailty is how easily it was used against Ruby. Sam drifts in and out of it during the drive but the hand at the back of his neck helps him know to relax. Lucy, Ruby and him are headed somewhere safe.

Carmen is the only one of them that had real practical knowledge so the last thing any of them need is her run ragged. Mary looks over John next to her and passes gauze with rubbing alcohol for his hands. They must be a little raw after digging everyone out. She passes some to Dean next. There is not a lot of space left next to Sam; however, he lets her stretch out over his side with only the smallest grunt. It means more to him than the healing process that she stays by his side.

Cas doesn't stray far from Lucy. He pulls up a chair the minute Carmen is done tending to her and answers her startled wake by taking her hand. "Well, it was supposed to be camping." The driest amusement in his tone. With Ruby curled next to him, he can't try to get up. "I'm just--I wasn't sure how else to get your attention." The plan worked though, even if it worked too well. It's a little foggy just how big the blast had been.

Re: The plot thickens

[peaceonearth]

Ruby agrees. Is that bad to say? Though it's one reason she has such a hard time saying the words 'I love you' despite the overwhelming evidence that they're true. Love is big and it can be used against them. Regardless of that, Ruby wouldn't change anything. Ruby is still on edge, concerned that somehow Tammy will invade their safe space just as she invaded their safe world. That's something that will fade with time. She'll regain her sense of safety in this place just as Lucy will.

Both John and Dean's hands are a bit scraped and raw from digging through the rubble. They both wash up at the sink then take the gauze from Mary to clean up the cuts and scrapes. Maybe this isn't exactly the hospital approved place for Ruby to be, but she thinks it's the best place for her to be at the moment and until she hears otherwise from Sam, it's where she'll stay until he's asleep, then she'll take a hot bath and soak away everything Tammy put them both through, or at least she'll try. It's more healing for her to be here next to Sam as well. Carmen must realize arguing with them is pointless because she looks over them then nods without saying anything.

"Okay. I've got you both stabilized and on some pretty heavy pain meds," she says, pointing to the IV bags. "Ruby, I still want to look at a couple of your cuts and maybe put some stitches in you. I didn't notice any broken bones, but you'd probably be better at letting me know that."

Ruby shakes her head at Carmen. "No broken bones. Physically, I got off pretty easy," she admits quietly, eyes flickering up to Sam and over to where Lucy lays. She turns her head to face Cas, giving him a loopy smile. "You came to save me."

Sam definitely should not try to get up. That's one benefit to having Ruby curled up with him. Dean smirks at Sam's words. "Well, we could've used that sign that a little sooner there, Sammich."

"What was that? What happened?" John asks.

Ruby is quick to jump in. "Demon stuff. I used my power to create an explosion." Just go along with her, Sam.

Re: The plot thickens

[weirddreams]

The three of them likely have to deal with their perception of safety being burst for the next long while. Sam, definitely, will likely feel responsible for what happened to Lucy. Blondes, the demon, had said were his type, and that's the only reason why so many were brought into it. The best thing he could hope for is that Lucy doesn't feel unsafe near him and Ruby still wants to be around him.

John and Dean will find just themselves with a good pair of gloves come Christmas because Mary will want them prepared for anything that may happen the next time. She's proud of them for not hesitating in doing what was necessary. She hands each of them as much alcohol soaked gauze as they need. Sam can't complain about where Ruby chooses to rest on him; he aches just about everywhere even without her there and he is breathing just fine on his own. Chances are it's more likely someone else will say something. Carmen's look goes entirely unnoticed as a matter of fact. Maybe it's due to the fact he has to concentrate on one person at a time.

Carmen has his attention when she turns the focus Ruby. "She's right. You need to get looked over properly." He nudges his demon girlfriend to go. He shakes his head as if guessing Ruby may protest, again, to him this time around, and silently regrets it as it makes him dizzier. "You shouldn't worry about me. I'll be right here. Promise."

However, as she has said she has no broken bones, he won't push her any more than he already has. His eyes just look into hers quizzically as if asking what she wants to do. Cas squeezes Lucy's hand without realizing it. "We all have been looking for you since we found out." Sometimes he can still be a little obtuse. Nonetheless, the expression on his face gives everything he was worried about away.

Ruby will see that he can't. His head lifts to whomever he speaks to though. Dean earns a nod and a small smile. There is not really any doubt in his mind that he should have sent a sign sooner. But no sense reflecting on that now. "I know."

Sorry Ruby, he can't lie about this (not any longer).

"We both did. What happened back there-- It wasn't pretty. There wasn't any choice left to us." He admits, his heartbeat growing quicker. The silence that follows feels deafening, and it's easier to look over at Ruby than it is to face anyone else right just that second.

[weirddreams]

It wouldn't be the worst way to live out his life either.

Maybe and most likely to spend part of the night looking up at the stars are two different possibilities. Chances are they will and Sam won't get cold for a long while because of how quick his heartbeat is when her head rests on him. "Not to point out the obvious, Ruby, but we have a little time," he chuckles though doesn't necessarily argue with her. She's the boss today and if she wants to start on the tent, he tentatively picks up the bag they need to start. "Always be proud to be short."

His hold on her hands was firm, but they loosen to let her do as she'd like. Her fingertips leave behind a tingly trail and sensation in their wake, shifting his attention to watch her do this. Whatever she's doing, he smiles, for the both of them, really, because because. "You're sending mixed messages." His breath hitches.

He loves being able to see Ruby's softer side when they're alone.

Re: The plot thickens

[peaceonearth]

Lucy knows, logically, that Sam isn't to blame and she doesn't blame him. She also won't be able to help that it will take a little while for her to feel comfortable alone with him. She'll get there with some time. Ruby doesn't want to be anywhere else. That hasn't changed because of Tammy or anything she did, said, or made either of them do. She's ashamed of some of the things that Tammy told Sam and she wishes he could unhear it, but it doesn't make her want to be any further away from him than he is right now.

They could both use a pair of good gloves. The pain medication should be taking effect soon, which is part of why he's having a hard time focusing.

At Sam and Carmen's urging, Ruby perches on the side of the bed. There's a gash on her belly that Carmen puts stitches in. Most everything else just needs to be cleaned up. Ruby did suffer less physically than Sam or Lucy simply because it was less effective on her. Once Carmen has given Ruby the all clear, she snuggles back up gingerly with Sam.

Fortunately, Lucy is much smaller than Sam and the pain medicine has definitely taken effect; the squeeze to her hand is a nice pressure rather than pain. "Next time, I'm making you walk me home," she slurs slightly without any judgment. Her tone of voice is teasing rather than scolding. "I wouldn't have made that mistake back in Alabama." Because she'd gotten to feel safe here and had forgotten that bad things do happen.

Oh Sam. She was trying to make it easier on all of them.

Dean looks absolutely terrified at what Sam is implying. "Sam..." he says in a warning voice. In that tone, he's conveying his worry and asking how bad it is. "Do we...I mean...you're not going to start sucking on Ruby---not like that."

John is giving Dean a bewildered look. After a moment, he groans a little and scrubs his hands over his face. "That book. I didn't finish it but I started it." He looks up at Dean then to Sam. "Son...are we going to have a problem?"