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[weirddreams]

It had been a difficult few days gathering their friends around the country to the bunker for safety while the British Men of Letters hunted hunters of America. Sam couldn't sleep for more than four between six hours at a time during this. Tonight began even more rougher than past nights as word of mouth (text, calls, etc) began to pour in of hunters being removed from the board as if their lives counted for nothing. Suffice to say, Sam was anxious. Ruby tells him to find a book and take his mind off things before bed as worrying and staying up won't help him be part of the solution. He's looking through some of the publications he's never cracked open before, in his usual spot within the warded library.

Tired as he is, he can tell right away when he footsteps that it's Dean. Not looking over his shoulder, he confesses, "The only thing Toni was right about is that we never read half the wealth of knowledge in here. I don't know about you, but I'm going to start." He's not trying to start another conversation about the Brits, but it won't not be on the top of his mind until it's over. His finger runs between two volumes before he picks the one on the left. It's about dreams and the spaces in between. Sam finally turns to Dean. His brother's body language suggests they do talk about something else. He moves to the table, placing his chosen book down and takes the extra class he sees Dean brought. "What's up?"

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[dudeimbatman]

Dean is exhausted and he's well aware that Sam is too. However, he suspects that Sam is having as hard a time sleeping as he is, so he doesn't feel too guilty about bothering Sam, especially when he's bringing whiskey which will probably help both of them sleep.

They've lived together their entire lives; Dean would be disappointed if Sam couldn't recognize his footsteps. "You can give me the highlights," Dean says as he sets the whiskey and the glasses down on one of the tables. He doesn't want to talk about the Brits either. Once Sam asks what's up, Dean takes that as his cue to pour a couple of fingers of whiskey into both glasses, passing one over to Sam before taking a sip of his. He sets his glass on a side table next to one of the big, comfortable chairs before dropping down into it. He grumbled and sighed then shook his head. "Just a lot of shit going on. How're you holding up?"

Dean had a purpose and a topic in mind when he walked into this library, but he can't just dive into it like an emotionally well adjusted person.

[weirddreams]

Sam has always asked Dean to open up when he's feeling something or there's something obvious to share. So yes, it's a good time as any to talk. The whiskey will help. His tolerance is less than Dean's so he holds off when it's poured for him.

He gives way to a heavy yawn. "Yeah, yeah. I'll let you know when I have some highlights." He takes it as his cue to pull the chair next to Dean and sit completely facing Dean rather than the table. Already, he's aware Ruby might come looking for him to see what's taking him so long but that she would give them the space to talk on their own. He'll apologize for the wait the moment he returns to bed. "Right. It is a lot. I'm trying to keep my mind on the good. Charlie, Jo and Eileen are here, safe. That's not why you're here though, is it? What's eating you up?" He wanted to say we knew they were trouble from the start but his eyes actually say come on, you're the one that came in here to talk.

Sam doesn't know what the purpose was right off the bat, but the alcohol was his first clue there was a topic at the top of Dean's mind.

[dudeimbatman]

Dean doesn't open up very often. He stuffs his feelings and emotions down until he can't handle it anymore then he lets it all go. He's not to that point yet, but he wants Sam's opinion about something.

"It'd be nice if we could catch a break," he grumbles as he takes a sip of his drink. If Ruby were to come looking for him, she'd realize that he was in the library with Dean long before she interrupted them and go back to bed. She knows sometimes the boys need space and she doesn't mind giving it to them, though she may tease Sam about making it up to her. "I mean...it sort of is." Why he's here, he means. Dan sighs and fiddles with his glass, not taking a sip, not drinking to cope (right now).

"I used to think we ought to get Jo as far away from this life as possible, after everything, you know? I even thought maybe she would take her chance and run for a little while." There was a space of time where they didn't talk much, where Jo played hermit out in Bobby's old fishing cabin. "Sort of keeps you sucked in though, doesn't it?"

Patience. He's working up to what he really wants to talk about.

"Seems like she's still in it though. Like she wants to be, whether it's good for her or not."

Still working up to it.

[weirddreams]

Sam is always open for Dean to come to. There's that at least.

He raises his glass to agree with his brother, but keep the words from coming out of his mouth. The last thing they needed was to jinx themselves more (not that he believed in that.) By now they all knew the MOL had the bunker bugged. What little advantage that provided, they needed to keep it. He takes a small sip with Dean and retires the glass back on the table. If Ruby wanted to tease him about it, he'd tell her that he planned to some time soon. He'd tell her they deserved it. Perhaps a movie somewhere close in case they were being watched. "I'm sorry?" He's not sure he heard Dean correctly to begin with. Also, he's never seen Dean fiddle with his glass before. Upon silent reflection, he gestures at Dean to speak when he's ready.

In a typical Sam fashion, he listens rather than forms an opinion right away. As far as he was concerned about Jo's life, it was hers to live and he'd always be with Dean if she ever needed their help. From his perspective, he understood her desire to hunt after her mother was gone. He was the same way after Jess. But it's not about his feelings. If Dean is right about one thing, what Sam knows is being said between the lines, it's that they could have done better to keep in touch with Jo. He can't deny they could have either. "True. It was her choice." He's only half sure Dean needs and wants to hear that. It's still unclear where Dean is going with this.

Sam rests his back to the chair but soon leans forward, trying out what's easier in giving his sympathetic ear. It's easy to be patient once he's comfortable.

"She is definitely not a rookie anymore. I've heard the things she's done recently out of Nebraska too."

If he were to take a stab in the dark, this is about getting her involved with the British, but Dean not wanting to bring it up.

[dudeimbatman]

Dean will always be grateful for that. He doesn't open up often, but when he does it's to Sam.

The MOL are going to be very bored by this conversation if they're listening. Though, if they're smart, they've already turned off the library, thanks to Sam and Ruby. A movie would be very welcome and probably expected at this point. After all, the MOL know they're dating. Dean definitely needs to hear that; he's getting to the point.

He takes another sip of his drink, listening to Sam and turning his words over in his head. This conversation is not about Jo getting involved with the British, though he's not crazy about that.

"She's not a kid anymore. Not that she was when we met her, but you know..." he trails off. "So, I wouldn't be a complete dick keeping her in this life if I started something with her."

[weirddreams]

Sam would argue that Ruby aren't bad but they have been caught a couple times already less than fully dressed in the library. The library isn't exactly hunted and the MOL probably already have some recordings that could be considered such to naive ears.

Of course Dean needs to spell it out for Sam. Sam once said it would be a miracle if Dean settled down, but he never thought it was impossible. Dean talked more about a picket fence life than either of them.

His eyes widen and brows lift and relax again as the realization hits him. "Uh, well, not for just asking. I'm sorry. Did I hear you right? You want to ask Jo out? I mean... go for it. Wow."

[dudeimbatman]

Sam is delusional, but Dean has gotten used to Ruby and Sam. He has walked in on them one too many times and now (most of the time( he calls out or knocks before he walks in any room.

Dean had thought he might settle down once with Lisa and Ben, but he'd only put them both in more danger. He'd given up on the idea of settling down after that. It's only recently that he's started thinking about it again and only because Jo is a very competent hunter in her own right. Dean has always been the one that wanted a picket fence life, though he'd framed it as wanting it for Sam because he didn't think he could ever have that. Now, he thinks he'd like something more in the middle. Dean saves people and he's good at it. He doesn't think he could live any other way now.

Dean scrubs a hand across his face. Sam's disbelief and his own doubt working against him. "Nah. I mean...you're right. I should probably just stick with the bar bunnies. One-night stands don't usually get anyone killed."

[weirddreams]

Sam can see he should have acted with a little more tact when faced with Dean's doubt. It's late and he let the surprise of it overtake him. He pushes those feelings aside for something more thought out. "Dean, that's not at all what I meant to say. What I meant to say is that it won't be easy, but if you're willing to make it work and communicate with Jo, you should absolutely go for it. Honestly, the two of you, I think you'd be good for each other."

[dudeimbatman]

Oh, no. It's no fault of Sam's that he was taken by surprise. Dean is aware this is sort of out of left field. He's been thinking about it for a long time, but he hasn't been acting on it. If the truth was told, Dean has been thinking about Jo since he met her years ago in the roadhouse. He just never felt like he deserved her. He doesn't feel like he deserves her now, but he still wants her and he thinks he's grown enough that he could be good to her.

"I've never been able to stop thinking about her and...it wouldn't be like Lisa. She can take care of herself. She's already chosen to be a part of this life so I'm not dragging her into anything. Hell, she might tell me to go fuck myself if I ask her out."

They've hung out, sure, but they've never gone on a date and called it that. "I haven't even slept with her." Sorry for the TMI but he's just now realizing he might be deep in over his head and he hasn't slept with her which would be new for Dean.

[weirddreams]

Ever since Dean broke free of Amara's hold over him, Sam could say he's noticed that Dean hasn't either wanted to or much luck with the ladies. He instantly recalls the one time where Dean said a younger woman wasn't interested in a dad bod. He now sees it might have never just been ill luck. Jo has been around more with the troubles of the last few years and check ins. Obviously, Sam kept tabs on how Riot was doing in her care as well. Besides that, he's just starting to see how things have slowed down in their lives, especially Dean's.

His eyebrows express a small more amount of surprise at Lisa coming up in conversation. It's a name he's not heard of in years. "Yeah, you've thought about this a lot." He tries not to laugh and covers it barely with the twitch out of the corner of his mouth and concentration. His eyes do all the smiling. "I don't know. Think maybe you want to ask her on the next hunt first, instead. I'm more than happy to hang back here." Because he can't tell Dean how to go about it, but he can offer his advice.

Sam lets it slip again that he's surprised. It might have been that he half thought Dean slept with her already because of this conversation. Jo and Dean had been passing glances ever since she arrived at the bunker. Besides that, it changes very little of the way Sam thinks about their potential. "That-- I suppose it complicates it less." He clears his throat, used to a level of TMI with Dean. "Jo seems like a woman that knows what she wants so hang out with her." It might sound like middle school advice, but it's all he got. It worked with Ruby.

[dudeimbatman]

He hasn't been trying terribly hard. There was a time after he had Cas wipe Lis and Ben's memories that he tried to drown that pain out with other women. It never worked, but it was better than being lonely. After Amara...he's not sure what the change is, but hook-ups are a lot less satisfying and not nearly worth the effort to make them happen. Of course, the 'dad bod' comment had been a blow to his ego, but he probably shouldn't have been hitting on twenty-somethings either.

Obviously, Dean doesn't talk about his feelings and emotions often. While he might not have talked about Lisa to Sam, he had thought about her. It wasn't so much in a still in love way as it was in a cautionary way. Lisa and Cassie were both proof that Dean wasn't cut out for a relationship. As he'd gotten closer to Jo and his feelings had deepened, he'd started to consider if maybe Cassie and Lisa weren't suited to a relationship with him because of their lives and his. Jo was already in this life so maybe it might be okay if he fell in love with her. Dean's eyes narrow at Sam's suggestion and he turns it over in his head. "So less a date and more...some time to discuss things?" He's not sure it's the right move, but Sam is the one in a long term relationship. That counts for something.

Oh, Dean would have slept with Jo years ago, but Jo has always insisted that she had some self-respect and she was not diving into that until he had gotten his shit together. Dean considers the suggestion to hang out. It might be surprising to Sam, but he actually considers some of the things that Sam and Ruby do together. "Like here, with a movie? Or take her out somewhere?"

[weirddreams]

Sam would agree that it does make it tricky to offer any useful advice. It goes without saying that his relationship with Ruby isn't exactly the kind that took its time developing. But obviously it's good that it isn't stopping Dean from talking about it. Though, his advice can't be that bad either. Slow and steady can't hurt anything. Sam's reaction to Dean's eyes is to pull his head back and lift his brows. What was so bad about talking? "Yeah, sort of a cross between a date and discussing things. The case is just an excuse. ... Be yourself. Don't try to sleep with her right away."

Ruby and Sam try to make time for each other every week for exactly the reason Dean thinks. Their relationship is better for it. "Well, you probably should take her out to a movie. It's possible she's not going to think anything of it if you ask her to join you for one here. You never know who's going to be around." Or is Sam just making excuses so Ruby and himself have higher chances of having the bunker to themselves.

[dudeimbatman]

If Dean would commit to giving things a serious shot, his relationship with Jo would move pretty quickly as well. Jo isn't asking for marriage (maybe ever) but she doesn't want Dean sleeping around on her either. Dean's brow furrows. "Dude, seriously...sleeping with her is one of the few areas where I know what I'm doing." Not sorry for the TMI.

He purses his lips and considers that, nodding a little. "Okay. I could ask her out for a burger and a movie. Maybe stop and get a drink on the way home. Somewhere classy like that cocktail bar?" The last bit is phrased as a question. Of course, Ruby and Sam ought to take advantage of having the bunker to themselves. Don't mind Dean if he and Jo depart with a 'don't get naked in my kitchen' warning.

[weirddreams]

Sam scoffs even though he didn't need the extra information. "I said don't sleep with her first thing, not how good you ar- Never mind. I'm not going to go there."

He sees that Dean is taking it more seriously, and grabs his tablet in the palm of his hand. "Why not that new place that opened up a stone's throw from here?" He pulls up the details from his google feed and opens the page, handing it over. New restaurant and bar opening soon in Lebanon, it reads.

[dudeimbatman]

Dean grins, thoroughly pleased with Sam's reaction. He likes being able to make Sam squirm if nothing else.

He takes the tablet, scrolling a little as he looks at the details then nods. It doesn't seem too fancy, which is important to him. Later if Jo wants to do something fancy, Dean will agree, but fancy right now will just result in him being awkward, and probably her as well. "I could do that." He finds the opening date, notes it and hands the tablet back to Sam. "I'll let you know what she says. Now I just have to find a case."

[weirddreams]

Jerk.

The bar restaurant should be comfortably in the middle. The important thing is that no one is likely to come back with stomach issues due to undercooked food or questionable roadside standards. Surely a newly opened place would want to make a good impression to draw in a customer base. "Glad to help." He takes back the tablet even though he has another suggestion, shaking his head. "If you would have listened to me already and activated the link, you can look at the hunters board Charlie and I created anytime. There's things popping up all the time."

[dudeimbatman]

Dean grumbles something about hunting, job boards, and technology. "Yeah, yeah. I've got the link bookmarked. I'll find something. I'm going to tell her that you and Ruby have plans already." God forbid he just tell her he'd like to spend some time with her.

[weirddreams]

Sam almost pinches the bridge of his nods but turns his head to stop himself. Dean will be Dean. Even ten years later, Sam still gets emails for things Dean signed up for to weed out for him. "I'm sure Ruby and I can find a reason to excuse ourselves if Jo asks. Okay, yeah. I know you can." Sam turns his head. There is a time where he can distinctly remember asking Dean for advice.