Sam Winchester (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
weirddreams) wrote2023-09-24 08:25 pm
weirddreams) wrote2023-09-24 08:25 pm
S15 sometime
His first red flag should have been a few days ago (48 hours eariler) when Ruby texted him to say that she was on a case in Detriot and would be gone a little while. Normally by now they would have had at least one phone call or video chat to check in on each other. The strangest thing of it all came when he decided to follow her last known location by tracking her phone and almost the second he set foot in town Ruby texted him again to meet her somewhere. In said text message, babe and other such words or mannerisms struck him as suspect as Ruby leaned heavily to calling him Puppy and generally was more teasing in her speech or writing. He tested his theory by playing along with sexting her to discover that his intuition was on to something. It couldn't be Ruby. She often would describe things in a way that almost painted a real picture of their sex life. All the prose on her end read as if someone else entered the picture.
On the flip side, if it was a trap...his only clue to finding Ruby was to agree to meet her and do his do dilegence in surveying the place beforehand. If he was wrong, which he was sure he wasn't, then he would be open to new possibilities and tease her about what calling him babe was about. He brings coffee for the two of them to the location.
On the flip side, if it was a trap...his only clue to finding Ruby was to agree to meet her and do his do dilegence in surveying the place beforehand. If he was wrong, which he was sure he wasn't, then he would be open to new possibilities and tease her about what calling him babe was about. He brings coffee for the two of them to the location.
no subject
Astaroth had been smart to add an anti witchcraft spell and anti demon sigil to Sam's cuffs because of his reputation and ties. That alone had been strong enough to keep any attempt Ruby or himself made while they're in a rush. He absolutely paused to protest with a questioning glance when she made the call to drive, but she was right. He couldn't drive in his state. He did get in after a moment and helped correct her driving every so often with his hands pulling the steering wheel to straighten. Both of them were in bad shape when the wheels squealed to life.
They manage to ditch the cuffs somewhere a safe distance away but before they reach town. He insists she wait for him while he pays for a motel room. There's not a lot covering her other than his jacket and button down that he offers her before he does inside. It's not that she was naked but it's also that she looks beaten down and worn too. He certainly points out someone might call the cops if they see her. He promises to be right back. He's back in only a few short moments to open her driver side door and help her out of the car comfortably. In fact, he's sure to let her know with his body language that she can choose to rely all on his weight if walking is too much. He looks at her straight. "You've done enough. Let me at least carry you the rest of the way."
Somehow he manages to fiddle with the keys and open the door while supporting her the whole time. He's careful when helping her lie on the bed, aiding her in lifting her legs up on the bed gently. "Don't worry about what's next. I think we're safe here for a while. I'll call Dean." He'll talk to Dean on the other end for a while. Of course he has to calm Dean down a bit to actually explain 'what the hell' happened on his end and get Dean caught up. He's not expecting Dean to call Cas right after and send Cas ahead of himself. He's so worn down that the idea to call Cas slips his mind.
He rejoins Ruby at her bedside. "You should sleep until Dean gets here."
no subject
It's a much better decision to have him get the room. They're both beat up, but him less so, plus he's fully clothed even without the jacket and button-down shirt. Most of the time, Ruby would insist that she can walk, but she's beaten down emotionally and mentally as well. She gets out of the car with his help, but when he asks to carry her, she hesitates then nods. Her lips form the words okay, but there's no sound.
"Salt the doors and windows. Astaroth won't hesitate to switch bodies to find me." She closes her eyes as she listens to Sam talk to Dean. She opens her eyes when Sam comes over to the side of the bed. "You know she was hurting you to hurt me. You shouldn't have come. She said you wouldn't."
no subject
He can support her with his arms without injuring his hand. He understands her hesitation and waits for her to make the decision before scooping her up. Somehow he manages to carry her and unlock the room door, pushing it open with his foot.
He looks over his shoulder to her when she prompts him to salt the windows and doors while talking to Dean. Last he could recall, there was a bag of salt in her vehicle. "One thing at a time," he mouths to her. He would go and return the moment he hung up the phone. He also brought back the first aid kit for the both of them. He started to pull out the gauze and alcohol for wounds. He wraps his hand up first only so that he's more freely able to tend to her. "Yeah, no. If something happened to you, I couldn't live with myself. She doesn't know me as well as you do. What did you believe?"
no subject
She nods, obviously on the defensive, even a little jumpy. She breathes a little sigh of relief once he gets the salt spread in front of the door and along the window sills. "What did Dean say?" she asks, avoiding his question a little. She focuses on his hands when she speaks, not ready to look him in the eye when she answers. "I don't--she had some good points. If...when we get Chuck under control, you could have a normal life with a normal, human wife, like Eileen. Someone who doesn't pull you back into this life because of a past that I'm never going to be able to outrun."
no subject
Thankfully, for the both of them, the distance isn't too great to manage. Sam breathes through each of the throbs sent through his hand and the cuffs being a mild annoyance when on the phone.
He also uses a pinch clip hanger to bring the curtains together to keep light in and uses the dimmed setting on the lamp furthest from the door for their trusty source of light. "He wasn't thrilled to find out I acted alone on a hunch, but I got him up to speed. He's a few hours out. He said he'll contact Cas. We just need to tend to our injuries while we wait. As a matter of fact, he told me to tell you not to die either." Eventually her eyes draw his to his hands and his one finger does look bad but at the same time he isn't sure if it's worth complaining as he considers how he has lost most of the feeling in it. He clears his throat to make a suggestion, I'll clean it up first if you promise you lay down for a while. I'll take first watch."
There's a lot of ways he could react to how Ruby sounds less like Ruby and more like the psychologocial torture of not just Astaroth but the last months of Chuck, but not being serious and understanding isn't one. He slides his thumb against her cheek. "This isn't you talking, it's her. We've been together eleven years now and that isn't going to change. Eileen, or any other normal wife, isn't who I want in my life." He pauses for a brief second, giving Ruby a simple smile for her, trying not to be visibly angry at what Ruby went through for fear Ruby would misinterupt it. He checks if her body has a low-grade fever with the back of his hand to her forehead. "Get some rest."
no subject
The dim lighting is helpful for both of their headaches. Ruby watches Sam from where she sits on the bed. She even manages a small smirk at his comment about Dean. "So he's more upset than he wants you to know." Her gaze lingers on his hand then slips back up to his eyes. "Bring the first aid kit over here. The least I can do is bandage it up." They can talk about her resting and watches while she does that. "I--I'm sorry that she---I should have realized that Chuck might bring her back." Ruby rarely gets tripped up in her words and she more rarely apologizes; she's not in a good place.
Ruby's eyes well with tears. She hates being vulnerable like this, but it's also something she can't control right now. The tears are there whether she wants them to be or not. They've had the conversation about children, about growing old (or lack thereof), and traditional marriage. She knows that Sam has made his peace with what she can give him. She thought she'd come to accept that even with all of those things, Sam wanted a life with her. That was before Eileen was an option, before Chuck shoved it down their throat, and dragged up every insecurity, including Astaroth, that Ruby had. "Even if you could have the normal, monsterless life that came with it?" Because if they defeat Chuck, that's the hope. "What if there's no place for me in your life when I'm the only monster interrupting it?"
no subject
It certainly is another perk of the low light to have their headaches stabilize to a comfortable dull sensation. He has the first aid kit with him. Next thing to do get Ruby cleaned up with the potions they have on hand. He considers one of two for a split second before he hands her the one that is a slower but more potent cure. As much as he'd love to see her get well sooner, he can't take any chances with her long-term health. The quicker potion mixed with the slower one creates a toxen and neither should ever mix. He half smiles at Ruby's acknowledgment of Dean. "My guess is that we're in for an earful when he gets here. Only thing to do now is make it look like we're only half dead." He hesitates to follow her instructions, but slides the kit closer between the two of them. "But when you're done, let me bandage you up anywhere that might be bothering you. If you were human, you would likely be in acoma from what I see."
She should absolutely rest. Once the first aid kit is almost bare, he lays next to her, every once in a while glancing towards the door at the sounds of passersby.
Her apology is foreign as much as it comes off broken. Sam regrets that didn't make the decision at multiple points to go with her or join her at some point. He knew Chuck was out there, playing with their strings. He hates to see Ruby so broken up. He knows that she has every right to feel the way she does right now and to be heard and that's the only thing that keeps him from stopping her there. He places his better hand over hers, his other not far view due to the chain link. She can rest against him if she pleases with the way he settles next to her and speak her peace.
The motel room is fortunately stocked with tissue and he pulls some from the box to hand to her. What all those other conversations and this one have in common is that they need to talk and build each other back up. Sam gives her a squeeze to let her know that he wants to weigh in. "I don't think this is exactly what you want to hear, but I want my life to be monsterless. You showed me that it isn't what one is but how one acts that is the important thing." He nuzzles her ear. "What's a little interruption or two? Though that isn't normally the word I'd choose to call you. One thing I'm most relieved about, in fact, is that you're safe. Would I feel that way if I thought you were a mere interruption? No. Never."
no subject
She needs the more potent one and takes it without hesitation. If she's going to help Sam fend off Astaroth when (not if) she shows up, she's going to have to be in better shape than she is now. She nods in slight agreement. Yeah, Dean is going to chew them out when he gets there. To be fair, she didn't know what sort of situation she was stumbling into. Ruby had thought it was something she could handle on her own. Of course, Sam probably thought the same thing. She half smiles at Sam's opinion of her current state of being. "I'll be okay," she promises. "The burn on my leg...that hurts."
"Let me try to get the handcuffs off," she gestures to Sam's wrists. "We'll both be more comfortable." She sits up, digging into one of the gashes on her arm for a little bit of blood then smears it on the cuffs. Her eyes go black as she whispers a spell. She has to repeat it three times before the cuffs fall open.
Ruby takes a deep breath, listening to Sam's words. She's quiet for several moments, turning them over in her head before she responds. Those doubts and insecurities aren't gone, but she has to trust him, both his actions and his words. "How is that not exactly what I want to hear?" she says softly. "Okay," she leans in to kiss him, pausing for a moment to give him a chance to pull away before her lips brush his.
no subject
It was never her fault in the first place.
Ruby will need a lot of rest as well before she has any hope of facing Astaroth, Sam thinks. Hopefully, Astaroth won't find them easily. Everything from the unisex name he used to book the motel (Ashley) to how close it is to an exit is different to throw off the demons on their trail. He knows full well they're in a weakened state and their best move is to sit still and gather their strength. His first priority is Ruby. They can work out the rest once she isn't visibly drained. Neither of them had known what they would walk into. The two of them are experienced enough to have believed they could handle what clues the issue presented itself as. It is neither here nor there that they were individually wrong. The good thing was that they had some time and space on their side. Dean would arrive as soon as he was able. Unfortunately for them, Cas hadn't yet answered any of Dean's calls yet. He was more than a little preoccupied with a hot date. They would just have to hold out.
Sam could tell Ruby put on a brave face for him and he nodded. "Okay, but on a scale of one to ten: how bad is the burn?" he asks. "If you let me, I can get you a cold compress."
She stops him before he can move to stand up though. The cuffs are a hindrance, that he can agree. So he stays put for the time being. He turns his body more directly to her and sticks his wrists out, watchful of the spell and the steps she takes so that maybe he can do the same in the future. His eyes widen the moment she draws blood for the spell and he opens and closes his mouth again. The urge to say something about not injuring herself further is something he can barely hold back. He decides the better thing to do is show her appreciation once the cuffs come off by touching her face with his good hand. "Thank you. The least I can do now is bandage up that gash." He fishes for the small bottle of alcohol and before he pours it over the wound, adds, "This will sting," so that she has some warning.
Their relationship is completely build on trust, but even Sam is aware that it takes time for the effects of torture to be shaken off. Even then, sometimes it lingers like a droplet of water in the smallest crack of one's sense of being. Communication is key. He wants Ruby to know she can talk about it whenever she needs to, with his actions and his words. "I'll always be honest with you," he answers, not having a good answer for how it isn't either. The question should be why would move away from her? Everything from his worry about where she was earlier in the day, shock to see her hurt, anger, relief, all of it comes flooding forward when he leans in to kiss her softly due to her state but fiercely in mind and energy. She initiated it so he allows her the room to have it be as short or long as needed.
no subject
Ruby shakes her head because, yes she is putting on a brave face. "It's...a five." It's probably more like a 7, but she doesn't like complaining about pain; it goes against every survival instinct she's developed in hell. "A cold compress would be good," she says, gratitude in her tone of voice.
It's an easy spell for a witch, probably a little more difficult for someone else, but she has little doubt he could master it. The blood is what makes it powerful, though with time and preparation it can be done without the blood. Blood is just a quick and dirty route to magic. She grits her teeth, hissing a little between them when the alcohol hits. It's a sign of vulnerability and trust that she shows any reaction at all. It's also a conscious decision on her part, a sort of apology for doubting him, a way to show her gratitude.
The damage Astaroth has caused will echo for a while. However, if Sam is willing to stick with her through the rough patches, they can get through it. She nods at his promise. She deepens the kiss, but keeps it soft and gentle. She needs him close, needs this kiss, but also needs the gentleness that is the opposite of everything Astaroth has ever been.
no subject
As far as Sam is concerned, they won't move until Ruby is more than fifty percent or if they have no other choice than to run. He isn't proud that the thought crosses his mind but it helps to a degree that Ruby's powers aren't a beckon to other demons on top whatever could be felt of his own. On the contrary, it bothers him that his connection to Ruby, something that usually has his hairs on end and his mind feel at ease or tingly when she's in his proximity, is weakened. His hope is that Dean moves faster than Astaroth. Certainly they've gotten used to Cas being a savior. Without him, they will have to make do until he shows up.
Sam bites his lip to avoid the frown from marking his face, but there are the stress lines on his forehead to show how worried he is instead. He can reason to some extent that Ruby tells him only what she thinks he needs to hear. "Alright. Let's keep it up and off of it for now. I'll get you that cold compress." He takes a breath but then locks eyes with her. He knows the situation isn't easy but he wants to do what's best for her. He takes another breath in and then out to keep his priorities straight. "And on a scale from one to ten, how cold are you?" That's important too. Demons don't get sick in his experience but a weakened one does tend to shiver. He's noticed Ruby's shivers since he saw her chained up at the start. He stands up to go get the cold compress once she answers that and returns in short order. He's grabbed the extra blanket from the closet to throw over her as well.
His proficiency in magic has skyrocketed over the years and some could say he's between a level befitting a witch and just a regular human. Blood is usually what he needs to access magic if that says anything. His abilities and all of that start and end with blood so it definitely is he makes note of with her method to release him from his chains. He apologizes instantaneously when she hisses between her teeth, pulling the cloth away the moment it's not necessary to dab the alcohol in. He knows it's a sign that she has her faith in him to do what's best for her by showing any vulnerability at all. When it's all wrapped to keep it clean, he smiles just enough to thank her for trusting him but not overdo it.
He's with her not just through the rough patches but for life. One thing he is certain of is that the chances of getting out of their predicament look better than they did before. He is certain whatever damage Asaroth did can be undone. Though on some level, he might realize there is something of a misunderstanding to address with Eileen. There were clearly more discussions with Ruby about her concerns about Eileen to have over time to assure her that he never did nor could see in his future. He tilts her head back by gently guiding her with his hand at the base of her neck, fingers long enough to touch the back of her hairs and support her neck. He may be doing his best to restrain himself from the level of passion usual to his desire of a certain intoxicating blonde, but half way through he pulls at the bottom of her lip gently with his teeth before releasing it. He kisses her a second time with a little more fever. When that breaks, he positions himself carefully right next to her so that can have that closeness. He needs to be close to her too. He doesn't have to think about it too long or too hard to feel in his very core that the best thing for her and himself is quiet togetherness. He meant what he said earlier by being first on watch. His arm snuggled her into himself to enjoy her to close her eyes and rest.
no subject
Ruby can see the worry and concern on his face despite his attempts to hide it and she appreciates it. She feels a little better about answering his second question honestly. "I...a six. Very cold, but not as bad as waking up in a walk-in freezer," she tells him. Part of it is an inside joke or memory. She's woken up in a walk-in a couple of times when they attempted to keep her body fresh while she wasn't in it. The shivers are under control because of his shirt and the blanket on the bed. A hot shower would probably be good, but she's awfully happy to be in bed right now too. He can help warm her up with his body heat.
She murmurs that it's fine in response to his apology. She knows it's something that has to be done. She doesn't need to fight off an infection and heal as well.
He probably should talk to Eileen and let her know that nothing has changed from the last time she was around. He is still with Ruby and she can't do things like kiss him or flirt with him or hope that things will work out between herself and him. Ruby's concerns haven't changed much either; Astaroth just leaned on those concerns and amplified them. There are things that Sam can have with Eileen that he can never have with Ruby, including children and growing old together. Ruby could switch bodies to stay the same apparent age as him, but she's still not going to grow old with him. That passion and fever is good because it reminds Ruby that he wants her as much as he loves her. She's a little reluctant to break the kisses, but she's also aware they're both exhausted and need rest. Once he pulls her closer to him, she snuggles up with him, tucking herself next to his chest, one leg between his legs, one arm over him. "Warmer now," she murmurs before drifting off to sleep.
After some discussion with Jo, and the ultimate decision that she'd stay at the bunker, Dean had gotten in the Impala as soon as he'd gotten off the phone with Sam. Four and half hours later (he'd driven too fast), Dean is knocking on the door to their hotel room. "Sammy, put some pants on! It's too early to see anyone naked. I brought coffee!" He yells through the door, fully prepared to pick the lock if need be or smash through it as a last resort.
no subject
All that matters to Sam right now is that Ruby is alive and hasn't taken a turn for the worst due to her injuries. As far as what Astaroth might be planning, it benefits Ruby and Sam the longer the vindictive demon stays off of their heels. They need as much time as they can get to heal. Though of all the things they had to leave behind, Sam doesn't feel great that they had to leave behind one thing that could kill Ruby and the one thing that represented Ruby's commitment to him.
He's never been great at hiding his concern from those he loves. His brave face is for her though. He laughs dryly at her answer. "The good thing is that you don't look half as dead as you did when you were in the walk-in freezer. I think there's a very good chance you'll be feeling right as rain in a few days." He sounds wistful only because he does not have any real evidence to back up his claim. It's up to Ruby to play along. They can definitely take a hot shower later, but for now, he feels it's best that they rest and conserve energy. Besides they also don't know who may be watching the motel for activity in the rooms. Their clothes are very optional though. His are. He's not the one with the shivers. He has a lot of body heat to go around.
With her response to his apology, he is quiet for a second before he finishes tending to her. There are a few more spots over her body that need the alcohol treatment to ensure there won't be infections. Each one he warns her about before dabbing lightly.
The next time Eileen gets in touch with him there will certainly be a conversation in that regard. Sam let her know that he needs space after she kissed him and read the situation wrong. He let her know that he'd need time before she was welcomed back as a woman of letters. He let her know that if she needed anything before he was ready to talk, Charlie could provide her with assistance. As for the part where Sam would age and Ruby wouldn't, that's the only facet to their whole relationship they can't do anything about. Sam told her at least once or twice that they should enjoy the time they do have together. He's told her children are an option. They can adopt. They could travel instead. Sometimes he forgets Ruby isn't as certain as she makes herself out to be. He's overdue on the little reminder. That's his bad even with everything that's been going on. He has to do better. He will do better. His cue to break from the kiss comes from her and he moves back slightly to give her the space to relax against him. His exhaustion only sets in once he allows himself the leeway to think they're safe for now. He runs his hand through her hair as she drifts off and as promised he takes the first shift, and more. He can feel his heartbeat in his chest. He holds Ruby with this feeling in his chest that there isn't anything to say but he does know that her comfort and being there is all that matters in the world. It isn't until the sun starts to rise a bit that his eyes are heavy to force him to drift off too.
He isn't sure how long he had been out but the hard pound on the door (it sounded loud as his heart jolted him awake) but he could tell it was some time. Two hours or perhaps three. He didn't answer or move right away in case it was a scare tactic from their enemy that tracked them here. He reached on pure instinct under his pillow for his gun. Obviously, there was nothing to grab. His mind flinched. Dean's voice from behind the door was the only thing to keep his mind from working overtime on his next move. He regretfully woke up Ruby gently if she wasn't already. If so, it was a nudge on his part so he could get up and open the door.
"Dean? ...Wait one second." Before he swung open the door, he gave Ruby some drawstring gym pants from his bag and the time to put them on. He turned on some lights around the room while he was at it. Maybe he should have kept them off but he wanted to see how Ruby looked. He could tell the medicine had some effect on Ruby. On some level, he knew there was no hiding how rough they looked so the lights stayed on. Sam doesn't reach to take the coffee for himself and Ruby as Dean steps in. His hand is bandaged and he'd rather it not seem as bad as Ruby's condition. "I think I'll pass on the coffee. I'd like to just get out of here."
no subject
The levity is appreciated as is the faith that she'll be better soon. "Excellent. I only look half dead then instead of fully dead," she jokes in return. The hot shower will be very appreciated, but right now she's not sure she could actually stand up for that long in it and this establishment doesn't offer a bathtub. Once they get back to the bunker, that will on top of her to-do list: a long, hot bath. If he'd like to take off his clothes, she won't complain, but she is cold enough that she'd rather leave her clothes (his shirt) on.
Eileen should get the message and move on. Ruby is acutely aware that they have a finite amount of time together and she intends to enjoy every moment of it. It's one reason she takes so many pictures and video of him and them together. She wants those concrete memories to sustain her when he's gone. She's still a little uncertain about adopting children, but that has more to do with her confidence in herself as a mother than anything. It is a bridge they can cross when they get there. Traveling is something she would very much like to do with Sam. She'd like to share some of the world with him. Her facade of confidence is a good one, much like Dean's, and she doesn't blame him for not remembering that she is more insecure than she lets on. Breaking the kiss has little to do with Sam and more to do with the absolute exhaustion and ache in her entire being. She falls asleep cocooned in Sam's embrace with his heartbeat in her ears.
Ruby woke when Sam startled, pure terror racing through her until she realized that the person at the door was Dean and not Astaroth or any demon at all. She might be at full capacity power-wise, but she could still smell Dean and a lack of sulfur that would indicate he was possessed. She pulls away, sitting up so that Sam can get up, taking the workout pants from him and pulling him on beneath the mid-thigh length tee shirt.
When Dean steps into the room, he's careful to step over the salt line in front of the door. He glances over Sam first then Ruby. He knows what happened from their phone conversation, but Sam had downplayed their injuries. He scowls a little. "I didn't see anyone in the parking lot." And he'd run a patrol of the parking lot before he'd gone to their door. "Far as I can tell, I wasn't followed. We can leave Ruby's car here, have Cas or someone drive it back later. You got everything packed?" He looks to Sam and Ruby for a response.
"There's not much," Ruby responds. "We should grab everything out of the trunk of my car first though," she says as she picks up the cup of coffee Dean brought and takes a sip.
no subject
She won't, but her skin might look nasty for a while if not patched up correctly. Leave it to Sam to be concerned about how she may view the injuries later. He knows from experience that no one should have heavy reminders on them. To this day, he's not a fan of the scar on his back that reminds him how he was stabbed in the back. He doesn't want Ruby to have a similar reminder.
"Not to mention beautiful. Brave. A real survivor." He tries to keep it light by adding more to the list. That's exactly what they'll do then when they return to the bunker and she is well enough to stand on her own. There's even a book on her nightstand calling her name that he can read to her in lieu of any strenuous activity when they take the time to recover first. He won't leave her side for anything other than the odd break. It's too late to take his clothes off as he's crawled in next to her already. It goes without saying that his clothes might add to the warmth radiated from his body on to hers.
Surely Eileen has gotten the message. Sam believes in the better side of people anyhow. (None of them can possibly know how entangled Eileen is as a spy for Chuck at the present time.) Sam has that acute awareness that the videos and pictures Ruby keeps of him will one day all be memories for her to hold on to (honestly, he does the same thing by the photos he hangs the bunker and their room), but those moments of togetherness are still their present. That's all that matters. He's let her know that adoption isn't a make or break deal. It might have been had he never got back into the life. Though if he were being honest, it helps to a certain extent that he considers Jack as his own son. He also told her if she was open to it, she would be more amazing as a mother than she believes. Travel has always been the other thing on his list that's remained unchanging over the years. As a surprise to Ruby, he'd like to track down any existing relatives of Ruby one day in Poland or wherever the trails lead. In his eyes, she's exceptional. He strokes her head softly to help her body drift where it feels safe.
Sam reached out to her when she startled awake to let her know there was nothing to worry about. He kept eye contact with her until the terror subsided. After passing the gym pants over, he took her hand to give her a light squeeze before letting her pull them on. He looked back just before he opened the door. This was as presentable as they had the ability to be.
Sam had been prepared to redo the salt line when the door brushed over it but in a brief recognition of surprise, he saw that it didn't break or thin out. Of course he hadn't mentioned how bad it was. The only thing Sam didn't lie about was that he needed to get Ruby out of there as quickly as possible. He also didn't lie about how unhinged Astaroth would be by how she acted. There was no doubt in his mind that the crazy bitch would come after them. He doesn't offer Dean any hint of relief at no sign of people in the parking lot. On the contrary, he paces around the room to gather what little they need to leave. "I can't relax just yet. You might not have been followed, but there were no signs of anyone in the parking lot when we arrived too. We don't see that at motels ever." That's as close to Sam saying yes, we're leaving now as Dean's going to get. He kneels at the bedside to assist Ruby within a few steps once he has the medical kit. "You good with that? Astaroth might waste a few minutes if she sees your car is still here."
He helps Ruby up on her terms. Unlike last night, his one arm is too numb to carry her so for both their sakes he hopes she's rested enough to stand. Still, he does what he can to support her cautiously with his good arm around her waist.
no subject
His list of compliments makes her smile softly. She will never say no to Sam reading to her or bubble baths. She'll be able to stand on her own soon enough. It will take longer for her not to feel like she's going to faint or throw up from standing on her own. A lack of clothing probably would have led to other things which wouldn't have been a bad thing, but neither of them are really up to it.
Most of the time, Ruby believes Sam when he tells her that all he wants is to spend life with her whatever that looks like. Astaroth knew Ruby well enough to scratch at those buried insecurities and bring them to the surface. With time, Ruby will believe Sam again. Parenthood is something they can discuss a little later down the line. It hasn't even occurred to Ruby that she might have ancestors (descendants) out there. She would be pleasantly surprised by the discovery.
Of course, Ruby had initially thought that Astaroth was there for them. That had faded as she realized it was Dean's voice. Dean had assumed there would be a salt line and had been careful not to break it. As Sam briefs Dean on what's going on, Dean scrubs his hands over his face, trying to think and put together some semblance of a plan for their trip back to the bunker. Ruby helps Sam gather what little they brought in the room. She feels as weak as a newborn kitten, but she's a lot better than she was last night.
"I don't make emotional attachments to mechanical objects," Ruby smirks in response. It's a pointed jab for Dean and very normal for her.
Dean gives her an unamused look. "Baby is not a mechanical object." He grabs the keys for Ruby's car off the nightstand. "Sam, get everything here in the Impala. She's unlocked." In case they had to make a run for it. "I'll grab everything out of Ruby's car." As he starts out the door, he breaks the salt line purposefully.
Ruby isn't going to be running a marathon or even power walking one any time soon, but she can walk to the Impala, especially with Sam for support.
no subject
New scars would never change how he looked at her. Of course he cares enough to want to avoid them where possible. They've talked about what the scars they currently have mean to them and her scar beneath her sternum represents how they found a way to work together with time. Sam was probably the only one that saw it this way but the fact Ruby approached Bobby all those years ago and gave him the colt proved to him how she wanted to play ball.
She's worthy of every single one. Chances are when they get out of this dilemma, he will deliver on the bubble bath and a moment to read to her. He could never pressure her to do anything that makes her feel sick unless it's for her well-being. Truth is, he is still a little on edge about the manner to which she lacks clothing in the first place. He knows they should talk about it but he has no idea how to start. For the moment, it isn't the ideal time to ask her.
Sam is rightfully angry at Astaroth touching Ruby in the first place, but that anger translates to the patience he needs to have that conversation with Ruby later. He's always been sincere about his feelings about Ruby too. Family is important. It's been on his list for some time to help Ruby find out what happened to her family to heal her human side. He loves her a great deal.
There's a certain amount of relief Sam feels to see Dean, but he doesn't let his guard down yet. There isn't much to gather thankfully, just a bag from Ruby's car that had her clothes mixed with some borrowed from his closet and the medical-magic kit. He handles the heavier stuff in his better hand or over his shoulder. He makes a suggestion about using some of the back roads when he catches the stress in Dean's eyes. He can't change that he made the mistake that Ruby's absence was a big 'what if' or that he probably should have communicated better with Dean after the fact.
Sam returns to Ruby's side once he's gathered the important things. He lets the two of them finish before he interjects. "We don't have time for this." Looking down to Ruby, he adds. "We'll still come back for your car. I'm just not sure when."
They have everything they need so he acknowledges Dean with a silent 'got it', helping Ruby towards the Impala. The front was usually where the three of them sat but he opened the back door. With Ruby's injuries especially, they needed the extra space. Once Ruby was in, he shut the door carefully behind her. He rounded the Impala to pack himself on the other side, scooting closer to Ruby and dropping their bags off to the side. Without saying a word, he quietly encouraged her to lean against him.
Dean wouldn't likely find much left in Ruby's vehicle but a few magical things and a photo of Ruby and Sam together that could assist with a tracking spell.
no subject
While Ruby has difficulty saying thank you, Sam rarely has any problem understanding her gratitude. She'll be very grateful for all of those things. Does he really want to know the details? She'll be honest if he asks, but she doesn't need to reiterate those details to him for herself. If it makes him feel better, it's nothing that Astaroth hasn't done to her before. The lack of clothing gave Astaroth easy access to all the ways she wanted to hurt Ruby. It was also a way to humiliate Ruby and rob her of any armor she might feel like she had. Eventually, Astaroth would have done the same to Sam had they not escaped.
He made a huge fucking mistake, but he's paying the consequences of that so Dean doesn't feel the need to rub his nose in it. The banter between Dean and Ruby is a good thing; it's a normal thing, but so is Sam stepping between them. Ruby is still barefoot, but she's got an extra pair of boots at the bunker. She nods a little at Sam's promise. "We can figure it out." She can steal another car.
The backseat is the most comfortable place for them considering both of their injuries. Dean goes to retrieve the few things in Ruby's car.
Ruby curls up into Sam, eyes closing as she does. Dean starts the car and they get on the road. It's a long time before Dean speaks, glancing up in the review mirror to see Sam awake, but Ruby appears to be asleep. "Next time, tell me what's going on even if I am on a date with Jo. She's not going to mind." It's not like Sam regularly interrupts them for frivolous reasons.
no subject
Bobby isn't one for apologies for things after the fact. The best Ruby is ever going to get is that Bobby accepted the colt from her. Sam might have told her "baby steps" when it comes to his friends and family. If not, he will.
Sam can't fathom what Astaroth has done to her or encouraged Ruby to do. He might suggest that Ruby herself wouldn't know what details would weigh less on her until she actually does share them with someone. He would say that she doesn't have to open up to him if she's concerned he will treat her differently. He definitely only has vague notions of what Astaroth might have put them through had they not escaped. Some of those things Astaroth could have done could likely paint Sam as innocent as his wildest imagination is not malicious.
The safest option would be to get Ruby another car. She and Sam can talk about the method of how she acquires one later. He can't do much about her bare feet but help her adjust to put her feet up once in the backseat. He runs his hand through her hair quietly so she can rest from there.
Sam appreciates the silence until they've made enough distance between the motel and the road. He doesn't look up from Ruby even though he can feel Dean's eyes on him. He could reiterate that he hadn't thought it would have turned badly himself but he agreed he messed up. He had a gut feeling. Turns out, it wasn't wrong. "Yeah, uh, I realize that could have ended up much worse. Thanks for picking us up." He isn't making light of it, only keeping the conversation calm.
no subject
Bits and pieces of it will come out as Ruby feels the need to talk about them. However, despite the crimes being recent, the trauma is old. Ruby won't tell him the things that Astaroth might have had planned; there's no reason for it and she prefers a Sam who can't imagine those things.
She won't balk at the idea of another car. As she pointed out to Dean, she doesn't get attached to them. They're machines that make life more convenient.
"Anytime," Dean says, dropping the topic. As long as Sam realizes that he should tell Dean beforehand next time, that's what's important. The only stops along the ride are for refueling, both humans and the Impala. Once they're back at the bunker, Dean refreshes all their wards and safeguards. He makes certain the security cameras are working as well.
no subject
At the very least Alt World Bobby isn't their Bobby and Sam will never ask Ruby to consider him family. Sometimes though Sam still sees pieces of his deceased father figure in Alt Bobby that catch him off guard.
It's all he could ever ask of her to open up in bits and pieces. He'll worry she's bottling the experience up otherwise. They can talk about what Eileen has to do with what Astaroth put in her head as well. They should talk about it as he's fairly
cluelesscertain he already set Eileen straight.Car shopping would be exactly the kind of excuse the two of them need to have a breather and make it a date.
The rest of the ride is fairly silent. Sam makes a faint effort to smile when Dean drops it and focuses on Ruby the rest of the time. He drifts sleep for minutes at a time and when they stop to gas up, he doesn't exactly feel hungry to ask for anything when Dean heads inside to pay. He looks mildly surprised but accepts the food Dean brings back with a thank you. Dean knows exactly what he would have asked for with the Greek Yogurt and the mixed nuts. Back at the bunker, Sam helps Ruby to their room, aware Dean has the rest handled. He shuts the door so the demon ward going back up might be felt by Ruby a little less. He stays with Ruby a while and slips out for food again when his stomach starts to feel hunger pangs.
The first place he looks is in the kitchen for Dean. Before he can even consider making himself food, he realizes he should get his hand better tended to and in working order again. "Hey, did Cas call back yet?" Apparently, as neither of them are aware, Castiel is having that much of a hot date.
no subject
Oh she is. She will and she does it well. However, she's also pretty experienced with the whole bottling coping strategy. She'll work through it in her own time both with his help and on her own. Sam is deeply clueless about Eileen, but her motivations will show themselves in time. Ruby won't object to car shopping. She'll take time with Sam doing something normal. Though, she can't be held responsible for scaring the car salesman if he's annoying.
It's just further proof that Dean is worried about Sam. He gets Ruby a bottle of chocolate milk as well. Throughout the rest of the drive, Ruby dozes on and off. Once she's settled in their room, she opts for a very long, very hot bubble bath.
Predictibly Dean is in the kitchen making chili. He glances up when Sam steps inside. "No. I'm beginning to wonder if he lost his phone." There's an edge of concern to his voice that says he's also beginning to wonder if something happened to the angel. When Cas does resurface, they're going to have to have a talk about communication and staying in touch, not so much because he's needed here as because Dean is a worrywart. "How's Ruby?" Implied is how are you doing.
no subject
Something normal for a change would do the two of them a lot of good. When was the last time they had a break? They need it. When they're done car shopping, he can suggest they go on a long test drive.
It's considerate of Dean to get Ruby something to drink also and that doesn't go unnoticed by Sam. Why? Because Chocolate milk is a good source of protein for recovery. Sam is more concerned about Ruby than himself the whole drive and is only able to relax when she's settled in. Back at the bunker, he draws the bath for her before slipping out.
The smell of chili brings back fonder memories for Sam, such as when they were younger and camping in the mountains. Days that had been particularly unfriendly to them in the winter had been made more tolerable, in his opinion, by chili filling their stomachs. Sam haphazardly pours himself coffee before leaning on the counter. "That is strange." Sam finally speaks up after a moment to acknowledge how troubled Dean looks about it. "Knowing Cas, he swiped over your text or forgot his passcode for his inbox or something." The angel wasn't fond of technology at all, including spam calls and incorrect weather updates. He could also remind Dean that praying is still picked up by his frequency. That's between Cas and Dean though.
Sam understands what Dean really wants to ask and shakes his head, uncertain there is a good enough answer he can give right then. "I wasn't there for the extent of it so all I can say is that it'll take some time for Ruby. Some time to recover first will do some good. But we need a plan to track down Astaroth before she comes after us, as well." For the moment, he's just so damn glad Ruby is home. Still favoring his good hand, he holds up his coffee as a silent I'm fine.
no subject
Dean wasn't thinking about recovery or protein; he just knows Ruby likes chocolate milk and there aren't many things she does seem to enjoy eating or drinking. Though neither of them would admit it to save their own lives, they do love each other. Once the bath is drawn, Ruby sinks all the way down into the water and lays her head back. She'll be good here for a long while.
Dean figured chili would hit the spot. Besides, he makes very good chili. Dean nods a little. "If he doesn't show up soon, I'll start pray-nagging his ass." Dean likes to give Cas some space, especially now that he's beginning to put together his own life.
"Yeah. I've been thinking about that. We could bait her, but I figure she'd see it as a trap right away. It's better if we catch up with her and take her by surprise. Any idea what she's doing here besides catching up with Ruby?"
no subject
Point in fact to Sam's thought is that Dean cares enough to bring something that has benefits to Ruby's recovery. The one thing that is guaranteed is that Sam won't ask them to admit they love each other. The only thing he does need from time to time is them to get along or admit to themselves they have some respect for the other. If Sam gets any indication from Ruby's quiet descent into the tub it's that she will be alright alone-- in fact, she might prefer it so she can wash her blood soaked injuries clean before he returns. Maybe part of him recognizes that she has the desire to think by herself for a while and decompress.
One thing Sam can't complain about is Dean's ability to make a decent chili. It's a reasonable answer, and rather than linger on it, Sam moves to have a seat and enjoy his coffee. He's already popped a pain killer or three back in his bedroom and convinced he will be comfortable for some time yet to patiently wait. "Thanks. It won't kill us to wait until he resurfaces though. Honestly, I'm just glad to be back here. The wards are all back up?"
Sam had been thinking the same thing about baiting Astaroth out in the open and he pinched his nose as reasonably only Ruby could be the bait. "Yeah, no. She would see it coming. I also don't like the idea of putting Ruby through more of that, even for a second. She shouldn't even be alive. My best guess is that she's not done torturing and enslaving souls." They don't have much to go on even with what Sam knows of Ruby's connection to Astaroth. "I don't know if it helps any, but she's not working alone either. She has demons who are following her." He tells Dean how many he counted while he was caught off guard. He reasons that there could be more following her orders as well.
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)