for peaceonearth | hypothetically if you were point A & theoretically if I was point B

[weirddreams]

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[weirddreams]

Is it really just with Sam though? She makes an effort not to argue with Dean all the time... and that's just what he gathered a minute ago.

Traditionally, not a lot of girls would want to see it that way, much less accept it. Of course that's why and how they work. Ruby has her own place in his heart.

There is a strong possibility he will talking to her over Angel radio one day and still be unable to focus due to the sound of her voice. He does feel a sense of relief when he catches that it's not only him.

What they think is important to him though. Ever since he was old enough to start dreaming about a girlfriend, he pictured the moment he would introduce her. This moment. It's actually seems like it's going better than he'd except, then again he can't read the room with the elephant still in the closet.

In that case, he'll throw the good morning back because it most certainly is. Ruby taking the biscuit feels him with a sense of accomplishment. Her stealing a piece of bacon doesn't get the same reaction it might have if it were Dean, but a short gaze is given to it longingly before he let's it slide. He is getting used to her stealing food bit by bit. When John speaks, it's a force of habit to listen, think on what he is asking for a second.

Far as he knows, they didn't have anything special planned, but Itinere has a lot to offer, especially with them together like this.

Um.

"I can think of a few places I wanna see--that abandoned lab. Or, there's the Surf Hologram VR exhibit." Should that really surprise anybody.

[peaceonearth]

She does make an effort with Dean, Mary, and John for Sam's sake, but she doesn't think she could really be called sweet to them.

Traditionally, she's not like most girls for lots of reasons. That's just one.

Oh, Sam. She hopes so, but she prefers to avoid thinking about a life without seeing Sam every single day. However, should it come to that, she'll take what she can get.

Ruby knows that, which is why she makes an effort with everyone in his family. A lot of the time, it just means keeping quiet, which she is actually able to do. No one wants to take that moment away from him. Itinere is all about giving him (all of them really) things that they never had. It's a very big elephant to be fair and Ruby isn't sure that acknowledging that elephant will make the room any easier. John's eyes light on the hickey on Sam's neck, which confirms everything that they can already guess at; a very big elephant indeed.

Fortunately for Sam, Dean made plenty of bacon and Ruby could have grabbed a piece off the platter in the center of the table, but for her, stealing food off Sam's plate is almost a way to show affection.

They don't have anything planned, at least not as far as Dean knows. While the days here have a loose sort of structure for Dean and in some ways for John, there's nothing set in stone. John told himself that when an eighteen-year-old Sammy showed up here, he was going to take the chance to do some things they hadn't gotten to do back home. In spite of the aforementioned elephant, John is trying to keep that promise to himself (and to Mary).

John frowns a little then nods. "I don't' see why we can't go do that stuff." He looks to Dean. "Far you as know, anyone going to come down on us for looking into the lab?"

Dean shakes his head. "Nah. A few people tried to get a police station started around here for a while, but they disappeared and there's not usually much need for it."

[weirddreams]

Sam has rose colored glasses on when it comes to Ruby. Now, and in the future.

He can't help but see her untraditional behavior as positives.

She's part of their family now so she shouldn't feel she is taking away from their time just by speaking. In either case, most of the time he catches Ruby being quiet and puts the brakes being a nerd to check in with her. Letting the elephant out wouldn't make it easier, but it would be telling the truth and giving him a chance to come to terms with it.

There's a lot he has yet to learn to understand of her, but the affection is understood as soon he sees the satisfaction on her face.

Cool! The lab is at the top of his list of things to do, and better yet he heard no reason why it might be dangerous. Of course he may want to touch some of the equipment when they get there. Somebody ought to make sure he doesn't freeze ray his hand or an entire wall. In the same spirit, Sam has it in mind to spend as much time with John seeing how he isn't on a hunting trip. Mary and Ruby, too, because it will be years into his future before meeting them. Mary can see how John is trying to keep his promise, and like wise she is trying too. At the same time, Sam made a grown up choice and it is acknowledged.

Sam holds his excitement back for a moment while John and Dean figure it out, then holds it no longer. It might as well be if they told him they were going to Disneyland when he was eight. "When can we go?" Obviously, any time after breakfast is the fair assumption, but everybody has to get ready and be willing to go.

He turns his head to Dean. As little as it matters in Itinere, it still seems strange to him that there is no police station at all. Though, there's comfort in how the Winchesters take care of themselves. And it gives him one more idea to add to the list. "Did they set anything up that we can see?" He used to talk about it on the occasion, but being a police offer was one of the things he considered being when he grew up.

[peaceonearth]

She's part of their family, but everyone is still working on really accepting her in the family. She can keep the tension from boiling over by keeping quiet when it's not important to be heard. She appreciates that he checks on her. She winks at him to assure him she's fine. He will get the chance to come to terms with what she is. For now, Ruby is basking in his affection and adoration.

He's beginning to understand her then.

With any luck, the four other Winchesters going on the field trip will be able to keep him from freezing anything important. With all of them determined to spend quality time together, maybe John and Sam can avoid fighting.

As long as he doesn't throw the tantrum he threw when he found out they couldn't go to Disneyland. Dean looks to John when Sam asks when they can go. John frowns a moment, considering it, glancing to Mary before he speaks. "Let's finish breakfast, let me have a second cup of a coffee and we'll head out."

It's strange to Ruby as well. There is no real authority in this place and it does make the town different from any other town she's ever visited. "There's a police station we can stop by and look at. Old three-story building with a couple of cells in the basement."

[weirddreams]

Every single time he's come to Itinere, he's learned a little more about Ruby to understand her. Telling him what she is only would be the last piece to making it all finally click into place. He would would likely surprise her again by how his affection would allow him to come to terms with it. As for right now, her little wink is like critical hit from the move charm! Sam's cheeks grow a little rosy and ability to look at her is lost for a moment.

It seems like his luck is better when the four- nah five of them are around. (Refer back to the night he just had. Being a family and doing regular things seems to be working as the medicine they've needed to stop the fighting typical of them.

In his defense, he was nine. It was a pretty big deal then...where as now he live with one or two of the suggestions he came up with being off the table. His true aim is to think they can do together. Sam casts his attention between Dean and John. Mary shares the glance with John, not objecting if he decides in favor of it. "I'm not going anywhere until I finish my plate," she shares. Especially when the bacon is still on the table. She continues with a bite of a crispy piece of bacon.

Self-policing might be the strangest aspect of Itinere. Thankfully, it's nothing new for a Winchester. There's always been order to their dysfunction. Sam wears a thoughtful face as he considers where he should land. "Then it's settled. We can start with whatever's closest." 

[peaceonearth]

He would definitely surprise her. To be fair to Her Sam, he didn't know her as well when she'd told him about being a demon, but he hadn't handled it well. Of course, it helps this Sam that Dean and John won't be adding to any freaking out he might do. It would be a welcome surprise that would make her fall a little more in love with him.

It certainly helps that everyone is around the table. It also helps that both Dean and John are interested in making this a good visit.

Melt-down, Sam. Melt. Down. John is glad to have Mary's support in this because he wants her to go along with them. John nods in agreement. He wouldn't dream of separating Mary from her bacon. "We've got a timeline then."

It is pretty strange. For the most part, it seems to work. Of course, giving everyone every material thing they could want certain weeds out some of the motivations for crime. "Police station," Dean offers. "The lab is a little further out on the other side of town.."

Once breakfast is finished and Dean rinses and stacks dishes to be done when they get back. "I think we can all pile in the Impala," John says. The kids (Ruby included this time) in the back with John and Mary up front. Besides, it's something else they never really got to do: take a family drive in the family car.

[weirddreams]

When the truth comes out, of course it will help to have his father and brother not freak out. He would already need the time to sort out how to feel about her and resolve it.

Sammy is interested in making this a good visit too. If anything, he might already be subconsciously trying to get everyone to see what he is into. Ruby and Mary especially.

Okay. So he melted down. That day was all snot and wailing and nothing but the candy Dean eventually snuck him calmed him down. Of course Mary is going with them. She wouldn't miss this chance to be with her family for the world. Mary's gaze falls back on John, body language giving off a general agreement.

True enough. Maybe, the people of Itinere are inherently good too. Sam was hoping the police station would be the closest! If not for how they agreed to finish dinner, he would jump out of his seat now, rearing to go.

They've never had a drive in the family car, had they. It doesn't sink in until Sam stands up to take his plate and collect Ruby's to bring to the sink. Its then that it sinks really in and his gut starts to feel bubbly. "I call the middle seat in the back." Because he never gets the front passenger seat (yet) anyway. "I was kinda hoping it'd the opposite," he muses about the distance between the two spots, a small pout on his lower lip.

After breakfast, he'll file in the backseat after offering Ruby the spot to slide in first. The center is his preferred spot because he can see what's going on up front; see John, see Mary, and see the sights before they fly right by. It doesn't take long to reach the police station. He nearly trips over himself with limb over the threshold when clambering out.

"This is... It? It's.. I think I already got goosebumps," Sam opens, honest about what is on his mind first after gazing on the building. True enough, the station has been left to the elements for some time, with dusty windows, unshoveled snow and an overall look helping it seem almost grungy but untouched, in a more positive light. "We should see what's still in there." He marches on.

[peaceonearth]

She'll give him the time by going to stay at the apartment until he's ready to cope.

It does help Ruby get to know this version of Sam and to see how he grew into the Sam she knows as well as she knows herself. It probably helps Mary get to know the teenager that she never knew as well, and that's nice. They'll have to invite Carmen to something so that Sammy can meet her as well. Dean knows his baby brother is probably interested in meeting her and Carmen is slowly becoming more and more a part of their lives.

Thankfully for Sammy's sake, that meltdown hasn't come up in front of Ruby. Candy was always a good way to get him to calm down when he was a kid.

The people of Itinere are inherently good for the most part. They're also a bit unimaginative, which works in everyone's favor.

"Yeah, well we don't get to pick the layout of the town, Shrimp," Dean quips to Sam and ruffles his hair as they all head toward the garage. Ruby stops to grab her high heeled boots on the way then meets them down there, slipping into the back seat after Sam. It's probably a good thing Sam is in the middle between Ruby and Dean.

The police station has been deserted for a while which does make it look a little creepy. The front door is unlocked. Inside, Sam will find a normal enough building. There is the police chief's office and a couple of desks and chairs in the main room. The upstairs is mostly storage for extra chairs and desks, boxes of paperwork (mostly from Haven which tells Dean the boxes were up there before the station was ever imagined here). Downstairs are the two cells, and a weapons vault, which Dean happens to have the key to. He sort of treats it like an alternate stash of weapons in case they're needed.

Ruby wanders around the main room, opening drawers, heels clicking on the floor. She hasn't ventured in here before because there was really no need to. Police stations aren't on her list of places to hang out so this is all new to her. John views everything with a more critical and analyzing eye. It's a solid building and it'd make a good place to hole up and defend themselves if they needed to leave the bunker for any reason.

"It's not as secure as I would have imagined," Ruby says.

[weirddreams]

He'd come find her when he was ready to talk. It'd be very likely it'd take a day or two before he'd start feeling her absence and want to (need to) talk to her.

The same thing goes for Ruby. Sam is still connecting some dots but it seems to him she's always been the girl of (in) his dreams. He still has a ways to grow, but everything here in Itinere has a subtle effect in shaping who he is. Mary absolutely enjoys being able to see what one son was like as a teenager. In fact, she can see younger Sam has a sweet tooth. She wouldn't have known that because he's careful in his twenties. Sam wouldn't mind if Carmen was called and invited now. To be fair, he's always wanted to, but never, had the chance to see what his big brother's girlfriend was like.

To bring up how his meltdowns go, it would turn his ten shades of red. Ruby doesn't need to know any of that. Save maybe his affinity for candy. He'd be fine with her knowing if not for the many ways it could be used to get her some.

"Don't call me that," he insists but in a hushed tone so Ruby might not hear it. He uses his fingers to comb the strands Dean messed with, but half of them still sticks out. As far as he can see, the middle has the perfect vantage point to see everyone. He's ecstatic to have it.

It does seem creepy, but at the same time the abandoned air around makes it more inviting that a regular police station with activity going in and out of it. Sam let's himself take it in before he nods to whom ever passes him first to head in. Inside, the chief's office draws his eye first. Perhaps it's because it's the nicest chair lies inside, or perhaps it's the first place that gives off a sense of importance and purpose. Sam chooses this room first, hand spreading out the files that remain on the desk to see what was left unfinished. His interest in criminal history eventually shifts his attention to the cabinets that remain unlocked in the idle curiosity that he might find a file of a criminal living among them. (Sorry, Sam. There's none to be found.)

Mary stays close to John, but looks more closely as the weapons for the taking. Opposite to her husband, her preference for the bunker clouds the potential she sees in the police station should any reason require them to leave their home. When Sam finally finishes skimming the files, he is able to make his way back to the group by following the sound of Ruby's heels.

He stops right next to her. "I guess they had no time to lock up." It's somewhat obvious here that Sam feels a sense of dread because whom ever was running the station was sent home before they were ready to go and he can't know if he will too.

[peaceonearth]

Having him show up will make up for the days he wasn't there.

She's known him nearly his entire life. Ruby and Dean have seen that first hand thought it'd taken a little while to realize it. It's part of why Dean worries about Sammy's relationship with Ruby. He knows that it's going to shape Sam and he wonders if that's part of the reason Sam didn't find a normal girl. Of course, that leads to Dean feeling guilty that he didn't force Ruby to stay at her apartment when Sammy was here.

Ruby already knows about Sammy's affinity for candy. Candy will be a regular thing as long as he's here.

Dean chuckles a little at Sam's protests. Yeah, the vantage point is good, but you end up squished between two people. He's happy to have one of the doors. Ruby is a little more awkward simply because she's still figuring out her place in the family and she's aware that this relationship with Sam at his various ages isn't something everyone is going to understand. Right now, she's grateful that no one is trying to keep her from Sam.

There weren't any real criminals in Itinere to keep files about. However, if Sam digs through the boxes of files from Haven, he'll find some weird things: curses and people with powers, things more like what Sam is used to.

That's why Dean keeps a key to them. He wants to be careful about who gets their hands on the weapons. The bunker is a much better option and safer to boot than this place, but John does think it's defensible. Ruby is very noticeable when she's not trying to fly under the radar. Right now, she's trying to stay out of the way, but not to hide.

She's a couple of inches taller than him with her heels. Almost instinctively, she shifts her weight so she's a little closer to him. She reaches out and hooks her fingers in Sam's belt loop. "Or maybe there wasn't a reason to," Ruby suggests. She doesn't like dwelling on the idea of people leaving when they don't want to leave or before they're ready. It means she can lose Sam at any time. "Itinere isn't exactly teeming with criminal activity and it doesn't look like anyone has trashed the place."

[weirddreams]

Sammy is nothing but stubborn at times, but also willing to admit his mistakes at others.

He's been influenced by her his entire life, that's no secret. But not all of it has been dubious in nature. Sam learned he wanted to go to college from her, have a normal life, a normal family among the positive things that could be said about his meeting her in influential, yet trustworthy faces when he was still growing up. The dreams her image left on his subconscious wouldn't have changed his growing pains much. He likes blondes and even Dean could never change that fact. He would figure out where Ruby's apartment was anyway or bump into her somehow. Dean needn't feel guilty as it hasn't affected their history back home too much.

He's not in the habit of sharing, but if the chocolate is from her more often than not, it's fate, not fact, that he'll end up sharing half the bar with her. Candy would pull out his sweeter side like if Valentine's Day were that day and every day after.

Sam ought to ignore Dean, but it matters to him if Ruby hears it. His gaze shifts to Ruby back to Dean to assess if she did or not and shoot a look to demand he stop. Truth is, Sam can deal with Ruby pressed up against his side so close and Dean when his feet aren't hogging the entire backseat (or the cause to consider jumping out of the moving vehicle). He'd consider Ruby his new girlfriend at this point and that makes her his family. No one saying otherwise should mean she belongs as much as any of them.

He does notice the boxes and moves them on top of the chief's desk with the intention of coming back to them. Depending on when he does, he will either have the time to figure out what the curses could be or more knowledge to understand them on his own. He's not done with it just yet, only looking to follow up about what else everyone has found.

If Sam had some input, he'd agree with Dean and some the other opinions. He would surmise the police station would be the first place anybody would look for weapons so the best place would not be here. The best place would probably be loading them in the back of their other vehicles. It also would be fair to consider handing them out to anyone that wanted one on a case by case scenario. Though, nobody is untrustworthy enough to not qualify. The station would be a good place to hole up though. Maybe that means Sammy is more in tune with her because he found her quickly enough.

He's seen the pictures of them together to know it won't matter forever. Besides the inches in difference to where their lips could almost meet sparks the thought to kiss her right then. He is certainly encouraged to when she hooks her fingers in his belt, bringing his hips to shift closer to her pull. He's not sure why he doesn't. The opportunity seems to be somewhat amiss with his thoughts piling up and decision to stand on his toes to touch foreheads with her. "Why wouldn't they lock this place up?" Sam blinks back at Ruby's suggestion. If anything, he isn't dwelling on the idea he could be gone tomorrow anymore. Why anybody would leave the police open to just anyone to take is a more burning question. Of course Sammy has a healthy degree of understanding to know a place like this can't just fall in any person's hands. "What I mean is that shouldn't somebody with experience run this place... If it was at all necessary."

[peaceonearth]

His persistence is a good thing, but his willingness to admit his mistakes is a big thing that makes him Sam. It's one of those things that balance out Ruby's flaws (and nurtures her humanity).

Unfortunately, Dean doesn't realize those things are Ruby's influence. He assumes it's all just Sam and he jumps to the assumption that Ruby's influence on Sam is negative (after all, she's a demon and he's accepted that, but he assumes Sam is the good influence and not the other way around).

Lucky for Sam, Ruby doesn't eat much. Sam's sweetness is one of the things that makes Ruby's heart grow three sizes.

Ruby heard Dean, but she's accustomed to the whole idea of insults equal love; it's just Dean expressing affection for Sam. In any case, she doesn't react to the name. Sam can scoot closer to Ruby to give Dean some more room in the back seat. She hasn't actually stopped to wonder what Sam considers her. He's always been so firmly Her Sam in her mind that she assumes she holds the same sort of place in his heart.

It'll just be more proof that there are other worlds out there, worlds that aren't Sam and Dean's world, but still share similarities. It'll give Ruby and Sam another project in any case.

Sam will have input, or at least Dean would listen to it. His thought is to have a backup cache of weapons in case they can't get to the usual ones. They do have a strong connection. It helps that Ruby can feel Sam through the demon blood connection.

Even if he didn't get any taller, it wouldn't matter, but Ruby does love a tall man (Sam). It doesn't immediately occur to Ruby that she ought to kiss Sam until he rests his forehead against hers. A grin tugs at the corners of her lips and she closes that distance between them, her lips brushing his as the question tumbls out of him. "Maybe they had more important things to do," she suggest as she kisses him again, nudging him back toward the wall. Wait. What was necessary?

[weirddreams]

Not that he knows any of the effects he has on her other than the obvious ones he has on her behavior, but the balance they give one another will be one his favorite things about them.

That's Dean's own fault, sorry to say. Sam tried to come forward with with as much of the truth he could remember when he finally stepped forward to tell Dean about Ruby always being there. His feeling was that he made it clear Ruby was a good influence on him when they interacted.

Call a doctor, but if he doesn't get a cavity, Sammy's going to need someone to make sure his heart isn't racing too fast. Ruby and chocolate at the same time? That could be the combination to do him in.

There's a time and place, Dean. Time and place. In front of Ruby is just edging on embarrassing him. Of course when she doesn't react he assumes that she hasn't overheard at all and exhales with relief. In fact he does scoot a little closer to Ruby while no one seems to be paying any mind to him. It's very much on purpose when his shoulder brushes against hers. She has the same spot in his heart, of course. The only difference may be her place is blooming and not yet mature.

One of many to add to the pile. Ruby will likely have to remind him there are other things to explore and learn in the early days of his combing through the files of another project.

There's so many angles to think about it that Sam can't possible think of them all at once. Good thing they listen to each other. Sam has that connection with Ruby too. After last night, it's a little stronger, but it isn't something he can exactly describe.

If they were close the to same height, it would have it's charms. Being able to kiss her without bending or twisting would make the aches he felt some less romantic mornings all but non-existent. It'd be tragic if she stopped wearing heels, though. What else would he do but consider kissing her when she pulls him close and intimate by his belt. He sees a smile when she grins and he meets her half way into a kiss, though he smiles into it more than he remembers to press his lips back on to hers. It works out a little better with the second kiss, and her nudging him encourages his steps back to the wall and hands to cup her face. It's not really important what she means by the important things other people had to do. What she's doing has a hold on him with what's important.

Of course things can't get too hot and heavy when there's a slight distinct sound emitting from somewhere. It takes Sam a moment to realize someone clears their throat but only truly break away at the same time as Ruby.

He opens his mouth to explain, but truth is he doesn't know that isn't already obvious. But it's just Dean so. "Yeah, um, we're just talking about important things-- Did you find anything?" His face is as red as a beet.

[peaceonearth]

It's one of her favorite things about him. She's told him before when he's older that he makes her a better person.

Oh it's absolutely on Dean. H's got too many prejudices and assumptions tied to demons. He hears Sam, but isn't sure Sam would tell him any of the dark things (if there are dark things) about Ruby and her influence on him. He made it clear that he thinks Ruby is a good influence.

Ruby will keep an eye on Sam's heart rate.

Dean has difficulty with 'time and place'. He delights in embarrassing Sam, but he does have his limits. Ruby smiles at him moving closer to her and puts her hand on Sam's knee. The whole blooming thing is endearing and Ruby is pleased to be able to see it from this side. She wasn't really aware of what was going on when Sam was falling for her the first time. She was wrapped up in falling for him.

She's very good at keeping him from spiraling into obsessions that aren't her. He needn't worry about that.

Last night definitely strengthened the connection between them, which Ruby is certain that's what sex is supposed to do. Yes, there are certain charms to it, but it also means there would be fewer reasons for Sam to pick her up or for her to wrap her legs around his waist. There would be fewer reasons for her to stand on the bed to kiss him and fewer reasons to hop up on countertops and yes, fewer reasons to wear heels. Smiling into a kiss is always acceptable. She likes the way that her attention makes him smile. Kisses turn hot and heavy between them pretty quickly and tend to wash away everything except the moment.

For a moment, they both forgot that there are other people here. Ruby's supernaturally sensitive demon senses aren't much help when she's got those senses all tuned to Sam (and who can blame her). Dean had noticed Sam missing which will always mean that Dean goes looking for him. Sam gets in trouble (in Dean's opinion) when he isn't around to watch out for him) and he's not wrong on this count. It's just a different sort of trouble. He opts to clear his through and interrupt in a quieter way. Besides, there's no need to alert Mom and Dad to what was going on with Sam.

Ruby looks a little pleased with herself despite that they got caught. They had a little fun at least before. Dean smirks at Sam's 'explanation' "Important. Yeah," he echos. "Nah, nothing I didn't know about before. I think we're ready to move onto the lab if you're done discussing 'important' things."

"It's an ongoing discussion," Ruby assures Dean and reaches out to take Sam's hand.

[weirddreams]

It's one of his favorite things that she ever told him. He has the exact words she told him committed to memory when he's older.

Sam would if there were anything to tell. He's been pretty open about the fact that Ruby was (more than likely) the blonde hunter they thought he dreamed up. He's been pretty open about the people he could remember from the many she told him about. Maybe he did keep out the parts where he accepted candy from her, but that was more for him than keeping anything from Dean. Looking back on himself as a child, he knew he could have been smarter.

Unbeknownst to Sam, she does have a knack for hearing his heart rate. She could be the best doctor for him.

Limits are the next best thing for his brother and himself. Sam really has to get used to her initiative but the fact she would put her hand on his knee when everybody can see makes him feel what they have is special. His blooming thing isn't unlike the first time. He isn't able to see what she sees though as his attention is wrapped up on the ways she shows him she likes him. He's focused in trying to earn what he pictures she loves him when he's older.

There's many mysteries that could turn into obsessions for him, yes. For instance, the boxes with files from Haven. But it'd be hard for Ruby to ever lose her spot at the top of his obsessions.

The sex is a big part of why the connection between them is strengthened, but the fact she wrote him a note to come to her room after and give him any part of her day is a factor too. She's really the first girl who ever made her intentions known without being roundabout with him. That goes a long way. Sorry, he can't know there is more missing out on with their similar height. However, hopefully the benefits to being closer to each other are about the same. Her attention always makes him smile and forget everything around them.

It's in the far reaches of his mind that Dean and his parents could walk in on them any moment when Ruby's lips won't leave his. Though, it's not clear exactly if it's her or his lips that won't leave. Or both. Though, it's probably Sam that pulls away first as it's reflex when he's sure it's Dean interrupting them. Trouble isn't what he'd call his either. It really was closer to an important talk, so that's not a lie.

Sam would call what they did before more fun that just a little. This was a little fun now. Okay, maybe it's not the best explanation he's ever had, but he's stuck with it now. "Yeah, it's important and on-going" he closes the matter (hopes he does, anyway). He glances to Ruby to see if they are done (they are but he has to check), his fingers thread between hers and tightly squeeze her hand. "I think so. There's a few things I wanna take with us. They're in the office over there." He'll lead them to the boxes he left before. With Dean's help, they'll stuff them in the trunk of the Impala.

[peaceonearth]

Yeah, Dean is pretty sure that Ruby was the blonde hunter in Sam's dreams. It makes sense that Itinere would leave some traces behind and that those traces would show up through Sam's dreams. He'd been less than thrilled about learning that Ruby stalked Sam as a kid too, but it makes sense with everything that he already knows about Ruby.

Her initiative is part of what he likes about her when he gets older. Who knows if it's something he's always liked about her or if it's something he likes about her because of his time in Itinere. Those sorts of things get mixed up for them. There is nothing about 'them' that Ruby is ashamed of (it's not even certain she can feel actual shame) so she doesn't see the need to hide anything from anyone. Maybe she'll make him a list of what she likes about him, though that's probably on the list of things that would violate the space-time continuum, but she's not sure she cares about that either.

Oh, Sam. Has Ruby told him yet how stupid human girls are? Because they are, but it's probably just as well that human girls are stupid; none of them wins his heart the way that she has and she does like being his first everything. It's okay, he's still three inches taller than her when she's not wearing those heels. The benefits to being close to him make her care very little how tall he is.

The sound registers with Ruby on some level because she lets Sam pull away from her (though her arms and her fingers remain tangled up with his waist, his belt loops, and his arms). Talking is important in any relationship (and Ruby is in danger of becoming distracted again).

Oh, he closes the matter. Dean is pretty sure Sam is full of it, but he's also acting like a normal, goofy, teenager (in love) and that's what they all want for him so Dean isn't going to push it. (They're never done, but for the moment...)

"Seriously, we're taking home dusty old boxes full of crap?" Dean asks, but he helps load the boxes up and they all get situated in the Impala again. John and Dean discuss the location of the lab while they drive. The lab isn't hard find. John parks the Impala close and they all tumble out to enter the lobby.

"Man...this place has evil mad scientist written all over it," Dean says as they walk further in.

"Stay close, Boys," John says. Clearly he agrees.

[weirddreams]

She most definitely was, though the memories were be fuzzier than he'd like. Sam wasn't thrilled about her being his tail as a kid either, but of all the tails he could have had, he'd come to accept that she was the best. It was history that lead up to them being a couple.

It's always been something he's liked about her. Even doing back to the root of it, there were the teachers she posed as that had no trouble making it known that he should listen to the better voice in his head when he asked her advice. He wanted to be just like that and eventually he grew up to be just like that. Of course she's a little better at it at times and it still turns him on whatever age he is. They work because the odds and ends of their history balance each other out. For every reason she wrote him, he would give her one (or more back) when he returned to his older state. Sam, in his current state, would need more time to think about the things he likes about her other than that she's beautiful and he feels he can trust her with anything.

Not definitively, no. He's seen her look at other girls looking at him though and can see how she may be a little possessive. At no point does he have the intention of looking at anyone other than her with the same affectionate blue his eyes get with her. None of them ever really do get close to his heart like either, that's true. If anything, he's glad the height difference between them doesn't make him too short when her heels are on. He doesn't want her to seem him as a child.

It can't fix pulling away from her, but before he shows Dean where the boxes are he shoots her an apologetic look. To make it up to Ruby, his fingers join hers in the loops of his belt to twine awkwardly and in whatever way they can with her. He looks forward to when their talking may pick up again.

Of course Sam is full of it, but with Dean it doesn't feel like he needs to be anything other than honest about it. He feels Dean is the most accepting of it out of anybody and so being the normal, goofy, teenager he wants to be is exactly what he happens to be. In fact, Dean's his greatest example of how to be open about the relationship. (There's no small hope that they can't pick it up later.)

"What? I'm not just gonna leave them here." Sam gives Dean a look, one clearly that shares his doubt that they're just dusty and old boxes but potentially clues to more interesting things. The closer it seems they get, the more Sam shows enthusiasm. He asks a few questions while he has a opening between Dean and John's discussion; mostly questions about who used to be in charge of it and what it looked like (and how close they were). Tumble out is a nice way of looking at it as Sam barely holds back crawling out until Ruby has a chance to first (he remains a gentleman though).

"Right. You sure nobody lives here?" Sam can see what Dean means because the reception area feels less like one, more like a forgotten use of space. But nervous isn't how he would say he feels because there's five of them. It's a little more like he feels he may be intruding.

"Okay, s- uh Dad." It's gotten a little easier calling John Dad, but sir still is more instinctual. Mary will stay close without being asked. She smiles as she sees the Winchester men use their heads to work together, giving John the most of it with her eyes on him. Sam glance back at them will give him the same idea of staying close, but to take Ruby's hand.

[peaceonearth]

A demon was going to keep track of him whether he liked it or not. He just got lucky when she was the one keeping watch. They've got a lot of history and Ruby wouldn't change it.

She thinks it's one of her better personality traits (and she's aware her personality isn't great) but it's an added bonus that he finds her bossiness a turn on. He doesn't have to make her a list. He can tell her all the reasons he loves her when he is older and knows her better. Those are two good reasons though.

Yeah, she ought to hide it better especially when he's younger, but she is possessive and she's not good at sharing. She definitely doesn't see him as a child. She had a hard time seeing him as a child when he was sixteen and she should have seen him as one. He needn't worry about that. (Sam needn't worry; they are definitely going to pick this talk up probably sooner rather than later).

Dean wants Sam to be honest with him no matter what. He shouldn't be too hard on John and Mary. There's more going on than this version of Sam realizes. There's a lot to adjust to. "Alright," Dean warns "but if you bring back some weird sort of dust mite, I'm going to smack you." He doesn't really think there's a weird dust mite, but he could be wrong.

Dean fills Sam in on all the information he knows. He briefly met Cisco while he was here. He hasn't even been in the place before so his knowledge of it is pretty limited. Ruby gets out of the car quickly enough and hangs back the slightest bit as they go in, giving Sam, Dean and the other Winchesters a little space. She also wants to have a little room to move if there is anything here.

"It's been a long, long time since anyone has lived here far as I know," Dean assures them. There's always the chance some random person has taken up residence here, but there's no one here that belongs here.He and John both are moving with caution though, just to be certain.

Sir is respectful, but there's a certain charm to 'Dad', especially now that John has the chance to be a dad rather than a drill sergeant. John glances back at Mary to check on her then can't help but smile. He reaches back to take her hand at almost the same time Sam reaches back to take Ruby's hand. Ruby drops some of her wariness and takes two long steps to catch up and take Sam's hand.

"It's quiet," Ruby observes. "And doesn't smell like anyone has been here recently."

It doesn't look like it either. Everything is covered in a fine layer of dust as they make their way toward a stairwell.

[weirddreams]

A funny thing about that is how other demons always made him feel nervous or scared and he would often steer clear of them. Ruby was of course the natural option to stick with. She'd strike him as someone looking for the same thing as him-- a friend, as far as his concerns went at the time. The natural course of things was him gravitating to her always. He wouldn't change their history either.

Initiative and bossiness are only some of her finer traits, no doubt (of course, that's from his perspective). What matters is not how her personality is flawed, but how it's a far cry from any other demon or human he's ever met. She doesn't hide things which makes matters easier to understand. He would want to try to make a list, though. His future self could list a dozen or more by now.

Does it help the situation any that he isn't a sharer by nature either. Dean and Ruby are so far the only ones that get away with touching his food and personal stuff (to varying degrees). He was jealous when he thought Ruby was interested in Damon too. It's good that she doesn't see him as a child now because he doesn't want to be that in anyone's eyes any longer. Last night helped confirm at least some that he shouldn't worry about it, but he wouldn't be himself if he didn't a little.

Being honest with Dean has only been harder at times when they were older. Telling the truth about Ruby wasn't easy, for example, but Sam knew Dean deserved to know. Right now, it isn't even a thought to try to play off what he was doing with Ruby as it would just be silly. He shouldn't be, but it's just a feeling he can't shake. Maybe when the opportunity strikes he'd talk to them about it. Big brotherly advice is always welcome. "Why would there be dust mites in this place? It's... never mind. I'm not going to tell you if that's plausible." It's like the time Dean when told Sam the Easter Bunny wasn't real, but in this case he can see a bug or mold living on the boxes they take with them.

The way Dean describes Cisco makes it sound like someone either wants to be when he gets older or would be friends with. Somehow the limited knowledge Dean has of the lab is enough to make Sam's face light up. Contrary to Ruby trying to give the family space, Sam's first insistent is to follow her like a puppy dog, but end up somewhere between the space behind her and a head of his family when he finds himself standing in place to take in the lab around him. There feels like a lot even if most of it is open space.

"Sure. How rich was this Cisco guy again? When you said lab, I thought... I really thought you meant something the size of the CDC." His mind has jumped ahead a few paces. But he dials it back after a moment, seeing Dean and John both stay level about where there are. Mostly, he waits for them to catch up.

It's safe to say that John will always be both a sergeant and a dad to his boys. It's just enough of a switch that his head needs to get around it, that's all. Mary and Sam squeeze John and Ruby's hand at the same moment, bells would ring if this were a romantic comedy but at the very least the pits of their stomachs have butterflies.

That's an odd way to put it. 'Smell.' Sam casts a curious look to Ruby for what she means, but it's not so strange to give her the benefit of meaning it looks like no one has been around for a while.

"How can you tell?" he asks, leaning closer to her to line up his sight with hers. He'd like to be able to see what she is able to and where.

[peaceonearth]

Intention is everything. Ruby might not have been as morally grey then as she is now, but she never intended anything but good things for Sam.

She's a freaking unicorn and she's happy that way. She's also very pleased that he sees that.

It helps the situation a lot because Ruby knows that sam isn't a sharer by nature. Regardless of whether it's right or wrong, Ruby is jealous and possessive (it's probably a little bit the demon in her, but it's probably also a little bit the girl in her). Sam is kind of an adorable worrywart.

Being honest with Dean is always the better option, even when it's hard because when he finds out the truth, he gets hurt and angry. Besides, Sam couldn't play this off if he wanted to; Dean would see right through the ruse. He sees through a Sam who has learned to lie. Sam at this age, doesn't have a clue how to lie convincingly to someone who grew up with him. "Dude...why would there be doors you can walk through to other worlds here?" Dean asks him as he auls boxes out.

Sam and Cisco would have been BFFS with bracelets and everything. Ruby tries very hard to strike the right balance between letting Sam have his family to himself and joining the family. It's easier when he's older because that's the norm. This is special and she doesn't want Sammy to miss out on things that he won't get back home, like family time.

"Nah, I think Cisco just worked at this place where ever he was from," Dean says. "The lab belongs to some billionaire in his world," Dean answers.

Maybe bells are ringing for John and Ruby. There are definitely butterflies in both cases.

Ruby shrugs a little. "It smells old, musty, dusty," she answers. She's not wrong, but the place is also lacking the scent of living people, not to mention the sounds of heartbeats. Sam might catch the slightly alarmed, slight warning look that Dean casts to Ruby. The way Sam lines up with her makes Ruby grin and she reaches her free hand to place it at the curve of her neck. She leans back into him a little and her voice drops to a whisper. "Close your eyes, exhale then take a deep breath. Keep your eyes closed. Tell me what you smell."

[weirddreams]

Intention is everything.

She's his dream girl also.

Positively not. The few personal things he has are his own. Dean never even got to hear the end of it when he touched Sam's laptop. Regardless of how silly it was, the most Sam has ever been a worrywart about something was when Ruby talked to Damon.

Exactly. Right this minute, Sam can't think of when he's ever lied to Dean and it's not his intention to start hurting Dean now. It's easy to tell what they were up to anyway. No. He's not learned how to lie yet either. He learns that in College. Sam temporarily is stuck on Dean's partial whataboutism and shakes his head. "This... and that are different. Wouldn't we have noticed giant dust mites in the bunker already if some crawled in from another universe?" Sam would have let them out yesterday when he tore through the dungeon (an apt description since a clean up did not follow).

Walkie talkies (numbers to text) the whole nine. Ruby is sweet, but the one thing she maybe fails to see is that he is a teenager with teenager hormones whom just lost his virginity to her last night. The last thing he is thinking about is balance of his time between her and his family and the thing he is thinking about is her, her, her. He'll get time with his family, too, don't worry. Sammy has a habit of being focused on things more than he should be, but manages to split his time up fairly.

"But it belongs to no one here." Sam parrots the thought to the information from earlier, clearly thinking about ownership. Subtle is an apt description for the smile that pokes out at the corner his lip. "Think, maybe, we can see a little more of it rather than stand around."

All four cases then. Bells should ring, but maybe there is a wedding with bells ringing in the future. A chime somewhere in the world for all the couples that already are.

Of course, dust. Sam is sure now he was taking it too literally; Dean told him once that he has that problem and he should work on it. He's trying! The last thing he'd want to come true is a girl thinking he's weird because he thinks about things in every possible way. If Sam catches Dean's look, it's only because he glances over his shoulder back at Dean when he wonders what his brother might say. Mostly, he can't be sure what he seen. But his gut tells him he needs to recover.

Ruby's suggestion to close his eyes is a good as anything else and he nods, closing them, listening to her instruction, breathing in then out through his nose. "Okay," he says. "I smell..." As he concentrates, he believes the smells sort themselves out a little and he can almost smell beyond the dust. For instance, he can smell the lavender on her and the bridge of his nose turns a little red. His mind is ahead of him, not back so if he is tapping into his abilities he's searching forward. "I smell, like you said, it's interrupted and musty." He opens his eyes again.

[peaceonearth]

Oh, Sam. Damon never had a chance, even when Sam was waffling on dating Ruby and she was sulking at the Houndstooth. In all honesty, he should have been more worried about Lucy (but Sam doesn't know that about Ruby just yet). Besides, Damon is eternally hung up on Elena and Ruby doesn't care much for casual sex (she's perfectly capable of revving her own engine if it comes to that--exhibit 16-year-old Sam's visit, but Sam doesn't know that about her either, at least Ruby doesn't think he does).

Dean was thinking more the horror movie virus/pathogen that's microscopic and gets released when some clueless high school kid opens an old book or box or room. He won't mention that because it's unlikely and Sam is excited about the files in his little nerd way. Yeah, Dean will discover that mess in the dungeon at some point and clean things up.

The whole thing makes Dean a little sad that Cisco isn't here anymore for Sam to befriend. Ruby does fail to see that. She's never been a teenage boy (honestly, who would choose that) so she underestimates how fixated Sam might be on her (but when she realizes it she will enjoy his obsession).

"Nope," Dean answers with confidence. "Don't worry, Sammy. We're not trespassing." Because he assumes that's what his brother is worried about. John grins a little at Sam's question. "Come on, Kiddo. Let's see if the elevators still work." John presses the button to call the levator and the doors slide open soundlessly. This place may be abandoned, but it hasn't been neglected. Everything works.

Ruby can't speak for all girls, but she doesn't think he's weird. It's sexy the way that he thinks about everything from every possible angle. She's attracted to Sam's nerdy, brainy side.

There's a little flare, a tingle of power and awareness that Ruby feels, but she doesn't know if it's Sam's abilities or being close to him. She's not even sure if he can tap into his abilities at this age. It's obvious by his words that there's more to it, but it could be the electric closeness between them. "Very good," she tells him, her hand dropping from his neck as she moves slightly away from him and steps forward into the elevator. Dean casts a look at John (because this isn't like a horror movie scene at all) then nods and steps inside. Once they're all in, the elevator doors close. Dean glances at everyone. "Let's try going down," he says as he presses the button the reads B.

[weirddreams]

Of course the question of if Damon and Ruby could have been a thing still goes ultimately unanswered for Sam. When Ruby accepted his apology though, he couldn't have felt like he could have breathed again more. It felt right to have her forgiveness and try whatever it is was with her. Really, he could go without the image of Lucy and Ruby in his head forever. Poor Sam would be a little flush looking at them, not that there is anything wrong with same sex couples, in fact the opposite picture would come to mind.

Things are good as they are. They are good without the additional images of his girlfriend's bisexuality at the forefront of his mind then and now.

Come on. If Sam were to do that, it'd be the oldest possible book in the Northern Hemisphere and a mutation of the black plague strain. It could happen. No one wants it to. Sam is always excited about files, but this time there's one difference: he has his family involved which is special. More than likely Sammy will make a mess spreading out these files in the library.

What he doesn't know (or whom) can't make him sad, though. Besides he had Dean when he first showed up in Itinere and along the way he gained Ruby, Cas, and both of his parents. That's not counting the friendships he formed with others like them from worlds and locals. He remembers Lucy from the last time he was here and a little younger. She's what he considers a good friend. He wouldn't change being a boy who is teenaged at heart about love no matter what his age is. It brought him to see her, didn't it.

It's not what he's worried about at all; Dean's assurance the first time was enough. It probably won't be something he considers till he's come back as himself but Dean will know when he knows for sure that ownership of the lab is something he is thinking about when he's had time to properly consider it. Right now, Sammy is thinking in more a limited sense such as coming back to the space to explore and play uninterrupted. "I'm not worried." He puffs up his chest, assuming Dean means to be wary of spy tech. He's confident he can deal with it.

John's smile is contagious being one of the few he's ever seen. Sam bobs his head. "Top floor?" Because they can work their way down in the time they have left if the top isn't the most interesting. Sam stands next to John in waiting for the elevator. Sam's also impressed by the condition of the elevator and glances to his dad to check if he noticed it too.

Not all girls would share her view on that matter, and unfortunately one or two times he'd learned that the hard way. But maybe that's just the way it's supposed to be since he was always saving himself for the right girl and thinking about who that might be from every possible angle. Ruby is a good bet.

Neither of them will know, but it could be very well his power or his attraction for her (maybe a combination of the two.) Ruby's more of an authority on which it is because at his age he is not aware of the weird coincidences that align with his emotions. In any case, he's keeping it to himself that she smells good. He knows it's weird enough to have stuck in his head. Sam's disappointed to have her move slightly away from him, they're going up, so he positions himself beside John but closest to Ruby so he glance back at her when the doors close and elevator begins to move.

"Wait... What's down?" His glance rips away from Ruby to Dean, but it's too late to object. One thing he's not good with is horror movies or when his stomach feels like it drops.

[peaceonearth]

Well, he did see Lucy kiss her the one time. It probably is a good thing. Besides, she's very much Samsexual now.

At least Ruby knows a protection spell for the Black Plague. He'll end up having everyone in there examining the files.

Lucy is practically family at this point. She just happens to live in her own apartment. Ruby wouldn't change who Sam is about love either. She has a hard time telling him how much she loves it when he does goofy, romantic things, but her reactions are probably telling enough. He gets gleeful smiles out of her and that's not an easy task. There is lots to explore.

John shrugs in response to Sam's question about the top floor. Mostly, he's just along for the ride. This place is cool, sure, but not really his thing. He knows it's Sam's thing though. He noticed and he's a little wary of it. John being John has holy water and salt in his pockets plus a silver blade. He's on his guard even here and now should he need to be.

Well, human girls are stupid. Ruby firmly believes this. Though he'll find more girls that like a smart boy in college and Ruby has to remind herself not to be jealous about that.

"Don't know," Dean answers, "but isn't that where they always keep the secret labs? Office buildings and shit are up high." Yes, he is getting his information from movies. Ruby reaches over and takes Sam's hand to distract him a little. The elevator comes to a stop and the doors open into a space that's dark but large. Dean takes a step out first, cautious and startles when the lights all flicker on to show that they have, indeed, happened upon a secret lab (the secret lab). There are computer monitors set up along with some weird, unidentifiable equipment

[weirddreams]

Unless she would like to do a repeat performance, Sam has all but forgotten. It's probably for the best too. He was red hot in the face for at for 42 hours around Lucy after that.

Ruby will likely have her chance to shine again by getting them out of one mess or another. Right now it's nice that things are calm. He'd have a grand old time with everyone in there with him! Family means too much to him.

Sammy thinks of her as family too. She's like an aunt or maybe an older sister that can thrive without the Winchester's in her life 24. In some ways, she's kind of a role model. In others...well. It's true Sam will love Jessica and learn more about his style of romancing a girl off her feet with her. But that's neither here nor there. The more gleeful Ruby is, the more his goofy little head smiles with her around. Well, down is somewhere to start.

No, and it's one of the differences between them too. Sam was meant to be into this from the womb. It takes no amount of genius to see John is along for the ride at this point, but he's earnestly happy that he matters enough that they're together anyway. Maybe for an elevator, it's built really well. Sam doesn't have a chance to over think it because they pile in and he feels a little alert going down. Sam being Sam...left anything like that in his bag and other jean pockets somewhere. (Probably, Ruby's room floor. No one need to know that.)

Yes, girls like Jess. She will always have a place in his heart, is meant to have a place in his heart. No reason for Ruby to be jealous though because some people have more than one greatest love of their lives. It's not likely that he will ever have three.

"Well, it's where I'd put it." He admits. "But I wouldn't build one. I'd build something more like, um, the bat cave. Kinda hope it's more like the bat cave." Thank you, Ruby. Her distraction helps him calm down a little. In fact, Sam swallows his concern away if not to show her he can be brave and handle things like an adult. He shifts his weight off one leg to the other, instinctively closer to her though. He steps out of the elevator next, after collecting his wits about him. Lights go either way in the evil lab or heroes cave box, and Sam blinks until his adjust. It is a lab (unfortunately) but Sam holds off his judgement just yet and tentatively moves ahead to touch one of the monitors. Flat screens are still an amazing concept to him. When the screen starts up, his eyes flicker with surprise then excitement and turn back to everybody at large.

"Hey, I think I booted it up. Maybe there's answers of what this place is on it."