In many ways the Winchester Thanksgiving dinner goes over well; Sam shows up with Ruby and Carmen and Lucy follow soon after much to Mary's delight. Each of them share what they are most thankful for, pass around the food, and find conversation and laughter to be contagious. Save for Sam and John sitting on opposite sides of the table, the evening can be described as perfect. Of course they find out that they are snowed in at the end the evening and that nobody can leave but it's only a matter of how you looked at the situation.
Mary looks at it as if it's an opportunity. There's no one in the bunker that would argue that Sam needs to stay now that the chance has opened up. It's John that makes it the question of how they're going to do that. Her husband needs to be on board with whatever the solution. While everybody else puts their heads together on what to do with the extended evening, she pulls him aside. "You should talk to Sam." The think about what to talk about is why she's talking to him.
Somehow Lucy and Carmen managed to make dinner less awkward (John could focus on them and not on Sam or Ruby). However, it was still pretty damn awkward. They've had the discussion (that turned into a fight) about why Ruby eats at all when she doesn't have to, so John didn't bring it up again, but he'd kept his eye on her (she actually tends to eat less with John which just means Sam ends up feeding her more bites of his food which makes John even grumpier; it's a vicious cycle). Laughter and conversation are contagious and Lucy could convince a wall to engage in lively conversation, so it does turn out better than it started. The fact that they're snowed in adds a little bit of dread to the evening on Ruby and John's part, even on Dean's part. He doesn't want this Thanksgiving to end with John and Sam fighting without any other place for either of them to go.
Of course, Mary would look at it as if it's an opportunity. She's the optimist to John's pessimist. Even John wouldn't argue that Sam needs to stay. He wants the boy to quit being so stupid and trusting, not to freeze to death. John knows something is up when Mary pulls him aside and he's smart enough to suspect that she's got something to say about Sam staying there. He thinks it's going to be something about behaving himself and he's ready to defend himself when Mary speaks. His brow furrows and he gives Mary a slightly puzzled look. "What do you want me to talk to the kid about? I've said everything I can to him for months now. He won't listen."
Here's another opinion: Lucy and Carmen stole the evening with their presence. Thanks to them the awkwardness of John and Sam fighting about letting Ruby eat whatever she liked quickly shifted. Lucy's gift also worked on Sam, so for the rest of the evening it was as if normal conversation happened. Mary's concerned for the same reason. Pulling John aside also is to stall any fight that could happen with Sam and him in the same room for long.
Of course it is about behaving himself too. Mary thinks John is old enough and, in fact, bright enough to piece it together on his own. The problem isn't that. It's the months of neither of them moving to meet in the middle. Somehow she wants both of them to be able to reach the middle. She knows John's grouchiness this evening is not meant to be harsh and reaches for his hand. "I would like you to convince Sam to stay with us, and for you to somehow worry about the rest later."
If nothing else, it's an encouragement for him to try. She wouldn't have married him if he were anything other than stubborn.
Her opinion is certainly the nicer opinion. With time, John will learn to look at things a little more optimistically. He can't deny that Lucy and Carmen made the evening better. It was also a little exciting to meet Carmen. Dean doesn't bring girls home. There's never been time for that nor were the circumstances right. He'd known Carmen wasn't a demon because he'd asked Dean when he mentioned having her over for Thanksgiving. He also might have whispered christo when he passed the potatoes).
He is both of those things. Being a stubborn ass gets in the way of both his maturity and his intelligence. Sam and John have never been good at meeting in the middle. They're far too much alike for that. John softens when Mary reaches for his hand, sighs a little and squeezes her hand almost as an agreement. He's quiet a moment then speaks with weariness in his voice. "Mary...this can't be what's best for him." There's a touch of doubt in his voice though because at dinner (and every other time they've seen them) in those moments that Sam and Ruby weren't thinking too much about everything, when they weren't awkward, they were happy; Ruby makes Sam happy, and even John can see that. He's just having a hard time accepting it.
It was the first time Mary saw Dean bring home a girl so the the excitement was not lost on her either. Things have been so focused on Sam the last couple of months that the change is nice. From what Mary can tell Dean is happy to have brought her. Of course trust that would have to double check her non-demon status. Mary might have gave him a small look to let this just be Thanksgiving because his whisper fell in ear shot. She can relax when the rest of the evening goes well (no more tests) and Dean washed the dishes with Carmen.
Being stubborn is also why they continued to date even after he met her father. The irony that years later he would be acting the same way as Samuel is not lost on her. However, she would never say that aloud as his reason may be more valid. It goes without saying she isn't sure her son dating a demon is the right thing for him either but she can't deny the value of seeing the two love birds act happy at dinner again. Her attention goes to the hand which squeezes hers then to John's eyes with understanding. His silence communicates how wary he is before his own voice does and his concern spreads to her yet she still can't shake her own stance. "I know, John. It can't be good for him not be home." Her fingers finally squeeze his to let him know she's feeling the same.
It certainly makes John relax a little to not have to worry about Sam for a bit. Of course, Dean never was the problem child and Carmen seems nice enough. Though, Ruby had seemed nice enough when he'd first met her as well. It does win Carmen points in her favor that she cajoles Dean into doing the dishes.
Yeah, it hasn't occurred to John that he's acting like Mary's father. He's grateful that Mary picks up on all his silent cues and that she understands his feelings. Initially, her suggestion gets a hard no mentally from him. However, when she squeezes his hand, he sighs. "I worry, Mary. I don't want to lose you again and having a demon in the house..." He doesn't want to lose Sam, but he doesn't want to put Mary into danger because of Sam's decisions. "I'll put a devil's trap under the rug in our doorway and you'll be careful," John says. It's a question of her, but also a bit of a compromise. He's giving in with a few conditions.
The helpful thing is that they all will be able to worry less for Sam if he stays. Yes, both Ruby and Carmen have made decent first impressions. It is with a certain bias that Mary would agree that Carmen earned points tonight just for seeming to be a nice enough girl. Something about Dean being cajoled into a chore he would typically do makes her appreciate Carmen all the more.
For the sake of their relationship, she will never make the comparison either. It is not something she likes to admit to herself. Of course he's the same old John and she picks up his silent cues the same way as before. There's one tell for when John Winchester has hit a mental wall and it's the artery that becomes visible at his temple. Mary can see no other response than to keep her hold in his hand and wait. His concern becomes clearer when he lays it out like that. Sam only had some part to do with it then.
Her smiles half spreads to her cheeks, touched by the concern for her. But there is one thing he forgets. "You forget we're a team. It's not only you that worries." She squeezes his hand once more to reassure him and to not let him forget too soon. Maybe she isn't staying how it pains her to be reminded of how she was caught off guard by Azazel and killed, but that's a problem neither here nor there. Sam isn't one she can bare to lose either. "Okay, but then you talk to Sam," Mary reminds him of his part. She's on board with the compromise on her end.
So much has happened to John in the last couple of decades, but Mary turns him into the same head-over-heels kid he was when they got married. Yeah, that has always been a tell for him and Mary has always known how to deal with it. Sam had only ever been a part of why he is so against Ruby. John has been fighting since the moment his world fell apart to keep what he had left of their family, of Mary, safe. Of course, John wanted to see Sam happy with a family of his own, but it had been far from the only reason he didn't want Ruby around. John had even been mad at Dean for days because he'd let Sam bring a demon into their home. THey'd gotten past it because Dean could stand when John was mad at him and he'd done everything he could without betraying Sam to get back in John's favor. He'd tried to talk Sam into coming back to the bunker while Ruby stayed in her apartment just until John calmed down. Obviously that hadn't worked. In any case, yes, there's a lot more going on here than just Sam's future.
He does forget that. He takes a deep breath, holds it a moment then exhales. He doesn't like reminding her (or himself) of her death but clearly she needed to know that he was worried about her safety. Sam, Ruby and what to do about them had been the topic of many of he and Mary's private conversations. He's also talked to Dean a great deal about it. John doesn't have to ask Mary if she's certain about letting Sam and Ruby move back in. He knows that she's thought about this enough to be certain. She wouldn't tell him this if she weren't certain. Of course, when Mary says he has to be the one to talk to Sam, she gets a you're kidding...but really look. He starts to argue, to point out that the chances of he and Sam being able to talk without fighting were slim; however, he also knows that Mary has figured out the likelihood of Sam and John being able to have a conversation that doesn't end in a fight. He closes his eyes a minute then sighs and gives Mary an Okay, but only for you look before he takes a couple of steps backward away from her then turns and heads over toward Sam and Ruby.
"Hey, Sam. Can I talk to you a minute?" John says as he approaches.
Ruby's alarms go off the minute John starts toward them. She stops talking to Sam in the middle of a sentence and braces herself. Her interactions with John haven't been great. She looks up to Sam and squeezes his arm a second before she steps behind Sam a little and starts to give Sam and John a little space.
A handful of their conversations while Sam had been out of the home had to do with the time John was on his own with the boys and it helped her understand more. She didn't like either of them hurting or fighting for their view point to win over the other. She did not much care for how the blame was transferred to Dean either. Still, she could see John's struggle, similar to her own when she started a family with him and left behind a hunter's life, but the mirror opposite, which brought her to give John some leeway to blow off steam. However, she did tell him after a couple days to go easy on Dean. Of course by then her own fears had been sorted and she knew they had to get in the same boat. What was that saying? A step at a time.
It's her job to remind him as many times as he needs her to. Though from here on out he should remember they're a team. He isn't alone with this. It's not hard to forgive him for reminding her when the point is to make sure she remembers about her own safety. Perhaps at not the most appropriate time, it tickles her just to be cared for by him. She holds her gaze on him, aware that his facial expressions will give away some of thoughts. Her first guess is that he's thinking back to their conversations. What to do about them had more or less been agreed upon after a few sleepless nights. IE If Ruby was found to be lying about her intentions, the only choice would be to kill her. Maybe Mary was the only one that thought Sam and Ruby should move back in, but yes, she is certain of that. Thought she did tell John she had to be certain they were good together not that long ago. Don't you do that John Winchester. When she reads that look in his face, her head tilts with a firm enough 'go compromise' look. Weather John intended it or not, she feel the subtle pang of a headache at the back of her head. Oh, she knows Sam and John are too much alike to have a conversation. She's seen it first hand. Of course, she can hope maybe this time will be different, if not move the conversation forward more to the point where a resolution can be found. She mouths thank you when he steps back and squeeze his fingers for good luck. Sam and Ruby of course are not far from one another when John grabs his attention.
Sam looks at John surprised. And that's just to start. He immediately has to guess this is about Ruby so a guarded, wary and protective feeling all rush over him too. However, John is still his father so the instinct to step back is nothing more than a thought at the back of his mind. He glances to Ruby as his next instinct is to reach out to hold her hand to present a united front, but the squeeze she gives his arm lets him know the idea isn't right for the moment. His hand drops so that she can give them space. She gets a small apologetic look before John has his complete attention.
"Only a minute?" Understandably, he is resistant to talk at all.
Dean is supposed to take care of Sammy. It's been that way since Dean was four years old (really even since they brought Sam home from the hospital). However, being angry at Dean wasn't going to fix anything. It'd already been done.
He will try to remember they're a team. The physical and romance side of their relationship had been so easy, but the more complex pieces of their relationship were going to take a little while to relearn. Appropriate timing or not, he's glad that she realizes he cares about her. The things they can agree on are big, important decisions and that makes it easier to compromise on the other things. That firm look gives him the push he needs. John definitely did not intend to give her a headache. He'll try not to start a fight, but he can't make any promises because he never intends to start a fight with Sam.
John watches the exchange between Ruby and Sam. He actually appreciates that Ruby knows to give them a little space. He's damn sure this conversation would turn into a fight if he had to talk to Ruby as well. She doesn't move very far away though, simply shifts her focus and starts a conversation with Lucy. She's still facing Sam, clearly keeping an eye on him and this conversation.
"Yeah. Sure," John agrees, shifting his weight and suddenly struck with not knowing what he's going to say. He hadn't planned this out. "I--you're doing okay?"
Dean shouldn't have to feel his job is to take care of Sam. However, it's something no one can change either. There's some promise to be seen when the anger towards Dean dissipated. At least breakfast around the table felt like it had one of two pieces back in place.
All Mary asks of him is that he try. The truth is it had also been easy to let herself get caught up with the romance and physical side of their reunion. Once their current predicament came up, it opened her eyes to the other pieces of their puzzle that they needed to address. Sure, one was Sam, but definitely the stage they had jumped to as a couple. She would be right there with him to figure out how the pieces in front of them though. Hopefully, he can see that she cares deeply about him too. Her push is meant to help. She'll hope he can come back with some progress to tell her. Then maybe she can forgive him for the headache (Secret: it isn't big enough for her to actually blame him for it).
The odd thing is Sam fails to realize he's being watched. The evening had been a full one with his guard up the whole time that now, with his belly full, he felt tired. Ruby and him were actually talking about their next move since it was clear they were staying for the night. There's comfort but not much he can admit in Ruby giving them space. He's slowly be able to figure out that this is his father trying to reach out.
For a second, all Sam can do is stare. "Okay, uh--What did you wanna talk about?" This is awkward for both of them. Small talk really is not their thing. Unfortunately, John asking if he is doing okay only gets a skeptical look because the answer is right front of him (and he did say he was going to be a few times already). "Yeah, me--I've been doing okay." Though his increased appetite for sweets suggests otherwise.
John doesn't doubt how Mary feels about him. He never has. It's in Mary's expressions, her actions, and her words. She's very much an open book when it comes to that. The push is good. Both Sam and John are far too stubborn on their own. They need someone to push them in the right direction and obviously Dean hasn't been enough.
Ruby is still keyed up and nervous about how they're going to get through the night. She's worried that some of the protection spells she's put on their room have been wiped out. This all feels too much like a trap to her after months of absolute freedom and nights without worrying about her safety. Of course, Ruby didn't tell Sam any of this. She kept her concerns to herself and assured him it would be fine. They'd handle it.
Very awkward and if John knew exactly what he wanted to say or how to say it, he'd get right to the point. However, he's got no idea what he needs to say. He scrubs his hand over his hair. He wants to look back at Mary, but he's afraid that will give the wrong impression. Yeah, he's doing this because Mary asked him to, but he's aware it's something that he needs to do. It's even something he wants to do, but all of his wants have gotten lost in his ethics, morals, and judgments. Yeah, John is working up to figuring out something important to say. Give him a moment. "Good. That's--good. Everything is still in your room where you left it." Not entirely true. The room has been tossed, but they put it (mostly) back in order.
True enough. Mary can't hide how she feels about John most of all. Of course, Dean deserves some credit for tipping the scales too. He's a good son and the first of either of them to push him in the right direction.
Ruby is rightfully nervous, and Sam is too. Of course, his first assumption isn't that this is a trap, it's, well. He couldn't say right away what his first assumption was without all the facts. But if Itinere was as sentient as it sometimes came across to be, he would have to think this the weather was designed to trap them in a classic winter storm / holiday trope. One way or another his gut knew this could turn bad. Should Ruby explain some of her fears, though, he would suggest they look over the wards set up in their room before they went to sleep.
If the awkwardness was their goal, they'd be communicating on a fair scale. As it is, nothing is being communicated and Sam feels a similar itch to scrub his hand at the back of his neck but he pockets them instead. Yeah, it would give the wrong impression if John looked back to Mary. She has faith that even though she encouraged him to go over to Sam without any forethought that he can dig himself out of it. Ethics, morals, and judgements can only hold up so much when it comes to family, right? Sam's not going anywhere while John chooses his next words at least. There's something he even wants to ask, but it gets pushed to wayside. "You want me-- us to come back?" Is that what he should be reading between the lines? He can't help the glance back at Ruby. He won't be thrilled to find things in the room tossed, but it's also nothing he does not expect.
At least one of them should go into the conversation without any assumptions. Ruby is inherently more paranoid than Sam and she'll be more relaxed about everything if he is. Sam has good instincts about Itinere. Ruby had considered the same thing. Hell, Dean is convinced the town is trying to pull something like that. He just hopes it's a trope and not an apocalypse. The wards are really redundant since the bunker is warded as well, but Ruby is still feeling a little itchy around John even if she won't say that.
John isn't the best at communicating. He never has been and the awkward situation, not to mention his feelings about Ruby, is hindering his communications even further. In this case, Mary is right (she usually is). At the end of the day, they are family and he loves Sam even if he doesn't understand or agree with his choices. Sam should definitely ask whatever questions he'd like. It's the only way communication is going to get better between them. John is as surprised by Sam's (correctly) reading between the lines as Sam is. He hesitates and glances over to Ruby then looks back to Sam. "Yeah. You belong at home, Sam. With your family." His eyes drift to Ruby again then back to Sam. He's trying really hard not to screw this up. "And Ruby is welcome too, if that's what you want--if that's what makes you happy."
Yeah. Maybe Sam could have the right instinct about Itinere. After all, he's been nearly killed a time or two due to the environment in this place. If Ruby and Dean were to tip off their feelings as well, then he'd have to consider it wasn't more than just a gut feeling. It is true that the wards are redundant, but if they'll make Ruby more, if not the some amount of comfortable as she was before, then Sam won't question the importance of helping her with them. Honestly, he could tell her a time or two where he did something he shouldn't have and hid it from John to not get in trouble. At least he can somewhat understand her itching and panic when feeling under his father's scrutiny.
It had been hard coming out to Dean about his feelings for Ruby, but he did it because he needed to. The most important person is his life had to understand his choice or maybe it wouldn't have worked out. Sam can't admit this to himself but it also matters what his father thinks. This is why he's as surprised as John is, blinking when his reading between the lines-- the guess he had thrown out there was confirmed to be correct. He pauses to allow himself a moment to be sure he heard that correctly. "What-- What changed your mind?" His eyes follow John's over to Ruby again then looks back to his father certain it's Ruby who changed his mind. He could point out the exact words John said before but he's too baffled to reiterate them. Wouldn't do any good, anyway. "You want me to tell you she makes me happy? Of course, she makes me happy. I wouldn't be with her if she didn't." He's looking deep to not mess this up either. Now seems like the right time to throw everything out in the open. "Trust me, this would be too much if I wasn't sure." He knows she is in ear shot, but he couldn't care less.
It's highly possible Ruby will share her suspicions later. Renewing the wards will give Ruby a sense of safety. It also helps that Sam validates her slight paranoia.
Even now, Dean wouldn't say he understands Sam's choices, but he does understand that this is good for Sam and that Sam is happy. That's all Dean has ever really cared about. He also recognizes that, for whatever reason, Ruby does love Sam and is capable of it. John sighs at Sam's question. "Your mother. Your persistence. If this wasn't important to you, you would have given it up before now." It's not Ruby at all that's changed his mind. It's Sam. John shakes his head. "No. I mean... yes. Of course, I want to know you're happy and yeah...I don't understand how or why but I can tell she makes you happy." Maybe if they're both trying they'll both be a little more forgiving of the mistakes they're bound to make.
Ruby hears Sam (she could probably har him even if he were whispering) and it makes everything inside of her go tingly and warm. She'd had so many doubts during these months about whether Sam was sure about his decisions. His life would be easier if he'd just agreed to live in separate spaces. For his part, it does John good to hear that Sam is certain, that this is a lot as well. He nods. "Okay. We'll figure out how to make it work."
Whatever she needs. Sam cares about her sense of safety even if it validates the very paranoia he hopes to assure her isn't necessary.
Dean does not have to understand. The best thing his brother can do is continue to understand his feelings and recognize how he is happy. It has gone a long way for Sam to continue opening up to Dean when there's new things he thinks he should know. Sam holds his breathe to what the answer to his question will be. Mom. (Mary.) He should have seen that as part of the answer right away, but honestly, from experience, it'd been hard to know what to expect. He would have never guessed his persistence would measure for anything either. This whole thing is going more calmly than he is used to. Eventually, Sam swallows all that down, and bobs his head, like yeah. All right. He understands what he heard, more or less. "I think that's how it is supposed to work." Which is a poor choice of words, but considering all he heard, his head feels the same as he looks like he's been thwacked upside the head too hard.
Sam hasn't had any doubts about what he's been doing with Ruby for the last couple of months. Though he has been anxious since moving to the apartment with Ruby because he was apart from family and missing out on having a better relationship with both his un-deceased parents. Hearing they can figure something else out almost makes up for that. He exhales with a little more ease. "So, a family meeting?" He guesses.
By opening up to Dean, Sam has helped him accept things and chill out as well. It normalizes Sam's relationship with Ruby in Dean's eyes. Sam will learn that most everything John does has to do with Mary. It always has. Part of the reason everything is going so calmly is that John regrets so much of what he didn't do when he was alive back home. Itinere has given him a new perspective. John's brows raise at that and he chuckles. "Is it? I don't have much experience with you boys and...girlfriends." John probably looks like he's been thwacked upside the head too hard too. He is surprised this is going so well, surprised he's saying the right things.
John nods a little at Sam's suggestion. "Yeah. That's probably a good idea."
Sam can't see that what John does is for Mary and family, but he is getting there. Coming back to the bunker is the first step. They can agree on that much. Besides there isn't anything else he'd want more in the world besides Ruby. Family means so much. There would be some doubt cast on John being the real John if, in fact, everybody wasn't near by. Sam's lip tugs into a faint, albeit confused smile at the chuckle. He removes on hand from his pocket and rubs the back of his neck at the part about girlfriends. Give him a second to think. "Yeah... I don't think- uh, don't think we have to do introductions again." So is he. So is he.
They're in agreement, then. Sam also suggests that they wait till breakfast though so they can unwind for the rest of the evening. No need to rush since they're stuck inside for the night, right? Eventually, it gets late enough that Sam returns to his room with Ruby. As he would guess, things are scattered around and he begins to pick up anything that immediately threatens the feet on the path to the bed. He turns to Ruby when he's collected a few things. "You thinking bed or..." It's an open ended question on purpose to have her thoughts. Sometimes he doesn't know if she's thinking of a shower, or something a little more spicy, or if she's ready to call it, or pick up a book, but in any case, he doesn't think he should limit her options.
So much of Sam's view of John has been colored through hunting and loss and confrontation. John is glad that his family is still something that Sam wants. He would worry even more if Sam's desire for Ruby erased his desire to have his family around. It's the real John with an opportunity to keep his family together in a way that he never had back home. Sam's words make John a little more awkward and unsettled. He hesitates and shifts his weight. "Yeah...let's skip those this time." Maybe it'll keep John from making an ass out of himself a second (third, fourth, fifth, sixth) time.
Breakfast is a good idea. It will give them all a chance to cool off and collect themselves. The night oscillates between tense and awkward to relaxed and easy-going. It's a barometer for how their return to the bunker will go, at least for a little while. Ruby expects that the room will be tossed but it's still frustrating. What did they really think they were going to find? She knows because John had accused her of all of it. Ruby picks up as well, moving to her spell corner to see how much damage is done there. The way Sam gives her options softens her and helps her let go of some of that frustration. She sets aside the scattered bottles she'd picked up and walks over to Sam , arms sliding around his waist. She lays her head on his chest and just listens to his heartbeat for a moment. "I want to check the wards. I'm sure some of them are busted and weakened from...all this."
His intention wasn't to make John more unsettled by mentioning introductions, but he can see when they should leave it at that. (Of course his desire to be with Ruby doesn't out weigh his desire to have family around. If anything, he's growing to want her to be apart of it.)
As is a good nights sleep to help clear their heads and start the discussion over fresh pancakes. Hopefully, what all that will mean is they can almost go back to how it was before. Even just a fraction of what it was like before would allow Sam to have his guard down. Frustration is a thing he sees often enough, but it's not something he likes to see on Ruby's face. Her very tell is in how she moves swiftly to check on her scattered bottles and has this look-- a touch of loss behind her eyes. At the very least, it gives him an idea of something nice he can do for her later. He knows what some of the destroyed ingredients are so he will replace those. He can see his word have an effect on her before she lays her head to his chest, and likewise her close contact with him encourages his arms to touch her shoulders. His heartbeat is steady, giving away only the slightest increase for when she speaks. "Right... Yeah, that would make sense. You want me to finish cleaning this up or to help you?" He glimpses at one thing then at the other. He can't admit just yet that he hasn't learned all the wards she has in use yet. It's been based on trust.
The loss of the ingredients is a little like the loss of control. If she’s
got spells prepped ahead of time, she has more control over a situation or
a crisis should one arise. It’ll be a very sweet and appreciated gesture
for Sam to replace some of it. Right now being close to him is helping. She
can’t help but feel a little thrill, a little tingle, at the way his heart
beats a little faster with her near. She looks up at him, still wearing her
heeled boots. “Help me with the wards? It’ll go faster then we can shower
and get in bed.”
There’s enough innuendo in her tone to let him know she’s not really
interested in sleeping just yet.
In a lot of ways, Ruby is like Sam in that regard. He has been pissed off at Dean before for moving his books out of order or using his laptop to create more work. Also he will ask her later if she'd like him to tag along in acquiring the rest of what she needs so next time --if there is a next time-- his gesture can be more meaningful. Helping her to perk up right now is his goal. When she's near, it's hard not to be able to breath in the scent of her body wash and not grow a little intoxicated with the scent. It's a plus that she's wearing her heels because he likes the ease of eye contact. He pretends to consider her proposal, only for a second. "I don't know how I can say no to you, but you will have to point me in the right direction." After all, the wards become invisible after going up.
There's enough promptness in his behavior to suggest he's caught on to her deeper meaning. If she will give him a second, he will place the stuff he has and find the magical featured brushes she used last time untouched in the box on the dresser.
She hasn't had a place to call her own in years and it's natural to be angry when your space is violated. He should definitely go with her next time to the Magic Box. If he starts allowing it, she's liable to make him her apprentice in many ways. There might be a next time, but Ruby sincerely hopes that it won't be for the same reason. It would be nice if they only had to fight this battle once. She likes the eye contact as well; it's a huge reason she wears the heels. Her smile is the slightest bit jealous at his words. "You shouldn't ever say no to me," she tells him with a purr, one hand trailing up his spine to the middle of his back. She goes up on her toes a bit, leaning into him to press a light kiss on his lips before she pulls away. "You can do the wards up high so I don't have to get out the step ladder," she tells him.
And she might be able to whip something up quickly that will let him see the wards the way she can see them when her eyes go black. She starts gathering the ingredients while he gets the brushes and begins mixing them in a small copper bowl. Her eyes flicker to black as she works. "There should be a bottle labeled holy basil on the third shelf, probably behind the rosemary. If you'll grab it, that's for clarity."
This is their home and he'd agree with her that it's not fair that it's been violated, but they will tidy it up in no time at all. He's told her before that they can be anywhere and meant it. Sam already supports her practice of magic in the comfort of their bedroom so she could ask, or you know, get away with telling him what to do. He's been more open to the idea as time went on. If there is a next time, the hope Sam has is that it's because the magic she stored was put to use. It worries him what effects the contents may have on their hardwood floor at the furthest corner of his mind. Her fingers send tingles up and down his spine. She makes her argument more solid with that smile, though. Sam leans in with a broad smile to meet her lips before finding an answer for her. "Under the circumstances, you have me a little defeated. No need to go get the ladder, though. Just point me where." There was an adjustment period to it before, but she comfortably makes me melt in their own privacy.
He trusts she knows what she is doing and brings her the bottle she instructed of him with no question. While he waits for her to prep, he stays quiet and glances around to the room at everything else that is still scattered then watches her work. Her black pupils no longer raise the alarm bells when he sees them. In fact, the longer he watches her, the easier it is to get lost on her concentration.
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Mary looks at it as if it's an opportunity. There's no one in the bunker that would argue that Sam needs to stay now that the chance has opened up. It's John that makes it the question of how they're going to do that. Her husband needs to be on board with whatever the solution. While everybody else puts their heads together on what to do with the extended evening, she pulls him aside. "You should talk to Sam." The think about what to talk about is why she's talking to him.
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Of course, Mary would look at it as if it's an opportunity. She's the optimist to John's pessimist. Even John wouldn't argue that Sam needs to stay. He wants the boy to quit being so stupid and trusting, not to freeze to death. John knows something is up when Mary pulls him aside and he's smart enough to suspect that she's got something to say about Sam staying there. He thinks it's going to be something about behaving himself and he's ready to defend himself when Mary speaks. His brow furrows and he gives Mary a slightly puzzled look. "What do you want me to talk to the kid about? I've said everything I can to him for months now. He won't listen."
Sorry, Mary. You married a stubborn ass.
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Of course it is about behaving himself too. Mary thinks John is old enough and, in fact, bright enough to piece it together on his own. The problem isn't that. It's the months of neither of them moving to meet in the middle. Somehow she wants both of them to be able to reach the middle. She knows John's grouchiness this evening is not meant to be harsh and reaches for his hand. "I would like you to convince Sam to stay with us, and for you to somehow worry about the rest later."
If nothing else, it's an encouragement for him to try. She wouldn't have married him if he were anything other than stubborn.
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He is both of those things. Being a stubborn ass gets in the way of both his maturity and his intelligence. Sam and John have never been good at meeting in the middle. They're far too much alike for that. John softens when Mary reaches for his hand, sighs a little and squeezes her hand almost as an agreement. He's quiet a moment then speaks with weariness in his voice. "Mary...this can't be what's best for him." There's a touch of doubt in his voice though because at dinner (and every other time they've seen them) in those moments that Sam and Ruby weren't thinking too much about everything, when they weren't awkward, they were happy; Ruby makes Sam happy, and even John can see that. He's just having a hard time accepting it.
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Being stubborn is also why they continued to date even after he met her father. The irony that years later he would be acting the same way as Samuel is not lost on her. However, she would never say that aloud as his reason may be more valid. It goes without saying she isn't sure her son dating a demon is the right thing for him either but she can't deny the value of seeing the two love birds act happy at dinner again. Her attention goes to the hand which squeezes hers then to John's eyes with understanding. His silence communicates how wary he is before his own voice does and his concern spreads to her yet she still can't shake her own stance. "I know, John. It can't be good for him not be home." Her fingers finally squeeze his to let him know she's feeling the same.
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Yeah, it hasn't occurred to John that he's acting like Mary's father. He's grateful that Mary picks up on all his silent cues and that she understands his feelings. Initially, her suggestion gets a hard no mentally from him. However, when she squeezes his hand, he sighs. "I worry, Mary. I don't want to lose you again and having a demon in the house..." He doesn't want to lose Sam, but he doesn't want to put Mary into danger because of Sam's decisions. "I'll put a devil's trap under the rug in our doorway and you'll be careful," John says. It's a question of her, but also a bit of a compromise. He's giving in with a few conditions.
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For the sake of their relationship, she will never make the comparison either. It is not something she likes to admit to herself. Of course he's the same old John and she picks up his silent cues the same way as before. There's one tell for when John Winchester has hit a mental wall and it's the artery that becomes visible at his temple. Mary can see no other response than to keep her hold in his hand and wait. His concern becomes clearer when he lays it out like that. Sam only had some part to do with it then.
Her smiles half spreads to her cheeks, touched by the concern for her. But there is one thing he forgets. "You forget we're a team. It's not only you that worries." She squeezes his hand once more to reassure him and to not let him forget too soon. Maybe she isn't staying how it pains her to be reminded of how she was caught off guard by Azazel and killed, but that's a problem neither here nor there. Sam isn't one she can bare to lose either. "Okay, but then you talk to Sam," Mary reminds him of his part. She's on board with the compromise on her end.
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He does forget that. He takes a deep breath, holds it a moment then exhales. He doesn't like reminding her (or himself) of her death but clearly she needed to know that he was worried about her safety. Sam, Ruby and what to do about them had been the topic of many of he and Mary's private conversations. He's also talked to Dean a great deal about it. John doesn't have to ask Mary if she's certain about letting Sam and Ruby move back in. He knows that she's thought about this enough to be certain. She wouldn't tell him this if she weren't certain. Of course, when Mary says he has to be the one to talk to Sam, she gets a you're kidding...but really look. He starts to argue, to point out that the chances of he and Sam being able to talk without fighting were slim; however, he also knows that Mary has figured out the likelihood of Sam and John being able to have a conversation that doesn't end in a fight. He closes his eyes a minute then sighs and gives Mary an Okay, but only for you look before he takes a couple of steps backward away from her then turns and heads over toward Sam and Ruby.
"Hey, Sam. Can I talk to you a minute?" John says as he approaches.
Ruby's alarms go off the minute John starts toward them. She stops talking to Sam in the middle of a sentence and braces herself. Her interactions with John haven't been great. She looks up to Sam and squeezes his arm a second before she steps behind Sam a little and starts to give Sam and John a little space.
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It's her job to remind him as many times as he needs her to. Though from here on out he should remember they're a team. He isn't alone with this. It's not hard to forgive him for reminding her when the point is to make sure she remembers about her own safety. Perhaps at not the most appropriate time, it tickles her just to be cared for by him. She holds her gaze on him, aware that his facial expressions will give away some of thoughts. Her first guess is that he's thinking back to their conversations. What to do about them had more or less been agreed upon after a few sleepless nights. IE If Ruby was found to be lying about her intentions, the only choice would be to kill her. Maybe Mary was the only one that thought Sam and Ruby should move back in, but yes, she is certain of that. Thought she did tell John she had to be certain they were good together not that long ago. Don't you do that John Winchester. When she reads that look in his face, her head tilts with a firm enough 'go compromise' look. Weather John intended it or not, she feel the subtle pang of a headache at the back of her head. Oh, she knows Sam and John are too much alike to have a conversation. She's seen it first hand. Of course, she can hope maybe this time will be different, if not move the conversation forward more to the point where a resolution can be found. She mouths thank you when he steps back and squeeze his fingers for good luck. Sam and Ruby of course are not far from one another when John grabs his attention.
Sam looks at John surprised. And that's just to start. He immediately has to guess this is about Ruby so a guarded, wary and protective feeling all rush over him too. However, John is still his father so the instinct to step back is nothing more than a thought at the back of his mind. He glances to Ruby as his next instinct is to reach out to hold her hand to present a united front, but the squeeze she gives his arm lets him know the idea isn't right for the moment. His hand drops so that she can give them space. She gets a small apologetic look before John has his complete attention.
"Only a minute?" Understandably, he is resistant to talk at all.
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He will try to remember they're a team. The physical and romance side of their relationship had been so easy, but the more complex pieces of their relationship were going to take a little while to relearn. Appropriate timing or not, he's glad that she realizes he cares about her. The things they can agree on are big, important decisions and that makes it easier to compromise on the other things. That firm look gives him the push he needs. John definitely did not intend to give her a headache. He'll try not to start a fight, but he can't make any promises because he never intends to start a fight with Sam.
John watches the exchange between Ruby and Sam. He actually appreciates that Ruby knows to give them a little space. He's damn sure this conversation would turn into a fight if he had to talk to Ruby as well. She doesn't move very far away though, simply shifts her focus and starts a conversation with Lucy. She's still facing Sam, clearly keeping an eye on him and this conversation.
"Yeah. Sure," John agrees, shifting his weight and suddenly struck with not knowing what he's going to say. He hadn't planned this out. "I--you're doing okay?"
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All Mary asks of him is that he try. The truth is it had also been easy to let herself get caught up with the romance and physical side of their reunion. Once their current predicament came up, it opened her eyes to the other pieces of their puzzle that they needed to address. Sure, one was Sam, but definitely the stage they had jumped to as a couple. She would be right there with him to figure out how the pieces in front of them though. Hopefully, he can see that she cares deeply about him too. Her push is meant to help. She'll hope he can come back with some progress to tell her. Then maybe she can forgive him for the headache (Secret: it isn't big enough for her to actually blame him for it).
The odd thing is Sam fails to realize he's being watched. The evening had been a full one with his guard up the whole time that now, with his belly full, he felt tired. Ruby and him were actually talking about their next move since it was clear they were staying for the night. There's comfort but not much he can admit in Ruby giving them space. He's slowly be able to figure out that this is his father trying to reach out.
For a second, all Sam can do is stare. "Okay, uh--What did you wanna talk about?" This is awkward for both of them. Small talk really is not their thing. Unfortunately, John asking if he is doing okay only gets a skeptical look because the answer is right front of him (and he did say he was going to be a few times already). "Yeah, me--I've been doing okay."
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Ruby is still keyed up and nervous about how they're going to get through the night. She's worried that some of the protection spells she's put on their room have been wiped out. This all feels too much like a trap to her after months of absolute freedom and nights without worrying about her safety. Of course, Ruby didn't tell Sam any of this. She kept her concerns to herself and assured him it would be fine. They'd handle it.
Very awkward and if John knew exactly what he wanted to say or how to say it, he'd get right to the point. However, he's got no idea what he needs to say. He scrubs his hand over his hair. He wants to look back at Mary, but he's afraid that will give the wrong impression. Yeah, he's doing this because Mary asked him to, but he's aware it's something that he needs to do. It's even something he wants to do, but all of his wants have gotten lost in his ethics, morals, and judgments. Yeah, John is working up to figuring out something important to say. Give him a moment. "Good. That's--good. Everything is still in your room where you left it." Not entirely true. The room has been tossed, but they put it (mostly) back in order.
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Ruby is rightfully nervous, and Sam is too. Of course, his first assumption isn't that this is a trap, it's, well. He couldn't say right away what his first assumption was without all the facts. But if Itinere was as sentient as it sometimes came across to be, he would have to think this the weather was designed to trap them in a classic winter storm / holiday trope. One way or another his gut knew this could turn bad. Should Ruby explain some of her fears, though, he would suggest they look over the wards set up in their room before they went to sleep.
If the awkwardness was their goal, they'd be communicating on a fair scale. As it is, nothing is being communicated and Sam feels a similar itch to scrub his hand at the back of his neck but he pockets them instead. Yeah, it would give the wrong impression if John looked back to Mary. She has faith that even though she encouraged him to go over to Sam without any forethought that he can dig himself out of it. Ethics, morals, and judgements can only hold up so much when it comes to family, right? Sam's not going anywhere while John chooses his next words at least. There's something he even wants to ask, but it gets pushed to wayside. "You want me-- us to come back?" Is that what he should be reading between the lines? He can't help the glance back at Ruby. He won't be thrilled to find things in the room tossed, but it's also nothing he does not expect.
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John isn't the best at communicating. He never has been and the awkward situation, not to mention his feelings about Ruby, is hindering his communications even further. In this case, Mary is right (she usually is). At the end of the day, they are family and he loves Sam even if he doesn't understand or agree with his choices. Sam should definitely ask whatever questions he'd like. It's the only way communication is going to get better between them. John is as surprised by Sam's (correctly) reading between the lines as Sam is. He hesitates and glances over to Ruby then looks back to Sam. "Yeah. You belong at home, Sam. With your family." His eyes drift to Ruby again then back to Sam. He's trying really hard not to screw this up. "And Ruby is welcome too, if that's what you want--if that's what makes you happy."
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It had been hard coming out to Dean about his feelings for Ruby, but he did it because he needed to. The most important person is his life had to understand his choice or maybe it wouldn't have worked out. Sam can't admit this to himself but it also matters what his father thinks. This is why he's as surprised as John is, blinking when his reading between the lines-- the guess he had thrown out there was confirmed to be correct. He pauses to allow himself a moment to be sure he heard that correctly. "What-- What changed your mind?" His eyes follow John's over to Ruby again then looks back to his father certain it's Ruby who changed his mind. He could point out the exact words John said before but he's too baffled to reiterate them. Wouldn't do any good, anyway. "You want me to tell you she makes me happy? Of course, she makes me happy. I wouldn't be with her if she didn't." He's looking deep to not mess this up either. Now seems like the right time to throw everything out in the open. "Trust me, this would be too much if I wasn't sure." He knows she is in ear shot, but he couldn't care less.
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Even now, Dean wouldn't say he understands Sam's choices, but he does understand that this is good for Sam and that Sam is happy. That's all Dean has ever really cared about. He also recognizes that, for whatever reason, Ruby does love Sam and is capable of it. John sighs at Sam's question. "Your mother. Your persistence. If this wasn't important to you, you would have given it up before now." It's not Ruby at all that's changed his mind. It's Sam. John shakes his head. "No. I mean... yes. Of course, I want to know you're happy and yeah...I don't understand how or why but I can tell she makes you happy." Maybe if they're both trying they'll both be a little more forgiving of the mistakes they're bound to make.
Ruby hears Sam (she could probably har him even if he were whispering) and it makes everything inside of her go tingly and warm. She'd had so many doubts during these months about whether Sam was sure about his decisions. His life would be easier if he'd just agreed to live in separate spaces. For his part, it does John good to hear that Sam is certain, that this is a lot as well. He nods. "Okay. We'll figure out how to make it work."
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Dean does not have to understand. The best thing his brother can do is continue to understand his feelings and recognize how he is happy. It has gone a long way for Sam to continue opening up to Dean when there's new things he thinks he should know. Sam holds his breathe to what the answer to his question will be. Mom. (Mary.) He should have seen that as part of the answer right away, but honestly, from experience, it'd been hard to know what to expect. He would have never guessed his persistence would measure for anything either. This whole thing is going more calmly than he is used to. Eventually, Sam swallows all that down, and bobs his head, like yeah. All right. He understands what he heard, more or less. "I think that's how it is supposed to work." Which is a poor choice of words, but considering all he heard, his head feels the same as he looks like he's been thwacked upside the head too hard.
Sam hasn't had any doubts about what he's been doing with Ruby for the last couple of months. Though he has been anxious since moving to the apartment with Ruby because he was apart from family and missing out on having a better relationship with both his un-deceased parents. Hearing they can figure something else out almost makes up for that. He exhales with a little more ease. "So, a family meeting?" He guesses.
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John nods a little at Sam's suggestion. "Yeah. That's probably a good idea."
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They're in agreement, then. Sam also suggests that they wait till breakfast though so they can unwind for the rest of the evening. No need to rush since they're stuck inside for the night, right? Eventually, it gets late enough that Sam returns to his room with Ruby. As he would guess, things are scattered around and he begins to pick up anything that immediately threatens the feet on the path to the bed. He turns to Ruby when he's collected a few things. "You thinking bed or..." It's an open ended question on purpose to have her thoughts. Sometimes he doesn't know if she's thinking of a shower, or something a little more spicy, or if she's ready to call it, or pick up a book, but in any case, he doesn't think he should limit her options.
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Breakfast is a good idea. It will give them all a chance to cool off and collect themselves. The night oscillates between tense and awkward to relaxed and easy-going. It's a barometer for how their return to the bunker will go, at least for a little while. Ruby expects that the room will be tossed but it's still frustrating. What did they really think they were going to find? She knows because John had accused her of all of it. Ruby picks up as well, moving to her spell corner to see how much damage is done there. The way Sam gives her options softens her and helps her let go of some of that frustration. She sets aside the scattered bottles she'd picked up and walks over to Sam , arms sliding around his waist. She lays her head on his chest and just listens to his heartbeat for a moment. "I want to check the wards. I'm sure some of them are busted and weakened from...all this."
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As is a good nights sleep to help clear their heads and start the discussion over fresh pancakes. Hopefully, what all that will mean is they can almost go back to how it was before. Even just a fraction of what it was like before would allow Sam to have his guard down. Frustration is a thing he sees often enough, but it's not something he likes to see on Ruby's face. Her very tell is in how she moves swiftly to check on her scattered bottles and has this look-- a touch of loss behind her eyes. At the very least, it gives him an idea of something nice he can do for her later. He knows what some of the destroyed ingredients are so he will replace those. He can see his word have an effect on her before she lays her head to his chest, and likewise her close contact with him encourages his arms to touch her shoulders. His heartbeat is steady, giving away only the slightest increase for when she speaks. "Right... Yeah, that would make sense. You want me to finish cleaning this up or to help you?" He glimpses at one thing then at the other. He can't admit just yet that he hasn't learned all the wards she has in use yet. It's been based on trust.
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The loss of the ingredients is a little like the loss of control. If she’s got spells prepped ahead of time, she has more control over a situation or a crisis should one arise. It’ll be a very sweet and appreciated gesture for Sam to replace some of it. Right now being close to him is helping. She can’t help but feel a little thrill, a little tingle, at the way his heart beats a little faster with her near. She looks up at him, still wearing her heeled boots. “Help me with the wards? It’ll go faster then we can shower and get in bed.”
There’s enough innuendo in her tone to let him know she’s not really interested in sleeping just yet.
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There's enough promptness in his behavior to suggest he's caught on to her deeper meaning. If she will give him a second, he will place the stuff he has and find the magical featured brushes she used last time untouched in the box on the dresser.
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And she might be able to whip something up quickly that will let him see the wards the way she can see them when her eyes go black. She starts gathering the ingredients while he gets the brushes and begins mixing them in a small copper bowl. Her eyes flicker to black as she works. "There should be a bottle labeled holy basil on the third shelf, probably behind the rosemary. If you'll grab it, that's for clarity."
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He trusts she knows what she is doing and brings her the bottle she instructed of him with no question. While he waits for her to prep, he stays quiet and glances around to the room at everything else that is still scattered then watches her work. Her black pupils no longer raise the alarm bells when he sees them. In fact, the longer he watches her, the easier it is to get lost on her concentration.
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