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.
It'll be fine and they had taken all of the important things with them to the apartment. Magic is such a defining factor in Ruby's life and has been for so long, that she's not very good at not practicing it. She's also very good at telling Sam what to do. Thankfully, Ruby keeps the dangerous stuff in parts rather than pre-mixed for reasons like that. The floor could probably use a good sweeping and dusting though. They'll get to that tomorrow. She smiles at his agreement to help her and she'll be pleased to point him in the right direction (over the doors) when the time comes. "Oh really?" she teases him. "What circumstances would those be?"
It takes focus and attention, but it doesn't take a lot of time. After a few minutes, she's got all the ingredients mixed into an almost clear sort of paint. She pricks her finger with a needle and massages out a drop of blood into the dish and whispers Defendat as it hits the liquid. The liquid shimmers a bright gold before turning clear again. She turns the book she's been using toward Sam and sticks her finger in her mouth to stop the very little bit of bleeding it's doing. "You're going to paint that symbol with one of these brushes over all the doors and over our bed. I'll get the ones on the floor."
Well, if Ruby won't bring it up, he can trust there isn't any reason for concern. He can't shake off the feeling the broken glass is potentially a time bomb, though, until Ruby snaps his focus away from that. One. He believes she knows best about what she does. And two. She is an expert at telling him what to do. There aren't enough words to begin to accurately describe how she clears his mind, now not withstanding. Over the doors shouldn't be difficult for someone his height. He answers with a somewhat hesitant chuckle. "What? Uh... uh. Okay. Let's not dig too deep into that, maybe."
The sound of Sam breathing calmly is all hers there is. A few minutes is no time and all, and Sam takes note of the steps she goes through with interest. Magic isn't new for the younger Winchester, of course, but this process is clearly unique to Ruby. It says something about her methodology. What stands out most is how the droplets of blood for the spell hint how personally connected Ruby is to magic. It's one silent observation he'll keep. Nonetheless, the spell is something. His eyes follow her finger to her mouth before they're drawn to the sigil in the book in her lap. Does she know how distracting that is? "Don't suppose that will need a bandaid," he poses it slightly like a question. When he realizes her likely answer, he nods and takes one of the brushes to dip in the magical ink. The door is closest so he turns his head back toward it, thinking he will start there.
She'll sweep it up once the wards are replenished and before they go to bed. Sam needs to have his mind cleared from time to time. He gets far too fixated on things. Focus can be a good thing, but not when it becomes an obsession. The only obsession that Ruby likes Sam to have is her. She tilts her head at him, curiosity in her expression, but she doesn't say anything about it for the moment.
The sound of his breathing is relaxing to Ruby. It helps her focus. Magic is personal and unique, or at least powerful magic is. She actually doesn't right now because she's focused on the spell. He can feel free to tell her late. She smirks at his question. "It'll be fine," she assures him, "you can kiss it and make it better after we're done." Yes, that is a very flirty tone of voice and she has to force herself to refocus. He's the one that's distracting right now because of the way he reaches over his head, his shirt lifting to show a slice of bare skin above his jeans. Magic. Focus. She'll start with the bathroom threshold then move to the bit of hardwood at the foot of the bed, only moving to the main threshold once he's done with the door. She doesn't want to get in his way after all.
Should she choose to sweep, he will assist with the dustpan. An obsession doesn't begin to describe his fixation with her, but it's close enough. All she need to do is be in the same room as him for a minute to have her wish. He's already half way to eating his own words and grateful, for the moment, it seems she won't press him.
It should be a relief to her that the sound of his breathing is fairly consistent then. It goes without saying he doesn't think about it much, but it's worth noting his exhales are paced when she has anything to say or the gears in his brain turn to note a step she takes with her magic. He may not think to tell her later. Something tells him it won't be the last time she does that. She's encouraging him to say the least. Sam half grins before he can shake her flirtatious behavior off for a more genuine smile. "When we're done," he uses her words in agreement. He, too, knows there is a little work to do. Semi-subconsciously, his answer to her flirting is on the door because he's aware his shirt will lift. His torso is nearly as long as his legs. He paces himself so the sigil is fundamentally correct; on purpose so when Ruby returns he can lean his head toward the bed and ask a simple question. "You want to make sure I'm steady on this one?" He's kidding about needing any support, of course. Let's just say he'd prefer her close and in the way.
Assuming it's a yes, he'll hold his hand out for her to take so when they step up on the bed he can balance her out and vice versa. He still needs her assist for the ink.
It's a deal. She just worries about him waking up in the middle of the night and cutting up his feet. Whatever he wants to call it, she approves. His gratitude for her silence just makes her more curious.
By now, Sam might realize that Ruby notices everything about him. Her fixation with him is as thorough as his with her. Probably not. Driving him crazy his her favorite past time. "I'm going to hold you to that, Samuel," she assures him. His question gets a half-smirk out of her. "For the sake of the magic," she tells him. She's aware he doesn't really need her support but close and in his way is her favorite place to be. It only takes her a moment to unzip her boots and kick them off.
She takes his hand and lets him help her up onto the bed. She's got the little bowl of ink in her other hand. She lets go of his hand so he'll have both free and hooks her fingers through his belt loop on the pretense of helping him keep his balance. "Slow and steady," she says as she leans in almost close enough to brush up against him.
It should be noted that this phone light more than suffices to make sure he does not stumble over his own feet when he gets out of bed in the dark. But her forethought for him is sweet. His feet are safe in her care.
Sometimes it's obvious when Ruby takes note of everything about him, other times not so much. Can she blame him, though, for always looking at her like she in the moon and stars when she's close? She can count on her ability to always be able to drive him crazy. That's a given. The way his name rolls off her tongue has his attention. "No. I don't expect anything less." He flashes his pearly whites. She knows just what to say to make him think it's another good reason to hold him to it. To test the magic, that is. Close is his favorite place for her to be too.
With a purposeful tug, he encourages the momentum for her to come close. He remains mindful, though, of the space necessary to keep the ink safe and not on their shirts. Right now he has to admit he's not always great as she is at suggestiveness, but intrigued with her promise, he maintains the little bit of eye contact he can as he dips the brush into the bowl, which she should take suggestively. "Maybe we should focus more on being steady than slow." He means to not work as slowly on the sijil as last time, but in the other way too.
He is mortal and very fragile (but really probably only by her standards).
She loves the way he looks at her. One of the downsides to being practically immortal si that her memory is very long She remembers when Sam looked at her with more skepticism and even fear. She also remembers when he didn't like when she called him Samuel, but she likes the way it gets his attention now. Really, he makes it very hard for her not to be touching him all the time.
She lets the momentum pull her close, holding the hand with the bowl of ink out and steady so that it doesn't spill. He underestimates himself; she thinks he does just fine. He might have to pay a certain amount of attention to the sijil but her attention is all on him. She bites her bottom lip, stifling the smile his words bring to her lips. "Mr. Wincheser...it sounds like you've got something in mind." Her fingers creep from his belt look to tuck just in the waistband of his [ants. "Very steady sounds like a plan to me."
Lucky for the both of them that this is the last bit of painting they need to do. The glass can be cleaned up later.
She has to know he regrets ever looking at her with fear let alone any more skepticism than she deserved. Her persistence is her best trait and it is only natural she won him over eventually.
He underestimates himself sometimes only because his mind never ceases to think; she helps the thoughts melt away more easily with the look of a cat with a canary in its sights though. He won't necessarily do the best job on the sigil but his attention on completing it is fair enough. It comes out legible enough that the lines and grooves are correct and the magic accepts it as the final link. Right before their eyes it disappears into the wall.
It's hard to forget that they're married on a technicality. Her calling him Mr. Winchester causes his heart squeeze in his chest and pulse to race a little higher. He needn't any (further) encouragement to go where she's going with this. "Mrs. Winchester...I might have a few ideas." Sex is obviously the end goal. But there's a number of things they've tried in the last month that could test the noise boundary.
She knows and she used to worry that she was being too persistent. It's not something that concerns her anymore. Sam has absolutely managed to assure her that he accepts her exactly the way that she is.
When the ink disappears into the wall, Ruby stretches toward her nightstand, body arching against Sam's as she sets the bowl of ink on the nightstand. Now she can focus her attention on Sam.
She actually does forget it most of the time because she tries to forget it. It has nothing to do with not wanting to be married but rather that Sam didn't choose to be married to her; the town decided for them. Because she tries to forget the technical marriage, he takes her a little bit by surprise when he calls her 'Mrs. Winchester'. It's a good surprise though (because it gives her the smallest hope that he likes being married to her) and it makes her hum a little with contentment. She lets her fingers crawl up his arm and her eyes go black as she gives him the slightest shock, the lights flickering in response. The candles around them all catch flame.
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timeasmymeasure
no subject
Date: 2019-12-02 01:16 am (UTC)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?"
no subject
Date: 2019-12-02 03:20 am (UTC)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.no subject
Date: 2019-12-03 01:41 am (UTC)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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Date: 2019-12-03 03:46 am (UTC)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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Date: 2019-12-04 12:42 am (UTC)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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Date: 2019-12-04 03:22 am (UTC)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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Date: 2019-12-05 01:20 am (UTC)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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Date: 2019-12-05 03:00 am (UTC)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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Date: 2019-12-05 03:26 am (UTC)John nods a little at Sam's suggestion. "Yeah. That's probably a good idea."
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Date: 2019-12-05 04:56 am (UTC)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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Date: 2019-12-06 12:21 am (UTC)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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Date: 2019-12-06 03:36 am (UTC)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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Date: 2019-12-06 03:46 am (UTC)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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Date: 2019-12-06 04:29 am (UTC)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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Date: 2019-12-07 04:05 am (UTC)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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Date: 2019-12-10 04:02 am (UTC)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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Date: 2019-12-11 12:32 am (UTC)It takes focus and attention, but it doesn't take a lot of time. After a few minutes, she's got all the ingredients mixed into an almost clear sort of paint. She pricks her finger with a needle and massages out a drop of blood into the dish and whispers Defendat as it hits the liquid. The liquid shimmers a bright gold before turning clear again. She turns the book she's been using toward Sam and sticks her finger in her mouth to stop the very little bit of bleeding it's doing. "You're going to paint that symbol with one of these brushes over all the doors and over our bed. I'll get the ones on the floor."
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Date: 2019-12-11 04:05 am (UTC)The sound of Sam breathing calmly is all
hersthere is. A few minutes is no time and all, and Sam takes note of the steps she goes through with interest. Magic isn't new for the younger Winchester, of course, but this process is clearly unique to Ruby. It says something about her methodology. What stands out most is how the droplets of blood for the spell hint how personally connected Ruby is to magic. It's one silent observation he'll keep. Nonetheless, the spell is something. His eyes follow her finger to her mouth before they're drawn to the sigil in the book in her lap.Does she know how distracting that is?"Don't suppose that will need a bandaid," he poses it slightly like a question. When he realizes her likely answer, he nods and takes one of the brushes to dip in the magical ink. The door is closest so he turns his head back toward it, thinking he will start there.no subject
Date: 2019-12-12 01:09 am (UTC)The sound of his breathing is relaxing to Ruby. It helps her focus. Magic is personal and unique, or at least powerful magic is.
She actually doesn't right now because she's focused on the spell. He can feel free to tell her late.She smirks at his question. "It'll be fine," she assures him, "you can kiss it and make it better after we're done." Yes, that is a very flirty tone of voice and she has to force herself to refocus. He's the one that's distracting right now because of the way he reaches over his head, his shirt lifting to show a slice of bare skin above his jeans. Magic. Focus. She'll start with the bathroom threshold then move to the bit of hardwood at the foot of the bed, only moving to the main threshold once he's done with the door. She doesn't want to get in his way after all.no subject
Date: 2019-12-12 04:25 am (UTC)It should be a relief to her that the sound of his breathing is fairly consistent then. It goes without saying he doesn't think about it much, but it's worth noting his exhales are paced when she has anything to say or the gears in his brain turn to note a step she takes with her magic.
He may not think to tell her later. Something tells him it won't be the last time she does that.She's encouraging him to say the least. Sam half grins before he can shake her flirtatious behavior off for a more genuine smile. "When we're done," he uses her words in agreement. He, too, knows there is a little work to do. Semi-subconsciously, his answer to her flirting is on the door because he's aware his shirt will lift. His torso is nearly as long as his legs. He paces himself so the sigil is fundamentally correct; on purpose so when Ruby returns he can lean his head toward the bed and ask a simple question. "You want to make sure I'm steady on this one?" He's kidding about needing any support, of course. Let's just say he'd prefer her close and in the way.Assuming it's a yes, he'll hold his hand out for her to take so when they step up on the bed he can balance her out and vice versa. He still needs her assist for the ink.
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Date: 2019-12-13 12:52 am (UTC)By now, Sam might realize that Ruby notices everything about him. Her fixation with him is as thorough as his with her.
Probably not. Driving him crazy his her favorite past time. "I'm going to hold you to that, Samuel," she assures him. His question gets a half-smirk out of her. "For the sake of the magic," she tells him. She's aware he doesn't really need her support but close and in his way is her favorite place to be. It only takes her a moment to unzip her boots and kick them off.She takes his hand and lets him help her up onto the bed. She's got the little bowl of ink in her other hand. She lets go of his hand so he'll have both free and hooks her fingers through his belt loop on the pretense of helping him keep his balance. "Slow and steady," she says as she leans in almost close enough to brush up against him.
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Date: 2019-12-13 04:38 am (UTC)Sometimes it's obvious when Ruby takes note of everything about him, other times not so much. Can she blame him, though, for always looking at her like she in the moon and stars when she's close?
She can count on her ability to always be able to drive him crazy. That's a given.The way his name rolls off her tongue has his attention. "No. I don't expect anything less." He flashes his pearly whites. She knows just what to say to make him think it's another good reason to hold him to it. To test the magic, that is. Close is his favorite place for her to be too.With a purposeful tug, he encourages the momentum for her to come close. He remains mindful, though, of the space necessary to keep the ink safe and not on their shirts. Right now he has to admit he's not always great as she is at suggestiveness, but intrigued with her promise, he maintains the little bit of eye contact he can as he dips the brush into the bowl, which she should take suggestively. "Maybe we should focus more on being steady than slow." He means to not work as slowly on the sijil as last time, but in the other way too.
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Date: 2019-12-14 12:58 am (UTC)She loves the way he looks at her. One of the downsides to being practically immortal si that her memory is very long She remembers when Sam looked at her with more skepticism and even fear. She also remembers when he didn't like when she called him Samuel, but she likes the way it gets his attention now. Really, he makes it very hard for her not to be touching him all the time.
She lets the momentum pull her close, holding the hand with the bowl of ink out and steady so that it doesn't spill. He underestimates himself; she thinks he does just fine. He might have to pay a certain amount of attention to the sijil but her attention is all on him. She bites her bottom lip, stifling the smile his words bring to her lips. "Mr. Wincheser...it sounds like you've got something in mind." Her fingers creep from his belt look to tuck just in the waistband of his [ants. "Very steady sounds like a plan to me."
Lucky for the both of them that this is the last bit of painting they need to do. The glass can be cleaned up later.
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Date: 2019-12-14 04:44 am (UTC)He underestimates himself sometimes only because his mind never ceases to think; she helps the thoughts melt away more easily with the look of a cat with a canary in its sights though. He won't necessarily do the best job on the sigil but his attention on completing it is fair enough. It comes out legible enough that the lines and grooves are correct and the magic accepts it as the final link. Right before their eyes it disappears into the wall.
It's hard to forget that they're married on a technicality. Her calling him Mr. Winchester causes his heart squeeze in his chest and pulse to race a little higher. He needn't any (further) encouragement to go where she's going with this. "Mrs. Winchester...I might have a few ideas." Sex is obviously the end goal. But there's a number of things they've tried in the last month that could test the noise boundary.
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Date: 2019-12-15 01:33 am (UTC)When the ink disappears into the wall, Ruby stretches toward her nightstand, body arching against Sam's as she sets the bowl of ink on the nightstand. Now she can focus her attention on Sam.
She actually does forget it most of the time because she tries to forget it. It has nothing to do with not wanting to be married but rather that Sam didn't choose to be married to her; the town decided for them. Because she tries to forget the technical marriage, he takes her a little bit by surprise when he calls her 'Mrs. Winchester'. It's a good surprise though (because it gives her the smallest hope that he likes being married to her) and it makes her hum a little with contentment. She lets her fingers crawl up his arm and her eyes go black as she gives him the slightest shock, the lights flickering in response. The candles around them all catch flame.
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