AN: Oh, I'm so so sorry it took me this long to post this chapter, but damn, was it ever hard to write. It is the final chapter and it is shamless fluff, free of angst (for the most part) and hey, this chapter even has some dirty humor. Yep, I think this story is very well rounded. Anyways, hope you all like this chapter, I worked really hard to write it and I hope it's as good as all the others.

Disclaimer: I do not own Supernatural or any of the characters.

Wait Until Morning

Written by Becks Rylynn

[part five, long way home]

There was no way they could have known what they would mean to each other.

All that time ago, on that dark night, a slight breeze in the air, Dean Winchester first laid eyes on Ruby. Pulled a gun on her actually. They had both known from the start that there was.....something. Electricity crackled in between them at first sight. Why do you think she distanced herself from him so much that night? Why do you think he waited until he knew Sam would ruin the shot to pull the trigger? Yes, they both knew from the get go that there was something between them.

But they had absolutely no idea what they were about to get themselves into. Really, how could they? They had no idea that night sealed their fate. There was no way they could have known that they would both fall so hard, so fast, for each other.

Back then, on that starry night, they both couldn't wait to get away from each other and the confusing tingling under their skin. Now, they can't stand to be apart. Back then, he called her 'bitch' and she called him 'short bus'. Now, he calls her 'honey' and she calls him 'baby'. Back then, a silver ring resided on his finger. Now, it lives on her finger, a piece of hope in a dark world. Back then....

She was just a demon, and he was just a hunter.

Now...

She's his girl, his everything, and he's her anchor, her knight in a shining black Impala.

Back then, they really couldn't have known how much that night would change things.

Love's funny like that.

Come on, come on, hurry up already!

She watches the object in front of her with a desperate intensity, fingers drumming mindlessly on the table top. Finally, after eternity, the object dings and Ruby smiles in satisfaction as she reaches out and pours herself a cup of coffee. In retrospect, she probably shouldn't have taken a moment to inhale the rich, warm aroma, because just as she's bringing the cup to her lips, a hand reaches out and takes it from her.

''Thank you, honey,'' Dean pecks her on the lips and sends her a wink and a cocky smirk, moving away before she can comment.

Open mouthed, she stares after him for a second, blinking, and then she shakes her head and pours herself another cup of coffee. Once again, someone takes it from her hand.

''Ooh, coffee. Thanks, Ruby.'' Sam grins that lopsided Winchester smile and presses a quick kiss to her cheek, before he joins his brother at the table. Neither one seem to notice the way she's gaping at them, and then she sees them share a glance, lips twitching, and she gets it.

Narrowing her eyes, she puts her hands on her hips and glares, hoping it looks intimidating. ''Bullies.''

''You're not supposed to be drinking coffee,'' Dean points out, with a slight hint of amusement.

Sam nods in agreement and trains his eyes on their girl. ''It makes you all paranoid and your words all jumble together - ''

'' - And then you end up throwing it all up,'' Dean continues flawlessly.

''That only happened once,'' she murmurs under her breath. Dean holds up two fingers and she sighs, rolling her eyes. ''Okay, fine, it happened twice.'' Dramatically, she moves over to the motel bed and falls backwards. ''So, let me clarify this, you're never going to let me drink coffee again?''

The brothers look at each other and in unision, shake their heads. ''No.''

She mutters a string of expletives under her breath.

''Hey,'' Sam waves a finger in her direction, ''I heard that.''

''Yeah, Sailor,'' the older Winchester adds, green eyes glimmering with mischief, ''you should watch your mouth.''

Her eyes twinkle and when they both raise their coffee cups to their lips, two pillows fly through the air and - Splash! Two coffee soaked Winchesters. They blink, look at each other, and silently hold their cups out to her.

She grins, cheekily. ''Good boys.''

Over the month that has passed since that night at Joey's, things are finally looking up for this family. They both still have a long way to go, of course. She has yet to sleep through an entire night and he still feels guilt gnawing at him, but they both know they're going to make it. Her panic attacks have slowed, occasionally she even makes it through a whole day without gasping for air. She has good days and bad. On the bad days, she finds herself plunging head first into dark waters again, crying and shaking and cracking and breaking, sure this is the end. Somehow, Dean always manages to pull her out before she drowns. On the good days, her eyes sparkle and shine and she feels like Ruby again, like she's ready to find the light again. She's almost normal on the good days.

As for Dean, he's still scared of the way he loves her, it's new for him. He still dreams of hell sometimes, he thinks that might be something he'll never be able to forget. But, the big difference is that he talks to her. He opens up, he doesn't keep it inside. He does let her take care of him when he's not strong. His relationship with Sam has gotten a little better, and he feels like one of these days, his brother might just tell him everything he's hiding.

All in all, things are good. It's going to be a long, slow recovery, they're both aware of that. It's going to take awhile to reach totally okay. But they're getting there.

Dean glances in the rearview mirror for the millionth time, checking on his sleeping girlfriend, as if to make sure she's still breathing. She is. She's breathing in and out in a somewhat steady way.

''Dean,'' Sam sighs, wearily and resists the urge to roll his eyes. ''If you can't keep your eyes on the road, I'm going to have to insist that I drive.''

At that comment, the older brother snorts and trains his eyes on the road ahead of them. ''In your dreams, Sammy.''

In the backseat, Ruby jerks awake with a small cry and Dean's hand's curl tight around the steering wheel, knuckles turning white. She squeezes her eyes shut and holds her breath until it's over. Her hands curl into fists and everything inside of her screams to just calm down. Eventually, the panic goes away and the icy hand gripping her heart dissolves. She takes a long, slow breath and....she's fine again.

''Ruby,'' Dean's voice breaks through the noise in her head and she opens her eyes with a small smile. ''Are you okay?''

''Fine.'' With a barely noticeable grimace of slight discomfort, she shifts into a sitting position, resting her back against the seat. ''So,'' an easy smile comes to rest on her face. It's not a big one, but it's a smile, and that seems to be enough for now. ''How much longer?''

''Not long.''

''I still don't know why Joey wants to see us.''

Sam presses his lips tightly together and tries to keep a small smirk off his face. Luckily, Dean and Ruby don't notice.

Ruby tries not to bite her lip as she leans forwards, pushing blond hair from her face. She tries not to bite her lip anymore. It shouldn't hurt when she kisses Dean, that's not the way it should be. ''Sam,'' she reaches out and hits him on the shoulder. ''Did Joey say what he wanted to see us for?''

''Nope. Not a thing.''

Big liar.

Once upon a time, in a life from before, Joey Daniels had a wife. He had someone he loved with all his heart. Someone who loved him enough to promise him forever. Once upon a time, he and Victoria had what Dean and Ruby have.

Maybe that's why he's doing this.

Or....

He and Victoria never got the chance to have children. Maybe a small part of him believes Ruby was sent to him for a reason, to give him the daughter he never got the chance to have. From the beginning, Joey felt for the blonde who staggered into his bar one rainy afternoon, radiating pain and grief. For a long time, he watched her suffer in silence, before he finally got the courage to attempt to take care of her.

He let her cry on his shoulder, he listened when she told him stories of the love she had lost, he was there when her lost love came back from the beyond, and he knew from the moment Dean Winchester stepped foot into his bar that the young man really and truly loved Ruby.

Joey has been there since the beginning. Not the beginning of Dean and Ruby's love. The beginning of their breakdown.

And now, he's willing to do anything to help the both of them. You see, family is not just blood and DNA. It's not just names on a piece of paper. It's what's in your heart, and ever since he met her, Ruby has always held a special place in Joey's heart as the daughter he never had and always wanted.

So, when Sam Winchester called him up and told him of his plan to help Ruby and Dean, Joey was all ears.

Because, really, he just wants to see his Ruby go into the light.

Back then, before Dean and Ruby had told him of their relationship, Sam saw a lot more then they gave him credit for. The night with the witches - not a great night for any of them - he watched as Dean saved Ruby for the first time. He watched as his brother slammed the knife into that demon over and over, and he saw the look exchanged between hunter and demon.

It was just for a second, barely even a second, he doesn't even think Dean and Ruby noticed it, but Sam did. To anyone else, it was nothing, just a fleeting moment that didn't mean anything, Sam knew better. He always did have a knack for sensing when something big was about to happen. Of course, back then he had no idea just what was to come, but he knew there was something between the blonde and his brother.

Because of who they are, who they were, he never thought they would actually act on their feelings. And then, one fateful night, he had walked in on something he never wanted to see. After that, it had been the three of them, fighting against the darkness in the world. It was so natural, it almost felt like it had always been the three of them.

When the hell hounds violently ripped Dean away from Sam and Ruby, the family was torn apart. Sam's sure he never would have made it if it weren't for the people looking out for him. Ruby had been all alone. He has no idea what Ruby went through during those ten long months that Dean was gone, but he suspects it wasn't good. When Dean had come back, when they had gotten Ruby back, Sam had foolishly believed everything would go back to normal.

Instead, his brother started slipping away and hiding out in the darkness and the woman who was practically like a sister to him had a nervous breakdown. Since he doesn't have much, family means everything to Sam Winchester. During the toughest months, Sam wanted to help, he did. He wanted to help take care of Ruby, he wanted to help his brother deal with his pain, but he didn't know how. So, he left them alone to fix each other.

Now, as they're both healing, as they're starting the long way home, Sam decides it's his turn to help them.

He's determined to help them both into the light.

Much to Ruby's surprise, when they get to the bar, it's closed. On a Saturday. It strikes her as odd, but she doesn't say anything, she doesn't really think much of it. Then, when she steps inside and sees Joey waiting for them, looking serious and business like, she knows something is definitely going on.

Dean notices too, because he sighs tiredly and scrubs a hand over his face. ''Do I even want to know what's going on here?''

Sam steps away from them and sinks into a chair with a cheerful smile. ''Guess what?''

There's a pause as Dean and Ruby look in between Sam and Joey with hesistation. Finally, Dean speaks up with a roll of green eyes. ''What did you two do?''

Sam and Joey look at each other, all serious, their eyes warm and kind as they look at the couple in front of them. ''We think you two need to get away,'' Sam starts, ''you know, de-stress, have a few days to be together without worrying about the monsters in the dark.''

''So,'' Joey picks up where Sam left off and trains his eyes on Ruby, ''when Sam called me and said he thought you two needed to get away, I said I had a cabin in the woods.'' He tosses a set of keys on the table. ''It's nice, private.'' His eyes glint with humor and a smile tugs at the corners of his mouth. ''Just don't stain my sheets.''

Sam wrinkles his nose and turns to glare at the older man. ''Oh, thank you, there's a mental image I really needed in my head.''

''Anytime, kid.''

However, when they turns their gazes back to Ruby and Dean, they don't see gratitude, they don't see smiles. Actually, they don't see much of anything. Both green and blue eyes are blank, though their mouths are hanging open in shock. They don't move, don't speak, barely even breathe. Sam raises an eyebrow and looks at Joey. ''Did we, like, break them or something?''

And they're snapped back to reality.

Dean and Ruby blink and share a look that clearly says, 'what the hell?' ''Let me get this straight,'' Dean drawls, with a slow smirk, ''there's a war going on out there, and...you want us to go on vacation?''

''Have you two been drinking?'' Ruby adds, barely managing to keep the disbelief from her voice. Yes, of course it would be nice to get away, take a break from this life, spend a weekend away with Dean, but there's just no time.

''It's only for a couple of days,'' Joey says, ''there's no need to be overdramatic, sweetheart. I don't think the war's going to reach it's climax in a weekend.''

Sam nods helpfully. ''It's highly unlikely.''

Dean holds up a warning finger. ''History shows that if anything is unlikely, it's likely to happen to us.''

His brother blows out a breath and pinches the bridge of his nose. Okay, this is going to be harder then he thought. ''Don't you guys think that it would be nice to spend a few days in a real bed and not a lumpy, too small motel mattress?'' There's silence and both Sam and Joey see that they're getting through to the couple.

Ruby bites down on her lip, forgetting for a moment about her vow to never bite her lip again

''Ruby,'' three voices chorus, ''don't bite your lip.''

She stops and latches onto Dean's arm. ''Okay, excuse us for a minute, Dean and I need to have a private conversation.'' She drags him away from Sam and Joey and the two men left behind share a look and then lean forwards, trying to get a look at the couple in the corner. There's a lot of quiet murmurs and some hand gesturing and finally, Ruby clips Dean over the head, he yelps and they both turn to Sam and Joey with smiles that are just a little too bright and fake.

''We'll go.''

Even before Dean died, they never got to spend a weekened alone.

This is certainly going to be interesting.

The first thing that Ruby sees when they pull up to the cabin is the lake. The water is sparkling in the sunlight, and it's really quite beautiful. The house is cozy and warm and it screams family. That's a new one for them. She blows out a sigh and pushes blond hair out of her face as she climbs out of the car. She's not really sure what she and Dean are going to do all weekend.

In a different lifetime, when they were both still okay, they would spend the entire weekend under the sheets, screaming and moaning each other's name until their throats were raw. But, that's not how it's going to be this time. She can't even remember the last time they had sex. She thinks it might have been the night he came back. That was certainly a tiring night. When a small shudder runs through her at the memory, she forces herself back to the present and sighs, turning her gaze to Dean. She wonders if he's ready. She wonders if she's ready. Shaking her head, Ruby smiles somewhat nervously and leans against the car when Dean starts to move towards her.

''So,'' his arms wind around her waist and her smile widens when his lips brush her forehead, ''do you still think this is a good idea?''

She arches an eyebrow and wraps one arm around his neck. ''I think it's a great idea. Time to ourselves,'' she frowns thoughtfully, ''I'm not...not really sure what to do though.'' Their eyes met and the energy that passes between them is slightly nervous and tinged with longing and a lingering sense of desire. Both their breaths start to come in gasps and they pull away abruptly.

''We should...'' She manages to catch her breath with a nervous smile and swallows hard. ''We should go inside. Call Joey and Sam, let him know we got here safely.'' Quickly pressing her lips to his cheek, she moves past him and can't help but wonder if he's watching her walk away.

Four months.

That's how long it's been.

Four months and every day is a challenge for him. Every day he has to force himself not to pounce on her. He knows she's not ready. He knows she's still not strong enough. That's alright. He can wait forever for her.

Whoa.

Forever.

That sounds different.

In his life, he's had a lot of girls. He's had a lot of one night stands, a lot of weekend flings, he's had girlfriends, and he's been in love before. But with Ruby....it's like every day is falling for the first time. The last thing he wants to do is sound like a sap, because the one thing Dean Winchester is not, is a sap. But, if she's not ready, if she's never ready, he thinks he might be able to deal with that, because he's never loved anyone like he loves Ruby and he knows this is a once in a lifetime thing.

Funny, all his life he never thought he would find someone like Ruby. He always just kind of assumed he would simply spend his life as a womanizer. And then, one night, on a dusty country road, everything in Dean Winchester's life changed.

She's pretty sure she's ready.

Like, eighty five percent sure. That's not enough. In her world, she has to be one hundred percent sure she's ready before she gives herself to him again. It should be easier, to be ready for him, but nothing is ever easy for her anymore. It's not like she likes being all nervous and jittery, it's just....it's been so long since he's wanted her in that way, and she's not sure if she remembers how to be wanted.

Before Dean, she was so sure she would never find someone, she was so sure she didn't deserve someone. And then, that one night changed everything, when blue met green. Someone wanted her.

She wonders how their lives would have turned out if she hadn't had her breakdown. Would their fire have burned out eventually? Would they get sick of the same old routine day after day? She wonders if this breakdown, something so horrible and evil, was really a blessing in disguise.

That's a strange thought.

Nervously, she pulls her sleeves down over her hands and wraps her arms around herself as her eyes take in the small, cozy, living room that looks like it's straight out of a trashy romance novel. Idly, she wonders when Joey was here last. ''Dean,'' she whirls around to face him, her heart beating wildly in her chest, ''can I ask you something?''

He sees the question in her eyes and moves forwards, tenderly pressing a kiss to her forehead. ''We don't have to do anything you're not ready for.'' She smiles, and he smiles back, because her smile is probably one of the most beautiful things he's ever seen. He's missed it in the past few months. ''I made you smile.''

''You always make me smile.''

There's a moment that passes between them, and they both want to say something, something important. The words are there, bubbling in their throats, but they just can't seem to force them out. They've both been pondering the same important question for days, and right now at this moment, they mean to say everything. But they don't. he sighs. ''Are you okay? You're shaking.''

She swallows a small groan of embarassment and steps away from him, pretending she's not having a total lust attack. ''I'm fine.'' She breaks eye contact first, because she's afraid he'll see that pesky emotion clouding in her eyes and she licks her lips, pushing past him. ''I'm going to go....'' She clears her throat and looks around for an escape she can't find. ''...I'm going to go....outside...now.''

He watches her go, eyebrows raised, and then he sighs again and wonders just when he became such a fucking wimp. Seriously, is he ever going to dig up the courage to ask her that damned question?

He blinks.

Probably not.

Ruby draws in a deep breath and tears her gaze away from the moonlight outside the window. With a heavy effort to control her breathing, she rolls over and studies Dean carefully, trying to imprint every detail of his sleeping face in her mind. Unlike her, he looks peaceful when he sleeps. She's not sure how she looks when she sleeps, but it's probably not good, judging by how terrifying her dreams are. She probably looks like she's being tortured when she's asleep.

She squeezes her eyes shut for a moment, but opens them quickly when she feels that old familiar monster lurking behind her eyelids. Sleep is coming quickly for her, and she doesn't want to. She never wants to sleep. Everything is so good in the daytime, she hates the moonlight. Moonlight means sleeping. Sleeping means falling headfirst into that dark hallway where she runs and runs forever and she never finds him.

That's all she dreams about now. She used to dream about hell hounds, about everything and anything in this world taking him away. Now, it's just the hallway, just his voice whispering in her ear that he's here, only she can't find him. She hates that darkened hallway where every fear of hers is just waiting in the shadows, watching her with eyes like fire.

Desperate to get the thought out of her mind, she shakes her head and presses herself closer to Dean, like he can protect her from all of it, even when he's sleeping. Out of habit, she twirls the silver ring on her right hand. Outside, there's a noise, like an owl hooting, and she jerks in fright, body going rigid. Rolling her eyes at her own stupidity, she lets out a breath and shifts in the bed, trying to get comfortable.

''Ruby...''

She jumps at his voice and when she looks at him, his eyes are open and he's looking at her wearily. ''Oh! You're...You're awake.'' She smiles nervously and sits up, scooting away from him.

''Please go to sleep.''

She bites down hard on her lip before she can stop herself and feels something warm trickle down her chin. He doesn't seem to see it for a moment and when he does, he bolts upright, grabbing her face in his hands, inspecting the nasty wound. ''Ruby, you're not supposed to bite your lip.'' With a small sigh, he grabs a tissue from the nightstand and presses it to her bleeding lip. ''You know, darlin', one of these days you're going to - ''

'' - Bite right through,'' she finishes, her words muffled by the hand that's pressing the tissue to her lip. ''I know, Dean. I'm sorry, it was habit.'' There's blood on her tongue, it tastes like copper. She swallows it down with a grimace. Slowly, she puts her hand to her lip and their hands brush, sending a small rush of heat through her body. He takes his hand away and looks away from her.

''Will you go to sleep now?''

She has the urge to bite her lip again, but knows she can't. Instead, she collapses back in the bed and sighs, taking the bloodied tissue away. ''I'm not tired.''

''I've lost track of how many times you've said that to me, but it's got to be getting up there. In the hundreds maybe. And every time you say it, it's a lie.'' Dean lays back down next to her, eyes focused on her lip. Gently, he reaches out and fingers the tender spot. Her body shivers under his touch, he pretends he doesn't notice. ''You're lucky you're a fast healer.''

''Luck has nothing to do with it.'' A moment goes by and then, she plasters her best pout on her damaged lips and meets his eyes. ''Will you stay up with me unil I fall asleep?''

''Only because you know I can't resist the pout.''

She grins, ''I'd kiss you, but I'm afraid it'll hurt.'' Feeling slightly more confident and kind of playful, her grin turns devilish. ''Too bad, 'cause I can do amazing things with my mouth.'' She pauses and watches as his mouth drops open. ''Wait,'' she raises an eyebrow and thinks over her words, ''that didn't come out right.'' When he tries to talk, but only manages a small squeak, she laughs and lets her eyes grow just a little lustful. Not too much though, or she'll lose control. ''No, maybe it did.''

''You...'' He swallows and blinks, trying not to think of the amazing things she can do with her mouth. ''You must be really tired, you're gettin' loopy.''

''Am I?''

He narrows his eyes and opens his mouth to say something, when a thought hits him. He can mess with her too. Slowly, he smirks, and meets her eyes. ''Do you remember all the amazing things I can do with my mouth? And tongue. And fingers. And - ''

''Okay!'' Her smile turns nervous and her breathing speeds up. ''I'm going to sleep now.''

''Yeah, that's what I thought.''

She rolls over away from him, so he can't see the way her cheeks turn red and her smile turns longing and lusty. One moment passes, just one, and then they both say each other's name and at the same time, they sit up and their lips meet in a hungry kiss. She's not ready, they're not ready, but they seem to have lost the will to say no. And then, she yelps in pain, her lip throbbing and their control returns as they break apart, both breathing heavily. ''Ruby....'' He murmurs, shakily, ''we can't...we can't...''

She nods. ''I know.''

He swallows and they sit in silence for a moment before he speaks up. ''Maybe...Maybe I should sleep on the couch tonight.''

''What?'' Her eyes grow wild and panicked and she reaches out, clawing at his arm. ''No. I can't...I can't sleep by myself. Please, Dean, we can....we can control ourselves.'' She watches as he hesitates and then relaxes, nodding.

''Okay, I'll stay.''

It takes a moment for their breathing to return to normal, and then they lay down and turn away from each other, as far away as possible, so there's no danger their bodies will touch and start a chain reaction of lust and desire. Both take deep breaths to calm themselves down and wonder if sleep will ever come to them after that.

You know you've been here before, in this stupid, dark place where you run and run and run forever and ever and ever and yet you never find him. You're always here. There's nothing else. This is all there is.

But, something feels different about tonight, something feels like....light. It's strange, odd, peculiar, bizarre, but you kind of like it. It makes you feel a little bit better about being in the dark. The light will come someday.

You look around at the darkness and then you start to run. You'll find him eventually, you have to. There is no alternative. Of course, you're crying, you're always crying here. You don't know how not to cry when he's not here with you.

''I'm here,'' he whispers and you run faster. There's a corner, and every time you turn, you think maybe he'll be there, but he never is. Breath catching your throat, you turn the corner and stop short, because there's a door there.

Wait a minute, that's new.

Just like magic, your tears dry on your cheeks and with a shaking hand, you open the door and step through, to find yourself in a familiar place in your memory that you wish wasn't there. The first thing you see is...youself, backed against the wall, collapsed on the floor, screaming in anguish.

Your chest tightens, your throat aches, and pressure builds behind your eyes. You think you should keep running and never look back, because you don't want to turn around and see what you know is there. Your body doesn't listen to your heart and you turn around. He's there, on the ground, being ripped away by invisible razor sharp claws. ''No,'' you shake your head and close your eyes, starting to feel that familiar feeling of a panic attack coming on. There's sobs in your throat, begging to be released, but you swallow them down and ignore the way your legs are almost ready to buckle.

When you turn away, because you can't watch this anymore, you're suddenly outside in cold air, moonlight bouncing off the grimy walls of the alley outside of Joey's as you watch the past you scream at the sky.

''I'm here,'' you hear him say again and you can't remember if he's talking to you or the woman slumped to the ground.

''No,'' the past gasps out, ''you're not. You're not here, Dean, you're not, and you...you hurt me. I loved you, you selfish bastard, and you left me. You left me here all alone. I need you, please come back.''

No.

You can't do this, you can't watch yourself break. These are the memories you've been pushing away and you refuse to watch them. In a desperate attempt to keep running, you move through your memory and pull open the door to the bar and hope you can escape your memories.

You can't.

Now you're in the clearing and that small little white cross is taunting you.

''He told me...He said....that he wanted you to have this.'' The silver rings shines and you can't help but let your eyes stray to it. ''But, then, after the....the burial, you just left so fast and I never got the chance to give it to you. And then, I was going to come here anyways tonight, and I thought there was a good chance you would be here, so - ''

''Sam! You sound just like him when you ramble.''

''You want the ring or not?''

''Sam, I...I don't....I-I mean, don't-don't you want it?''

You look down at the exact same ring on your finger, swallowing in a stupid attempt to make the tears go away.

''Dean wanted you to have it, Ruby.''

You're watching as the past replays itself right in front of your eyes and you can't help but wish you were back in that dark hallway, running for your life, away from these memories and towards him.

''Sam, we're...we're going to be okay, right?''

You close your eyes and whisper the answer right along with your past, ''Eventually.'' When you open your eyes, you're in the bar and every single word that past you says bounces off the walls and hits you like a physical blow. You just want it to stop, because you can't do this, you can't face the past, it's too hard.

''He was all I had, Joe.''

''Oh, sweetheart....''

''I..I don't know what to do without him. I don't know who I'm supposed to be anymore. He took me away, Joe.''

In desperation, you run....right into the bathroom, where you're face another memory.

''You saved me, Ruby. Do you remember that?''

''I...I remember.''

The next thing you know, you're watching yourself flip out, punching Dean hard enough to send him to the ground. ''You...You...bastard!''

''Okay, yeah, that wasn't exactly the greeting I had hoped for.''

''I hate you!'' You flinch at the words, jumping when a loud crack echoes through the bathroom when the past you slaps him. ''You stupid, stupid, jackass! You're not supposed to be able to do this to me! I'm supposed to be strong!''

''Ruby, Ruby, stop.''

You can almost feel his hands closing around your wrists as he tries to get through to you.

''You left me!'' You watch as you past crashes to the ground, in a broken mess of cries and sobs. It's almost embarassing to watch yourself like this. ''You should have fought harder! You should have stayed with me! You left me here all alone!''

You run again, but it doesn't work, and your legs are starting to get weak.

''Oh,'' you look up in time to see the other you slip that silver ring off her finger, ''I suppose you want this back.''

''It looks better on you.''

Now, there's memories flying at you so fast you're sure you can't stand much longer. When you inevitably sink to the ground, crying and sobbing, lost in the darkness, you can't take it anymore.

''I like you, as in, like you, love you, don't want to lose you. And if you walk away right now, I'm going to lose you, and I refuse to do that again, because I'm already partially broken, and I'm not going to break anymore. So, stay. Stay with me.''

''Take care of me,'' you hear yourself say, broken like a porcelain doll, shattered and unfixable. ''Will you take care of me?''

And Dean answers with a slightly broken, ''Always.''

''Ruby,'' he crosses the room and grips your shoulders so tight you're sure it's because he's afraid to let go. ''Breathe.''

''So, you don't....You don't mind that you have to take care of me?'' You hate how lost your voice sounds.

''I'd take care of you until the end of the world, you know that.''

The past you, the person you once were rolls onto her stomach and presses her hand to the ground, craving contact, but knowing she's not quite ready. Dean does the same and the eye contact between the both of you says everything words can't.

''I will not lose you, Ruby.''

''Ruby!''

You feel his hands push you out of the way and you watch as he takes the hit for you, saving you, always saving you.

Slowly, you reach out a shaking hand and make contact, feeling his heart beat under your palm, telling you everything's going to get better if you just hang on.

''I'm okay,'' he whispers.

''You're okay,'' you say back.

''A touch is simple. Contact is not.''

''There are moments, not even moments really, just seconds where suddenly it's all very clear. I know this is the end of me. I think...I think I'm dying, baby, and you shouldn't have to see that.''

''Ruby, you....you make me feel things I've never felt before, I need you more than anything in the world, you're my...my...my...Ruby, and I have never loved anyone like I love you. And you know what? That scares the hell out of me. You terrify me, baby.''

He drops to his knees and you feel his arms going around your waist and his tears leaking into your clothes like it's all happening again. ''Please stay, please stay with me.''

''Not okay.''

''But she'll get there.''

''Do I...Do I really scare you?''

''More than anything else in the world.''

''You know, Dean, sometimes a little fear can be good.''

''Sometimes a little fear can be extraordinary.''

''You make me strong.''

''You know, sometimes....sometimes you're the only one who can make me feel.''

''Feel what?''

''Anything. Alive. Something other than numb.''

''You listen to me, Dean Winchester, you and me....we're going to be fine. We're going to be just fine. We will find okay again, I promise.''

''Does this mean...Does this mean you're going to take care of me?''

''Always.''

Thump, thump, thump, thump.

Breathe, breathe, breathe, breathe.

Keep beating.

Keep breathing.

''Promise me you'll never leave me again. Promise me, Dean.''

''I promise.''

''Ruby, I'm here.''

With a sharp gasp, you look up and find he's been there this whole time.

''Hey, baby,'' he says with that smirk you love so much, ''did you finally stop running?''

You stand and stare open mouthed for a moment, before your brain kicks in and you run towards him, leaping into his arms. ''I found you!'' Tears well in your eyes, but they're a different kind of tears. They're tears of joy. Through your tears, you pull away and smile, looking into his eyes. ''Dean, I...I found you.''

''Baby, I was always here. You're the one that's been running for so long.''

''What?'' You shake your head and frown. That's not right, that's not true. It can't be. It doesn't make any sense. ''N-No, I've been...I've been trying to find you, Dean. I've been looking forever.''

''Not forever.'' With another smirk, he wipes away your tears and makes you shiver pleasantly like only he can. ''No, Ruby, you've been running from your past. Don't you see, darling? You're afraid to find me, because you're afraid to lose me.''

''Who are you and what have you done with my Dean?''

His green eyes sparkle with amusement as he holds his hands in the air with a small laugh. ''Hey, babe, I'm just your dream.''

For some reason, your eyes are drawn to the blackest sky, and you're not even afraid of the dark anymore. ''I think...I think it's going to rain.''

''Ruby,'' he grabs your face in his hands and forces you to meet his eyes. That's okay, you don't mind, you've waited long enough to look into those green irises. ''Are you ready to walk with me?'' Like a sudden downpour, white rose petals start to fall from the sky, the exact opposite of the black ones that fell all those months ago. He smiles and brings himself closer to you, rough hands feeling like heaven on your skin.

''Walk with you where?'' You whisper and your voice sounds far away, like you're not really here. With a small start, you realize all of a sudden why this is happening. You're starting to wake up. This is all a dream.

This.

Isn't.

Real.

Slowly, you meet his eyes one last time before you wake up. ''Walk with you where, Dean?'' You repeat.

''Into the light.''

Blue eyes snap open and she finds herself back in the real world once again. She's surprised to find that she's still breathing.

Dean rolls over in the soft bed and his hand hits the empty space where she should be. With a groan, he opens his eyes and blinks. ''Ruby?''

He finds her outside, by the lake, sitting in a chair on the dock, looking totally lost in thought, like she wouldn't even notice if he waved a hand in front of her face. He's not sure what time it is, but he can see the sky is threatening light in the distance. ''Good God, Ruby,'' he gasps out breathlessly, startling her out of her trance, ''What the hell are you doing? You couldn't leave a note or something?''

''Dean - ''

''I mean, you nearly gave me a panic attack.''

''Dean - ''

''Okay, yeah, that wasn't funny, but you really - ''

''Dean!''

He stops, takes a breath, and looks down at her amused face. ''What?''

She doesn't say anything for a moment, she stays perfectly still and silent, staring at him until he grows uncomfortable under her steady gaze. Finally, her eyes grow curious and she purses her lips, like it doesn't aggravate her sore lip. Slowly, he sees her swallow nervously and then she meets his eyes. ''Do you wanna marry me?'' He freezes and his mouth drops open. Well....now he won't have to worry about trying to get that question out. Before he can answer, she stands and holds her hand up. ''Wait, don't say anything yet. I'm...I'm not finished yet.'' Those eyes of hers sparkle and she takes a breath, looking nervous, wringing her hands as she speaks. ''Alright, yes, I am a demon and technically, we can never actually legally get married. I don't even have a last name. But....marriage is like family. It's not just a piece of paper. I just figure...well...'' She laughs slightly, ''there's never going to be anyone else like you out there, and I'm never going to fall into a love like this again, but...but, I-I mean, I know y-you can do a lot better than m-me, so if you...if you want out this would be the time to tell me. I'm...asking you to promise me forever, Dean, and that's...that's a lot to ask.'' Shifting, she wraps her arms around herself, shivering as a cold breeze ruffles her hair away from her face. ''I understand if you're not ready, baby, it's just that I...I had a dream tonight, the one where I couldn't find you. Only tonight....I-I did. I did find you, or you found me, I'm still not really clear on that. The point is that, I'm pretty sure it's over, I'm pretty sure the dreams are gone now, I'm going to be okay, and I want to be okay with you.'' She stops and takes a few deep breaths, smiling weakly before she speaks up again. ''Okay. That's it, I'm done now. You go.''

For a moment it's all very silent as he goes over the words in his head. When he tries to speak, no words come out. He tries again. Nothing. She begins to grow nervous. It's a long, painful silence that comes next and she's so sure he's going to say no, that she actually starts to prepare herself for rejection. Finally, when he can speak, he looks at her and takes a step towards his girl. ''Forever?''

She swallows hard and laughs nervously. ''Okay, I can see what you're going to say and...and I get it, I do, so...I should go.'' Those damned nerves of hers have somehow managed to convince her that he's going to say no, so she starts to move away from him, because she really doesn't want to hear no. However, he's not about to let her go, so he grabs her arm, pulls her body to his and kisses her. She responds, hungrily and her arms wind around his neck out of instinct. They're both so distracted by the word forever that they can't even begin to lose control. She pulls away finally and looks at him carefully.

''I'm tryin' to promise you forever here, Ruby,'' he smirks and meets her eyes, ''it doesn't work if you walk away.'' Gently, he takes her hand and slides the silver ring off her hand and puts it right where it belongs, on her left ring finger. It's just a small gesture, it wouldn't mean much to the average person, but Dean and Ruby are not average.

''This means forever?'' She questions, turning her eyes to the ring that suddenly seems a whole lot more beautiful then it did before.

He nods and presses his lips to her forehead. ''This means forever.'' He swallows hard and slowly gains the nerve to speak, his smirk stretching into a small smile. ''Ruby...you're...you're beautiful, and smart, and you're strong. You're so strong. You'd have to be to get through everything that's happened in one piece. You're stronger then me, that's for sure, and...and I don't think I've ever told you this, but....you amaze me. Every single day. I've never met a girl like you before.'' He pauses and chooses his next words very carefully, because these next words are the ones that have been racing around in his head for the past week and a half. ''Ruby...my father...he didn't love much. Sure, he loved me, and he loved Sam, because we were his kids, but...the way he loved my mother...'' He shakes his head and smiles a smile that's nervous and it makes her smile because she doesn't think she's ever seen him this nervous before. ''...For the longest time I was so sure I would never find anyone to love like that. Until I fell in love with you.'' He reaches down and takes her hands, pulling her body to his. ''Every part of you, every perfection, every flaw, your eyes, either black or blue, your smile, your heart, the fears, the panic, the dreams, the way you love me, everything. There isn't a part of you that I don't love. I've told you things that I've never even told Sam. You're my...my...'' This time, he finds a way to finish that sentence. ''You're my girl, and I don't...I don't think I ever want to lose you. So...if you need me to promise you forever, I can do that.''

There's tears gathering behind her eyes, but she doesn't let them fall, smiling and shaking her head. ''I think...I think you just did.''

He clears his throat and tries to put his tough guy mask in place, because, really, there's no need to get all choked up over a fluffy, declaration of love, he is Dean Winchester for God's sake. ''Does this mean we're kind of married now?''

The early morning light casts shadows on her face, but her smile lights the shadows and she beams through her tears. ''I guess it kind of does. How do you feel about that?''

He shrugs, ''I think I can live with that.''

''Are you sure you can put up with me forever? Because forever is a very long time, Dean.''

''I can manage.''

''Now we have to get you a ring, short bus.''

''Don't ruin the moment, blondie.''

Their lips meet in a soft kiss that seals the deal forever and now, they're officially stuck with each other until their hearts give out. The kiss is softer then any kiss they've ever shared and she's not sure if it's because it's meant to be soft and and gentle, or if he's just being unusually careful with her lips because he doesn't want to aggravate her tender lip. Whatever the reason, she decides she'll take it. With his lips on hers and her body pressed into his, her eyes open for just one second and she realizes something very important.

She's ready.

One hundred percent.

Now, the're tethered together forever. They've been tethered together for two days now, it's their last night, and guess what? They still haven't had sex. Not because they don't want to, because, God, do they want to. He just doesn't want to push her into anything she's not ready for and she's afraid to make the first move.

But seriously, with the amount of sexual tension and frustration between them, it's amazing they manage to sleep in the same bed at night. Yes, sleeping. Turns out, Ruby had been right when she said the dreams were gone, because now, she's slept through the night and she hasn't had a panic attack since they've been here. He was so proud and amazed when he woke in the morning and she was sleeping peacefully beside him, silver ring glinting in the morning sunlight.

Neither of them are sure what's going to happen when they rejoin the real world. They wonder how Sam and Joey are going to react when they see what finger her ring is on. They both have a long way to go still. The dreams may be gone, but they still have healing to do. But they're going to reach okay.

The bottom line is, they really need some sex.

This is their last night in their little haven and there has to be something going on in that bed besides sleeping. God, it doesn't even have to be the bed. Anywhere really. Just, for God's sake, they need to get those clothes off!

''Ruby, I'm feeling extremely uncomfortable with this conversation.''

She rolls blue eyes at the sound of Joey's voice and lugs a heavy bag onto the bed with ease. ''Well, I'm sorry, Joe, but since I don't have any girlfriends and I really don't want to talk to Sam about this, you're all I got.''

''Oh, thank you, sweetheart, that makes me feel special.''

Ruby rolls her eyes and unzips the bag, rifling through it in search of something. ''Look, Joey, I realize this is uncomfortable for you, but think about me. I haven't had sex in four months. Everything Dean does turns me on. Seriously, he was changing the oil in the car today and I almost - ''

''Stop! Please, I'm begging you. I am an old man, you might give me a heart attack.''

She closes her eyes and takes a deep breath, forcing herself not to bite her lip. ''Oh. Sorry, got a little carried away there.''

''Oh, geez, you think? I really don't want to hear about this, it'll make me think of all the things that boy could be doing to my sweetheart and then I'll want to rip his still beating heart out and you wouldn't like that wouldn you?''

''Uh...no. Can't you just give me some fatherly advice?''

''Fatherly advice about sex?''

''....Yes.'' There's silence for a minute and she starts to think he's hung up on her. ''Joey?'' There's some low murmuring and then she hears Joey speak up.

''You need to pinch his cheeks and call him 'princess'.''

''E-Excuse me?'' Ruby's mouth falls open and she holds the phone away from her ear for a moment before she speaks again. ''Yeah, listen, Joey, I don't know what kind of scary ass kinky crap you're into, but - ''

''What?! No! Not you, Ruby! I was talking to the new girl, Frankie. Harry McFarland fell asleep again and - Aw, shut up, Sherman! It's not funny! Ruby, that's how Harry's wife wakes him up, it's what she told us to do when he passes out here. But, do not do that to your boy!''

''Oh,'' she laughs, albeit somewhat weakly, and licks her lips, collapsing on the bed and crossing her legs. ''Good, 'cause that really freaked me out. I don't need to know the scary shit you've had your girls do to you.'' And then she wishes she hadn't said that because there's really bad images in her head now.

''That's a lovely way of putting it, sweetheart.''

''Joey, will you just tell me how to have sex with my husband?!'' The word rolls off her tongue and she thinks about it for a moment, mulling it over. Husband. Sounds so formal.

''I'm sorry, did you just say husband?!''

Ruby hears a chorus of ''ooh's'' from the drunks in the bar and smiles when she hears Sherman's cry of ''way to go, baby-girl!'' ''Yeah,'' she shrugs and can practically hear Joey gripping the phone tightly. ''I just wanted to try it out. Sounds a little weird, doesn't it? A good weird though.''

''Ruby, puh-lease tell me you didn't marry that boy.''

''Not legally.''

''Legally means nothing to me.''

She chuckles lightly, eyes crinkling in amusement. ''I promise you I'll explain everything when we get back tomorrow. Now...do you have any advice for me?'' Another long silence before he sighs and speaks.

''Ruby, whatever you're going to do, don't do it for him. Do it for you. Don't do anything you're not ready for just to make him happy.''

A soft smile comes to rest on still slightly damaged lips and she stands. ''See? Was that so hard?''

''No sex without safe sex, darlin', and if you break my bed, you're payin' for it.''

''Thank you, Joey.''

''I would say anytime, but I really hope we never have this conversation again. I should go, Harry's not waking up. It'd be a big day here if we had to call an ambulance.''

''Anything to keep Sherman entertained.''

''You said it.''

Ruby laughs and flips her phone shut, turning her gaze back to the bag. Frowning, she narrows her eyes and digs back in, determined to find what she's looking for.

There's really nothing wrong with the Impala, but Dean will do anything to get his mind off of how hot she looks when she licks her lips, or how tight those jeans are on her, or how he can see her nipples through that shirt, or - whoa!

Bad thoughts, Dean!

He jolts himself out of his dirty thoughts and jerks upright, smacking his head on the opened hood of the Impala. ''Ow! Son of a bitch!'' The wrench in his hand slips out of his grasp and lands with a clink. Rubbing the back of his head, Dean closes his eyes and tries to think of something...else. Anything else.

''Baby!'' Ruby's voice drifts from inside. ''You okay?!''

''I'm...'' He clears his throat at the small squeak. ''I'm fine!'' His phone rings and he lets out a relived smile, plucking the phone out of his pocket. ''Hello?''

''Husband?!''

Dean winces and holds the phone away from his ear. ''Sam?''

''Husband?! Dean...husband?!''

''Stop saying that.''

''She called you her husband!''

A smile tugs at the corners of the older brother's lips as he leans casually against the car, arching an eyebrow. ''She did?''

''Yes, she called Joey and he said she called you her husband. Dean, you'd better start talking right now, or I swear to God when you get back, I'm going to do some serious damage to your baby!''

Dean scoffs and rolls his eyes, clearly unimpressed. ''Yeah right, like you'd ever hurt Ruby.''

''Not Ruby, you dolt! Your car!''

At that, the elder Winchester narrows his eyes and glares, despite the fact that Sam can't see him. ''Bitch.''

''Jerk.''

''Alright, look, Ruby and I did not get married....technically. I just kind of put a ring on her finger and promised her forever.'' There's a pause, but Dean can hear Sam's labored breathing and knows his brother is trying to calm himself down.

''And was this...promise of forever said in front of a judge, because guess what, big bro, that's called getting married!''

''Oh, relax, Sammy, we're not legally married. But, honestly, come on, you had to have seen this coming.''

''Well, it would have been nice to get a call.''

''Next time.''

''You're anticipating there being a next time?''

''I'm hanging up now, Sam.''

''Wait, wait, wait! Can I ask you a question?''

Dean pushes off the car and moves towards the lake. No matter what he says, Sam's going to ask anyways. ''Shoot.''

''Is married sex better than unmarried sex?''

Somewhat awkwardly, he looks at the ground and kicks at a rock. ''I...uh...I wouldn't know.'' And he swears he can almost hear the slow smirk that stretches across his brother's face.

''Let me get this straight,'' Sam drawls, ''the all mighty, self proclaimed womanizer Dean Winchester hasn't even consummated his....marriage?''

Dean frowns and looks at the phone for a minute. ''Did you use quotations when you said marriage?''

''Maybe. You'll never know.''

He rolls his eyes, ''No, okay, Ruby and I haven't had sex...in awhile actually.'' He has absolutely no idea why he's telling his brother this, but he can't seem to stop the words coming out of his mouth.

''How long is awhile.''

Dean coughs out an answer and hopes he won't have to repeat it. No such luck.

''What was that?''

He sucks in a breath and lets it out slowly before he answers. ''Four months.'' Pause. And then...

''Ha ha, you're sexually frustrated.''

''Are you twelve?''

''You'd have to cut me open and count the rings.''

''As pleasant as that sounds, I think I'll just settle for hanging up on you.''

''Wait! I'll be serious. Talk to me, Dean, what's goin' on?''

The older Winchester waits a long time before answering. ''I...I don't want to push her into anything.''

''No, you just want to push into - ''

''Sam!''

''Last one, I promise.''

Dean shakes his head and tries to pin point the exact moment he and his brother switched personalities. ''What if she's not ready?''

''Well...you're never going to know if you don't try.''

''Oh, thanks, you've been a big help.''

''Dean, it's been four months, she's healing. I think she's ready. I've seen the way she looks at you.''

''Then why hasn't she said anything?''

''Maybe she's waiting for you to make the first move.''

Dean blinks and stares out at the sparkling lake like it can give him all the answers to every question. A moment passes and he hears his brother's voice in his ear.

''Dean, are you hesitating because you're not sure she's ready, or because you're not sure you're ready?'' Dean doesn't answer, Sam keeps talking, ''I know there's been something going on with you, I know there's something under the surface. I know you're not alright, and I won't lie, it did feel...strange, to know that you were talking to Ruby about it and not me. Dean, we're not...we're not like we were before, are we?''

''....No....''

''Do you think we ever could be?''

One thing's for sure. This is definitely getting Dean's mind off sex. He shifts uncomfortably and his grip on the cellphone tightens. ''That depends.''

''On what?''

''Are you keeping things from me, Sammy?''

Long silence.

''...Yes...'' Before Dean can speak up, Sam continues, ''But only because I'm not sure they're things you'll want to hear.''

''I'll listen anyways.''

''Okay then, when you get home, I'll tell you everything. I...I promise. Right now we're dealing with your intimacy problems.''

''I do not have intimacy problems.''

''Dean, do you love Ruby?''

''Yes.''

''Are you going to spend forever with her?''

''Yes.''

''Is everything getting better?''

''Yes.''

''Are you both finally healing?''

''Yes.''

''Are you afraid of being intimate with her?''

''Yes - hey! You tricked me!'' A glare falls naturally over the elder Winchester's face and he grips the phone tightly. So tightly in fact, he fears he'll break it and he has to loosen his grip. Finally, he sighs and closes his eyes briefly. ''I...I don't want to break her, Sam.''

''Even you're not that good.''

''Not like that, and I so am. I don't want to make her do something she's not ready for, she'll have a relapse. Things are just getting better, she can't have a relapse now.''

''You know, Dean, I don't think she's as fragile as you think she is.''

Dean waits for the rest of the big long speech to come, but it never does. ''Is that all you're going to give me?''

''Yes. That's all you need. Now, get in there and fu - ''

''Goodbye, Sam.'' Barely managing to keep the amused smile from spreading across his face, Dean flips the phone shut and turns back to the house, just as her voice floats through the quickly darkening outside air.

''Dean! Can you come in here?!''

''Comin' baby!''

Oh, if only he was.

Ruby takes a few deep breaths and looks at her reflection, cocking her head to the side as she studies herself critically. Carefully, she gives her hair one last fluff and steps back. Good enough? She thinks so. When she hears the front door open and close, her heart begins to thunder wildly in her chest. Not because she's nervous, but because she's excited. Well, okay, so she's a little nervous.

Slowly, she moves into the bedroom, tugging at her clothes one last time, before the door opens. She licks her lips, because she's not sure what else to do. Should she perch on the bed, like they do in the movies? Hold a rose between her teeth like they do in romance novels? No, she doesn't think so. She's good just the way she is.

As soon as Dean sees her standing there, his jaw drops open because she's clad only in a silk, pale peach negligee that doesn't cover much and she looks really, really good. At the sight of all the creamy white skin he's been missing for so long, his mouth starts to water and he swallows quickly, looking quite nervous himself. ''Baby...''

She smiles a slightly jittery smile and does a small twirl. ''So...what do you think?''

''Ruby...what are you...what are you doing?''

''I'm...'' She gulps and takes a tiny step forwards. ''....Making the first move.'' She takes another step, and then another, and another, and with each step she takes towards him, she feels a little more confident. ''Dean...'' Her hands reach out and grip his jacket as she slowly meets his eyes. The lust in green eyes makes her shiver. It's not unplesant at all. ''I love you,'' she breathes, ''and I want to do this. I want...to be with you.''

He doesn't say anything, so she kisses him soundly on the lips, making sure to slip her tongue into his mouth just enough to leave him wanting more. He's the one that pulls away first however, swallowing down a groan and drawing in a slightly shuddering breath. ''Ruby, are you sure you're ready for this?''

She answers with a hungry kiss, sliding his jacket off his shoulders. The kiss heats up in record time and she presses her body into his, starting to tremble with something other than fear and panic. His lips move to her neck and she makes a noise that could either be a whimper or a moan. ''Do you want me to stop?'' She doesn't answer, her hands gripping his shirt tightly, her breathing more then a little labored. ''Ruby,'' he says her name more forcefully and pulls away, gently untangling her hands and meeting her eyes. ''Do you want me to stop?''

''No,'' she manages to get out, and there's no fear in her eyes or her voice. None at all. ''I don't want you to stop. I'm ready, Dean. Are you?'' He thinks about it for a moment, and then answers by lifting her into his arms and carrying her over to the bed, lips meeting again. Only this time, they don't stop, and a kiss becomes something more.

And then they're beneath the sheets, and it's funny, they've done this a thousand times together, but it still feels like the first time, because this is different then all those other times.

When he tells her she's beautiful, it's not just lust she hears in his voice, it's love, and she doesn't scream his name like she used to before the hell hounds and the breakdowns, she moans it in that soft, breathy voice that he loves so much.

Their bodies don't seem to yell, ''we'll be together for as long as we can!'' They merely whisper, ''we'll be together forever.''

And they don't touch. They make contact.

After all, a touch is simple. Contact is not.

Arms crosses, spring breeze ruffling her hair, Ruby studies the sparkle, glimmer, glistening lake, wanting nothing more then to make this last forever. This weekened was definitely a good idea. She doesn't really want to leave, now. She doesn't want to go back to the real world, and the real war, she wants to stay hidden away with Dean in his place forever.

Two arms snake around her waist, ''Babe, we have to go sometime.''

She groans and turns around, arms going around his neck instinctively. ''Do we have to?''

''Afraid so. The real world calls.''

''Stupid real world.'' She lets her eyes stray to the water surrounding them and smiles. ''We should come back here sometime.''

''I like that plan.''

''Yes, I'm sure you do.'' She leans up and loses her lips in his, feeling braver then she's felt in a long time. And then she gets the most wonderful, awful idea ever. Grinning wickedly against his lips, Ruby takes one step backwards and they both go plunging into the water. She surfaces first, cackling in delight, he surfaces next, gasping for air as he narrows his green eyes.

''You're the devil.''

She smirks and swims over to him, arms going around his neck, legs wrapping around his waist. ''I don't believe in the devil.''

''Hmmm, yes, I think you've mentioned that before.''

Previously, for the past four months, all that's resided on her face is shadows. They're gone now, as she smiles and meets his eyes. ''Dean, I'm going to ask you a question now and you have to promise you'll be truthful.''

''Okay.'' His arms wrap around her waist, holding her tight. ''Should I be worried?''

''What do you see when you look at me now?''

He looks at her for a moment and smiles when he can't see that breaking, fragile girl made out of porcelain, ready to crack at any given moment. He sees her again in those blue eyes. ''I see Ruby.''

She laughs and it sounds like a song as she captures his lips in hers. Easily, the kiss heats up and she pulls away just enough to murmur something in his ear. ''So, what do you think? Are we reaching okay?''

''Oh, yeah, we're almost okay, babe.''

''Dean...'' She kisses him again, ''I think we can be a little late getting back, don't you?''

When she throws him a sexy smirk, he raises his eyebrows. ''Yeah,'' he nods, approving fully of the plans she has in her head. ''We can be a little late.''

And hand in hand, they go into the light.

end story

AN: Whew! And there you have it, the end of Wait Until Morning. I'll probably do more in this series later on, but for now I'm going to concentrate on some other projects I'm working on. So, was this chapter worth the wait? Long enough? Was the 'sex' scene acceptable. Originally, the sex scene was longer and more...ahem...let's say...graphic. But I really didn't like the way it turned out, so I made it short and sweet (did that sound wrong to anyone else?) instead of long and reminiscent of a Harlequin romance novel. Also, I was going to have Dean and Sam hash out their problems over the phone, but I decided their problems could not be solved over the phone. Now, about their little speech's on the dock when they got....let's say tethered, I'm trying to avoid saying ''married''. I spent literally hours making sure those speech's were just right and I still don't know how I feel about them, hopefully they're good enough. Anyways, about this series. I have recently christened this series 'The Silver Ring Series' and if anyone has any ideas as for what you want to see happen next in this series, I'll definitely try and give it a shot.

I just want to say thank you to everyone that's read and reviewed this story, or favorited it, or put it on story alert.

Catch ya later!